Current Events Review

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Part of Current Events Review

Title: Current Events Review
Description: A magazine published for high school students
Issue Date: Volume III (Issue No. 2) August 1947
Publisher: Manlapaz Publishing Co.
Year: 1947
Language: English
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Place of publication: Manila
extracted text: A n8W8111Q11Slne puhllahed for high school students devoted to the selection, ~ baticm, prellelltatlon, and Nriew of current news for lesaons in current J!Y• V.NlVJ.i:ti.tilTY 111'' THE PHIL LIBRARY (Approved for general readin& by the Departmljlft~f Iigtt,~n) (Recommended for ue In all Catholic schooli \:y the CEAP) • What Must be Done to Stop Russia? • Will the Truman Doctrine Lead to War or Peace? • Why Are the Balkans the Powder Keg and Tinderbox of Europe? • Will Pakistan Bring Peace to Troubled India? • Why has the Potsdam Agreement Become a Source of Conflict between Russia and the United States? • Hungary: Victim of Red Infiltration? No. 2 Augmt, 1947 CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW A newsmagazine that completes and makes up-to-date the study of history and other social science subjects. DIOSDADO G. CAPINO Editor D. R. MANLAPAZ Publisher POLICARPIO G. DANGALIO DOMINGO C. SERION Rllseuchers NICOLAS ONGKINGKO Circulation Manager In this issue- Page What Must be Done to Stop Russia? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Hungary: Victim of Red Infiltration? .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 37 Why the Potsdam Agreement has Become a Source of Conflict between Russia and the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Will Pakistan Bring Peace to Troubled India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Why are the Balkans the Powder Keg and Tinderbox of Europe? 46 Will the Truman Doctrine Lead to War or Peace? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Special Report on the Activities of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Significant World News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Science Marches On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Philippines and the World Published monthly ezcept May and June by MANLAPAZ PUBLISHING CO. 123-125 Reten, Sampaloc, Manna Subscription: P3.00 a year, 1"1.50 a semester. 61 When changing address give old as well as new address. Address all communications to the Current Events Review. Copyright, 1947 by D. R. Manlapaz and D. G. Capino. All rights reserved. Entered as second-class mail matter January 9, 1947 at the Manila post-office. What is the best method of stopping Russian ezpa,nsion? What Must be Done to Stop Russia? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the reasons for the emergence of · two worlds 2. To get acquainted with the process of Russian expansion 3. To know what proposals have been given to stop Russian expansion During the last twenty postwar months many books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports have been written on Russia. There is a growing tendency to make the world aware of the insidious influences of Russian culture, customs, policies, ideologies, and activities. This tendency is due to the desire to check in self-defense the threat of Russian expansion through the teaching of world communism. Emergence of two worlds During the last two years the dream of One World by the late Wendell Wilkie has been threatened by the emergence of Two Worlds. The first is the Western World or the Democratic World; the second world is the Soviet World. The Soviet World is fighting an ideological battle against the non-Soviet World. The United States champions the cause of democracy, and Russia that of communism. The rest of the nations are attracted to the pull of either two greatest. powers of the world which are apparently headed to the deadliest conflict that the world will have ever seen. The Soviet World The Soviet World is composed of Russia and ·heT satellites. It is composed of 9,000,000 square miles and 270,000, 000 people. It extends from the Bering Sea and the Kuriles to the Adriatic Sea, in the East, and from the Russian zones World Problem of Germany to Austria in the West. It covers roughly one fifth of the world's land and one eighth of its population. Six of the 55 members of the United Nations are included in the ·Soviet World. Russia is the leader of the Soviet World and communism is its main philosophy. The Western World The non-Soviet World is often called the Western World or the Democratic World. The Russians call it the Capitalistic World. It comprises about fourfifths of the area and seven eighths of the population of the world. All the democratic countries belong to this world. Although they belong to the Western World, many of them have their own divergent policies and interests which are not found in the Soviet World. The United States and Great Britain are the leaders of the Western World and democracy is its way of life. Struggle for ideological world domination There is a clear-cut division of ideologies and activities between the Soviet World and the Western World. Both differ in ideals, theories of government, ways of Jiving, and international policies. The policy of the Soviet World is based on national aggrandizement and world-wide communism. The policy of the Western World is based on free and democratic ways of living. Russia has recently become too nationalistic. The devastation of Russian economy and Ru~sia's fear of invasion by the Capitalistic Powers have led her to adopt a policy of national aggrandizement. This policy is now being implemented in the new five-year program ~ 4 9 3 2 0 '*33 for economic reconstruction· and systematic building of "friendly neighboring ·states." To date, Russia has annexed 260,000 square miles of territory with a population of 22,000,000 people. Russia exerts a de facto control over ~oland, Czechoslovakia, Hurigary, Eastern Aus-tria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Rumania, Eastern Germany, Finland, Manchuria, Northern Korea, Outer Mongolia, Sakhalin Island, and the Kuriles. Communism began in 1917 as a ,vorld revolution championing the dictatorship of the proletariat. Today communism is identified with the Soviet system, which is a c8mbination of opportunistic communism and totalitarianism. Russian totalitarianism has taken the place of Nazi totalitarianism. The world streng;th of communists has recently been revealed in London at a congress of the British Commwtlst Party. There are 18,692,000 members of the Communist Party scattered over 57 countries. In recent national el.ections held in 18 European countries, Communists or Communists-backed coalitions won one fourth of all seats in the national parliaments. The Western World abides by the principles of the Atlantic Charter which make people Jive under a government of their own choosing. It believes in safeguarding the essential human libertie& and rights needed by man to live a peaceful and just Jife. It subscribes to fundamental freedoms; as freedom of worship, speech, press, assemblage, and to petition the government for redress of grievances. It believes that liberty is essential to human progress. The Western World is opposed to the destruction of human freedom through the imposition of world coinmunism as brought about by Russian expansion. Russia is set to conquer the World Russian ideologies are being pushed through. Russian actions in World War II glaringly violated the principles 34* of the Atlantic Charter to which she had subscribed. The Atlantic Charter safeguards the right of a people to choose the form of government they would like to have. In support of this Charter, Stalin once said: "We do not want any foot of foreign soil." Contrary to this promise, Rw;sia openly ignored this covenant. The Red Army against bitter world protest has incorporated into the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, part of Finland, Eastern Poland, the Carpatho-Ukraine area of Czechoslovakia, Bessarabia, and Bokovina frvm Rumania, part of Gennany's East Prussia. The Western World is apprehensively watching the systematic scheme of Russia of forcing weaker countries to adopt her system of living and government. The democracies were recently shocked by the clever coup d'etat in Hungary. The duli elected government of Hungary was overthrown by the Communists. Everyone knows now that Russia is detenninedly organizing a strong, pro-Soviet economiC, political, and military block against the Western World. Russia continues to march to accomplish her long-range policy of spreading world communism. The Russians achieve their ends through infiltration, sabotage, and support of dissident factions in the governments of other countries with the ultimate aim of seizing power. Infiltration in the goverments of Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, and Czechoslovakia has been done by employing Soviet advisers to locat leaders holding key government positions. Russian support of Communist organizations and parties fomenting unrest and disorders has been unearthed in Iran, Kurdistan, Greece, and North Korea. What must be done to stop R,ussia? Two things become clear in our study of the recent world activities of Russia. These two are aptly summarized by the World Report: "Russia will continue to Current Events Review spread communism, but will not press that policy to a point where it will involve a break with the Western Powers." What will Russia do'? The same weekly answers: "Russia will continue her present policy of cooperation with the United Nations and the Anglo-American Powers at the minimum level that does not involve an open break or rupture." Russia, obviously, desires to secure at present the m~ximum bargain in a peaceful way until she becomes too powerful to be opposed. This policy was shown in the cases of Azerbaijan in Iran, Trieste, and the disposition of the Italian colonies. Many writers, radio commentators, editorial writers, newspaper columnists, and political leaders have presented various means of stopping Russian expansion. Vera Micheles Dean, Research Director of the Foreign Policy Association, in her latest book, Russi.a: Menace or Promise? writes that the only way to oppose the spread of Communi~t dictatorship is by actively promoting democracy. '"To base our foreign policy primarily on opposition to Russia would be to pursue a course that will eventhally bring us to a dead end in world politics. We must base our policy on a real realistic appraisal of our own national interests, always bearing in mind two key points: that our main object is to aid forces e:very\vhere working for the advancement of democracy; and that our ideals can best be realized within the framework of the United Nations." "If we wish to avert eventual defeat for this country (America)," writei; William B. Ziff· in his Two Worlds, "we nmst recognize that the U.S.S.R. and the United States must reorganize the world along federal principles. This is a responsibility we must share with the Soviet Union if the world is not to experience the most ruinous conflict it yet has seen." World Problem William C. Bullitt, United States Ambassador to Russia from 1933 to 1936, in his latest book entitled The Great Globe Itself enumerated 14 ways of halting Soviet imperialism. Among these are: (1) Take away in all official communications and uttE"rances phrases which describe the Soviet Union as a "peace loving demvcracy ," and treat it for what it is in fact, a totalitarian dictatorship, whose aim is to conquer the world for Communism. (2) Treat the Soviet Union with the most scrupulous fairness, frankness, and reciprocity, respecting its rights under international agreements and insisting that it respects ours and those of other democracies. (3) Furnish the United States Congress the facts which prove that Soviet Imperialism can be preven.ted from extending its control over Europe, the Far .East, and the Near East, only i:( we are ready to join the other demOcracies in action now to prevent fresh Soviet aggression and that Stalin does not want war. ( 4) Assist the democracies economically and financially. James Burham in his controversial !:>ook The Struggle for the World states that wOrld communism today i·s immensely stronger than Germany and Japan before World War II. He suggests that the United States adopt radical measures, even the use of every conceivable method to combat Commun~st infiltration, such as barring Communist parties everywhere,, giving all forms of aid-economic, political, food, machine, money, arms-for friends of democracy. He calls for the creation of an American empire and the use of force. Mr. Henry Wallace in his pamphlet The Fight for Peace pleads for an understanding with Russia in order to prevent World War III. In a recent town meeting of the air at Purdue University on the subject of ''How Should the Democracies .Meet the Challenge of Spreading Communism." *35 several speakers gave the following views: Lawrence Spivak, editor and publisher of The American Mercury, said: '•The only truly effective way we can stop the spread of Communism and the inevitable march toward war is ·to tell Russia and the world that we have (America) reached the end of appeasement, that we are ready, as a last alternative, to go to war to prevent further aggression." Clarence Streit, former Geneva correspondent of The Xew York Times, urges the formation of a World Federaral Union of experienced democracies. A union of free countries or democracies \vould federate to make Communism look sick because they would control from 51 to 95 per cent of the essential raw materials, means of production, transportation, monopolize the atomic power, and have 91 per cent of the world's tonnage and merchant shipping. Ralph Ingersoll, author of Top Secret said: "The challenge of Communism is met by practicing democracy at home and abroad." Study Helps Discussion questions for the class: 1. Why are there Two Worlds? 