University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana

Mike Mansfield Speeches Mike Mansfield Papers

7-25-1961 Mike's Comments on President Kennedy's Speech on Berlin Mike Mansfield 1903-2001

Let us know how access to this document benefits ouy . Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/mansfield_speeches

Recommended Citation Mansfield, Mike 1903-2001, "Mike's Comments on President Kennedy's Speech on Berlin" (1961). Mike Mansfield Speeches. 443. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/mansfield_speeches/443

This Speech is brought to you for free and open access by the Mike Mansfield Papers at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Mike Mansfield Speeches by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mike Mansfield Papers, Series 21, Box 41, Folder 22, Mansfield Library, University of Montana 1961 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD- SENATE 12529 Having made that general statement, Europe, shoulder more of the burdens even greater than money. All nations I wish to say to may friend that we need to keeping the free world free. in the free world which have been en­ to face up to the problem of trade. We The Senator does not seem to take gaged in conflict have made great sac­ need to recognize, as I think my able cognizance of the fact that our great rifices. friend will completely agree, that we country today owes more money now My hope and plea is that we shall do need a mutually profitable policy of than the rest of the whole world put to­ everything we can to give leadership, in trade relations with our friends abroad. gether. That is the extent of our na­ the truest sense of the word-to unite, It would be regrettable indeed if we tional debt. No country is making to strengthen, and to help wherever help turned our backs on our friends in mu­ greater sacrifices for freedom than is the is needed. tually profitable trade policies. United States. But we should not be Mr. BUSH. Madam President, apro­ Mr. JAVITS. I am grateful to my asked to do this alone. pos of the remarks of my able friend, the } colleague. If the countries of Western Europe Senator from Louisiana [Mr. ELLENDER] Madam President, I ask unanimous took steps to help themselves not only a few moments ago, and also the re­ consent that I may proceed for an addi­ economically but also with respect to marks of the Senator from New York i tional minute, to complete my thoughts. meeting the crisis which is now before [Mr. JAVITS], preceding those remarks The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem­ us as was described by our great Presi­ I should like to make the following ob­ pore. Is there objection to the request dent last night, we would go far toward servation. It is all right to say that our of the Senator from New York? The solving the problem. allies in the NATO organization are in I Chair hears none, and it is so ordered. Madam President, I wish I were able greater danger than we, and therefore Mr. JAVITS. In saying what I have today to tell the Senate what I learned should do more. It is true that they are said about the British, I did not, of last summer in Western Europe as to the in greater danger. t course, in any way exclude the French, efforts put forth by our so-called allies. The fact is, however, as we learned with whom we are very friendly and Unfortunately, our own military per­ in World War I and in World War II, whom the President visited when he sonnel in those countries do not tell the that without the assistance of the United visited - President de Gaulle, whose whole story. They report that our so­ States, with the full force and weight of problems in Algeria we regard with the called allies are making a full effort to our strength behind the allied nations, greatest of sytnpathy. I did not exclude live up to their NATO obligations. But neither of those wars would have been the West Germans. The President cer­ this is not so. I saw this with my own won against what was then the gigantic tainly undertook a massive commitment eyes. power on the continent of Europe. So in every word he said last night in re- - We carried the load during World War I think that we must face the situation, gard to them. That is demonstrably I, during World War II, and during the as President Kennedy did last night, in , clear. Korean war. We were overburdened, a spirit of complete partnership and co­ I This Is the case of Britain this morn­ but we carried the load on behalf of the operation and do whatever may be neces­ ) ing. The British obviously need some forces of freedom. We paid 94 percent sary to fortify our friends individually help to sustain their part of the job. of the cost of the Korean conflict al­ and collectively. If doing so Involves l When we are talking about these great though it was supposed to be a full bolstering the