Current Events Review

Media

Part of Current Events Review

Title: Current Events Review
Issue Date: Vol. III (No. 8) February 1948
Year: 1948
Language: English
Rights
extracted text: France Become Comm • Will the Arabs Carry Out .a Holy War Palestine? February, 1948 30 ExcELLENT IS OUR RATING WHEN you read the CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW you will understand 'fl'Orld developments because it presents and analyzes news and their significance. The magazine completes and makes up-to-date· the study of history and other social science subjects. The Direetor of the United States Information Service rate& the CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW as an EXCELLENT publication. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of Int.ernational Information and Cultural Affairs Mr. D. a . .Manlapaz, Publisher Current Events Retiew 128-12& Ret.en Sampaloe, Manila De~r Mr. Manlapaz: December 24, 1946 I have just seen for the first time a copy of your "Current Events Review" for high school students. This seems to me an excellent publication for keeping your schools informed of world developments. We have now put your publication in our regular release list. I should be glad to furnish any other cooperation that we posaibly can in providing your readers with information t>leaae feel free to call upon us at anytime. Cl': jlil Encl. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) Catherine Porter Director, USIS CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW A newsmagazine that completes ..,... makes ,.,_to.._ t.he atudl' 91 llilnel'1' and other social science subjects. lnthiain- Page Why the Latest London Conference Failed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 How is the Russian Offensive in Europe Carried On? . . . . . . . . . 228 How is the American Offensive in Europe Carried On? . . . . . . . 232 Will France Become Communist? . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Will the Arabs Carry Out a Holy War in Palestine? . . . . . . . . . . . 239 How is the New China Governed Today? ....... , . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Significant World News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Special Report on the Activities of the U.nited Nations . . . . . . . a?il The Philippines and the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Publi•hed monthl11 eo:eept Mtll/I lllld June b11 MANLAPAZ PUBLISHING CO. 123-125 Reten, Sampaloc, Manila Subscription: PS.00 a year, Pl.50 a semester, 30 centavos per eopy. When changing address give old as well as new address. Addreo all cmmnunications to the Current Events Review. Copyright, 1948 by D. R. Msnlapaz an~ D. G. Capino. All rights reserved. Entered as second-clau mall matter Januarj 9, 194? at the Manila post.office. DIOSDADO G. CAPINO EditfW D.R. lllANLAPA2 Publish ... NICOLAS ONGKINGKO Cirel&lation M1J1MgOT POLICARPIO G. DANGALIO DOMINGO C. SERIOM Researchers VENANCIO NEBRil>A Circulation RepreaentaU... * Is Big Four Agreement impossible? Why the Latest London UooferenEe Failed Specific objectives: 1. To understand the problems discussed in the London Conference 2. To understand the reasons why the London Conference failed 3. To know the significance of the failure of the London Conference Background of the conference The conference of the Council of Foreign Ministers opened in London on November 24, 1947, and abruptly ended on December 15, 1947. The conference was attended by the Big Four - the United States, Russia, France, and Brito. ain. The chiefs of the delegations were: George C. Marshall for the United States, Viacheslav F. Molotov for Russia, Georges Bidault for France, and Etnest Bevin for Britain. The conference was heJd to discuss the preparation of the peace treaty with Germany and Austria. The conference in fact .was a continuation of the latest Moscow Conference heild in March and April, 1947. The conference completely failed because Russia insisted on impossible demands. What issues were discussed ? Why did the conference fail? The following extracts from the re.port of Secretary George· C. Marshall gives us a complete picture of the proceedings of the conference. We IU!.ve Jailed on the Austrian Treaty "We have failed to reach agreement on a treaty for Austria because the 226 * Soviet Union has demanded for itself special 'privileges in Austria in an amount and to an extent which far exceed any rightful claims and which far exceed what a free Austria can afford. If Soviet claims were admitted, it would be at the price of Austrian independence and in violation of past agreements." We have Jailed on the boundary question 11 As regards Germany, taking first the subject frontiers, we have been unable to agree ou. what we mean by Germany. Three delegations are in accord that the Saar territory should be detached from Germany and economically integrated with France. The Soviet Union does not agree. "With re.sipect to the eastern boundary of Germany, the Potsdam protocol olearly provided that the final status of the western frontier of Poland should await the peace settlement. The United States believed that an effort should be made to establish a frontier which, while it would compensate Poland, would not become a formidable economic barrier preventing German access to food and raw materials fr'om this eastern area upon which it has heavily depended. "Three of the delegations agree that boundary commissions be at once established to examine frontier questions. The Soviet Union rejects this proposal. So we neither agree on what Germany is to be nor do we agree on establishing commission to study these vital boundary problems." Current Events Review, Feb., .1948 We have Jailed on sharing /inancwl burdens "We have failed to reach agreement on the sharing of the fjnancial burdens. An ostensible agreement on the equitable distribution of indigenous resources is deprived of all meaning by the Soviet demand for a continuation of present Soviet withdrawals of current German production for reparations. "The Soviet Union has refused to furnish vitally necessary irdormation with respect to reparations removals. Thus, we have been asked to reach agreement while information essential to such agreement is withheld by the Soviet !f'Presentatives. "The Soviet delegation has refused to agree to the relinquishment of pro.perty interests in Germany unilaterally seized under the guise of reparations. As m a t t e r s now stand, a large share of the produce of the eastern zone of Germany is drawn off for the Soviet account. An important part of its industry has been placed in a gigantic Soviet trust which enjoys special privilege and which is put above German law presumably in perpetuity." We have Jailed in making Germany recover "These Soviet practices in Eastem Germany have prevented Germany from pla~ ~ts part in the recovery of Europe. In fact, they have greatly increased the necessity for the outside aid provided by the United States and the Upited Kingdom to enable Western Germany live. Nevertheless, the Soviet representatives have chosen to charge that this aid has as its purpose to use Western Germany as a 'strategic base against the democratic states of Europe,' and advance 'expansionist aims'. Apart from the complete absurdity of these charges, to discontinue this aid to some 40,000,000 World Problem Germans in the U. S. and U. K. zones until they have become self-supporting would doom them to mass starvation. "The Soviet Union demands reparations for itself and Poland of $10,000,000,000 at 1938 values which is at least $16,000,000,000 today. These reparation payments , to an undisclosed degree would take the form of current production over 20 years. This demand is not in accordance with the Potsdam agreement. It is utterly impossible of achievement on practicai economic grounds. It implies the establishment of an economic power so comprehensive that it would be in reality a power of life and death over any German govemment." We have Jailed on political unification "It was accepted by all at Moscow that full agreement on economic principles was essential to the establishment of political unification. We are unable to agree on what shall be the area of the German economY; we cannot agree on how to make German resources available to Germany as a whole, a condition prerequisite to the revival of German economy; we are confronted with a demand for reparations in excess of the Potsdam agreement which would make a Gerrp;!\.n government subservient to its reparations creditor. It is therefore clear that agreement can be reached only under conditions which would not only enslave the German people but would seriously retard the recovery of all Europe. "The simple fact is the present division of Germany has been caused by the policies and practices of the occupying powers themselves. Only the occupying powers can create German unity 'in the present circumstances. That is why the United States has consistently pressed for certain fundamental decisions by the (PleGB• turn to page 231) * 227 Why is Rmsia interested in Europe? Bow is tile Russian Offensive in the Cold War ia lurepe ~arried On' Special objeetivee: 1. To understand Russia's foreign policy 2. To know the nature of Communist offensive in Europe 3. To understand the significance of the Communist offeiisive A "cold war" (war of ideologies and economic battle) is gtlin'g oil betw•.en the United States and Russia. The most important battleground is F.urope. What is the main purpose of Russia in waging the "®Id War"? Ho'w is the Communist offensive .being carried out? What "is the significance of the offensive? What is Rm111ia' s foreign policy? A clear picture of Russia's foreign policy may be gleaned from the St• totes of the Communist International adopted in Moscow in August, 1920. Here is a quotation from these statutes: u1n order to overthrow the international bourgeoise and to create an international Soviet republic as a transition state to the complete abolition of the State, the Communist International will use all means at its disposal Including force of arms... • The ulti;,,ate aim is to replace world capitalist economy by a world system of Communism." One of the conclu.sions of the tegislative Reference Service of the Library of Congress of the United States in 228 * its repqrt on "Trends in· Ruesillll Foreign Policy Since Wol"ld Wll.r I" is: "TM sulllmit of Communist hopes and BSJirations is, in · the Jut 8"ll!yllis, tiodJlj as in Lenin's time, a complete elul:n.ge of the world's politleat, eoonoDile, aocial, and cultural setup, and at the base of Soviet foreign policy lies the desire to make the world safe for eommunism or sovietism." Russia's first olfent1ive - Iron Curtain What is meant by the "Iron Curtain ?" It means a group of states in Eastern Europe which are Communistcontrolled. These states provide a d&f ense for Russia by reason of their location. They cover the eastern boundaries of Russia. The end of World War II gave the Russians an opportunity to fill in the v&cuum left by the defeat of Hitlerism, The Russians eonsidered it their •ingle privilege to bring within their control territories once occupi~ by Hitler's armies. Slowly but certainly, the ""1rlltries of Eastern Ewope have been brought within Russia's "Iron· Curtain." Russia's maneuver has resulted in the incorporation of 260,000 squafe miles of territory with a population of 22,000,000 people. Russia exercises a de facto eontrol over Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Eastern .Austrill, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, ltumania, Ealllern Germany, and Finland. Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 :Rl!SSia'e lll'cond mfjor offensive was OMnJ11 launche(l after the a"nouncemw.¢ of t~ ;wprld-'l'i.de famous "Trum1µ1 Doctrine" on li[arclt 12, 1947. The im11ounOOJ11ent coincided with the session of the Council of Foreign Minist;ers in Moscow which m.et from March lCl to April 25, 1947. Russia's reaction to the "Truman Doctrine" was bitt£r. Andrei Gromyko, RWlsian representative to the Security Council of the Uni• f;ed Nations argued that the measure asking for economic aid to Greece and Turkey "undermines the authority of the United Nations Organization and inevitably produce distrust in relations among the state members of the Unif;ed N•tions." Russia's offensive was noticeable in her refusal to cooperate wholeheartedly during the sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Moscow. Russia made proposals which were impossible ot attain,ment. Thes.e proposals were viewed by the U nif;ed States, Britain, and France as means of delaying the preparation of peace treaties with Germany and Austria. RU68ia found in the method of delay an opportunity to pursue her Communization of her zone of occupations in both Austria and Germany. The Gr:!ek guerrillas fighting in Greece continue to receive support from the Communists. There is an existing plan to overthrow the legitimate government of Greece. Communist position in Hungary has been made secure. The Communists under Matyas Rakosi staged a. coup d' etat, and overthrew the legitimate government of Premier Ferenc Nagy. Similarly, Nikola Petkov of Bu,lgaria was executed in October, 1947, for his opposition to the Bulgarian Communistdominated government. In Yugoslavia, democratic leader Dragoljub Yovanovich was ex~cuted in the same month for opposing the Communists. In RuWorld Problem maitia Dr. Juliu -.,:aniu, fol'll!"r h~a.d of the Rumanian Peasant Pari,, was tried for trea9o:r;1 for the same re~son. In Czechoslovakia Dr. Jan Ursiny, leading Slovak Democrat, was forced tQ giv.