UNITED STATES AND LATIN AMERICA
Support for Greece and Turkey.— President Truman’s message to Congress on March 11 proposed a radical advance in American foreign policy, a positive move to promote peace and world security by aiding small nations in their struggle to maintain independence and resist foreign aggression. The message was first prompted by a British note of Feb. 27 expressing inability to allocate the funds necessary to maintain stability in Greece and asking this country to take over the responsibility. Following extended conferences with the State Department, Cabinet members, military advisers, and Congressional leaders of both parties, the President framed his message. After mention of the “urgent appeal” of Greece, the threat involved in “terrorist activities of several thousand armed men, led by Communists,” and the inability of the United Nations to give immediate help, the message in its essential part continued:
At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is too often not a free one.
One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression.
The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio, fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms.
I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.
I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way.
I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes.
The world is not static, and the status quo is not sacred. But we cannot allow changes in the status quo in violation of the charter of the United Nations by such methods as coercion, or by such subterfuges as political infiltration. In helping free and independent nations to maintain their freedom, the United States will be giving effect to the principles of the charter of the United Nations.
The President requested an appropriation of $400,000,000 for aid during the next fiscal year. He ended with the statement that “If we falter in our leadership we may endanger the peace of the world—-and we shall surely endanger the welfare of our own nation.”
Where Aid Will Go.—Reports indicate that Greece since her liberation has already received aid to the extent of about $435,500- 000, of which $354,000,000 came through UNRRA (72 per cent from the United States) and the rest chiefly in the form of lend-lease, loans, and shipping. The additional $300,000,000 now called for would be divided about equally between supplies for the armed forces and civilian aid devoted to reconstruction of railways and other communications, stabilization of foreign exchange, and agricultural recovery. The $100,000,000 for Turkey would be devoted wholly to military needs. It was stated that military missions to the two nations would be kept to a minimum required to demonstrate equipment. Messages from Greek political leaders indicated that an amnesty might be offered to rebel forces, of which those actually in arms are estimated to number not over 13,000. American policy would favor maintenance of the territorial integrity of Greece without further extension, and provision for the development of free port facilities in Salonika as a commercial outlet to the Aegean for Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. Congressional action on the appropriation was expected by the third week in April.
Moves in American Diplomacy.— Among minor developments in American foreign policy during March, the following were noteworthy:
President Truman's Visit to Mexico. In the first week of March President Truman paid a highly successful good will visit to President Miguel Aleman in the Mexican capital. The Mexican President spoke hopefully of the visit as marking the beginning of a new era of understanding and cooperation between the two republics. A most effective gesture was President Truman’s decoration of the monument to the nine boy heroes who had died at Chapultapec 100 years before. Reports of private discussions between the two Presidents on trade and minor boundary issues revealed only that there were “points of accord as well as areas of disagreement.”
New Envoy to London. Lewis W. Douglas, newly appointed Ambassador to Britain, arrived in London on March 16. He took the post vacated last September by W. Averill Harriman when he was recalled to become Secretary of Commerce.
Korean Mission Stays. State Department announcements in March made it clear that the American mission and occupation forces in Korea would stay there until their task was completed. This would be ultimately to bring about a united, independent Korea, but so long as this goal was blocked by Soviet opposition, the task would be to train the 20,000,000 South Koreans in self-government and build up South Korean economy, at a cost which may run to $150,000,000 a year for four years.
Bases in Philippines. In a plebiscite on March 4 the Philippine people approved by a three-to-one vote a constitutional amendment granting Americans equal economic rights within the islands. (The constitution had previously required 50 per cent participation of Filipinos in all enterprises.) This change will conform to the requirements of the Philippine Trade Act, already passed by the U.S. Congress, which grants free trade with the Philippines for eight years and a gradual increase of duties thereafter. On the departure of Ambassador Paul V. McNutt three days later, President Manuel A. Roxas signed with him an agreement granting the United States a 99-year lease of some 15 or more naval, air, and military bases in the islands. The naval bases will be at Guiuan in the Leyte-Samar area, at Subic Bay, Tawi- Tawi Island, and Sangley Point.
Curbs on Foreign Relief. The House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 19 apposed the Administration’s $350,000,000 program for emergency relief in liberated countries. The bill provides for goods, not cash, and such goods are limited to food, medical supplies, clothing, fuel, pesticides, and seeds, within a period ending June 30, 1948. The bill provides that the distribution shall be made without discrimination as to race, creed, or political belief and shall be freely supervised by U. S. representatives, with full and continuous publicity in each country as to “the purpose, source, character, scope, amounts and progress of the United States relief program.”