2. What factors brought about the emergenCe of the Soviet vi orld? What are the aims of the Soviet World? 3. Why is Russian, expansion dangerous? Cite examples to prove the danger of Russian imperialism. 4. ls Russian imperialism justifiable? Why? . 5. What is the ultimate aim of Russian expansion? 6. Do you think the Soviet System and the Democratic System could work peacefully side by side? Discuss. 7. Give your opinion on each of the proposals to stop Russia. What do you consider the best proposal to stop Russia? Why? 36* 8- Is the Truman Doctrine designed to stop Russian expansion? Why? 9. Someone suggested the use of the atomic bomb to stop Russian expansion. Are you in favor of this? Why? 10. Do you believe in effective economic and financial aid to countries fighting communism? Why? Should the Uinited States revive the Lend-Lease Act under the Roosevelt era which gave aid to nations fighting totalitarianism? References 1. Burnham, James, The Struggle for the World, pp. 90-113; 144-149. 2. Bullitt, William C., The Great Globe Itself, pp. 212-213. 3. Culbertson, Ely, :Must We Fight Russia? pp. 36-50. 4. Dean, Vera Micheles, Russia: Menace or Promise, pp. 10-40. 5. "How Should the Democracies Meet the Challenge of Spreading Communism?'~ Town Meeting Vol. 10, No. 48 (March 27, 1947) pp. 1-23. 6. ''What Does Russia Want?" Current Events Review, Vol. II, No. 1 (July, 1946), pp. 28-30. 7. Wallace, Henry, The :Fight for Peace, pp. 17-21. 8. 0 The Great Debate Between Sta· lin and Churchill," Current Events Re· view, ·vol. II, No. 1 (July, 1946), pp. 20-21. 9. Ziff, William B., Two Worlds, pp. 196-255. Now availableBABASAHING PAMPAARALAN (Unang Aklat) Suitable for beginners in the Filipino language in Grade II or III and advanced classes in Grade I. Manlapaz Publishing Co. Current Events Review What is the le.sson of the coup in Hungary? Hungary: Victim of Red Infiltration? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the importance of Hungary in central Europe. 2. To evaluate the role of Hungary in World War II. 3. To know why the Communist coup was staged. 1·he relation between the Western .World and Soviet Russia recently became more strained over the overthrow of the legitimate government of Hungary by a Communist-inspired coup. The United States registered a strong protest against the swift and unexpected overthrow of the legitimate government of Hungary, the "Land of Untried Democracy''; but Russia has remained cool and determined. Hungary before World War I Hungary faces Czechoslovakia in the north, Rumania in the east, Yugoslavia in the south, and Austria in the ~est. On October 16, 1918, the Magyar leaders dissolved the Dual monarchy of Austria and Hungary which was created in 1867 and established the Republic of Hungary. The area of Hungary before World War I was 44,813 square miles and the population was 11,037,426. Hungary after World War I After the end of World War I, the Hapsburg Empire was dissolved. Hungary was made a separate state. A continuous series of radical governments ruled the country. On October 24, 1918, Count Michael Karolyi made himself Premier. He offered a liberal platform, promising good reforms. But it was too late. In the spring of 1919, a young Communist, Bela Kun, took over World Affairs the government and proclaimed Hungary a Soviet Republic. Bela Kun immediately waged war against Rumania and Czechoslovakia in order to spread communism. His efforts were thwarted by a counter-revolution of the "Whites" led by Archduke Joseph, Count Bethlen, Julius Karolyi, and Vice-Admiral Nicholas Horthy. Admiral Horthy restored the monarchy. The throne was, however, left vacant, and Horthy exercised the powers of the king as Regent. The Treaty of Trianon in 1920 made Hungary destitute. She lost 67% of her pre-1914 area, about 50% of her population and over 50% of her factories and workers. For the next 20 years the Hungarian nationalists endeavored to regain the territories lost by Hungary. The country, however, faced economic collapse. Hungary's economic situation became most critical during the years 1929 to 1934. Beginning 1934 the Hungarians as a measure for self-preservation embraced exaggerated nationalism. The common cry of the nationalists was the return of Hungary's lost territories and population. Five years after Hitler had risen to power, the Hungarian government and Nazi Germany bec~me close friends. The government under Horthy moved closer to Hitler's orbit. Like Germany, Hungary passed legisl~~.tions against the Jews. In 1939 the Upper House of the Hungarian Parliament gave absolute power to Horthy. From 1939 Germany and Hungary became partners in a program of conquest. Hungary acquired a part of Czechoslovakia. Later, she was rewarded the northern half of the Rumanian province of Transylvania. In return for the terri*37 tories given to her by Hitler, Hungary accepted the Nazi ideology. In 1940 she signed with .Germany the Tripartite Agreement with Italy and Japan. Hungary in World War II Hu~gary became a Nazi satellite. In June, 1941, she was forced to fight side ~Y side with Germany against Russia. In December of the same year, she formally entered war against the United States and Britain. Although the eastern front in Hiingary suffered considerably from Russian attacks, Hungary suffered less than any other land· in southeastern Europe. The progress of the Second War made Hungary uncertain of her future action. The co~ntry was trying to play for time in the face of the Russian advance. Hitler detected the Hungari'an hesitation, and he ordered the Nazi forces to spread out throughout Hungary on March 19, 1944. In spite of Hitler's move, in September, 1944, the Russians were on Hungary's soil. Postwar Hungary In December, 1944, there were two governments in Hungary: the government under the Fascist leader, Ferencz Szolasy, who fled to Austria, and the new Government of Liberation which was set up by Gen. Bela Mikloz in Debreczen on December 13, 1944. Mikloz's government signed in Moscow the armistice with the United Nations. Hungary was forced to renounce all the territories ~he had acquired during the Second World War. She withdrew from these territories and occupied the frontiers she had on December 31, 1937. Hungary was occupied by the Allied troops. An Allied Control Commission composed of representatives of the United States, Britain, and Russia was set up. Elections were held on November 4, 1945. The Smallholders got 409 seats; the Cammunists, 70; the Social Demo38* crats, 69; the National Peasant Party 23; and the Democrats, 2. A coalition government was formed. The Smallholders' Party was given 9 portfolios, the Communists Party was gLven 4, the Social Democrats Party was given 4, and the National Peasants Party was gh·en 1. The coalition government was recognized by the United States, Brit· aln, and Russia. The victory of the Smallholders showed that when the people are given their chance to vote freely, they will select a democratic government. The 800,000 Red occupation forces failed to persuade the Hungarians to put the Communists in power. The Communist coup d'etat Hungary is included l'ft the pattern of Russia~s economic, political, religious, and military program for an Hlron Curtain" in Eastern Europe. To carry this program Russia concluded a Hungar.ianRussian pact which gives Russia virtual control of 50% of'the whole economy of Hungary. The economic treaty places in Russia the control of Hungary's major industries. The Hungarians themselves know that within five years Hungarian ind,ustries would be in Russian hands. The Communists aim to control not only the economic life of the people but also their political system. How did Russia succeed in gaining control of Hungary's political life? Hungarian democracy became a farce through the usual Russian tactics of infiltration and machination. In the national election held in January, 1947, the Smallholders Party under Ferenc Nagy got 59% of the votes. The Communists under Matyas Rakosi got 17% of the votes. The Communists, however, did not lose time in undermining the Hungarian government. Russia exerted pressure for the formation of a coalition cabinet. The key cabinet of the Ministry of Interior was given to the Communists. The Communists got control of the secret police. GraduaUy Current Events Review the leadership of the Smallholders was discredited. The usual plot-tricks were put into good effect. The Communists first showed that in January, 1946, there was a "supposed" conspiracy led by the Smallholders Party to overthrow the democratic government. This was, accord.in@; to the Communists,' a continuation of a deliberate plan to restore the Fascist government during World War II. Several of the prominent leaders of the Smallholders Party were arrested. Bela Kov~cs, Secretary of the Smallholders Party was arrested and was forced to make a "confession" of overthrowing the government. The "confession" implicated Premier Ferenc Nagy, Foreign Minister Janos Gyongyosy, and Varga, speaker of the Lower House. Through the leadership of Rakosi, a coup d'etat was staged. The Communists took over the government. Defense Minister Dinnyes Lajos was appointed Premier. The government of the people was overthrown by the party that had obtained only 17 % of the votes of the people in the last national election. What is tlie significance of the coup? Hungary is under the Allied Control Commission composed of representatives from the United States, BritaiP and Russia. Russia, however, wants the hegemony of Eastern Europe under her influence. In order to complete the hegemony of Eastern Europe, Russia must get complete control of Hungary either directly or ir~directly. Thus reeently, she concluded an 1•economic" treaty with Hungary which assures her of the control of Hungary's economic life. And finally, the seizure of the powers· of the government by the Communists was surely the iast step in the execution of her plan. There is no doubt that the Communists were guided -into power by the machination of Gen. Svridov, commander of the Russian oceupation troops. The Russian method is simple but effective. The governWorld Affairs ment chosen by the people is discredited and general suspicion is aroused against the leaders. The leaders are arrested and given the ,.confession" to corroborate the framed accusation. The Communist-sponsored leaders then take hold of the government, and Russia dictates the government. Why was the coup staged? First, Russia knew that she would have been at a disadvantage had the democratic government continued in power. Her economic grip on Hungary would have weakened, because the majority party then, the Smallholders Party, stands for nationa1ization and socialization of industries. Second, the peace treaty with Hungary provides that 90 days after the treaty goes into effect, all Allied troops in Hungary should be withdrawn. Russia saw the need of a Communist government in Hungary in order to protect her interests when the Red army is withdrawn from Hungary. Third, Russia wants Hungary to remain within her "lron Curtain." The government of Hungary must therefore be proCommunist, if not Communist. Fourth, Russia feared that the Communists might be thrown by the Hungarians in the next election in view of the fact that in the last election held in J anuary, 1947, the Communist party polled only 17 % of the votes. Fifth, Russia feared that Hungary like Greece and Turkey, might ask for "economic and military" assistance from the United States. If Hungary had done so, she would have fallen within the scope of the Truman Doctrine, and Rusaia would have lost her hold on Hungary. Reactions to the recent coup in Hungary are varied. President Truman calls it an .. outrage," a violation of the Yalta promise of political freedom for ex-enemy states, an intervention in the internal affairs of Hungary, and a "terrible" act. Joseph Harsch, radio commentator, said: ''The Communist had to (Please turn !