Harry Truman

It is my determination to maintain the highest standards of integrity and efficiency in the Federal service.

I am happy to report that in the past two years, despite communist activities in rubber-producing areas, natural rubber production has been maintained at high levels.

Our accelerated rate of stockpiling in the past two years has been made possible largely by the existence of our synthetic rubber industry.

The communist aggression in Korea has demonstrated to the world beyond any doubt the true intentions of the Soviet leaders, and their willingness to use armed attack, if necessary, to accomplish their objectives.

Since the end of World War II, many procedural improvements have been made in the Bureau's operations.

Government operation of the synthetic rubber plants over the past two years has been highly successful.

I hope, therefore, that the Senate will find it possible to give early and favorable consideration to this Protocol.

It is my firm belief that the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty at this time to include Greece and Turkey--two countries which have been collaborating so effectively with the other members of the free world in building the structure…

In the interest of economy, both in time and money, we have agreed that the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to rely upon rifles and ammunition now in stock and currently being produced.

The United States Government is in full accord with the views expressed in the joint statement issued in Paris on December 18, 1951, at the conclusion of the Anglo-French discussions.

Our two Governments will continue to give their full support to the efforts now being made to establish a European Defense Community, and will lend all assistance in their power in bringing it to fruition.

The defense of the free world will be strengthened and solidified by the creation of a European Defense Community as an element in a constantly developing Atlantic Community.

Throughout our talks we have been impressed by the need to strengthen the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by every means within our power and in full accord with our fellow members.

We both hope that the initiative taken by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development will lead to a solution of the Iranian oil problem acceptable to all the interests concerned.

Our discussions have been conducted in mutual friendship, respect and confidence.

We have considered how our two countries could best help one another in the supply of scarce materials important to their defense programs and their economic stability.

We will remain in close consultation on the developments which might increase danger to the maintenance of world peace.

We do not believe that war is inevitable.

We think it essential for the furtherance of our common purposes that an Allied Middle East Command should be set up as soon as possible.

A broad harmony of view has emerged from these discussions; for we recognize that the overriding need to counter the Communist threat in that area transcends such divergencies as there are in our policies toward China.

Great Britain and the Commonwealths and the United States are the closest of friends, and you and I want to keep it that way.

Peace on earth is what we are both striving for.

Proclamation No. 2761A of December 16, 1947, as amended, is modified accordingly.

I hope you will enjoy your visit.

Mr. Prime Minister, I can't tell you when I have had more pleasure than I have this morning in welcoming you as a visitor to the United States of America.