Evening star., 1947-05-22
President Signs
$400,0O0,0O0
Greek Aid Bill
Institutes Historic
Foreign Policy in
Simple Ceremony
by the Assoeioisd Press

by me Assoetofeo ffess
KANSAS CITY, May 22.-
President Truman today signed
the $400,00o,000 Greek-Turkish
aid bill setting in force a historic
American foreign policy of boil
stering weak countries against
outside aggression as ::sup-
port" to the United Nations.
He called it IAN important step
IN the building of peace" and said
1t offered proof" that the United
States will make "a vigorous effort
to help create conditions of peace. -
"The conditions Of peace" he said,
'include the ability of nations to
maintain order and independence,
and to support themselves econom-
ically."
The President, his face drawn and
worried after anxious days at his
mothers sickbed, read his statement
to a group of reporters.
Looking up from his text he de-
parted from it once to reiterate that
the bill "is step for peace and sup
port of the United Nations"
II can not emphasize that too
strongly"
Press Complimented.
He also signed Immediately an
executive order transferring certain
administrative authority to the
Secretary of State.
Press Secretary Charles G. Ross
said the appointment of an admin
istrator of the program was being
worked on In Washington today"
In his brief talk to newspapermen.
the President complimented the
press Of the United States for its
great contribution" to the people
by informing them of the purposes
of the legislation.
The signing took place in the din
ing room of his Hotel Muehlebach
suite. Afterwards, he took the re-
porters into the living room and
solemnly read his statement.
The measure, a far-reaching de-
parture in international relations of
this Government, became law with
Mr.. Truman's pledge that it would
not be used to benefit "any particu-
lar group or faction"
ENJOYS Get Instructions.
He announced that United States
Ambassadors in Greece and Turkey
were being instructed to "enter into
immediate negotiations" with the
two governments for the expendi-
ture of the funds, which he asked
for March IL to help halt the spread
of Communism in the Near and
Middle East.
In his brief statement, the Pres
ident called the measure proof that
the United States earnestly desires
peace and is willing to make vigor-
Gus effort to help create conditions
of peace"
Replying to the objections raised
against it In congressional debate
that 1t would bypass, the United
Nations, Mr.. Truman declared it
would help further U. Ms aims,
and added:
Our aid in this instance is evi-
dence not only that we pledge our
support to the United Nations but
that we act to support it
OF the other contentious that the
money would be used to support So
called "reactionary" administrations,
the President had this to say:
I'VE intend to make sure that
the aid we extend will benefit all
the peoples of Greece and Turkey,
not any particular group or faction"
The President originally planned
to sign the bill in White House
ceremony last Monday. He can
celled this when his mothers seri-
Gus illness at nearby Grandview
brought him flying to her bedside.
Flown From Washington.
The legislation was flown here
yesterday from Washington. 1t won
final congressional approval week
ago today after two months and
three days of bitter debate.
That debate revolved around one
standout question:
Will the Truman doctrine" lead
to eventual war with Russia?
The bill. as finally passed, pits
not only American dollars but
American military equipment and
"know-how" into the campaign to
stop Communist expansion short of
the Mediterranean.
It calls for the money to take the
form of loans, gifts or other ad-
vances as determined by the Presi-
dent. And it authorizes limited"
military missions.
Turkey is to receive up to $780,
000,00QS Of the total, exclusively to
moderifize her army.
The 10000, 900 remainder is ear
marked for Greece. to be divided
equally 3etween military aid and re-
lief and rehabilitation work.
Text of Statement.
Following is the text of the Pres
ident's statement today in signing
the aid program:
THE act authorizing United States
assistance to Greece and Turkey,
which I have just signed, is an i'm
portant step in the building of the
peace, It's passage by overwhelming
majorities in both houses of the
Congress is proof that the United
(See GREEK AID, Page A-69
Britain k hII0cated Part