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Secrecy and Deception Chapter 7

Rebuilding Europe (Wattpad | Ao3)

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Maverick in this chapter is in reference to America. It was his human name in 1947 and James always refers to America by his human name.

Event: Truman Doctrine

Location: Joint Session of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America

Date: March 12, 1947

James was tired. He hated getting involved with Maverick’s complicated politics, but it was his job to ensure things ran smoothly with Maverick gone for the past few days. Luckily, DC was with him and could translate the speech into the language of politics all country people seemed to speak.

“The gravity of the situation which confronts the world today necessitates my appearance before a joint session of the Congress. The foreign policy and the national security of this country are involved,” President Truman said at the Joint Session of Congress. James tried his best to pay attention, as he knew this speech was necessary, and America would want a rundown of what President Truman said.

He started his speech by explaining how one aspect of the present situation concerned Greece and Turkey. President Truman explained that Greece needed financial and economic assistance and that preliminary reports said that assistance was imperative for Greece to survive as a free nation.

James knew that well. Greece has been speaking to Maverick when he can and asking for assistance. Greece seemed so scared about his chances of survival, which was reasonable, especially since, according to him, the Communist fighters had their own personification.

James was worried for Greece and didn’t want to see another nation fall under the Soviet Union’s control. He had witnessed and fought in America’s Civil War, and he knew that civil wars were bloody and horrific. He knew Greece had reason to be scared, and he was glad that Maverick was doing something to help instead of just sitting by and waiting for Greece to die.

“I think it’s cause he’s finally stopped ignoring everyone else.” Caleb pointed out.

President Truman then explained that he didn’t believe any American wanted to ignore the appeal. He described how Greece wasn’t rich and had suffered invasion and occupation since 1940.

James sighed. Greece was one example of a country still struggling because of the Second World War. James and his family were lucky to be on a different continent. It made it easier for them to stay out of wars and recover.

President Truman then talked about how the liberators of Greece had found that the Germans had destroyed all communications and transportation in Greece, as well as burned over a thousand villages. President Truman also explained that eighty-five percent of children had tuberculous and that livestock and draft animals had disappeared, with inflation wiping out all other savings.

James frowned. That was the fate of many of the countries occupied by Germany. Thankfully, that bastard’s gone, although James thinks he could speak for everyone when he says he wished that Germany suffered more when he died.

“Careful, Uncle. You keep up that attitude, and you’ll start thinking like a countryhuman before long.” Unorganized Territory joked.

“As a result of these tragic conditions, a militant minority, exploiting human want and misery, was able to create political chaos which, until now, has made economic recovery impossible.” President Truman said.

If Greece can’t recover, it will be more susceptible to awful people who made big promises. That’s what happened to Weimar, and it ultimately killed her.

Even if Greece’s problems were not the same, they were similar enough to concern James. Greece was…well, Greece didn’t know James existed, but James was a citizen of an allied country to Greece, and it was his duty to help.

President Truman then explained that Greece didn’t have the funds to import goods essential to bear subsistence and that, because of that, it could not make progress in reconstruction. He explained that financial and economic assistance was needed to resume imports and restore internal order and security.

James really hoped Congress agreed with this, especially since the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia were probably working against Greece and supporting the communist personification.

“We don’t know that,” Rebecca pointed out. James suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, knowing it would look bad for Maverick. Sure, they didn’t know that, but it wouldn’t surprise James. Even though he loved his nieces and nephews and loved Maverick like a brother, he distrusted countries greatly. He spent too long around them not to.

President Truman then told Congress about how the Greek Government had asked for the assistance of American administrators, economists, and technicians to ensure that any aid given would be used effectively to stabilize Greece’s economy and improve his public administration.

It seems Greece was very dedicated to getting help now, so once things improved, they would never get that bad again, at least. That’ll reassure Maverick’s people that any aid they give Greece will be put to good use.

President Truman then began talking about how Communist terrorists threatened Greece’s life and how an UN-appointed commission was investigating the terrorists and their border violations between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia.

