○  名人英语演讲  ○

it is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of the greek nation are of grave importance in a much wider situation. if greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, turkey, would be immediate and serious. confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire middle east. moreover, the disappearance of greece as an independent state would have a profound effect upon those countries in europe whose peoples are struggling against great difficulties to maintain their freedoms and their independence while they repair the damages of war.

it would be an unspeakable tragedy if these countries, which have struggled so long against overwhelming odds, should lose that victory for which they sacrificed so much. collapse of free institutions and loss of independence would be disastrous not only for them but for the world. discouragement and possibly failure would quickly be the lot of neighboring peoples striving to maintain their freedom and independence.

should we fail to aid greece and turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching to the west as well as to the east.

we must take immediate and resolute action. i therefore ask the congress to provide authority for assistance to greece and turkey in the amount of $400,000,000 for the period ending june 30, 1948. in requesting these funds, i have taken into consideration the maximum amount of relief assistance which would be furnished to greece out of the $350,000,000 which i recently requested that the congress authorize for the prevention of starvation and suffering in countries devastated by the war.

in addition to funds, i ask the congress to authorize the detail of american civilian and military personnel to greece and turkey, at the request of those countries, to assist in the tasks of reconstruction, and for the purpos

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