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Proposed Platform of LWV for 1952-54
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Proposed Platform of LWV for 1952-54

At the February meeting Mrs. Elizabeth St. John, National Resource Chairman will introduce the proposed program of the National League for 1952 to 1954 for membership consideration. This number of the bulletin and your January 1 National Voter will be helpful in preparation for this meeting. Please read the material and bring both items with you to the meeting.

PROPOSED INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT:

The members of the League of Women Voters believe that the security of the United States is the most important issue before the country today. The achievement and maintenance of this security depends upon individual liberty, citizen responsibility, an efficient organization of government, a stable U.S. economy, and cooperation with other nations.

PROPOSED CURRENT AGENDA:

The LWV will work to promote understanding of the interdependence of these foundations of security, and will take concerted action to support:

The development of a program of mutual security, including cooperative aid for international economic advancement, related wherever possible to the United Nations.

PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE PLATFORM:

(For full text see 1950-52 program)

Article III, 10 - Anti-inflation measures in time of national emergency.

Article III, 11 - Fiscal measures directed toward a stable and expanding economy.

Article IV - The expansion of world trade and reduction of restrictions

Today all U.S. economic and military aid is lumped together in one program:

THE MUTUAL SECURITY PROGRAM.

The aims of the MUTUAL SECURITY PROGRAM:

  1. To strengthen the collective defense system being built by the free world.

  2. To give aid to underdeveloped areas for the improvement of living standards through economic development.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:

  1. The U.S. is bearing too much of the cost.

  2. Europe is not wholeheartedly behind the defense effort.

  3. Underdeveloped nations could do more to help themselves.

  4. Unless other nations make needed reforms the U.S. aid is not effective.

  5. Too much rearmament of other nations will provoke war with Soviet Russia.

WHAT THE SUPPORTERS SAY:

  1. Only 10% of the appropriation goes abroad.

  2. Such an investment is necessary to U.S. safety.

  3. Communism gains a foothold in political and economic instability.

  4. Losing a country to the Soviets deprives the U.S. of needed materials and friendly peoples.

  5. Reforms in Europe such as the Schuman Plan and Italy's new income tax are evidence of progress. Other countries have extended conscription.

PLEASE COME TO THE NEXT MEETING PREPARED TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ON THIS IMPORTANT PROPOSED LEAGUE AGENDA.

Fifty-seven topics under such fields as International Trade, Domestic Economy, Natural Resources, Individual Liberty and other matters have not been placed on the National agenda in an attempt to keep the subject matter within bounds of reasonable study. Should you still desire any of these to be considered there is still time for such a recommendation.

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