To the Congress of the United States: I appear before the Congress today to report on the State of the Union and the relationships of the Union to the other nations of the world. I come here, firmly convinced that at no time in the history of the Republic have circumstances more emphatically underscored the need, in all echelons of government, for vision and wisdom and resolution. You meet in a season of stress that is testing the fitness of political systems and the validity of political philosophies. Each stress stems in part from causes peculiar to itself. But every stress is a reflection of a universal phenomenon. In the world today, the surging and understandable tide of nationalism is marked by widespread revulsion and revolt against tyranny, injustice, inequality and poverty. As individuals, joined in a common hunger for freedom, men and women and even children pit their spirit against guns and tanks. On a larger scale, in an ever more persistent search for the self-respect of authentic sovereignty and the economic base on which national independence must rest, peoples sever old ties; seek new alliances; experiment--sometimes dangerously--in their struggle to satisfy these human aspirations. Particularly, in the past year, this tide has changed the pattern of attitudes and thinking among millions. The changes already accomplished foreshadow a world transformed by the spirit of freedom. This is no faint and pious hope. The forces now at work in the minds and hearts of men will not be spent through. many years. In the main, today's expressions of nationalism are, in spirit, echoes of our forefathers' struggle for independence. This Republic cannot be aloof to these events heralding a new epoch in the affairs of mankind. Our pledged word, our enlightened self-interest, our character as a Nation commit us to a high role in world affairs: a role of vigorous leadership, ready strength, sympathetic understanding. The State of the Union, at the opening of the 85th Congress continues to vindicate the wisdom of the principles on which this Republic is rounded. Proclaimed in the Constitution of the Nation and in many of our historic documents, and rounded in devout religious convictions, these principles enunciate: A vigilant regard for human liberty. A wise concern for human welfare. A ceaseless effort for human progress. Fidelity to these principles, in our relations with other peoples, has won us new friendships and has increased our opportunity for service within the family of nations. The appeal of these principles is universal, lighting fires in the souls of men everywhere. We shall continue to uphold them, against those who deny them and in counselling with our friends. At home, the application of these principles to the complex problems of our national life has brought us to an unprecedented peak in our economic prosperity and has exemplified in our way of life the enduring human values of mind and spirit. Through the past four years these principles have guided the legislative programs submitted by the Administration to the Congress. As we attempt to apply them to current events, domestic and foreign, we must take into account the complex entity that is the United States of America; what endangers it; what can improve it. The visible structure is our American economy itself. After more than a century and a half of constant expansion, it is still rich in a wide variety of natural resources. It is first among nations in its people'.s mastery of industrial skills. It is productive beyond our own needs of many foodstuffs and industrial products. It is rewarding to all our citizens in opportunity to earn and to advance in self-realization and in self-expression. It is fortunate in its wealth of educational and cultural and religious centers. It is vigorously dynamic in the limitless initiative and willingness to venture that characterize free enterprise. It is productive of a widely shared prosperity. Our economy is strong, expanding, and fundamentally sound. But in any realistic appraisal, even the optimistic analyst will realize that in a prosperous period the principal threat to efficient functioning of a free enterprise system is inflation. We look back on four years of prosperous activities during which prices, the cost of living, have been relatively stable--that is, inflation has been held in check. But it is clear that the danger is always present, particularly if the government might become profligate in its expenditures or private groups might ignore all the possible results on our economy of unwise struggles for immediate gain. This danger requires a firm resolution that the Federal Government shall utilize only a prudent share of the Nation's resources, that it shall live within its means, carefully measuring against need alternative proposals for expenditures. Through the next four years, I shall continue to insist that the executive departments and agencies of Government search out additional ways to save money and manpower. I urge that the Congress be equally watchful in this matter. We pledge the Government's share in guarding the integrity of the dollar. But the Government's efforts cannot be the entire campaign against inflation, the thief that can rob the individual of the value of the pension and social security he has earned during his productive life. For success, Government's efforts must be paralleled by the attitudes and actions of individual citizens. I have often spoken of the purpose of this Administration to serve the national interest of 170 million people. The national interest must take precedence over temporary advantages which may be secured by particular groups at the expense of all the people. In this regard I call on leaders in business and in labor to think well on their responsibility to the American people. With all elements of our society, they owe the Nation a vigilant guard against the inflationary tendencies that are always at work in a dynamic economy operating at today's high levels. They can powerfully help counteract or accentuate such tendencies by their wage and price policies. Business in its pricing policies should avoid unnecessary price increases especially at a time like the present when demand in so many areas presses hard on short supplies. A reasonable profit is essential to the new investments that provide more jobs in an expanding economy. But business leaders must, in the national interest, studiously avoid those price rises that are possible only because of vital or unusual needs of the whole nation. If our economy is to remain healthy, increases in wages and other labor benefits, negotiated by labor and management, must be reasonably related to improvements in productivity. Such increases are beneficial, for they provide wage earners with greater purchasing power. Except where necessary to correct obvious injustices, wage increases that outrun productivity, however, are an inflationary factor. They make for higher prices for the public generally and impose a particular hardship on those whose welfare depends on the purchasing power of retirement income and savings. Wage negotiations should also take cognizance of the right of the public generally to share in the benefits of improvements in technology. Freedom has been defined as the opportunity for self-discipline. This definition has a special application to the areas of wage and price policy in a free economy. Should we persistently fail to discipline ourselves, eventually there will be increasing pressure on government to redress the failure. By that process freedom will step by step disappear. No subject on the domestic scene should more attract the concern of the friends of American working men and women and of free business enterprise than the forces that threaten a steady depreciation of the value of our money. Concerning developments in another vital sector of our economy--agriculture--I am gratified that the long slide in farm income has been halted and that further improvement is in prospect. This is heartening progress. Three tools that we have developed--improved surplus disposal, improved price support laws, and the soil bank--are working to reduce price-depressing government stocks of farm products. Our concern for the well-being of farm families demands that we constantly search for new ways by which they can share more fully in our unprecedented prosperity. Legislative recommendations in the field of agriculture are contained in the Budget Message. Our soil, water, mineral, forest, fish, and wildlife resources are being conserved and improved more effectively. Their conservation and development are vital to the present and future strength of the Nation. But they must not be the concern of the Federal Government alone. State and local entities, and private enterprise should be encouraged to participate in such projects. I would like to make special mention of programs for making the best uses of water, rapidly becoming our most precious natural resource, just as it can be, when neglected, a destroyer of both life and wealth. There has been prepared and published a comprehensive water report developed by a Cabinet Committee and relating to all phases of this particular problem. In the light of this report, there are two things I believe we should keep constantly in mind. The first is that each of our great river valleys should be considered as a whole. Piecemeal operations within each lesser drainage area can be self-defeating or, at the very least, needlessly expensive. The second is that the domestic and industrial demands for water grow far more rapidly than does our population. The whole matter of making the best use of each drop of water from the moment it touches our soil until it reaches the oceans, for such purposes as irrigation, flood control, power production, and domestic and industrial uses clearly demands the closest kind of cooperation and partnership between municipalities, States and the Federal Government. Through partnership of Federal, state and local authorities in these vast projects we can obtain the economy and efficiency of development and operation that springs from a lively sense of local responsibility. Until such partnership is established on a proper and logical basis of sharing authority, responsibility and costs, our country will never have both the fully productive use of water that it so obviously needs and protection against disastrous flood. If we fail in this, all the many tasks that need to be done in America could be accomplished only at an excessive cost, by the growth of a stifling bureaucracy, and eventually with a dangerous degree of centralized control over our national life. In all domestic matters, I believe that the people of the United States will expect of us effective action to remedy past failure in meeting critical needs. High priority should be given the school construction bill. This will benefit children of all races throughout the country-and children of all races need schools now. A program designed to meet emergency needs for more classrooms should be enacted without delay. I am hopeful that this program can be enacted on its own merits, uncomplicated by provisions dealing with the complex problems of integration. I urge the people in all sections of the country to approach these problems with calm and reason, with mutual understanding and good will, and in the American tradition of deep respect for the orderly processes of law and justice. I should say here that we have much reason to be proud of the progress our people are making in mutual understanding--the chief buttress of human and civil rights. Steadily we are moving closer to the goal of fair and equal treatment of citizens without regard to race or color. But unhappily much remains to be done. Last year the Administration recommended to the Congress a four-point program to reinforce civil rights. That program included: (1) creation of a bipartisan commission to investigate asserted violations of civil rights and to make recommendations; (2) creation of a civil rights division in the Department of Justice in charge of an Assistant Attorney General; (3) enactment by the Congress of new laws to aid in the enforcement of voting rights; and (4) amendment of the laws so as to permit the Federal Government to seek from the civil courts preventive relief in civil rights cases. I urge that the Congress enact this legislation. Essential to the stable economic growth we seek is a system of well-adapted and efficient financial institutions. I believe the time has come to conduct a broad national inquiry into the nature, performance and adequacy of our financial system, both in terms of its direct service to the whole economy and in terms of its function as the mechanism through which monetary and credit policy takes effect. I believe the Congress should authorize the creation of a commission of able and qualified citizens to undertake this vital inquiry. Out of their findings and recommendations the Administration would develop and present to the Congress any legislative proposals that might be indicated for the purpose of improving our financial machinery. In this message it seems unnecessary that I should repeat recommendations involving our domestic affairs that have been urged upon the Congress during the past four years, but which, in some instances, did not reach the stage of completely satisfactory legislation. The Administration will, through future messages either directly from me or from heads of the departments and agencies, transmit to the Congress specific recommendations. These will involve our financial and fiscal affairs, our military and civil defenses; the administration of justice; our agricultural economy; our domestic and foreign commerce; the urgently