Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part V. B. 2. b.djvu/219



November 6, 1951

FOR RELEASE AT 11:00 P.M., E.S.T., (8:00 P.M., P.S.T.)


 * TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1951.…


 * ADDRESS BY THE HONORABLE DEAN RUSK, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FAR EASTERN AFFAIRS, TO THE SEATTLE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1951

In Indo-China, the United States has taken a friendly interest in the efforts made to resolve points of difference between France and the Associated States and has vigorously supported the determination of France and of the Associated States to restore security and order in the country. Many Americans have been troubled in the past about the issue of colonialism in Indo-China. We believe that that question is well on the way to solution, that the peoples of the Associated States are free to assume the extensive responsibility for their own affairs that has been accorded them by treaties with France. It is not surprising that doubts remain on this point in Indo-China, among other countries of Asia, and among some heritage of bitterness and suspicion, those who have recently passed through a colonial experience are sensitive and distrustful of western influence, and the slowness with which the Associated States have been able to assume the responsibility which is awaiting them has not demostrateddemonstrated [sic] the extent to which the issue of colonialism has been resolved. The real issue in Indo-China is whether the peoples of that land will be permitted to work out their future as they see fit or whether they will be subjected to a Communist reign of terror and be absorbed by force into the new colonialism of a Soviet Communist empire. In this situation, it is generally agreed in the United States that we should support and assist the armies of France and of the Associated States in meeting the armed threat in Indo-China and should furnish economic and technical assistance to the Associated States as they shoulder the heavy burdens of independence.

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