DEFENCE OF THE FREE WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27569, 11 December 1950, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE FREE WORLD

TRUMAN AND ATTLEE ISSUE STATEMENT

Meeting Communist Threat

New Zealand Press Association—Copyright Rec. 6 p.m. WASHINGTON, Dec. 9. President Truman and the British Prime Minister,, Mr Attlee, yesterday issued a 10-point programme for the defence of the free world, both in Europe and in Asia, against Communist attack. The communique was issued after five days of crucial conferences between the two leaders. Their programme was produced after a review of what the communique described as “ the changed aspect of world affairs arising from the massive intervention of the Chinese Communists in Korea.”

President Truman told Mr Attlee that he hoped it would never be necessary to use the atomic bomb, and he intended to keep Mr Attlee informed “of developments which might bring about a change in the situation.”

The President and Mr Attlee said: “We believe the Communist leaders of the Soviet Union and China could, if they chose, modify their conduct in such a way as to make these defence preparations unnecessary. We shall do everything that we can through whatever channels are op£n to us to impress this view upon them, and to seek a peaceful solution of the existing issues. Identity Of Aims

“The objectives of the United Kingdom and the United States in foreign policy are thae same—to maintain world peace; respect for the rights and interests of all peoples; to promote strength and confidence among freedom-loving countries of the world; to eliminate causes of fear, want and discontent; and to advance the democratic way of life. The unity of the objectives of our two countries underlay all our discussions.

side, display any evidence of a similar attitude we are hopeful that the cause of peace can be upheld. If they do not, then it will be for the peoples of the world, acting through the United Nations, to decide how the principles of the Charter can best be maintained. For our part we declare lin advance our firm resolve to uphold them. "We considered two questions regarding China which .are already before the United Nations. On the question of the Chinese seat in the United Nations the two Governments differ., The United Kingdom has recognised the Central People’s Government and considers its representatives should occupy China’s seat in the United Nations. The United States has opposed and continues to oppose the seating of Chinese Communist representatives in the United Nations. We have discussed our differences of view on this point and are. determined to prevent it from interfering with our united effort in support of our common objectives. Question Of Formosa

“There is no difference between us as to the nature of the threat which our countries face or the basic policies which must -be pursued to overcome it. We recognise that many of the problems which we have discussed can only be decided through procedures of the United Nations or the North Atlantic Treaty organisation.

“The peoples of the United States and the United Kingdom will act together with resolution and unity to meet the challenge to peace which recent weeks have made clear to all.” Stating that the situation in Korea was one of “ great gravity and farreaching consequences,” brought about by the intervention of large numbers of Chinese Communist troops, the communique said: “The United Nations forces have the advantage of superior air power and naval support, but on. the ground they are confronted by a heavy numerical superiority.

“On. the question of Formosa we have noted that both Chinese claimants have insisted upon, the validity of the Cairo declaration, and have expressed reluctance to have the matter considered by the United Nations. We agreed that the issues should be settled by peaceful means, and in such a way as to safeguard the interests of the people of Formosa and the maintenance of peace and security in the Pacific and that consideration of this question by the United Nations will contribute to these ends. *

“The United Nations forces were sent into Korea on the authority and at the recommendation of the United Nations. The United Nations has not changed the mission which it has entrusted to them. The forces of our two countries will continue to discharge their responsibilities. No Appeasement

“ The free nations of Asia have given strong support to the United Nations, and have worked for world peace. Communist aggression in Korea increased the danger to the security and independence of these nations. We reaffirm our intention ‘to continue to help them. “The pressure of Cpmmunist expansion existed in Europe and elsewhere long before aggression- against Korea, and measures were taken to meet • it, The need to strengthen the forces of collective security had already been recognised. Action for this purpose is udder way. Clearly, decisions regarding the Far East have their repercussions and effects elsewhere.

“In considering the necessities of the Far • Eastern situation, we have kept'in mind the urgency of building up the strength of the whole free world.

“We were in complete agreement that there can be no thought of appeasement or of rewarding aggression, whether in the Far, East or elsewhere. “Lasting peace and the future of the United Nations as an instrument for world peace depend upon strong support for resistance against aggression. For our'part we are ready as we have always been, to seek an end to hostilities by means of negotiation. The same principles of international conduct should be applied to this situation as are applied in accordance with our obligations under the Charter of the United Nations to any threat to world peace.” The communique continued: “Every effort must be made to achieve the purposes of the United Nations in Korea by peaceful means and to find a solution of the Korean problem on the basis of a free, independent Korea. We are confident that the great majority of the United Nations takes the same view. If the Chinese, on their

“We are in complete agreement on the need for immediate action by all North Atlantic Treaty countries to intensify their efforts to build up their defences and to strengthen the Atlantic community.” 1 , Defence Forces "

The communique, after detailing the 10-point programme, said: ‘‘ In the circumstances which confront us throughout the world, our nations have no other choice but to devote themselves with all their vigour to the building up of our defence forces. We shall do this purely as a defensive measure.” The communique added: “In this critical period it is a source of satisfaction to us that the views of our Governments on the basic problems are so similar. We believe this identity of aims will enable our Governments to carry out their determination to work together to strengthen the unity x which has already been achieved among the free nations and to defend those values which are of fundamental importance to the people we represent.”