Current Events Review

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Part of Current Events Review

Title: Current Events Review
Issue Date: Vol. V (No. 3) September 1949
Year: 1949
Language: English
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extracted text: newsmagazine published for high school students-devoted to the selection, organization, presentation, and review of current news for lessons in current events. Published as a contribution to a common effort,-ducational rehabilitation pproved by the Government for use as Reference Materifl and for General Readinl) ii I r I What does the Balance Sheet of the United Nations Today Show? Why are War Threats of World War Ill Receding? Why Atom Information must Pierce the Iron Curtain What Lesson should Dictators Learn? What are the Forces Attacking World Peace? Ten Years After: Peril not Ended Will Nationalism Triumph in Indonesia? How does World Progress Require Security against Aggression? hy is Weak Atomic Control Worse? ---fl1JHID> STA TES lfffORAIA TIQN SERVICE Significant WorlJ News Rodil'dUl! Trr' The Philippines and-the World · Science Marches On September, 1949 CURRENT EVENTS REVIE\V A newsmagazine that completes and makes up-to-date the study of histon· and other social science subjects. • DIOSDADO G. CAPINO Editor VENANCIO NEBRIDA Circulation Manager D. R. MANLAP AZ Publisher In this issue Page \Vhllt do('S the Balancf' Slu't'I or 1hr Unilrd Nations Todny Show? 65 \Vhy are \Var Threats of \Vorld \Var Ill ReccJ;.,g? 69 \\'hy Atom ln£ormntion musl Pif'1Te the Tron Curtnin 72 \\!lint Lf'sson should Dictnlors L<'nrn? . . i'i \\'lint ar<' the Forc<'s Allaciing \Vorfd Pt•ncf'? 76 "Ten Years A[ler: Peril not Endrd" .... \Viii Nationalism Triumph in lndonf'sia? I low dors VVorld Progrrss Require Securily against Agv-rf'ssion? \Vhy is \Vcak Atomic Control Vv'ol's<'? ... Sit,!nificanl \Vorlcf News Roundup The Philippines and the \Vorld Sci<'nce ~Tare hes On - Pul>lished monthly except May and June by MANLAPAZ PUBLISHING CO, 123-125 Reten, Sampaloc, Manila Subscription: P3.00 a year, ri.oo a semester, 30 centavos per co.py. 79 80 81 85_ 86 89 01 When changing address give old as well as new address. Address all communications to the Current Events Review. Copyright, 1949 by D. R . .l\lanlapaz and D. G. Capino. AH rights reserved. Entered as second-class mail matter January 9, 1947 at the Manila post-office. Should we give up the United Nations? What does the Balance Sheet of the United Nations Today Show? Specific objectives: 1. To know the weaknesses of the United Nations as well as its strength 2. To get acquainted with the balance sheet of the United Nations September and October of every year are significant months in the history of world peace. The yearly regular session of the General, .Assembly is held every September. October 24 of every year is observed as United Nations Day. The Current Events Re.view has published several articles on the United Nations since it appeared in 1945. Last year two important articles were published in this magazine namely: (1) "What has the United Nations Failed to Do?" (2) "What has the United Nations Done?" This article is a balance sheet of the United Nations. What are the weaknesses of the United Nations? What is the source of its strength? What does its balance sheet show? Weaknesses of the United Nations Why is the prestige of the United Nations apparently declining? First, it is trying to maintain peace although the peace treaties with Germany, Austria, and Japan have not yet been concluded. The organization is asked to umpire a basketball game without established rules. Second, the members are divided into two camps of opposite ideologies. During the aJUtual regular session of the General Assembly held in Paris, France from September 21 to December, 1949, bitter words on i 1wa'r mongering" were levelled by some members. Accusations of imperialistic aims and interference World Affairs in the internal affairs of some coun::. tries have been made by the communists against the democracies. The democracies on the other .hand accused the communists of obstructing the conclusion of peace negotiations. The exchange of bitter words on "war mongering" are signs of mutual distrust or suspicion between the two major blocs. Third, Russian actuations have weakened the United Nations. She has not dnly misused but also abused ·the "veto," a voting privilege give~ to the five permanent members of the Security Council. Many observers believe that Russia is using the United Nations for propaganda purposes. Fourth, the United Nations have not agreed on a proper definition of "sovereignty'' that would apply to contemporary problems of world peace. Ordinarily we think of sovereignty as complete freedom from external control. Russia on the other hand has her own meaning of the term ihat is why she is against some proposals approved by the United Nations. Russia, for instance, is opposed to the American plan for the control of atomic en.ergy. Under the American plan, industrial plants engaged in the manufacture of atomic energy would be suDj ect to inspection and control. Russia considers such a plan a violation of a nation's sovereign rights. Russia does not favor 11 cultural exchange" among countries. These would violate a nation's sovereignty. Russia does not like the UNESCO because it interferes with the sovereign rights of a nation. Fifth, the machinery intended to make the Security Council an effective organization has not yet been created. * 65 The Charter provided for the creation of an international military force to carry out the decisions of the Security Council. Important decisions of the Security Council on Korea, Greece, and Palestine could not be carried out for want of a recognized international military force. Strength of the United Nations The United Nations was organ,ized United Nations is the only hope we have of holding the world together during this difficult and dangerous period of postwar settlement. Tomorrow and for the forseeable future, the United Nations is the world's only in,strument for preventing another war in which there could be no victor, no vanquished, but _ only universal destruction for both sides and for all humanity." in the belief that the members would Failures of the United Nations seek the solution of world problems through cooperative efforts. Former We must recognize the fact that all Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, is not well with the United Nations. in a testimony before the Foreign Af- The United NatioJ)B has failed to acfairs Committee of the House of Ren- complish the following: resentatives said that the U11ited Na- 1. Hope in the UN Chart.,. in vain. tions is the forum of daily world -The Charter states that the members negotiations. It is the world's vehicle would "practice tolerance and live for dealing with basic economic and together in peace with one another as social rnaladjus~ents, for developing good neighbors." The members promsafeguards of essential freedoms, an,d ised to "unite their strength to mainfor advancing the development of de- tain international peace and security." pendent peoples and areas. Unless the They said that they were "determined members cooperate, the problems to insure, by the acceptance of princibrought before the United Nations pies. . . that armed force shall not woU.ld not only remain unxecognized be used, save in the common interest." but entirely diamissed. The United Nations has failed to acTwice in a generation, the peoples of complish its aims for the following the world have been urged to cooperate reasons: in solving their common problems in (1) Some members have refused to order to live in peace. The League of help willingly in order that t))e UN Nations failed to bring complete peace Charter may be fulfilled (2) Some because the big powers failed to co- member nations have, used threats of operate. Today the peoples of the force, thus violating the Charter world have again been invited to join (3) Some member nations have given their efforts in the solution of their assistance to aggressors. common problems affecting global 2. Failure to achieve Big Five unity. peace. If the United Nations-fail to -It was hoped that the Big Five-the solve the common problems of the United States, Britain,, Russia, France, various peoples, then the world ought and China-would do their best to solve to lose its faith in the capacity of the major conflicts in the worl.d. They mankind to work for its own welfare. promised that they would fulfill, in Cooperation is the chief source of the good faith, their obligations under the strength of the United Nations, If we Charter. They promised to refrain fail to achieve it, the United Nations from the use of force and intimidation will fail. "Tbday," wrote the Secretary and get together and use their special General of the United Nations, "the powers for the promqtion of general 66 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 welfare. These hopes have proved to be in vain, The good faith has been sadly lacking; the veto power has not been used judiciously; and above all, the unity of the five big powers has not been achieved. 3. Fai.J.wre to pro1vide for an intern'ltional military force.-The Security Council is supposed to be the peace maker and policeman of the world. It has the power to prevent aggression, to maintain the world peac_e, and to enforce its decisions in the interest Of world ~- The Security Council, however, cannot take effective action to carry out its decisions because the international military force provided in the Charter has n.ot yet been created. ; 4. Failure to control atomic energy. -The Big Five have tried hard to have a working plan for the international control of atomic energy. Because of the failure of Russia and the United States to agree on a plan for the control of atomic energy the Atomic Energy Commission failed to accomplish its task. 5. Failure to solve explosive questions.-the United Nations failed to solve such explosive questions as the Palestine question, the Indonesian problem, the Berlin blockade, the Corfu Channel mining incident, the Greek civil war, Korea's unity, and the Iranian problem. Achievements of the United Nations 1. Will for peace ha~ become an ob;ective.-"What does the record show?" asked the Secretary-General of tlie United Nations. "It shows that the United Nations has geared persistent and powerful influences for the peaceful settlement of the most dangerous disputes that arose since the end of the war. Tb.ee;J influences for peace have persisted and re-asserted themselves in one form or another despite all setWorld Affairs backs, until eventually they have prevailed." 2. Recognition of world opinion.The nations of the world are beginning ·to realize the importance of the United Nations in relation to their foreign policies. James B. Reston, Foreign Affairs Expert of the New York Times, wrote: "More nations are constantly putting each major action of foreign policy to this test: Does thi.s action in any way violate the Charur of the UN, and if so, are we 'JYY'epared UJ def end thi.s action before the U. N.?" a. The UN has influenced Russia to withdraw her troops from Iran. b. British and French troops were withdrawn. from Lebanon and Syria as a result of discussions in the Security Council. c. Because of the UN, the United States government has restrained from taking action when its Army and Navy suggested the seizure of Japanesemandated islands in the Pacific. d. The Dutch govern'Inent decided to settle the Indonesian question peacefully after taking two unsuccessful "police actions" against the Republic of Indonesia. e. The United Nations directly influenced the United States to leave Panama. f. The Arabs and the Jews submitted to the order for a "truce" after a brief war. g. Discussions in the General Assembly influenced Russia to lift the Berlin blockad~. 3. Promotion of human rights.-The promotion of the fundamental rights of man is an objective of the United Nations. The General Assembly adopted a Universal Declaration of ·Human Rights which defines the rights of man. 4. Freedom of information.-The Assembly adopted the Convention on the International Transmission of News and the Right of Co'l"'l"eetion. * 67 5. Approval of genocide tTeaty.The General Assembly has approved a Convention on Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. Genocide is a term formulated by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-born international lawyer. Genocide, under the convention covers a list of specific acts committed "with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnieal, racial, or religious group." 6. Recognition of the go·vernment of Southern Korea.-A majority of the members of the UN recognized the republic of Southern Korea. The General Assembly created a new commission, to continue the work for the unification of northern and southern Korea. 7. Approval of programs for the under-developed areas.-The General Assembly approved in principle the establishment of international training cel\ter in public administration to help administer the under-developed areas of the world. 