Call For Declaration Of Freedom Creed

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28793, 14 January 1959, Page 11

Call For Declaration Of Freedom Creed

(Rec. 10.30 p.m.) TORONTO, January 13. The Prime Minister (Mr John Diefenbaker) last night suggested that all nations of the free' world meet and reach a common basis for a declaration of freedom’s creed. < In a speech at a convocation of the University of Toronto, where he was made an honorary Doctor of Laws, the Prime Minister said: “Such a declaration would give to the uncommitted world a solemn pledge of willingness to work with them for better economic conditions in which human dignity, equality and tolerance will be recognised and personal liberty, freedom of thought, expression and association and religion pledged to those who will join in freedom and for freedom in the struggle for men’s hearts.”

Mr Diefenbaker said the ideals and principles of the Western world need to be clearly enunciated if they are to be understood in a world engaged in the war of ideas. The word “democracy" conveyed little because it had been distorted by the Communists.

Material assistance to underdeveloped countries was important. But during his recent visit to Asia he sensed “among some people a frightening suspicion as to the motives actuating the humanitarian action of the contributing nations.” “Jhe lesson sems clear that material aid alone will not convince the uncommitted- nations of our sincerity, nor win their allegiance to freedom, in the battle of ideologies” He added: “I can think of no better way to explain freedom than for the nations of the free world to meet together, exchange ideas, and reach a common basis for a declaration of freedom’s creed.”