chiefly from America, far exceed their present ability to
pay, he said that "the United States should do whatever
it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic
health in the world."
Going on to the possibility of America's rendering eco-
nomic aid to the European countries, Mr. Marshall said
that the countries of Europe should themselves ascertain
their needs and arrive at 'some kind of agreement among
themselves, assuming the initiative in this matter. He said
in this connection that "the role of this country should
consist of friendly aid in the drafting of a European pro-
gram a<nd of later support of such a program so far as it
may be practical for us to do so."
Quite obviously, the reconstruction and further devel-
opment of the national economies of the European coun-
tries could be facilitated if the U.S.A., whose production
capacity—far from declining—considerably increased during
the war, gave the economic assistance which those coun-
tries need. At the same time, it is known that the U.S.A
is likewise interested in using its credit possibilities for
expanding its foreign markets, especially in view of the
approadiing crisis.
When, in connection with Mr. Marshall's speech, the
French and British Governments suggested a conference of
the three Ministers, the Soviet Government received this
proposal favourably, despite the fact that the system of
planning on which the socialist national economy in the
!U,S*S.R. is based precludes the possibility of the diverse
crises and economic convulsions mentioned by the Ameri-
can Secretary of State in his speech.
•Naturally, the present conference will achieve its object
only if it correctly defines its tasks and methods of work.
A definite plan of work prefpared by the French Gov-
ernment and endorsed by the British Government has
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