Pink to Red

Ever since the American Student Union was organized four years ago to make U. S. undergraduates "socially conscious," it has tried to live down a pinko reputation. Formed in the sweet-tempered period of the United Front by a merger of the Communist National Student League, the Socialist Student League for Industrial Democracy and assorted earnest liberals, the Union made more noise than converts. As late as last month, it was still a prime fishing preserve of the Dies Committee.

Last week, as it met at the University of Wisconsin, the Union knew that its resolutions would label it more clearly than any Dies Committee investigation. Up for debate was Soviet Russia's invasion of Finland, a subject close to the hearts of the 400 convention delegates. One group, led by Leftist Herbert Witt of New York University, was eager to plump squarely for Soviet Russia. But the Union was deeply split, for many a "fellow traveler" had decided to travel no further. Among them: dark, energetic Joseph Lash, leader of the Union (executive secretary since it was founded) and friend of Mrs. Roosevelt, who defended him month ago from the charge of Communism.

At Madison, the Union threw discretion to the winds, turned from pink to bright red. Under the influence of its well-disciplined Communists, the convention:

> Had as its chief speaker Communist Earl Browder.

> Defeated, by the one-sided vote of 322-to-49, a motion to condemn Russia's at tack on Finland as "a clear act of aggres sion."

> Elected Herbert Witt as executive secretary in place of Joseph Lash.

Just before the convention ended, a wag slowly lowered the mechanically operated shades at the convention hall's 16 windows, a delicate way of predicting curtains for the A. S. U.

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