But our commitment to national safety is not a commitment to expand our military establishment indefinitely.  We do not dismiss disarmament as merely an idle dream.  For we believe that, in the end, it is the only way to assure the security of all without impairing the interests of any.  Nor do we mistake honorable negotiation for appeasement.  While we shall never weary in the defense of freedom, neither shall we ever abandon the pursuit of peace.

In this quest, the United Nations requires our full and continued support.  Its value in serving the cause of peace has been shown anew in its role in the West New Guinea settlement, in its use as a forum for the Cuban crisis, and in its task of unification in the Congo.  Today the United Nations is primarily the protector of the small and the weak, and a safety valve for the strong.  Tomorrow it can form the framework for a world of law—­a world in which no nation dictates the destiny of another, and in which the vast resources now devoted to destructive means will serve constructive ends.

In short, let our adversaries choose.  If they choose peaceful competition, they shall have it.  If they come to realize that their ambitions cannot succeed—­if they see their “wars of liberation” and subversion will ultimately fail—­if they recognize that there is more security in accepting inspection than in permitting new nations to master the black arts of nuclear war—­and if they are willing to turn their energies, as we are, to the great unfinished tasks of our own peoples—­then, surely, the areas of agreement can be very wide indeed:  a clear understanding about Berlin, stability in Southeast Asia, an end to nuclear testing, new checks on surprise or accidental attack, and, ultimately, general and complete disarmament.

VIII.

For we seek not the worldwide victory of one nation or system but a worldwide victory of man.  The modern globe is too small, its weapons are too destructive, and its disorders are too contagious to permit any other kind of victory.

To achieve this end, the United States will continue to spend a greater portion of its national production than any other people in the free world.  For 15 years no other free nation has demanded so much of itself.  Through hot wars and cold, through recession and prosperity, through the ages of the atom and outer space, the American people have never faltered and their faith has never flagged.  If at times our actions seem to make life difficult for others, it is only because history has made life difficult for us all.

But difficult days need not be dark.  I think these are proud and memorable days in the cause of peace and freedom.  We are proud, for example, of Major Rudolf Anderson who gave his life over the island of Cuba.  We salute Specialist James Allen Johnson who died on the border of South Korea.  We pay honor to Sergeant Gerald Pendell who was killed in Viet-Nam.  They are among the many who in this century, far from home, have died for our country.  Our task now, and the task of all Americans is to live up to their commitment.