Merry Christmas

December's early twilight had barely faded one chill evening last week, when the President of the U.S. and his wife arrived on the Ellipse south of the White House. The Marine Band and a red-robed choir were raising the strains of the Hallelujah Chorus for a gathering crowd as the President made his way to a stage near the national Christmas tree, a 67-ft. balsam fir. Dwight Eisenhower removed his overcoat, stood bareheaded in the night air and gave his Christmas greetings to the world.

This Christmas, said the President, "the drums of war are still. In their silence, after a whole generation of almost ceaseless beating, many people, already become fathers and mothers, enjoy the first peaceful Christmas they have known. Mankind's unquenchable hope for peace burns brighter than for many years." That hope was blemished by physical and mental tyranny in much of the world. Said the President: "Even at this happy season we dare not forget crimes against justice, denial of mercy, violation of human dignity. To forget is to condone and to provoke new outrage."

The President had a mild lecture for the neutrals of the world (e.g., India's Nehru) and a warning for Communists. To the neutrals, he said: "The times are so critical . . . that grave doubt is cast upon the validity of neutralistic argument. Yet we shall continue faithfully to demonstrate our complete respect for the right of self-decision by these neutrals." To the Communists, he said that America speaks for peace, but added: "But let no man think that we want peace at any price, that we shall forsake principle in resigned tolerance of evident evil or that we may pawn our honor for transitory concessions."

The President continued: "America joins with all believers of every faith in a prayer of thanks and a plea that, whatever lies ahead, we may be strong and courageous and wise in the doing of our own tasks in accord with the Divine Will." "And now," he said, "please permit me a personal note. Mrs. Eisenhower and I wish all of you . . . everywhere a very merry Christmas . . . God rest you; let nothing you dismay." The President flipped a switch, 2,100 lights winked on the nation's Christmas tree and a bell choir rang out O Come, All Ye Faithful.

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