Evening star., 1948-03-17
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imperfect though they were, could
have furnished the basis for q
just peace-if they had been kept.
But they were not kept,
They have been persistently
ignored and violated by one
nation.
The Congress is also familiar
with the developments concern
ing the United Nations. Most Of
the countries of the world have
joined together in the United Ma
tions in an attempt to build q
world order based on law and not
on force. Most of the members
support the United Nations earn
estly and honestly, and seek to
make 1t stronger and more effec-
tive.
Constant Abuse Of Veto.
One nation. however, has per-
sistently obstructed the work Of
the United Nations by constant
abuse Of the veto. That nation
has vetoed 81 proposals for action
in a little over two years.
But that is not all. Since the
close Of hostilities, the Soviet
Union and its agents have de-
: stroyed the independence and
democratic character of a whole
series of nations in Eastern and
Central Europe.
It is this ruthless course of
action, and the clear design to
.. extend 1t to the remaining free
nations of Europe, that have
brought about the critical situa-
ton in Europe today.
The tragic death Of the Re-
public of Czechoslovakia has sent
a shock throughout the civilized
world. Now pressure is being
brought to bear on Finland, to
the hazard of the entire Scandi-
navian peninsula. Greece is un-
der direct military attack from
rebels actively supported by her
Communist-dominated neighbors.
In italy, a determined and ag-
gressive effort Is being made by
a Communist minority to take
control OF that country. The
methods vary, but the pattern is
all too clear.
Faced with this growing men
ace, there have been encouraging
signs that the free nations of
Europe are drawing closer to-
gether for their economic we'll
being and for the common
defense of their liberties.
Self-Help Underway.
In the economic field, the
movement for mutual self-help
to restore conditions essential
to the preservation of free insti-
tutions is well underway. In
Paris, the Is nations which are
cooperating in the European
Recovery Program are meeting
again to establish a joint organ
ization to work for the economic
restoration of Western Europe.
The United States has strongly
supported the efforts of these
nations to repair the devastation
of war and restore a sound world
economy. In presenting this
program to the Congress last
December, I emphasized the
necessity for speedy action. Every
event in Europe since that day
has underlined the great urgency
for the prompt adoption of this
measure.
The Soviet Union and its satel-
lites were invited to cooperate in
the European Recovery Program.
They rejected the invitation.
More than that, they have de-
clared their violent hostility to
the program and are aggressively
attempting to wreck it.
They see in it a major obstacle
to their designs to subjugate the
free community of Europe. They
do not want the United States to
help Europe. They do not even
want the 16 cooperating coun-
tries to help themselves.
While economic recovery in
Europe is essential, measures for
economic rehabilitation alone are
not enough. The free nations of
Europe realize that economic re-
covery, If it is to succeed, must
be afforded some measure of pro-
lection against internal and ex-
ternal aggression. The move
ment toward economic cooper
alton has been followed by a
movement toward common self
protection in the face of the
growing menace to their free
dom.
Brussels Pact Significant.
At the very moment I am ad-
dressing you, five nations Of the
European community, in Brus-
sells, are signing a 50-year agree
ment for economic cooperation
and common defense against
aggression.
This action has great signifi-
canoe, for this agreement was not
imposed by the decree of more
powerful neighbor. 1t was the
free choice of independent gov
ernments representing the will
of their people. and acting within
the terms of the Charter Of the
United Nations.
It's significance goes far beyond
the actual. terms Of the agree
ment itself. 1t is q notable step
in the direction of unity In
Europe for the, protection and
preservation Of its civilization.
This development deserves our
full support. I am confident that
the United States will, by appro-
pirate means, extend to the free
nations the support which the
situation requires. I am sure
that the determination of the
free countries Of Europe to pro-
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