Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-01-07


For all these reasons, the
United States must do whatever
1t properly can to assist the ma
lions of the Middle East to
maintain their independence.
a
The question Of what to do is
extraordinarily difficult. The
area is much divided among it.
self. There is a high degree of
EdiSunity between the Arab states
and Israel, a discord which has
been heightened by the recent
Israeli military action in Egypt.
There is much disunity as be-
tween Arab states themselves.
There is suspicion against any
outside force lest it be a device
to reimpose colonialism. That
suspicion has been heightened by
recent events which impair what
have been mutual relations be-
tween the Middle East and
Europe. There is the problem of
the Suez Canal.
1t is not feasible to find a SIM
pie answer to the question of
how the United States can help
TO keep the area free. II is hard
to help in one direction without
creating suspicion in another.
No single formula will solve all
the problems in the Middle East.
They will have to be attacked in
a variety of ways, as We have
steadily sought to do and will
continue to do. But the evolu-
ton of events now requires us
to add a new element to reinforce
our other actions in the area.
5
After the most thorough co1-
sideration. President Eisenhower
has concluded, and has recon-
mended to the Congress, that
action be taken which will first
OF all make Enthusiastically clear,
that it is the policy of the
United States. declared by the
Congress and the President. to
Cooperate with the nations of
the Middle East to maintain
their independence.
It would in the second place
authorize the President to assist
any nation or group of nations
in that general area in the de-
velopment of economic strength
dedicated to the maintenance of
national independence.
1t would in the third place au-
thorize the President to under
take military assistance pro-
grams with any such nations or
group of nations, if they desire
Such q system.
5000 Million Discretionary
1t would in the fourth place
authorize the President to en-
ploy the armed force of the
United States to secure and pro-
tect the territorial integrity and
political independence of any
such nation or group OF nations
requesting such aid against overt |
armed aggression from any ma
lion controlled by international
communism.
In order to enable the Presi-
dent the better to carry out eco
nomic and military assistance
programs. it is proposed that
some funds already appropriated
oy past mutual security legisla- /
lion up to 5000 million may be
Used in the Presidents discretion
Tor the Middle East, this au-
-hority to be supplementary to
MS present discretionary au-
.hority under existing legislation.
This does not involve the au-
'horizing or appropriation of any
additional money.
We seek greater fiexibility in
respect of funds already appro-
or1vated so that the peace am T
nunition already provided by the
Congress can be more freely and
effectively used in what has,
;ince last June. become an area
u greater need than was then
anticipated. The matter of funds
or future fiscal years will be
iealt with later. as outlined by
he presidential message.
The authority to use the armed
forces Of the United States is
designed to apply to cases of
vert armed aggression coming
rom some Nation controlled by
International communism" That
phrase is taken from the Mutual
Security Act. Any employment
u armed force would be con-
'onant with the United Nations
Charter and the other treaty
obligations of the United States. /
notably the provision found in
he charter Of the United Ma
ions and In our security treaties
hat we shall refrain in our in
ernational relations from a
threat for use of force against
he territorial integrity or politi-
al independence of any state.
furthermore. such use of force
would be subject to Article 81
u the charter of the United Ma
ions which recognizes the in
lerent right Of collective self
iefense If any armed attack &C.
;urs, which goes on TO provide
hat exercise of this right for
'eif defense shall in no way af-
'ect the authority and RESPONSE
oility OF the Security Council to
AXE such action as it deems nee
'ssary in order to maintain or
'estore international peace and
.nNtirifp r.