FREE NATIONS WARNED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27447, 21 July 1950, Page 7

FREE NATIONS WARNED

Guard Against Sneak Attack By Communist Forces

New Zealand Press Association—Copyright

Jtec. 9 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 19. President Truman tonight warned the free nations of the world to be on guard against a “sneak” attack by Communist forces. “The fact that Communist forces have invaded Korea is a warning that there may be similar acts of aggression in other parts of the world. The free nations must be on their guard more than ever before against this kind •f sneak attack.”

President Truman was addressing the people of the United States over radio and television networks a few hours after he had asked Congress for 10,000,000.000 dollars and widely-in-creased powers in the Korean crisis. The Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcast his speech in other parts of the world. President Truman, after reviewing the actions of the United Nations Security Council in aiding the South Koreans against attack, said: “ The free nations have now made it clear that lawless aggression will be met with force.” He said the free nations had learned the fateful lesson of the 1930’s that appeasement leads only to further aggression and ultimately to war. President Truman said the principal effort in support of the Korean and United Nations’ efforts to restore peace had been made by the United States, and he added: “We have done this because we know that what is at stake here is nothing less than our national security and the peace of the world.” The President quoted a personal report which he had received from General MacArthur, the United Nations Supreme Commander in Korea, a few hours previously in which General MacArthur said: “The issue of battle is now fully joined and will proceed along the lines of action in which we will not be without choice. Our hold upon the southern part of Korea represents a secure base. Our strength will continually increase, while that of the enemy will relatively decrease. His supply line is insecure. He has had his great chance, but has failed to exploit it. We are now in Korea in force, and with God’s help we are there to stay until the constitutional authority of the Republic is fully restored.” The President devoted most of his report to a summary of the proposals which he made earlier in the day to Congress. He said the funds provided would be used to train men and equip them with tanks, planes, guns and ships to build the strength needed to help to assure peace in the world.

Regarding his proposal to Congress to increase military aid to the North Atlantic and other Communistthreatened nations throughout the world, President Truman said: “ When we have worked out with other free nations the increased programme for our common defence, I shall recommend to Congress that additional funds be provided for this purpose. This is of great importance. The free nations face a world-wide threat, and it must be met with world-wide defence. The United States and other free nations can multiply their strength by joining with one another in common effort to provide this defence. This is our best hope for peace.” President Truman said the things the United States needed to build its military defence would require considerable adjustment in the domestic economy.

“ Our military needs are large, and to meet them will require hard work and steady efforts, but I know we can produce what we need if each of us does his part—each man, each woman, each soldier and each civilian. This is the time for all of us to pitch in and work together.” President Truman urged Americans to avoid scare buying, hoarding and other steps which would force up retail prices and result in shortages. He added that if excessive buying or speculation forces prices up he will not hesitate to recommend rationing and price control. “We have the resources to meet our needs.” he said. “It is important that the American people are united in their belief in democratic freedom,” the President concluded. “We are united in detesting Communist' slavery, we know the cost of freedom is high, but we are determined to preserve our freedom, no matter what the cost. Our country stands before the world as an example of how free men under God can build a community of neighbours working together for the good of all. This is the goal we seek, not only for ourselves. but for ali people.”