I stand on this rostrum with a sense of deep humility and great pride. Humility in the wake of all those great American architects of our history who have stood here before me. Pride in the reflection that this home of legislative debate represents human liberty in the purest form yet devised. Here are centered the hopes and aspirations and faith of the entire human race. I do not stand here as advocate of any partisan cause，for the issues are fundamental and reach quite beyond the realm of partisan consideration. They must be resolved on the highest plane of national interest，if our cause is to prove sound and our future protected. I trust，therefore，that you will do me the justice of receiving that which I have to say as solely expressing the considered viewpoint of a fellow American. I address you with neither rancor nor bitterness，in the fading twilight of life，with but one purpose in mind：to serve my country.
The issues are global，and so interlocked that to consider the problems of one sector，oblivious to those of another is but to cause disaster for the whole. While Asia is commonly referred to as the gateway to Europe，it is no less true that Europe is the gateway to Asia，and the broad influence of the one cannot fail to have its impact upon the other. There are those who claim our strength is inadequate to protect on both fronts，that we cannot divide our effort. I can think of no greater expression of defeatism. If a potential enemy can divide his strength on two fronts，it’s for us to counter his efforts.
