Columbia University, New York, United States of America (USA).

LS. The procession moving into the Low Memorial Library at Columbia University. LS. Anthony Eden receiving a scroll. LS. Anthony Eden addresses the University - natural sound:
"I am indeed grateful for the compliment you have paid me by conferring this degree upon me this afternoon. I fully understand that this honour is extended not to me personally, but to the University in Britain of which I have the honour to be Chancellor. I am also grateful for the opportunity to deliver the Silver Lecture and thus follow in the footsteps of two great Americans, my predecessors on this occasion - General Marshall and General Eisenhower." LS. MS. Eden continues: "The world is in grievous trouble. It is divided into two camps, the war or the threat of war weighs directly or indirectly on all peoples. I do not consider that the risks of world war are greater today than they were a year or two years ago. In fact, I believe the reverse. But it is essential that we should understand the realities and be patient in seeking solutions of the issues which divide the nations. I believe that the Russian Communist Empire shares with other states and nations the desire for survival. I do not believe that the Soviet leaders are eager to face the utter chaos and destruction which would result from a full scale conflict with the West. They are on the whole careful and calculating in the risks they take. It is part of their dogma that the home of the revolution must not be needlessly endangered. Therefore we have grounds to expect that so long as our own position is clear, and so long as we are plainly capable of punishing an aggression, there will be no major war. We have reason to hope that it will eventually be possible to establish, not all at once, but agreement by agreement, a basis for existence free from the constant fear of war." LS. MS. Eden continues: "A program of this kind explains and justifies the sacrifices which we are now called upon to make. It gives us a prospect for our future and the future of our children. It places our rearmament effort in its true perspective. It answers the doubts and fears of those who tell us that to rearm on the present scale must lead in the end to war. We do not accept this fatalism. Here, then, is what we can do. First, to build up sufficient strength to deter aggression and to prevent the intimidation of free and democratic peoples. Secondly, not to overstrain ourselves and our economies so that we give victory to Communism through the back door. Thirdly, as we grow strong, and when we are strong, to remember and make plain to all the strictly defensive and protective purpose of our armed strength. And, finally, to seek, by negotiation from strength, settlements of disputes and lasting peace. We believe that this is the way out. We believe that our gathering strength can and must be used for peace. The United States and the British Commonwealth, keeping these purposes always in their minds, and remaining united to pursue them, can lead the world into a peaceful future by tolerance, understanding and restraint." Crowd applauding, Mr Eden sits down. High angle shot of the procession moving between the seats and on the stage at start of the ceremony. Anthony Eden receiving stroll - long shot, quite unclear. Mr Eden speaking from the stage, audience listening, several shots, no sound.

(Comb.F.G.)

Date found in the old record - 11/01/1952. Poor sound quality - item out of sync.