I do not mean to suggest that these assumptions are self-evident, in the sense that everyone agrees with them. If they were, Walter Lippmann would be writing the same columns as George Sokolsky, and Herblock would have nothing to draw cartoons about. I do mean, however, that I take them for granted, and that everything I shall be saying would appear quite idiotic against any contrary assumptions.

The ultimate objective of American policy is to help establish a world in which there is the largest possible measure of freedom and justice and peace and material prosperity; and in particular -- since this is our special responsibility -- that these conditions be enjoyed by the people of the United States. I speak of ``the largest possible measure'' because any person who supposes that these conditions can be universally and perfectly achieved -- ever -- reckons without the inherent imperfectability of himself and his fellow human beings, and is therefore a dangerous man to have around.

These conditions are unobtainable -- are not even approachable in the qualified sense I have indicated -- without the prior defeat of world Communism. This is true for two reasons: because Communism is both doctrinally, and in practice, antithetical to these conditions; and because Communists have the will and, as long as Soviet power remains intact, the capacity to prevent their realization. Moreover, as Communist power increases, the enjoyment of these conditions throughout the world diminishes pro rata and the possibility of their restoration becomes increasingly remote.