THE NATION: Symbol of Hopes

Out of a commendable and well-kept secrecy, the U.S. fired—and guided—an 85-ft., 8,600-lb. Atlas intercontinental missile into orbit. Admittedly, the shot of the heavy bird, with its voice-receiving and transmitting equipment, was a calculated counter-symbol to the Russian Sputniks (see Space). But in the sweep of time it symbolized far more: the U.S. march into space, programed long before Sputnik stirred up the free world’s self-doubters, was headed into a period of historic achievements that had important meanings both in space and on earth.

In the 14 months since Sputnik I, Russia’s Khrushchev had repeatedly rattled his rockets in an attempt to neutralize and intimidate Western nations. A series of successful U.S. missile shots was a comforting background in Paris last week, as the NATO Council of Foreign Ministers rejected the Kremlin’s plan to make West Berlin a demilitarized “free city.” The NATO ministers gave short shrift to neutralist disengagement schemes, held fast to the basic point that Germany must be reunited by free elections, with free choice on whether or not to join NATO. Said NATO’s commanding general in Europe. Lauris Norstad: “There must be absolutely no misunderstanding about the determination of this alliance to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression.” Meanwhile, world Communism, by contrast, frustrated in 1958 by Secretary Dulles’ firmness in Lebanon, Quemoy and now Berlin, was once more under heavy domestic pressure both in Russia and China (see FOREIGN NEWS).

As the U.S.’s Atlas spun through space, symbolizing U.S. successes, it also symbolized what the U.S. hoped to make of them. “This is the President of the U.S. speaking,” said a message taped at the White House and rebroadcast from Atlas. “Through the marvels of scientific advance my voice is coming to you from a satellite circling in outer space. My message is a simple one. Through this unique means I convey to you and to all mankind America’s wish for peace on earth and good will toward men everywhere.”