LAD#36

Truman Doctrine 1947

The reason for the calling of this joint session of congress has to do with the safety of our nation in relation with foreign policy. Specifically Greece and Turkey, both of whom have requested our assistance.

First Greece, of whom we have assisted in the past, just not well enough. Greece is a peace loving nation who has recently been trampled by totalitarian regimes. They have been left with no real means of recovering, notwithstanding their current political climate which is being threatened by radical communists. It is imperative that we assist Greece both with finances and our own people to ensure their continued freedom. It is our duty as Americans, and as members of the United Nations to ensure their continued freedom.

Of Turkey, who have not been nearly as battered as Greece, but still need our help. Britain as a result of the war has decided that she can no longer provide assistance to Turkey. Therefore we must, as the only able nation provide the support to Turkey, so that they can remain in a state of relative wellbeing. Since Turkey wasn't as badly battered by the war, all they need is financial support.

It is of the utmost importance that we support the democracy in Greece. If god forbid, Greece fell to communism, Turkey would most certainly succumb, and so would the other countries around it. This domino like effect would continue throughout Europe. We cannot let this happen, we must defend the free world from this threat.

I know that I am asking for more money after we have gone into a massive debt from WWII but this is important. Primarily this is a fraction, and tiny fraction of the amount we spent on WWII, and consider it an investment so that our fighting in WWII wasn't in vain.

We must take immediate and resolute action. I therefore ask the congress to provide authority for four hundred million dollars for assistance to Greece and Turkey. I also ask the congress to authorize American civilian and military personal to assist in the task of reconstruction. The alternative is much more serious, if we falter in our leadership we may endanger our own nation and the peace of the world. 

 Photo#2: The Vietnam war was also fought to prevent the spread of communism, for the fear of the domino effect.