~ up his position as Vice-Pre111i•r to a Communist leader. An all-Communist °Free Greek"' governmerit was established in December, 1947, in the northern JllO\lnt<Jins of G11!ece \ln.der the rebel leader, Gel). Markos Vafiades, a professed Communist. Ruasifz's third olJensjve - Stalin Docirine ontl MokJwv Plan The third offensive of Russj.a .... launched imme\liately after tl!e announcement .of the Mar!lhall l'IPD for self-help of Europe on June 6, 1947. The preliminary discussions on the Marshall Plan were held by British F o r e i g n Secretary Ernest Bavin, French Foreign Minister Georges Bidault, and Russiian Foreign J.finiat;er Viacheslav F. Molotov in JUDe, 1947. The discussion failed because Russia objected to the proposal of Britain that a committee be aet up for the coordina.tion of the econl)lllics of the European states. Molotov insisted that this would ·lead to interference in the internal affairs of European countries. A conference was called in Paris by France and Britain on July 12, 1947, to discuss the setting u.p of a "Committee of Cooperation" which would report on the available means and the needs of Europe for the next few years. The Paris confe~ence was attended by only 14 European countries. The nine other European· countries under Russian influence rejected the invitation. Russia answered the Paris confer_ence with the Molotov Plan, which is but an implementation of the Stalin Doctrine. The Stalin Doctrine aims at checking 11 western imperialism." The Molotov Plan serves . to implement the * 229 Stalin Doctrine. Several trade agreements were signed among the countries of Eastern Europe. The main purpose of these trade agreements is to make the countries of Eastern Europe aconom .. ically dependent on Russia and independent of Western Europe. Rwrsia's fourth olfensivRevival of the Comintern Russia is determined to wreck the operation of the Marshall Plan. Her leaders know that the Congress of the United States will act 9n the $17,000,000,000 foreign aid asked by President Truman for the countries of Western Europe. Russia lost no time in launching. an offensive. She knows that time ie eBBential in wrecking the Marshall Plan. RU68ia's offensive was launched with the revival of the Third Communist International, officially known as the "Comintern", a word formed by the opening syllables of "Communist" and "lntern&tional." The °Comintem" was revived on October 5, 1947. It appeared that a secret meeting was held sometime in September, 1947, in Poland by Communist parties of nine European countries. These countries are: France, Italy, Rumania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, and Russia. The conference was headed by Andrei Z. Zhadanoff and Georgi Malenkoff, two powerful members of the Politburo or Political Information Bureau of Russia. The immediate objective of the "Co-mintem" is to fight the Truman-Marshall Plan. This will be done through the coordination of the Communist parties in nine European countries. For this purpose a Cominform (Communist Information Bureau) was created, with headquarters at Belgrade, Yugoslavia. 230* Jlwrsia's fifth offensive- , Communi.st-lnspired Strikes Russia's fifth offensive was launched indirectly through Commwiist parties in France and Italy. These two countries are not in the ulron Curtain." They are twQ main bastions of democracy in Western ,Europe. Russia believes that these two countries must overthrow its present government Lefore the Marshall Plan operates. The Communists in these two countries wield great power. The Communists' voting strength is great in proportion to their numerical strength. Russia believes that what the Communists could not get through their votes could be obtained by discrediting the legitimate government before the people. To do this, the Communists inspired widespread strikes in both France and Italy during the second half of 1947. The French Communists are led. by Charles Till on, J acqu.es Duclos, Gaston Monmousseau, Andre Marty, and Maurice Theorez. The National Committee of General Confederation of Labor voted to denounce the Marshall Plan as a means of "slavery for .the Europeans". The strikes in general failed because the government stood firm. The Italian Communists are under the leadership of Palmiro Togliati1. Togliatti convened the Communist Central Committee in Rome. He urged the liquidation of the present Italian go\·ernment. The chief target of the Com· monists i• to make troubles for the government before effective aid ·comes from the United States. The threat to th• government of Italy is still serious. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why does Russia wa11t to spread world Communism? 2. Is this policy just? 'Why? 3 . Why was the "Iron Curtain" built? (Please turn to the """'t page) Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 Why the Latest London ••• (Continued from page 227) occupying powers themselves as the absolutely essential first step for the achievement of a unified Germany. Three delegations at this conference have registered their willingness to take these decisions here and now. The Soviet Union alone refuses to. agree." Study Helps 1. What do you think is the real intention of Russia in asking for great reparation clahns on Austria? In what way would acceptance of Russia's interpretation of German assets (all German properties at the end of the war in Austria) endanger the independence of Austria? 2. Why is the determination of lhe boundary of Germany important in the preparation of the German peace treaty? 3. Secretary Marshall on reparation said: "We ;put in and the Russian takes out." Why is the United States opposed to Russia's taking reparations on the day to day German production with no return? Can you think of reasons why Russia refused to fumish the three delegations information on reparation removals? 4. Do you believe Russia is determined not to relax its hold on Eastem Germany? Why? 5. The non-compromising attitude of Russia at the London Conference signifies that she is not willing to let Germany recover. Would you favor the hastening of the approval of the ERP (European Recov.ery Program)? Why? References 1. "Full text of Secretary of State Marshall's Statement at the End of the London Conference of the Council of Foreign Ministers,'' Special Release of the United States Information Service, No. 788 (December 16, 1947). World Problem How is the Russiian • • • (Ccmtinllo8d) 4. Is the building of tile "Iron C11P. tain" justill.ed? Why? 5. Why is the method of delaft useful for Russia? Why is it harmful to the interest of world peace? 6. Why are lea.lers of opposition parties in Eastem Enrope being eliminated? 7. Will it. be possible for the countries of Eastern Europe to become independent of the Western . world? 8. Why is time ess.,.tiol to Russia in fighting the Marshall Plant. 9. What is the aim of tl:e Communist-inspired strikes in Eumpe! . · 10. What is the best way of ehecldng the spread of Communism in Europe? Relereni. "Is U .S.-Russian Breakup Near?" The United St1Jtes NftlJs, Vol. XXIII, No. 10 (September 6, 19'7) pp; 16-17. 2. Straight, Michael. - "Fixing the Blame for the Cold War," NftlJ ll•;pKblic, Vol. 117, No. 11 (September 16, 1947) pp. 10-12; 14-16. 8. '"How Communists Lead French and Italian Unions." World RepM"t, Vol. 8, No. 20 (November 11, 1947) pp. 1819. 4. uT1·ende in Russian Foreign PoJj .. cy," Report of the. Legislative Reterence of the Library of the United States Congress, 1947. 5. James, Edwin. - "CODlDlunista Whip Up Anti-Marshall Fight." - Tlie New York Times, No. 16, 1947 p. ES 6. Hinton, Harold B. -"Anti-American Campaign Intensified in Eumpe," The New York Times, September 21, 1947 p. 4E. 2. "Full text of Secretary. Marshall's Broadcast Radio Report to the Nation on the Disappointing Outcome of the London Conference of the Foreign Ministers," Special Release of the United States Information Service No. 796, December 20, 1947.) *·231 Fhy ie .4weeriea illlereated in 11a11ing Europe? low i the America& Off ensire i1 the f.eld War in Europe Uarried ta~ Speeifie objectives: 1. To understand the foreign policy of the Unikd States 2. To know the nature of the American offen!live in Europe. 3 .. · To appre~iate the significance of the American offensive An examination of recent books, magazine arti._ debates on foreign probl8ma, radio commentaries, newspaper columns .mows t,hat nations are being forced ~ i.l<e sides in the "cold war" I war of ideologies and economic battle) .between Russia and the United States. The existence of two-warring ~rids is significan-it delays global peace. The Communists have launched their offeRSive in Eurcpe and in other parts of the world. The United States has launched. its own counter-offensive. What is the aim of the American offensive? Hew is it carried out? What' is.'it;a significance? Deterioration o/ AmericanSoviet relatiomhip Premier Josef Stalin once said that the American democratic system and the Russian comm.Uillistic system can live harmoniously in the world. But the evente since the end of World War II have denied the assertion of the Russian Premier. What is the main reason for this non-oooperation between the two great powers of the world? The main re1U10n for the deterioration of American-Soviet relationship is the difference in their ideologies and in t:ht: ways by which the ideologies an Nlllized. Russian foreign policy is based on power, seourit11 and 'J>f'tJBtige. She needs pow ... to protect herself from any future invasion. She needs security because R1¥8ia fears invasion from 11 capitalistic powers." She needa prestige · to recapture her losses in the \ast global conflict. The United States views Russian moves in Europe, Asia, Middle East, . Latin America and Antartic, in the diplomatic field, and in the Uaited Nations as non-cooperative. The United States regrets that Russia has delayed the construction of a peaceful world. Russia's movies are inconsistent with her· pre-war pledge that she would work with other Allied powers in peace after World War II. What is America'• foreign policy? America's foreign policy is in the 111aking. On October 29, 1945, Navy Day, President Truman enunciated the following 12 fundamental principles which form part of America's foreign policy: (1) no territorial expansion; no plans for aggression; (2) eventual return of sovereign rights 11nd self-government to all people who have been deprived of them by force; ( 3) no torritorial changes except those done with the free wi<lhes of people concerned; (4) self-government for all peoples prepared for it; ( 5) cooperation with the Allies to help defeated enemy states establish peaceful democratic governments; (6) non-recognition of ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~232 * Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 gov.....