Evening star., 1943-11-05
Implied Promise

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the hammer and anvil of the war in
Europe will note with more than
passing interest that the Declara-
tlons OF Moscow are couched in a
language whose spirit is kindred
with that of the Atlantic Charter.
Similarly Americans will note that
it is spirit in keeping with the
basic principles that have almost
always animated Americas dealings
with the rest of the world.
1t is true, and perhaps necessarily
so, that the declarations make no
specific reference to nations like
Poland, but what they have to say
about Austria and Italy, and the
need for an international organiza-
tion based on the principle of the
sovereign equality of all peace
loving states," big and little, carries
with it the implied promise that
when the time comes to make peace
and fix boundaries, the freedom
and independence of the different
peoples will not be shunted to one
side and peremptorily ignored.
This promise is implied in the
preamble of the joint Four Power
Declaration, and in points four, six
and seven of that declaration. 1t is
implied in the statement calling for
the restoration Of freedom and
democratic government in Italy.
1t is implied in the formal official
wish Of Russia, Britain and the
United States to re-establish a free
and independent Austria. 1t is i'm
piled even in the communique de-
Scribing the overall work Of the
Moscow conference, for into each
Of these several texts can be read
temper highly favorable to the idea
Of liberty not only for Italians and
Austrians, but for men and nations
everywhere.
This is the temper of the Atlantic
Charter, fact that can be estab-
lished by any one who takes the
trouble at this point to reread that
Charter in the light of the Declara-
tions Of Moscow. 1t is interesting,
moreover, to compare those declara-
tions with the following summation
of the historic principles long ad-
hered to by the United States as
matter of international policy:
l. All persons who, with "a decent
respect to the opinions of mankind"
have qualified themselves to assume
and to discharge the responsibilities
of liberty are entitled to its enjoy
ment.
2, Each sovereign nation large or
small, is in law and under law the
equal of every other nation.
3. All nations, large and small
which respect the rights Of others,
are entitled to freedom from out
side interference in their internal
affairs
q. Willingness to settle interna-
tlonal disputes by peaceful means,
acceptance Of international law and
observance Of its principles are the
bases of order among nations and
manklnd's continuing search of en-
during peace.
5. Non determination in economic
opportunity and treatment is es-
sentlal to the maintenance and pro-
motion of sound international rela-
tions
6. Cooperation between nations in
the spirit of good neighbors, founded
on the principles of liberty, equality,
justice morality and law. is the most
effective method of safeguarding and
promoting the POLITICAL the economic.
the social and the cultural well-being
OF our Nation and of all nations.
This summation was made bv
Secretary Hull in an address to the
Nation last September, The fact
that the Declarations of Moscow are
consistent with it should greatly en-
courage every small country whose
hope for a free and independent fu-
ture depends upon the general &C
ceptance OF such principles and
upon how the new three power
European Advisory Commission ap-
plies them to particular problems
arising as the war progresses and
great areas of the continent are
liberated from Hitler