The Soviet Union and his lackeys and puppets were causing a lot of trouble, and James didn’t think this would be the last time. James sighed. He knew the Soviet Union was trouble initially, but no one wanted to listen to him then.

President Truman then began talking about how the Greek Government could not cope with the situation, how the Greek army was small and poorly equipped, and how it badly needed supplies to restore order. He explained that Greece needed assistance to become a self-supporting democracy and that the United States must supply that assistance. President Truman explained that they had already given Greece types of relief and economic aid that had proven inadequate.

Greece had been telling Maverick that at every given opportunity. He was panicked and anxious. It hurt James to see how, even with the war over, people still suffered greatly because of it. He was glad they would do more—that they could do more.

President Truman explained that democratic Greece could not turn to other nations, as no one else could support them. Britain, which had been supporting Greece, had to stop providing aid because he was having his own financial issues.

Almost all nations involved in the Second World War were having financial issues. America didn’t because it had benefited economically from this war, especially since it had just started selling weapons.

James sighed. That’s why they needed to help Greece. They were the only nation that could afford to help, that could help.

“It’s our duty to help,” Caleb said wryly.

President Truman explained that they considered help from the UN but that the situation was too urgent and that the UN was not in a position to help. The president also explained that it was necessary to note that the Greek Government wanted them to supervise the funds and help Greece improve his public administration and that all money used would be used to make Greece a self-supporting and healthy democracy.

Trust me, Mr. President. James thought, Greece will definitely be using any money and aid we give him well. He needs it.

President Truman explained that no government was perfect and that a virtue of democracy was that defects were visible and could be pointed out and corrected. The president explained that the government of Greece was not perfect, but they were elected fairly.

Who had a perfect government? Maybe Greece’s government wasn’t ideal, but his people picked it. The communist government had not. James knew the government was unwanted and would only lead to the misery of Greece’s people.

James didn’t want that to happen. Greece’s people had been through enough occupations and unwanted governments.

President Truman explained that the Greek Government had been operating in an atmosphere of chaos and extremism and had made mistakes. He explained that by extending aid, the USA would not condone everything the Greek government had done. The USA will condone extremism from the left and the right and will always advise tolerance.

But no one will practice it. Countries and humans all liked hating each other for the dumbest of reasons. James had seen it before, and he would surely see it again. There were reasonable reasons to hate each other, of course, but some of it was so idiotic that it made James wonder how many of these countries were supposed to be hundreds of years old.

President Truman then explained that Turkey also deserved their attention. He explained that the future of Turkey as an independent state was no less important to freedom-loving people than Greece's, even if the circumstances between the two countries were very different. The president explained that Turkey was spared the disasters Greece had and that during the war, the USA and the UK had given him material aid, but that he still needed support.

“Everyone is so broke right now. It’s like the Great Depression all over again.” Caleb groaned.

“Except we didn’t start it this time,” Rebecca said calmly.

President Truman explained that Turkey had sought financial assistance from the UK and the USA since the war to modernize effectively and maintain its national integrity. The president explained that preserving order in the Middle East depended on that integrity. The UK had informed them they could no longer help Turkey due to their own financial difficulties.

“We all saw how destroyed London was when we were there. I’m surprised he was giving aid for as long as he was.” Rebecca said, some sort of wishful hope in her voice. James sighed.

“Becca,” Caleb chided warningly.

“I know, I know. Let a girl dream,” she murmured. James would never understand Rebecca’s affection towards Britain. At least she realized that her former opinions were wrong and unrealistic, but she seemed to cling to some hope that Britain was the wonderful father and person she thought he was.

In any case, Rebecca’s attitude towards Britain wasn’t important right now.

President Truman explained that just like Greece, Turkey can only get the aid he needs from the US, and they are the only country able to help. The president explained that he understood the implications of their extending aid and that he was prepared to discuss them with Congress.

James knew the implications of their long policy of isolation ending, but he was okay with that. He'd rather help than bury his head in the sand.