-ent imposed by force; (7) freedom of the seas for all nations and equal rights to the navigation of boundary rivers and waterways; (8) access on equal terms to the trade and the raw materials of the world; (9) right of Western hemisphere to work together; (10) economic collaboration among all nations to establish freedom from fear and freedom from want; (11) freedom of ·expression and free4om of religion; and (12) preservation of peace through the United Natio1111. Implementation of America's /oreip policy The foregoing policy of ·the United States has been twice implemented since the historic Navy Day speech of President Truman. Former Secretary of State, James F. Byrnes, in his address reviewing the results of the Paris Pesce Conference, said that the United States would. continue to seek friendship with the Soviet Union and all other states on the basis of justice and the right of others. Again, on March 12, 194 7, President Truman in announcmg his Doctrine said: "I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by a~ed minorities or by outside presslU'l!s. I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and fi.nancial aid which is essential to economic stability and orderly political process." America's /i1'11t oJlensiveTnanan Doctrine The first American offensive in Europe was launched by President Truman on Karch 12, .1947, when he asked Congn!lll for $400,000,000 economic and military aid to Greece and Turkey and for a..tloority to send "civilian and military personnel to these two counWorW Problem tries." Thia announcement is VfJr7, important bel:ause it shows that the United States is now ready to "contain" or eheck Russian expansion. It is also important beeause it opened the way for other countries to seek the aid of the United Sta~ in restoring their economy. The Truman Doctrine was approved by Congress when It approved the $400,000,000 Greek and Tu>" key Aid Bill on May 10, 1947, by a vote of 287 against 107 in the House of Representatives and by a vote of 67 against 23 in the Senate. The machinery to carry out the aid to both Greece and Turkey was set. The American technique in Greece demonstrates how the United States is carrying out the aid program. The American mission is headed by Dwight -Griswold. Military aid is being rushed. Sixty percent of the 16 million worth of military materials are now in the hands of the Greek Army. More lands are being br6ught under cultivation. Health is receiving great attention. Engineers are rapidly bringing about Greece's and Turkey's economic revival. Assistance in planning an export:-im· port program· is· underway. America's second alfensiveMarshall P/,an The second American offensive was the launching of the Marshall Plan. On June 6, 1947, Secretary George C. Marshall delivered a ,speech at llarvard University. He urged the natfons of Europe .to cooperate in the rec»n· struction of European economy. He urged them (1) to prepare a balance sheet of their resources and needs (2) to collectively prepare a program of self-help for economic recovery; and (3) to suJ>mit a program outlining how American dollars must be spent. In announcing this Plan, Secretary Marshall said: "It is logical that the United States should do whatever it is able to do to. assist in the return of * 233 normal health in the world, without which there call be no political· atability and no assured peace. Our policy is not directed against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos. Its purpose · should be the revival of a working economy ill the world so as to permit the enlergence of political and. social condition• In which free institutions can develop." America's third olJemiv-Balkan Watch Commission and Little Assembly America launched her third offensive in the second- regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in. 1947. The Balkan Commission of Inqlliry created by the Security Council in 1946 to make an on-the-spot investigation on Greek guerrilla warfare in northern Greece blamed Yugoslavia, B•dgaria, and Albania for supporting the guerrilla warfare. During the discussion of the repo1t submitted by tho Balkan Commission of Inquiry, the United States. proposed the creation of a Commission to watch for border troubles in northern Greece. The proposal was vetoed by Russia who charged that the creation of such a commission wouid mean .,the creation of a screen in order to hide foreign intervention by cet··· tain powers ~n Greek domestic affairs." Secretary of State George C. Marshall carried the fight to the Genera I Assembly. He rallied world opinion on why the creation of a Commission to watch for border troubles in northern Greece would mean peace in Europe. Russia and her satellites fought hard to defeat the proposal. The General Assembly approved the creation of a Balkan Watch Commission. Russia announced that she would boycott the Commission. 234 * America's fourth olJemifle-Credits to France America's four th offensive was launched in France In October, 1947. Several days before the first lftunicipal elections in France under the new COllstitution of the Fourth French Republic, Russia offered wheat to FrallCle in exchange for manufactured goods. Russia's aim was to sectirf! more -.otc!'!I for Communist candidates. The Uniteil States countered by giving France $143,000,000 in credit and 31 fonrier Germ.an naval ships which could be used for cargo earriers'. The American aid streniitbened the fight of the French people against• CommunlS'nt. America's Ji/th olJemiv-Promise to Stand by lttdy The. Italian government of Premier Alcide de Gasperi is stiil fighting Communism. During the second week of October, 1947, the Italian government was severely attacked for inefllcieney. Communist chief, Palmiro Togliatti, and Socialist Pietro Neni attacked also the government for its inability to solve Italy's problems. A motion was introduced in the lawmaking body to gi"" a vote of confidence to Premier Alcide de Gasperi. Simultaneously Gasperi d1·amatically announced that the United States had given up its share of Italian warships which were awarded to the United States under the peace treaty with Italy. This greatly strengthened Gasperi's government. In the third voting Gasperi won. On December 13, 1947, President Truman pledged to preserve the freedom of Italy. Under the Italian puce treaty, it is provided that· American troops' should withdraw from Italy by December 14, H147. President TrUDlan said: "Although the United States is withdrawing its troops from Italy in fu,lfillment of its obligations under the Current Events Review, Feb., .1948 treaty of peace, this country continues its interest in t~e preservation of a free and independent Italy." The United States would take measure to see that Italy's independence is not jeopardized directly or indirectly. America's sixth offensive-Stopgap Aid The sixth offensive of the United States was launched by Congress when it approved the emergency relief (•toPgap aid) bill. The bill was passed during the special session of Congress, called by President Truman in November, 1947. The bill which was signed by the President on December 24, 1947, provides for $18,000,000 aid for China, and $522,000,000 for France, Italy, and Austria. America'• seventh offensive-European Recovery Program The seventh offensive was launched when President Truman sent a 9,000word summary of European needs and United States plan for aid on the basis of international economic cooperation. The message proposed the expenditure of $17,000,000,000 by the United States for four years and three months. In his message the President said: "The economic plight in which Europe now finds itself has intensified a political struggle between those who wish to remain free men living under the rule of law and those who would use economic distress as a pretext for the establishment of a totalitarian state. The next few years can determine whether the free countries of Eu'rope will be able to preserve their heritage ot freedom. If Europe fails to recover, the people of these countries might be . driven to the -phifosophy of despair - the philosophy which contends that their basic wants can be met only by the surrender of their ba~ic rights ,to World Problem totalitarian control. Such a turn of events would constitute a shattering blow to peace and stability in the world. It might well compel us to modify our own economic system and t9 ferego, for the sake of our own security, the enjoyment of many of our freedoms and privileges. It is for these rea&)ns that the United States has so vital an interest in strengthening the belief of idle people of Europe that freedom from fear and want will be achieved under free and democratic governm.t!nts." Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Do you think it is very difficult fpr both the United States and Ru•s1a to live peacefully? Why! 2. One political writer in a recent book said 11that if Russia confines her Communist aspirations in Russia" there is a possibility that the United States and Russia could live peacefully side by side. Do you agree with him? Why? 8. Explain the three bases of Russian ' foreign policy. 4. Explain the different foreign polici~s of the United States. 5. Why is the Truman Doctrine significant for the world? 6. Newspaper reports announced the formation of a "Greek Free State" by the Greek guerrillas in northern Greece. Is this a challenge to American aid to Greece? Why? 7 . Is the main purpose of the Marshall Plan laudable? Why? 8. Why is there a need for a Balkan Watch Commission? 9. Why must Italy and France be saved from Communism? 10. Why is the ERP (European Recovery Program) significant? References 1. "Aid to Greece and Turkey," Harry S. Truman. Vital Speeches, Vol. (Please turn to page 253) * 235 * What u tlw future o/ tlw French Republic? Will France Become Communist' Specific objectives: 1. To understand the present political problems of France 2. To know the aim of Communism in France 3. To study the chances of France in preserving her democratic govemnl.ent Winston Churchill, wbom Prime Minister Attlee once called the 11Architect of Victory," delivered a stirring speech at the Univel'sity of Zurich, Switzerland on September 19, 1946, advocating the formation of a United States of Europe. ''The first step,,, he said, 14in the recreation of the European family must be a partnership between France and Germany. In this way only can France recover the moral and cultural leadership of Europe. There can be no revival of Europe without a spiritually great France and a spiritually great Germany." Why is France a pillar for the democracies of Europe! What are the problems of France? Why are the Communists trying to convert France into a Communist country? How is France fighting the battle for democracy? What are France's problems? Although France was liberated three years ago, on August 24, 1944, still she 0 ia faced by many problems that might bring about the collapse of her democratic government. Cost of living in France is rising every day. The official price of food has just jumped to 25%. The prices of finished goods are eight times the prices in 1918. And worse still, France's production is great!36 * ly hampered by numerous strikes. There is food shortage. "Bread strikes" have taken place in many sections of the country. Workers demand increase in wages. And the workera feel that they bear most of the tax burden for the government deducts the tax from their .pay. Those who are not in the service of the government evade taxpayments. The value of. the Franc is officially 188 to the dollar. The value in the black market is 326 do!lara. There is a shortage of dollars which the government needs badly in order to make p'urchases abroad. Farmers hoard wheat. Capitalists hoard gold. This condition would inevitably bring about a serious inflation. What are France's political problems? The Fourth French Republic was born on January 16, 1947, with Vincent Auriol, Socialist leader and previously Speaker of the National Assembly, as president. A coalition cabinet was formed, in which five large parties are represented-the Communist, Socialist, MRP (Popular Republican MoTement), Radical-Socialists, and Democratic and Socialist Union of ReSistance. P.aut Ramadier, a Socialist, became Premier. The greatest political problem of France is how to make the coalition cabinet work harmoniously. During the first six months of 1947, the government succeeded in -eassing the period of storm and stress. ·The coalition cabinet of France is peculiar. The Communists control 31 % of the voting strength in the Assembly; the SocialCurrent Events ReTiew, Feb., .1948 ists ll'll>; the RRP, 30%; and the Radicals, 8%. WhJ' did the cabinet succeed? The various parties temporarilf cooperated in the belief that the solution of the economic problems of the nation is paramount. Later, the Communists refused to cooperate. The Comnumiilts were expell.ed In April, 1947, the coalition cabinet faced a political crisis. Paul Ramadier issued a decree requiring a 6% reduction in prices. In the same month 32,000 workers in a national Renault automobile plani went on strike. The Communist members of the cabinet supported the demand of the workers for increased wages and the demand for the abolition of wage-freezing. Paul Ramadier asked for a vote of confidence. He was supported b7 a vote of 360 to 186. The Communist members of the cabinet were dro,pped from the coalition cabinet. During the following months,. however, Paul Ramadier met more difficulties in running the government. He had difficult)' in seeuring a majorit7 in the Assembl7. He was forced to resign on November 19, 1947, in the face of a continued political, economic and Communist-;.spired crises. Hatt1 strong are the Communists in France? Communists' strength in Fl'ance is difficult to measure, . because it is Ver)' difficult to te)l who are the real Communists in the Russian sense of the term. Andre Kiegfried, a noted Ftench writer, observed that many