8. Eztension of the UNAC. -The General Assembly extended indefinitely the United Nations Appeal for Children, started in 1949 as an emergency agency to colle~ one day's pay from every citizen in every country for the purpose of aiding the children in wardevastated lands. 9. Co.nstructive planning for economic advanoement.-Tbe Economic and Social Council (ECO SOC) has created several bodies to plan the economic advan.cernent of Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Studies are being made on: (a) inland transportation, (b) training in public administration, ( c) housing and town planning, ( d) protection of stateless persons, (e) availability of DDT insecticides, (h) problems of aboriginal population~, (i) survey of forced labor and its abolition, (j) problem of slavery, (k) methods of enforcing trade union rights, ( 1) status of women (m) information On narcotic drugs, ( n) displaced persons, and ( o) coordination of specialized agencies. 10. Specialized agencies help advance peace.-The specialized agencies of the United Nations are ca1·rying on theb: work to give the peoples of the world a better chance to 0 live out their lives in freedom from fear and want." What is the future of the United Nations? What is the future of the United Nations? A number of leading political figures have expressed their opinions on the question. Road to peace. - Sel?retary-General Trygve Lie believes that the United Nations way is the i·oad to peace. "The United Nations will not be able to make peace secure until the Great Powers reach a settlement of the last war. In the meantime, the United Nations will continue to exert a greater influence for peace than any other force at work in the world by embracing within it both East and West, by acting as mediator and conciliator of conflicts of all kinds. The UN aims to reduce economic, social and political injustice and to extend human rights." Parliament of nations.-According to Dr. H.V. Evatt, President of the General Assembly during its third regular session, the United Nations is the only world instrument for peace with justice. It shall remain as the supreme organ for world peace, for economic and social justice among all nations and peoples. "The United Nations does not prevent problems from arising: it provides machinery for handling them, and prin,ciples according to which they should be judged." Exercises to Develop Jhinking 1. Is the United Nations needed by the world? Why? (Please turn to page 96) 68 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 Why are War Threats of World War Ill Receding? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the reasons for the change in Russia's strategy in world politics 2. To know the reasons why war talks are .receding 3. To get acquainted with the significance of various movements to promote world peace Talks ·of World War III were common during 1946, 1947, and 1948. The main reason for these talks was the basic difference in ideologies between the East and the West. Today war talks are receding. What are the reasons for this change? Is Russia's new strategy in world politics a contributing factor to this change? What moves are being taken to promote world peace? Causes of war threats In the October, 1947 issue of the Cu'l"t"ent Events Review, the possibility of World War III was presented. The discussion enumerated the factors that may bring about World War III as well as the factors that militate against its outbreak. An article, Reasons Why People Talk of World War Ill, was published in the April, 1948 issue of said magazine. Several factors brought a wave of war talk in 1947. These were the breakdown of the London Conference of the Council of Foreign Min,isters in December, 1947. The renewal of the talks of another world war was blamed on: (1) the eonduct of RusSia since the end of World War JI; (2) the seizure of territories in Eastern Europe and Asia by Russia~ (3) the relentless pressure exerted by Russia on the countries World Problems of Eastern Europe through eeonomic, political, and military means; (4) com· mun,ist infiltration, either direct or indirect, of several countries; ( 5) the sovietization of peoples in countries be· hind the Iron Curtain; ( 6) the opposition of Russia to the various proposals for the control of atomic energy, for world disarmament, for reduction of arms, fo1· the creation of a Balkan Watch Commission, and for the holding of elections in Korea; and (7) the rape of Poland and Czechoslovakia. War talks continued because of Russia's efforts to wreck the Marshall Plan, the conwiunist strikes in France and Italy, Russian pressure on Finland for the conclusion of a treaty of friendship, the failure of the conference of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Moscow in 1948, and shouts of "war mongering". Russia was again blamed for obstructing the work of the United Nations because of her frequent -uE• of the "veto". Talks of another world war reached its peak when Russia imposed the air blockade in Berlin. People then feared another war would break out. Cold peace replaces cold war The cold war between the East and the West had its beginning during the Teheran and Yalta conferences. The following facts underline the conflict between the East and the West in 1948. First, the Atomic Energy Commission failed to agree on the control of the atom. Second, the birth of the Western European Union caused uneasiness among the top men Of the Politburo, the political controlling body of Russia, which feared a new· realignment of t.he * 69 European ·powers. Third, the Cominform tried to sabotage the European Recovery Program (ERP) for the 16 countries participating in the Marshall l?lan. Fourth~ charges anp. counter charges on "war mongering" have been heard during the third regular session of the UN General Assembly in Paris, France. The c.old war was slowly turned into a cold peace when Russia began a series of peace offensives. At first, these offensives were indirectly made through informal talks with America's top men in Moscow and Berlin. Then Premier Stalin announced his willingness to talk of peace. A n:umber of questions on world peace were submitted to him by the International News Service for comment. In one of his answers to ·the questions, Premier Stalin offered another peace proposal. The aging Russian , Premier was asked: "Would the government of the U.S.S.R. be prepared to consider the issuance of a joint declaration with the government of the United States of America asserting that their respective governments have no intention of resorting to war against one another?" The answer was that ''the Soviet government would be prepared to consider the issuance of such a declaration." Russia's diplomatic offensive Russian diplomats took over the task of discussing the problems of a harassed and worried world. Talks were held on the possibility of lifting the Berlin blockade. Suggestions were made on the possibility of holding another conference of the Council of Foreign Ministers. Russia temporarily refrained from talking of ''war mongering." Viachesla v Molotov was , replaced by Andrei Vishinsky as Russia's Foreign Minister. Russia's chief delegate to the United Nations was also replaced. Russia announced that the countries of Eastern Europe may trade with the countries of Western Europe. Causes for the shift in Russia's strategy Why clid Russia change .her strategy from an offensive in the cold war to an offen.sive in the cold peace? Why did Russia shift to the defensive? A number of reasons account for this change in Russia's strategy. Fear has ceased to be a weaj1Qn.-In a recent interview conducted by the U.S. News & World Report with John Foster Dulles, a member of the American delegation to the latest conference of the Council of Foreign. Ministers held in Paris, France, it was revealed that IJ,tissia was willing to conduct "talking relations" with the democracies because she has found that continuation of · subversive warfare and frightening people in Europe does not pay anymore, Nearly one-half of the Communist Party in France were reported to have joined up to get a kind of protection there against invasion of the Red Army. Now I think fear has ceased to be an effective weapon. The people of France are regaining their courage; they are stronger." Confidence established.-Many countries of Europe have regained corufidence in the ability of their governments to solve pressing national problems. It was Gen. George Marshall who once. said that communism thrives best in chaos, confusion, poverty, and hunger. Now the 16 European countries which became direct beneficiaries of the ERP have been saved from these dangers. The successful operation of the European Recovery Program in 1948 has bolstered the health, strength, and mental con,victions of thousands of F.uropeans. North A tlanUc em World.-On Pact Bolsters WestApril 4, 1949, the 70 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 Foreign Ministers of twelve nations assembled in Washington an,d signed the North Atlantic Pact. These countries agreed to maintain and develop their individual and collective capacities to resist attack by means of continuous and effective self-help and inutual aid. They also agreed that an armed attack on one or more of them in Europe or North America would be considered an attack against them all; and consequently they agreed that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them would assist the country or countries so attacked by taking action as it deems necessary, including the use of force, to restore and maintain the security of the North AtlantU: area. The North Atlantic treaty was approved by the U. S. Senate on July 21, 1949 by a vote of 82 against 13. On August 25, 1949, President Truman sign,ed a proclamation declaring the treaty to be in effect after all the seven nations specified in the treaty have ratified it. Russia saw in the approval of the NAP to be a new realignment of powers in Europe. For the first time in its history, the United States was pledged to the principle that its frontier was, in effect, in the heart of Europe. The defense area which the treaty covers ranges from the western tip of Alaska and the western coast of North .America to the eastern borders of Norway in the north and to Italy in the south of Europe. Signatories of the NAP Country Area Population (sq. miles) Belgium 11,7555 8,513,000 Canada 3,843,000 13,204,000 Denmark 16,576 4,190,000 France 212,659 41,500,000 Iceland 39,709 1~4,000 Italy 116,235 45,728,000 Luxembourg 999 292,000 World Problems Netherlands 12,868 9,872,000 Norway 124,556 8,198,000 Portugal 91,721 8,402,000 United Kingdom 89,041 50,083,000 United States 3,022,887 146,571,000 Totals 7,681,506 881,637,000 Fear of Russia diminishing Today fear of Russian aggression in Western Europe has been allayed because of her change in strategy. Russia's basic goals of spreading world communism, however, remains the same. There is a consensus of opinion among leading political observers that for the first time since V-E Day the people of Western Europe are spending their time normally. A noted politieal correspondent recently wrote: "The nervous continent within the past few months has survived the crisis of the North Atlan,tic pact, the acrid discussion of Paris ·of the C:.ouncil of Foreign Ministers and a propaganda crossfire which before 1939 would have had everybody in his backyard frantically digging air raid shelters." Enhancement of world peace Various moves have eased the tensions in the cold war. Russia has decided to let diplomats talk of peace instead of leaving· army men handle the job of resolving differences between the East and the West. Russia has decided to resume talks of a peace treaty with Austria. Western Germany is enjoying a new political life after its first democratic election in 16 years.. The refusal of Marshal Tito to bow to Marshal Stalin has weakened the cause of the Greek rebels. Several countries of Eastern Europe have signified their intention of resuming normal trade relations with Western Europe. The Military Assistance Program of the (Plea,se tum to page 95) * 71 Why Atom Information must Pierce the Iron Curtain Specific objectives: 1 . To understand the role of the atom bomb in world affairs 2. To appreciate the importance of an effective international control of atomic energy 8. To understand what the U.S. role is today in connection with the atom bomb The plain people of the United States have only sympathy and good will for the plain people of the Soviet lands, but it is the duty of the United States to pierce the Iron Curtain with the knowledge of the potential good and the. potential evil of atomic power. The belief was expressed by Senator Brien McMahon, chairman of the joint congressional committee on atomic energy, at an annual conference on American foreign policy at Colgate University. Senator McMahon declared that it was essential that the people of Soviet Russia be allowed to know "what atomic energy could do for them i~ peace and what it could do to them iii war." Why? Significance of America's possession of the atom bomb "I feel that I must give great weight,'' declared Senator McMahon, "to the view of Winston Churchill that it is only America's possession of atomic bombs that has restrained an aggressively minded Soviet Union from over-running continental Europe. Moreover, if America did not possess atomic weapons today, millions of our young men might have been drafted into the Armed Forces as the only means open to us of balancing Russia's massive land power. America's motive in sharing her atomic secrets Pointing out that "in the post-war world American strength is synonymous with world security," Senator McMahon explained why the United States has offered to share its atomic secrets with the rest of the world under a system of in~ernational control. "We have done so because the realism of history forces us to recognize that we cannot forever retain our monopoly," he said. "Guard our secrets as we will, other nations will sooner or later know how to make atomic bombs. "To save the world from a disastrous atomic war, we have proposed to internationalize atomic energy in return for the adoption of an effective system of international control. Reason for the absence of an effective control of the atom bomb "It is the prime tragedy of post-war history that such a system is nOt now in force, even though more than three years have elapsed since it was first officially proposed at the initial meeting of the United Nations atomic energy commission on June 14, 1946." McMahon admitted "the discouraging truth" that this internationalization plan is now deadlocked-a result, he said, of the Soviet Union's rejection of it-although a majority of nations in the United Nat ions commission found 72. Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 it not only acceptable, but actually the rnost generous, the most altrp.istic, the least self-serving international offer in the cause of peace and human advancement ever made by a major power in· the history of the world." Why Russia has rejected the United Nations plan In seeking an answer to the Soviets' rejection. of the internationalization of atomic power, which he said would aia "their industrially backward country," the senator said: ,.I think we must clearly distinguish between the rulers and the people of the Soviet Union. Were the people of Russia and the other countries in the Soviet orbit permitted to underst,and what atomic energy could do for them in peace and what it could do to them in war, I have no doubt which they would choose. "But the Soviet Union is a dictatorship, and the people are permitted to klnow only what the Politburo wants them to know. And the men of the Politburo_ do not want effective in.ternational control because it would present a threat to their dictatorship at home and to their hope of expansion abroad. They much prefer to keep the negotiations in the amorphous state of stalemate while they work feverishly to produce their first atomic bomb." What America must do today "Some day the rumo·r that the Russians have the bomb will no longer be just a rumor," Senator McMahon said. "When that day comes," he said, "there are three things the United States must do:" (Russia's foreign minister Andrei Vishinsky, has officially admitted Russian possession of the atom bomb.) "1. Our national security and the peace of the world compel us to make the production of more and better bombs World Affairs the first order of business in our own atomic program. Against the day when aggressors are no longer restrained by our monopoly, they must be restrained by our superiority. On the day that Russia gets her first bOIDlb, we must have as large a number as we can pNduee .... "2. We must look for other avenues and corridors of approach to a workable sys.tern of international control, not only of atomic energy, but of all weapons of mass destruction and even of war itself. After all, the stakes are high; the peace of the world is not to be lightly abandoned to chance. u3. We must utilize every means available to us to bring the true facts about atomic energy and the world situation to the men and women behind the Iron Curtain. Perhaps if they ·can Ile made to understand how their rUlel'B have isolated them from the good will of the peoples of the rest of the world; perhaps if they can be told how the attitude of their rulers has held back the good things which atomic energy will bring to themselves and the world; perhaps if they can be convinced that they stand alone against the world-perhaps then they will be able to make their desire and their will for peace and plenty heard even behind the thiek walls of the Kremlin. "In the name of humanity ~t is our duty to bring the truth to them in every way possih1e. To permit large masses of people -everywhere to remain in intellectual darkness as to both the great evil and the great good inherent in the use o-f atomic energy is to gamble with human destiny. "The plain people of America have only sympathy and good will for the plain people of the Soviet lands. We must do what we can to bring them our message of peace and of hope - not only for themselves but for ourselves~ too." (Please turn to page 95) * 73 What Lesson should Dictators Learn? Specific objectives: 1. To understand why the Russo-Nazi pact was brutal 2. To get acquainted with the lessons of the last world war 3. To appreciate why Germany must love peace Noting that August 23, 1949 marks the 10th anniversary of the Nazi-Soviet union pact for the division of Poland and Eastern Europe, which "precipitated a holocaust," the New York Times in. an editorial expresses hope that the lesson of that decade "has Mt been lost" on Germany as it takes on democratic government. As seen by the Times, the lesson is that nations which follow dictators invite disaster. The Ti~s editorial, titled "Anniversary Of An Infamy": "Ten years ago on August 23, 1949 two predatory powers lusting after world conquest concluded a pact of infamy which became the signal fot the greatest catastrophe of all times - the second world war. Why is Russo-Nazi pact brutal? "This was the pact between Nazi Germany and Smet RusSia for the partition of Poland and all Eastern Europe, which set both the German and ushered in the end of one epoch and the birth of a new world - a world which offers some genuine hope, but the ultimate shape and content of which cannot yet be foreseen. "The incredible cynicism and brutality of this pact, whose full intent was revealed by the German and Russian invasions of Poland within a matter of days after it was signed, shocked the world at that time. The further details regarding it revealed by the secret Nazi archives and the Nuremberg trials can only intensify the world's revulsion against its brazen amorality and against the men who made it. Why is Stalin also guilty? "There is no doubt that the main criminal in this deal was Hitler, against whose fanatical determination to go tO war neither the more cautious, if nOt less ambitioue; German generals nor even the sybaritic Goering could prevail. But this can provide no absolution for Stalin and Molotov, who purposefully utilized the Nazi crimi"'1ls for their own ends and, in the pursuit of their own world-conquering ambitions, formed with them what Stalin hailed as a 'friendship cemented in blood.' the Russian armies on the march and Hitler's motives precipitated a holocaust that in the end engulfed both the parties to "There is no longer an.y secret about the compact and the whole world at a Hitler's motives and calculations. He cost of some 45 million casualties and followed the blueprint laid down years uncounted treasures. Indeed, ·in a dif- earlier in his book 'Mein Kampf', which ferent way from that its authors in- called for the conquest first of Poland, tended, this compact appears to have then Russia, then the world. For that been a turning' point in history which purpose he formed an alliance with his 74 * Ourrent Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 intended victim even at the sacrifice of some of the spoils he might win in the first onslaught in order to discourage the Western powers from Interfering with his plans, or, if they insisted on trying to stop him, to secure his rear and enable Germany 'for the first time in, history to fight on only one front.' The firmness of the Western powers was no longer effective after M unicli. It delayed the war for six days but could not prevent it. Russian motives "To Stalin and Molotov, who, in con· trast to" the Western statesmen, had read 'Mein Kampf,' Hitler's ambitions provided a welceme opportunity to help precipitate one of those wars between the 'imperialistic' nations which Com· munist dogma regards as inevitable in any case and in which they see their best chance to promote the Communist world revolution. For that purpose they took the initiative in seeking the pact immediately after Britain had committed itself to the defense of Poland, which meant that the Hitler attack on Poland envisaged by the pact would mean war between Germany and the West. "They calculated on a long war which would bleed both sides white and leave Russia the dominant power on the continent. And though they did not foresee the actual course of events, it cannot be said that their calculations went wholly amiss. Three lessons "But there are at least three other collJ!]usions to be drawn from these events. One, to which the whole Western world has come to subscribe, is that appeasement is the certain road to war. Another may be derived from that fact that Germany and Russia fii-st com· bined to foster, their mutual, if secret, World Affairs rearmament long before Hitler in the days of Rapallo, when both nations were ostracized by the West. The third and most important lesson, however, is that nations which surrender their des· tiny to the arbitrary will of ruthless dictators write their own ticket to disaster. Will Germany learn the lessons? "Ruthless dictators still rule Russia. Germany, on the other hand, has just established a new regime which men like French Foreign Minister Schuman, Winston Churchill and Secretary Acheson hail as promising democracy with which they are willing to do business. That democracy still rests largely on party formations atop a rather inchoate mass which profeued a like democracy after the previous war but failed to defend it at the first real challenge. "It may be hoped that the lesson of the past decade has not been fost on it, and in so far a8 it displays signs of having fearned these lessons it deserves encouragement lest Rapallo come again. But final proof of its stability must still be furnished, and it is up to the Germans to convince the world that history will not repeat itself." Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why did Russia and Germany sign a non-aggression pact? 2. Do you agree with the statement that the pact was brutal? Why? 3. What is your opinion of the lessons of the last war? 4. Do you think Germany will learn these lessons? *75 What are the Forces Attacking World Peace? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the internationaJ situation today 2. To get acquainted with the condi• tions in Europe 3. To get acquainted with the conditions in the Middle East and Far East 4. To know the forces attacking world peace George ~. Kennan, counselor of the U.S. State Department, recently said that ·there are forces loose today directing "an attack of unprecedented cynicism and intensity'' not only against the United States but also against the peace of the world. While not specifically identifying these attackers as communistic, in other po}'tions of his address Kennan cited instances of Communist assaults on postwar recovery efforts and political and econoorlic stability in various parts of the world. He told a 1nationwide radio audience, however, that thus far the "forces of order and recovery" in Western Europe have made substantial progress toward economic stability while Communist parties lost strength. No European country "lying on this side of the high-water mark of the Russian military advance in the recent war" has been taken over by the Communists, he noted. Kennan participated in a program inaugurating a new series of broadcasts on "The Nation's Defenses." He pre.: sented an outline of the world situation, touching on conditions in Europe, the Middle East a:nd the Far Fast. Defense Secretary Louis Johnson discussed the organization of the national defense establishment on the same program. Following is the complete text ot Kennan's speech: Status of the international situation The· international situation at the present time marks a transitfon. It is a transition from the immediate posthostilities era, with its short-term problems and demands, to a new state of affairs which may endure ior a long time and many aspects of which we wiU have to learn to regard as normal. Nations and peoples have begun to shake down in the post-war international context, and the long-term problems and .the challenges of the n~w age are emerging with greater distinctness. Western Europe saved from Communism Let us look first at Europe. For the past four years, life in Europe has proceeded under the shadow of the after-effects of the second great