Evening star., 1944-04-10


The declaration regarding Italy
made at Moscow by the British
Soviet, and American governments
confirmed the policy initiated by
the British and American govern
ments that the Italian government
shall be made more democratic
by the introduction of representa-
tives of those sections of the italian
people who have always opposed
Fascism: that all institutions and
organizations created by the Fascist
regime shall be suppressed; that all
Fascist Or pro-Fascist elements shall
be removed from the administration
and from the institutions and or
ganizations of public character;
and that democratic organs of local
governments shall be created. FL
nally, it recites that nothing in the
declaration should operate against
the right of the Italian people "ul-
imately to choose their own form
Of government"
This policy has been and is being
carried out. Only that part which
calls for the introduction into the
central government Of more demo-
cratic elements has not yet been
put into effect. This does not signify
any change in the clear and an
nounced policy. Thus far it has
been thought by those chiefly re-
sponsible for the military situation
that it would be prejudiced by an
imposed reconstruction of the gov.
|ernment. and a reconstruction by
agreement has not yet been possible.
/ But there is already promise of
success in the activities of the politi-
cal parties which are currently hold
ing conferences with view to draw
ing up program for the political
reconstruction of their country
along democratic lines. The Perma-
ment Executive Junta is seeking a
solution which will provide for the
|co-operation of the liberal political
groups within the government.
Thus. after 81 wears, we see 4 re-
birth of political consciousness and
activity in Italy. which points the
way to the ultimate free expression
of the italian people in the choice
of their government.
Provisions for Future Peace.
What I have said related to some
Of the most immediate of our prob
lens and the effect of our policy to-
ward them as We and our Allies have
moved from position Of weakness
to one of strength. There remain
the more far-reaching relations be-
tween us and our Allies in dealing
with our enemies and in providing
for future peace. freedom from ag-
gression and opportunity for ex-
panding material well-being.
Here I would only mislead you il
spoke of deflnitive solutions. These
require the slow, hard process, es-
sential to enduring and accepted So
lutions among free peoples, Of full
discussion with our Allies and among
our own people. But such discussion
is now in progress. After two years
of intensive study, the basis upon
which our policy must be founded is
soundly established; the direction is
clear, and the general methods Of
accomplishment are emerging.
This basis Of policy and these
methods rest upon the second Of
the lessons which I said at the out
set Of fay remarks was found In the
pages Of our recent history. It is
that action on these matters cannot
be separate, but must be agreed and
united action. This is fundamental.
It must underlie the entire range Of
our policy. The free nations have
been brought to the very brink Of
destruction by allowing themselves
to Be separated and divided. II any
lesson has ever been hammered
home with blood and suffering, that
one has been. And the lesson is
not yet ended.
However difficult the road may
be, thSre Is no hope Of turning VIC
tory into enduring peace unless the
real interests Of this country, the
British commonwealth, the Soviet
Union and China are harmonized
and unless they agree and act to-
gether. This Is the solid framework
upon which all future policy and
international organization must be
built. It offers the fullest oppor-
tunity for the development Of in
stitutions in which all free nations
may participate democratically,
through which a reign Of law and
morality may arise and through
which the material interests of all
may be advanced.
Path Wide Open.
But without an enduring under
standing between these four nations
upon their fundamental purposes.
interests and obligations to one an
other, all organizations to preserve
peace are creations on paper and
the path is wide open again for the
rise of q new aggressor.
This essential understanding and
unity Of action among the four ma
tions is not in substitution or dero-
cation of unity among the United
Nations. But it is basic to all Or
ganized international action, be-
cause on its reality depends the pos
sibility of enduring peace and free
institutions rather than new coall-
tions and new prewar period.
Nor do I suggest that any con-
clusions of these four nations can
or should be without the participa-
ton of the other United Nations
I am stating what I believe the
common sense of my fellow country
men and all men will recognize
that for these powers to become di-
vided in their aims. and fail to rec
ognize and harmonic their basic in
terests can produce only disaster
and that no machinery, as such
can produce this essential harmony
and unity.
Road to Agreement.
The road to agreement Is a diff
cult one, as any man knows who
has ever tried to get two other men
or a city council, or a trade gather
ing, or a legislative body to agree
on anything. Agreement can be
achieved only by trying to under
stand the other fellows point OF
view and by going as far as possible