Communists voted one w9y and prayed another. The meaning of this, according to Harold Callender, is that "the7 elect Communists to Parliament without the least desiring Communism in France." The strength of the Communists in France may be gauged by the following figures. In 1932 the Communist Party World Problem polled 796,000 votes. They secnred 10 seats in Parliament. In 1936, the Communist Party polled 1,463,000 votes and elected 76 Deputies. In the national· election of November 10, 1946, the party polled 6,138,000 votes and elected 169 deputies. The Communist Part7 became the largest party in France. The Communists control the General Confederation of Labor with 6,ooo,ooo members. This labor organization controls all unions in France, except the Catholic unions. Their control of the General Confederation of Labor makes it ·possible for the Communists to inspire labor strikes at will. With such power, they could give much trouble to · the government of France. The events during the months of August, September, October, and November, 1947, show that almost all the labor strikes were Communist-inspired. The people fight baclc Tlte ·October 26, 1947, munici,pal elections in France was a significant event, because it indicated a new trend in French political life. Gen. Charles de Gaulle's new party, RFP (Rally of the French l'eople) captured 40% of the votes. The MRP (Movement Popular Republican) of Georges Bidault Was given a set back because more than two-thirds of the voters voted for the RFP. The Communist lost its standing· as France's largest party. What is the significance of the victoey ! "Frenchmen," wrote the World Report, "are growing desperate. They had enough of moderate governments that are weak . to take decisive stand against either the Communists on the one hand or the anti-Communists on the other hand. The Communists themselves have frightened the. middle clals into the arms of De Gaulle. French Communists before the election joined an international group of Communists (the Comintern) dominated by Russia. They then sponsored strikes that immediately immobilized transportation in Paris· for a week." The Cocos, a na.me giV..n by Parisians to the Communists, ealled the strike before the election. To the surprise of the Communists, they lost in the polls. They lost prestige. The government fighu back France was faced by a peculiar situation during the last six months of 194 7. The national election took ,place in November 10, 1946. After this election the RFP was organized. The RFP which won the largest vote in the municipaJ election of October 26, 1947, has no representative in the Freneh Assembly. Rumors then spread on whether · De Gaulle would be asked to form a new government. Even De Gaulle was surprised at the immediate ·result of the elections. He expects to · take the helm of. the government by Easter. The election was followed by a series of Communist-inspired strikes in France. -Premier Robert Schuman succeeded Paul Ramadier. At the time of the formation of his coalition cabinet, France was faced by 1,500,000 strikers. He took a bold step. Nineteen Russians were expelled from France for interfering in the affairs of the go~ernment. The number of strikers later increased to 2,000,000. He proposed anti-strike legislations. The Communists lauhcbed a eounter-measure. More strikes were called. The government responded by sending police forces to seiZe the Paris power plB.nts. ~Y a vote o( 209 against 84 the Council of the Republie approved the mobiliZation of 80,000 reservists to preserve order in the country. The Communists fought hard. Some members of the Assembly filibustered, for 30 hours on the anti-strike legislations. They also declared a sit-cio"\\'ll strike in the parli&ment session hall. They were ousted from the assembly hall by gov233* ernment guards. The Communist majority in the General Confederation of t.abor announced that they would never negotiate the settlement of ~trikes if the anti-strikes legislations proposals would be passed. The French Assembly took courage in the face of sabotage and crippling strikes. By a vote of 403 to 18~, the anti-strike and anti-sabotage bills were passed. Under the law the maximum penalty for sabotage was raised from 6 months to 10 years. The fine was fixed as high as $8,000,000. The use df threat or violence to start strikes is punishable by a maximum ·of 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $4,0001 000. In a few days, ii.fter passage of the anti-strike and anti-sabotage bills, the month-long Communist attempt to overthrow the government through 2,000,000 men strike was defeated. France received a temporary breathing · 'spell. French democracy was 'temporarily SIOVed. What is the future o/ France? The Communist-inspired strikes were called to discredit the efficieney of the French government in solving the ,problems of the nation. They were also calculated to wreck the future operation of the Marshall Plan. The Communis!IJ believe that by embarnssing the government with serious problems, tfte people might overthrow the governmerit. The fitrikes failed because the government stood firm. The Communists temporarily suffered a setback not only in the rnUnicipal elections but also in their attem'pt to embarrass the government. The future of France will be determined on how well the government can solve the economic problems of the country. France. may still be saved by strong government leadership and by the successful operation of United (Please tu,.,, to page 256) Current E-vents Review, Feb., .1948 W'haa ill behind the Arab protest? Will tke Arabs Carry Out a Holy War ia Palestine~ Specific objectives: 1. To understand the objectives of t.he Arabi 2. To know why the Arabs oppose the partition of Palestine 3. To understand the significance of the gravity of the situation in the Middle East The General Assembly made a historic decision in its second regular session on Nov. 30, 1947, when it partitioned Palestine into an Arab and Jewish state, except Jerusalem which is under a United Nations trusteeship system. The decision gave the Jews a homeland which they had been seeking since more than 2,000 years ago. The J ewe welcomed the decision. They celebrated it with dances and aongs. The Arabs, on the other hand, defied the decision and started a series of violence. Why do the Arabs oppose the decision? What are the objectives of the Arabs? Why is the deciC sion -difficult to carry? Who are the Arabs? It is difficult to determine who is an Arab because of his diverse orig.i;ns. In an article entitled "Enigma of the Desert, the Arab," Clifton Daniel wrote: "An Arab is an inhabitant of that great stretch of territory between the Atlantic Ocean and' the Iranian border, who, as a consequence of the Arabian conquest in the seventh centu.ry, has become Arabized. That is to say, he has adopted the Arabic language and usually the Moslem religion and has thereby become heir to the Arab tradition. He may, World Problem moreover, have A1·abian blood.'' During the fifteenth and sixtee'1th centuries of the Christian Era, the Ottoman Turks conquered western Asia, north Africa, and they even went aa !ar as the Atlantic OceB.n. A vast empire was thus built in the Middle East where the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa meet. For four hundred years, the Arabs were divid~d into dif· ferent separate tribes. Each tribe had its own political chief. and govemmtmt, but they all had the same culture and traditions. Politically the Arabs Were weak because they were not united. The World W81· I brought about the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The various Arab tribes hoped that as a i·eault of the war they might attain nationlll unity, but'instead they were divided into several states. What ar~ the aims oj the Arabs? The treaty of Lausanne signed on July 24, 1923, provided that Mesopotamia, Palestine, Syria, and Arabia be made independent of Turkey. The Arabs who expected . to have political unity found themselves. divided into several states. Syria and Lebanon became mandates of France. Palestine, Tt·ansjordan, and Iraq became mandates of Bi:itain. Arabia was broken into severAI free states. A movement fo.t· complete independence of the Arab states was started. Several factors hastened the movement. The Ara.be claimed that Sir Henry MRC• 239 Maho:n, the British High Commissioner i:n Egypt, pledged to the Sharif of MP.cea in 1914 that Palesti:ne would be en Arab state. On November 2, 1917, Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour issued the famous Balfour Declaration favori:ng the establishment of a national home for the Jews in Palestine. This declaration waa supported by the Zionist Movement. The Father of Zionism is Dr. Theodore Herlz. The main purpose of Zionism is to unite all the Jews in & movement to acquire Palestine aa the national home of the Jews. Since then the Jews began settling the Holy Land which the Arabs claim aa their own. What are the aim8 of the .4.rab League? The awakening of Arab nationalism was hastened by improved methods qf communication and transportation. Modem means of commun'!cation enabled the Arabs to understand one another. Reading materials helped much i:n fostering their movement for national unity. Duri:ng World War Ii the use of the radio helped revive the notion that Arab strength would be g<"eater if the people were united. The Arab Le ague waa formed through the initiative of M11Stafa aiNahhas, former Prime Minister of Egypt. In July, 1948, he held conversations with the leaders of the Arab states for the purpose of formi:nc a league. · A full session of the delegates of seven Arab states was held. The "Pact of the League of Arab States" waa signed on March 22, 1945. The signatories · are Syria, Transjordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, a:nd Yemen. What are the aims of the League? The aima are (1) to strengthen the relations among the member states, (2) to coordinate the policies of all Arab states i:n order to achieve cooiier!ltion and to safeguard their i:ndependence 240* and sovereignty, (3) to develop common concem on such activities ae tariffs, currency, communieationa, paa. ports, visa&, agriculture, industrJ", cultural and social affairs, and health matters. Why are the .4.rabs opposed to the partition decision? One of the aims of the Arab League is to secure the eatablishmen• of an Arab state in Palestine. The Arabs claim that Palestine is their real hom&land. F. Khouri, the Syria11 delegate to the United Nations, said: "For no one should forget that Palestine baa been for ages, and should continne to be, an Arab land, a patrimony the Arabs have the obligatio11, to defend to their utmost." What do the Arabs fear? Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia declared that the decision to partition Palestine is a violation of the United Nations Charter. But this is not all •. There are 1,100,000 Arabs in Palestine and 670,000 Jews. The Arabs fear that sooner or later there would be more Jews than Arabs in Palestine. The inereaee. i:n Jewish population might eventually dominate the whole Palesti:ne. Will the .4.rabs carry out a Holy War? The decision to partition Palestine was greeted by the Arabs with violence. The Palestine Arabs immediately declared a general strike. The Arab lj:lgber Committee charged that the decision is a "declaration of ·war" on the Arab& Abdel Rahman Azzam Pasha, secretary general of the Arab League, announced that th~ decision would be "resisted by force." He said that the total Arab population of 83,000,000 would never permit the United Nations to partltioa Palesijne. Thousands of Arabs sup. port the declaration of a Jihad or Holy War. Current Events Review, Feb., .1948 Will peace C0111B to the Holy Land? The disturbances in Paleatina pose the question: "Will peace come to Palestine now that United Nationa had decided to partition the Promised Land?" The events of tbe next few months will give the answer to thl' question. 