war which has swept that continent during the present century. We have been trying, in that part of Europe where we could make our influence felf, to help people to repair the tremendous damages of that war, to help them to recover their peace of mind, their clarity of outlook and their confidence in the!mselves and their future. Others have tried to do somethil\!r quite different. They have tried to delay economic recovery. They have tried to delay the restoration of normal conditions generally. They have tried to prolong suffering and bewilderment and unrest 76 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 and iIItSecurity, and to exploit these conditions in order to fasten a foreign, totalitarian political system on the peoples of Europe. In this first battle, the forces of order and recovery have thus far succeeded; the others have failed. The natural courage and commonse:m1e of the peoples of Western Europe, backed by our aid, have prevailed. The physical effects of war-time destruction are being rapidly overcome. There have recently been important gains in pro<luction and i!liternal financial stability in Western Euro,e. Communist parties have generally lost strength. No European country lying this side of the high-water mark of the Russian military advance in the recent war has "gone Communist". Significance of success in Western Eu1·ope These are important successes. They should give us· all courage and confidence to carry on with the work we have started. But the framework in which we must act is rapidly widening. As people successfully solve the immediate problems arising out of the receqt war, other problems are coming to the surface which are just as dangerous and just as imporlant to us as those which have been overcome. These are the long-term problems of economic adjustment in these Western ~uropean countries. They were already recogndzed. as problems long before the war. They were largely obscured from view during the war period and people tended to forget about them. But they are now coming out in the wash, and are more acute than ever before. Need for stable currency Basically, these problems. boil down to the question of how England and the crowded, industrialized countries of Western Europe ~re going to earn the World Problems money, even with their restored production, to buy food and raw materials which they require from overseas areas, and particularly from North America. For it is one thing to produce; it is another thing to sell. And so far it has not proved possible for them, particula~ ly England, to sell enough to pay for their needs. Although the Marshall Plan has done much to strengthen the economies of the European countries and to increase their productive capacity, they have not yet been able to gain the new markets which they require. Without these mark'ets they are unable to Secure the currencies which are needed to pay for their essential imports. As a result there is a problem before us which is a matter of real urgency. Israel's new position Turning from Europe to the Middle East, we see that the present time also marks a turning point. Why? Because there has recently emerged in that area a new, vigorous state-the state of Israel. This innovation cannot fail to affect profoundly the life of that entire area. It is too early to tell what that effect will be. Much will depend upon the moderation and good-will witi: which the peoples of that area, both Arabs and Israelis, succeed in adjusting themselves to the new situation, and upon the firm· ness and understanding which we Americans exercise in attempting to narrow the area of difference between Israel and the Arab states. Importance of the Rio Treaty The friendship and collaboration of the other American republics is a con· stant source of satisfaction and en· couragement to us. The Rio Treaty of reciprocal assistance which is now in effect has been approved by nearly alI of them. This defensive regional agreement, in conformity with the United Nations charter, is a strong bulwark * 77 in the nation's defense. Assistant Secretary Miller's present. visit to the Ecuador earthquake area is a symbol of the economic cooperation by which our government continues to help the other cowttries of this hemisphere to meet their own problems. Turning point in the Far East In the Far Fast, again, the year 1949 is marking the end of one epoch anid the beginning of another. In China the authority of the legimitate government is continuing to disiniegrate. In its place, we have a chaotic situation in which the most powerful and important role is played by the Chinese communists. This is a catastrophe not only for the people of China but for the prospects for stability and peace throughout the Far East. These Chinese conununists, whether sincere or not sincere, are deep· ly committed to false and unrealistic doctrine which has nothing whatsoever to do with the interests of the Chin.ese people. This doctrine is now being uti· lized as a means of deceiving the Chinese people and of inducing them to accept a disguised form of foreign rule. Communist exPreriment in China We must not underestimate the seriousness of this situation. It calls for hard work and thought, and possibly new approaches and techniques, on our part. But we must be equally careful not to exaggerate its significance. Despite all these changes, the United States remains the greatest commercial and military power in: the Pacific area. The real elements of our strength in that part of the world have not been invalidated by what has occurred in the past two or three years. People may until the communist leaders have been forced to face the practical problems of everyday life for a considerable length of time. It remains to be seen whether they can reconcile a solution of China's problems with the maintenance of an attitude of offense and defiance toward the nation which is the traditional friend of China. and which has brought more in the way of help to the Chinese people than all the rest of the world put together. One thing is certain. The events in China have helped to make impoasible for a long time to come the achievement of political and economic stability in the Far East. Years will probably have to pass before we can hope to see restored to that area settled and peaceful eonditions, in which people could proceed without fear or hindrance to the normal forms of international interchange and collaboration. Meanwhile, we will have to guard our own interests, and the interests of international peace, as best we ca11 face frankly the fact that there are forces at large which are profoundly hostile to both. Direction of attack on world peace This thumbnail sketch of the world situation is necessarily inadequate. But it is perhaps enough to show that, in this new phase of international life on which we are now entering, there can be no relaxation of the vigilance anQ energy with which the foreign affairs of this government must be conducted. An attack of unprecedented cynicism and intensity is being directed not oiily at us, but at the peace and happiness of all the peoples of the world. mislead themselves or their followers Outwardly, the sharpest edge of that for a certain length of time about this. attack is being turned today against us But sooner or later the cold realities are Americans. But this is not because we bound to Inflict themselves upon them. are marked aa the first victims. There The final results of this communist ex- are others who are more immediately periment in China will not be known (Please turn to page 96) 78 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 "Ten Years After: Specific objectives: 1. To know why the world does not want war 2. To get acquainted with the new pattern of aggression 3. To understand why there is no freedom from fear Destructive war Ten years ago on September 1, 1939, Americans were listening to shrill, hysterical rantings of Adolf Hitler as he told a subservient German people that he had launched their nation into war against Poland. Hours earlier, Bitler had sent his armored legions and dive-bombers emashin;g into the weak Polish defenses, as his way of "settling" a trumped up dispute the Nazi dictator did not want settled in any other way. A ruthless totalitarian dictatorship, putting its faith in force alone, had reached inevitable climax of its policies. As it took! fateful step, it plunged the entire world into the most destructive war in all history. Hitler is dead but so are millions of others drawn into the holocaust he began. German cities are masses of rubble but no more than cities of other nations which fought only because they had no choice. Desire for peace Today, ten years afterwards, the world's millions do not want an.other war. They know that, whatever the fate of the power mad tyrant who may start a war, people in Europe, in the Americas again will pay the price in death, Sllffering an'd devastation of unWorld Problems Peril not Ended" known violenre and horror. All they waht is chance to live and progress in peace. A pattern of aggression But there is grave doubt-in spite of the United Nations, created in the name of world peace and stabilization-that attempts to rule by force will not once more lead to war. There is fear that other despots have' not learned the grim lesson of Hitler-that the pattern of aggression he followed led inescapably to his own downfall while bringing ruin and unspeakable suffering to large parts of the world. Part of that pattern is being repeated today in the Balkans, where the fuse to World War I was touched off in 1914. Threat of force is being used by Soviet Russia to bring Yugoslavia back into the iron grip of the Kremlin_ The wt>rld, does not know for what precise purpose Russian divisions are being marshalled on borders of Yugoslavia. It may be just one more dangerous move in the war of nerves against Marshal Tito. It may be Russia's way of tellinig the Yugoslavs to get rid of the leader who has dared to defy Russia o.r take the consequences. But the world is familiar with the sequence of events leading up to this situation. Bitter denunciations of TitO by Soviet Union have a ring ominou,sly similar to Hitler's screams again:.c;t Poland a decade ago. One of the .. issues" raised by the Soviets-Yugoslav trea~ ment of Russian nationals-is reminiscent, too, of Nazi charges of mistreatment of Sudeten Germans, just before Czechoslovakia fell to the menace of Nazi arms. (Please wrn to page 94) * 79 Will Nationalism Triumph in Indonesia? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the importance of a round-table discussion of peace problems. 2. Why should Western powers give up imperialism? Upon the opening today of The Hague round-table discussions on Indonesia, twO New York newspapers acclaimed the efforts of Western nations to preserve freedom of Asiaii peoples, now gravely threatened by Communism. The Nsw York Times said: Round-table discussions opening in The Hague may well prove to be one -of the most significant conferences in recent history. Representatives of Netherlands, Indonesian republic and Indonesian federalists are meeting to arrange for a transfer of sovereignty from Netherlands to United States of Indonesia. This conference meets against a sinister backkirop. Freedom of Asia is imperiled now, not by classical and much-belabored Western "imperialism," but by newer and more virulent type of conquest. What is in prospect is an enslavement that would make the darkest days of colonial "exploitation" seem almost incredibly benign. Dutch and Indonesians are trying to establish a free state that v;ill not succumb' to that enslavement. Fortunately, the Indonesian republic bas been able to beat off attempts of Communist groups to exploit legitimate desire for self-government for illegitimate ends of the Kremlin government. The Dutch are therefore able to approach the question of a change in political structures 'without facing previous bug~boo of surrender to a Communistinfiltrated regime. There is now some definite assurance that they will not be committed to dealing with political entities that are nationalist on their face and Moscow-controlled under surface. It is also fortunate that Indonesian federalists have been able to win from republic recognition of their own identity and their <ight to function as truly auton9mous peoples, even if they do not accept control of the republic. This conference, moreover, takes Indonesian problem out of negative and into positive phase. Much of the work cif the United Nations dealt with trying to re-establish a peace and to bring together those who were antagonists. It was while the United Nations was condemning resort to force that the Dutch came forward with the proposal that was not merely cessation of force but alternative 'to it. The Dutch "bypassed" the United Nations in the sense that they were willing and able to go more rapidly and readily to the heart of the matter th'an was the General Assembly or Security Council. While they did not admit validity of United Nations jurisdiction, they nevertheless proposed a practic3.I course of action that met all United Nations complaints and