The English Speaking Triangle

three English-speaking countries of the North Atlantic stand out as monuments of stability in a world of revolutionary change. That is not to say that they are immune to change themselves. Throughout their history they have had to accept the need to adapt progressively to new conditions, and to face the dislocation often painful and far-reaching dislocations that such progress brings. Their conservatism sometimes seems like yesterday's radicalism trying to catch up. But basically they are societies whose fundamental values and institutions remain unshaken even though they have to find new modes of expression, and whose social structures continue firm and stable in spite of successive internal adjustments. When you look outside, beyond the confines of these three English-speaking Atlantic associates, the countries that retain a comparable basis are alarmingly few. They are pretty well confined to northern and to western Europe and to one or two of the older members of the Commonwealth. Throughout the vast remainder of the world you see either the lowering bulk of those who seek our overthrow, or a confused kaleidoscope of old states whose foundations are shaken by fitful tremors and new nations whose solidity has still to be established. And brooding over the whole scene is the tremendous new force of atomic energy, whose destructive powers must be held in leash if any of us are to survive, and whose peaceful uses will have an impact on economic and social patterns that will test our talents for flexibility as never before in history There is no question about our unity on basic objectives in the face of this situation. The elements are simple. We are resolved to contain, and where possible to curtail, the territory over which totalitarian communism has extended its domination; and we seek to advance by all practical means, not only the welfare and stability of the non-communist world, but equally the sense of common interests and the habits of practical cooperation that will make for an increasing unity based on a recognition of common aspirations and ideals

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