US Presidency
1964

for more than a decade we have sought to enlarge the independence and ease the rigors of the people of Eastern Europe. We have used the tools of peaceful exchange in goods, in persons, and in ideas to open up communication with these restless nations that Mr. Khrushchev refers to, sometimes, as children who have grown up too big to spank. We have used limited direct assistance where the needs of our security have allowed us to follow the demands of our compassion. In that spirit within the last month I have exercised the power granted the President by the Congress and I have reaffirmed the right of open trade with Poland and Yugoslavia. In the third area of continuing concern, Latin America, we have renewed our commitment to the Alliance for Progress, we have sought peaceful settlement of disputes among the American nations, and we have supported the OAS effort to isolate President some Cuba. The Alliance for Progress is the central task today of this hemisphere. That task is going ahead successfully.