To those new states who we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view, but we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom. And to remember that in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside. To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves. For whatever period is required, not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the pure who are rich. To our sister republic, south of our border, we offer a special pledge to convert our good words into good deeds. In a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty, but this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas, and let every other power know that this hemisphere incandescer remains the master of its own house. To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace. We renew our pledge of support. To prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective, to strengthen the shield of the new in the week and to enlarge the area in which it's written a run. Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge, but a request that both sides begin to renew the quest for peace. Before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science, engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt, can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed, but neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present cause, both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to order that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war. So let us begin anew. Remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness and sincerity is all we've got to prove. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problem united instead of the layering those problems which divide us. Let both sides for the first time formulate serious and precise proposals for the infestion and control of arms and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together, let us explore the stars, conquer the desert, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depth and encourage the odds and comers. Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah to undo the heavy burden and let the oppressed go free. And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavour, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law where the strong adjusts and the weak secure and the peace preserved. All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1000 days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet, but let us begin. In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine will rest the final success of the area of our court. Since this country which founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty, the grace of young Americans who answered the call to service around the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again. Not as they call to bear arms, no arms we need. Not as a call to battle, though in battle we are, but a call to bear the burden of a long, twilight struggle year in and year out, rejoicing in hope, patient infibrillation, a struggle against the common enemies of man, tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. Can we forge against the enemy a grand and global alliance, north and south, east and west, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort? In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility. I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will lie to our country and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire and truly light the world, and so light the world America, and not what your country can do for you, and what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, if not, what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America, or citizens of the world, as of us here, the same high standards of strength and sacrifice, which we ask of you. When the good conscience, our only jury ward, with history, the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, as he is blessing and his health, but knowing that near on earth God's work must truly be our own.