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* Address by President Eisenhower? ---—~--- Before I convey to you the thoughts that I have put down on paper for this purpose this evening, I want to give a word of explanation about my understanding about this meeting. The invitation that I received requested that I add my voice to those who support the Mutual Security Program of the United States and coop- eration among the free nations of the world. There was not a word said about any function honoring me, and I heard no such talk from either the cochairman or any of my staff. So I want to take this moment to thank my friends from so many countries who have paid to me over- generous and possibly undeserved compliments, I want to say to them something that they already know—and I am sure you do—that the greetings that I received from so many places in Europe and Asia* were simply one thing: The - effort of great peoples to tel} the people of the United States of their respect for them, their admiration, and their affection. I was the mes- senger, and if I were a successful messenger in that office, in bringing that feeling from these countries to my own, then I am indeed happy and proud. In any event I thank you all for your compliments. . This gathering heartens every true believer in preparedness, freedom, and peace. That leaders from al) across the land would assemble here— 4Made before the Committee for International Bco- nomtec Growth and the Committee To Strengthen the Frontiers of Freedom, at Washington, D.C., on May 2 (White House press release; as-delivered text). *Ppresident Eisenhower made an ii-nation trip to Burope, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa Dec. -— -- - 8-22,-1959;. for background, see BuLierin of Jan. 11, 1960, p. 46. * . 7 . May 23, 1960 Mutual Security, its Principle and Programs energetically to reaffirm support of mutual secu- rity—is good news indeed. This rededication could not come at a better time. For trends are developing—particularly in Washington—that are profoundly disturbing. Support and Understanding of Program Unless an alert citizenry takes effective action to support those in the Congress who champion the cause of mutual security, it could well result: In jeopardizing an important part of the Na- tion’s defense; In endangering our worldwide structure ; And in weakening efforts to resist Communist expansion and to forge a just peace. Two months ago I requested the Congress to continue adequate support of our long-proven Mutual Security Program.' I asked an appro- priation of $4175 billion—a sum one-twentieth of our Federal] budget and one-tenth of our de- fense budget. This amount is imperatively alliance required. The Secretary of State, the Secretary — of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff all share this conviction. One bright development is that, in the past few days, the committees of Congress legislatively concerned with our relations with other nations have reasserted the overriding importance of our Mutual Security Program to America’s security and free-world progress. Only this evening I have been informed by Senators [J. W.] Fulbright * For text of the President's message to Congress, to- gether with statements by Secretary Herter and Under ~ Secretary Dillon, see id. Mar. 7, 1960, p. 369. VotT =. &AQ®UlL ~ AEM bgtateee leads the i ee ec ers fe en ews if Cer! Ses tee obi ju signi US aE abe ae eee N 7h