Yugoslav Aid Withheld. On March 20 it was announced that the State Department had rejected an appeal from Yugoslavia for aid under the pending $350,000,000 relief appropriation, and that no shipments of grain, either as a result of purchase or through UNRRA channels, could be made before May, since U. S. allocations to “most urgently needy” countries made such shipments impossible. It was pointed out that Yugoslavia had already received $375,000,- 000 in UNRRA aid, had exported grain to Rumania and Albania, and with good administration could have avoided the present shortage.
Revolt in Paraguay.—Through the month of March Paraguay was thrown into turmoil by a politico-military revolt against the 6- year dictatorship of President Higinio Morinigo. For three months preceding, Paraguay had been in a “state of siege” and on March 18 the President proclaimed a “state of war” with executive power to draft men, money, and supplies, but this last edict was rescinded when it was found that it might work to the advantage of the rebels in securing aid from foreign countries. Three Paraguayan gunboats, were reported at Buenos Aires, delaying there in order to come in on the winning side.
PEACE TREATIES AND UNITED NATIONS
German Issues Debated.—While the Austrian treaty was handled by deputies, the talks of the Big Four foreign ministers opening at Moscow on March 10 were devoted almost exclusively to German problems, including reparations, repatriation of war prisoners, revival of industries, and future form of government. Early in the sessions Russia proposed a discussion of China problems, especially the execution of the three power declaration regarding China made at Moscow in 1945. This was dropped when other delegations insisted on China’s participation and China declined on the ground that she was not a party to the 1945 declaration and that the discussions would involve her internal affairs. As regards .Germany, the United States and Britain wanted, in general, economic unification and a build-up of industry sufficient to end the drain of occupation costs and contribute to European recovery. Russia also was ready for unification and industrial revival, but only on condition that, from the industries built up with Western aid, she could draw big reparations levies out of current production. France wanted the Saar, increased exports of coal, and a Germany permanently crippled in industry and military potential. Secretary of State Marshall renewed proposals for a long term four power treaty to insure against future German aggression. He also insisted that all nations who joined in the war against Germany should have a share in the peace settlement. The American proposal for the future government of Germany was a federation of 18 states or Laender. Russia favored a somewhat stronger union, on the lines of the Weimar Republic, which might open the opportunity for one- party domination.
Austrian Treaty Progress.—At Moscow the deputy foreign ministers continued work on a “Treaty for the Re-establishment of an Independent and Democratic Austria.” It was agreed that the Austrian army should be limited to 53,000, and that former Nazis (the term adopted rather than the broader and looser term Fascists favored by the Soviets) should be barred from service. It was further agreed that the evacuation of occupation troops should take place within 90 days after the treaty became effective. This, it was believed, would lead also to the evacuation of Soviet forces from Rumania and Hungary, where they have been kept to “guard supply lines” to Austria. The big stumbling block was over the framing of a definition of “former German assets” that would not permit the taking over by Russia of bona fide Austrian property either stolen by the Axis or secured by forced sales and seizures.
Closed Sessions on Atomic Control.— The United Nations Security Council on March 10 shunted discussion of atomic energy control back to the 12-man Atomic Energy Commission, with instructions that the commission prepare specific proposals in the form of a draft treaty or convention—or in any case have another report ready—before the next general assembly meeting in September. In the commission it was decided by a resolution on which all members agreed, that there would be better prospects of tangible results if the problem were handled not in open sessions but in closed meetings of sub-committees. The same method was also adopted by the commission for the regulation of conventional armaments. In both these commissions, it may be noted, the national representation is almost the same as that in the Security Council itself.
Balkan Commission Report.—The 11-man United Nations Commission for investigation of the Greek civil warfare and border troubles had completed its work in Greece at the close of March and planned to go to Geneva, via Belgrade, to draw up its report. In view of the makeup of the commission, this would inevitably consist of majority and minority views. Preliminary surveys indicated that all but the Soviet and Polish delegates considered outside assistance a prime element in Greek internal warfare. This was indicated by the fact that, at Sofia on March 28, the vote was 8-2, with the Colombian delegate absent, on the question whether Bulgaria and Yugoslavia should be questioned on their support for the Macedonian autonomy movement. Earlier in the month seven members of the commission had been held up for two days in the northern mountains of Greece trying to keep a rendezvous with the guerrilla “General” Markos. Markos had not appeared, but the Soviet and Polish delegates waited and saw him later.