that involved a timetable actually more swift than that set out in United Nations resolution. The mediation services of the United Nations made it possible to bring this plan into being a round-table is a major part of it. An acute colonial problem can be solved, in this way, if there is adequate good faith in the negotiation. The conference can accomplish much Mt merely for Indonesia and for Netherlands, but for whole of Western world. (Please tum to page 93) 80* Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 How does World Progress Require Security against Aggression? Specific objectives: 1. To understand why protection against war is necessary 2. To know how permanent peace can be secured 3. To understand the significance of the military assistance program Efforts for the advance of mankind will fail "unless protection against war can be secured," and U.S. foreign policy is geared to this fact, President Truman declared in an address before the SOtli anniversary convention of the Veterans of ~oreign Wars. Truman pointed out that the American people have abandoned "the false security of isolationism". The people have learned the hard way, the President said, that in the world of today "the defense of the United States and the defense of other freedom-loving nations are indivisible. We have learned that we can serve our country best by joining in the common defense of the rights of all mankind." The full text of President Truman's address follows : Fine record for the Veterans of Foreign Wars I am happy to be in Miami today to help celebrate the golden jubilee anniversary of our organization. I am proud to be a member of the oldest active veterans' organization in the nation. For fifty years the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been serving not only the interests of the men who have fought for our country in foreign lands, but also the interests of our whole n'ation. World Problem:1 I have watched the splendid humanitarian work which our organization carries. I have also been gratified by the record of the V. F. W. in other fields, and particularly in the field of int'?rnational policy. I recall the United Nations rally in 1942, at our 43rd national encampment in Cincinnati, to which fourteen Allied nations sent representatives. I remember the victory conference in 1945 at our Chicago encampment, where representatives from twenty-one Allied nations met to discuss the value of cooperation in war and the importance of continuing international cooperation in time of peace. The V. F. W. has continued this fine record by its strong support of the North Atlantic Treaty. I am particularly pleased that you have asked me to be here _on the day the V. F. W. is honoring distinguished representatives from other countries which have joined in the North Atlantic Treaty. The presence of veterans from most of the treaty countries, meeting with our own veterans, is deeply symbolic of the spirit that binds together the free nations of the world. Why is adjustment difficult? All · the countries that signed the treaty have learned the tragic cost of war. All of us have learned how weakness invites aggression-how democratic countries, unless they stand together, can be taken. over one by one. And now, all of us are determined that, by joint efforts and a common defense, we shall become strong enough to prevent another terrible conflict. * 81 Four years ago, when the war endea, the world entered a new phase of human history. There were many who believed that the world would quickly return to its old ways. Many believed that the countries of the world would work their way, peacefully and in cooperation, back to conditions of stability and prosperity. But the effects of this last war were too far-reaching to permit such an easy adjustment. The destruction had been too great to allow a quick recovery. The accumulated wealth of generations had been poured out and lost in the conflict. Conditions of world trade had been flllldamentally altered, As a result of the upheaval, many peoples demanded new rights and new responsibilities. Men who had Jived for centuries in economic or political servitude asked for independell<'e and a fair share of tlie good things of life. What are their demands for liberty and security? The war against tyranny was sustained by belief in the four freedoms. Men refused to yield to dictatorship because they desired and believed they could secure conditions of material and spiritual freedom. When the war ended, they demanded to be treated as free men. They demanded a world in which they could attain security and liberty. This demand cannot be suppressed. It must not be frustrated. It presents a challenge to us and to the values of our civilization which will require all our energies and wisdom to satisfy. One pretended answer to this demand of mankind is offered by organized communism. But that answer is a false one. Communism claims to satisfy the universal desire for a better life. But, in fact, it lures men by false promises back to tyranny and slavery-and more and more people, all over the world, are learning that fact. What is democracy's .answer to demands for liberty and security? The free nations of the world offer a different answer to the demand of mankb;d for security and liberty. Our answer is based upon voluntary association among free nations, mutual adjustment of our common problems, and combined economic effort. We are convinced that through these means the world can achieve economic progress and at the same time maintain and expand democratic freedoms. We are convinced that our answer will prevail. The people of the United States have been meeting the challenge. In four, short years they have done more in the cause of world peace and world recovery than any nation has ever before been called upon to do. We are not alone in this effort. Many nations which share our democratic values and ou~ traditions are working with us. Without these allies in the cause of peace, our task would be· hopeless. We can win a permanent peace only through the joint efforts of free nations striving toward the same ol>jectives. Why must international violence be prevented? To achieve a better world we must prevent international violence. Unless protection against war can be secured, all efforts for the advancement of mankind will fail. - One of the most important aspects of our foreign policy, therefore, is our effort to establish international order. To this end, we have joined with other nations in creating a world organization which would outlaw aggression and establish a means of settling international disputes. The principles of the United Nations are still our goal. We have undertakien 82 * Current ~vents Review Vol. V, No. 3 to defend and preserve them. We will keep that pledge. Shortly after the end of the war, however, it became apparent that the United Natiorui could not Jive up to all our hopes for it until all tlf3.tions were united in the desire for peace. It became necessary, therefore, for the :l'ree countries to take action to defend the principles of that organization and to preserve it. By an overwhelming bipartisan vote, the Congress approved my recommendation early in 1947 that the United States help Greece and Turkey resist Communist pressures. Our prompt action preserved the integrity of ~th countries. By an equally overwhelming vote in 1948, the Congress approved our joint eJlterprise with sixteen European nations to achieve economic recovery. The European recovery program has prevented general collapse in Europe~ and has given hope to all countries who want t.o see the world resume the course of economic progress. While we are working ·'1Vith our friends in Europe, we are also" working with our friends and neighbors in this hemisphere. The pact of Rio de Janeiro, signed in September, 1947, binds the nations of North and South America . together in a defensive alliance. The United States and eleven other nations have now joined in the North Atlantic Treaty. Like the Rio pact, this is a pledge of mutual assistance by nations which are determined to protect their independence. It is based on the principle that an armed attack on one member nation is an attack on all. Why is military assistance important? The next ta.iik is to back up this principle with military assistance to F.uropean nations, and to certain other World Problems nations, which are unable to build up their defenses without outside help. I have recommended to the Congress that the United States supply three kinds of military assistance to friendly democratic nations in need of our help. First, we should help them increase their own military production. Second, we should transfer to them some essential items of military equipment. Third, we should send some of our experts abroad to help train and equip their military forces. Some people who do not understand the state of the world very well have tried to make the military assistance . program seem a difficult and confused issue. On the contrary, it is very simple. The purpose of the military assistance program is to prevent aggression. Our European partners in· the North A ti antic Treaty are not stro11g enough today to defend themselves effectively. Since the end of the war they have been concentrating on rebuilding their war-tom economies. We can strengthen them, and ourselves, by' transferring some D.ilitary means to them, and by joining with them in a common defense plan. The military assistance program is based on the same principle of selfhelp and mutual aid that is the cornerstone of the European recovery program and the North Atlantic Treaty. We are not arming ourselves and our friends to start a fight with anybody. We are building defenses so that we won't have to fight. Our aid will be limited to the material necessary to equip mobile defense forces. These forces will constitute no threat to the independence of other nations. The democratic n8.tions have no desire for aggression; they only want to be able to defend their homes. Most of our assistance under this program will go to Atlantic Treaty countries, bUt we will also help certain other nations whose security is important to world peace. We must continue our aid to Greece· and Turkey.. We should help Iran maiutain its firm stand against Soviet pressure. Arid, in the Far East, two young republics-the Philippines and Korea-need military assistance if they are to maintain their national security. How is the U.N. affected by the military assistance program? If it were possible, we would prefer that these bulwarks against aggression be established by the United Nations. We hope the peace of the world will some day be enforced l>Y security forces under the control and direction of the United Nations. We have been working for that. But the Soviet Union has blocked every effort to establish an effective international police force and to free the world from the fear of aggression. For that reason, we have had to join other friendly n,ations in forming regional defense pacts. The United Nations charter was wisely drawn to permit these regional aefense pacts and other collective security arrangements which are consistent with the great principles of the charter. The military assistance program will help the United Nations to operate more effectively by increasing the collective as well as the individual ability of free countries to resist aggression. How is economic recovery related to military defense? The military assistance pi;:pgram and the European recovery program are part and parcel of the same policy. There is the closest relationship between economic recovery and military defense. On ·the one hand, economic recovery will lag if the haunting fear of military aggression is widespread. Such fear will prevent new investments from being made and new it\dustries from being established. On the other hand, if protection against aggression is assured, tconomic recovery will move forward more rapidly. Sound economic recovery and adequate military defense must be carried forward together in balance. That is exactly what we propose to do. Great progress has been made in economic recovery in Europe. The production of the Western nations of Europe has been rising steadily. To continue the momentum of this economic advance, it is necessary now to remove the obstacles created by the fear of military aggression. We should therefore undertake a program of military assistance without delay. The cost of such a program is considerable, but it represents an investments in security that will be worth many times its cost. It is part of the price of peace. Why was isolationism given up? Peace with freedom and justice cannot be bought cheaply. No single program can bring it about, nor can any single nation. It can only be assured by the combined efforts of the multitudes of people throughout the world who want a secure peace. They are our friends anid they are friends worth · having. We must keep them our friends if the world is to be a decent place for our children and their children to live in. We must face the fact that we have forever put behind us the false seeurity of isolationism. We have done so