needed increase in our postal rates; the development of our natural resources; our labor laws, including our labor-management relations legislation, and vital aspects of the health, education and welfare of our people. There will be special recommendations dealing with such subjects as atomic energy, the furthering of public works, the continued efforts to eliminate government competition with the businesses of tax-paying citizens. A number of legislative recommendations will be mentioned specifically in my forthcoming Budget Message, which will reach you within the week. That message will also recommend such sums as are needed to implement the proposed action. Turning to the international scene: The existence of a strongly armed imperialistic dictatorship poses a continuing threat to the free world's and thus to our own Nation's security and peace. There are certain truths to be remembered here. First, America alone and isolated cannot assure even its own security. We must be joined by the capability and resolution of nations that have proved themselves dependable defenders of freedom. Isolation from them invites war. Our security is also enhanced by the immeasurable interest that joins us with all peoples who believe that peace with justice must be preserved, that wars of aggression are crimes against humanity. Another truth is that our survival in today's world requires modern, adequate, dependable military strength. Our Nation has made great strides in assuring a modern defense, so armed in new weapons, so deployed, so equipped, that today our security force is the most powerful in our peacetime history. It can punish heavily any enemy who undertakes to attack us. It is a major deterrent to war. By our research and development more efficient weapons-some of amazing capabilities--are being constantly created. These vital efforts we shall continue. Yet we must not delude ourselves that safety necessarily increases as expenditures for military research or forces in being go up. Indeed, beyond a wise and reasonable level, which is always changing and is under constant study, money spent on arms may be money wasted on sterile metal or inflated costs, thereby weakening the very security and strength we seek. National security requires far more than military power. Economic and moral factors play indispensable roles. Any program that endangers our economy could defeat us. Any weakening of our national will and resolution, any diminution of the vigor and initiative of our individual citizens, would strike a blow at the heart of our defenses. The finest military establishment we can produce must work closely in cooperation with the forces of our friends. Our system of regional pacts, developed within the Charter of the United Nations, serves to increase both our own security and the security of other nations. This system is still a recent introduction on the world scene. Its problems are many and difficult, because it insists on equality among its members and brings into association some nations traditionally divided. Repeatedly in recent months, the collapse of these regional alliances has been predicted. The strains upon them have been at times indeed severe. Despite these strains our regional alliances have proved durable and strong, and dire predictions of their disintegration have proved completely false. With other free nations, we should vigorously prosecute measures that will promote mutual strength, prosperity and welfare within the free world. Strength is essentially a product of economic health and social well-being. Consequently, even as we continue our programs of military assistance, we must emphasize aid to our friends in building more productive economies and in better satisfying the natural demands of their people for progress. Thereby we shall move a long way toward a peaceful world. A sound and safeguarded agreement for open skies, unarmed aerial sentinels, and reduced armament would provide a valuable contribution toward a durable peace in the years ahead. And we have been persistent in our effort to reach such an agreement. We are willing to enter any reliable agreement which would reverse the trend toward ever more devastating nuclear weapons; reciprocally provide against the possibility of surprise attack; mutually control the outer space missile and satellite development; and make feasible a lower level of armaments and armed forces and an easier burden of military expenditures. Our continuing negotiations in this field are a major part of our quest for a confident peace in this atomic age. This quest requires as well a constructive attitude among all the nations of the free world toward expansion of trade and investment, that can give all of us opportunity to work out economic betterment. An essential step in this field is the provision of an administrative agency to insure the orderly and proper operation of existing arrangements trader which multilateral trade is now carried on. To that end I urge Congressional authorization for United States membership in the proposed Organization for Trade Cooperation, an action which will speed removal of discrimination against our export trade. We welcome the efforts of a number of our European friends to achieve an integrated community to develop a common market. We likewise welcome their cooperative effort in the field of atomic energy. To demonstrate once again our unalterable purpose to make of the atom a peaceful servant of humanity, I shortly shall ask the Congress to authorize full United States participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency. World events have magnified both the responsibilities and the opportunities of the United States Information Agency. Just as, in recent months, the voice of communism has become more shaken and confused, the voice of truth must be more clearly heard. To enable our Information Agency to cope with these new responsibilities and opportunities, I am asking the Congress to increase appreciably the appropriations for this program and for legislation establishing a career service for the Agency's overseas foreign service officers. The recent historic events in Hungary demand that all free nations share to the extent of their capabilities in the responsibility of granting asylum to victims of Communist persecution. I request the Congress promptly to enact legislation to regularize the status in the United States of Hungarian refugees brought here as parolees. I shall shortly recommend to the Congress by special message the changes in our immigration laws that I deem necessary in the light of our world responsibilities. The cost of peace is something we must face boldly, fearlessly. Beyond money, it involves changes in attitudes, the renunciation of old prejudices, even the sacrifice of some seeming self-interest. Only five days ago I expressed to you the grave concern of your Government over the threat of Soviet aggression in the Middle East. I asked for Congressional authorization to help counter this threat. I say again that this matter is of vital and immediate importance to the Nation's and the free world's security and peace. By our proposed programs in the Middle East, we hope to assist in establishing a climate in which constructive and long-term solutions to basic problems of the area may be sought. From time to time, there will be presented to the Congress requests for other legislation in the broad field of international affairs. All requests will reflect the steadfast purpose of this Administration to pursue peace, based on justice. Although in some cases details will be new, the underlying purpose and objectives will remain the same. All proposals made by the Administration in this field are based on the free world's unity. This unity may not be immediately obvious unless we examine link by link the chain of relationships that binds us to every area and to every nation. In spirit the free world is one because its people uphold the right of independent existence for all nations. I have already alluded to their economic interdependence. But their interdependence extends also into the field of security. First of all, no reasonable man will question the absolute need for our American neighbors to be prosperous and secure. Their security and prosperity are inextricably bound to our own. And we are, of course, already joined with these neighbors by historic pledges. Again, no reasonable man will deny that the freedom and prosperity and security of Western Europe are vital to our own prosperity and security. If the institutions, the skills, the manpower of its peoples were to fall under the domination of an aggressive imperialism, the violent change in the balance of world power and in the pattern of world commerce could not be fully compensated for by any American measures, military or economic. But these people, whose economic strength is largely dependent on free and uninterrupted movement of oil from the Middle East, cannot prosper--indeed, their economies would be severely impaired--should that area be controlled by an enemy and the movement of oil be subject to its decisions. Next, to the Eastward, are Asiatic and Far Eastern peoples, recently returned to independent control of their own affairs or now emerging into sovereign statehood. Their potential strength constitutes new assurance for stability and peace in the world--if they can retain their independence. Should they lose freedom and be dominated by an aggressor, the world-wide effects would imperil the security of the free world. In short, the world has so shrunk that all free nations are our neighbors. Without cooperative neighbors, the United States cannot maintain its own security and welfare, because: First, America's vital interests are world-wide, embracing both hemispheres and every continent. Second, we have community of interest with every nation in the free world. Third, interdependence of interests requires a decent respect for the rights and the peace of all peoples. These principles motivate our actions within the United Nations. There, before all the world, by our loyalty to them, by our practice of them, let us strive to set a standard to which all who seek justice and who hunger for peace can rally. May we at home, here at the Seat of Government, in all the cities and towns and farmlands of America, support these principles in a personal effort of dedication. Thereby each of us can help establish a secure world order in which opportunity for freedom and justice will be more widespread, and in which the resources now dissipated on the armaments of war can be released for the life and growth of all humanity. When our forefathers prepared the immortal document that proclaimed our independence, they asserted that every individual is endowed by his Creator with certain inalienable rights. As we gaze back through history to that date, it is clear that our nation has striven to live up to this declaration, applying it to nations as well as to individuals. Today we proudly assert that the government of the United States is still committed to this concept, both in its activities at home and abroad. The purpose is Divine; the implementation is human. Our country and its government have made mistakes--human mistakes. They have been of the head--not of the heart. And it is still true that the great concept of the dignity of all men, alike created in the image of the Almighty, has been the compass by which we have tried and are trying to steer our course. So long as we continue by its guidance, there will be true progress in human affairs, both among ourselves and among those with whom we deal. To achieve a more perfect fidelity to it, I submit, is a worthy ambition as we meet together in these first days of this, the first session of the 85th Congress. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
