FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950, VOLUME I


own capabilities, so that the free world can deal with obvious dangers.
  The President said he agreed.
  Defense and State are agreed on these recommendations, which had
been made by State, and action will be taken on Tuesday.


                          Editorial Note
   On July 19, President Truman transmitted a special message to
 Congress regarding the conflict in Korea and its implications for the
 national security of the United States. After describing the military
 situation, the President stated the following:-"In addition to the
direct
 military effort we and other members of the United Nations are mak-
 ing in Korea, the outbreak of aggression there requires us to consider
 its implications for peace throughout the world. The attack upon the
 Republic of Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that the interna-
 tional communist movement is prepared to use armed invasion to
 conquer independent nations. We must therefore recognize the possi-
 bility that armed aggression may take place in other areas." The
 President reported that he had ordered therefore the strengthening
 of U.S. forces in support of the Philippines and the speeding up of
 military assistance to the Philippines and Indochina. He also stated
 that he had ordered the Seventh Fleet to prevent any attack on
 Formosa.
 In addition, he announced that he had authorizcd the Secretary of
 Defense to exceed the budgeted strength of military personnel, to use
 the Selective Service system if necessary, and to call up National
 Guard and Reserve forces as required. The President asked Congress to
 support this program by authorizing funds for the 1951 Mutual De-
 fense Assistance Program and by enacting measures designed to fi-
 nance the increased defense effort, to control inflation, and to increase
 production. For the text of the message, see Public Papers of the
 Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1950, pages
 527-537.
 On the evening of July 19, President Truman delivered a radio and
 television address to the American people describing the situation in
 Korea and the steps which were being taken to meet it. For text, see
ibid., pages 537-542.
  The additional funds requested by the President were provided by
Congress in the first supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year
1951. For information on Congressional action with respect to this
measure, see editorial note, page 352.


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