because we have learned - learned the hard way-that, in the world of today, isolationjsm is a futile and · vulnerable shield. We have learned that the defense of the United States and the defense of other freedom-loving nations are indivisible. We have learned that (Please tu.,. to page 94) 84* Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 Why is Weak Atomic Control Worse? The United States should continue to insist on evasion-proof international control of atomic energy because anything less· 44 would be worse than nothing," a statement f·rom Bernard Baruch declares. Baruch issued a recent statement to the press in response to numerous requests for his opinion in the light of the announcement that an atomic explosion recently took place in the Soviet Union. Baruch was first U.S. delegate to the U.N. Atomic Energy Commission. Action by America Four actions seem vital at this time, he stated. "1. That the United States stand its ground in insisting upon nothing less than a truly effective international con~rol of atomic energy, while welcoming any Soviet proposals which would contribute to that end. "2. Until safe and sure control is obtained, every effort must be pressed to maintain our overwhelming advantage in the development of atomic weapons. We dare not lose any of that advantage -for the sake of peace. "3. Re-examine our strategy for the peace-making. Our aims remain unchanged - to resist aggression to unite the free peoples of the world in common defense for lasting peace. All plans for attaining these aims must now be reviewed. u4. Immediate enactment of a standby mobilization plan, in,cluding a thorough-going civilian defense." This plan, if properly done, Baruch added, "could prove our most effective single detetTent against another war." World Problems As the first U.S. delegate to the U.N. Atomic Energy Commission, Baruch presented the U.S. proposals for world a tomie controls in 1946. His views also carry the weight of his experience as adviser to U.S. presidents in. war and peace. Why outlawing the bomb is not enough The very nature of atomic energy, Baruch pointed out, rules out a simple pact to "outlaw" atomic weapons. He explained: "Since the President's announcem~nt numerous suggestions have been made for 'outlawing' the atomic bomb or for an 'agreement' to destroy all stocks of atomic weapons. Unfortunately, eliminating the threat of atomic destruction is not that simple. "The nature of atomic energy can perhaps be pictured as one's own arm. From' the shoulder down to the wrist, producing fissionable materials proceed by indentical processes, whatever its ultimate use. Only in the final stage is the decision made whether this fissionable material is to be utilized for peaceful purposes or as a weapon. A wouldbe aggressor, through a comparative twist of the wrist, could divert seemingly 'peaceful' fissionable material into an instrument of international blackman and destruction. "Merely to 'outlaw' the atomic bomb is no insurance against atomic destruc· tion. Unless this prohibition is accompanied by a truly effective, enforceable international inspection and control of ata.mie energy, we would be. penalizing those nations which observe agreements to the advantage of those who may not .• (Please turn to page 96) *85 Significant World News Roundup FRANCE Setback for the communists The French communists received a setback in the French National Assembly. In vain they tried to block the approval of the North Atlantic Treaty. By a vote of 407 against 186, the Na· tional Assembly defeated repeated attempts of the Communists to shelve the debate on the treaty. What is the signi/icancB of the newat The communists tried to block the approval of the NAP by telling the delegates to the National Assellllbly that the NAP is "another Munich". They tried to show that the NAP is a violation of the peace treaties and the Charter of the United Nations. The defeat of the communists in the National As· sembly points to their declining power in France. Recently more than 2,000,000 French have deserted the Communist Party. MIDDLE EAST Inspiration from the NAP in the North Atlantic Pact was given cold shoulder by the democracies. It was believed that the Western Powers were opposed to linking the NAP to al\Y Eastern Mediterranean or Middle Eastern bloc because Russia might consider the NAP to be hostile in nature. . Second, the Arab states are not prepared to settle their own problellllS. INDONESIA Creation of a Republic The Indonesian problem may at last be nearing solution in apita of the two "police actions" taken by the Dutch government. Republican and Federal· ist leaders have agreed on the creation of a United States of Indonesia to .be known as the Republic of Indonesia Serikat (United). Under the arrangement, the number of units in the proposed republic will be determin.ed before the transfer of sovereignty. The territory, however, will be envisaged under the Renvilfe agreement which recognizes East and West Java, East and South Sumatra, and Madura as autonomous units. The approval of the North Atlantic The other points of agreement are: Pact by the U.S. Senate has served as (1) that the new republic will be gov. inspiration for scattered groups in the erned by a constitutional president who Middle East to join in a mutual defense will act on the advice of a prime ministreaty. Reliable sources state that ter and cabinet, (2) that a period of members of the Turkish and Iranian transition will be observed after soverdiplomatic services are working on the eignty has been transferred; (8) that plan for a Middle East Pact. preparations will be made during this What is the significo.nce of the """'"' period for the framing of a new conThe approval of the NAP has at last stitution. and the holding of the general awakened the different countries of the elections, and that (4) a provisional Middle East to look for a way by which government and a provisional parliathey could' join in mutual defense pact. ment will be set up to insure stability. There are, however, two difficulties What is the signi/icMKJe of the newsP that hinder the conclusion of such a It is indeed gratifying to npte that pact. First, Turkey's bid for inclusion the officials of the Republic of Indo86 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. a nesia and representatives of fifteen other Indonesian states and territories met in a friendly atmosphere to discuss the future status of Indonesia. This is necessary for it is only thus that a happy solution to the Indonesian problem may be arrived at. BRITAIN Debate on British problem One of the major issues that confront Britain today is one of\ money reserves. Britain is fighting another major battle today; that of keeping her dollar reserves sound. Mr. Churchill, in an election policy statement, attacked the Labor government for its failure to stabilize the country's dollar reserves, He mentioned several faults in the government's financial policies. Mr. Attlee denied Mr. Churchill's accusations. He attributed the decline in Britain's dollar reserves to decrease in production and in, exports. What is the significance of the news? Britain's problem today-declining dollar reserves-is also the problem being faced by many countries including the Philippines. The decline in the dollar reserves may be attributed to ·several causes. One important cause is reduced exports due to insufficient production and import curbs. What is happening in Britain should interest us. The methods of the Labor Government· in meetiiw the crisis may point to or give valuable suggestions to countries facing the problem of the declining dollar reserves. ITALY Italian Red loses Another country retreating from com:. munism is Italy. Giuseppe di Vittorio, cammunist labor boss, admitted recently that the Communist Italian Labor Federation lost more than 1,000,000 mem .. bers · during the first six months of 1949. International News What is the significance of the news1 Italy is the only country outside Russia that has the greatest number of communists. Thifl js strange in a coun .. try that is traditionally Catholic. The decrease in the membership of the Communist Party in ~taly may be attributed to the measures being taken by the govermnen,t 1 to solve the economic problems of the country. In the last election held on April 18, 1948, the Social Democrats promised the Italians that concrete measures would be taken to solve the economic ills of the country. The fulfillment of the promise is now showing favorable effects. BALKANS Attack and counter attac:lt The Balkans, especially Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Rumania, has become a new battle ground -between the Communists and the Vatican. In the present battle, the Vatican has been losingi in Eastern Europe because the Communists control most of the countries there. On account of this defeat, many Catholics in Eastern Europe have become passive in the fight against communism.. In order to spur the Catholics in their resistance against communism, the Pope issued a world-wide decree stating that any Catholic who "defends and spreads the. . . doctrine of communism'' would be excommunicated, thus losing the right to the sacraments of the church. The Communists, however, do not pay attention to the decree. They continue with their seizure of Church property, unnecessJary persecution of Catholics, and secularization of church schools. What is the significance of the news? The Pope's decree compels Catholics to choose between the church and their party. Catholics who are rabid communist followers will have to be exr.ommunicated immediately. Govem* 87 ment officials who are Catholics must look for some other jobs. GREECE Help for the Government The decision of Marshal Tito to close Yugoslavia's border with Greece is beneficial to the Greek government forces. The Greek guerillas are now under the control of pro-Cominform communists. Because of his quarrel with Marshal Stalin, Marshal Tito deemed it necessary to stop aid to the communists who were under the leadership of Russia's Cominform. · What is the significance of the news? During the last three-year war between the Greek Government and the communist guerillas, one difficulty has been this: Three communist states lie just across the border of Greece. Greece has charged these states-Albania, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria of aiding the communist guerillas. Said countries allowed the Greek guerillas to cross their borders, regroup, and then go back fo Greece. Tito's decision turned favorable to the Greek government in tlie prosecution of its punitive attacks against the communist guerillas. tent. The Government has been forced to revise its policy of a strong iron-hand policy toward the Communists and Socialists. It has realized the necessity of cooperation of all parties in order to solve India's problems. To secure desired cooperation, the Congress Party of Nehru must consider the possibility of forming a coalition government. RUSSIA Failurfl to stop the formation of a Federal Republic Russia has failed in her attempt to · block the formation of a Federal Re· public for Western Germany. Russia has used several methods to prevent the people of Western Germany from voting for the formation of the republic. First, the Russians promised peace, unity, and freedom from occupation. Second, the Russians tried ta; convince the three Western zones that the "cold war is over". Third, Russian propagandists announced a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers to discuss the unity of the whoM Germany. Fourth Russia proudly announced to the people of the Western zone that she won the "cold war". What is the significance of· the news? INDIA Russia's attempt to stop the formation of a Federal Republic for WestGovernment. faces its supreme . ern Germany failed because the people test there saw a chance to unify their counThe Congress Party government under the leadership of Prime Minister J awaharlal Nehru is facing a severe test. The government is embarrassed by longendured misery of the masses, decreased production, and general business recession.. The government under the one party rule is trying its best to solve the problems of a free India. try. They approved the Bonn constitution because they saw their chance of running their own country's affairs. They understood why Russia does not want Germany unified. They refused to believe the Russian propaganda: 11 that Western Germany is a 'state colony' of the imperialists and that the communists of Germany alone could achieve the withdrawal of all occupaWhat is the significance of the news? tion forces and German unity". The M8.ny causes may be attributed to this people of Western, Germany believe growing discontent. The Communists that the Bonn constitution is a guaranare exploiting the wide-spread discon- tee for a free Germany. 