Swing (Jan-Dec 1945)

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44 June, 1945 ica's war. If we demand what is best for ourselves from the peace, we will be doing what is expected of the most important victor. Yet, it is possible that what is best for Americans will be best for free' dom-loving peoples everywhere. There is an added quality in the very word America that lifts the heart of the whole wide world. The reasons for this unique regard are many. But it must be beyond doubt that the world waits for an indication as to the kind of peace Americans want badly enough to fight for again, if need be. Any decision we make now, we make as citizens of the greatest military and democratic power of the world. THIRD: Americans are in general agreement as to our future minimum demands for national security. We should lose no time in stating what those minimum demands are. Until international means for enforcing the peace are established, America must and will look to its own defense. To be specific, we will maintain a T^avy large enough and strong enough to operate from bases so situated throughout the world as to be able to repel any attac\ from any combination of other T^aval powers. This will be expensive. But, until there is established a workable international sharing of control of the seas, it is our continental insurance policy. We must and will maintain an air' force with trained personnel and ddequate air bases sufficient to l{eep any possible combination of foreign air power away from the "Western Hemi sphere. This ambitious program is not necessarily the way in which v^-e would like to use American leadership in the air. But until there is an international air patrol force, this program is our protection against the sudden tornado that destroys before a nation knows it is at war. We shall engage in a program of military training to provide a citizen's army which can be converted in the shortest time into a stri\ing force. This is not because we are a nation devoted to the pursuit of military aims. But until there is an international military force to keep the peace among the nations, this program is our guarantee against the landing of any hostile invader on our shores. These are the minimum requirements which Americans want for their own security. These are the requirements for which America will strive until — and unless — a world organization of powers, friendly to the United States and our ideals, can be established at the Peace Table. We should make this clear to our friends and Allies as well as to our enemies. Sign on a New Orleans street: "No U-all turn." — from The Railwayan. She was only a gravedigger's daughter, but she sure could lower the beer.