278 ¶ Message to the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. October 6, 1958 Thirteenth Annual Meeting, World Bank and International Monetary Fund: One of the greatest opportunities which free nations have to be of service to one another—and to the larger cause of freedom itself—is that of fostering economic growth and well-being. A key element certainly is the timely provision of needed capital resources. It is universally true, in my opinion, that governmental strength and social stability call for an economic environment which is both dynamic and financially sound. Among the principal elements in maintaining such an economic basis for the free world are (1) a continuing growth in productive investment, international as well as domestic; (2) financial policies that will command the confidence of the public, and assure the strength of currencies; and (3) mutually beneficial international trade and a constant effort to avoid hampering restrictions on the freedom of exchange transactions. During the period of their operations the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund have performed an indispensable function in providing both short and long term financial assistance to various nations in need of it. There is widespread agreement as to the effectiveness of these two great institutions. A constructive increase in their resources would result in their greatly enhanced usefulness to the Free World financial community. These facts have prompted me to ask that consideration be given to certain measures designed to increase the capacity of both the Bank and the Fund so that they may better serve the rising needs of our Free World economy. It is my conviction that through these institutions we can give real encouragement and hope to all our member countries in the decade ahead. A progressively broadening attack upon some of the paramount economic problems of our time can be made possible by this program. I am confident that it can provide a new source of bright hope for the peoples of our world. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER NOTE: This message was read by the Secretary of the Treasury during his address before the joint meeting of the Boards of Governors in New Delhi, India, on October 6. 279 ¶ Letter to Harold H. Burton Regarding His Retirement From Active Service as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. October 6, 1958 [Released October 6, 1958. Dated September 23, 1958] Dear Mr. Justice: It is with great regret that I have read your notice of retirement on Monday, October 13, 1958, as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. I share, with millions of our citizens, the conviction that, as a member of the Court, you served with high distinction and great dedication to the principles under which we live and the changing conditions of the world today. The decisions of the Court are helping to shape-as they have in the past-the destiny of our country. This realization has imposed upon you vital responsibilities, which I know you have discharged seriously and conscientiously. Your work on the Supreme Court was, of course, but a continuation of your earlier years of devoted and dedicated public service. Our country is indebted to you. I trust that with the leisure your retirement will bring, your health will greatly improve. Mrs. Eisenhower joins me in best wishes to you and Mrs. Burton, and in expressions of our feelings of personal friendship for you both. 280 ¶ Message to His Holiness Pope Pius XII. October 7, 1958 [ Released October 7, 1958. Dated October 6, 1958] Your Holiness: I have been distressed to learn of your illness which has caused me and other Americans great anxiety for your welfare. I wish to assure you of our deep concern and of our earnest prayers for your early recovery to good health. Sincerely, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER 281 ¶ Statement by the President on the Death of Pope Pius XII. October 8, 1958 THE WORLD is poorer because of the death tonight of Pope Pius XII. His was a full life of devotion to God and service to his fellow man. An informed and articulate foe of tyranny, he was a sympathetic friend and benefactor to those who were oppressed, and his helping hand was always quick to aid the unfortunate victims of war. Without fear or favor, he consistently championed the cause of a just peace among the nations of the earth. A man of profound vision, he kept pace with a rapidly changing universe, yet never lost sight of mankind's eternal destiny. I was privileged to know him personally. With men of good will everywhere, I mourn his passing. 282 ¶ Exchange of Messages Between the President and President Chiang Kai-shek on the 47th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of China. October 10, 1958 THE PEOPLE of the United States join me in sending Your Excellency and the people of China their sincerest felicitations on the forty-seventh anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. We gladly recall on this occasion the Treaty of Mutual Defense between the Republic of China and the United States. We pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of Free China which, tested so often in recent years by invasion and war, has once again been demonstrated in the face of Communist attack. We recognize that the sacrifices of Free China contribute to the survival of freedom everywhere. We extend our sympathy and friendship to all the Chinese people, being deeply conscious of the hardships and denials of freedom that so many of them are enduring. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER NOTE: President Chiang Kai-shek's reply, dated October 12, follows: The President The White House On behalf of the Chinese Government and people I thank Your Excellency sincerely for the cordial greetings and good wishes contained in your kind message on our National Day. In commemorating this occasion amidst unprovoked Communist attacks, we are also mindful of the community of interests and unity of purpose between our two countries as symbolized by the Mutual Defense Treaty. This solemn instrument binds us more closely together in our common effort to safeguard peace and security in this part of the world. I wish to express to Your Excellency the deep appreciation of my Government and people for the support rendered us by the United States Government to meet Communist aggression. I must pay spe cial tribute to the gallant officers and men of United States Armed Forces who have been sharing hardships with us and making invaluable contributions to us, particularly in helping solve problems of resupply to Kinmen Garrison and civilian populace. The zest and courage they have displayed in their endeavours deserve our high admiration and commendation. I feel sure that all Chinese people, including those on the Mainland now under the yoke of Communist tyranny, are encouraged by the determined effort our two countries are making for the cause of freedom and democracy. I am confident that our continuing solidarity and exertions will bring about the ultimate attainment of our common goal. Accept, Mr. President, my best wishes for your good health and prosperity of your country. CHIANG KAI-SHEK 283 ¶ Statement by the President on the Decline of Unemployment. October 10, 1958 I AM GRATIFIED by the reports, just issued by the Departments of Commerce and Labor, that unemployment was cut by nearly 600,000 between August and September. This is a much larger decline than could be expected at this time of year, and reflects the accelerating rate of recovery in our economy, which began last April. It is encouraging that large numbers of persons are being called back to their jobs in the manufacturing industries that were most affected during the decline. This is reflected in the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics which show an over-all increase in non-agricultural employment of approximately 550,000 in the month of September alone. This is larger by 100,000 than the increase that might be expected for seasonal reasons. There are also good reasons for expecting a continuing recovery in our economy during the months ahead. This will mean further improvements in job conditions and job prospects. It is noteworthy that the improvement in employment conditions revealed by these reports has been accomplished while the cost of living has been virtually stable. However, we must not for a moment relax our efforts to keep the recovery unmarred by inflationary developments. NOTE: This statement was released at Gettysburg, Pa. 284 ¶ Remarks at the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Columbus Circle, New York City. October 12, 1958 Mr. Chairman, Fellow Citizens: It is an honor to join the Columbus Citizens Committee in this traditional ceremony. As dwellers in this mighty continent-whether in its northern or in its southern half-we cannot fail to honor the memory of Christopher Columbus and acknowledge our debt to him. Columbus opened the door to the New World, to a new world of opportunity for the millions who have followed the path he blazed. |