<> page 64) *39 Will the Potsdam Agreement Continue to Create Conflicts? Why the Potsdam Agreement has Become a Source of Conflict between Russia and the United States Specific Objectives: 1. To understand the general purpose of the Potsdam Agreement. 2. To evaluate the significance of the Potsdam Agreement. 3. To understand why the Potsdam Agreement has become one of the controversial documents in modern history. What is the Potsdam Agreement? The Big Three met at Potsdam, a suburb of Berlin, from July 17, 1945, to July 25, 1945, and from July 28 to August 2, of the same year. President Harry S. Truman, Generalissimo Joseph Stalin, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill together with their advisers met during the nine meetings held from July 17 to .July 25, 1945. The conference was interrupted for two days because of the British general elections. Prime Minister Churchill was replaced by the new Prime Minister, Clement Attlee. The Potsdam Agreement was the result of the meeting of the Big Three. It laid down the general political and economic policies which the Big Three would follow during the Allied occupation of Germany. The Potsdam Agreement set up an Allied Control Commission composed of the military commanders of the four zones of occupation. Germany was divided into four zones of occupation - the British, American, French, and Russian zones. The Allied 40* Control Commission would rule Germany until peace is negotiated with a responsible German government. The Allied Control Council has been given the task of completing the disarmament and denazification of Germany and of decentralizing the German government. 'I'he Allied Control Commission would then take measures to develop local selfgovernment on a democratic basis. The Allied Control Council would set up enough central agencies to administer Germany as an economic unit pending the establishment of a responsible German government, would introduce such changes in the economic life of Germany as would destroy her Capacity to wage another war, and would place industries and other facilities for production under rigid control. The Potsdam Agreement. also laid down the principles on the payment of reparations by Germany, the disposal of the German navy and merchant marine, and the trial of Nazi war criminals. It determined the transfer of the city of Koenisberg to Russia, the peace treaty with Austria, the Polish Provisional Gov€:rnment and Poland's western boundary, the peace treaties with Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rum3.nia, and Finlar.d, the creation of the Council of Foreign Ministers, and the orderly transfer of German populations. What is the si!tnificance of the Potsdam Agreement? In the Potsdam Agreement the Big Three · •. manimously agreed to keep GerCurrent Events Review many from becoming again a menace to the peace of the world. The Allies hope that under the Potsdam Agreement Germany would become a democratic nation. France sees in the Potsdam Agreement the death knell of .the resurgence of a Germany which has invaded her twit!e in a generation. The British and the Americans feel certain of the destruction of Germany's capacity to make anothe1· war. Russia also believes that Germany must never again become capable of invading her. Immediately after the announcement of the Potsdam Agreement, there was unanimous opinion that the Big Three unity had been reaffirmed. But, today, the Allies and the world wonder why the Big Three which signed the Potsdam Agreement could not agree on some of the terms of the agreement. The world wonders why the Potsdam Agreement has increased the tension between Russia on the one hand and the United States and Great Britain on the other. The world is asking why the Potsdam Agreement has become one of the controversial documents in modern history. Historians are asking why the Potsdam Agreement was the cause of the breakdown of the recent Moscow Conference among the Big Four. There i,s contradiction of policies The Potsdam Agreement has become contmversial because of the presence of conditions which are difficult and impossible' to reconcile. It is assumed by the Potsdam Agreement that Germany would be able to achieve self-sufficiency under the economic principles agreed upon by .the Big Three. But several questions have been asked: How can Germany's industrial capacity produce enough to meet her domestic needs, if the Potsdam Agreement reduces German industry by 50% of her pre-war World Problem capacity? How can. Germany achieve self-sufficiency, if the Potsdam Agreement reduces her size by 25% and increases the density of her population? How will Gert,nany be able to have surplus fo1 exports in order to pay her imports if the Potsdam Agreement reduces German industry by 50%? How can Germany now feed herself with the loss of 28% of her arnble land? It should be noted that pre-war Germany had a density of 380 persons per squat'e mile. Today she has a density of 500 per square mile. Again, the provisions of the Potsdam Agreement on the treatment of Germany as an economic unit are ineconcilable. According to the Potsdam Agreement, Germany is to be divided for purposes of reparations into two parts: the Eastern Zone is for Russia, and the Western Zone is for the United States, Britain, and France. It is provided that Russia may remove industrial plants in her zone and may claim 25% of the industrial plants from the Western Zone. And how can Germany be treated as an economic unit unde1· such condition'! Germany h~ become divided economically and politically into East and West. This question is further made complicated by another provision of the Potsdam Agreement which provides for the division of Germany into four zones. Surely, such division would naturally work against the desire of the Allies to treat Germany as an economic unit. The division of Germany into four zones of occupation has accentuated the differences in the treatment of Germany as an economic unit. The Americans complain that Russia has refused to cooperate with the United States and Britain in treating Germany as an economic unit. The British and the American zones have recently been merged, thus reducing the zones into three. *41 There is difliculty in the inter· pretation of the Potsdam Agreement At the Crimea or Yalta Conference it was proposed that the amount of $20,000,000,000 should be used as a basis of discussion by a Reparation Commission. One half of this amount is allocated to Russia. The Potsdam Agreement provides for the transfer of German plants, machinery, and other .industrial equipment as reparation payments. It did not mention the payment of reparations to Russia out of Geiman current production to complete the payment of $10,000,000,000. During the Moscow Conference, Foreign Minister Molotov insisted on the payment of $10,000,000,000 or the taking out of billions of dollars worth of the current P'roduction of Germany, as agreed to by the Big Four at the Yalta Conference. Secretary of State George C. Marshall argued that the Potsdam Agreement on reparation has superseded the_ preliminary agreements reached at Yalta. The Potsdam Agreement laid down the principle of treating Germany as an economic unit in order to achieve a balanced economy. The Russian zone has been operating without regard for the other zones. Russia, for instance, has refused to disclose the availability of foodstuffs and the degree or character of reparations taken out of the Russian zone. Arthur L. Mayer, in an article in the New Republic, states that the Russians are bent on increasing factory production on German soil because their need for consumer goods is such that they are prepared to make almost any sacrifice of policy in order to get the goods. The provision on the territorial boundary of Poland has also -been made complicated by the Russian move. During the rapid advance of the Russians toward Germany, millions of Germans 42* living in eastern Germany fled to the Oder River. The Soviet armies, before the Potsdam Conference, placed eastern -Germany under the Poles. This was the situation which confronted President Tru(l\an during the Potsdam Conference. This situation is made plain by the report of the Secretary of State, George C. Marshall. It says~ "Under the existing circumstances, the President accepted the situation for the timebeing with agreed three-power statement, 'the heads of government reaffirm their opinion that the final delimitation of the western frontier of Poland should await the peace settlement.' ,., And yet Foreign Minister Molotov insisted in the Moscow Conference that a final agreement on the frontier between Germany and Poland had already been reached at Potsdam. The United States objects to the Soviet interpretation. The Soviet version of the boundary of Poland deprives Germany of a territory which before the war provided more than a fifth of the foodstuffs of Germany. The fourth point of misinterpretation is the German assets in Austria. The disagreement 'ues on the definition of "German e~ternal assets." The Potsdam Agreement provides for the taking of German assets in Austria by Russia as reparations. Russia has seized the property taken by the Germans from Austria after the A nschluss in March, 1938, and during the last World War. Russia insists that German assets include those assets taken by the Nazi government by force or duress from Austria as well as from the citizens of the United Nations following the taking over of Austria by military force in March, 1938. The United States is opposed to this view. The United States would limit "German external assets" to those "that were German~owned before the A nschlu.ss. Under the Russian definition of 'jassets," the property seized (Please turn to page 58) Current Events Review What is the future of Pakistan? Will Pakistan Bring Peace to Troubled India? Specific ob.iectives: 1. To know the origin of Pakistan 2. To know the reason for the creation of Pakistan ~. To appreciate the work of the Moslem League 4. To understand the prospects of P:.i.ki.stan "We want India," said Ali Jinnah, President of the All-India Moslem League, in a statement to the lntel'national News Service, "divided with an independent sovel'eign state, Pakistan, created in the northwestern and no!"theastern zones. That is the only prac· tical solution which will secure the achievement of stable and enduring governments for Hindustan and Pakistan which I feel confident will se!ile down as friendly neighbors like Canada 1.U~ the United States. Hindu ln\iia and Moslem India must be separated becau"3e they are entirely different and distinct and in some matters antagonistic. One India means· slavery for the Moslems under the Hindus." What is the origin of Pakistan? June 3, 1947, will be a memorable date in the history of India because on this day the British government announced that it will transfer British power to the people of India. This day is alao significant for the Hindus bec3use it announced the partitioning of India into Pakistan and Hindustan. What is Pakistan? What was its history? What is its main ideal? The word Pakistan lite1·ally means the "land of the Pure" or "Pure Religion." It is a term coined by the Moslem leaders for the Moslem state to be created from Moslem-majority areas in India. World Affairs The real cau-se of the rise of Pakistan is the Moslems' fear of Hindu dominance. The Moslems have become apprehensive of the increased Indian representation in the government under the British rule. The Moslems believe that if they would give in to Hindu majority in the legislatures, their own interests would be left unprotected. As early as 1890, Sir Ahmad Khan saw the need of Moslem education along western lines in order to prepare them for participation in the affairs of the government. In 1906 the Moslems asked Lord Minto io protect their interests in case representative government was introduced. They demanded among other things the right to elect :heir representatives to f:he municipalities. rural boards, and provincial legislatures. In the same· year the Moslems founded the Moslem Leag-Je for the sole purpose of protecting Moslem interests against Hindu domination. The Moslems constitute about 94,600,000 of the population of India, and the Hindus comprise about 255,000,000. The numerical inferiority of the Moslems is the main reas6n why they fear Hindu do~ination. The movement for Pakistan took shape in 1935 when a group of Moslem students studying in the United States returned to India and started' a propaganda for a separate Moslem state. The moving spirit behind this movement was Chowdri Rahmat; its spiritual fat~er was Mohammed Iqbal, a great scholar and poet. Iqbal died in 1938 and the leadership of the movement for a separate Moslem state fell on Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Through the leadership of Ali Jinnah, Pakistan became the battlecry and the official policy of the Moslem League. *43 i>AKJSTA~ A~A';) ll1Noil~TAN tJ2fA5 CONSTITUlNT WOV. .,llR'lnnl.,,.f'Y~T$ ~IU\l'l\!IP.'