Washington, D. C., Jan. 21–(UP)–Dean G. Acheson was sworn in as secretary of state Friday and immediately put his shoulder behind Pres. Harry S. Truman’s “bold new program” for fighting world communism and human misery.
The suave, 55-year-old diplomat succeeds Gen. George C. Marshall, who resigned, effective Thursday, because of his health.
Top Officials Attend
Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson administered the oath at 11:13 a.m. (EST) at ceremonies in Mr. Truman’s office. Members of Acheson’s family, cabinet officers, other top-ranking government officials, and congressional leaders of both parties were among the 84 guests.
First to congratulate the new secretary of state was the president himself. He stepped nimbly around his desk to shake Acheson’s hand. Acheson told newsmen he would issue no public statement. Asked when he planned to take over his post, he replied:
“I’m going over right now.”
A native of Middletown, Conn., the tall and distinguished secretary stands solidly behind Mr. Truman’s world-wide program to stop communism.