'The present attitude of the Arabs is merely the outcome of a wellplanned decision to -resist partition of Palestine. In June, 1946, a special session of the Arab League was held. It adopted two important deeisiona: First, all attempts of the Jews to colonize Palestine would be opposed; second, efforts should be exerted to work for the independence of Palestine. And then in October, 1947, the Arab Lesgue held another session at Lebanon. It decided to do what it could to push the project of an Arab-controlled Palestine. It also decided to work againat the partition of Palestine. Recently, the Arab leaders planned to defeat the carrying out of the United N ationa decision to pB1'tition Palestine. What is at stake now? The peace of the lllliddle East is now at stake. The Arab League eould muster an army of 80,000. Most of these, however, are not well trained. The Jews can depend on its Haganah, the Jewish defenae army. The Jews could muster 75,000 soldiers. Most of these are well trained and· well equipped. There are two groups of J.ew:ish terrorists: the Ir gun Z1>ai L ..... m( (National Military Organization) which claims to have 12,000 members and the Stem Group (Fighter for the Freedom of Israel) which claims no less than 2,000 members. The Jews of Palestine condemn the methods of both terrorist groups. The Arabs have announced that preparationa are being made to liberate Palestine. Thousands of Arabs have aj>proved of a Holy War. Both Jews and Arabs have begun their skirmishes. World Problem The British, however, are still n!llPODsible for order bi Palestine pending 'withdrawal by Augoat 1, 1948.. Will tbe Arabs strike hard after the British withdrawal? An international police force must be created to carry out the decision of the United Nations. What is the chance of peace? What is the chance of economic interest& of the great powers in the Middle East? If a civil war larger than tbe ci~ wU. that rocked Palestine during 1936-1939 takes place, oil co~essionB, the !if.,. blood of· both foreigriers and Arai.; may suffer inestimable deatrnctioa. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why do tbe Arabs desim aational unity? 2. How did World War II inflaenee A~ab unity? 3. How was the Arab movement for nati0nal unity halltened? . 4. Are the aims of the Aralt League justified? Why? 5. Why do the Arabs oppose the cf&. eision on Palestine! 6. What are the chances of ~ la the lllliddle East? References 1. Clifton, Daniel. - "Arab Statee Hesitate on Applying 'Sanction'." TIM New York Time,., September 28, 1947, p. 4E. 2. )4>uis, Fischer~"Why There'll a War in Palestine," Look, Vol. II No. 8 (April 15, 1947) pp. 50, 52; 56-57. 8. Fay, Sidney. - "Egypt and the Arab League," Curr.,.t Histoty, Vol. 13, No. 72 (August, 1947) pp. 83-87. 4. llllorgan, Edward. - "The Arabs Mobilize," Collier's, Vol. 116, No. 8 (August 11, 1945) pp. 18-19; 32. 5. Gervasi, Frank. - "Terror in Palestine," Collier's, Vol. 116, No. 6 (Please tum to pafl& 253) *HI Dew is tbe New Ubioa Governed Today' Specific objectives: 1. To study the make-up of the new ChiJiese government 2. To understand the role of the new Clllnese constitution 3. To get acquainted with the main trend of Chinese political life On December 26, 1947, China took her place among the democratic countries of the world. On that day the new China constitution approved on December 25, 1946 first came into operation. How is China governed under the new conatitution? What is th& role of the new Chinese constitution? What is the main trend of Chinese political life? /Vew experience for the Chinese The Chinese people got their first democratic break ,in their history. The adoption of the new constitution ended the undemocratic government of China and incidentally the one-party dictatorship. The ~w York Times calls the new Chinese constitution a blend of Western democracy and the philosophy of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, "Father of the Chinese Republic." China under the new constitution enters a new c~ra of constitutional government. This is a unique experience in the life of a people that has struggled for constitutional government. What heritage of the nation is embodied in the new constitution? The new constitution embodies the "Three Principles of the People." These ,principles, according to the late Dr. Sun Yat Sen, are: (1) nationalism, (2) de242. mocracy, and (3) means of livelihood. Nationalism means the people should be fre~ from political foreign control. Democracy means the sovereignty_ of the people. Adequate means of liveli-· hood calls for the improvement in the economic and social conditions of the people. The preamble of the constitution declares that the Republic of China is founded on the Sun Min Chu I (Three People's Principles), that it is a democratic republic of the people, for the people, and by the peo,ple. How is legislative power exercised? There are three bodies that exercise legislative power. These are the Natibnal Assembly, the Legislative Yuan, and the Control Yuan. The National Assembly: The members of the National Assembly are elected for a term of six years. The members are elected from loct.l districts, the Mongolians, Tibetan tribes, overseas Chines~, and women.'s associations. The National Assembly has limited powers. It elects the President and Vice-Presideqt of the Repnblic. It may re.call them or act on impeachments instituted by the Ce>ntrol Yuan. It pssses on amendments proposed by the Legislative Yuan. u1t cannot take part either in legislation or in control Of the government except through measures of impeaching the powerful President or amending the Constitution." The Legislative Yuan. The real legislative power is exercised by this body. Its members ~re elected from provinces and municipalities directly under the National Government. Members to this body are elected by the Mongolian Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 le- b;r Tibet, by racial grou,ps in bcinler regions, by overseas Chinese nationala, and occupational groups. The memben 11re elected for three years. This bqdy emicts the laws. The Controi Yuan: Another body that eurcises legislative power is the Contl'Ol Yuan. The members are elected by provincial and municipal co11ncil and the local district councils of Mongolia, Tibet, and of overseas Chinese communities. The members serve for six ;yeaJ.1!. This body has the following powers: (1) power to investigate the members of the Executive Yuan: (2) power to impeach a public official of either the central or local government for' neglect of their official duties or violation of the laws; (3) power to suggest measures for the rectification of the violation of laws and neglect of the duties of public officials; ( 4) power to approve or reject the appointments of officials to the higher judiciary and members of the Executive Yuan: and ( 5) power to exercise an audit function. How is the e:t:ecutive power e:mrcised? TheN are two bodies that exercise the mr.eeu.tive power. fte l'nrsident: The President and Vice-Pmesident are elected by the National Assembl;y. They will not serve mol8 than two six-year tearms. The PreoiAlent is the chief of the state, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, NaV'y, and Air Forces. He promulgates the law, declares war, and eonchsdes peace. The lllw he promulg1Ltes, however, must be counter-<1igned by the President of the Exe~ve Yuan. The declaration of war anti conclusion of peace must ·be aeconliag to the resolutions of the Legislative Yuan. The President 1<ppoints and removes officials of the government amording to the law. He grants amnesty and pardon. He may declare martial law but this must be confirmed Ferelgn Affairs by the Legislative Yu1111. En\ergeocy decrees c.an be issued ci11ly during the recess of the Legislative Yll!LD. ThQl!O decrees must be approved by the Legil!lative Yuan. The Executive Yuan: The highest administrative organ of Chim1 ill the Executive Yuan. It is composed of a President and ministers apppjnted bY the President of the Republic. It carries out the laws. It originates legislations, including treaty bills and bills affecting various ministries or commissions. It submits the budget to the Legislative Yuan. How is judicial power exercised? The judicial power is exercised ~y the Judicial Yuan. The body is headed by a President and Vicc>-President appointed by the President of the Re,public with the conse11t of the Control. Yuan. The other members of the Judicial Yuan are appointed in a similar manner. The members hold office during gopd behavior. Their independence is assured. The organi'zation of the courts is to be prescribed by law. What is the Junction oj the Examination Yuan? The Examination Yuan is a unique body. This really represents the civil service system. The heads and members of this body are appointed by the Pnsident of the Republic with the consent of the Control Yuan. All citizens in China have equal rights to hold public ciffiee. Public officials must be appointed after passing an open competitive examination. Technicians and professional personnel are also examined by the Examination Yuan for ~mployrhent in the government. How is weal selj-gov.ernment exercised? There is a new change iJl the exercise of local govemment- under the new 'oJJ• 243 st:itatlon. Under the old constitution the provincial go'ferllors were appointed by the national government. The piovincial governors in tum appointed the head of the Hsien (counties). Today it is required that there must be an elective provincial legislative Council and an elected governor. The Hsien head must also be elected. The .new provision on the local self-government is significant in that the cenfral government baa lost its control Of. the local government. Bow are the rights o/ the people guaranteed? The Constitution ~umerates the following rights of the people: freedom of speech, ·of religion, of petition, of voting, of holding office, the right to work and the right of private pro.perty. Theae rights are defended by the power of the Judicial Yuan to declare nuU and void any infringement of the right of the people according to provisions of the constitution. What are the high principles or i,deal.s o/ the constitution? The Constitution provides that the foreign policy of China should be based on the principles of justice, reciprocity. and peace. China will cultivate goodneighborliness with the nations of the world. China als<> adheres to the United Nations Charter in the interest of national security, internation&l justice, and world peace. The constitution prohibits the use of the nation's armed forces as an instrument in the politicaJ. struggle for power, ·No individual in the military service can at the same time hold a civil office. · Dr. Sun Yat Sen's philosophy on Llvelhood is assured in the ConBtitution by the piovisions on the equal distribution of land and private capital, protection 244* and limitation of private plOJIOrl7, government management of public utilities, definite provisions for the allocation of the national budget for educational, scientific, and cultural purposes, adoption of national insurance &JBtem, protection of women and child lahCllr, arbitraµon between capitalists, and lalioorers, improvement of productivity, pub~ health, and employment for aD ablebodied ;persons. What will 1,e the role o/ lhe MU constitution? It wiU take some time befll'8 the Chinese could fuUy realize the effeei. of their Constitution on their national life. and before they could fuUy realize the significance of democratic principles enshrined in their Cqnstitution. The new Constitution must thrive and grow on a "fertile ground." China is in the throes of a civil war. She stiU fights for national unity. Dr. Sun Yat ·sen once remarked that it might take China a hundred years to establish a smoothly working political system. The new Constitution opens for the Chinese an era of constitutional government. It broadens their government which has been criticized as undemocratic. It is an attempt to work out a system of government that will fit ennditions in China. "One day in the ·future," wrote John Rodeck in 'Experiment in Democracy', upeoPie in ·both Communist and Nationalist areas may be able to say that they have a hand in self-government." The elections under the new constitution are not important according to Walter Logan in an article entitl~ "China Goes to the Polls." "The fact that there are elections, is." The Constitution of China is a begi11J1ing. National unity of ·the Chinese will be the second step in the implementati,on of the constitution. (Ple1J1e tum to page 263) Current.Events Review, Felt.. l!M8 Significant World News Roundup POLAND lJMlla of democracy Deaocracy received its greatest death blow in Poland recently. The oppositioa democratic party, Polish Peaaant ParlJ' .was crushed by the Communistcontrelled government. Stanislaw Mikolajcsyk, staunch leader of the Polish Peasaat Party, llad escaped to London. The pTemment through its official spokeaman, Gen. Wiktor Groz, made the annoomc:ement "that his (Mikolajczyk's) escape was engineered by foreign friends ahroM.· The Communists seized the opposition'• printing plant, Gazeta Ludowa. The opposition _party is now apparently integrated with the government sponsored party. Suspicious oppositionists are smnmarily arrested on "unexplainable charges." What lo the significance of the1 news? The I.tight of Stanislaw Mikolajczyk to LondOll signalled the death of democracy. Tltree years· ago he had returned to Poland to lead Poland back to the road of democracy. But he waged an unequal fight because Poland became dominated by the Communists. In the electioR of January 19, 1947, the oppositionists' victory was nullified for an nnknown reason. Before his fligl>t his name was mentioned in connection with tile "political trials of Polish members of the ground." Today it ·is likely that Stanislaw Mikolajczyk has been declared a traitor by the Communist-ruled Poland. Tha fate suffered by his opposition party is similar to that of the opposition parties in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Ramania. Int...