!:: ':S ~~-ril.;? fivided lndial India bas an estimated population of 400 000 000 - Pakistan· co'nstilueni st~~e:sj~~~: p!~~~~~:·~~Oifi~d~i:tt::? orw~::s~:,jeb! :~:~:s:at!f•ooO,ooo. Will th~ The work of the Moslem Leagiu Since its estab1isl1ment, the Moslem League has exerted all its efforts to protect the rights of the Moslerns. Their efforts were rewarded when the Morl~;y Minto Reforms of 1909 gave them ~de quate representation in the government. An electoral device providing for separate Hindu and Moslem electorates, with seats reserved in the highest legisiatures on a communal basis, enabled the Moslems to secure representation. Another victory of the Moslem Lea~ue came in 1916 when the Indian National Congress and the Moslem League signed the Lucknow Pact. Under the pact, the Hindus recognized the right bf the Mos44* Jems to separate electorates. From 1919 to 1924 the Moslem League accepted the idea of the principle of selfgovernment for India. From 1928 to 1932 the Moslem League accepted the idea of an all-India federation which would provide for separate electorates for Moslems and Hindus. In 1935. the Moslem League became very active because the Government of India Act of 1935 was under consideration by the British government. When the Moslems found out that the government would be ruled by the majority in the legislatures, they vigorously opposed the .AllIndia Federation on the ground that it did not provide for equal represe~lta tion. In 1940 the Moslem League announced its opposition to political unity Current Events Review in any form. At its session held at Lahore in March, 1940, the Moslem Le~"le definitely demanded the creation f Pakistan. The prospects of Pakistan On June 5, 1947, Mohandas K. Gandhi, the "elder statesman" of the Indian Congress Party told his audience that JI Ii Jinnah has obtained what he has l:>een fighting for-the c1·eation of Pakistan. What does the plan include? What arc its prospects ? Under the scheme of Pakistan, most of northern India would be separated into a form of India's uu1ster," which will include the North-Western Frontier Province (92% Moslems), Baluchistan (87% Moslems), Punjab (56% Moslema), the State of Jimmu and Kashmir (7'7% Moslems), and Bengal (55% Moslems). The creation of Pakistan i.s now definite and certain. The problems are many. They are not only religious, but also economic, political, and military. ult is plain," writes the Atlantic Monthly in a special article on India, "that the Hindu-Moslem conflict should be seen, not as a religious one, but as a straightforward political and economic struggle for power, with the spoils of office as prizes." I. Ali Jinnah demands that six provinces be included in Pakistan. These are Sind, Baluchistan, the North-West Frontier Province, the Punjab, Bengal, and Assam. The Moslems are the majority in the first three provinces. In the Punjab and the Bengal provinces the Hindus and the Moslems are equally divided. In Assam the Moslems are in the minority. If the Moslem League demands to includE:: under the Pakistan Punjab, Bengal, and Assam provinc.~s, a great number of people liviilg in these areas would be outside of Pald.stan. How would the Hindus then be trea•:cd in case the Moslems rule over these provinces? Would the rights of the Hindus be respected by the Moslems? World Affairs Would it be necessary to transfer the Hindus outside of Pakistan? This is a difficult problem and would likely bring troubles. 2. In the Punjab province, one of the provinces claimed by Ali Jinnah .ior Pakistan, bloodY riots took place for 35 days in whiGh Moslems and Sikhs and other minorities took part. Riots also took place in the North West Frontier Provinces on account of religious differences. The problem is: What will be done with the Hindus in some provint::es claimed for Pakistan? 3, If there will be Pakistan, there will be two governments and two constitutions. How will the country be governed? How will the constitutions ~f fect the minorities in either Pakistan and Hindustan? 4. The Indian Army is the best army in Asia. Who will get the Indian Army when India is divided into Paki.stan and Hindustan? The Indian Army is composed of Moslems, Hindus, and other peoples belonging to various Indian 1eligions. If the Indian Army is divided, would it benefit the Hindus or Meslems? Will the division bring peace to troubl~d India? 5. The creation of Pakistan according to British leaders, will prevent a bloody civil war. Winston Churchill once voiced in Parliament that unless India is divided, the world might yet witi.ess the bloodiest civil war in history. The WQ~·ld has witnessed the beginnings of bloody civil wars in India in which more Indians have been killed than during the entire rule of Britain in India. The New York Herald Tribune believes that the partition of India would lead at once to rooperation between Moslems and Hindus for economic reasons. The paper points to the fact that railroads, telephone lines, and other essential facilities we!.·e constructed without regard to religious differences. These facilities would have to be controlled in some manner. It (Please turn to page 49) *45 What is the future of the Balkan•! Why are the Balkans the Powder Keg and Tinderbox of Europe? Specific objectives: 1. To understand why the Balkans are a 'isore spot" of. the world 2. To understand the causes of troubles in the Balkans 3. To understand why the Big Powers are entangled in the problems of the Balkans Why we should understand the Balkan problem The recent Communist coup in Hungary has focused again the eyes of· the world on one of the "sore spots" of postwar Europe. Writers are again discussing the old question of Balkan Federation, Pan-Slavic Federation, and the Mediterranean Geopolitiks. A study of the Balkan problem will help us understand why the countries composing southeastern Europe will continue to play a great role in thE" current history of Europe. In the first of the two sue .. ceeding articles we shall discuss why the geographical position of the Balkans has always been the cause of conflicts. We shall also present a concise but meaningful outline of the causes of the conflicts in the Balkans. In the second article we shall discuss what is happening today in the b'oubled countries of southeastern Europe. These two articles are intended to give the backgrounds for the understanding of cun·ent -events in the Balkans. What are the Balkans? The word Balkan in the Turkish language means 0 mountain." This is the term that aptly applies to a group of 46* mountainous states in the Balkan peninsula or in southeastern Europe. The Balkan states are Yugoslavia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Albania, and Greece. If you look at the map you will notice that the Balkan peninsula is broken . by mountains which cut the various states into isolated i·egions. The geographical features of the states make it difficult to bring about national unity. In Greece and Albania, for instance, the spirit of local independence has long been fostered by the natural division of these countries into isolated regions. What role have the Balkans played in history? The Balkans have played an important role in history. Armies of different countries have marched across the Balkans either' for defensive reasons pr for offensive motives. The Romans, the Byzantine Greeks, the Goths, the Huns, the Slavs, the Crusaders, the Turks, the Venetians, the French, the Austrians, the Russians, the Italians, the Germans, and the British have all made use of the Balkans at 'one time or another as a lnidge. "The debris of many civilizations," writes the American Historical Association, 11 have been left in the Balkans by conquering armies." The Balkans have been the battleground of rival cultures, political systems, religions, and imperial powers. The different peoples who live in the Balkans have inherited the experience of many centuries of war and oppression. Many peoples in the Balkans The racial composition of the Balkans Current Events Review (Courtesy of the American Historical AHociation) The Bolkans.-Why do you think differences have developed among various peoples of the Balkans? How do these differences affect peace? is one of the important causes of internal troubles. The principal nationalities in the Balkans today were already settled there thousands of years ago. These peoples came from different ancestors. The Albanians are considered the earliest people in the peninsula. The Greeks have been in Greece, since many World Affairs hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. The people of Rumanla claim descent from the Romans. The Yugoslavs is the name given collectively to be the presentday descendants of the Slavs who migrated to the Balkan part of the Byzantine Empire about 570-700 A.D. The people of Bulgaria descended from *47 an Asiatic Tartar tribe which came to the Balkan peninsula in the 7th century. The different cultures of these people have given rise to conflicts in ideolegies and loyalties. In each country there are "minorities" which do not find satisfaction with the ruler. The Croats and the Slovenes in Yugoslavia, for instance, are looked down upon hr the Serbs who rule the country. One million Albanians, living in southern Yugoslavia, still hope for the day when they could join their fellow Albanians. There are many Macedonians living in Greece, and· Yugoslavia accuses Greece for maltreating the Macedonians. In Rumania there are many minorities who find it difficult to live peacefully among themselves. These ai-e the Ukrainians, Germans, Serbo-Croats, Magyars, and Bulg11rians. In Yugoslavia, too, there are many Serbo-Croats, Germans, Rumanians, Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Bulgarians, Greeks, Slovenes, Magyars, Vlachs, and Italians. Local conflicts Differences in culture among the peoples is the usual cause of the local conflicts in the Balkans. Since the end of World War I, the troubled Balkans have not found complete peace on account of the existence of many minorities. Yugoslavia has troubles with Italy. The Slavic Slov'enes and Croats are mixed with the Italians along the Adria.'tic. The people within the city of Trieste are mostly Italians, but the people outside the city of Trieste are Slavs. Even inside Yugoslavia there have been sharp conflicts between the Serbs, who are Greek Orthodox in religion, and the Slovenes and Croats who are Roman Catholics. The Wilsonian principle of self-determination has inspired the nationalistic sentiment of many of these minorities. This sentiment is an important factor in the local conflicts. Efforts have been tried to exchange population in order to solve the problem of local conflicts among the various nationalities 48''' inside a state. Today the problem of minorities in the Balkans is still as great as ever. There are still many displaced persons in different Balkan states. The seeds of discord in the Balkans have not yet been removed. European powers increased the conflicts The local conflicts in the Balkans are being increased by certain European powers. The main reason why the European powers have been entangled in the problems of the Balkans is geographic. The Balkans is a bridge between the West and the East. It is universally described as the connecting link between the East and the West. Adoif