strength of the British \ words-! do not call them brave words, United Nations operation. Of all the pound through extending additional i for they are great words-let us match military personnel who died in Korea, credit to them on a temporary basis, then these great words with great deeds, not outside of the Koreans, 96 percent were I think that such action should be con­ after we become embroiled in trouble, Americans. I do not want this to happen sidered, and not ruled out because the but when we are preparing for it. again. British already owe us some money. Mr. ELLENDER. Madam President, Those who are in the most danger to­ day are, in my opinion, putting forth the In other words, my plea is that we are will the Senator yield? in an exceedingly critical time, a time Mr. JAVITS. I yield. least effort. I hope the President will take action whereby our so-called allies of the gravest danger, as President Ken­ Mr. ELLENDER. Do I correctly un­ nedy pointed out last night in an ex­ derstand that the distinguished Senator will make sacrifices similar to those we are called upon to make. tremely vivid fashion. For that reason from New York is suggesting this coun­ we must examine every avenue of assist­ try loan more money to England? Where Unfortunately, I fear that as soon as our allies read that we are increasing ance that may be open to us to render does he suggest we obtain this additional to our allies, who are in greater danger money? the strength of our army to 1 million men, that we are also increasing the than ourselves, so to speak, but whose Mr. JAVITS. The Senator from Lou­ danger is our danger from which we isiana is suggesting that this country strength of our NavY and our Air Force, that we will make an expanded expendi­ cannot possibly escape. should make it possible for Britain to Mr. JAVITS. Madam President, will carry a greater share of its defense re­ ture for conventional arms, then they sponsibility, which it is inhibited from will begin to reduce their own efforts. I the Senator yield? doing by money. I say it is cheaper, if fear they will say, "Why should we bur­ Mr. BUSH. I am happy to yield. necessary, to lend money-and I say that den ourselves with increased defense Mr. JAVITS. I am grateful to the advisedly-than to appropriate it for spending? Uncle Sam will take care of Senator for his remarks, because they ourselves, in addition for our own Army, us. He has enough money for all of us." put in focus what I had in mind to say. NavY, and Air Force. I say precisely Madam President, we cannot allow I did not wish to interrupt our colleague, that. this to happen. I, for one, stand ready the distinguished Senator from Loui­ Mr. ELLENDER. Madam President, to support any expenditure of funds for siana [Mr. ELLENDER]. The question is it was my privilege to visit Western our protection, but I want our allies to one of need. If the need is present, "Europe on two occasions last year. I share in this burden. This is not only then we must help our allies to supply wish to say frankly that I have heard our battle; this is a battle on behalf of that need. Or if, as my colleague may more talk about war here in this coun­ the entire free world. I hope that our feel, in the case of West Germany or try than I did in Western Europe. The President will take every step necessary France, there is a holding back and there people there do not seem to care. They to insure that the United States, and the is no real financial need, but merely a are enjoying tremendous prosperity, and United States alone, will not be forced to holding back for policy or other reasons­ they look to the United States to put up shoulder this heavY burden. short draft terms, for example, which in the money to defend them. Mr. HUMPHREY. Madam President, Germany are only 12 months compared I am surprised and disappointed, after I take the liberty of uttering one word with our 2 years--there is a place where all that we have done for the British, of caution. I think in these particularly we all, the President, Congress, and that the distinguished Senator from crucial days we would do well in this everyone else who has influence, can lay New York should stand on this floor and Chamber to attempt to bind up any emphasis. But where there is a real say that we should help the British more wounds we may have, to attempt to en­ need, as the Senator, who is a distin­ by way of loans. The British have not courage greater cooperation and unity guished financier himself, has said, if, for repaid what they now owe us. I think among ourselves and our allies, and be example, there is a sliding pound, and it is high time that the British, as well constantly mindful that all sacrifices bolstering it would be the way to get the as all the other nations of Western are not monetary. Some sacrifices are most out of our allies, we would indeed

