Evening star., 1947-09-02

lens of other European countries.
The demands elsewhere were OF lar
greater dimensions. 1t was clear
that we would not be able to meet
them all. 1t was equally clear that
the peoples of Europe would have
to get together and work out solu-
tion of their common economic
problems. In this way they would
be able to make the most OF their
own resources and of such help as
they might receive from others.
The representatives of 16 nations
are now meeting in Paris in an ef-
fort to get to the root OF Europe's S
continued economic difficulties and
to chart a program of European re-
covery based on helping themselves
and each other. They will then
make known their needs in carrying
this program to completion. I'm
ouestionably it is in the interest Of
our country and Of the Western
Hemisphere in general that we
should receive this appeal with
sympathy and good will, prepared to
do everything we can, within safe
limits, that will be helpful and ef-
fective.
Urges Aid for Europe.
Our own troubles-and we have
many-are small in contrast with
the struggle for life itself that en-
crosses the people Of Europe. The
nations of free Europe will soon
make known their needs. I hope
that the nations of free America
will be prepared. each according to
it's ability and in its own manner,
to contribute to lasting peace for
the benefit of mankind.
| Another important element Of our
policy vital to our search for peace,
is fidelity to the United Nations.
We recognize that the United Ma
tions has been subjected to a strain
which 1t was never designed to bear.
It's role is to maintain the peace and
not to make the peace. 1t has been
embroiled in its infancy in almost
continuous conflict. We must be
careful not to prejudge 1t by this
unfair test. We must cherish the
Seeding in the hope of mighty oak.
We shall not forget our obligations
under the charter, nor shall we per-
NIT others to forget theirs.
In carrying out our policy we are
determined to remain strong. This
is in no way threat. The record
of the past speaks for us. No great
nation has been more reluctant than
ours to use armed force. We do not
believe that present international
differences will have to be resolved
by armed conflict. The world may
depend upon it that we shall con-
tinue to go far out OF our way to
avoid anything that would increase
the tensions of international life.
U. S. Will Remain Strong.
But we are determined that there
shall be no misunderstanding in
these matters. Our aversion to
violence must not be misread as q
lack Of determination on our part
to live up to obligations Of the
United Nations charter or as an
invitation to others to take liberties
with the foundations of interna-
tional peace. Our military strength
will be retained as evidence of the
seriousness with which we view our
obligations.
This is the course which our coun-
try is endeavoring to follow. I need
not tell you how important it Is to
our success that we have your under
standing, support and counsel. There
| is no important aspect OF it which
does not affect all of us. No solution
of it can be fully successful in which
we do not all cooperate.
I have already mentioned our COL
lective responsibility for economic
assistance. BY the grace of God and
by our united armed efforts our
countries have been saved from the
destruction of war. Our economies
are intact, our productive powers
undiminished, our resources not even
yet fully explored. In consequence,
our collective importance In the
affairs of distressed world has
become immense.
Hemisphere Vital to Peace.
The Western Hemisphere cannot
alone assure world peace, but with
out the Western Hemisphere no
peace is possible. The Western
Hemisphere cannot alone provide
world prosperity, but without the
Western Hemisphere no world pros
perity is possible.
Insofar as the economic prob
lens common to the nations of
North and South America are con-
cerned, we have long been aware
that much remains to be done. In
reaching a solution there are many
subjects which will have to be
discussed among us. We have been
obliged, in considering these ques-