-tional News RIJMANIA Opposition party received a jolt An unfair trial conducted by the Communist-run government -of Rumuia sentenced another democratic leader to life imprisonment. Dr. Juliu Maniu, an aged peasant leader of the only democratic party in Rumania is a staunch opposition leader, like Stanislaw Mikolajczyk of Poland and Nicola Petkov of Bulgaria. The trial has been described as "grotesque" and unfair. Dr. Juliu ;Maniu was tried for the crime of "leading a democratic party'' and of ''co11aborating with the United States." What is the significance of the news? There is a very ironical fact in connection with the trial of Dr. Juliu Maniu. The prosecutor was Col. Alexander Georgescu who was an important official in the pro-Nazi regime of dictator Antonescu. Now that the country has fallen under Russia's control, the Colonel must serve Russia, too. The irony of the trial is in the nature of the "crime" imputed to Dr. Juliu Maniu. He was chai;ged of leading a democratic party in opposition to the Communist-run government; and yet under the treaty signed by the Big Four and Rumania, the existence of opposition parties is guaranteed, together with freedom of the press, free elections, and freedom of speech. The world now asks: Is the Rumanian treaty a mockery! CZECHOSLOVAKIA Will the opposition pa.rty die? An all-out attack is underway in Czechoslovakia. This country is one * 245 of the ·countries in Eastern Europe that have not been fully brought within Russia's "Iron Curtain." The success of the Communists in destroying opposition parties in Poland, Hungary, Rumania, and Bulgaria has encouraged the Communists in Czechoslovak.ia to destroy also the opposition party in that country. The Communists are resorting to tlrteats to weaken the o,pposition parties. Dt. Jan Kempny and Dr. Milos Bugal:, two outstanding leaders of the Slovak Catholic Party, for example, were chatgM of "conspiracy,, and are now unde:t gOW!rntnent custody. Their conviction would mean silencing the Slovak Catholic Party. This is the usual Russian method of silencing oppositionist parties. Likewise presSute is being exerted to make the Czech Socialist Party join the Communist-dominated National Front party. What is the significance of the news? The movement to destroy the opposition party is gaining momentum. It is important to remember that Czechoslovakia is one of the two countries in Eastern Europe willing to accept· the. Marshall Plan In the beginning. But pressure from Russia forced Premier Klement Gottwald and Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk to reject the invitation. In exchange for their refusal of the Marshall plan, C~echoslovakia was promised aid by B.ussia. And now to :tnake complete th.e communizing ot Czechoslovakia, the Socialist Party is being coerced to join the National Front Party. Will the Communist government succeed? GREECE What is the future of the Greek Free Gover,unent? The esb.blishment of a "Free Greece" in the no.rthem mountains of Greece poses a difficult question in interna246 * tional relations. The establishment of the "Greek Free Government" had been expected since the beginning of the Greek guerrilla warfare. In fact talks of such establishment was brought out in connection with the establishment of a uFree Macedonia" in northern Greece. General Markos Vafiades, a famous guerrilla and an avid Cammunin i• llCIW the head of the "First Provisional Democratic Government of Free Greece." What Is the significance of &he news? The establishment of the ftee g""ernment has several significances. Ffrst, it is a challenge to the government of Greece to continue the fight that is now going on In northern Greece. Second, the establiahment of "Free Greece" ls an example to most European ccuntries that the problems of Europe are very difficult to settle. The Communists would like the countries of Europe to know that it is not wise to accept the Marshall Plan. Thh·d, the Balkan Watch Commission recently created by the second regular session of the General Assembly will be challenged in its task of settling peace in northern Greece. The international complication ol this situation is: Wi11 this free gD""t'ernment receive support from Communist: countries in Eastern Europe ? Thia is the problem facing all democratic countries today. ITALY Death of a King and Birth of a Repub1ic The history of Italy since it• liberation has been marked by historical events. Three irrt,portant hilltorical events are worthwhile noting. First, the Italians decided to end the monaP.. chy. In a plebiscite held on June 3, 1946, 12,672,000 Italians voted in favor of a republic and 10,688,000 voted for the retention of the monarchy. ~ond, Current Events ReTiew, Feb., 1948 Vittorio Emanuel III, king of ltal7 ·for 46 years, died on Deeember 29, 1947, In Alexandria, Egypt. Third, the Italian republic was formally born on January i, 1948. Wlillt Is the significance of the news? The results of the plebiscite ended the 900-year old House of Savoy. The Italian eleetion, the first free national election in twenty-five years, showed that the majority of the Italians are against Communism. The death of King Vittorio Emanuel Ill put an end to his 46 eventful years of reign which covered two wOrld wars, two minor political conflicts, and the period of 24 years of Fascism under Benito Mussolini. Actually, the king had abdicated on May 9, 1946, when he also announced that he would be succeeded by his son, Prince Umberto. And then the plebiscite finally ous1$1 the House of Savoy. A republic was born. Enrico de Nicola was chosen President. The new Italian constitution which b~came effecti'le on January 1, 1948, formally made Italy a republic. RUMANIA Birth of another "Republic" A new ''Rep'bblic" was proclaimed on December 31, 1947. King Mihal of Rumania abdicated his throne, and on the same day the Rumanian parliament voted unanimously to abolish the monarchy and to frame the constitution. A "popular democratic republic" was proclaimed by the deputies. The cabinet under Premier Petru Groza resigned. It was later reconstituted, but one important member, the Education Minister was eliminated. There is at pJ;'esent a move to call a constituent assembly and to prepare another constitution. What is the significance of the news? In his proclamation, King Mihal Intematlonal News stated that present conditions in the country do not justify his poaltion as monarch. The most important; - . given by him was the dominance of the Communists in the government. The Communists welcomed the abdication. They said that King .Mihai would be free to m&rry Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma. The abdication of King_ Mihal hllll deeper political implications. Histol'ical events show that the king was merely a figu1·ehead in the government. His government was practically under the Communists. Premier Petru Graza is a Communist and the majority of the members of the parliament were Communists. The Communists had been trying hard to bring Rumania under their grip. The abdication solved their problem. The abdication is significant for two reasons: First, the country is now ·open for complete sovietization. The Communists have been working hard since 1932 to bring Rumania nearer to Ruasia. The Communists will now have the complete freedom to rule the country. S~ond, the abdication brings Rumania, the last country in Eastern Euro,pe, un\ier Soviet dictatorship. GERMANY Another nwve to 11treng1hen the flizonia Efforts are being exerted by . both the British and American military administration in Germany to bring close cooperation between their zones of occupation. In 1947, the British and American zones of occµpation were me:fged economically. This step .was taken to help Geunany solve her eco-. nomic problems. Both the British and ·the Americans believed that economic cooperation in both zones would be for the good of both the Germans and the occupying forces. Lately, top German *247 .mdals llCCepted the propoaala for the aettinir up of a joint administration in htll tile British and American zone. WUt is the significance of the news? The term Bizonia is iriven to the merged British and American zones of occupation in German;r. The 'decision to merge the British and American zones economically last :rear is gradually solvhig the German economic problem& The experiences of the Allies in Germany since the beginning of the occupation of German:r in 1946 proved that the lack of economic unit:r hindered greatl:r the solution of German problem& Consequently, a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers was called to discuss this question. The meeting waa a failure. The failure forced the British and American authorities to consider the necessit:r of bringing closer cooperation between their zones. The proposal for the establishment of a joint administration will eventually mean a govemment for western Germany. Russian papers condemned the British-American move as tantamount to "partitioning" German;r. Talks have also started for the merging of the French, British, and American zones of occupation. U the merging of the three :gones succeed, will Russia incorporate her zone of occupation into her territory 7 Snch an act would be a great problem for the Big Four. BRITAIN Will the British finally oust the Labor Party? One great event that is being viewed with concern in British politics is the result of the municipal elections recently held in Britain. The elections were for city and town councilmen. The issues, however, were national. The final retams of the municipal elections show that the Labor part:r won only 831 of the 8,265 seats contested. The Conser248* vatives, Liberals, and Independents obtained 2,434 seafs. The victory of the Conservative part:r was nation-wide. It should be remembered that in the 1946 national elections, the Conservative part:r suffered a humiliating defeat. In the last municipal elections, the result is just the opposite. What is the significance of the news 7 The issues in the municipal election were national. Ftlr more voters than usual went to the polling booths. This means man:r people voted to rf'gister their opposition to the policies of the government. The l~aders of the Labor part:r announced before the election that the "Tories are tcying to prove at these elections that there is diS\'Ontent and dissatisfaction with Labor's policf." The resµlts of the elections confirmed the J>re-election oampaign of the Conservatives. It cannot be denied wrote the News Review, a London weekl:r, "that many thousands of votes were cast against the established au-. thority of the da:r out or the widespread sense of annoyance and frustration caused by the present economic crisis." Will the government be forced to calr a general election to determine the true wish of the people! This is the question uppermost in the minds of the Conservatives. Should the Attlee government call for a general election and the results show the defeat of the Labor party, then it would mean a setback to one of the great experiments in modern history-socialism in a democratic countcy. UNITED STATES Grave decisions to be made The American people through their chosen representatives will make grave decisions this Year. The Congress is now faced by numerous problems. First, there is the 'Program to control infla: ciirrent Events Revi-, Feb., .194.8 tion. Second, there is the problem of acting on the ERP (Economic Recovery Program) for ·Europe. Third, there is the shaping of the foreign policy of the country. Fourth, there is the Presidential election in November. What is the significance of the news? The present session of the U., S. Congress is im,portant jn the history of the United States. The Detroit News points to the responsibility of the American people. "In facing toward 1948, the nation has one goal of such high importance that no other compares with it. What will count most in determining our future fortunes is our ability to establish in 1948 the line of foreign policy which was blueprinted in 194 7. That objective transcends e~ery domestic consideration, but the achievement of it will be made difficult by the onComing national election." The New York Herald Tribune wrote: _.Unfortunately, world affairs are at a critical point. The decisions which the United States makes in the next 10 months will be decisive