Report, Editorial Reaction to Current Issues, President's Address Before Congress on Greek Situation, Part I

March 19, 1947 EDITORIAL REACTION TO CURRENT ISSUES (Issued on a continuing basis as events warrant) PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS BEFORE CONGRESS on GREEK SITUATION Part I Restricted to speech. Later Parts will cover situation as a whole (Editorials from 225 papers received Mar. 13 to Mar. 18) Prepared by Division of Press Intelligence Office of Government Reports The reaction of the press and the reception by the people, as reflected through editorials, is exceedingly favorable. This can be truly said despite the fact that nearly all editorials recognize the risk and doubtful outcome of the proposed steps. The risk must be taken, most papers believe. A sizeable group is 100% in support of the President's proposal. A number agree we must act but have doubts as to just how and when. They advocate the deepest and most judicious inquiry by Congress and the people before decision is made, so that the action taken will be the wisest and safest for ourselves and the rest of the world, On the President proposing action outside the United Nations, opinion is 4 to 1 in favor of such action. Only about a dozen editorials oppose such "meddling". As may be expected, they include the New York Daily Worker, New York PM, Chicago Tribune and Washington Times-Herald. Strangely enough, the two Richmond papers and the Raleigh News & Observer are found in this group.