88 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3. The Philippines and the World Japan interested in Philippine Trade The Japanese government is interested in the revival of trade with the Philippines. The Nippon-Times wrote: "Trade between Japan and the Philippines will certainly prove to be of mutual benefit and extension of such trade relations among all non-cl1IlllD.unist countries in East Asia may not only better their feeling of understanding and cooperation but also may prove to be the effective answer to the Chinese communists if they have any ideas of dictating terms on which trade may be resumed with China." After two years of bitter discussion as to whether or not Japanese-Philippine trade should be revived, a new point of view has emerged. It seems that the Philippines could no longer remain indifferent to the revival of trade with Japan. Several well known Philippine officials suggest the revival of trade with Japan from the standpoint of Philippine rehabilitation and industrialization. They believe the Philippines could buy cheaper capital goods from Japan than from the United States. The Philippines may also find new markets for a number of her major export products. Japan, for instance, could buy Philippine lumber and hemp. Type of assistance for the Philippines United States Ambassador Myron Cowen in a recent speech delivered before the Manila Rotary Club enumerated certain ways by which America may aid the Philippines, for example: by providing scientific, and technical "knowInternational News how" and "show-how" in various fields of activity; by training local talents in administration, in industry and agriculture; by sponsoring health programs, broad technical missions, and supplying individual experts; by operating experimental stations; through fellowships and Jocal technical training institutes; by dissemination of information through conferences, seminars, and publications; by providing laboratory materials, demonstration services and equipment; through advice concerning particular industrial and agricultural projects; through resource surveys and general assessment" of development potentialities; through analyses of metliods of production, marketing, and management and advice on steps designed ,to mobilize domestic savings for constructive investment. Indonesia needs Philippine help Recently, Dr. Charles Tambu, first consul general of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines, discut1sed how the Philippines may help in the rehaliilitation of the Republic of Indonesia. Dr. Tambu believes that the Philippines could act as a middleman in, the exchange of goods between the United States and Indonesia. He elaborated his suggestion by saying: "If the Philippines would only trade with us of the 'soft currency areas' and in turn channel our products into the Americal'lj market, we would be able to purchase such vital necessities as food, machinary, textiles, medicine, automotive vehicles, and tools." ... Indonesia has the products that she could exchange for the products she badly needs "but the country does not have the caSh to pay for them." • 89 Philippines protests discrimination The Philippine consulate in Honolulu filed a protest with the Hawaiian territorial government against a move to bar non-citizens from being employea in government projects. The aim of the territorial government in barring non-citizens from being employed in government projects is to gain control over the stevedoring work in Honolulu and thus prevent strikes. The move affocts about 1,500 Filipinos. Phdippine contributions to United Nations the What contributions have the Philippines made so far to the United Nations? First, the Philippines championed the fundamental rights of man as proclaimed in the Charter of the Un,ited Nations. She fought for the rights of non-self-governing peoples to be free and independent. On three occasions, the Philippines fought for the freedom of Indonesia, for the better treatment of Indian minorities in South Africa, and for the freedom of former Italian colonies. Second, the Philippines championed the protection of fundamental human rights and freedo!DB. The Philippines took active part in the discussion of the Universal Dec!GTation of Human Rights and the convention on freedom of information. Third, the Philippines fought for the right of the "Little Nations" in the United Nations. She rallied the small nations in the United Nations to work together for measures designed for the welfare of the world. during his recent visit to that country. The president said in part: "Wh~n Commodore Dewey entered Manila Bay and God gave victory to his arms against the Spanish fleet, the American people little thought and Filipinos thought less that 50 years afterwards America would assume a role and Filipinos an obligation unparalleled in the history Qf liberty-loving neoples. ''And the Philippines, correspondingly and with deep gratitude, is under obligation not only to uphold America's honor but also to pursue America's mission of extending the democratic .way of life, as richly enjoyed by Filipino people in our neighborhood and elsewhere." Democracy in action The world famous Town Hall, in a recent visit here, demonstrated how democracy may work through intertnational understanding. Several members of America's celebrated Town Hall participated in a series of seminars touching on local and international 'problems. The Filipinos who took part in the seminars and town hall meetings have shown that they can also contribute something to the clarification and solution of world issues. The Filipin~ felt fortunate in having the chance of participating in the discussion Of problems affecting the world. The recent seminars and town hall meetings were demonstrations of democracy in action. Philippines on the spotlight The Philippine Republic is again on the spotlight of world diplomacy. ReRestatement of faith in democ- cent developments in the Orient have racy influenced the Philipine Republic to take the initiative in the formation of a The faith of the Philippine Republic South East Asia Union in the interest on democracy was restated by Pres- of world peace.. Although there were ident Elpidio Quirino in a speech he de- previous plans for organizing the counJivered in the United States Senate (Please turn to page 95) 90 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 Science Marches OnCorn Products An article reported in the Air Bulletin of the United States Department of State lists various products manufactured from corn. The corn-refining industry uses a soaking process to separate a corn kernel into its component parts - starch, gluten, hull, and gfrm· From these components and the water used in soaking the kernels come a great variety of finished products used in the daily lives of millions of people. Starch constitutes al>out 80 per cent of a kernel of corn. It is processed into such products as baking powders, asbestos, textiles, soaps, sizings, and explosives. From starch also are derived sugar, syrup, and dextrin which is used in the manufacture of glues, pastes, and gums. Corn syrup, made by heating starch, is used to sweeten ice cream, confections, canned fruits, and other food products. It is used in the manufacture of textiles, in the preparatidn of tobacco, and in tanning. By extending the corn syrup heating process for a longet;" time, corn sugar is produced. Crude corn sugar is used in the manufacture of rayon, in leather tanning, in brewing, and in the production of vinegar. Corn oil is used in soap making, pharmaceuticals, and leather dressings. The water in which the corn kernels are soaked to break them down into their component parts is used to grow mold from which penicillin is extracted. The corn cob, long under development as a source of alcohol, is also finally ground into a powder for brushing jewelry and small machine parts. Corn. stalks are used as mattress filling, as packing material, and in the production of paper, paperboard and wallboard. . Modern Science Aid for Diarrhea Tests in the United States show that diarrhea, the leading cause of death among infants and young children, can be cured within 24 to 48 hours by the 11 wonder drug" streptomycin. Several tests were conducted at the Chlldren's Hospital in Washington, D.C. by Dr. Sidney Ross and four associates. The group treated thirty-four children suffering from shigellesis, a major form of bacillary dysentery that i~ fatal to children. The children had high fev'l!r, severe intestinal disturbances, and partial dehydrations. They were given streptomycin through the mouth. The medicine reduced the fever, and broke the diarrhea of even the most accutely ill children within 12 to 24 hours after it was administered. All traces of. the dysentery germs disappeared from the bodies of the children within 48 hours. New Machine for Photographic Printing A new machine haS been developed in the United States which may revolutionize the printing processes by eliminating the use of metal type. The automatic operation of the machine combines principles of high speed photography, photo-electric cells and dial telephone selectivity circuits. The ma~ne is So simple to operate, that it can be used by any competent typist. It eliminates the use of metal type by photographing letters and punctuation marks directly onto film. Within a few minutes, the film can be developed, engraved on a printing plate and made ready for marketing. * 91 Discovery on Photosynthesis How sunlight starts the growth process in plants and how bacteria transform inert nitrogen from the air into plant foods are mysteries aQout which scientists in the United States are beginning to become enlightened. The New York Times reports that new discoveries "promise an, entirely new approach to the solution of the mystery that holds the key to the artificial production of food out of simple substances and to the direct harnessing of the vast energy of the sun for power." The discoveries were made in Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri by Dr. Martin Kamen, a chemist, and Howard Gest, a microbiOlogist. Since plants give off oxygen i11i the presence of sunlight, scientists have long suspected that the process of photosynthesis, or transformation of sunlight into plant food, starts with the splitting of water into its two constituents, hydrogen and oxygen. But so complex are the millions of chemical changes constituting piant growth that never before has a scientist been able to demonstrate how the process begins. nitrates which start the growth processes. Chick Saver A number of poultry growers in the United States are savin_g the lives of young chicks with a new heating technique used in the construction industry. These growers put electric heating cables under the floor of their chicken brooders in place of a central heat source. They report that chick disease is thus reduced because the cable keeps the entire floor dry. The baby chicks also no longer crowd together against a sil'\'g'le heat source since the heat is evenly distributed. The heating cable, manufactured by the General Electric Company, is produced primarily for use in sidewalks and roadways, to keep them comfortable for passj>'s-by. Fruit Juices About 90 per cent of all food stores in the United States maintain stocks of canned orange and tomato juices on their shelves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports on the basis of a necent survey of 6,000 stores. The survey was made as a means , of aiding fruit growers and distributors in planning and marketing. Grape fruit, the third most popular juice stocked by the stores, is offered to customers by 86'.3 per cent of the stores. Pineapple juice, grape juice, and prune juice are available at 77.1 per cent, 65.3 per cent and 61.9 per cent of the stores, respectively. The Washington University scientists used for their experiments a purple bacterium. It is a simple form of plant life which does not need air for life or growth. The scientists thus were able to grow it in a variety of atmospheres and in many different culture media. During the experiment they were able to detemtine all elements the plant received and what it does with them. Goitre Chemical The scientists used radioactive atoms of nitrogen as,.. tracers to find where the Goitre is a disease manifested by enplant receives its nitrogen and what it largement of the thyroid gland in the throat. Until now, it is believed to be does with the nitrogen it takes from the caused by lack of iodin,e in the diet. In air. They found that sunlight liberates cases of iodine deficiency, the thyroid hydrogen and that this hydrogen reacts gland keeps enlarging until it blocks the with nitrogen t~ form nitric acid. This throat. Enlargement of the thyroid in turn reacts with soil minerals to form (Please turn to page 93) 92 * Ourrent Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 Will Nationalism ... (Continued from page 80) New York Herald Tribune commented: Whatever controversies there are on other aspects of the American foreign policy in Asia there should be agreement on the value of the United States of encouraging intense desire of Asians to govern themselves. This desire can be used, honestly and effectively, as weapon against communism. The bald truth of the matter, recognized by almost every one, is that Communist movement in Asia, as in Europe, is a new form of imperialism. There are strongest reasons