It was more than 20 years ago that we embarked on a program of trying to aid the developing nations.  We knew then that we could not live in good conscience as a rich enclave on an earth that was seething in misery.

During these years there have been great advances made under our program, particularly against want and hunger, although we are disappointed at the appropriations last year.  We thought they were woefully inadequate.  This year I am asking for adequate funds for economic assistance in the hope that we can further peace throughout the world.

I think we must continue to support efforts in regional cooperation.  Among those efforts, that of Western Europe has a very special place in America’s concern.

The only course that is going to permit Europe to play the great world role that its resources permit is to go forward to unity.  I think America remains ready to work with a united Europe, to work as a partner on the basis of equality.

For the future, the quest for peace, I believe, requires: 

—­that we maintain the liberal trade policies that have helped us become the leading nation in world trade,

—­that we strengthen the international monetary system as an instrument of world prosperity, and

—­that we seek areas of agreement with the Soviet Union where the interests of both nations and the interests of world peace are properly served.

The strained relationship between us and the world’s leading Communist power has not ended—­especially in the light of the brutal invasion of Czechoslovakia.  But totalitarianism is no less odious to us because we are able to reach some accommodation that reduces the danger of world catastrophe.

What we do, we do in the interest of peace in the world.  We earnestly hope that time will bring a Russia that is less afraid of diversity and individual freedom.

The quest for peace tonight continues in Vietnam, and in the Paris talks.

I regret more than any of you know that it has not been possible to restore peace to South Vietnam.

The prospects, I think, for peace are better today than at any time since North Vietnam began its invasion with its regular forces more than 4 years ago.

The free nations of Asia know what they were not sure of at that time:  that America cares about their freedom, and it also cares about America’s own vital interests in Asia and throughout the Pacific.

The North Vietnamese know that they cannot achieve their aggressive purposes by force.  There may be hard fighting before a settlement is reached; but, I can assure you, it will yield no victory to the Communist cause.

I cannot speak to you tonight about Vietnam without paying a very personal tribute to the men who have carried the battle out there for all of us.  I have been honored to be their Commander in Chief.  The Nation owes them its unstinting support while the battle continues—­and its enduring gratitude when their service is done.