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This
is the full text of Klaatu's speech.
I
am leaving soon. And you will forgive me if I speak bluntly. The universe
grows smaller every day and the threat of aggression by any group, anywhere,
can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all, or no one is
secure.
Now
this does not mean giving up any freedom. Except the freedom to act
irresponsibly. Your ancestors knew this when they made laws to govern
themselves and hired policemen to enforce them. We, of the other planets,
have long accepted this principle.
We
have an organization for the mutual protection of all planets and for the
complete elimination of aggression. The test of any such higher authority is
of course, the police force that supports it.
For
our policemen we created a race of robots. Their function is to patrol the
planets in spaceships like this one and preserve the peace. In matters of
aggression we have given them absolute power over us.
This power cannot be revoked. At the first sign of violence they act
automatically against the aggressor. The penalty for provoking their action
is too terrible to risk.
The
result is, we live in peace. Without arms or armies. Secure in the knowledge
that we are free from aggression and war. Free to pursue more profitable
enterprises.
Now
we do not pretend to have achieved perfection. But we do have a system. And
it works. I came here to give you these facts.
It
is no concern of ours how you run your own planet. But if you threaten to
extend your violence, this Earth of your's will be reduced to a burned out
cinder.
Your choice is simple. Join us and live in peace, or pursue your present
course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The
decision rests with you.
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