Defense Measures Quotes

It cannot be too often reiterated that this Government does not possess the weapons which would be needed to enable it to meet head-on the threat to national independence presented by the communist elements in foreign countries. This poses an extremely difficult problem as to the measures which our Government can take to prevent the communists from achieving success in the countries where resistance is lowest.

The United States is going to defend itself under any circumstances.

For some years I have spent my time on exactly these questions - both in thinking about ways to prevent war, and in thinking about how to fight, survive, and terminate a war, should it occur.

The United States will do whatever we have to do to protect our forces.

First of all, I don't think that America is truly prepared for a biological or a chemical attack. However, we are moving in the right direction.

... Japanese future action unpredictable but hostile action possible at any moment. If hostilities cannot be avoided, the United States desires that Japan commit the first overt act. This policy should not be construed as restricting you to a course of action that might jeopardize your defense. Prior to hostile Japanese action you are directed to undertake such reconnaissance and other measures as you deem necessary but these measures should be carried out so as not to alarm civil population or disclose intent.

Peace and harmony with all nations is our sincere wish; but such being the lot of humanity that nations will not always reciprocate peaceable dispositions, it is our firm belief that effectual measures of defense will tend to inspire that national self-respect and confidence at home which is the unfailing source of respectability abroad, to check aggression and prevent war.

The government needs to defend its people, to take necessary actions even if they are extremely painful and tragic.

The fetters imposed on liberty at home have ever been forged out of the weapons provided for defense against real, pretended, or imaginary dangers from abroad.

A president should take action to defend the United States against eminent threat. You have to. The president has to do that.

Armaments are necessary - or are maintained on the pretext of necessity - because of a real or an imagined danger of war.

In the last analysis, terrorism is an idea generated by capitalism to justify better defense measures to safeguard capitalism.

The new technique of war has created the necessity of developing a new technique of civil defense. It is not just community singing, sweater knitting and basket weaving that is needed.

What I'm OK with is protecting the American people. What I'm OK with is, when people have the intent to come to this country and take American lives, that we are prepared to do what's necessary to gain the information to protect the people of this country.