Article: Eisenhower "I Shall Go To Korea " Speech

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Eisenhower "I Shall Go To Korea " Speech

When McCain accuses Obama of surrender, we should all remember that Ike, a Republican, presented a similar promise to end the Korean War and won by a landslide in 1952. Ike arguably was one of our greatest war leaders and a 5 star General. The Korean War ended in 1953 after truce negotiations with Communist China, a country we did not recognize.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's ''I Shall Go to Korea'' Speech, 1952

October 25, 1952

In this anxious autumn for America, one fact looms above all others in our people's mind. One tragedy challenges all men dedicated to the work of peace. One word shouts denial to those who foolishly pretend that ours is not a nation at war.

This fact, this tragedy, this word is: Korea.
A small country, Korea has been, for more than two years, the battleground for the costliest foreign war our nation has fought, excepting the two world wars. It shall been the burial ground for 20,000 America dead. It has been another historic field of honor for the valor and skill and tenacity of American soldiers.
All these things it has been-and yet one thing more. It has been a symbol-a telling symbol-of the foreign policy of our nation.

It has been a sign-a warning sign-of the way the Administration has conducted our world affairs.
It has been a measure-a damning measure-of the quality of leadership we have been given.........

The first task of a new Administration will be to review and re-examine every course of action open to us with one goal in view: To bring the Korean war to an early and honorable end. This is my pledge to the American people.

For this task a wholly new Administration is necessary. The reason for this is simple. The old Administration cannot be expected to repair what it failed to prevent.
Where will a new Administration begin?

It will begin with its President taking a simple, firm resolution. The resolution will be: To forego the diversions of politics and to concentrate on the job of ending the Korean war-until that job is honorably done.
That job requires a personal trip to Korea.
I shall make that trip. Only in that way could I learn how best to serve the American people in the cause of peace.

I shall go to Korea.
That is my second pledge to the American people.
Carefully, then, this new Administration, unfettered by past decisions and inherited mistakes, can review every factor-military, political and psychological-to be mobilized in speeding a just peace.