Evening star., 1950-07-29
Australia Will ALWAYS
Aid Freedom S Fight,
80
..Menzies Declares

Australian Prime Minister Rob-
ert g. Menzies declared last night
his country will never be neutral
in a world struggle for human
/ freedom"
In his first American radio
( broadcast in eight years, the vis-
/ iting statesman explained he is
here to discuss. among other
things, how best to give effect to
the recent Australian decision to
provide ground forces in Korea.
"It is probably true to say that
Australians were among your first
fighting allies in Korea, just as
you were our powerful and unfor-
gettable allies, our friends and de-
'liverers in the battles of the Coral
Sea, and of New Guinea and the
islands" Mr.. Menzies pointed ont.
Further, We have decided to be
prepared for the future" he con-
tinued. THE Australian govern
ment has already announced its
plans for the introduction of ma
tional service training upon
compulsory basis, with a CORE
spending strengthening of the
naval and air forces and the
means of military supply.
Proud History For Freedom.
There need be no idea any,
where that Australia will be neu-
tral in world struggle for human
freedom. We have a proud history
on such matters, and we do not
propose to be untrue to it."
Events in Korea have stirred
us up" the Prime Minister en-
phasized. You have, through
your President and through Con-
gress, given us all a great lead,
notable inspiration" he stated,
adding:
"AS Korea has reminded us so
vividly, we cannot accept inter-
national responsibilities, whether
through the United Nations or
otherwise, unless we are prepared
promptly to perform them
The more ready we are. the
smaller is the risk of world war.
The more swiftly we can deploy
our power at the point OF con-
fiict, the shorter will be the strug-
gle, if the struggle must come"
Mr.. Menzies declared the Com
munists have developed a poison
Gus propaganda about what they
choose to call American Imper-
ialism."
Two cardinal elements in the
present Australian Governments
foreign policy. the Prime Minister
cited as: Belief in a concerted
British Commonwealth, and the
desire to 'live on the clearest and
and most cooperative
terms with the United States"
See Mutual Need.
"The British peoples all over
the world need you." he stated.
"You need them. We may
have many things to discus in the
future, many bargains to make,
perhaps some cause for superficial
disagreement. But we shall always
remain friends
President Truman, during a
luncheon attended by top Govern
ment officials yesterday in Blair
House, awarded Mr.. MenzieS the
Legion of Merit, Degree of Chief
Commander.
Several hours later, Mr.. Tru-
man met with the Prime Minister
and Secretary of State Achesen
at the White House.
Newsmen were told. by White
House press officials the three
talked for an hour about the re-
lationship between America and
Australia.
Leaving the White House at
4:30 pm. for Arlington Cemetery,
where he placed a wreath on the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
the Prime Minister told reporters
his talk with the President was
"very, very pleasant" and very
satisfactory"
Asked if he had any statement
to make on the disposition Of
Australian troops to Korea, he
said: Nothing more than you
know" The Prime Minister said
he would have some news to give
"earlyish" in the week.
The only official function on
the Prime Minister'S schedule
today is a 6-to-8 pm. reception
at the Australian Embassy. Mr..
Menzies, who will remain here
until Thursday, will address the
National Press Club at a luncheon