HOPES FOR PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27273, 27 December 1949, Page 5

HOPES FOR PEACE

PRESIDENT TRUMAN’S MESSAGE “ UNDERSTANDING AND FAITH ” N ZP A— Copyright Rec. 9 p.m. WASHINGTON. Dec. 25. President Truman to-night said he was confident that understanding and faith would lead to peace and prosperity. He said, in a Christmas message broadcast to the world: “On this day of prayer and festivity and for the coming New Year I want to extend to you the best wishes of the people of the United States and m v own personal good wishes. This holiday has come to ipean more to us than a day of personal rejoicing and the gathering together of friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers go to all men, regardless of race, creed or nationality, who share our hopes for peace and prosperity in the times to come. I am confident that, with understanding and faith, we shall move steadily forword towards these goals.” President Truman and Pope Pius agreed, in an exchange of Christmas messages, that the greatest Christian challenge facing mankind today is the search for a just and lasting peace. President Truman said that man was making progress along the divine road laid out by the Saviour, in spite of vicissitudes often encountelHe added that proof was to be found in man’s growing effort to lighten the suffering of his fellows. , “ To bring a just and enduring peace among nations is the great task that beckons ahead and calls for rededication,” he said. In reply, the Pope welcomed assurances that the United States will continue to work for peace, but he said the real salvation will not come until man realises that “ all men are children of the one Father Who is in Heaven.” Only on these foundations, he said, could a truly lasting peace be built.