Page 17 - Contrast1967November

others. If we were to pack up and leave, our
whole system of Free World Alliances would be
meaningless. We cannot ignore our promise to the
South Vietnamese people because they are Asians or
for any other reason.

I am sure that the vast majority of Americans
realize that this war between North and South Vietnam
is still another attempt to spread world communism.
It started basically the same way Cuba is presently
attempting to start the "Wars of National Liberation"
in Latin America. As the greatest free world power,
the United States must do all it can to protect the
people of the world who want and need its protection.
As General Nathan F. Twining (U.S. Air Force, Retired)
wrote, "If Americans could remember that they are
fighting for life, liberty, and the freedom of men
everywhere, and would not give up the fight until
the long term objectives of humanity are indeed
secured, then the nation might sometime win a war
without losing the peace."

We might well remember and apply these words
of another great American, Benjamin Franklin. "They
that can give up essential liberty to obtain a
little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor
safety."

2. Since there has been no declaration of war by
the United States, isn't our presence in Viet
Nam rather dubious?

I don't feel our presence in South Vietnam is
dubious because there has been no Congressional
declaration of war. The President has the power
to deploy our troops abroad to maintain American
security. (The President feels victory in Vietnam
important to the maintenance of American security).
The SEATO Treaty, designed to protect territorial
integrity, signed by France, Britain, Australia,
New Zealand, Thailand, Pakistan, and the Philippines
and specifically included Vietnam, was ratified by
the Senate. The joint resolution by Congress on
August 10, 1964, supported the President's
determination "to take all necessary measures to
repel any armed attack against the forces of the
Uni ted States and to prevent further aggression".
Beginning with our "undeclared war" with France
from 1798 to 1800, presidents have ordered U.S.
forces into battle or to maintain positions
abroad at least 125 times, without declaring war.
Finally, a declaration of war against North Vietnam
would certainly hinder any attempts for peaceful
negotiations.

3. Do you feel that the American people generally
support our position in Southeast Asia?

Yes, I feel the American people do support our