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Show A LARGE ORDER Soviet Russia s Iron Curtain, 'according to some reports, re-ports, is mainly a defensive device. Apparently there is a genuine fear that if the miserable millions of Europe and Asia could glimpse the luxuries enjoyed by the masses in the capitalistic United States, the cause of communism would have tough sledding. Piercing the Iron Curtain with the story of what politically free men can do for themselves, is a problem that is occupying much thought these days-and the expenditure of a lot of the taxpayers' money. Against this background of near frustration, one positively posi-tively encouraging note appears. A group of American oil companies has introduced an inspiring example of American life throughout large, areas of the Middle East,-by development develop-ment of Arabian oilThe importance of this move to develop the resources of Arabia, cannot be overestimated. As Fortune For-tune Magazine says: "If those resources are developed with foresight and with vision and with a new regard for the 50 million people of the area, then a hopeful prospect emerges. These are immense stakes; and by one of the great ironies of history the issue will be decided, not primarily by the United States government, not by the British foreign office, not by the planners, but by the forces of corporate initiative and corporate resources. As ambassadors, the American oilmen have no easy role, but if played successfully, it will be a momentous one. Their business in theMiddle East pits free enterprise against tne wiles and propaganda of the communists; American democracy de-mocracy against totalitarian authority. The results of the test will determine the decision of the 50 million Middle Easternerswhether East-ernerswhether it leaves them still in poverty, chaos and serfdom, or whether it brings them orderly progress and a decent way of life in which the seeds of democracy can sprout. This is a large order. But there are strong indications that American enterprise will measure up to the responsibility responsibil-ity circumstances have thrown upon it. |