Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-10-24

Following is the tert OF Presi-
dent Trnman's address OF i0el-
come at the opening OF the
General Assembly OF the United
Nations In Netp York:
On behalf of the Government and
the people of the United States,
extend a warm welcome to the dele
gates who have come here from all
parts of the world to represent their
countries at this meeting of the
General Assembly of the United
Nations.
I recall with great pleasure the
last occasion on which met and
spoke with the representatives of
the United Nations. Many of you
who are here today were present
then. 1t was the final day of the
conference at San Francisco, when
the United Nations Charter was
signed. On that day the constitu-
tional foundation of the United Ma
lions was laid.
For the people of my country this
meeting has special historic sig
nif1cance. After the first World War
the United States refused to join
the League of Nations and our seat
was empty at the first meeting Of
the League Assembly. This time
the United States Is not only a
member; 1t Is host to the United
Nations.
I can assure you that the Govern
ment and the people Of the United
States are deeply proud and CRATE
full that the United Nations has
chosen our country for its head
quarters. We will extend the fullest
measure of cooperation in making
a home for the United Nations in
this country. The American people
welcome the delegates and the
Secretariat of the United Nations as
good neighbors and warm friends.
End of Isolation Policy.
This meeting of the Assembly
symbolizes the abandonment by the
United States of policy of iso-
lation.
The overwhelming majority of the
American people, regardless of party,
support the United Nations.
They are resolved that the United
States, to the full limit of its
strength, shall contribute to the
establishment and maintenance of a
Just and lasting peace among the
nations Of the world.
However, I must tell you that the
American people are troubled by
the failure of the Allied nations to
make more progress in their CON-
mon search for lasting peace.
1t is important to remember the
intended place of the United
Nations in moving toward this goal.
The United Nations-as an organi-
zation-was not intended to settle
the problems arising Immediately
out of the war. The United Nations
was intended to provide the means
for maintaining international peace
in the future after just settlements
have been made.
The settlement Of these problems
was deliberately consigned to nego-
tiations among the Allies as dis
tinguished from the United Nations.
This was done in order to give the
United Nations better opportunity
and . freer hand to carry out its
long-range task of providing peace
full means for the adjustment of
future differences, some of which
might arise out of the settlements
made as a result of this war.
The United Nations cannot, how
ever, fulfill adequately its own re-
sponsibilities until the peace settle
ments have been made and unless
these settlements form a solid foun-
dation upon which to build a per-
manent peace.
Four Essential Freedoms.
I submit that these settlements,
and our search for everlasting peace,
rest upon the four essential free
dofns.
These are freedom of speech, free
dom Of religion, freedom from want,
and freedom from fear. These are
fundamental freedoms to which all
the United Nations are pledged
under the charter.
TO the attainment Of these free
doms-everywhere in the world
through the friendly cooperation of
all nations, the Government and
people of the United States are
dedicated.
The fourth freedom - freedom
from fear-means, above all else,
freedom from fear of war.
This freedom is attainable now
Lately we have all heard talk
about the possibility of another
world war. Fears have been aroused
all over the world.
These fears are unwarranted and
unjustified.
However, rumors Of war still find
willing listeners in certain places.
II these rumors are not checked
they are sure to impede world re-
covery.
have been reading reports from
many parts of the world. These re-
ports all agree on one major point
the people of every nation are sick
of war. They know its agony and
its futility. No responsible govern
ment can ignore this universal
feeling.
The United States of America has
no wish to make war, now or in the
future, upon any people anywhere
in the world. The heart of our for
eign policy is sincere desire for
peace. This Nation will work pa