The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-03-20

alton by totalitarian revolution it
would be utter folly not to prepare to
make America impregnable against
any attacks from whatever quarter or
on whatever preteXt. There must be
national defense adequate to the pro-
lection of our continental and hemis-
pheric zone of interests-a defense
founded on contemporary technology
of war.
The challenge to us is to save Amer
lea from the fate over-shadowing the
very few remaining democracies
abroad The challenge to us is to
realize the necessity to prepare for
whatever betides our people.
For the moment provision Of this
defense is in the hands Of the Presi-
dent and Congress. However, it is
essential that there be a concentra-
ton of our best military, naval and
air intelligence, and civilian comp
etence in this problem, and a con-
solidated program evolved.
1t is quite true that in dealing with
the defense of our country and as
well of the Western Hemisphere we
have to deal with three unknown fac
tors, the outcome of the conflict
abroad the timetable of the totali-
tartan governments and the trend of
public opinion. We are confident of
this country's ability to prevent
either an internal or external Nazi and
allied penetration and we are fairly
optimistic no such penetration can
take place in South and Central Amer
ica. Nevertheless we view with ap-
prehension the attitude and actions
Of one or more of our governments in
the South.
1t is likewise true that in under
taking the defense of our neighbors in
South and Central America we may
here and there give encouragement
and support to republics that are
| merely democratic in name and dicta-
torial in fact. Nevertheless if we
maintain our democratic processes and
proceedings in our dealings and re-
lations with the nations to the South
Of us we can be of tremendous ser
vice in furthering a democratic spirit
in such countries now dominated by
petty tyrants, and prove of invalu-
able help to the worker Of all South
and Central America.
Above all else we should and ever
must be thankful that as nation
we are not at war. We are still at
peace with all nations of the world
| Our preparations for defense should
have for their first and principal OBJ
iective the prevention of war. What
ever may be the personal feelings OF
each and every one of us-and while
free to manifest these feelings, as a
government we must be careful not
20 substitute diplomacy Of abuse fol
4 diplomacy Of firm correctness. Yes
let the world understand our might
but let them as we'll realize our sense
If right and love of peace.
1t is important moreover that We
do not let defense preparedness
policy and psychology lead us into
the adoption of measures only justi
fed in state Of war. We must be
careful that in our effort to protect
our liberties and freedom against for
eign attack, we do not leave then
defenseless against attack from with
in.
In supporting our government in it!
hurried efforts for the national de
tense we are not unmindful that :
constantly increasing pressure fo
military preparedness may and does
threaten some of the fundamentals o.
our structure as democracy.
The full use of our material re
sources, the construction of nava
vessels, airpanes, tanks, guns an,
war material, is but part of natl
onal preparedness. Full realization
| Of any goal set for the production o
material to be used in the creation o
adequate national defense necessaril,
involves the creation Of an army larg,
and strong and efficient enough t,
man our defenses and to resist sue
cessfully any attempt by any enem,
however, large or powerful it Nigh
be to set foot on our Homeland.
The draft system recently adopte,
and put into operation is not a sys
TEN to maintain a citizen soldiery
1t is system to transform a citizel
soldiery into a standing army. Th'
system adopted proposes to take ;
million of men away from their job
for at least year during which tim,
they will be trained as professional
soldiers. At the end of year tn,
nation must either continue to main
tain that standing army or retur,
most Of these men skilled in militarsn
to their respective communities either
to find jobs or replace others in jobs
In any event they may become men
ace to our industrial and politica
peace and safety. Thus we are facet
with a temporary entry into a sys
TEN of militarism in time of peace
which may develop into a permanent
system and be fraught with all the
dangers inherent in such militar,
systems.
The danger is that Labor as wei
| as caDital NAV lose mucb of ite noo,o