LAD #36: The Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine was an address for the national security and foreign affairs of the United States, and also Greece and Turkey. The United States received an urgent appeal from Greece for economic and financial assistance, and if they did not receive aid it seemed as though they would not survive as an independent nation. Greece, never being a wealthy country and lacking many natural resources, and it has "suffered invasion, four years of cruel enemy occupation, and bitter internal strife;" it was even stated that the "Germans had destroyed virtually all the railways, roads, port facilities, communications, and merchant marine. More than a thousand villages had been burned. Eighty-five per cent of the children were tubercular. Livestock, poultry, and draft animals had almost disappeared. Inflation had wiped out practically all savings." A militant minority, tragic conditions, and human exploitation have made economic recovery seem impossible for Greece. Too, the Greeks were seeking to resume purchases of the bare essentials that were unavailable at the time. The Greeks also asked the United States for political aid; "the assistance of experienced American administrators, economists and technicians to insure that the financial and other aid given to Greece shall be used effectively in creating a stable and self-sustaining economy and in improving its public administration." Truman tells the joint session of Congress that the aid the United States has already provided for Greece is inadequate and that the United States, as a self governing democracy, must do more for Greece. The British had been helping them previously but they can no longer offer economic support after the 31st of March. Turkey is another nation that Truman mentions "as an independent and economically sound state is clearly no less important to the freedom-loving peoples of the world than the future of Greece." Turkey was better off than Greece, but Truman claims that Turkey needs aid also. Turkey is seeking this help in order to maintain security and stability throughout the Middle East. Truman says: "We are the only country able to provide that help." "The disappearance of Greece as an independent state would have a profound effect upon those countries in Europe whose peoples are struggling against great difficulties to maintain their freedoms and their independence while they repair the damages of war." Truman then requests from Congress "assistance to Greece and Turkey in the amount of $400,000,000 for the period ending June 30, 1948" and "$350,000,000 for the prevention of starvation and suffering in countries devastated by the war." Too, he asks Congress for supplies, commodities, and equipment for the two nations, as well as to authorize the detail of American civilian and military personnel to Greece and Turkey.