for emphasizing this fact and for making it clear to Asians that every country with a Conununist government has its capital in Moscow. To the present, unfortunately, little use has been made by the Western powers on the tremendous nati'Onalist enthusiasms in Asia. The Reds have been permitted to !maintain temporary pret· ense of being Nacionalists, and thus have made use of a spirit they acutally oppose, because of a few political groups in Europe who have held to vain hopes that old colonial system could be revived. These hopes never had any _real sub· stance behind them and the lack of substance now is recognized. The British long ago gave freedom to India, Pakis· tan, Burma and Ceylon. French and Dutch have come to see that nothing less than se]f.government can be a solu· tion in lndo·China and Indonesia. The Philippines, of course, achieved self· government with blessings of their former American rulers and with substantial economic help to ease transition from a semi·colonial status to independence. As a result of all this there no longer is any reason for failur~ by Western democracies to declare themselves champions of self.government in Asia. The United States and other Western World Affairs Science Marches On ... ( Continu.id from page 92) usually requires correction through sur· gery. Recent investigations show that tur· nips, rutabagas, and cabbages contain a chemical substance that may cause goitre in one case or cure it in another. The chemical is thiooxazolidone, an anti· thyroid substance very similar to the drugs now being used to treat hyperthyroidism, the disease caused by overac· tivity of the thyroid gland. The new discovery of the goitre chemical was an· nounced by Dr. E. B. Astwood. It was made with radioactive iodine, one of the radiosotopes now being use<l widely in medical research. The new discovery indicates that a normal thy· roid, receiving enough iodine, may go through the same enlarging processes because it is trying to overcorme the ef· feet of too much retarding thiooxazolidone. A lack of iodine, coupled with an excess of thiooxazolidone, would double the strain on the gland. powers should emphasize by every pas· sible means that the Western nations have granted freedom to Asians and that Communist success there means a restoration of rule by foreigners. Communism may produce worse ex· ploitation of Asians than they ever suffered in, colonial times and that possibility should be stressed ·on every appropriate occasion. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is the round-table discussion significant? 2. In what way did the United Nations contrib11te to the peaceful negotia· tion of the Indonesian problem? 3. Why is Communism a form of imperialism? * 93 "Ten Years After ... (Continued from page 79) Aggression in other regions .The pattern of aggression, and its dire potentialities, is not limited to Europe. Soviet-directed communism has swept over much of China and is sti11 on the march, carrying with it possibil.., ities of disaster elsewhere in Asia. The meniace is growing nearer in Korea, where the government of liberated south is crying for arms against an attack by the Communists in the north, expected at any moment. Across a continent in Iran, there is constant tension as Soviet pressure on the bord'er produces explosive incidents. ln all these places the Soviet Union is trying to gain its ends by force, or threat of force. Masters of the Kremlin have _gained and held their sway over Russian people by brutal, relentless force and their record of aggression since V-J Day shows that force, open 01· hidden, is still their main reliance. Our duty We may not care what happens to Tito, the rebellfous communist dictator. But we can.not close our eyes to the deeper meaning of this Soviet attempt to quell him with all the characteristic weapons of totalitarian power. Ten momentous, tragic, heroic years since September first, 1939-and the world is not yet secure from another war unlesshed by mad attempts to rule by force. That security may yet come if we strengthen the United Nations, put teeth in defense pacts and persevere un· ceasingly in efforts to so unify free peoples everywhere that no aggressor will risk the certain consequences of war. That must be our stern resolve in the critical years ahead. How does World Progress ... (Continued from page 84) we can serve our country best by join~ ing in the common defense of the rights of all ·mankind. The Congress of the United States in noble words has set out certain purposes of the veterans of foreign w3.rs. Our organization is pledged: "To maintain true allegiance to the government of United States of America, and fidelity to its constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; to preserve and de· fend the United States from all her enemies." In the fulfillment of those hi~b. purposes, I enlist your support to the end that we may persevere in the ways of peace with the same vigor and de· termination with which we fought our country's wars. - USIS. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is post-war adjustment difficult? 2. Is democracy's answer to demands for liberty and security sound? Why? 3 . Do we need to prevent internatiorial violence? Why? 4. How will the military Assistance Program affect the U. N.? · 5. The U.S. has given up isolationism? Was she justified in, doing so? Why? Study Helps 1. Did the world learn a lesson after World War I? How? 2. Why is there no fear from war? 3. Do you think Russia wants war? Why? 94 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3 Why are War ... (Continued from pp,ge 71) United States has bolstered the confidence of the nations of Western Europe. President Truman's Four Point Program for the improvement of underdeveloped areas .is now under consideration by the U. S. Congress. The Dutch and Indonesians have decided to settle their differences at a round table instead of fighting in the jungles and fields of Indonesia. Fightin,g in IndoChina has diminished with the installation of former Fmperor Bao Dai. A Commission of the United Nations is showing marked progress in the solution of the Palestine problem. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why were there talks of war in the past? 2. Why did Russia change her strategy? Was the change justified? Why? 3. Is Russia afraid to start another war? Why? 4. Should Russia now cooperate with the Un.ited Nations? Why? 5. What is the significance of America's approval of the NAP? 6. Why is the ERP and NAP important? The Philippines and ... (Continued from page 90) tries of the Orient into some sort of union, the Philippine Republic finds it necessary to push with vigor the idea of uniting all countries of Asia against the tide of communism. President Quirino and Ambassador Romulo have taken the initiative of organizing the SEAU. The Avelino Party and the Nacionalista Party have indicated their willingness to push the project through on a non-partisan basis. The plan to organize the SEA U is now receiving favorable comments from different political leaders in the Far East and the United States. World Affairs What are the Forces ... (Continued from page 78) and directly threatened than we are. This edge is being turned against us because the attackers know that our strength, moral and material, is the heart of the strength of the free world, and that our own self-confidence, and the -confidence of others in us, must bo broken before it will be safe to attack the free world e,nywhere. So long as thin,gs remain this way, there can be no real peace, and world stability will have to continue to rest on a number of factors which would otherwise not have to bear so large a part of this burden. Prominent among these will be the maintenance by this country of a powerful and impressive armed forces establishment, commensurate with our position in the world and with the great responsibilities we are being forced to assume in the worfd community. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is Europe gaining stability? 2 . Why is European recovery a longterm proposition? 3. How does a stable currency contribute to world peace? 4. What forces are threatening world peace? Why Atom Information ... (Continued from page 73) Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Do you believe that 11he Atom bomb is a detterent against war? Why 2. Why did the U.S. propose an effective system of international control? 3. Why did Russia oppose the U. N. plan for the .control of atomic energy? 4. Why do you think the suggestions of Senator McMahon are good? *95 What does the Balanee ... (Contin1ted from page 68) 2. How can the United Nations be developed into an effective agency for the promotion of world peace? 3. Do you agree that the main source of the strength of the United Nations is cooperation? 4. What d<> you think is the real function of the United Nations in the world today? 5. Some writers believe that the achievements of the United Nations in the social, cultural, and economic fields are overshadowed by its failures in solving the political questions of the world. Would yc>u then favor that the world give up the United Nations? Why? 6. What is your opinion on the re~ marks of Secretary-General Lie and President Evatt? Bound copies of Why is Weak Atomie .•• (Continued from page 85) Real test of control ., All future atomic energy proposals should be submitted to one test - Do they mean safe and sure control? Anything less than that would. be worse than nothing. It may be we shall have to live with the inability to control atomic energy all our lives. If that is to be our lot, let us face it calmly and resolutely, with wide open eyes. Let us npt blind ourselves with false reassurances or meaningless words labeled 'agreement.' "This same test of real control or none applies to all disarmament. In preEienting the American atomic energy plan, it was hoped that, having establiShed effective enforceable control in this c>ne field, the world could go to other instrumentalities of destruction. even to the elimination of war itself. No disarmament scheme can prove anything but delusion unless made real by eff.,,tive inspection and control." INA_NG WIKA 96 * Approved by the Government for General Reading and for use as Supplementary Material for National Language classess in secondary schools. AvailableVol. I & II - (1946-1947) combined ............. . Vol. III or IV (1947-48 or 1948-49) ............ . Semestral issues of 5 numbers each ......... : .. Single issues (any month or number) .......... . 1'4.00 per copy 3.00 per copy 1.50 per copy .30 per copy MANILA EDUCATIONAL ENTERPRISES, INC. 933 Raon, Quiapo, Manila Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 3. Available for the second semester ORIENTAL msTORY by DIOSDADO G. CAPINO, ~I.A. Editor, Cm·rent Events Review lndi•pensahle * It is the first textbook that presents a unit discuialon of all problem1 iu the Course of Study in Oriental History prepared by the Bureau ol Public Schools. The materials required for student readings have been presented in an easy, readable, and interesting manner. The discussions are integrated so that the re<{_uired specific objectives in the Course of S111Jy in Orieulal History may be achieved p1ychologically. Timely * Materials that remain scattered in the different required references enuruernteJ in the course of study and in new references such as recent pamphlets. historical reports. historical surveys, and special studies on Asiatic affairs are presented for a reasoned, inte9rated, and easy under· standing of all the problems given in the Work-1heel of the course of study. Well-organized * A series of specific objectives based on the general objectives given in the course of study indicates the unit organization. A Preview ia given to introduce each unit. The study materials are organized into relatively important problems. The main problem for each unit is subdivided into a number of minor problems which are intended to focus attention on the type of understandin11 desired, rather than Qn the narrative sequence of events. Useful • The book. provides widely varied learning activities. Each unit is provided with different activities, problems, and suggestions for enriching the knowledge, experience, and training of the studenta. There are (I) Self-testing Exercises; (2) Individual and Cooperative Activities; (3) Sigmficanl Words and Terms; and (4) Names \-Ve should Identify and Understand. Illustrated * The book presents generally helpful pictures. maps, cartoons, charts, and tables. Pictorial illustrations are given with elucidating captions. Up-to-date * All units are brought up-to-date with the addition of new problems designed to complete understanding of the unit. * A new unit (UNIT VIl.-How the Far East was Involved in World War II and Post-War Developments in the Orient) has been included in the book. Materials as of Sept. 30, 1948 have been incorporated. lligh achool instructors and, principals who may wish to examine ORIENTAL HISTORY by Diosdado G. Capino for p~ssible adoption in their classes are invited to send us trial orders. 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