Hitler made clear the significance of the Balkans in his Drang Nach Osten (Push to the East). He knew what ;t means to conquer the Balkans. The British fought a heroic battle in the. defense of Greece because of the strategic importance of Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean. Austria opposed the independence of the Balkan Slavs because she knew the independence of the Balkans would have destroyed the Dual monarchy of Austria and Hungary. Before World War I, Russia was in favor of the independence of the Slavs, because she was interested in the control of the strategic Dardanelles. .The only way of achieving this control was to fight for the independence of the Balkan Slavs whom she could later control. Britain has always opposed Russia's expansion in the Mediterranean because it would endanger her life-line. In the days of Mussolini, Italy dreamt of rebuilding the Roman Empire. But Italy is separated from Yugoslavia by the Adriatic. Italy fought in vain for the return of 11unredeemed Italy." Germany before World .War I was also interested in the Balkans because she wanted to build a railroad from Berlin to the city of Bagdad in the Persian Gulf. The t"·o Balkan Wars of 1912-1913 were Current Events Review fought not only by the Balkan states and Turkey but also by the Big European powers which took sides with the Balkans against Turkey for political i·easons. "The unfortunate Balkan counbies," writes the American Historical Association, "whose peoples longed only for a chance to live and work in peace and safety, were forced to meet one crisis after another." Study Helps l>iscussion quesbions for the class: L Explain how the geographical features of Greece prevented the growth of a strong Greek national state in ancient times. Do you think that Greece's geographical position is as important today as in the time of Alexander the Great? Why? · 2. What made the American Historic.a~ Association say that the Balkans have been left the "debris of many civilizations and cultures"? Give specific -eID.mple from your study of world histacy. 3. Why is the geographical position of' the Balkans strategic? 4. How does the problem of minori-ties contribute to disorder in the Ballrans? 5. Explain why there is a strong conflict between the Orthodox Serbs and the Roman Catholic Croats in Yugoslavia. I&. Why have the Big Powers in Eurape been entangled at one time or anot.lller in the Balkan problem? References l. The Balkans EM 43 GI Round1''1ble, pp. 1-22. 2. Spotlight on the Balkans by P. B. St<>yan, pp. 1-30. :l. Politics of the Balkans by Joseph Ilcrucek, pp. 1-50. 4. After the War-What? by Preston Slosson, pp. 56-57. :5. Peace Atlas of Europe by Samuel Van Valkenburg, pp. 87-112. 6. The Time for Decision by Sumner Welles, pp. 249, 253. World Affairs Will Pakistan ... (Continued from page 45) would be foolish to cut railroads where they cross artificial boundaries on a fJat plain. "The day will come," writes the same paper, "when all well-informed Indians will realize that their welfare depends in part on the willingness of the leaders of various factions to sit at the same conference table and work out agreements." Study Helps Discussion que;;tions for the class: 1. What circumstance brought ·abot1t the creation of Pakistan? 2. Is it right for the Moslems to <le· mand for the protection of their right::;? Why? Is Pakistan against India's unity. Why? 3. What is the main purpose of Pakistan? Do you believe in what Ali Jinnah thinks about two Indias '! Is there truth in the statement of the· Atlantic Monthly that Pakistan is not merely a religious question ? Do you find any similarity between the demand of the Moslems for Pakistan and demand of the Arabs for the independence of Palestine? 4. What are the prospects of Pakistan? Will it bring peace to India? References 1. Gosha!, Kumar. The People of India, p. 269. 2. Parkin, Raleigh. India Today: An Introduction to Indian Politics, pp. 107-110. 3. "The Battle of Pakistan," News Review, April 3, 1947, p. 14. 4. "Indian Moslems to Get Pakistan," The New York Times, May 4, 1947, p. 4E. 5. Mathews, Maxine, "Pakistan - Hi;;tory and Prospects," Current History, March, 1946, pp. 244-252. 6. "India," Atlantic Monthly, April, 1946, pp. 3-7. 7. 11 Must Britain Give Up India'.:''' Edgar Snow, The Saturday Evening Post, September 12, 1942, pp. 9-10; 109-111. "49 What is the future uj' the T.ruman Doctrine? Will the Truman Doctrine Lead to War or Peace? (This monthly section on press opinions on current international events is presented in order to provide materials for class exchange and evaluation of opinions. ·The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Current Events Review.) Backgrounds of the problem The new foreign policy of the United States designed to help free peoples fight totalitarianism has aroused both favorable and adverse criticisms. Although this program of 11economic and military" assistance, known as the Truman Doctrine, is nOw being put into operation, it is still being d~bated, discussed, and evaluated by the American people. Open forums, town hall meetings, and group discussions are being held to appraise the American people in particular and the world in genei-al of the significance of the new American foreign policy. Will the new foreign policy lead to war or peace? Below are the leading opinioils on this vital question in the United States. The Truman Doctrine will stop World War Ill It has been said that Hitler could have been ~topped had not the democracies appeased him at Munich on September 29, 1938. The Communists have not forgotten this incident. "They know," spoke James Burnham at the Town Hall Meeting at Oklahoma City, "that if the democracies are firm, then 50* communism will have to retreat. Tb-e communists also know that if oner again the democ1·acies appease totalitarianism, then communism will win not only Greece and Turkey. Then communism will chpose its own time· for launching ~ new war to establish the World Federation of Socialist Soviet Republics." The Truman Doctrine creates an armed truce Opponents of the Truman Doctrine state that the policy will not immediately lead to war because the Russians are not ready for war and the American people do not want war. j 1 But the Truman policy," spoke Max Lerner, editor and publisher of the pro-communist paper PM, udoes make peace harder. It creates an armed truce between~ America and Russia which, in the end, e&Tl only lead to war." Truman's policy will keep the peace If the American people will back President Truman without equivocating .. the new foreign policy of the United States will bring peace. 0 We are not seeking," said former Governor Alfred Landon, "to rule the world. We ~ seeking to establish law and order. We are allying ourselves with the masses all over the world, including probably., a majority of the Russians themselves. Our new foreign policy throws our Current Events Review weight on the democratic side of the scale of world opinion. In the final analysis, the conclusion cannot be escaped that the forced labor of communism is close enough to human slavery to have a paralyzing effect on technological kn6w-how. "In the world we live in, success in war or peace depends on the science of mechanics. We are the masters of mechanics. The President's policy is based on using that genius of the American people to keep the peace." The Truman Doctrine is a road-to-war-program According to Senator Glen H. Taylor, the Truman Doctrine is as old as war itself. "I do not say," said Senator Taylor, "that our national top leadeTship wants war, but I do say that the military is altogether too powerful in our highest council and are joined by the cartel kings and the big press. We no longer have a foreign policy. It is a military strategic plan which must eventually end in war unless the people stop it. I do not know what motive impels the press to support this road-to-war program, but they are certainly doing it even to the extent of using . every catch phrase and innuendo to stir up hatred of Russia and foreclose any possibility of peace.'' The Truman Doctrine is a warning to Ru.•sia In 1937 President Roosevelt delivered a speech advocating quarantining aggressor nations. The speech failed to accomplish its purpose because it was not followed by action. The New York Times describes the speech as "nothing Jess than a warning to Russia to desist from physical aggression and diplomatic attrition." World Affairs The Truman Doctrine will lead to war Opponents of the Truman Doctrine believe that the Truman Doctrine has weakened the United Nations because it has deprived the world organizations of an opportunity to serve Greece and Turkey. The Chicago Tribune said that the Truman Doctripe is a '1 cold war speech against Russia. The outcome will certainly be war." The Truman Doctrine may bring peace The Buffalo Courier thinks that the United States has assumed a new world responsibility in announcing a new foreign policy and that there will be no World War III or at least it will not originate in the Tegion where the danger of war is greatest now. "If Wf! stand firm and display," this paper asserts, "a ready willingness to accept world responsibility, and do not .send a dime to do a dollar's job, it is possible to bring about a world peace agreement at least two •or three years before we now expect it." Study Helps Discussion questions for the class: 1. Evaluate the various opinions expressed. Do you 'think that the new foreign policy of the United States will lead to war? 2. Do you agree in the opinion that there must be an end to appeasement now? Why? 3. Do you believe that the Truman Doctrine creates an armed truce? Why? Do you think that the Truman Doctrine has increased the tension between the United States and Russia? Why? 4. Are you· in favor of the United States aid to Greece and Turkey? Why? *51 * United Nations Series (2) Special Report on the Activities of the United Nations Report on a World Police After working for :tnore than Hi months, the United ~ations Military Staff Committee, composed of the Big Five members of the Recurity Council, submitted its report o:ri a world police force. The report presents the plan of carrying out the provisions of the Charter for the creation of a world police force to prevent aggression. The report lays down forty-one general principles on the organization of a world police force. According to the report, the proposed world police force will be used for suppressing aggression only by small powers. Each member nation of the UN will contribute armed units ~o the police force which will be made available to the Security Council. There wiTi be no standing army for the United Nations. The members of the UN would earmark contingents for use in accordance with what the Security Council would decide are needed for use against an aggressor. The report shows disagreement on many points between Russia and the Western Powers. Russia disagrees with the Western Powers on fourteen points out of the forty-oile general principles. Russia is in favor of keeping the contingents in the home soil whenever they are not in the service of the United Nations. Russia is also opposed to the principles of bases for use by the United Nations. She is likewise opposed to the exchange of information on the position of national contingents when they are in the home soil. The report has been submitted to the Security Council for discussion. It is hoped that a workable solution could be found to settle fundamental differences. 52* Study Helps 1. Do you think that the world po· lice force is needed by the Security Council? Why? 2. Why will the world police force be used to suppress aggression only by small nations? 3. Why is Russia opposed to the grant of bases for use by the United Nations and to the exchange of information on the position of national contigents when they are in the home soil? A Suggestion to Improve World Agriculture The sub-committee of the Food and Agricultural Organization, which met in Washington to discuss plans for a world catalog of all types of plants and animals of importance in agricultural production, recbmmended that the F AO act as a world clearing house for informa· tion collected by the scientists of the member governments. It pointed that a central source of information weuld benefit the world. Such source would keep breeders well informed and would aid them in developing improved types of plants and livestock. The dissemination of scientific -agricultural methods is an important means of increasing food production and of improving the quantity and quality of the human diet. The group recommended that the artificial barriers to the free international exchange of plant and animal stocks be removed and that nations cooperate in the testing and propagation of- new methods of breeding animals for the benefit of the world. Study Helps 1. What is the purpose of the creaCurrent Events IUview tion of a clearing house for information on all types of animals and plants? 