In respect to all these matters, we must, through a vigorous information program, keep the peoples of the world truthfully advised of our actions and purposes.  This problem has been attacked with new vigor during the past months.  I urge that the Congress give its earnest consideration to the great advantages that can accrue to our country through the successful operations of this program.

We must also carry forward our educational exchange program.  This sharing of knowledge and experience between our citizens and those of free countries is a powerful factor in the development and maintenance of true partnership among free peoples.

To advance these many efforts, the Congress must act in this session on appropriations, legislation, and treaties.  Today I shall mention especially our foreign economic and military programs.

The recent economic progress in many free nations has been most heartening.  The productivity of labor and the production of goods and services are increasing in ever-widening areas.  There is a growing will to improve the living standards of all men.  This progress is important to all our people.  It promises us allies who are strong and self-reliant; it promises a growing world market for the products of our mines, our factories, and our farms.

But only through steady effort can we hope to continue this progress.  Barriers still impede trade and the flow of capital needed to develop each nation’s human and material resources.  Wise reduction of these barriers is a long-term objective of our foreign economic policy—­a policy of an evolutionary and selective nature, assuring broad benefits to our own and other peoples.

We must gradually reduce certain tariff obstacles to trade.  These actions should, of course, be accompanied by a similar lowering of trade barriers by other nations, so that we may move steadily toward greater economic advantage for all.  We must further simplify customs administration and procedures.  We must facilitate the flow of capital and continue technical assistance, both directly and through the United Nations, to less developed countries to strengthen their independence and raise their living standards.  Many another step must be taken in and among the nations of the free world to release forces of private initiative.  In our own nation, these forces have brought strength and prosperity; once released, they will generate rising incomes in these other countries with which to buy the products of American industry, labor and agriculture.

On January 10, by special message, I shall submit specific recommendations for carrying forward the legislative phases of our foreign economic policy.

Our many efforts to build a better world include the maintenance of our military strength.  This is a vast undertaking.  Major national security programs consume two-thirds of the entire Federal budget.  Over four million Americans—­servicemen and civilians—­are on the rolls of the defense establishment.  During the past two years, by eliminating duplication and overstaffing, by improved procurement and inventory controls, and by concentrating on the essentials, many billions of dollars have been saved in our defense activities.  I should like to mention certain fundamentals underlying this vast program.