Veto Halts Mine Case.—Britain’s case against Albania for alleged laying of mines in Corfu Channel, after being referred to a special fact-finding committee of the Security Council, came back to the Council on March 15 not much nearer a decision. It was agreed that a mine field existed and had injured British ships. There was no conclusive evidence that the Albanian government was responsible for laying the mines, but since the channel was constantly watched, the Albanian government must have known that the mine field existed. Failure in peacetime to give notice of its existence would in itself constitute a breach of the Hague Convention of 1907. When a resolution holding Albania responsible was defeated in the Council by the veto of the Soviet delegate, Britain decided to take her case to the Court of International Justice. The failure to reach a decision illustrated the weakness of the Council, under the veto system, as a court of appeal in international disputes.
Work on Trusteeships.—The United Nations Trusteeship Council held its first meeting on March 26, somewhat handicapped by the failure of the Soviet delegate to attend. Francis B. Sayre, United States delegate, was chosen as the first president. The Trusteeship Council already has eight trusteeships—six in Africa, the Australian mandate in New Guinea, and the New Zealand mandate in Samoa—under its supervision, and is likely to have a part also in deciding the future status of Palestine and the disposition of Pacific islands. In earlier discussions of the United States trusteeship proposals for the Marshalls, Marianas, and Carolines, the U. S. delegate, Mr. Austin, rejected the view that the disposition of these islands—former League of Nations mandates—was bound up with the Japanese peace settlement. He held also that no changes in the trusteeship agreement should be made without American approval. He spoke of the islands as “an integrated, strategic, physical complex vital to the security of the United States.” And, surprisingly enough, a similar view had already been expressed by the Soviet delegate in the council.
BRITAIN AND WESTERN EUROPE
Franco-British Pact.—At Dunkerque on March 4, France and Britain signed a 50-year treaty of alliance. In signing it, Foreign Minister Bevin gave assurances that the agreement was “kept within the framework of the United Nations,” that it was in no sense the beginning of a western bloc against the Soviet Union, and that it could be regarded as a step toward a broader four- power pact controlling the disarmament and demilitarization of Germany. The treaty provides for (1) common measures in the event of any threat to the security of either nation arising from the adoption by Germany of a policy of aggression, (2) military support in case of a German attack on either, (3) mutual support if Germany fails to carry out economic obligations under the peace settlement, and (4) cooperation in economic relations to promote the prosperity and economic security of both countries.
French Crisis Averted.—Fears of another governmental crisis in France developing out of Communist opposition were temporarily avoided when on March 22 the Assembly gave the Ramadier Cabinet a vote of confidence of 411 to 0. The immediate issue was military credits for the Viet Nam campaign, now costing an estimated $23,000,000 a month. On this issue the Communists were badly split, as evidenced by the fact that while the Communist ministers in the Cabinet supported the government, 117 other party members abstained from voting. Back of this was a sharper cleavage between the Communist and Bourgeois parties as a result of the American moves to block Communist expansion in Eastern Europe.
Mountbatten as Indian Viceroy.— Viscount Mountbatten, newly appointed Viceroy of India to succeed General Wavell, took up his duties at New Delhi in late March. One of his first moves was to arrange separate conversations with Mohandas K. Gandhi, with Mohammed Ali Jinnah as President of the Moslem League, and with other Indian leaders. This might be regarded as a last British effort toward a solution of India’s political and racial conflict. There was increased pressure on the new Viceroy to oust the Moslem League ministers in the interim government and to turn over his own post as President of the Executive Council to the Vice President, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, thus giving the Congress party full control. Meantime communal disturbances in the Punjab, where there is a large Hindu and Sikh minority, resulted during March in estimated casualties of 2,000 killed and 1,100 injured.
The arrival of the new Viceroy was coincident with the assembly at New Delhi of representatives of 32 eastern states for an unofficial “Inter-Asian Conference.”
Palestine Martial Law Ended.—On March 17, British authorities ended 15 days of martial law extended over nearly half of the Jewish population in Palestine, with a resultant economic loss estimated at about $7,000,000. During this period the British rounded up some 78 terrorists and claimed other favorable results, but this view was not shared by the Jewish population, who declared that the principal leaders of the 10,000 terrorists in the Stern Gang and Irgun Zvai Leumi were still at large.
Secretary-General Lie of the United Nations proposed in March that a U.N. Commission be sent to Palestine to start “spadework” investigation preparatory to consideration of the issue by the United Nations Assembly in September. This was approved by the United States. In the intervening period before United Nations action, Britain plans stricter measures for maintenance of order in the Palestine mandate.
CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE
Polish-Czech Pact.—The solidarity of the Slavic bloc in Eastern Europe was furthered in March by the signing at Warsaw of a 20-year common defense agreement between Poland and Czechoslovakia against any “new attempt of aggression on the part of Germany or any other country which would unite with Germany for this purpose.” The six treaty articles pledge the two nations to “military and all other assistance.” Provision is made also for settlement of Polish- Czech frontier problems within two years.
Inside Poland, reports indicated that the amnesty proclamation issued by the new Polish Government was having unexpectedly good results. Underground forces were surrendering in large numbers, thus bringing to an end their long opposition to the Leftist Warsaw regime. This, however, would not preclude open political opposition if freedom were granted to carry it on.
Soviet Developments.—Early in March Premier Stalin turned over his additional wartime post as Minister of Armed Forces to his Vice Minister, 51-year-old General Nikolai Bulganin. Bulganin was also named as Deputy Premier and he continued his membership in the 14-man Politbureau, or super-cabinet. Premier Stalin is head of the Politbureau as well as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist party.
Among other news from Moscow was the announcement that the Soviet government was now ready to open negotiations for the evacuation of the port of Dairen in Manchuria, in accordance with the terms of the Soviet-Chinese treaty. Nationalist troops have for some time been halted outside the city.
The Soviet proposal for joint control of military bases in Spitzbergen and other islands north of Norway, made last year, was rejected by the Norwegian Parliament early in March by a vote of 101 to 11. The minority vote could be assumed to represent Communist strength in Norway.
Soviet Pressure in Hungary.—On March 5 and again on March 17, the Washington State Department sent notes of protest to the Soviet Occupation Authority in Hungary declaring that “the activities of minority groups under the leadership of the Hungarian Communist Party . . . clearly threaten the continuance of democracy in Hungary.” In his reply to the first note, General Sviridov had rejected an Allied investigation on the grounds that it would be a “rude interference” in Hungary’s internal affairs. In point of fact, the Communists were using a so-called purge of fascists and reactionaries to bring about the expulsion of some 20 Small Holders party members of parliament and the arrest of many opposition politicians and army officers. Bela Kovacs, leader of the majority Small Holders party, was put under arrest on charges of “espionage,” and similar charges were advanced to bring about the dismissal of three members of the cabinet. Premier Ferenc Negy apparently considered his position too weak to present vigorous opposition to the Leftist demands.
FAR EAST
All-out War on China Reds.—On March 1 Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek took over the additional duty of presidency of the Chinese Nationalist Executive Yuan— equivalent to premiership. This followed the resignation of Dr. T. V. Soong, who after over two years as Premier had surrendered his post largely as a result of China’s economic debacle. Chiang indicated that the Nationalist policy would be all-out warfare on the Communists, together with efforts to broaden the Nanking Government by inclusion of members of the small Social Democrat and Young China parties. On March 5 all Communist delegations were ordered to quit Nationalist-controlled territory within a week’s time. Most noteworthy military development was the occupation by Nationalist troops on March 19 of the Red capital city of Yenan, for 11 years the center of Communist power. The city had been cleared in anticipation of its fall and the Red forces retreated northward after brief defense. Chiang predicted that Communist resistance would be broken within a year’s time, though this might not mean an end of guerrilla warfare.
MacArthur’s Views on Japan.—At a press conference on March 17, General Douglas MacArthur expressed the view that negotiations for a peace treaty with Japan should be opened at the earliest possible time, and that evacuation of Allied occupation forces should be carried out as soon as the treaty was signed. He praised Japan for her “real renunciation of war” in the new Constitution, and felt that the authority of the United Nations would be sufficient to protect a disarmed Japan without occupation forces. In Washington it was remarked that, while preliminary steps had been taken toward a Japanese peace settlement, further progress on the European treaties was essential before the Japanese negotiations could get under way. Even in Japan the sentiment in favor of American evacuation was far from universal.
Indonesian Pact Signed.—At Batavia, Java, on March 25, Netherlands and Indonesian representatives finally signed the so- called Cheribon Agreement giving recognition to the new Indonesian Republic. This would include Java, Sumatra, and Madura, and within two years it would be joined with two other states, Borneo and the Eastern Islands, to form a United States of Indonesia. This in turn would be linked with the Kingdom of the Netherlands in a “Nether- lands-Indonesian Union.” One step was accomplished, but there would still be protracted negotiations over Dutch claims and economic interests in the former colonies.