Address on the Berlin Crisis (PJW)

Address on the Berlin Crisis was a speech by President Harry F. Byrd delivered nationwide on ABC television on the night of July 25th, 1961.

The Berlin Crisis
My fellow Americans,

As you know, during the last few weeks, First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev of the Soviet Union has issued an ultimatum regarding West Berlin: the United States, Britain, and France must withdraw from the city by the end of 1961. I have always promised to put America first, but it appears Mr. Khrushchev has reached a false conclusion that I will never aid my allies.

The United States will not be withdrawing from West Berlin. Nor will the United Kingdom, nor France. I am willing to renew talks with Mr. Khrushchev, but he must know that our stance on this issue is firm.

But let it be known that America will not be entangling itself in foreign affairs anymore than it has to. The United States is not looking for a fight. Our military will not be expanded; when it comes to today's technology, we must fight smarter with our resources, rather than assembling a bloated, slow army. I am working closely with Prime Minister Butler and President de Gaulle to ensure all sides will supply an ample and equal amount for the defense of West Berlin.

Sleep easy tonight, folks. I promise, peace will be achieved.

God bless you all.