Methods Vary, But Pattern Clear

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 134, 18 March 1948, Page 5

Methods Vary, But Pattern Clear

“The tragic death of the Czechoslovakian Republic has sent a shock throughout the civilised world,” con tmued Mr Truman. “Now pressure is being brought to bear on Finland to the hazard of the entire Scandinavian Peninsula. Greece is under direct military attack by rebels actively supported by her Communist-dominated neighbour®. In Italy a determined aggressive effort is being made by a Communist minority to take control. The methods vary, but the pattern is all too clear. Faced with this growing menace, there have been encouraging signs that the free nations of Europe are drawing closer together for their economic welfare and for the common defence of their liberties. The United States has strongly supported the efforts of 16 nations of Western Europe to repair the devastation of war and to restore sound world economy.

“In presenting this programme to Congress in December,” said the President, “I emphasised the necessity for speedy action. Every event in Europe since that day has underlined the great, urgency for the prompt adoption of this measure.

“The Soviet Union and its satellites were invited to co-operate in the European recovery programme, but they rejected the invitation. More than hostility to the programme, and are aggressively attempting to wreck it. They see in it a major obstacle to their designs to subjugate Europe’s free community. They do not want the United States to help Europe. They do not even want the 16 co-operating countries to help themselves.. While economic recovery in Europe i® essential, measures for economic rehabilitation alone are not enough. The movement toward economic co-opera-tion has been followed by a movement toward common self-protection in the

face of the growing menace to the freedom of the free nations of Europe. “The action of the five nations in signing in Brussels a 50-year agreement for economic co-operation and common defence against aggression has great significance, for this agreement was not imposed by decree of a more powerful neighbour. It was a free choice of independent governments representing the will of their people. This is a notable step in the direction of unity in Europe for the protection and preservation of its civilisation,” said the President. “I am confident that the United States will, by appropriate means, extend to the free nations the support which the situation requires. I am sure the determination of Europe’s free countries to protect themselves will be matched by equal determination on our part to help them to do so.

“I believe we have reached the point whereat the position of the United States should be made unmistakably clear. The principles and purpose® expressed in the United Nations’ Charter continue to represent our hope for the eventual establishment of a rule of law in international affairs.-

“We cannot, however, close our eyes to the harsh fact that through obstruction and even defiance on the part of one nation this great dream has not yet become a full reality. It is necessary, therefore, that we take additional measures to supplement the work of the United Nation®, and to support its aims. If we act wisely iioav, we shall strengthn the powerful forces Vr freedom, justice and peace, which are represented by the Nations and the world's free nations.”