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.