in world history for many more than as many years, and delay beyond the brief space that destiny has alloted will be iust as decisive." JAPAN Limit Japaneae food imports The Far Eastern Commiss_ion recently made public a policy decision directing the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan to take measures that would bring about maximum production of home-grown food and that would assure its equitable distribution. Because of world food shortage, it also established the ,policy of limiting Japanese food imports to the mini· mum required to prevent starvation, widespread disease, and civil unrest. What is the significance of the news? The decision arrived at by the Far International News Eastern Commission is in keeping with the world-wide program of preventing hunger and starvation in the world. Figures released by the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) show that the .threat of hunger and starvation in the world is critical. The acute shortage of food, which is not confined to Japan, is causing serious hardships in countries which suffered as a result of Japanese aggression. CHINA Is there a Comintem for China? There is a general belief that Russia is trying to bring certain sections of China under the Russian "sphere of in· fluenee" or under any other form• of control. Recent news brought disturbing complaints that Russia is giving aid to the Chinese Communists in Man· churia. Recent news also brought up the question why Russia has not opened the port of Dairen to all nations. Both Nationalists and t;:ommunists spoke of annihilating one another within this year. American writers continue to point that there is a kind of Comintern in China. What is the significance of the news? The word Comintern stands for the Third, Communist International, an in· ternational Communist organization re· cently revived by nine Communist 1 par· ties of Europe. The Chinese government is continually being disturbed by the Russian support of the Chinese Communists. There is evidence that Russian Communists are trying to strengthen their influence on the Chin· ese Communists. American editorial columnists and radio commentators are apprehensive of the trend of the civil war in China. They see the working of a Comintern in the continued resist· ance of the Chin~se Communists. More political leaders in the United States are now in favor of extending aid to * 249 China. "American aid," wrote the Washington Daily News "should not be withheld until the Chinese will to surVive is sapped . to the point where she accepts the Communist chains waiting for her." BURMA Burma /aces important problema Free Burma became independent on January 4, 1948. The firft president of the youngest nation in the world, President Sao Shwe Thaik, expressed confidence that Free Burma would be able to solve her problems. Recently, Burma signed the pact with Britain permitting Britain to maintain military mission in Burma, cancelling Burmese war debts of $60,000,000 to Britain, and transferring 37 small vessels to Burma. Burma, however, faces numerous problems, most important of which is the economic reconstruction of the damages bl'9ught by the last war. What is the significance of the news? A great responsibility weighs heavily en the shoulders of a nation newly set free, because such freedom necessitates radical adjustments in the national life of the people to meet attendant problems. In the case of Burma, however, the adju.Stments needed are simple. Burma is not faced by religious division like India. Burma's only great problem is her economic rehabilitation. Stability must be attained before the government could be on solid ground to continue this freedom. Study Helps Diseu88 the following: 1. Why is Russia very much interested in Poland? 250* 2. According to the pe11Ce treaty signed by Rumania, opposition parties should be let alone. Is the recent event in Rumania a mockery? What possible steps could be taken by the other powers who signed the treaty to save the opposition? 3. What is the possible international im,plication if the Communist countries of Eastern Europe recognize the rebel "Free Greece"? 4. Italians now have a republican government, but the country is still faced by difficult economic problems. Do you think democracy will survive in .Italy? 5. Do you believe the statement that the abdication of King Mihai is th• death of democracy in all Eastern Europe? Why? 6. What problem confronts the merger of the French,· British, and American zones ? Would you favor the merging of the three zones of occupation? Why? 7. What is the significance of the British elections? 8. Why must the U.S. Congress make grave decisions this year? 9. What is the wisdom of limiting Japanese food imports? 10. Should American aid be further extended to China? Why? 11. Is the maintenance of British military mission in Burma significant? What is the significance? ATING WIKA a sister publication to this magazine contains ahuu· dant, illustrated materials of instruction in the Filipino National Language for grade-school children. Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 Special Report 01 the Activities of the Uaited Natioas What UNESCO did in 1947 The official report of the activities of the UNESCO in 1947, submitted by Dr. Julian Huxley, 'Director-General, presents the following important accomplishments: (1) The machinery to carry out the program of the organization has been set into motion. (2) A general conference was held by 66 international organizations to prepare plans for reconstruction of the cultural, educational, and scientific life of many countries destroyed by the war. (3) Surveys have been made to find out the educational and technical needs of several countries. (4) The maintenance of fellowships and scholarships has been assured. (6) The program of education for international understanding has been stated. A six-week seminar was held in Paris for teachers all over the world. Teachers studied the textbooks used in schools all over the world for the purpose of recommending improvements on how international understanding might be accomplished. (6) Field teams of scientists were sent out to the Far East, Middle East, and Latin Ameria for the purpose of bringing the scientists in these regions into close cooperation with the other scientists of the world. (7) Two thousand libraries destroyed by the World War II have been restocked. (8) Help has been extended to thirteen countries in the reconstruction of museums and public collections. (9) Step has been taken to establish an International Theater Institute. (10) Financial aid has been extended to private international orgai1izations which are 'llso engaged in the attainment of objectives similar to the UNESCO. World Affairs Study Helps 1. Do you consider the projects w.dertaken by UNESCO worth while? Why? 2. In the light of its accomplishments in 1947, does the UNESCO deserve better support? Why? An example in world cooperation The WHO (World Health Organization) has recently shown an example in international cooperation. A cholera outbreak occurred in Egypt recently. The WHO called an immediate meeting of the members who had already ratified the proposed constitution. Several member countries responded; In less than a month; the organization was supplied with more than 1,000,000 doses of anti-cholera. They were immediately sent to Egypt. Study Helps 1. Why is there need for the. World Health Organization? 2. Why did our country join this international organization? To spread correct information on the United Nations The General Assembly in its last session approved Norway's resolution urging that the principles, structure, and activities of the United Nations be taught in the· schools of all members of the United Nations. The resolution states in part: "Knowledge and understanding of the aims and activities of • 251 the United Nations are essential in promoting and assuring general interest and popular support in its work." It has been noted that newspapers (lev-0te a great space to the ;political di8"0nl tlliking place in the United Nations and less to the positive work of the UniJWI Nations, such as the work of tile Trusteeship Council in administering dependent al'l"'S, work of the World Health Organization, work of the International ll.efugee Organization in aiding displaced persons, and the international cooperation .in fighting narcotics. Study Helps 1. Why should high school students be taught the principles, strueture, and activities of the United liathms? 2. The Current Events Review has been publishing news about the United Nations since 1945. If you have been reading the maga~ne regularly, can you give the values that you have d.erived from the reading of the magazine? E~change of worker'fl A resolution was approved by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations on the exchange of workers. It was agreed that m~mber states should exchange workers to improve their professiQllal training and to study the economie and social problems of workers in other countries. Study Helps 1. Why is the resolution significant? 2. Can you suggest methods on how the exchange of workers may be 4'fone effectively? Action on 1alse reports The General Assembly in its last regular session approved unanimously a resolution inviting all members of the United Nations to combat the diffusion of false or distorted reports which are 252 * often injurious to the relations between states. A detailed study of how to make the resolution effective will be taken in thi> forijicoming Confe~ce on Freedom of Wol"J;!latioo. Stmlr Helps 1. Why is the resolution important? 2. J'ropaganda bas been defined as .aa "attempt by in~ividuals or groups ·to influence an individual or group to a pr.edetermined action." May pPopagap.da be considered false report? Political information to lie encouraged One of the resolutions adopted in the last session of the regular µieeting of the General Assembly is the adoption of a standard form for the transmission of political information on dependent territories under the trasteeship .Council. The main aim of the resolution js to enable administrators tO acqui:te correct political information. The re•olution will enable the public to know >llhat is being done to .develop the political life of non-self-governing peoples. Study Hel,Ps 1. :Why is the res<>lution sigpificant? 2. Why is it imp,rta11t for thi> puhijc to get acquainted with the poijti.Clll de)o'elopment of non-self gov.ernin .P<i>ples? Items listed on Genocide Draft The United Nations Legal Committee has set down the items to be taken u,p in "the next convention on Genocide. In 1946 the General Assembly requested the Secretariat to prepare a lfraft on Genocide. A tentative agreement has been reached on the meaning of Genocide--the intentional destruction ?f racial, national, linguistic, religious or political groups of human beings. (Please turn to the next page) Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 Special Report ••• (Contintud) The draft ef the tegal .Colftmittee llsts a number of aefg fo be- tOl!siden!d cti• minal. The following fall under the crime known. as Genocide: outright massacre, mutilations, deprivations of the means of livelihood, sterilization, segregation of sexes, destruction of books and ot historical or religious monuments, cultural extermination, and prohibition of tlte use ot the language, of a conqueted people. Study Helps 1. Why is the resolution significant? 2. Do you believe it necessary to include all the acts listed above under the crime known as Genocide? Why? How is the Ameriean ••• (Continued from page 285) XIII, No. 11 (March 15, 1947) pp. 822324. 2. Lippman, Walter. - "Waging World Peace," Vital Speeches. Vol. XIII, No. i7 (June 15, 1947) pp. 514515. 3. Campbell, John C. - The United States in World Affa.irs (1946-1947), pp. 23; 55-59; 101-105. 4. Constantine, Poulos.-"Cold War: No One is Neutral in the Balkans," New Republic, Vol. 117, No. 11 (September 15, 1947) pp. 14-15. Will the Arabs Carry ••• (Continued from page 241) (August 11, 1945) pp.· 24; 64-65. 6. Ghali· Bey, Gueffry Boutros. - "An Arab Sets Out the Aims of the Arabs," The New York Times, Magazilie, (May 11, 1947) pp. 15; 50-53. 1. "Peace Problems of the Middle East,'' Curient E11ents RetJiew, Vol. ll . Nos. 8 & 4 (September-October, 1946) pp. 11-12; 19. World Affairs How is the New China ••• (Continued from page 244) Euteise& te Develop Thinking 1. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek in his book China's Destiny said that the future of China lies in the hand of the Chinese. What is the significance of this statement in the f1D1ctioning of the new Constitution? 2. In what way does the new constl-· tution give the Clrlnese a new experience? Cite an example. 3. How does the Constitution preserve the heritage of the Chinese? 