To the Congress of the United States: I appear before the Congress today to report on the State of the Union and the relationships of the Union to the other nations of the world. I come here, firmly convinced that at no time in the history of the Republic have circumstances more emphatically underscored the need, in all echelons of government, for vision and wisdom and resolution. You meet in a season of stress that is testing the fitness of political systems and the validity of political philosophies. Each stress stems in part from causes peculiar to itself. But every stress is a reflection of a universal phenomenon. In the world today, the surging and understandable tide of nationalism is marked by widespread revulsion and revolt against tyranny, injustice, inequality and poverty. As individuals, joined in a common hunger for freedom, men and women and even children pit their spirit against guns and tanks. On a larger scale, in an ever more persistent search for the self-respect of authentic sovereignty and the economic base on which national independence must rest, peoples sever old ties; seek new alliances; experiment--sometimes dangerously--in their struggle to satisfy these human aspirations. Particularly, in the past year, this tide has changed the pattern of attitudes and thinking among millions. The changes already accomplished foreshadow a world transformed by the spirit of freedom. This is no faint and pious hope. The forces now at work in the minds and hearts of men will not be spent through. many years. In the main, today's expressions of nationalism are, in spirit, echoes of our forefathers' struggle for independence. This Republic cannot be aloof to these events heralding a new epoch in the affairs of mankind. Our pledged word, our enlightened self-interest, our character as a Nation commit us to a high role in world affairs: a role of vigorous leadership, ready strength, sympathetic understanding. The State of the Union, at the opening of the 85th Congress continues to vindicate the wisdom of the principles on which this Republic is rounded. Proclaimed in the Constitution of the Nation and in many of our historic documents, and rounded in devout religious convictions, these principles enunciate: A vigilant regard for human liberty. A wise concern for human welfare. A ceaseless effort for human progress. Fidelity to these principles, in our relations with other peoples, has won us new friendships and has increased our opportunity for service within the family of nations. The appeal of these principles is universal, lighting fires in the souls of men everywhere. We shall continue to uphold them, against those who deny them and in counselling with our friends. At home, the application of these principles to the complex problems of our national life has brought us to an unprecedented peak in our economic prosperity and has exemplified in our way of life the enduring human values of mind and spirit. Through the past four years these principles have guided the legislative programs submitted by the Administration to the Congress. As we attempt to apply them to current events, domestic and foreign, we must take into account the complex entity that is the United States of America; what endangers it; what can improve it. The visible structure is our American economy itself. After more than a century and a half of constant expansion, it is still rich in a wide variety of natural resources. It is first among nations in its people'.s mastery of industrial skills. It is productive beyond our own needs of many foodstuffs and industrial products. It is rewarding to all our citizens in opportunity to earn and to advance in self-realization and in self-expression. It is fortunate in its wealth of educational and cultural and religious centers. It is vigorously dynamic in the limitless initiative and willingness to venture that characterize free enterprise. It is productive of a widely shared prosperity. Our economy is strong, expanding, and fundamentally sound. But in any realistic appraisal, even the optimistic analyst will realize that in a prosperous period the principal threat to efficient functioning of a free enterprise system is inflation. We look back on four years of prosperous activities during which prices, the cost of living, have been relatively stable--that is, inflation has been held in check. But it is clear that the danger is always present, particularly if the government might become profligate in its expenditures or private groups might ignore all the possible results on our economy of unwise struggles for immediate gain. This danger requires a firm resolution that the Federal Government shall utilize only a prudent share of the Nation's resources, that it shall live within its means, carefully measuring against need alternative proposals for expenditures. Through the next four years, I shall continue to insist that the executive departments and agencies of Government search out additional ways to save money and manpower. I urge that the Congress be equally watchful in this matter. We pledge the Government's share in guarding the integrity of the dollar. But the Government's efforts cannot be the entire campaign against inflation, the thief that can rob the individual of the value of the pension and social security he has earned during his productive life. For success, Government's efforts must be paralleled by the attitudes and actions of individual citizens. I have often spoken of the purpose of this Administration to serve the national interest of 170 million people. The national interest must take precedence over temporary advantages which may be secured by particular groups at the expense of all the people. In this regard I call on leaders in business and in labor to think well on their responsibility to the American people. With all elements of our society, they owe the Nation a vigilant guard against the inflationary tendencies that are always at work in a dynamic economy operating at today's high levels. They can powerfully help counteract or accentuate such tendencies by their wage and price policies. Business in its pricing policies should avoid unnecessary price increases especially at a time like the present when demand in so many areas presses hard on short supplies. A reasonable profit is essential to the new investments that provide more jobs in an expanding economy. But business leaders must, in the national interest, studiously avoid those price rises that are possible only because of vital or unusual needs of the whole nation. If our economy is to remain healthy, increases in wages and other labor benefits, negotiated by labor and management, must be reasonably related to improvements in productivity. Such increases are beneficial, for they provide wage earners with greater purchasing power. Except where necessary to correct obvious injustices, wage increases that outrun productivity, however, are an inflationary factor. They make for higher prices for the public generally and impose a particular hardship on those whose welfare depends on the purchasing power of retirement income and savings. Wage negotiations should also take cognizance of the right of the public generally to share in the benefits of improvements in technology. Freedom has been defined as the opportunity for self-discipline. This definition has a special application to the areas of wage and price policy in a free economy. Should we persistently fail to discipline ourselves, eventually there will be increasing pressure on government to redress the failure. By that process freedom will step by step disappear. No subject on the domestic scene should more attract the concern of the friends of American working men and women and of free business enterprise than the forces that threaten a steady depreciation of the value of our money. Concerning developments in another vital sector of our economy--agriculture--I am gratified that the long slide in farm income has been halted and that further improvement is in prospect. This is heartening progress. Three tools that we have developed--improved surplus disposal, improved price support laws, and the soil bank--are working to reduce price-depressing government stocks of farm products. Our concern for the well-being of farm families demands that we constantly search for new ways by which they can share more fully in our unprecedented prosperity. Legislative recommendations in the field of agriculture are contained in the Budget Message. Our soil, water, mineral, forest, fish, and wildlife resources are being conserved and improved more effectively. Their conservation and development are vital to the present and future strength of the Nation. But they must not be the concern of the Federal Government alone. State and local entities, and private enterprise should be encouraged to participate in such projects. I would like to make special mention of programs for making the best uses of water, rapidly becoming our most precious natural resource, just as it can be, when neglected, a destroyer of both life and wealth. There has been prepared and published a comprehensive water report developed by a Cabinet Committee and relating to all phases of this particular problem. In the light of this report, there are two things I believe we should keep constantly in mind. The first is that each of our great river valleys should be considered as a whole. Piecemeal operations within each lesser drainage area can be self-defeating or, at the very least, needlessly expensive. The second is that the domestic and industrial demands for water grow far more rapidly than does our population. The whole matter of making the best use of each drop of water from the moment it touches our soil until it reaches the oceans, for such purposes as irrigation, flood control, power production, and domestic and industrial uses clearly demands the closest kind of cooperation and partnership between municipalities, States and the Federal Government. Through partnership of Federal, state and local authorities in these vast projects we can obtain the economy and efficiency of development and operation that springs from a lively sense of local responsibility. Until such partnership is established on a proper and logical basis of sharing authority, responsibility and costs, our country will never have both the fully productive use of water that it so obviously needs and protection against disastrous flood. If we fail in this, all the many tasks that need to be done in America could be accomplished only at an excessive cost, by the growth of a stifling bureaucracy, and eventually with a dangerous degree of centralized control over our national life. In all domestic matters, I believe that the people of the United States will expect of us effective action to remedy past failure in meeting critical needs. High priority should be given the school construction bill. This will benefit children of all races throughout the country-and children of all races need schools now. A program designed to meet emergency needs for more classrooms should be enacted without delay. I am hopeful that this program can be enacted on its own merits, uncomplicated by provisions dealing with the complex problems of integration. I urge the people in all sections of the country to approach these problems with calm and reason, with mutual understanding and good will, and in the American tradition of deep respect for the orderly processes of law and justice. I should say here that we have much reason to be proud of the progress our people are making in mutual understanding--the chief buttress of human and civil rights. Steadily we are moving closer to the goal of fair and equal treatment of citizens without regard to race or color. But unhappily much remains to be done. Last year the Administration recommended to the Congress a four-point program to reinforce civil rights. That program included: (1) creation of a bipartisan commission to investigate asserted violations of civil rights and to make recommendations; (2) creation of a civil rights division in the Department of Justice in charge of an Assistant Attorney General; (3) enactment by the Congress of new laws to aid in the enforcement of voting rights; and (4) amendment of the laws so as to permit the Federal Government to seek from the civil courts preventive relief in civil rights cases. I urge that the Congress enact this legislation. Essential to the stable economic growth we seek is a system of well-adapted and efficient financial institutions. I believe the time has come to conduct a broad national inquiry into the nature, performance and adequacy of our financial system, both in terms of its direct service to the whole economy and in terms of its function as the mechanism through which monetary and credit policy takes effect. I believe the Congress should authorize the creation of a commission of able and qualified citizens to undertake this vital inquiry. Out of their findings and recommendations the Administration would develop and present to the Congress any legislative proposals that might be indicated for the purpose of improving our financial machinery. In this message it seems unnecessary that I should repeat recommendations involving our domestic affairs that have been urged upon the Congress during the past four years, but which, in some instances, did not reach the stage of completely satisfactory legislation. The Administration will, through future messages either directly from me or from heads of the departments and agencies, transmit to the Congress specific recommendations. These will involve our financial and fiscal affairs, our military and civil defenses; the administration of justice; our agricultural economy; our domestic and foreign commerce; the urgently needed increase in our postal rates; the development of our natural resources; our labor laws, including our labor-management relations legislation, and vital aspects of the health, education and welfare of our people. There will be special recommendations dealing with such subjects as atomic energy, the furthering of public works, the continued efforts to eliminate government competition with the businesses of tax-paying citizens. A number of legislative recommendations will be mentioned specifically in my forthcoming Budget Message, which will reach you within the week. That message will also recommend such sums as are needed to implement the proposed action. Turning to the international scene: The existence of a strongly armed imperialistic dictatorship poses a continuing threat to the free world's and thus to our own Nation's security and peace. There are certain truths to be remembered here. First, America alone and isolated cannot assure even its own security. We must be joined by the capability and resolution of nations that have proved themselves dependable defenders of freedom. Isolation from them invites war. Our security is also enhanced by the immeasurable interest that joins us with all peoples who believe that peace with justice must be preserved, that wars of aggression are crimes against humanity. Another truth is that our survival in today's world requires modern, adequate, dependable military strength. Our Nation has made great strides in assuring a modern defense, so armed in new weapons, so deployed, so equipped, that today our security force is the most powerful in our peacetime history. It can punish heavily any enemy who undertakes to attack us. It is a major deterrent to war. By our research and development more efficient weapons-some of amazing capabilities--are being constantly created. These vital efforts we shall continue. Yet we must not delude ourselves that safety necessarily