Objects Of Tour

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29070, 5 December 1959, Page 13

Objects Of Tour

An hour before his departure on his goodwill tour. President Eisenhower told the American people in a nationwide radio and television broadcast that he would try to convey to everyone “our earnestness in striving to reduce the tensions dividing mankind.” “During this mission of peace and goodwill I hope to promote a better understanding of America and to learn more of our friends.”

The President said that the United States had been unjustly described as a country pursuing only materialistic goals and prizing wealth, machines and war above ideals and peace. “I hope to make this truth clear—that on all this earth, not anywhere does our nation seek territory, selfish gain, or unfair advantage for itself,” he said. “I hope all can understand that beyond her shores, as at home, America aspires only to promote human happiness justly achieved.” “Never Ceases Striving” President Eisenhower commented that at times and in some respects the United States had fallen short of the high ideals of its founding fathers. “But here is one of the glories of America—she never ceases her striving towards this shining goal.”

The President called on Americans to join him in “renewed dedication to our moral and spiritual convictions, and in that light re-examine our own record, including our shortcomings.”

One problem which cried out for immediate solution was the steel dispute, he said. “What great news it would be if, during the course of this journey, I should receive word of a settlement of the steel controversy that is fair to the workers, fair to management, and fair to the American people,” he said. Discussing his 22.000-mile tour the President said: “In every country I hope to make widely known America’s deepest desire—a world in which all nations may prosper in freedom, justice and peace, unmolested and unafraid

“I shall try to convey to everyone our earnestness in striving to reduce the tensions dividing mankind—an effort first requiring. as indeed Mr Khrushchev agrees, the beginning of mutual disarmament.

“Of course, I will stress that the first requirement for mutual disarmament is mutual verification.

“We in America know that for many decades our nation has practised and proclaimed these convictions and purposes. But this «is not enough For years doubts about us have been skilfully nurtured in foreign lands by those who oppose America’s ideals

“Our country has been unjustly described as one pursuing only materialistic goals, as building a culture whose hallmarks are gadgets and shallow pleasures, as prizing wealth above idooic machines above

spirit, leisure above learning, and war above peace. “Actually, as our founding document proclaims, the core of our nation is belief in a Creator who has endowed all men with inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness “In that belief is our country’s hallmark—a faith that permeates every aspect of our political, social and family life. This truth, too, I hope to emphasise abroad.” he said. In an appeal for his foreign aid programme, the President said: “We look on our nation’s great wealth as more than a hard-earned resource to be used only for our material gain We believe that it should also serve the common good, abroad as well as at home."

He said the foreign aid programme provided “a peaceful barrier erected by freedom, to the continuous probings of predatory forces. It helps steady the struggling economies' of free nations, new and . old. It helps build strength and hope, preventing collapse and despair.” he said.

President Eisenhower concluded: “One last thought: we have heard much of the phrase •peace and friendship.’ This phrase, in expressing the aspiration of America, is not complete We should say instead ‘peace and friendship, in freedom.’ This, I think, is America’s real message to the world. “Working co-operatively together here at home, rather than wasting our effort and substance in bitter economic and political strife we in America will become ever a stronger force on the side of good in the world And. as we. through our cooperative . efforts abroad, strengthen human understanding and goodwill throughout the world, we bring ever closer the day of lasting peace.”