Evening star., 1945-11-18

from totalltarlan aggression.
No one can fail to see the i'm
portance of reconstructed, revital-
lied Europe which is the cradle of
western culture. We deplore the
tragic indifference to the plight of
the Italian people who threw off
the chains of Fascist regime, who
fought side by side with us in ardent
loyalty. For over two long years of
agony the friends of democracy in
that country have had to stand by
in impotence while we have toyed
with the vital problems of relief
and rehabilitation and deferred the
fulflllment of our own solemn
promises.
Our own national interest, as we'll
as the cause of world peace, and the
fate of Christian culture are at
stake in Italy. Today it is an out
post of Western civilization. We
are fully confident that the italian
people, If we save them from des-
pair by our helpful interest, will
stand fast against the deceitful ap-
peal of alien and subversive ideolo-
gies and shape their future in the
spirit Of their own noble Christian
tradition.
Must Help Vanquished.
We cannot be unconcerned about
the future of Germany, Austria
and Hungary. Whatever period of
probation must be imposed on the
vanquished nations, we must help
them to take their rightful place in
the family of nations. To treat
them in a spirit of venegence is
neither right nor polite. Justice
demands the punishment OF the
guilty and reasonable reparations,
|of damage done. But we cannot
forget, or allow our Representative
to forget, that our traditional sys-
tenn Of punitive justice is anchored
to. the concept of individual re-
sponsibilty. 'r'' - -
The inhumanities. which now
mark the mass transference of pop
ulations, the systematized use of
slave labor and the cruel treatment
OF prisoners of war should have no
place In our civilization.
Acute suffering is the daily lot
OF whole populations in many war
torn lands. Every report indicates
that unless heroic measures are
taken at once, millions will die from
starvation and exposure during the
coming winter. The feeding and
clothing and sheltering of these
suffering people is not work which
can be left to some future con-
venient date.
U. S. Must Take Lead.
Our country, because of our
greater resources, must do the ma
Jor part of this work of relief. In
it we have the right and duty to
insist on the leadership which cor
responds to our sacrifices and con-
tributions. 1t is imperative that
Congress make adequate appropri-
ations for this work from the public
treasury.
1t is equally imperative that pri-
yate relief agencies be given a full
opportunity to carry on their be-
Inefficient work among all suffering
peoples. And relief must envision
something larger than merely feed
ing the starving and sheltering the
homeless. Help must be given to
peoples whose economies are ruined.
They have the right to assistance
in getting back to normal economic
life.
Neither the prosperity of the
greater nations nor their might will
prevent war unless conditions are
removed In which poor, helpless
peoples are denied the opportunity
of a decent living standard. The
world is one only insofar as men
live together as brothers under God.
Ours is grave responsibility
The heart and hand of America
are called upon in a way that is
unique. not only in the history of
our country but even in the annals
Of mankind. We know that de-
mocracy is as capable of solving
the admittedly difficult problems
of peace as it has shown itself in
war. We must be true to ourselves.
We must hold fast to our own free
institutions. We must resolutely
oppose the few amongst us who are
trying to sabotage them.
We may well pity those who in
their half-veiled sympathy for to-
talitarianism are playing with the
thought that perhaps in this great
emergency its day is at hand. On
bended knees let us ask God in His
blessed providence to help us to be
the vigorous champion Of demo-
cratic freedom and the generous
friend of the needy and oppressed
throughout the world.
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