The Press SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1959. In Search of Peace

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29046, 7 November 1959, Page 12

The Press SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1959. In Search of Peace

President Eisenhower has set himself two predominant aims: the pursuit of a durable world peace and the fostering of a stable American economy. The two are complementary because of America’s crucial part in rehabilitating world economies. As the end of his Presidential term approaches, Mr Eisenhower is devoting redoubled energy to these paramount objectives. His tenacity, courage, and selflessness excite world-wide admiration. Only a few months ago his critics were calling him a “ lame “ duck ” President; but he has given the lie to those who contended that illness had permanently sapped his vigour. The announcement of his plans for a 20,000-mile, three-week tour of nine countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia supports the view that, during his final year as President, he is determined to contribute all he can to the cause of peace. Only two other American Presidents Andrew Jackson and James Buchanan—were in office in their seventieth year. At 69 Mr Eisenhower has overcome the handicaps of illness, regained his likeable ebullience, and reasserted his authority at home and abroad. The effect upon the world cannot but be salutary. After his recent European tour—itself a notable achievement—Mr Eisenhower was expected to return to Europe for the Western leaders’ pre-summit meeting. It seemed unlikely, however, that he would embark on such extensive travels as he now proposes. The initiative is clearly his own. Underlying it is his belief in the interdependence of free nations, sharing common resources for the common good. Besides promoting

understanding of America, the President’s tour will serve other useful purposes. Recent developments within N.A.T.O. have produced a feeling of isolation and neglect among the smaller members; the President’s European itinerary should provide reassurance of American interest. His journey to the Middle East miy be taken as encouragement for C.E.N.T.0., the successor to the Bagdad Pact. It is particularly significant that Mr Eisenhower should become the first American President to visit Asia. India is only slowly awakening to the Chinese Communist threat; and Mr Eisenhower’s talks in New Delhi and Karachi will contribute to a better appreciation of problems shared by Asia and Europe. Journeys such as Mr Eisenhower’s have opened up new perspectives in international diplomacy. With the former stalemate ended, definite progress towards relaxing tensions between East and West seems possible at last; and, if Western unity is secured, advantage may be taken of Mr Khrushchev’s present conciliatory mood. It is well to remember, however, that a thaw would have been improbable without the restoration of British and American amity after the Suez affair. Writing in the “ Christian Science Monitor ”, Joseph C. Harsch commented recently: “ Dwight D. “ Eisenhower is marching in “ step and happily with the man “who first took the doctrine of “relaxation out of the files of “theory and set out to make it “an operating policy of the “ West. Harold Macmillan “pioneered the road. Mr Eisen“hower is marching with him “down it”.