Mike Mansfield Papers, Series 21, Box 41, Folder 22, Mansfield Library, University of Montana , • 12530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD- SENATE July 26 be shortsighted if we did not try to get program will have to be studied before iron and bamboo curtains fortunately that potential realized. I can express an opinion on it. also bas now become a "negotiable" Mr. BUSH. I thank the Senator. Madam President, I would also wish issue, one which we can-and should­ Mr. MANSFIEI.D. Madam President, to comment on the current discussions diligently and relentlessly push. last night, President Kennedy addressed with respect to our military leaders. With a stronger military defense, we the Nation on the Berlin situation and Madam President, I do not approve must also undertake a stronger counter­ related matters. It was a clear call to of participation by our military leaders offensive in the nonmilitary field-eco­ duty and responsibility. in the political arguments taking place nomically, politically, ideologically. He spoke of the needs of defense, with between our respective political parties, In the struggle, however, we need a neither panic nor trepidation, with especially insofar as they partake in it new national attitude. Defense, alone, neither brashness or timidity. Rather, ostensibly in the performance of their or containment is no longer an effective he spoke temperately and firmly in terms duties. However, I cannot approve the policy. Rather, WP. must assume a ccun­ of a well-reasoned long-range plan for increased attacks that are made upon teroffffensive and not only defend free strengthening the Armed Forces for a our military men. If I had to plan to lands that exist, but contest, with the multiplicity of eventualities. advance communism in the world, I Communists, for recognition of the He set forth the general scope of the would urge the destruction of the con­ rights of self-determination for peoples sacrifice which this will involve. This fidence of the people of the United States and lands now within the Red orbit. sacrifice must be made if we are to main­ in our military men. When we lose con­ This will require a new national spirit tain the present intemational position of fidence in our military structure, we and policy, not simply of defending free­ the United States and freedom. The shall make an advance toward the suc­ dom against aggression, but of mobil­ first installment is in terms of personal cess of communism that will be unprece­ ized, dedicated efforts to go forth to sacrifice on the part of the young men dented. assure the triumph of freedom in the and women who will be called to aug­ The Communists are probably drop­ world. ment the Armed Forces, and in terms of ping the seeds, hoping that they will Mr. BYRD of Virginia. Madam Pres­ the $3.5 billions for additional military unwittingly be fertilized by our leaders, ident, the President's speech last night and civilian defense expenditures which thus bringing attacks on our whole mili­ clearly defined the issues between the will be paid by the people of the Nation. tary structure. free world and communism. It was a These measures, Madam President, and I, for one, do not subscribe to it; and powerful statement of the American others must be set in motion regardless I want the people of my State to know position. I am in full accord with the of immediate development in the inter­ that, in my judgment, I want the mili­ firm and unequivocal stand that bas national situation. What may ensue in tary vigorously to bespeak the virtues been taken. the next few months no one can foretell. of our system of government and point It would be fatal to appease Russia Mr. Kennedy is looking squarely at the out the evils of the Communists. or to recognize Red China. I am con­ dangers in the situation and acting pru­ Tragically, we are frightening the vinced that the course outlined by the dently with respect to them. But he has military from speaking about the good­ President is the course we must take. not closed any doors to peaceful settle­ ness of our Nation; and I cannot sub­ Actually, he proposes preparation for ment, through negotiations. The doors scribe to it. war to avoid a shooting war. are and will remain open to honest, give COUNTER-OFFENSIVE ROR TRIUMPH OF I hope Russia has reached the peak and take negotiations. It is the highest FREEDOM of her power. There are some signs duty of statesmen of all nations, the Mr. WILEY. Madam President, Pres­ that she may be losing ground. Not one deepest responsibility which they have to ident Kennedy -sounded a trumpet for a of her satellites is her friend. Thou­ their own peoples and to humanity to see national alert and a mustering of sands upon thousands of East Germans to it that they remain open. strength to defend the cause of freedom have been fleeing that unhappy country. Mr. LAUSCHE. Madam President, I in Berlin and elsewhere in the world. Red China's difficulties are gradually desire to express my views on the Presi­ The Nation, I am confident, will respond, becoming known. dent's message. It was a sober, dispas­ patriotically. But these signs must not deter us from sionate, objective presentation on the In my judgment, the President's talk the immediate necessity for military problem confronting us. His theme was served the following purposes: strength beyond traditional invincibil­ that to achieve and maintain peace, it First, be warned Khrushchev that we, is essential that we possess a military ity. This may cost up to $50 billion this as a nation would--contrary to Red as­ year. And we must recognize that once strength adequate to cause the Soviet sumption-act "when the chips were military buildup of this magnitude is Union to pause and think of the conse­ down," ready, alert, strong, to defend started it will continue a long time. quences if it precipitates war. the rights and the cause of freedom. Ten years of cold war have been pre­ Fleeing our responsibilities as citizens Second, he alerted our citizens to the dicted by well-informed authorities. and as a nation, and abandoning our great seriousness of the present crisis. honor and the memory of the patriots, This means huge deficits or huge tax­ Third, he announced the establish­ ation. The other alternative is reduc­ soldiers, and heroes of the past will not ment of a stronger foundation of mili­ lead to peace. Flight will accelerate the tary strength-a language which the tion of costs in all nonessential areas. coming of the day of violence. Reds best understand-to cope with the After his notable address last night, Yielding now will give encouragement threats not only ir Berlin, but around the President's attention should be to the Communists to precipitate difficul­ the globe. turned immediately to curtailment of ties in other parts of the world and upon From all the evidence, the struggle be­ all nondefense expenditures--including our very borders. If we give in now, tween East and West will become sharp­ those recommended since January­ where do we stop? er in the days and years ahead. which may be desirable but not abso­ While we declare our purpose and be­ This is particularly true in areas where lutely necessary. lief not to suffer the loss of our rights the West stiffens its backbone and tells Our fiscal deterioration is emphasized in Berlin, the people of our country Khrushchev, "You cannot 'take over' by the fact that President Eisenhower should know and believe it to be a fact this land or people." early in January estimated a surplus for that our country will not precipitate By recent action, too, we have ana­ the year which ended June 30. Presi­ violence, but that if it is to come, it will lyzed and corrected the twisted, dis­ dent Kennedy later in January said the be the consequence of the unalterable torted logic of Soviet policy which deficit would be $1.5 billion. Actually purpose of the Soviet. The Russian peo­ charges that any nation resisting Com­ the deficit was nearly $4 billion. There ple should understand that our country munist efforts to take it over is, itself, will be billions more in deficit spending wants peace, and that we will strive in an aggressor. In addition, we, with our this year. every honorable way possible to achieve allies, have clarified that war over Ber­ Our ability to pay for invincible mili­ that peace through negotiation on mat­ lin-now at peace--would be "blood on tary power over the long period ahead ters that are negotiably consistent with the hands" of the Communists, not the depends upon the action we take to the security of our country. West. maintain fiscal solvency. Critical re­ The details of the implementation of The right of self-determination by a assessment of what Federal expenditures the President's expanded preparedness people behind, as well as in front of, the are essential must go hand in hand with

Mike Mansfield Papers, Series 21, Box 41, Folder 22, Mansfield Library, University of Montana