4. How are the rights of the people protected? 6. Some writers comment that China's Constitution is the first Constitution wherein adherence to the United Nations is s,peeifically affirmed. can you give the possible reasons why this adherence is affirmed ? 6. What conditions are necessary to make the constitution -bbl~? 7. Social justice means giving to the group what is due to it according to its status i n society. It means the promotion of the welfare of the people. What provisions in the new Constitution promote the principle of social justice? References 1. Yu-Hao, Tseng.-"Comment On New Constitution, Historical Background," The China Weekly Review, V'ol. 106, No. 1 (ii/larch 1, 1947), pp. 11-13. 2. Chamberlain, Joseph P.-"Structure of China's Constitution," Far Eastern Survey, Vol. XVI, No. 9 (May 7, 1947) pp. 100-105. 8. "The Problem of Palesti1Je," Cut"f"ent Events RetJiew, Vol. II Nos. 34 (September-October, 1946) pp. 11-12; 19. *253 The Philippines and the World Unprecedented increaae Overseas trade · of the Philippines for the first ten months of 194 7 totalled Pl,191,077,999, of which P839,414,558 represented the value of ou,r imports and P351,663,441 the value of our exports. The trade balance W8'1 still unfavorable for the Philippines. The leading exports of tlie Philippines in 1947 were: copra, ·abaca, desiccated coconuts, coconut oil, tobacco, copra cake or meal, scrap metals, hides and other skins, timber, crude rubber, rat .. tan furniture, gold ore, chrome ore, embroideries, and hats. .The mainstay of our exports is copra, amounting to P314,609,166. U.S. papers keep interest in industries More interest is being shown in the recovery of Philippine industries. Papers in the United States 'are giving more space to news about the Philip, pines. The boom in copra and hemp is followed with keen interest by many newspaper editors. More capitalists are watching the economic development of the Philippines. Comments on mission abroad Two missions which recently returned to the Philippines from a visit abroad make significant remarks. Filemon Rodriguez, ehief engineer of the Philippine National Power Corporation, who had ju,st returned from the United States remarked that in the light of his observation abroad, the Philippines should promote (1) the deveiopmeiit of water power; (2) the deVl!iopment of fertilizers; (3) the production of 254 * lighter materials, such as nails, reinforced bars, and building frames; (4) the construction of textile mills; ( b) and the building of inter-island shipping. The seven-man architect mission to the United States and to Latin America also gave its impression of the foreign capitols they had seen. The mission was sent abroad to observe which capitol is suitable for adoption in the Philippines. The mission was favorably impressed by the type of architecture in Lima, Peru, and by that of the capitol in Mexico. The mission will soon prepare the plan for the Philippine capitol in ·the light of their observations abroad. To prepare a blueprint for our economic development The recently reactivated National Economic Council began its study of the several plans for the economic development of the Philippines. The reactivation of the National Economic Council wil/ mean the integration of national planning and formulation of national economic policies. The first task of the Council, according to VicePresident Elpidio Quirino, is the examination of the reports of the joint Philippine-American finance comm1Ss10n and the technical staff of the National Development Company under the supervision of the ileyster Corporation. Other reports from the government branches and private entities will also be examined. Out of this study will be drawn the blueprint for the economic development of the Philippines. Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 ,4_ warning OR national re11ouree11 The Philippines today standa ou,t as having the largest dollar reserves of all countries outside of the United States. According to Budget Commissiolll!r Pio Pedrosa, the stable currency of the Philippines is one of the most important reasons for the present prosperity in the Philippines. Two important suggestions have been advanced by leading Filipino economists concerning the conservation of Philippine dollar reserves. First, the country must set ··up a selective control through the limitation of imports on non-essential goods. Only imports Of capital goods and rehabilitation s"pplies which are beneficial to the rehabilitation projects of the country must be encouraged.• This step, if taken, will help prevent inflation. Second, our present foreign exchange resources should be channelled· toward the purchase of productive goods. The enactment of a legislation imposing high taxes on l~uries will help much in limiting the importation of non-essential goods. Me:X:ico 1-ecently enacted a similar legislation. Place o/ tM Roads A.dminiatrotio1' in rehabilitation One United States government agency that has received little public attention is the USPRA (United States Public Roads Administration). This agency rankS close in importance to the War Damage Commission in the rehabilitation of our country. The United States government has allocated $40,000,000 to USPRA on annual basis. The USPRA has actually spent $1,000,000, and has a w a r d e d contracts amounting to $9,000,000. It has also mapped out the expenditure of $19,000,000. The USPRA has been advising the Bureau of Public Works. It has comNational Affairs pleted the training of some Filipinos in designing and planning public works. The 1948 program of the USPRA includes the rehabilitation of approximately 100 bridges and about 20 road sections throughout the Philippines. TM Philippines and iM United Natiom The Philippines has named two outstanding legislators to two important Commissions created by the second regular session of the General Assembly of the United Nations-Senator Vicente J. Francisco to the Palestine Commission and Senator Melencio Arranz to the Korean Commission. The Palestine Commission will carry out the de-cision of the General Assembly to partition Palestine into an Arab and Jewish state. The Korean Commission will work for the unification of the Koreans, supervise the election of the members of the National Assembly, and prepare the Koreans for eventual independence. Senator Vicente J. Francisco discounted rumors that his assignment to the Palestine Commission is a holiday. The senator said: "I shall perform my assigned task to the best of my ability, and I hope, with credit to the people and government of the Republic of the Philippines." Senator Melencio Arranz also answered criticisms levelled at his appointment to the Korean Commission. The .senator said: "I consider it my solemn duty to accept the designation regardless of the consequences to my personal or political interest. The interest of the country is above all kinda of interests. It is no secret that the work of the Commission may well determine the stability of political, social, and economic institutions in this hemisphere." (Please turn to the ne:rt page) *255 Will Frmee Become ••• (Continued from pa.ge 238) States economic aid. The Communists, however, plan to bring about an increase iii their membership by underground methods. In the meantime the government is trying hard ·to solve i'raftee's economic problems. ·sen. Charles de Gaulle ·may be the next national leader of France. His return to political power was welcomed· by the French voters. The stage is set for a new government. The Communists may not succeed again in calling a 2,000,000 men strike. The battle for democracy, however, will continue because the man whose party won in the last municipal elections is against Communism in France. Will Gen. Charles de Gaulle step in to save Fl'er.ch democra'cy and check Communism? Exercises to De...elop Thinking 1. Why is France needed in the revival of a strong Europe ? 2. What makes France occupy an important position in Europe today? 3 . Give several reasons why France is facing numerous economic problems. 4. Why is a coalition cabinet a great problem in French politics? 5. How strong are the Communists in France? 6. Why did the people support the RFP .party of De Gaulle ? 7. Were the measures taken by the government against the Communists justified? Would you favor such measures in the Philippines? Why? 8. What do you think is the future of France? References 1. Del Vayo.-"Strength of the French Left," The Nation, Vol. 165, No. 13 (September 27, 1947) p. 314. ~56* The Philipphles and ••• ( Contiftued) Good prospects for 1948 A survey conducted by the Business Writers' Association of the Philippjjies shows that business in the Philippines in 1948 will be good. According to the survey the following important factors will help effect the progress of business ( 1) · further recovery in indu,stry; \2) greater expenditures to be made in the Philippines by the United States-War Damage Commission, United States Public Roads Administration, and hack payments; (3) stepping up in the construction of buildings; (4) international peace situation; ( 5) increase in our sugar production; (6) short supplies of consumer items such as }\eavy industry; (7) proposals of the government to impose new taxes; (8) better prices for Philippine products; and (9) bigger investment of American capital in local industry, agriculture, and commerce. The swvey shows that among the factors which made 1947 a prosperous year were: ( 1) heavier exports which made strong recovery in industry; (2) sale of surplus property by the Philippines and the United States; (8) grants of Joans for reconstruction by the RFC and other banks; ( 4) growing spirit of self-lletp among the Filipinos; and (5) putting of more money on lands a.nd buildings. 2. Callender, Harold.-"How Strong are the French Communists?" The New York Times Magazine, May 18, 1947, pp. 8; 61-63. 3. "De Gaulle's Role in French Crisis?" \'l'.orld Report, Vol. 3 No. 3 (November 4, 194 7) pp. 8-9. 4. Knapton, Ernest J.-"France and the Reconstruction of Europe," Vol. 13, No. 73 (September, 1947) pp. 144-148. Current Events Review, Feb., 1948 Why the Current Events Review The CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW is the only newsmagazine that presents Current Events materials for classroom purposes; The CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW completes and makes up-lo· dale the study of history and other social science subjects. The CtmRENT EVENTS REVIEW is a five-stal" newsmagazin* Approved by the Government for use in the secondary schools (June 10, 194.6). * Recommended by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines for use in all Catholic schools (June, 194·6). * Approved for use as Reference IJlaterial by the Director of Private Education (Aug. 7, 1947). * Adopted as an indispensable news text by outstanding teachers. * Rated as an Excellent Publication by the U.S. Department of State: Office of International Information and Cultural Affairs (Dee. 24, 1946). Sribscription rates: One year ............•..• , .... , . . . . . . . . • . P3.00 One semester MANLAPAZ PUBLISHING CO. 123-125 Reten, Sampaloc, Manila Downtown Branch: 533 P. Paterno, Quiapo, Manila 1.50 IN ow CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW in the CLASSROOM Let the Current Events Review help make your students understand the background and significance of problems affecting the world today. *** 100,000 high school students can't be kept from forming opm1ons on world problems. But their thinking can be guided through directed group discussions. *** Use the Current E<Jenta RetJiew in the classroom. It presents world problems in a clear, concise view. It helps in the formation of sound opinion. It builds the student's power of self-expression. • • • Teachers 1DaY order any number of copies every month at 30 centavos per copy. Orders may be increased or decreased any time. fostead of paying full subscription price, just send us cost of copies ordered. • • • To every Teacher who uses the Current EtJents Review in his cla1Se1, we send a free copy of the magazine together with a Teaching Guide and Achievement Tese based on the current Issue. Orde1· copies of the C1irrent Eventl Review for classroom use.-1\'ow; -----Reservation-Order Blank----C..'URRENT EVENTS REVIEW 123-125 Iteten Sampaloc, Manila Please send ·the undersigned, ...... copies of the ............ , 194 .•• issue of the CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW. Inclosed herewith, please find mo.ney-order/check No ............. for Pesos ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; . (P ............... ) as payment in full for this order. Name ......................................... . Address . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. .