increases as expenditures for military research or forces in being go up. Indeed, beyond a wise and reasonable level, which is always changing and is under constant study, money spent on arms may be money wasted on sterile metal or inflated costs, thereby weakening the very security and strength we seek. National security requires far more than military power. Economic and moral factors play indispensable roles. Any program that endangers our economy could defeat us. Any weakening of our national will and resolution, any diminution of the vigor and initiative of our individual citizens, would strike a blow at the heart of our defenses. The finest military establishment we can produce must work closely in cooperation with the forces of our friends. Our system of regional pacts, developed within the Charter of the United Nations, serves to increase both our own security and the security of other nations. This system is still a recent introduction on the world scene. Its problems are many and difficult, because it insists on equality among its members and brings into association some nations traditionally divided. Repeatedly in recent months, the collapse of these regional alliances has been predicted. The strains upon them have been at times indeed severe. Despite these strains our regional alliances have proved durable and strong, and dire predictions of their disintegration have proved completely false. With other free nations, we should vigorously prosecute measures that will promote mutual strength, prosperity and welfare within the free world. Strength is essentially a product of economic health and social well-being. Consequently, even as we continue our programs of military assistance, we must emphasize aid to our friends in building more productive economies and in better satisfying the natural demands of their people for progress. Thereby we shall move a long way toward a peaceful world. A sound and safeguarded agreement for open skies, unarmed aerial sentinels, and reduced armament would provide a valuable contribution toward a durable peace in the years ahead. And we have been persistent in our effort to reach such an agreement. We are willing to enter any reliable agreement which would reverse the trend toward ever more devastating nuclear weapons; reciprocally provide against the possibility of surprise attack; mutually control the outer space missile and satellite development; and make feasible a lower level of armaments and armed forces and an easier burden of military expenditures. Our continuing negotiations in this field are a major part of our quest for a confident peace in this atomic age. This quest requires as well a constructive attitude among all the nations of the free world toward expansion of trade and investment, that can give all of us opportunity to work out economic betterment. An essential step in this field is the provision of an administrative agency to insure the orderly and proper operation of existing arrangements trader which multilateral trade is now carried on. To that end I urge Congressional authorization for United States membership in the proposed Organization for Trade Cooperation, an action which will speed removal of discrimination against our export trade. We welcome the efforts of a number of our European friends to achieve an integrated community to develop a common market. We likewise welcome their cooperative effort in the field of atomic energy. To demonstrate once again our unalterable purpose to make of the atom a peaceful servant of humanity, I shortly shall ask the Congress to authorize full United States participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency. World events have magnified both the responsibilities and the opportunities of the United States Information Agency. Just as, in recent months, the voice of communism has become more shaken and confused, the voice of truth must be more clearly heard. To enable our Information Agency to cope with these new responsibilities and opportunities, I am asking the Congress to increase appreciably the appropriations for this program and for legislation establishing a career service for the Agency's overseas foreign service officers. The recent historic events in Hungary demand that all free nations share to the extent of their capabilities in the responsibility of granting asylum to victims of Communist persecution. I request the Congress promptly to enact legislation to regularize the status in the United States of Hungarian refugees brought here as parolees. I shall shortly recommend to the Congress by special message the changes in our immigration laws that I deem necessary in the light of our world responsibilities. The cost of peace is something we must face boldly, fearlessly. Beyond money, it involves changes in attitudes, the renunciation of old prejudices, even the sacrifice of some seeming self-interest. Only five days ago I expressed to you the grave concern of your Government over the threat of Soviet aggression in the Middle East. I asked for Congressional authorization to help counter this threat. I say again that this matter is of vital and immediate importance to the Nation's and the free world's security and peace. By our proposed programs in the Middle East, we hope to assist in establishing a climate in which constructive and long-term solutions to basic problems of the area may be sought. From time to time, there will be presented to the Congress requests for other legislation in the broad field of international affairs. All requests will reflect the steadfast purpose of this Administration to pursue peace, based on justice. Although in some cases details will be new, the underlying purpose and objectives will remain the same. All proposals made by the Administration in this field are based on the free world's unity. This unity may not be immediately obvious unless we examine link by link the chain of relationships that binds us to every area and to every nation. In spirit the free world is one because its people uphold the right of independent existence for all nations. I have already alluded to their economic interdependence. But their interdependence extends also into the field of security. First of all, no reasonable man will question the absolute need for our American neighbors to be prosperous and secure. Their security and prosperity are inextricably bound to our own. And we are, of course, already joined with these neighbors by historic pledges. Again, no reasonable man will deny that the freedom and prosperity and security of Western Europe are vital to our own prosperity and security. If the institutions, the skills, the manpower of its peoples were to fall under the domination of an aggressive imperialism, the violent change in the balance of world power and in the pattern of world commerce could not be fully compensated for by any American measures, military or economic. But these people, whose economic strength is largely dependent on free and uninterrupted movement of oil from the Middle East, cannot prosper--indeed, their economies would be severely impaired--should that area be controlled by an enemy and the movement of oil be subject to its decisions. Next, to the Eastward, are Asiatic and Far Eastern peoples, recently returned to independent control of their own affairs or now emerging into sovereign statehood. Their potential strength constitutes new assurance for stability and peace in the world--if they can retain their independence. Should they lose freedom and be dominated by an aggressor, the world-wide effects would imperil the security of the free world. In short, the world has so shrunk that all free nations are our neighbors. Without cooperative neighbors, the United States cannot maintain its own security and welfare, because: First, America's vital interests are world-wide, embracing both hemispheres and every continent. Second, we have community of interest with every nation in the free world. Third, interdependence of interests requires a decent respect for the rights and the peace of all peoples. These principles motivate our actions within the United Nations. There, before all the world, by our loyalty to them, by our practice of them, let us strive to set a standard to which all who seek justice and who hunger for peace can rally. May we at home, here at the Seat of Government, in all the cities and towns and farmlands of America, support these principles in a personal effort of dedication. Thereby each of us can help establish a secure world order in which opportunity for freedom and justice will be more widespread, and in which the resources now dissipated on the armaments of war can be released for the life and growth of all humanity. When our forefathers prepared the immortal document that proclaimed our independence, they asserted that every individual is endowed by his Creator with certain inalienable rights. As we gaze back through history to that date, it is clear that our nation has striven to live up to this declaration, applying it to nations as well as to individuals. Today we proudly assert that the government of the United States is still committed to this concept, both in its activities at home and abroad. The purpose is Divine; the implementation is human. Our country and its government have made mistakes--human mistakes. They have been of the head--not of the heart. And it is still true that the great concept of the dignity of all men, alike created in the image of the Almighty, has been the compass by which we have tried and are trying to steer our course. So long as we continue by its guidance, there will be true progress in human affairs, both among ourselves and among those with whom we deal. To achieve a more perfect fidelity to it, I submit, is a worthy ambition as we meet together in these first days of this, the first session of the 85th Congress. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
to the congress of the united states i appear before the congress today to report on the state of the union and the relationships of the union to the other nations of the world i come here firmly convinced that at no time in the history of the republic have circumstances more emphatically underscored the need in all echelons of government for vision and wisdom and resolution you meet in a season of stress that is testing the fitness of political systems and the validity of political philosophies each stress stems in part from causes peculiar to itself but every stress is a reflection of a universal phenomenon in the world today the surging and understandable tide of nationalism is marked by widespread revulsion and revolt against tyranny injustice inequality and poverty as individuals joined in a common hunger for freedom men and women and even children pit their spirit against guns and tanks on a larger scale in an ever more persistent search for the of authentic sovereignty and the economic base on which national independence must rest peoples sever old ties seek new alliances experiment sometimes dangerously in their struggle to satisfy these human aspirations particularly in the past year this tide has changed the pattern of attitudes and thinking among millions the changes already accomplished foreshadow a world transformed by the spirit of freedom this is no faint and pious hope the forces now at work in the minds and hearts of men will not be spent through many years in the main today expressions of nationalism are in spirit echoes of our forefathers struggle for independence this republic can not be aloof to these events heralding a new epoch in the affairs of mankind our pledged word our enlightened our character as a nation commit us to a high role in world affairs a role of vigorous leadership ready strength sympathetic understanding the state of the union at the opening of the 85th congress continues to vindicate the wisdom of the principles on which this republic is rounded proclaimed in the constitution of the nation and in many of our historic documents and rounded in devout religious convictions these principles enunciate a vigilant regard for human liberty a wise concern for human welfare a ceaseless effort for human progress fidelity to these principles in our relations with other peoples has won us new friendships and has increased our opportunity for service within the family of nations the appeal of these principles is universal lighting fires in the souls of men everywhere we shall continue to uphold them against those who deny them and in counselling with our friends at home the application of these principles to the complex problems of our national life has brought us to an unprecedented peak in our economic prosperity and has exemplified in our way of life the enduring human values of mind and spirit through the past four years these principles have guided the legislative programs submitted by the administration to the congress as we attempt to apply them to current events domestic and foreign we must take into account the complex entity that is the united states of america what endangers it what can improve it the visible structure is our american economy itself after more than a century and a half of constant expansion it is still rich in a wide variety of natural resources it is first among nations in its mastery of industrial skills it is productive beyond our own needs of many foodstuffs and industrial products it is rewarding to all our citizens in opportunity to earn and to advance in and in it is fortunate in its wealth of educational and cultural and religious centers it is vigorously dynamic in the limitless initiative and willingness to venture that characterize free enterprise it is productive of a widely shared prosperity our economy is strong expanding and fundamentally sound but