--First, we will continue, as we have over the past four years, to build
America's military strength and that of our allies and friends. Neither the
Soviet Union nor any other nation will have reason to question our will to
sustain the strongest and most flexible defense forces.
--Second, we will pursue an active diplomacy in the world, working,
together with our friends and allies, to resolve disputes through peaceful
means and to make any aggressor pay a heavy price.
--Third, we will strive to resolve pressing international economic
problems, particularly energy and inflation, and continue to pursue our
still larger objective of global economic growth through expanded trade and
development assistance and through the preservation of an open multilateral
trading system.
--Fourth, we will continue vigorously to support the process of building
democratic institutions and improving human rights protection around the
world. We are deeply convinced that the future lies not with dictatorship
but democracy.
--Fifth, we remain deeply committed to the process of mutual and
verifiable arms control, particularly to the effort to prevent the spread
and further development of nuclear weapons. Our decision to defer, but not
abandon our efforts to secure ratification of the SALT II Treaty reflects
our firm conviction that the United States has a profound national
security interest in the constraints on Soviet nuclear forces which only
that treaty can provide.
--Sixth, we must continue to look ahead in order to evaluate and respond
to resource, environment and population challenges through the end of this
century.
One very immediate and pressing objective that is uppermost on our minds
and those of the American people is the release of our hostages in Iran.
We have no basic quarrel with the nation, the revolution or the people
of Iran. The threat to them comes not from American policy but from Soviet
actions in the region. We are prepared to work with the government of Iran
to develop a new and mutually beneficial relationship.
But that will not be possible so long as Iran continues to hold Americans
hostages, in defiance of the world community and civilized behavior. They
must be released unharmed. We have thus far pursued a measured program of
peaceful diplomatic and economic steps in an attempt to resolve this issue
without resorting to other remedies available to us under international
law. This reflects the deep respect of our nation for the rule of law and
for the safety of our people being held, and our belief that a great power
bears a responsibility to use its strength in a measured and judicious
manner. But our patience is not unlimited and our concern for the
well-being of our fellow citizens grows each day.