President Truman explained that one objective of the US’s foreign policy was to create conditions for nations to create a way of life free from coercion. He explained that that was a fundamental issue with the wars with Germany and Japan, and victory was won over countries that sought to impose their will and way of life on other nations.

The Soviet Union seems to want to do this. They're a threat and a reasonably big one. The Soviet government influences Eastern and Central Europe, and who knows how much of its control it is forcing onto those countries.

Especially in the Baltics. James needed to get his brother to make it official that they didn’t recognize the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states, and James needed to see if he could see them. James pushed that thought aside. Now wasn’t the time for thinking about the Baltics. That was for another time.

President Truman then explained that to ensure the peaceful development of nations, the US helped to establish the UN, which was designed to provide lasting freedom and independence for all members. President Truman then explained that these objectives would not be realized until they were willing to help free peoples maintain their institutions and national integrity against those who wish to impose totalitarian regimes. The president explains that those regimes undermine the foundations of international peace and the UN.

Germany, Japan, and Facist Italy were all totalitarian regimes that tried to destroy international peace. If they didn’t try to prevent those regimes from appearing again, they could have a Third or Fourth World War. Protecting other democracies from non-democracies was one of the best ways to prevent those regimes from coming about in the first place. They could only exist if they were given a suitable climate.

President Truman explained that many peoples of many countries have recently had totalitarian regimes unwillingly forced on them and that the US has protested against coercion and intimidation, in violation of the Yalta agreement, in Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, and that similar developments were underway in other countries.

James scowled, the familiar feeling of worry growing in his stomach. He was worried about those countries, worried about whether or not they could control their minds and what may be happening to them. The Soviet Union was a threat to democracy. He was a threat to freedom-loving people.

James’ family needed to limit his influence and protect others he threatened, such as Greece and Turkey.

President Truman explained that nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life at this moment and that the choice is often not a free one. The president explains that one way of life is based on the majority's will and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression.

James hopes all countries will one day be able to experience this way of life, especially those who have never been allowed to.

President Truman then explained that the second way of life is based on the will of a minority forced on the majority, one that relies on terror and oppression, controlling the press, manipulating elections, and suppressing personal freedoms.

That’s the kind of government Soviet had. And the type of government that started the Second World War. It was a kind of government that shouldn’t be allowed to exist. James didn’t want that kind of government to exist.

President Truman explained that he thought the US must support the attempts of free peoples to resist armed minorities and outside pressure. He believed the US must assist free peoples in working out their destinies and that their help could come primarily through economic and financial aid.

Supporting free people across the globe would be a lot of work, but it would be a noble goal, and James would be happy to try to accomplish it, no matter the workload.

“Just don’t overextend yourself. It won’t do anyone any good, especially with Dad’s lack of care for his own safety.” Unorganized Territory said.

President Truman then explained that the status quo was not sacred but that changes that violate the UN Charter through coercion or subterfuges like political infiltration could not be allowed. By helping free and independent nations maintain their own freedoms, the US would be implementing the principles of the UN Charter.

Especially since the governments of certain nations seem to ignore those principles when it fulfill their own goals, James thought, annoyed.

President Truman explained that it was necessary to glance at a map and realize how vital Greece's survival and integrity were to the broader situation. If Greece fell, the effects on Turkey would be severe, leading to confusion and disorder throughout the Middle East. It would also have a profound impact on European countries whose people were struggling to maintain their freedom and independence while healing from the war.

If Greece falls and becomes another country under the influence of the Soviet government, then who knows what country will fall next? Which country will become the next communist state? If it spread across Europe, then the Soviet Union would be the master of Europe and its colonies. It’s a slippery slope and a dangerous game.

Like most things involving countries.

“It’s too much to ask them to behave like humans for once,” Caleb sighed.

President Truman explained that it would be an unspeakable tragedy if those countries, which had struggled long and hard for freedom, lost it to a totalitarian government. He said it would be disastrous for them and the world and that neighboring peoples would be the first to see their freedom and independence undone.

That’s precisely what James was worried about. If democracy falls…there will be horrible consequences for all nations.

