LAD #29- Truman Doctrine

President Truman addresses that Greece is asking the US to aid its country economically. Greece is not a rich country and it lacks sufficient resources to keep the country from being occupied from foreign invasion. It hopes that with finincial aid from the US it will be able to avoid falling to Communism and will be able to establish a democratic government that is stable. The country of Greece is in desperate need of financial and economic assistance in order to enable it to resume purchases of food, clothing, fuel and seeds. It has specifically asked for help from the United States rather than the United Nations because of their need for immediate help. The country is constantly threatened by communist groups and unable to protect itself because of its small and poorly organized army. Greece's neighbor, Turkey also deserves attention as well according to Truman. Aiding Turkey is essential to the preservation of the Middle East therefore we must provide them with economic and financial aid as well. It is the duty of the United States to prevent countries from falling from the choice of democracy into a communist government. By helping these countries the United States will be giving effect to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. According to Truman, if Greece should fall into Communism the immediate effect would be that Turkey would fall too and then continue to spread throughout the Middle East. Therefore Truman asks Congress for $400,000,000 to aid Greece and Turkey and also American to provide American civilians and military personel in the countries as well. If the US is to falter in our leadership role it is possible the the world may be endangered, including endangering the welfare of our own nation.