Evening star., 1949-07-31
Correspondent Sees Marshall Plan as Repetition
of Principle of Peace in Roman Empire
Pax Americana
Bv DR.. Michel N. KaIanfar

that held by the Roman Empire in ancient
times. This has come to pass in historical
evolutionary process of gigantic earth
shaking events as the result of two terrible
world wars.
A Aeat number of people have not even
yet come to the clear understanding that
the delicate balance Of world power has
shifted. 1t is only in viewing events with
a historical perspective that one can dis
tinctly see that with the downfall of the
might Of Germany and Japan and with the
weakening of Great Britain. "the Queen Of
the Seas the hegemony Of the world, with
out clamor or fanfare. has shifted into the
hands of the United States.
However, there is one difference in the
present-day attitude of the United States
as compared with that Of ancient Rome.
While lofty, aristocratic Rome arrogantly
said to the peoples she had conquered "Vae
Victis"-woe to the vanquished-the United
States is spending billions Of dollars in
teaching, clothing, feeding and giving medi-
cal care to the vanquished Germans and
japanese. Otherwise history has repeated
No Hostages of Good Will Now.
The ancient Roman world did not know
the names of Hitler, Stain or Molotov. But
don't be disturbed by the fact that neither
Stain nor Molotov has sent us his sons
and grandsons as hostages to insure the
preservation of peace as did Phraates, the
Persian king
Rome knew how to deal with those re-
calcitrants who violated the pledge of peace
and the ancient empire has left us valu-
able lesson in the story of Antiochus, king
of Syria. who had decided to invade and
conquer Egypt. His armies were within the
shadows of the walls of Alexandria when
suddenly they found their road of conquest
barred by a mission from Rome headed by
the pretor Poppilius. According to the
historian, Polybius, King Antiochus greeted
the Roman emissary affably and offered
his hand. Poppilius ignored the gesture and
gave the king the senatus consultum-
wooden tablets upon which was inscribed
the resolution of the Senate. He requested
the Syrian to read it at once. The king
complied, remarking that he would like
to ask the advice Of his aides before deciding
what to do.
Poppilius, holding in his hand branch Of
grape vine, solemnly traced circle with it
on the sand. inclosing the spot upon which
stood the startled Syrian, demanding that
the king answer at once before stepping over
the circle. Antiochus was Immediately so
impressed by the arrogant action of the
Roman that he quickly expressed his willing
ness to comply with the wishes and demands
of the Roman people. The writing on the
wooden tablet had bluntly and unmistakably
ordered Antiochus to cease Immediately his
war against Egypt.
Here was the realization of the cherished
dream Of the civilized world Of the inviola
bility Of peace on earth!
We might ask on what foundation did this
structure of peace rest. Was it right or
might? Which force had yielded in this case
might to right or right to might?
The perpetual eternal dilemma-does
right pervail over might or conversely does
might prevail over right?-has stirred and
perplexed the minds of wise men through
the ages. Philosophical Socrates once gave
an answer to this moot question when he
asked, HAS the right ever prevented any one
from seizing what he could seize?"
Does not the saying, There is no substi-
tute for strength or power" sound in these
troubled days like prophecy?
Yes! Only might can effectually insure
and preserve world peace, guaranteeing the
integrity and the independence of free
peoples and nations.