2. Do you favor the abolition of artificial barriers to the free movement of gP.netic stocks? Why? How will the world be benefited by this? New Projects for UNESCO The Executive Board of UNESCO has launched three large-scale projects; (1) an educational reconstruction program to help devastated countries of UNESCO, (2) a campaign for the spread of fundamental education, and (3) the promotion of international understanding, primarily through the field of education. To promote the first project, which is deemed essential to the long-term project of scientific and cultural education of the world, more than 40 private bodies recently met in Paris and offered to help in the collecting of money and gathering of materials to the value of $100,000,000 for educational reconstruction. Pledges of assistance in money and educational supplies hav·~ been steadily mounting. The second p t•n .. ject is important because it is belie-,rerJ that the present educational inequality among nations represents a danger to the peace of the world. The world will not become one if half of it remains illiterate. Two new te~hniques may be tried in China and Haiti to find the best wa.ys of eliminating illiteracy. The Secretariat will continue to collect information about fundamental education at the adult level tliroughout the world. The third project will be undertaken to promote world-mindedness among students. Different approaches will be explored, including the use of textbooks and teaching materials, clubs, out-ofschool activities, the school assembly, the discussion group, and individual aid.s. The textbooks used will be carefully examined by members of UNESCO so as to see to it that the books promote international understanding. Study Helps 1. Why is educational reconstruction United Nations Series-2 important in achieving the long-term objective of p1·omoting scientific and cultural education? 2. Why is the education of the adult illiterates important? 3. Why is it important to eliminate from textbooks ideas that develop hatred against other countries? UN Committee on International Law Convenes The 17-member United Nations Committee on progressive development and codification of international law has begun the comprehensive and important task of setting up the procedure for the incorporation of the following three recent' major developments in world affairs into international law: the deci·Sions on the Nazi war criminals of the Nuremberg tribunal, which will possibly form the basis for an international criminal code; Panama's request for a definition of the rights and duties of states, presented to the General Assembly session last December; and the crime of genocide which is defined by the General Assembly, as "a denial of the right of existence of entire human groups, as homicide is the denial of the right to live of individual human beings." The committee will study the various matters before it and will present its report in the next session of the General Assembly. It is expected that after receiving the i·ecomrnendations of the Corn~ mitee, the Assembly win immediately form a qualified body to take up the actual work of codification and incorporation. The task may require years to complete. Study Helps 1. Why should the decisions at the Nuremberg trial be included in the body of international laws? 2. Do you think we should include genocide as international crime? 3. Why should we have a clear definition of the rights and duties of the states? *!i3 Significant World News Roundup UNITED STATES V. S. pushes the doctrine of enlightened self-interest The United States is taking an active 1·ole in pushing the doctrine of enlightened self-interest. President Truman has appointed a 19-man non-partisan citizens committee and two other committees within the government to study how much American help can "safely and wisely" be sent abroad. The first committee will determine the facts with respect to the character and quantities of United States resources available for economic assistance for foreign countries. The two other committees will study the .state of America's national resources and the impact on America's national economy of aid to foreign CQUTItries. What is the significance of the news? The American plan under the direction of President Truman is believed essential to the recovery of production abroad. This, in turn, is essential to world trade, vigorous democr~y, and peace founded on freedom. The plan to study the impact of foreign aid by America is also important in order to know how far America can extend foreign aid. GERMANY What is the solution to Germany's food problem? AU the four zones /of Germany are fQcing acute food crisis. All rations in the four zones are below the prescribed levels. The daily caloric level in the So· viet zone is below 1,000. The French military government is finding difficulty 54* in getting food from the farming areas to the industrial sections of the Saar. Even the American promise of 1,550 calorie ration in the American zone could r.ot be followed. In the British zone the food problem has become so acute that one often hears the grumbling: "Man cannot live by bread alone." It has been suggested that the only solution to the food crisis is to take immediate steps to initiate currency reform, for the people always have respect for hard currency. Another practical suggestion b to establish a clear relationship between indigenous food collections and imports. This will result in determining who is responsible for failure in food collection. If the Germans are found responsible for food collection, then a part of their imports would be withheld from them. What is the significance of the news? The food crisis in all zones of occupation will affect the political philosophy, economics, and morality of the Germans. The Germans would support any party that could offer them food. Businessmen are forced to sacrifice part of their production in an illegal way in order to be able to offer food and clothing to their workers. The initiation of hard currency will be a stimulus for farmers to work harder, because they will have faith in it. Unless hard cur· rency is introduced, the farmers will always try to evade food collections. GREECE Plans to carry out the aid to Greece The United States has :finished its Curr<!nt Event9 Review plans tO carry out its economic and military assistance to Greece. The United Slates aid to Gre~ce has two phases. The first phase is political. It calls for bolstering governme.nts on the borders of Russia in order to "contain" Russia. The second is ''economic". It calls for the exploitation of the economic re~urces of Greece with American capital. Greece will be extended $300,000,000 loan. Military equipment shall be transferred to Greece. Advisory Army and· Navy mission of fifty persons has been tentatively set up to supervise the aid Jlrogram. lVJiat is the significance cf the news? lt is essential to plan and supervise carefully the implementation of the aid to Greece. Under the present plan, '$000,000,000 will be spent for- economic aid and $150,000,000 for military aid. Assistance to Greece will cover not only ~opervision of the alloted amount for aid but also the advising of the Greek government on policies of administration, including the budget. Sound and efficient adnlinistration is essential. This will call for the employment of Ameri<'3.DS by the Greek governlJlent in key positions. Cooperation anust also exist between Americans and Greeks in publfo affairs and in other fields of en<ltavors. FRANCE F"rance needs aid to fight Communism Recent events in France show that she must have a realistic appraisal of her economic situation if she wants to keep herself from falling into the hands of the Communists. The problem of food, inflation, and economic recovery are giving the French government a terrible headache. Strikes continue to plague the country. Recently ~n ominous International News warning that strike would be -continued to be used as a weapon again-st the capitalists was given by Eugene Henaff, Communist secretary of the powerful Federation of the Trade Unions in Paris. Leaders of the democratic parties ure closely observing- how the Communists would prevent the government from carrying· its policy of fixing wages, reducing prices, balancing the budget, and balancing the franc. What is the significance of the news? If the world wants to see a stabilized democratic France, aid must be extended to her. And the only country that cr>uld extend this aid is the United States. Communism is gaining ground in France through the control of many labor unions. These organizations continue to flout the people with reforms in the government in order to give the people enough bread and high wages. This propaganda may ultimately work on the French people if they are left to suffer long. Speaking of aid to France, former United States Ambassador to Russia and France, William C. Bullitt, in an a~ticle · iiFranc'e in Crisis," said: °Food, coal, machinery, friendship-in the present battle for France, all thes~ D,re not enough. Man lives, in the deepest recesses of his being, by faith and hope. And faith and hope are low in France today. Tens of thousands of democratic Frenchmen want to emigrate to North and South America. Why? Because they have lost faith in the possibility o.f reviving European civilization and see in the distance the crushing. wheels of the Soviet Juggernaut." BRITAIN British government begins to entertain harsh measures A new fuel-saving plan has been announeed by the government in order to *55 solve its fuel problem. Mr. Shinwell, Minister of Fuel, believes that drastic measures she.mid be taken at once. The government laid do\\'11 the following principles: ( 1) Every house will be given a quarterly electricity target, based on thP number of rooms and the number of people living in it. (2) If in any quarter the target figui·e is exceeded the household will be warned that no more electricity can be made available. Then if the warning is not heeded, the current will be cut off. Wha.t is the significance of the news? The plan is surely objectionable to the British people, but they have no other alternative than to accept it. The main reason for the plan is the seriousness of the coal shortage. The government is still considering other measures to make air-tight the solution to the fuel problem. It plans to prohibit the sale of electrical appliances, except where the appliance is an unavoidable replacement, and to increase the rates for the purpese of discouraging too great a use of electricity. INDONESIA Deterioration of Dutch·lndone· sian relations The Cheribon Agreement, signed on M'arch 25, 1947, defining the relation between the Dutch •government and the Indonesian Republic has become the source of new conflicts between the two governme1lts. In accordance with the Cheribon Agreement, the Dutch owners of prewar plantations expected that the Indonesian government would retnrn their plantations to them. Indonesian extremists approve of the plan but would not guarantee the .safety of the Dutch in the interior plantations. Indonesians who now possess the p1·ewar Dutch plantations hesitate to return the plantations to their Dutch owners. Many 56* of them would like to deal directly with their Dutch owners. This move is in direct opposition to the opinion of the joint Dutch-Indonesian committee negotiating the settlement of Dutch-Indonesian economic questions. The Indor.esians, however, give as an excuse the arbitrary Dutch military activities. According to the Indonesians the arrival of additional Dutch forces in the Islands is a violation of the Cheriboo1 Agreement. The Dutch explains that the rt< w arrivals are intended to replace the veterans who will be returned to Holland. The Indonesians are also <Opposed to the creation of the interim government under the control of the Dutch representative. What is the significance of the news? Dutch-Indonesian relation in the fastfew weeks hss not been pleasant. The conflict is mainly due to the difference of interpretation of the Cheribon Agnement. It appears that the provisions of the Agreement are not interpreted