Evening star., 1948-03-17
Truman Address to Congress on World Crisis

resent our hope for the eventual
establishment Of the rule Of law
In international affairs. The
Charter constitutes the basic ex-
preston Of the code Of tnterna-
tional ethics to which this coun-
try Is dedicated. We cannot, how
ever, close our eyes to the harsh
fact that through obstruction and
even defiance on the part of
one nation this great dream has
not yet become q full reality.
Risk In Inaction.
1t Is necessary, therefore, that
we take additional measures to
supplement the work Of the
United Nations and to support its
aims. There are times In world
history when 1t is far wiser to
act than to hesitate. There is
some risk involved In action
there always is. But there is far
more risk in failure to act.
For II we act wisely now, we
shall strengthen the powerful
forces for freedom, justice and
peace which are represented by
the United Nations and the free
nations Of the world.
I regard 1t as my duty, there
fore, to recommend to the Con-
gress those measures which, in
my judgment, are best calculated
to give support to the free and
democratic nations OF Europe
and to improve the solid founda-
ton Of our own national
strength.
First, I recommend that the
Congress speedily complete its
action on the European Recovery
Program. That program is the
foundation Of our policy Of as
sistance to the free nations OF
Europe. Prompt passage Of that
program Is the most telling con-
tribution we can now make
toward peace.
The decisive action which the
Senate has taken without regard
to partisan political considera-
tions Is striking example of the
effective working Of democracy.
Urges Universal Training.
Time Is now of critical i'm
portance. ! am encouraged by the
information which has come to
me concerning the plans for ex-
peditious action by the House of
Representatives. I hope that no
single day will be needlessly lost.
Second, I recommend prompt
enactment of universal training
legislation.
Until the free nations of Eur
ope have regained their strength,
and 50 long as communism
threatens the very existence of
democracy, the United States
must remain strong enough to
support those countries OF Eur
ope which are threatened with
communist control and police
state rule.
I believe that we have learned
the Importance of maintaining
military strength as a means of
preventing war. We have found
that a sound military system is
necessary in time of peace If we
are to remain ar peace. Aggres-
sors in the past, relying on our
apparent lack of military force,
have unwisely precipitated war.
Although they have been led to
destruction by their misconcep-
tion OF our strength, we have paid
terrible price for our unpre-
paredness.
Universal training is the only
feasible means by which the
civilian components OF our armed
forces can be built up to the
strength required If we are to be
prepared for emergencies. Our
ability to mobilize large numbers
OF trained men in time of emer-
gency could forestall future con-
nlct and, together with other
measures Of national policy, could
restore stability to the world,
Evidence of Strength.
The adoption of universal train
Ing by the United States at this
time would be unmistakable evil
dence to all the world of our de-
termination to back the will to
peace with the strength for peace.
I am convinced that the decision
OF the American people, expressed
through the Congress, to adopt
universal training would be of
nrst Importance in giving cour-
age to every free government in
the world.
Inird, recommend the tempo
rary re-enactment of selectiye
service legislation in order to
maintain our armed forces at
their authorized strength.
Our armed forces lack the
necessary men to maintain their
authorized strength. They have
been unable to maintain their
authorized strength through VOL
untary enlistments, even though
such strength has been reduced
70 the very minimum necessary
10 meet our obligations abroad
ana Is far below the minimum
which should always be available
IN the Continental United States
we cannot meet our interna-
Llonal responsibilities unless VIC
maintain our armed forces. It is
OF vital Importance, for example
that we keep our occupation
forces In Germany until the
peace is secure in Europe
Urgent Steps for Peace.
There is no conflict between
the requirements of selective
service for the regular forces and
universal training for the reserve
components. Selective service is
necessary until the solid founda-
-