Evening star., 1948-10-18
Text of Trunnon's S Address to Leoion

traditions or aspirations invited our
friendship.
Our policy Is not now and never
has been directed against the
Soviet Union. On the contrary, we
recognize that the peace Of the
world depends on increasing under
standing and q better working re-
lationship between the Soviet Union
and the democratic nations.
The problem which now confronts
this country and the world reduces
itself to one basic question: Can
we so reconcile the interests of the
Western Powers and the interests
Of the Soviet Union as to bring
about enduring peace? '
Let me say here again, and as
plainly as I can, that the govern
ment of this country, like the Amer
lean people as a whole, detests the
thought of war. We are shocked by
its brutality and sickened by its
waste of life and wealth. And we
know from experience that war
creates many more problems than
it solves. We know that all the
world, and especially the continent
of Europe, has nothing to gain from
war and everything to lose.
Touches on Horrors of War.
The horrors that modern war in
fiicts on innocent people are known
to all Americans. The use of atomic
weapons and archaeological war
fare, in particular, might unleash
new forces of destruction which
would spare no nation. We know all
this. We know, too, that if war
should come upon us again, the loss
in life, the strain on our physical
resources and even on our democratic
institutions might be greater than
we care to contemplate
The Government of the United
States utterly rejects the concept of
war as means of solving interna-
tional differences.
However, I think We are realistic
about the alternative to war. In
international politics, new and seri-
GUS difficulties are continually aris-
ing. 1t will be a long while before
the great powers constitute the
friendly family of nations which
often described as "one world"
Our need is to work out with cool
detachment practical adjustment
of our troubles with other nations
as they may arise. That is the atti-
tude in which we have been trying
10 find reasonable solutions of the
critical problems which now con-
front us.
Dark Fog of Distrust.
Unfortunately, dark fog of dis
trust has risen between the Soviet
Union and the West, distorting and
confusing our relations. 1t is clear
that little progress is likely to be
made in settling disputes between
the Western Powers and Soviet
Russia, so long as there is so much
distrust.
II that distrust is to be dispelled,
there needs to be evidence Of long
range peaceful purposes - evidence
that will enable the world to shake
off the fear of war, reduce the bur-
den of armaments, and concentrate
on useful economic activities.
In recently considering the send
ing of a special emissary to Mos
cow, my purpose was to ask Premier
Stains cooperation in dispelling
the present poisonous atmosphere Of
distrust which now surrounds the
between the Western
Powers and the Soviet Union. My
emissary sNas to convey the seriots-
ness and sincerity of the people Of
the United States in their desire
for peace.
Didn't Relate to U. N. Work.
This proposal had no relation to
existing negotiations within the
scope Of the United Nations or. the
of Foreign Ministers. Far
from cutting across these negotia-
tions, the purpose of this mission
was to improve the atmosphere in
which they must take place and so
help in producing fruitful and
peaceful results.
At this time 7 want to make 1t
Clear that I have not departed one
step from my determination to
utilize every opportunity to work for
peace. Whenever an appropriate
arises I shall act to
further the interests Of peace within
the framework of our relations with
our allies and the work Of the
United Nations.
I am working for peace, and I
shall continue to work for peace.
Both we and the Soviet Union
have a fundamental job to doAthe
Job of raising the living standards
Of our peoples.
Nations Rivalry Is Old Story.
We must remember that many a
serious crisis has in the past been
resolved without war. We must
remember that the struggle for ex-
istence among nations, as among
men, goes on all the
time, and expresses itself in many
ways other than war. We must re-
member that rivalry among nations
is an old story. History shows that
rival powers can exist peacefully In
the world.
Patience must be our watchword.
When the destiny of all mankind is
at stake, we need to exercise all the
patience we can muster. We should
utilize every opportunity to strength
en- the United Nations for the great
which lie ahead.
The people of the world are looking
to their leaders to dispel the fog of
distrust which now confuses the ap-
proach to peace. At the present mo-
ment, would only add that our Ma
ton has never failed to meet the
great crises of its history with honor
and devotion to it's ideals.
We shall spare no effort to achieve
the peace on which the entire destiny
of the human race may depend.