in the true spirit of solving peacefully the Indonesian Problem. War clouds hover over Indonesia. The. Dutch insist on the creation of the interim government; the Indonesians refuse to establish an interim government under Dutch controL War has started. The formal pact failed to bring peace. JAPAN Purge continues The purge of Japanese officials wim· were responsible for starting the war continues. The Central Screening Committee of the Japanese government purged three more Japanese ministers_ They are Fi~ance Mif!,ister Tanzan J.shibashi, Commerce Minister Mitsujiro Ishii and Justice Minister Tokutaru Kimura. Ishibashi was editor of the nragazine Oriental Economist which SilPported ·militaristic and economic imCurrent Events Review pcriaHsm in Asia. Kimura was chief of the Imperial Rule Manhood Association, a branch of the Imperial Rule Assistance Association organized by the late P1:ince Konoye. ll~hat is the significance -0/ the news? The p~rge was effected under the Allied directive that intellectuals who lJsed their talents to stimulate the war efforts of Japan are not fit to work for the present government. Present Japanese leaders believe that the purge of the three ministers is a great blow to the Liberals in the new government of Japan. The Liberals believed that these -three prominent leaders could do much in shaping the destinies of the country. But American policy in Japan is bent on purging the Japanese government of those responsible fQ.r the last global conflict. KOREA Progress is being made It is very interesting to note the progress made by the joint United StatesSoviet commission on the solution of Korea's problem. The joint United States-Soviet Commission reconvened to resume talks on the proposal for the establishment of a Korean provisional government. A recent announcement said that the commission had completed final arrangements for its first meeting with Korean democratic parties and social organizations. What is the .significance of the news? It was Secretary George C. Marshall who insisted during the last Moscow Conference that the joint United States-Soviet commission resume their talks to discuss the proposals for a provisional government for Korea. In International News 1946, the commission failed to solve the Korean problem because of the Russian objection to the request of the United States that the representatives of the democratic parties be consulted in the formation of the provisional government. Both the United States and Russia remained firm, and the talks on Korean provisional government stopped. The recent announcement that Russia has agreed to consult Korean democratic parties and social organizations is a victory for the Koreans. Study Helps Discussion questions for the class: 1. Why is foreign aid essential tO world trade? Is the plan of President Truman wise? WhY? 2. Why should there be a coordination between food collection and German imports? Why is the ~nitiation of hard cqrrency important in Germany? 3. Why should American aid in Greece be carefully w&.tched and supervised ? Why is the aid to Greece indispensable to the defense of America's freedom? Is there a necessity of employing Americans in the Greek government? "'hy do the Russians object to such an arrangement? 4. Do you believe in the ·comment of Bullitt? Should the United States extend aid to France under the same condition as she did to Greece? What do you .think of Bullitt's suggestion to establish a United States of Europe? 5. Why has the British government resorted to harsh measures to solve Rriti-sh fuel problem? Do you think the measure of strictly rationing electricity is justified? What do you think of the other plan of the British government? 6. A. writer has suggested to use force in the implementation of the Cheribon Agreement. Do you believe in (Please turn to the next page) • 57 World News Roundup .•. (Continued) this? Why are there conflicting opinions on the interpretation of the Cheribon Ag1·eement? Are both the Dutch and Jndonesfo.ns playing politics? 7. Are you in favor of purging Japanese officials after they have been eleeted by the people? Why? 8. Why was Russia opposed to the consultation with the representatives of the Korean democratic parties? Are you in favor of the present arrangement of consulting the representatives of the democratic parties and organizations? ""hy? '\Thy do you think Russfa decided to resume th.e talks on t.be Ko-rean provisional government? Why the Potsdam ... (Continued from page 42) by the Germans from the Austrians would be considered German assets, and therefore subject to Russian confisc::ation. Under the United States definition of German external assets Russia would be allowed to seize only the property lega11y owned by the Germans in Austria. Significance of the misinterpretations The peace of Europe is being delayed as a result of th€: differences of interpretations over some provisions of the Potsdam Agreement. The examples disC'USSed above show why the tension between Russia and the Western Powers has increased. The existing deadlock between Russia and the Wes tern Powers is t.o the serious disadvantage not only of Germany and Austria but also of Europe. It means that Western Europe will continue to depend on British and American generosity and that British and the American taxpayers will continue to bear the expense of supporting the occupation army and of helping the 58* Germans live. It also means that Eastern Europe will continue to go broke because Russia has removed industrial plants and has taken out much of German products out of cwrrent production. Study Helps Discu.ssion questions for the class: 1. Do you agree with Secretary of State Marshall when he said that the Moscow Conference failed because Russia insisted on impossible proposals? Why? 2. Is the Russian interpretation of her oemands for reparations Justified'! Why? 3. Why do you think Russia Opposes the fixing of the boundary of Poland? 4. Do the diverging interpretations of the provisions of the ·Potsdam Agreement make bargail)ing difficult among the Big Powers? Why? 5. What do you think is behind the Russian interpretation of the German assets in Austria? 6. Would you like the United States to allow Russia to include current production in the reparation payments in exchan~ for Russia's cooperation in bringing about the economic unity of Germany? Why? 7. Are in you in favor of another Big Three Conference to rewMte the Potsdam Agreement? Why? References 1. "Texts of Teheran, Yalta, and Potsdam Declarations," released by the U.S. Department of State on March 24, 1947. 2. Mayer, Arthur L. "Winter of Discontent," New Republic, March 10, 1947, pp. 17-19. 3. "Report on Moscow Conference," delivered by George C. Marshall ov~r the radio on April 28, 1947. 4. Welles, Sumner Where Are Wt1 H ea.ding?, pp. 60-67. Current E\•ents Review Science Marches On-New Instrument for Vaccination A new needleless instrument for vaccination is now under clinical evaluation. The instrument, called micro-jet, leaves no scar or puncture. A container, the •ize of a 22-caliber cartridge holds the hennetically sealed serum. A spring inside th~ micro-jet provides pressure :..0 eject medication from tiny opening into the porous skin. At Last-Tubeless Tires The development of tubeless tires, the goal. of tire rnanufactui·ers since the beginning of the automobile era, has been announced by the B. F. Goodrich Company. The tire is of rayon cord construction, and combines the safety features of puncture-sealing inner tubes with improved .qualities, high resistance, and dependability to retain air "pressure. All known tests are now being applied tc the tire, including high-speed· road testing. llliracle Surgery on Esophagus A new miracle of surgery, restoring to normal living persons with seriously damaged esophagus, was reported b:v Doctor Charles B. Puestow, clinical prof e.ssor of surgery at, the Univers.ity of Illinois. The main features of the operation are the moving of the stomach upward into the chest cavity and the connecting of it with 1 the shortened stump of the esophagus. The damaged sections of the esophagus are removed entire and the stomach is freed from adjacent organs except at the lower end. The stomach· is then joined if necessary with the remaining esophagus at the Modern Science very top of the chest, abQve the spot where the damage usually occurs. Report bn Diarrhea Treatment The National Gastroenterological Association heard the report of Dr. Emmanuel Rappaport on the successful treatment of post-dysenteric diarrhea. Dr. Rappaport arrested diarrhea in 42 of 67 patients by witholding all milk and milk products from the diet. Milk, butter, cheese, chocolate, and all other dairy products were excluded and patients were fed milk-free bread. The protein factor of milk is said to be the offending product which cause.:; chronic diarrhea. R~dar Detects Oncoming Thunderstorms The United States weather bureau is now using radar to detect summer thunderstorms in the Kansas area. If present experiments succeed, warnings against the c6ming of tornadoes which strike the area periodically, may be given much ahead of time to minimize the loss of life and property. Experiments have shown that radar indicates the approach of a storm about 100 miles away, giving advance notice of about three to four hours. Synthetic Silk and Wool Considered Possibility Dr. R<>bert B. Woodward a Harvard chemist who aided in the synthesis of quinine in 1944, has succeeded in synthesizing materials that have the chemical and. physical characteristics of silk and wool. In an article in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Dr. *59 Woodward describes how he succeeded in synthesizing protein-like fibers and films with carbon and nitrogen. The p1·ocess is called "self-propagating reaction," which hitches atoms end to end, forming giant molecules. The creation of giant molecules, called polymorization, is common in oil, plastic, and synthetic rubber industries, but the synthesis of giant protein molecules has hitherto baffled chemists. Woodward's process builds amino acids up into chains of molecules, called peptide chains. Natural silk and hair are made of such pep'tide chains. By pushing the product through a hypodermic needle, Woodward has formed fibers that seem to be identical with silk and hair. By spreading the product into film, he has produced a skin-like substance. The major question, still unanswered, is whether or not Woodward has actually synthesized true protein. If the answer proves yes, vast new fields of research have been opened, since all living organisms are made of protein. American newspapers commenting· on the discovery painted a picture of the possible future production of fibers as good as true leather, of synthetic fibers -even better than wool or silk. On Coronary Heart Trouble At least 50% of the men of profession in the United States will die of coronary heart trouble unles:s the medical profession discovers a preventive, according to Doctor Louis N. Katz, director of the cardiovascular research at the Michael Reese hospital in Chicago. Dr. Katz spoke before more than 1,000 doctors .at the 28th annual session of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Katz said that those afflicted with coronary disease should reduce, if. not eliminate .entirely the use of tobacco, because smoking leads to the narrowing of blood vessels. .60* Dr. Sylvan H. Robertson, also attached to the Michael Reese Hospital, also spoke on how dreams might cause heart attacks in sleep. He said he had found that heart attacks are frequently preceded by anxiety dreams. A.nxiety dreams represent frustrations. "Frustrations frighten, and fright induces rage. Rage develops tensions that frequently cannot find outlet through ordinary channels. When blocked, the energy developed seeks substitute avenues of escape. Heart and blood vessels become surcharged and remain in a state of tension which brings about a tendency to heart disease." Air Taxi Service An air taxi service for distance up to 300 miles from New York has been announced by a New York firm. Planes with floats will be used, picking up passengers at various waterfront areas in New York for any destination where water or ice landing is possible. The cost is 20 cents per round·trip mile, meaning that the passengers pay for a round-trip• whether it is used or not. Another firm announced that air taxi service will soon be available in varieus parts of the United States for distance up to 600 miles. (Special release of the U.S.I.S.). To Our Readers: Keep your ten issues