in any realistic appraisal even the optimistic analyst will realize that in a prosperous period the principal threat to efficient functioning of a free enterprise system is inflation we look back on four years of prosperous activities during which prices the cost of living have been relatively stable that is inflation has been held in check but it is clear that the danger is always present particularly if the government might become profligate in its expenditures or private groups might ignore all the possible results on our economy of unwise struggles for immediate gain this danger requires a firm resolution that the federal government shall utilize only a prudent share of the nation resources that it shall live within its means carefully measuring against need alternative proposals for expenditures through the next four years i shall continue to insist that the executive departments and agencies of government search out additional ways to save money and manpower i urge that the congress be equally watchful in this matter we pledge the government share in guarding the integrity of the dollar but the government efforts can not be the entire campaign against inflation the thief that can rob the individual of the value of the pension and social security he has earned during his productive life for success government efforts must be paralleled by the attitudes and actions of individual citizens i have often spoken of the purpose of this administration to serve the national interest of 170 million people the national interest must take precedence over temporary advantages which may be secured by particular groups at the expense of all the people in this regard i call on leaders in business and in labor to think well on their responsibility to the american people with all elements of our society they owe the nation a vigilant guard against the inflationary tendencies that are always at work in a dynamic economy operating at today high levels they can powerfully help counteract or accentuate such tendencies by their wage and price policies business in its pricing policies should avoid unnecessary price increases especially at a time like the present when demand in so many areas presses hard on short supplies a reasonable profit is essential to the new investments that provide more jobs in an expanding economy but business leaders must in the national interest studiously avoid those price rises that are possible only because of vital or unusual needs of the whole nation if our economy is to remain healthy increases in wages and other labor benefits negotiated by labor and management must be reasonably related to improvements in productivity such increases are beneficial for they provide wage earners with greater purchasing power except where necessary to correct obvious injustices wage increases that outrun productivity however are an inflationary factor they make for higher prices for the public generally and impose a particular hardship on those whose welfare depends on the purchasing power of retirement income and savings wage negotiations should also take cognizance of the right of the public generally to share in the benefits of improvements in technology freedom has been defined as the opportunity for this definition has a special application to the areas of wage and price policy in a free economy should we persistently fail to discipline ourselves eventually there will be increasing pressure on government to redress the failure by that process freedom will step by step disappear no subject on the domestic scene should more attract the concern of the friends of american working men and women and of free business enterprise than the forces that threaten a steady depreciation of the value of our money concerning developments in another vital sector of our economy agriculture i am gratified that the long slide in farm income has been halted and that further improvement is in prospect this is heartening progress three tools that we have developed improved surplus disposal improved price support laws and the soil bank are working to reduce government stocks of farm products our concern for the of farm families demands that we constantly search for new ways by which they can share more fully in our unprecedented prosperity legislative recommendations in the field of agriculture are contained in the budget message our soil water mineral forest fish and wildlife resources are being conserved and improved more effectively their conservation and development are vital to the present and future strength of the nation but they must not be the concern of the federal government alone state and local entities and private enterprise should be encouraged to participate in such projects i would like to make special mention of programs for making the best uses of water rapidly becoming our most precious natural resource just as it can be when neglected a destroyer of both life and wealth there has been prepared and published a comprehensive water report developed by a cabinet committee and relating to all phases of this particular problem in the light of this report there are two things i believe we should keep constantly in mind the first is that each of our great river valleys should be considered as a whole piecemeal operations within each lesser drainage area can be or at the very least needlessly expensive the second is that the domestic and industrial demands for water grow far more rapidly than does our population the whole matter of making the best use of each drop of water from the moment it touches our soil until it reaches the oceans for such purposes as irrigation flood control power production and domestic and industrial uses clearly demands the closest kind of cooperation and partnership between municipalities states and the federal government through partnership of federal state and local authorities in these vast projects we can obtain the economy and efficiency of development and operation that springs from a lively sense of local responsibility until such partnership is established on a proper and logical basis of sharing authority responsibility and costs our country will never have both the fully productive use of water that it so obviously needs and protection against disastrous flood if we fail in this all the many tasks that need to be done in america could be accomplished only at an excessive cost by the growth of a stifling bureaucracy and eventually with a dangerous degree of centralized control over our national life in all domestic matters i believe that the people of the united states will expect of us effective action to remedy past failure in meeting critical needs high priority should be given the school construction bill this will benefit children of all races throughout the children of all races need schools now a program designed to meet emergency needs for more classrooms should be enacted without delay i am hopeful that this program can be enacted on its own merits uncomplicated by provisions dealing with the complex problems of integration i urge the people in all sections of the country to approach these problems with calm and reason with mutual understanding and good will and in the american tradition of deep respect for the orderly processes of law and justice i should say here that we have much reason to be proud of the progress our people are making in mutual understanding the chief buttress of human and civil rights steadily we are moving closer to the goal of fair and equal treatment of citizens without regard to race or color but unhappily much remains to be done last year the administration recommended to the congress a program to reinforce civil rights that program included 1 creation of a bipartisan commission to investigate asserted violations of civil rights and to make recommendations 2 creation of a civil rights division in the department of justice in charge of an assistant attorney general 3 enactment by the congress of new laws to aid in the enforcement of voting rights and 4 amendment of the laws so as to permit the federal government to seek from the civil courts preventive relief in civil rights cases i urge that the congress enact this legislation essential to the stable economic growth we seek is a system of and efficient financial institutions i believe the time has come to conduct a broad national inquiry into the nature performance and adequacy of our financial system both in terms of its direct service to the whole economy and in terms of its function as the mechanism through which monetary and credit policy takes effect i believe the congress should authorize the creation of a commission of able and qualified citizens to undertake this vital inquiry out of their findings and recommendations the administration would develop and present to the congress any legislative proposals that might be indicated for the purpose of improving our financial machinery in this message it seems unnecessary that i should repeat recommendations involving our domestic affairs that have been urged upon the congress during the past four years but which in some instances did not reach the stage of completely satisfactory legislation the administration will through future messages either directly from me or from heads of the departments and agencies transmit to the congress specific recommendations these will involve our financial and fiscal affairs our military and civil defenses the administration of justice our agricultural economy our domestic and foreign commerce the urgently needed increase in our postal rates the development of our natural resources our labor laws including our relations legislation and vital aspects of the health education and welfare of our people there will be special recommendations dealing with such subjects as atomic energy the furthering of public works the continued efforts to eliminate government competition with the businesses of citizens a number of legislative recommendations will be mentioned specifically in my forthcoming budget message which will reach you within the week that message will also recommend such sums as are needed to implement the proposed action turning to the international scene the existence of a strongly armed imperialistic dictatorship poses a continuing threat to the free world and thus to our own nation security and peace there are certain truths to be remembered here first america alone and isolated can not assure even its own security we must be joined by the capability and resolution of nations that have proved themselves dependable defenders of freedom isolation from them invites war our security is also enhanced by the immeasurable interest that joins us with all peoples who believe that peace with justice must be preserved that wars of aggression are crimes against humanity another truth is that our survival in today world requires modern adequate dependable military strength our nation has made great strides in assuring a modern defense so armed in new weapons so deployed so equipped that today our security force is the most powerful in our peacetime history it can punish heavily any enemy who undertakes to attack us it is a major deterrent to war by our research and development more efficient of amazing capabilities are being constantly created these vital efforts we shall continue yet we must not delude ourselves that safety necessarily increases as expenditures for military research or forces in being go up indeed beyond a wise and reasonable level which is always changing and is under constant study money spent on arms may be money wasted on sterile metal or inflated costs thereby weakening the very security and strength we seek national security requires far more than military power economic and moral factors play indispensable roles any program that endangers our economy could defeat us any weakening of our national will and resolution any diminution of the vigor and initiative of our individual citizens would strike a blow at the heart of our defenses the finest military establishment we can produce must work closely in cooperation with the forces of our friends our system of regional pacts developed within the charter of the united nations serves to increase both our own security and the security of other nations this system is still a recent introduction on the world scene its problems are many and difficult because it insists on equality among its members and brings into association some nations traditionally divided repeatedly in recent months the collapse of these regional alliances has been predicted the strains upon them have been at times indeed severe despite these strains our regional alliances have proved durable and strong and dire predictions of their disintegration have proved completely false with other free nations we should vigorously prosecute measures that will promote mutual strength prosperity and welfare within the free world strength is essentially a product of economic health and social consequently even as we continue our programs of military assistance we must emphasize aid to our friends in building more productive economies and in better satisfying the natural demands of their people for progress thereby we shall move a long way toward a peaceful world a sound and safeguarded agreement for open skies unarmed aerial sentinels and reduced armament would provide a valuable contribution toward a durable peace in the years ahead and we have been persistent in our effort to reach such an agreement we are willing to enter any reliable agreement which would reverse the trend toward ever more devastating nuclear weapons reciprocally provide against the possibility of surprise attack mutually control the outer space missile and satellite development and make feasible a lower level of armaments