President Eisenhower's Statement on Disarmament at the Geneva Conference
Collection DDE-EPRES: Eisenhower, Dwight D.: Papers as President of the United StatesSeries: Speech FilesFile Unit: Disarmament Statement, Geneva 7/21/55 [inc. draft]
[stamp in circle] The Dwight D. Eisenhower Library
July 21, 1955
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JAMES C. HAGERTY
PRESS SECRETARY TO PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT EISENHOWER ON THE SUBJECT OF DISARMAMENT
Mr. Chairman, Gentlemen:
Disarmament is one of the most important subjects on our agenda. It is also extremely difficult. In recent years the scientists have discovered methods of making weapons many, many times more destructive of opposing armed forces - but also of homes, and industries and lives - than ever known or even imagined before. These same scientific discoveries have made much more complex the problems of limitation and control and reduction of armament.
After our victory as Allies in World War II, my country rapidly disarmed. Within a few years our armament was at a very low level. Then events occurred beyond our borders which caused us to realize that we had disarmed too much. For our own security and to safeguard peace we needed greater strength. Therefore we proceeded to rearm and to associate with others in a partnership for peace and for mutual security.
The American people are determined to maintain and if necessary increase this armed strength for as long a period as is necessary to safeguard peace and tomaintain our security.
But we know that a mutually dependable system for less armament on the part of all nations would be a better way to safeguard peace and to maintain our security.
It would ease the fears of war in the anxious hearts of people everywhere. It would lighten the burdens upon the backs of the people. It would make it possible for every nation, great and small, developed and less developed, to advance the standards of living of its people, to attain better food and clothing, and shelter, more of education and larger enjoyment of life.
Therefore the United States government is prepared to enter into a sound and reliable agreement making possible the reduction of armament. I have directed that an intensive and thorough study of this subject be made within our own government. From these studies, which are continuing, a very important principle is emerging to which I referred in my opening statement on Monday.
No sound and reliable agreement can be made unless it is completely covered by an inspection and reporting system adequate to support every portion of the agreement.
The lessons of history teach us that disarmament agreements without adequate reciprocal inspection increase the dangers of war and do not brighten the prospects of peace.
Thus it is my view that the priority attention of our combined study of disarmament should be upon the subject of inspection and reporting.
Questions suggest themselves. [complete transcript at link]
