AFSC Statement on Indo-China, 1954

Signs of emerging unrest in Southeast Asia in the mid 1950’s compelled the AFSC to issue this public statement concerning US military intervention. The experience of Quakers in international service convinced the AFSC that nothing but disaster would come from American military involvement. The AFSC instead sought to promote democratic social change through non-violent action. AFSC believed that the UN should lead global efforts to bring peace and stability in the region. It is clear that the AFSC believed the true purpose of the United Nations to be a forum for global conflict resolution, rather than the embodiment of international security.