We must now get on with the peace settlements.  The occupying powers should recognize the independence of Austria and withdraw their troops.  The Germans and the Japanese cannot be left in doubt and fear as to their future; they must know their national boundaries, their resources, and what reparations they must pay.  Without trying to manage their internal affairs, we can insure that these countries do not re-arm.

INTERNATIONAL RELIEF AND DISPLACED PERSONS

The United States can be proud of its part in caring for the peoples reduced to want by the ravages of war, and in aiding nations to restore their national economies.  We have shipped more supplies to the hungry peoples of the world since the end of the war than all other countries combined!

However, insofar as admitting displaced persons is concerned, I do not feel that the United States has done its part.  Only about 5,000 of them have entered this country since May, 1946.  The fact is that the executive agencies are now doing all that is reasonably possible under the limitation of the existing law and established quotas.  Congressional assistance in the form of new legislation is needed.  I urge the Congress to turn its attention to this world problem, in an effort to find ways whereby we can fulfill our responsibilities to these thousands of homeless and suffering refugees of all faiths.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

World economic cooperation is essential to world political cooperation.  We have made a good start on economic cooperation through the International Bank, the International Monetary fund, and the Export-Import Bank.  We must now take other steps for the reconstruction of world trade and we should continue to strive for an international trade system as free from obstructions as possible.

ATOMIC ENERGY

The United States has taken the lead in the endeavor to put atomic energy under effective international control.  We seek no monopoly for ourselves or for any group of nations.  We ask only that there be safeguards sufficient to insure that no nation will be able to use this power for military purposes.  So long as all governments are not agreed on means of international control of atomic energy, the shadow of fear will obscure the bright prospects for the peaceful use of this enormous power.

In accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, the Commission established under that law is assuming full jurisdiction over domestic atomic energy enterprise.  The program of the Commission will, of course, be worked out in close collaboration with the military services in conformity with the wish of the Congress, but it is my fervent hope that the military significance of atomic energy will steadily decline.  We look to the Commission to foster the development of atomic energy for industrial use and scientific and medical research.  In the vigorous and effective development of peaceful uses of atomic energy rests our hope that this new force may ultimately be turned into a blessing for all nations.