International: The Speeches

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The voice that all had hoped to hear was stilled. No speaker stirred the conference as Franklin Roosevelt would have stirred it. But that was no great reflection on those who did speak. Like the war which had brought it forth, this was a conference without banners.

President Truman, speaking from Washington in a dry, hurried voice, used the words "just" and "justice" seven times ("Justice remains the greatest power on earth. To that power alone will we submit").

Secretary Stettinius delivered a sensible, realistic speech which struck no fire, admirably fitted the business and mood of the conference. He recognized the Big Powers' dominant role, acknowledged their responsibility to the world: "There can be no end to the tyranny of fear and want unless the proposed world organization commands the allegiance of both the mind and the conscience of mankind."

Vlacheslav Molotov was at his best on Russia's overall attitude (see below). In blunt Soviet fashion, he asserted the Big Three's prime responsibility, and added: "The point at issue is whether other peace-loving nations are willing to rally around these leading powers to create an effective international security organization. . . ."

Anthony Eden, usually no great orator, outdid himself and brought his audience up cheering. When he spoke of peace machinery, he rotated his fists; when he spoke of war, he thrust them rigidly downward. His best (and final) lines: "In the last six terrible years, unnumbered men have died to give humanity another chance.

"We too have a job of work to do if we are not to fail those men.

"Let us do it with courage, modesty and dispatch.

"Let us do it now."

General Carlos Romulo, of the Philippines, was the star of the small-nation speakers. Cried he. in an impassioned reminder that might is not all: "Words are more powerful than guns in the defense of human dignity. . . . Human understanding is the only impregnable line."