Evening star., 1947-06-06
ForresfaI Halls
j. n. in Naval
Academy Talk
MiIitoy Power VitoI
To Back Rulings, He
Tells 473 Graduates
fpiofUre nm pn0e l9i
picture ON Page A.
By A. A. HoehIine
Stor sfoff Correspondent

ANNAPOLIS, June 6.-The grad
uating class Of 473 midshipmen OF
the United States Naval Academy
was told by Secretary of the Navy
Forrestal this morning that in the
United Nations rests the greatest
hope for world peace. but a peace
which must be enforced nevertheless
by the elements of military power
Speaking in historic Dahlgren
Hall, Mr.. Forrestal told the newly
commissioned Navy ensigns and
Marine Corps second Ieutenants
that war cannot be prevented "by
pious resolutions nor by disarma-
ment."
''The United Nations" he said
provides an instrument through
which the causes of war can be ex-
amined and their solution achieved
through discussion and not through
the death of millions.
$50 Years of Struggle.
''1t took $50 years, in the course
of which this Nation saw bitter
struggle between its States, before
the concept of our Federal Govern
ment became fixed and engaged the
devotion of all countrymen. Should
we despair because the ideals con-
tanned in'the United Nations Charter
and the sincere aspirations of the
statesmen who participate in its
framing ate not realized by Monday
morning?"
At the same time the Navy Sec
retary warned that there are vast
areas of unrest and political trouble"
in China, India, the Middle East,
Africa, and Europe which can
develop into political chaos"
While telling the Glass of 1947,
as well as the undergraduate mid
shipmen and several thousand others
who thronged the hall that the
United Nations represents hope" in
a troubled world, he added, There
is no formula, no magic blueprint
which can provide the solution to
problems that have been centuries
in the making and come from
ancient bitterness, from friction be-
tween races, and hatreds that have
existed over centuries"
Sanctions Need Power.
A Navy, he asserted, should not
be interpreted as evidence of lack
of faith in the United Nations"
THE power of the United States, -
Mr.. Forrestal declared, will be
necessary to provide the climate of
opportunity in which the United
Nations can grow. And when it has
reached its full function, elements
Of military power will still be neces-
sary to give effect and force to its
sanctions"
The Navy Secretary took time out
to give verbal lashing to those who
criticize brass hats"
Between wars" he said, "the
American people are apt to look on
its sailors and soldiers as necessary
but disagreeable reminders of law
breaking and trouble. Thoughtless
men who talk about brass hats
sometimes fail to look into the mir
ror and see that possibly their own
shirts may be somewhat stuffed.
And the bluejacket will find him
self exposed to the same indiffer-
ence as the admiral. Between wars
disregard of the fighting man is
not confined to any particular rank
1t has a beautiful and broad de-
mocracy of application"
Blandy Administers Oath.
The oath was administered to the
entire class in this academy's 9th
commencement by Admiral w. H.
P. Blandy, commander in chief of
the United States Atlantic Fleet
and director of last summers Bikini
atom bomb test.
His son William was among the
members of the class.
Along with their commissions, the
new officers were presented with
bachelor of science degrees.
Following the tradition of the
climactic day of June week, the
graduates threw their old miship-
men caps aloft at the conclusion
OF the ceremonies and let the spec
tators scramble to retrieve them
Yesterday afternoon Miss Helen
Gayle Nylen of Douglas, Wyo., the
academy color girl of 1947, pre-
sented the national and Naval
Academy flags to her brother, Will
liam E. Nylen, commander of the
winning company.
The weeks principal social event
the farewell ball, was held in the
evening.