of the CURRENT. EVENTS REVIEW for this school year. At the end of. the school year you will have a new book of more than.300 pages on current history. We can bind your copies at a nominal price. Current Events Review The Philippines and the World-Philippine Beneficiaries Receiving Insurance Payments The beneficiaries of deceased Filipino veterans of World War II are receiving monthly National Service Life Insurance payments averaging $138 each, the Veterans Administration said. Excluding the payments made to the beneficiaries of United States veterans, the payment~ received by the beneficiaries of Filipino veterans compare favorably with the world average of about $47 a month. A total of 4,067 Philippine beneficiaries received about $561,000 each month. The reason for the higher-thanaverage payments is the inclusion of the adjusted payment of back salaries that were frozen with the funds during enemy occupation. When the adjustments are completed, the average payments to beneficiaries in the Philippine Republic will drop to normal, the Veterans Administration announc~d. · Young Ethnologist Completing Philippine Survey Valuable facts may be revealed by Harold Conklin's study of the native tribes in the Philiprines. Harold Conklin is an enterprising ex-GI. He obtained his discharge in Manila a year ago. Conklin has studied the customs, language, beliefs, and other social traits of the Dumagats, Mangyans, Ifugaos, Negritos and a few other native groups. His studies will surely enrich the limited store of knowledge on the nonChristian peoples in the Philippines. Conklin's findings will be the basis of a thesis which he hopes will later earn for him a doctor's degree• in anthropology. National Affairs Chicago Exporters Seek Philippine Consulate The Automotive· Exporters Club of Chicago has urged the Philippine embassy in Washington to establish a Philippine consulate in Chicago. The club represents more than 200 manufacturers and exporters of automobiles, and automobile parts, accessories and service equipment in the central states. The Club believes that the presence of a Philippine consulate in Chicago would greatly facilitate the trade between the United· States and the Philippine Republic. Gen. Romulo Cites Filipino Women's Place in Politics The place of women in the public affairs of the Philippine Republic was recently discussed over the radio by Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo on the occasion of the celebration of the United Nations Charter Day sponsored by the "Betty Crocker Magazine ·of the Air." Gen. Romulo said the women of the new Philippine Republic are as active in community and public life as are the American women. He said: "The Philippines enjoy Christian civilization. Therefore, the position of the Filipino women, though she is an Oriental, has been divested of the taboos imposed by fanaticism on the women in that quarter of the globe., Filipino women have the right to vote, and in a recent national plebiscite they campaigned vigorously through their women's clubs. They are prominent in all walks of life, they are lawyers, doctors, pharmacists . . . everything your American women are." *61 Philippines Ships Gold to World Market For the first time, the Philippines now ships her gold to foreign markets. The Atok Gold Min\ng Company, operating the Big Wedgt mines in Baguio, is the first company to ship gold to London. Tl'le entire output of this mining company has been consigned to London where it will be processed and sold in the free market. About P600,000 worth of gold has already been sent to London where it is bought at $35 per ounce. Philippines and World Press Confab The Philippines Newspaper Guild was recently admitted to membership in the International Organization of J ournalists held last June in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Amadeo Dacanay represented the Philippine Newspaper Guild. He took active part in the discussion of the promotion of the free flow of information. He also took active part in the drafting of certain resolutions on freedom of information. The resolutions will be sent to the United Nations freedom committee for adoption and implementation. Philippines iii Economic Meet The first ·Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia was recently held in Shanghai. The Philippines was represented by Secretary of Finance Miguel Cuaderno. The main purpose of the confab was to suggest the most logical pattern of economic relations that should bind the countries of Asia together with the rest of the world. The conference pointed clearly the responsibility of the countries of Asia of solving their problems for the promotion of world peace. The Commission agreed on the necessity for a new economic orientation for the peoples of Asia in order to increase their productivity. 62* Increased. productivity is truly the imperative need of all Asians to raise their standard of living. And a higher standard of living would naturally bring about self-respect, comparative contentment, and peace of mind. Only under such condition, could true peace exist in this world. RFC Approves $45,000,000 Loan to Philippines John D. Goodloe, chail'man of the ~ construction Finance Corporation, recently announced that the RFC has approved .an additional loan of $45,000,000 to the Republic of the Philippines, to mature on July 1, 1953, with interest of two per cent per annum. The loan was requested by the Philippine government, and was granted by Congress in an Act passed on August 7, 1946. The first loan extended to the Philippines under this Act was $25,000,000. It was made in March, 1947. The additional loan of $45,000,000 is in accordance with the recommendations of the Philippine-Aiherican financial commission which has been approved by the National Advisory Council on international monetary and financial p:roblem..q. President Truman Pleads for Filipino Veterans President Truman recently sent identical letters to Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, and to Representative Joseph W. Martin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, pleading for a more satisfactory program of benefits for the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War II. The proposed legislation \vould enlarge the benefits of Philippine Army vete:r;ans who were called and ordered into the service of the Armed Forces of the United States in accordance with President Roosevelt's Order of July 25, 1941. Current EYents Review The draft of the bill submitted would revise the compensation benefits on a practicable basis and would restore the following classes of benefits which were taken away by the Rescission Act: (1) educational aid, (2) hospitalization for service-connected disability, and (3) burial and funeral allowances. In pleading for their cause, President Truman spoke highly of the Filipino soldiers. He said: "The record of the Philippine soldiers for bravery and loyalty is second to none. Their assign_ments were as bloody and difficult as any in which our American soldiers engaged. Under desperate .circumstance's they acquitted themsehe:": n::'bly." Fifty Filipino Cadets at Marine Academy Fifty Filipino cadet-midshipmen have arrived at the United Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, New York. They will take a four year collegiate eourse preparatory to becoming deck and engineering officers in the newly organized merchant marine of the Philippine Republic. Rear Admiral Richard R. McNulty, superintendent of the Academy, expressed his pleasure that King's Point has been designated as the training point for Filipino midshipmen. He said that for the purpose of quickly assimilating the midshipmen into a regimental organization in the spirit of warm friendship an~ cooperation, each Filipino student would be berthed with an American midshipman cadet who would be his "shipmate" for the duration of the training period. The cadets represent 83 cities and towns of thf! Philippines. Over 70 pr.•· ct>nt of the group served in the war against the Japanese. Philippine Role in Pacific Airlines The recent. article of Chal'les Saint National Affairs Peter in the WaU Street Journal states that commercial aviation is spinning a competitive web across the Pacific, that at present several competitors are sending 36 flights weekly to Hawaii and l;eyond, and that the number of flights will surely increase. The article points out that the United States is no longer the sole nation in Pacific air transportation. Australian and Philippine planes are now competing with Chinese, Siamese, Dutch and Canadian airlines. At present the Pan-American offers the greatest number of flights over the Pacific, but the Northwest Airlines plans to join the competition by making twelve flights a month to the Orient. These flights will proceed to Australia and New Zea1and. Most of the planes that leave the American west coast stop at Hawaii. The upsurge in Pacific air competition has greatly reduced the rates. Philippine Air Lines round trip fare from San Francisco to Manila is slightly less than Pan-American's, while the fare announced by Northwest Airlines for passage to Shanghai will cut the Pan-American rate of $100, The Pacific, however, is atill only the potential air market, for most of the Orient is in an unsettled condition. Air ro~ds thin oat beyond Honolulu. The JOurnal sums up the air business in the Orient: "Pan-American reports that it is currently operating with 70 per cent of capacity ration from Honolulu to Manila, though it has over 95 per cent on the return flight. On these farflung routes Philippine Air Lines reports that for Ihany months west-bound passe!lger movement ·was heavier than eastbound, but in the last fe':v months there has been a sizeable increase in eastbound traffic. Pan-American statistics confirm this." *63 HUNGARY ••. (Continued from page 39) act before the next election or fail in Hungary." Drew Pearson, another radio commentator, declared: "This is a part of Russia's new policy of taking over as much of Europe as possible before the next Foreign Ministers conference." Elmer Peterson, NBC commentator, saw in the coup a counterm.ove to America's program of aid to Greece and Turkey. Study Helps Discussion questions for the class: 1. Why is Hungary called the "Land of Untried DemocraCy"? 2. Is there a similarit~· between the condition of Hungary after World War I and that after World War II? 3. Why did Hungary side with Hitler in World War II? 4. Prove that Russia had intended to bring Hungary within the "Iron CuTtain." 5. Was Russia's move in Hungary justified? 6. Explain the significance of the coup. 7. What lesson does Russian infiltration in Hungary give? References 1. "U.S. Newspapers Deplore Soviet Tactics in Hungary," Special Release No. 14, June 3, 1947 (USIS). 2. The Balkans, EM 43. GI Roundtable, pp. 17-22. 3. 14Text of U.S. Protest to Soviet· Action in Hungary,'' Special Release No. 99, Jm1e 12, 1947. 4. Dennen, Leon of the USIS, Trouble Zone, pp. 1-43. 5. Morrell, Sydney, Sf:Jheres of Influence, pp. 101-203. 6. Sumner Welles, The Time fo·r Decision, pp. 249,253,256,332. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU OF POSTS MANILA SWORN STATEMENT (Required by Act No. 2580) The undersigned, Delfin R. Manlapaz, publisher of Current Events Review, published monthly in English at Manila, after having been duly sworn in accQrdance with law, hereby submits; the following statement of ownership, management,. circulation, etc., which is required by Act No. 2580, aS amended by CommonWea1tb Act No. 201: · Editor--Diosdado G. Capino ...................... , . . . . . 123-125 Reten, Manila Owners-Capino & Manlapaz ......................... . ~~~~~~~~lo:~! ~~~~~z C~ .. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Lepant~, Manila Office of Publication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123-125 Reten, Manila Bondholders, mortgagees, or other security holders owning one per cent or more of total amount of security: None. In case of publication other than daily, total number of copies printed and circulated of the last issue, dated March, 1947: 1. Sent to paid subscribers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1842 2. Sent to others than paid subscribers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3158 Total 5000 (Sgd.) D. R. MANLAPAZ Publisher Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of April, 1947 at Manila, Philippines/ the affiant exhibiting his Residence Certificate No. A-2582631 issued at Manila ~n April 8, 1946. 64* MONICO BUMANGLAG Post Office Inspector Current Events Review