President Truman explained that if they failed to aid Greece and Turkey now, the effect would be far-reaching in both East and West and that they must take immediate action. President Truman then asked Congress to provide him with the authority to assist Greece and Turkey before requesting a sum of 400 million from the 350 million that he asked Congress to authorize to prevent starvation and suffering in countries devastated by the war.

That was a large sum of money, but it was money that Greece needed. They aren’t directly threatened by communism, not yet, in any case. But Greece is. He needs that money.

President Truman also asked Congres to authorize sending American civilian and military personnel to Greece and Turkey, at the country’s request, to assist in reconstructing and supervising the use of the given aid. The president also recommended that the authority be provided to instruct and train select Turkish and Greek personnel.

Although James wanted to help them both, he and Maverick couldn’t do everything for them. They would assist them, make sure they used it correctly, help them use it in a way that benefited them the most, and make sure their people could continue doing that without them. A nation that relies entirely on another country is not truly independent.

President Truman concluded his requests by asking Congress to provide authority permitting the speediest and most effective use of the funds. He said that if more funds were needed, he would not hesitate to bring the matter before Congress again, explaining that the Executive and Legislative branches had to work together.

“The branches working together? Good luck with that.” Caleb snarked, causing James to bite back a laugh.

President Truman explained that he would not recommend it except that the alternative was more serious, that the US contributed 341 billion to winning WW2, and that it was an investment in world peace and freedom. He explained that the assistance he requested was much less than that, and it was only common sense that the US needed to safeguard their investment and ensure it was not in vain.

If the Second World War was in vain…oh, James didn’t want to think about what it could mean for the world. It was time to be hopeful, to try and fix the world. Worrying about the possibility of it breaking wasn’t going to help.

President Truman explained that the seeds of totalitarian regimes were nurtured by misery and want. They spread and grew in poverty and strife, reaching their total growth when the hope of a people for a better future died. President Truman explained that they must keep that hope alive and that the free peoples of the world looked to them for support in maintaining their freedoms,

They would have to prevent strife and poverty in Europe. Oh, that’s going to be an absolute nightmare of a job.

“If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world -- and we shall surely endanger the welfare of our own nation. Great responsibilities have been placed upon us by the swift movement of events. I am confident that the Congress will face these responsibilities squarely.” President Truman finished.

———————————

After waiting for the session of Congress to end, a period during which James might have fallen asleep, DC and he left the building, talking to each other about President Truman’s speech.

“Well, that was an interesting speech,” DC said.

“President Truman makes a good point, though. We need to support other nations, especially with the Soviet Union’s desire to gain control over more countries.” James said before yawning. DC shot him a concerned look.

“I wonder how much is him and how much is the government, Uncle James. You know the free will of countries only goes so far. You’re lucky in that regard.” Unorganized Territory said bitterly.

“You should get some sleep, Uncle James. More than the sleep you got in Congress. You haven’t been sleeping well ever since the war ended.” She said.

“I know, I know, I’m working on it. America can’t sleep, and the new stresses have made it harder, not to mention the old ones aren’t going away. Speaking of old problems, has anyone heard from Confederacy?” James asked.

“He saved Dad’s life in Okinawa.” DC reminded him. James sighed.

“I don’t trust him. There’s something off about it all. He’s a living ghost, and it would be better if he weren’t here to haunt us.” James explained.

“You’re really talking like a country now,” Unorganized Territory said.

“I’m not talking like a country, Nize. I’m talking like a concerned citizen and brother and uncle. That Confederate is only gonna cause problems.” James said. DC rolled her eyes.

“He’s not going to do anything stupid. We should be worried about real problems, like the Soviet Union, not your theories about the Confederacy being evil,” she said. James sighed again.

Country people were so prone to tunnel vision. James wished that, for once, they tried to see things like humans. He knew it was a fantastical wish, but it was a nice one. If they became tunnel-visioned in helping everyone else, they would no longer be able to help themselves.

Instead of voicing the idea he knew would fall on deaf ears, James decided to sink away from control to think, leaving Unorganized Territory to control their body.

Sometimes, he wished he could just be a normal human.

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