Quotes by James F. Byrnes

About James F. Byrnes:

James Francis Byrnes is one of very few politicians to serve in all three branches of the American federal government while also being active in state government. He was a confidant of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was one of the most powerful men in American domestic and foreign policy in the mid-1940s. Historian George E. Mowry called Byrnes, "the most influential southern member of Congress between John Calhoun and Lyndon Johnson."
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Freedom from militarism will give the German people the opportunity, if they will but seize it, to apply their great energies and abilities to the works of peace.

James F. Byrnes

The carrying out of the Potsdam Agreement has, however, been obstructed by the failure of the Allied Control Council to take the necessary steps to enable the German economy to function as an economic unit.

James F. Byrnes

I have come to Germany to learn at first hand the problems involved in the reconstruction of Germany and to discuss with our representatives the views of the United States Government as to some of the problems confronting us.

James F. Byrnes

The nearest approach to immortality on earth is a government bureau.

James F. Byrnes

I hope that the German people will never again make the mistake of believing that because the American people are peace-loving, they will sit back hoping for peace if any nation uses force or the threat of force to acquire dominion over other peoples...

James F. Byrnes

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.

James F. Byrnes

It will give them the opportunity to show themselves worthy of the respect and friendship of peace-loving nations, and in time, to take an honorable place among members of the United Nations.

James F. Byrnes

Friendship without self-interest is one of the rare and beautiful things of life.

James F. Byrnes

We intend to continue our interest in the affairs of Europe and of the world.

James F. Byrnes

German militarism and Nazism have devastated twice in our generation the lands of German neighbors.

James F. Byrnes

Provision was also made for the distribution of Germany's foreign assets among the Allies.

James F. Byrnes

That was the principle of reparations to which President Truman agreed at Potsdam. And the United States will not agree to the taking from Germany of greater reparations than was provided by the Potsdam Agreement.

James F. Byrnes

The working out of a balanced economy throughout Germany to provide the necessary means to pay for approved imports has not been accomplished, although that too is expressly required by the Potsdam Agreement.

James F. Byrnes

The conditions which now exist in Germany make it impossible for industrial production to reach the levels which the occupying powers agreed were essential for a minimum German peacetime economy.

James F. Byrnes

Power intoxicates men. It is never voluntarily surrendered. It must be taken from them.

James F. Byrnes

We have learned that peace and well-being are indivisible and that our peace and well-being cannot be purchased at the price of peace or the well-being of any other country.

James F. Byrnes

The American people want peace. They have long since ceased to talk of a hard or a soft peace for Germany.

James F. Byrnes

What we want is a lasting peace. We will oppose soft measures which invite the breaking of the peace.

James F. Byrnes

It is not in the interest of the German people or in the interest of world peace that Germany should become a pawn or a partner in a military struggle for power between the East and the West.

James F. Byrnes

We have helped to organize the United Nations. We believe it will stop aggressor nations from starting wars. Because we believe it, we intend to support the United Nations organization with all the power and resources we possess.

James F. Byrnes

Author Bio

  • NameJames F. Byrnes
  • DescriptionAmerican politician
  • AliasesJames Francis Byrnes; James Byrnes
  • BornMay 2, 1882
  • DiedApril 9, 1972
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Judge; Diplomat