FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Like all American Governors, Governor Tawes felt the strong
pressures of external events and on appropriate occasions ex-
pressed his philosophy and concern. His traditional position
was clearly stated in the addresses selected; his strong belief in
the historical strength of American democracy, his reliance on
religious principles as guides for conduct in international
affairs, and his faith in the ultimate success of American
politics. He likewise paid tribute to those who had served in
the armed forces.

ADDRESS, 39th ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

BALTIMORE
June 26, 1959

It is a rare pleasure for me, as your Governor, to welcome you—mem-
bers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and your guests—to this 39th
Annual Convention of V. F. W. 's Department of Maryland.

No doubt many of you a few nights ago heard our Secretary of State
in the report he made to the American people on the Foreign Ministers
Conference in Geneva. You recall he stated that no significant progress
was made toward a settlement of the problem of the continued division
of Germany and Berlin, and, in explaining this failure of accomplish-
ment, he noted how difficult it is to negotiate with the Soviet Union. The
Russians, he said, engaged in a great deal of propaganda and made some
threats, but they gave no indication that they were interested at all in
genuine negotiations. Knowing this trait of our potential enemy, all of
us can sympathize with our diplomats in the tremendous problem they
face in attempting to find the way to a lasting peace with justice in the
world. Under these circumstances—with the Soviet Union defying all
normal methods of settling disputes—it is gratifying to us to know that
those who are charged with handling our foreign affairs while negotiating
in good faith do so from a position of strength. We can all surmise what
would happen if they were forced to cower in weakness before the ruth-
less leadership of the communist tyranny. All hope of an enduring
world peace will vanish if we ever permit ourselves to sink to such a
position.

277