The Nome nugget., 1949-05-25
WORLD SITUATION IMPROVES
(Hugo s. Sims)

The world situation, according to general opinion, has improved considerably in the last year Public statements by prominent officials express the idea that peace is almost within reach, although the United States should not hesitate it's purpose of being ready for war
 The situation, despite some unfavorable develop ments in China, Greece, Germany and Korea, is much better than it not many months ago. The Russians, 1t appears, not confident of their ability to roughshod Europe The nations of Western Europe slowly building their strength The unacceptable fact is that in the of few years something of mili tary balance will be established on the Continent
 The United States since the Big Four failed to get to- gether at Potsdam has taken decisive action which has, no doubt, been duly noted in Moscow. We have dispatched aid to Greece and Turkey, strength ened naval power in the Mediterranean, initiated and financed the Marshall Pan set in motion gigantic rearmament program and, finally by participation in the North Atlantic Security Pact served effective tce upon the world that the United States is not going 10 retire into the shell of soations, but the trary, is prepared to fight for peace, if necessary.
 This is bare outline of what has happened in the past The United States when convinced that free institutions mperiled by the aggressive activities of the communist government of Russia accepted the burden of holding the fort for democracy and free n stitutions.
 As part of this program, are generously extend ing financial assistance to the free nations and giving them every that this country will not stand idle if they attacked The fundamental justification for this policy is the realization that to do otherwise would eopardize the security peace civilization and future of the United States.
 It must be admitted however, that the free nations of Western Europe not yet able to stand alone and de- fend themselves against Soviet Russia. Every month that passes finds them stronger and the gradual deve opment of unity among Democratic peoples presents Russia with the alternative of coming to terms pre- cptating conflict. The consensus of opinion is that the Russians will not risk warfare at the present time and this in the opinion of Mr. Winston Churchill is due to the possession of the atomic bomb by the United States.
 There has been considerable discussion about the pro- gram pursued by this country which very frankly puts European recovery and above all the other problems of the world. There those who advocate enlarged assistance to China in the hope of stopping the Communist advance in Asia but up the present time, the administration has fit to concentrate it's efforts upon Europe evidently in the belief that if the problem is solved in Europe it will be automatically solved else where.
 This policy is challenged by the glamorous propagan- da about the people of India, Indonesa, Africa and other wayside points The champions of these areas to think that if the United States acts in to win their support future will be assured We cannot subscribe to this opinion because it should be perfectly obvious that of these regions has devel oped the solidarity which is necessary to give strength to any defense of modern civilization Only in Europe expect to find allies of importance in the event