and armed forces and an easier burden of military expenditures our continuing negotiations in this field are a major part of our quest for a confident peace in this atomic age this quest requires as well a constructive attitude among all the nations of the free world toward expansion of trade and investment that can give all of us opportunity to work out economic betterment an essential step in this field is the provision of an administrative agency to insure the orderly and proper operation of existing arrangements trader which multilateral trade is now carried on to that end i urge congressional authorization for united states membership in the proposed organization for trade cooperation an action which will speed removal of discrimination against our export trade we welcome the efforts of a number of our european friends to achieve an integrated community to develop a common market we likewise welcome their cooperative effort in the field of atomic energy to demonstrate once again our unalterable purpose to make of the atom a peaceful servant of humanity i shortly shall ask the congress to authorize full united states participation in the international atomic energy agency world events have magnified both the responsibilities and the opportunities of the united states information agency just as in recent months the voice of communism has become more shaken and confused the voice of truth must be more clearly heard to enable our information agency to cope with these new responsibilities and opportunities i am asking the congress to increase appreciably the appropriations for this program and for legislation establishing a career service for the agency overseas foreign service officers the recent historic events in hungary demand that all free nations share to the extent of their capabilities in the responsibility of granting asylum to victims of communist persecution i request the congress promptly to enact legislation to regularize the status in the united states of hungarian refugees brought here as parolees i shall shortly recommend to the congress by special message the changes in our immigration laws that i deem necessary in the light of our world responsibilities the cost of peace is something we must face boldly fearlessly beyond money it involves changes in attitudes the renunciation of old prejudices even the sacrifice of some seeming only five days ago i expressed to you the grave concern of your government over the threat of soviet aggression in the middle east i asked for congressional authorization to help counter this threat i say again that this matter is of vital and immediate importance to the nation and the free world security and peace by our proposed programs in the middle east we hope to assist in establishing a climate in which constructive and solutions to basic problems of the area may be sought from time to time there will be presented to the congress requests for other legislation in the broad field of international affairs all requests will reflect the steadfast purpose of this administration to pursue peace based on justice although in some cases details will be new the underlying purpose and objectives will remain the same all proposals made by the administration in this field are based on the free world unity this unity may not be immediately obvious unless we examine link by link the chain of relationships that binds us to every area and to every nation in spirit the free world is one because its people uphold the right of independent existence for all nations i have already alluded to their economic interdependence but their interdependence extends also into the field of security first of all no reasonable man will question the absolute need for our american neighbors to be prosperous and secure their security and prosperity are inextricably bound to our own and we are of course already joined with these neighbors by historic pledges again no reasonable man will deny that the freedom and prosperity and security of western europe are vital to our own prosperity and security if the institutions the skills the manpower of its peoples were to fall under the domination of an aggressive imperialism the violent change in the balance of world power and in the pattern of world commerce could not be fully compensated for by any american measures military or economic but these people whose economic strength is largely dependent on free and uninterrupted movement of oil from the middle east can not prosper indeed their economies would be severely impaired should that area be controlled by an enemy and the movement of oil be subject to its decisions next to the eastward are asiatic and far eastern peoples recently returned to independent control of their own affairs or now emerging into sovereign statehood their potential strength constitutes new assurance for stability and peace in the world if they can retain their independence should they lose freedom and be dominated by an aggressor the effects would imperil the security of the free world in short the world has so shrunk that all free nations are our neighbors without cooperative neighbors the united states can not maintain its own security and welfare because first america vital interests are embracing both hemispheres and every continent second we have community of interest with every nation in the free world third interdependence of interests requires a decent respect for the rights and the peace of all peoples these principles motivate our actions within the united nations there before all the world by our loyalty to them by our practice of them let us strive to set a standard to which all who seek justice and who hunger for peace can rally may we at home here at the seat of government in all the cities and towns and farmlands of america support these principles in a personal effort of dedication thereby each of us can help establish a secure world order in which opportunity for freedom and justice will be more widespread and in which the resources now dissipated on the armaments of war can be released for the life and growth of all humanity when our forefathers prepared the immortal document that proclaimed our independence they asserted that every individual is endowed by his creator with certain inalienable rights as we gaze back through history to that date it is clear that our nation has striven to live up to this declaration applying it to nations as well as to individuals today we proudly assert that the government of the united states is still committed to this concept both in its activities at home and abroad the purpose is divine the implementation is human our country and its government have made mistakes human mistakes they have been of the head not of the heart and it is still true that the great concept of the dignity of all men alike created in the image of the almighty has been the compass by which we have tried and are trying to steer our course so long as we continue by its guidance there will be true progress in human affairs both among ourselves and among those with whom we deal to achieve a more perfect fidelity to it i submit is a worthy ambition as we meet together in these first days of this the first session of the 85th congress dwight eisenhower
congress united states appear congress today report state union relationships union nations world come firmly convinced time history republic circumstances emphatically underscored need echelons government vision wisdom resolution meet season stress testing fitness political systems validity political philosophies stress stems part causes peculiar every stress reflection universal phenomenon world today surging understandable tide nationalism marked widespread revulsion revolt tyranny injustice inequality poverty individuals joined common hunger freedom men women even children pit spirit guns tanks larger scale ever persistent search authentic sovereignty economic base national independence must rest peoples sever old ties seek new alliances experiment sometimes dangerously struggle satisfy human aspirations particularly past year tide changed pattern attitudes thinking among millions changes already accomplished foreshadow world transformed spirit freedom faint pious hope forces work minds hearts men spent many years main today expressions nationalism spirit echoes forefathers struggle independence republic aloof events heralding new epoch affairs mankind pledged word enlightened character nation commit us high role world affairs role vigorous leadership ready strength sympathetic understanding state union opening 85th congress continues vindicate wisdom principles republic rounded proclaimed constitution nation many historic documents rounded devout religious convictions principles enunciate vigilant regard human liberty wise concern human welfare ceaseless effort human progress fidelity principles relations peoples us new friendships increased opportunity service within family nations appeal principles universal lighting fires souls men everywhere shall continue uphold deny counselling friends home application principles complex problems national life brought us unprecedented peak economic prosperity exemplified way life enduring human values mind spirit past four years principles guided legislative programs submitted administration congress attempt apply current events domestic foreign must take account complex entity united states america endangers improve visible structure american economy century half constant expansion still rich wide variety natural resources first among nations mastery industrial skills productive beyond needs many foodstuffs industrial products rewarding citizens opportunity earn advance fortunate wealth educational cultural religious centers vigorously dynamic limitless initiative willingness venture characterize free enterprise productive widely shared prosperity economy strong expanding fundamentally sound realistic appraisal even optimistic analyst realize prosperous period principal threat efficient functioning free enterprise system inflation look back four years prosperous activities prices cost living relatively stable inflation held check clear danger always present particularly government might become profligate expenditures private groups might ignore possible results economy unwise struggles immediate gain danger requires firm resolution federal government shall utilize prudent share nation resources shall live within means carefully measuring need alternative proposals expenditures next four years shall continue insist executive departments agencies government search additional ways save money manpower urge congress equally watchful matter pledge government share guarding integrity dollar government efforts entire campaign inflation thief rob individual value pension social security earned productive life success government efforts must paralleled attitudes actions individual citizens often spoken purpose administration serve national interest 170 million people national interest must take precedence temporary advantages may secured particular groups expense people regard call leaders business labor think well responsibility american people elements society owe nation vigilant guard inflationary tendencies always work dynamic economy operating today high levels powerfully help counteract accentuate tendencies wage price policies business pricing policies avoid unnecessary price increases especially time like present demand many areas presses hard short supplies reasonable profit essential new investments provide jobs expanding economy business leaders must national interest studiously avoid price rises possible vital unusual needs whole nation economy remain healthy increases wages labor benefits negotiated labor management must reasonably related improvements productivity increases beneficial provide wage earners greater purchasing power except necessary correct obvious injustices wage increases outrun productivity however inflationary factor make higher prices public generally impose particular hardship whose welfare depends purchasing power retirement income savings wage negotiations also take cognizance right public generally share benefits improvements technology freedom defined opportunity definition special application areas wage price policy free economy persistently fail discipline eventually increasing pressure government redress failure process freedom step step disappear subject domestic scene attract concern friends american working men women free business enterprise forces threaten steady depreciation value money concerning developments another vital sector economy agriculture gratified long slide farm income halted improvement prospect heartening progress three tools developed improved surplus disposal improved price support laws soil bank working reduce government stocks farm products concern farm families demands constantly search new ways share fully unprecedented prosperity legislative recommendations field agriculture contained budget message soil water mineral forest fish wildlife resources conserved improved effectively conservation development vital present future strength nation must concern federal government alone state local entities private enterprise encouraged participate projects would like make special mention programs making best uses water rapidly becoming precious natural resource neglected destroyer life wealth prepared published comprehensive water report developed cabinet committee relating phases particular problem light report two things believe keep constantly mind first great river valleys considered whole piecemeal operations within lesser drainage area least needlessly expensive second domestic industrial demands water grow far rapidly population whole matter making best