The Daily Alaska empire., 1948-03-17
TEMPORARY DRAFT LAW, MILITARY TRAINING NOW
 REQUESTED BY PRESIDENT
 IN CRITICAL SITUATION

WASHINGTON, March l7.--tR-- President Truman told Congress to- day the situation in Europe is critical" and asked temporary draft law and universal military training.
 The President also urged swift Congressional action on the Mar shall program of economic help for Europe.
 MT. Truman went before a joint sessicn of Congress in person to present a grim picture of world affair and a major report on his foreign policy.
 The recent developments in Eu- rope" he said, present this na- ton with the fundamental issues of vital importance"
 He pointed then to the just completed five-nation Western Eu- ropean pact for common defense against attack.
 New Defense Pact
 He said of it:
 This development deserves our full support. I am confident that ihe United States will, by appro- prite means, extend to the free na- ticns the support which the situa- ton requires.
 T am sure that the determina- ton ef the free countries oi Eu- rope to protect themselves will be matched by an equal determination on our part to help them do SO"
 Plain Talk On Russia
 Then, plainly, speaking of Russia, MT. Truman said:
 "The situation in the world to- day. is net primarily the result of the natural difficulties which fol- low great war. It is chiefly due to the fact that one nation has not only refused to cooperate in the establishment of just and : honorable peace, but even worse has actively sought to prevent 1t. The European pact MT. Truman mentioned was announced officially less than an hour before he spoke. In it. Britain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg pledged each their military aid ii one should be attacked
 Treaty Open To All
 The 50-year treaty sets up consultative ccuncils to meet im- mediately ito consult with regard to any situation which might con- stitute a threat to peace"
 The treaty leaves the way open for other nations to join. It says the five countries may. by agree ment, invite any other state" to agree to it's terms.
 Action Is Wanted
 MT Truman told Congress there are times when 1t is far wiser to act than to hesitate--even though action always involves risk"
 He said his recommendation at this time for action represent "the most urgent steps towards securing the peace and preventing war"
 The President stressed that the United State will continue to sup port the United Nations and will try every possible method of reach ing international accord.
 MT Truman wore a grey business suit, touched off with a green St. Patrick's Day tie. He read slowly and carefully from his prepared text.
 Galleries were filled haf hour before the President appeared En- frances were damned with standees. Several hundred people, unable to get into the Chamber, were massed in the driveway in front of the Cap itol
 A sustained burst of applause greeted the President as he entered
 AS he began speaking. promptly at 9:32 am. PSF. he glanced at the sec ticn on his right where l6 Repre- sentatives of the diplomatic corps were seated
 An unusual hush fell oyer the House.
 The rebel yell" with which south ern Representative traditionally greet a Democratic President, was not sounded It seemed to underline the seriousness of the situation.