use drop water moment touches soil reaches oceans purposes irrigation flood control power production domestic industrial uses clearly demands closest kind cooperation partnership municipalities states federal government partnership federal state local authorities vast projects obtain economy efficiency development operation springs lively sense local responsibility partnership established proper logical basis sharing authority responsibility costs country never fully productive use water obviously needs protection disastrous flood fail many tasks need done america could accomplished excessive cost growth stifling bureaucracy eventually dangerous degree centralized control national life domestic matters believe people united states expect us effective action remedy past failure meeting critical needs high priority given school construction bill benefit children races throughout children races need schools program designed meet emergency needs classrooms enacted without delay hopeful program enacted merits uncomplicated provisions dealing complex problems integration urge people sections country approach problems calm reason mutual understanding good american tradition deep respect orderly processes law justice say much reason proud progress people making mutual understanding chief buttress human civil rights steadily moving closer goal fair equal treatment citizens without regard race color unhappily much remains done last year administration recommended congress program reinforce civil rights program included 1 creation bipartisan commission investigate asserted violations civil rights make recommendations 2 creation civil rights division department justice charge assistant attorney general 3 enactment congress new laws aid enforcement voting rights 4 amendment laws permit federal government seek civil courts preventive relief civil rights cases urge congress enact legislation essential stable economic growth seek system efficient financial institutions believe time come conduct broad national inquiry nature performance adequacy financial system terms direct service whole economy terms function mechanism monetary credit policy takes effect believe congress authorize creation commission able qualified citizens undertake vital inquiry findings recommendations administration would develop present congress legislative proposals might indicated purpose improving financial machinery message seems unnecessary repeat recommendations involving domestic affairs urged upon congress past four years instances reach stage completely satisfactory legislation administration future messages either directly heads departments agencies transmit congress specific recommendations involve financial fiscal affairs military civil defenses administration justice agricultural economy domestic foreign commerce urgently needed increase postal rates development natural resources labor laws including relations legislation vital aspects health education welfare people special recommendations dealing subjects atomic energy furthering public works continued efforts eliminate government competition businesses citizens number legislative recommendations mentioned specifically forthcoming budget message reach within week message also recommend sums needed implement proposed action turning international scene existence strongly armed imperialistic dictatorship poses continuing threat free world thus nation security peace certain truths remembered first america alone isolated assure even security must joined capability resolution nations proved dependable defenders freedom isolation invites war security also enhanced immeasurable interest joins us peoples believe peace justice must preserved wars aggression crimes humanity another truth survival today world requires modern adequate dependable military strength nation made great strides assuring modern defense armed new weapons deployed equipped today security force powerful peacetime history punish heavily enemy undertakes attack us major deterrent war research development efficient amazing capabilities constantly created vital efforts shall continue yet must delude safety necessarily increases expenditures military research forces go indeed beyond wise reasonable level always changing constant study money spent arms may money wasted sterile metal inflated costs thereby weakening security strength seek national security requires far military power economic moral factors play indispensable roles program endangers economy could defeat us weakening national resolution diminution vigor initiative individual citizens would strike blow heart defenses finest military establishment produce must work closely cooperation forces friends system regional pacts developed within charter united nations serves increase security security nations system still recent introduction world scene problems many difficult insists equality among members brings association nations traditionally divided repeatedly recent months collapse regional alliances predicted strains upon times indeed severe despite strains regional alliances proved durable strong dire predictions disintegration proved completely false free nations vigorously prosecute measures promote mutual strength prosperity welfare within free world strength essentially product economic health social consequently even continue programs military assistance must emphasize aid friends building productive economies better satisfying natural demands people progress thereby shall move long way toward peaceful world sound safeguarded agreement open skies unarmed aerial sentinels reduced armament would provide valuable contribution toward durable peace years ahead persistent effort reach agreement willing enter reliable agreement would reverse trend toward ever devastating nuclear weapons reciprocally provide possibility surprise attack mutually control outer space missile satellite development make feasible lower level armaments armed forces easier burden military expenditures continuing negotiations field major part quest confident peace atomic age quest requires well constructive attitude among nations free world toward expansion trade investment give us opportunity work economic betterment essential step field provision administrative agency insure orderly proper operation existing arrangements trader multilateral trade carried end urge congressional authorization united states membership proposed organization trade cooperation action speed removal discrimination export trade welcome efforts number european friends achieve integrated community develop common market likewise welcome cooperative effort field atomic energy demonstrate unalterable purpose make atom peaceful servant humanity shortly shall ask congress authorize full united states participation international atomic energy agency world events magnified responsibilities opportunities united states information agency recent months voice communism become shaken confused voice truth must clearly heard enable information agency cope new responsibilities opportunities asking congress increase appreciably appropriations program legislation establishing career service agency overseas foreign service officers recent historic events hungary demand free nations share extent capabilities responsibility granting asylum victims communist persecution request congress promptly enact legislation regularize status united states hungarian refugees brought parolees shall shortly recommend congress special message changes immigration laws deem necessary light world responsibilities cost peace something must face boldly fearlessly beyond money involves changes attitudes renunciation old prejudices even sacrifice seeming five days ago expressed grave concern government threat soviet aggression middle east asked congressional authorization help counter threat say matter vital immediate importance nation free world security peace proposed programs middle east hope assist establishing climate constructive solutions basic problems area may sought time time presented congress requests legislation broad field international affairs requests reflect steadfast purpose administration pursue peace based justice although cases details new underlying purpose objectives remain proposals made administration field based free world unity unity may immediately obvious unless examine link link chain relationships binds us every area every nation spirit free world one people uphold right independent existence nations already alluded economic interdependence interdependence extends also field security first reasonable man question absolute need american neighbors prosperous secure security prosperity inextricably bound course already joined neighbors historic pledges reasonable man deny freedom prosperity security western europe vital prosperity security institutions skills manpower peoples fall domination aggressive imperialism violent change balance world power pattern world commerce could fully compensated american measures military economic people whose economic strength largely dependent free uninterrupted movement oil middle east prosper indeed economies would severely impaired area controlled enemy movement oil subject decisions next eastward asiatic far eastern peoples recently returned independent control affairs emerging sovereign statehood potential strength constitutes new assurance stability peace world retain independence lose freedom dominated aggressor effects would imperil security free world short world shrunk free nations neighbors without cooperative neighbors united states maintain security welfare first america vital interests embracing hemispheres every continent second community interest every nation free world third interdependence interests requires decent respect rights peace peoples principles motivate actions within united nations world loyalty practice let us strive set standard seek justice hunger peace rally may home seat government cities towns farmlands america support principles personal effort dedication thereby us help establish secure world order opportunity freedom justice widespread resources dissipated armaments war released life growth humanity forefathers prepared immortal document proclaimed independence asserted every individual endowed creator certain inalienable rights gaze back history date clear nation striven live declaration applying nations well individuals today proudly assert government united states still committed concept activities home abroad purpose divine implementation human country government made mistakes human mistakes head heart still true great concept dignity men alike created image almighty compass tried trying steer course long continue guidance true progress human affairs among among deal achieve perfect fidelity submit worthy ambition meet together first days first session 85th congress dwight eisenhower
congress united state appear congress today report state union relationship union nation world come firmly convinced time history republic circumstance emphatically underscore need echelon government vision wisdom resolution meet season stress test fitness political system validity political philosophy stress stem part cause peculiar every stress reflection universal phenomenon world today surge understandable tide nationalism mark widespread revulsion revolt tyranny injustice inequality poverty individual join common hunger freedom men woman even child pit spirit gun tank large scale ever persistent search authentic sovereignty economic base national independence must rest people sever old tie seek new alliance experiment sometimes dangerously struggle satisfy human aspiration particularly past year tide change pattern attitude think among million change already accomplish foreshadow world transform spirit freedom faint pious hope force work mind heart men spend many year main today expression nationalism spirit echo forefather struggle independence republic aloof event herald new epoch affair mankind pledged word enlighten character nation commit u high role world affair role vigorous leadership ready strength sympathetic understanding state union open 85th congress continue vindicate wisdom principle republic round proclaimed constitution nation many historic document round devout religious conviction principle enunciate vigilant regard human liberty wise concern human welfare ceaseless effort human progress fidelity principle relation people u new friendship increase opportunity service within family nation appeal principle universal light fire souls men everywhere shall continue uphold deny counsel friend home application principle complex problem national life bring u unprecedented peak economic prosperity exemplify way life endure human value mind spirit past four year principles guide legislative program submit administration congress attempt apply current event domestic foreign must take account complex entity united state america endangers improve visible structure american economy century half constant expansion still rich wide variety natural resource first among nation mastery industrial skill productive beyond need many foodstuff industrial product reward citizen opportunity earn advance fortunate wealth educational cultural religious center vigorously dynamic limitless initiative willingness venture characterize free enterprise productive widely share prosperity economy strong expand fundamentally sound realistic appraisal even optimistic analyst realize prosperous period principal threat efficient function free enterprise system inflation look back four year prosperous activity price cost live relatively stable inflation hold check clear danger always present particularly government might become profligate expenditure private group might ignore possible result economy unwise struggle immediate gain danger require firm resolution federal government shall utilize prudent share nation resource shall live within mean carefully measure need alternative proposal expenditures next four year shall continue insist executive department agency government search additional way save money manpower urge congress equally watchful matter pledge government share guard integrity dollar government effort entire campaign inflation thief rob individual value pension social security earn productive life success government effort must parallel attitude action individual citizen often speak purpose administration serve national interest 170 million people national interest must take precedence temporary advantage may secure particular group expense people regard call leader business labor think well responsibility american people element society owe nation vigilant guard inflationary tendency always work dynamic economy operate today high level powerfully help counteract accentuate tendency wage price policy business pricing policy avoid unnecessary price increase especially time like present demand many area press hard short supply reasonable profit essential new investment provide job expand economy business leader must national interest studiously avoid price rise possible vital unusual need whole nation economy remain healthy increase wage labor benefit negotiate labor management must reasonably related improvement productivity increase beneficial provide wage earner great purchase power except necessary correct obvious injustice wage increase outrun productivity however inflationary factor make high price public generally impose particular hardship whose welfare depend purchase power retirement income saving wage negotiation also take cognizance right public generally share benefit improvement technology freedom define opportunity definition special application area wage price policy free economy persistently fail discipline eventually increase pressure government redress failure process freedom step step disappear subject domestic scene attract concern friend american work men woman free business enterprise force threaten steady depreciation value money concern development another vital sector economy agriculture gratify long slide farm income halt improvement prospect hearten progress three tool develop improved surplus disposal improved price support law soil bank work reduce government stock farm product concern farm family demand constantly search new way share fully unprecedented prosperity legislative recommendation field agriculture contain budget message soil water mineral forest fish wildlife resource conserve improved effectively conservation development vital present future strength nation must concern federal government alone state local entity private enterprise encourage participate project would like make special mention program make best us water rapidly become precious natural resource neglect destroyer life wealth prepare publish comprehensive water report develop cabinet committee relate phase particular problem light report two thing believe keep constantly mind first great river valley consider whole piecemeal operation within less drainage area least needlessly expensive second domestic industrial demand water grow far rapidly population whole matter make best use drop water moment touch soil reach oceans purpose irrigation flood control power production domestic industrial us clearly demand close kind cooperation partnership municipality state federal government partnership federal state local authority vast project obtain economy efficiency development operation spring lively sense local responsibility partnership establish proper logical basis share authority responsibility cost country never fully productive use water obviously need protection disastrous flood fail many task need do america could accomplish excessive cost growth stifle bureaucracy eventually dangerous degree centralize control national life domestic matter believe people united state expect u effective action remedy past failure meeting critical need high priority give school construction bill benefit child race throughout child race need school program design meet emergency need classroom enact without delay hopeful program enact merit uncomplicated provision deal complex problem integration urge people section country approach problem calm reason mutual understanding good american tradition deep respect orderly process law justice say much reason proud progress people make mutual understanding chief buttress human civil right steadily move closer goal fair equal treatment citizen without regard race color unhappily much remain do last year administration recommend congress program reinforce civil right program include 1 creation bipartisan commission investigate assert violation civil right make recommendation 2 creation civil right division department justice charge assistant attorney general 3 enactment congress new law aid enforcement voting right 4 amendment law permit federal government seek civil court preventive relief civil right case urge congress enact legislation essential stable economic growth seek system efficient financial institution believe time come conduct broad national inquiry nature performance adequacy financial system term direct service whole economy term function mechanism monetary credit policy take effect believe congress authorize creation commission able qualified citizen undertake vital inquiry finding recommendation administration would develop present congress legislative proposal might indicate purpose improve financial machinery message seem unnecessary repeat recommendation involve domestic affair urge upon congress past four year instance reach stage completely satisfactory legislation administration future message either directly head department agency transmit congress specific recommendation involve financial fiscal affair military civil defense administration justice agricultural economy domestic foreign commerce urgently need increase postal rate development natural resource labor law include relation legislation vital aspects health education welfare people special recommendation deal subject atomic energy further public work continue effort eliminate government competition business citizens number legislative recommendation mention specifically forthcoming budget message reach within week message also recommend sum need implement propose action turn international scene existence strongly arm imperialistic dictatorship pose continue threat free world thus nation security peace certain truth remember first america alone isolated assure even security must join capability resolution nation prove dependable defender freedom isolation invite war security also enhance immeasurable interest join u people believe peace justice must preserve war aggression crime humanity another truth survival today world require modern adequate dependable military strength nation make great stride assure modern defense arm new weapon deploy equip today security force powerful peacetime history punish heavily enemy undertakes attack u major deterrent war research development efficient amaze capability constantly create vital effort shall continue yet must delude safety necessarily increase expenditure military research force go indeed beyond wise reasonable level always change constant study money spend arm may money waste sterile metal inflate cost thereby weaken security strength seek national security require far military power economic moral factor play indispensable role program endangers economy could defeat u weaken national resolution diminution vigor initiative individual citizen would strike blow heart defenses fine military establishment produce must work closely cooperation force friends system regional pact develop within charter united nation serf increase security security nation system still recent introduction world scene problem many difficult insists equality among member brings association nation traditionally divide repeatedly recent month collapse regional alliance predict strain upon time indeed severe despite strain regional alliance prove durable strong dire prediction disintegration prove completely false free nation vigorously prosecute measure promote mutual strength prosperity welfare within free world strength essentially product economic health social consequently even continue program military assistance must emphasize aid friend build productive economy well satisfy natural demand people progress thereby shall move long way toward peaceful world sound safeguard agreement open sky unarm aerial sentinel reduce armament would provide valuable contribution toward durable peace year ahead persistent effort reach agreement willing enter reliable agreement would reverse trend toward ever devastate nuclear weapon reciprocally provide possibility surprise attack mutually control out space missile satellite development make feasible low level armament arm force easy burden military expenditure continue negotiation field major part quest confident peace atomic age quest require well constructive attitude among nation free world toward expansion trade investment give u opportunity work economic betterment essential step field provision administrative agency insure orderly proper operation exist arrangement trader multilateral trade carry end urge congressional authorization unite state membership propose organization trade cooperation action speed removal discrimination export trade welcome effort number european friend achieve integrate community develop common market likewise welcome cooperative effort field atomic energy demonstrate unalterable purpose make atom peaceful servant humanity shortly shall ask congress authorize full united state participation international atomic energy agency world event magnified responsibility opportunity united state information agency recent month voice communism become shake confused voice truth must clearly hear enable information agency cope new responsibility opportunity ask congress increase appreciably appropriation program legislation establish career service agency overseas foreign service officer recent historic event hungary demand free nation share extent capability responsibility grant asylum victim communist persecution request congress promptly enact legislation regularize status united state hungarian refugee bring parolee shall shortly recommend congress special message change immigration law deem necessary light world responsibilities cost peace something must face boldly fearlessly beyond money involves change attitude renunciation old prejudice even sacrifice seem five day ago express grave concern government threat soviet aggression middle east asked congressional authorization help counter threat say matter vital immediate importance nation free world security peace propose program middle east hope assist establish climate constructive solution basic problem area may seek time time present congress request legislation broad field international affair request reflect steadfast purpose administration pursue peace base justice although case detail new underlie purpose objective remain proposal make administration field base free world unity unity may immediately obvious unless examine link link chain relationship bind u every area every nation spirit free world one people uphold right independent existence nation already allude economic interdependence interdependence extend also field security first reasonable man question absolute need american neighbor prosperous secure security prosperity inextricably bound course already join neighbor historic pledge reasonable man deny freedom prosperity security western europe vital prosperity security institution skills manpower people fall domination aggressive imperialism violent change balance world power pattern world commerce could fully compensate american measure military economic people whose economic strength largely dependent free uninterrupted movement oil middle east prosper indeed economy would severely impaired area control enemy movement oil subject decision next eastward asiatic far eastern people recently return independent control affair emerge sovereign statehood potential strength constitute new assurance stability peace world retain independence lose freedom dominate aggressor effect would imperil security free world short world shrunk free nation neighbor without cooperative neighbor united state maintain security welfare first america vital interest embrace hemisphere every continent second community interest every nation free world third interdependence interest require decent respect right peace people principle motivate action within united nation world loyalty practice let u strive set standard seek justice hunger peace rally may home seat government city towns farmland america support principle personal effort dedication thereby u help establish secure world order opportunity freedom justice widespread resource dissipate armament war release life growth humanity forefather prepare immortal document proclaim independence assert every individual endow creator certain inalienable right gaze back history date clear nation striven live declaration apply nation well individual today proudly assert government unite state still commit concept activity home abroad purpose divine implementation human country government make mistake human mistake head heart still true great concept dignity men alike create image almighty compass try try steer course long continue guidance true progress human affair among among deal achieve perfect fidelity submit worthy ambition meet together first day first session 85th congress dwight eisenhower