As this newsletter is being written, the intense controversy concerning the U.S. Marine force in Lebanon, is raging, both in the halls of congress and in the public media. Few persons seem to understand, even the basic factors involved. The questions most often asked are - 1. Why are U.S. troops in Lebanon?

2. Since their role is supposed to be strictly neutral, why are they being attacked? 3. How could their military security have been so terribly lax that almost 20% of their entire force could be killed or injured by the act of a single opponent, even though that opponent was willing to die in the act? Many thousands of words have been used in various attempts to answer these questions, and it must be obvious that if they are to be given in a single newsletter, they must be so brief that there will be some risk of oversimplification.

1. The U.S. troops, as well as all other troops of the multinational 'Peace-keeping Force' are in Lebanon to prevent, if possible, the takeover of Northern Lebanon, by the Soviet Union, through its new 'cat's paw' Syria, to which it has shipped large quantities of modern weapons, along with several thousands of Russian 'Military Advisors', who are now being used to influence, and eventually to direct, Syrian political policies. It is the identical procedure that the Soviet Union has been using so successfully, ever since Marx and Lenin first published their blueprint for world domination. If this process is not opposed by any major nation, it is almost certain to result in eventual Soviet domination of the world, but if strongly opposed by the U.S., it is hoped that the growing internal dissension within the Soviet block will result in its own downfall without the need for any major warfare.

2. The troops of the 'Peacekeepinq Force' are being attacked and harassed by small groups of religious fanatics whose religion not only condones murder, but glorifies it when it is committed in the name of religion. The terrorist who dies in the process of killing infidels, (meaning anyone who disagrees with him), is automatically guaranteed immediate entrance to Paradise, without the tedious waiting and preliminaries required of those whose only claim to Heaven is that they have led a perfect life. These small fanatical groups would be relatively harmless except for the fact that they are being furnished with large quantities of weapons and explosives and, though they may not realize it are being led by agents of a much larger cult which rejects and denounces all religion!

3. The question of how the military security of the U.S. forces could have been so grossly neglected by its leaders, is more difficult to answer. After the almost identical and highly successful 'car bombing' of the U.S. Official Quarters, several months before, in which so many American casualties were suffered, it seems incredible that such an ideal opportunity to repeat the act would be offered by our military leaders when they housed a full quarter of the entire U.S. force in a single building which, as it proved, was readily reachable by an ordinary truck filled with explosives! It was an open invitation to mass slaughter, which our military leaders should have known would not fail to be accepted! (If it is any consolation to the leaders of our forces, they can, of course, point out that the same simple act was also used quite successfully against the French group, although their casualties were far lower because their potential victims were not so densely packed, nor so conveniently offered.

The only adequate explanation of the tremendous tolls that are often exacted from modern military organizations by a few half organized terrorists, seems to be simply that the modern military machine is so steeped in the concepts of mass action, that it is unable to conceive of, or prepare for possible actions of individuals.

Daniel W. Fry

 

It is said, "By gnawing through a dyke, even a rat may drown a nation." But not if that nation is alert.

Because we DO consider each of you as .a member of the family of Understanding, we tell you this; At the July board meeting, we were VERY aware of duplicity, (so thick one could cut it with a knife,) of persons appearing as friends. We KNEW there was undermining and plotting, but we said nothing. One of their mistakes was to underestimate us. Now we know their plot, which was to overthrow Pres. Daniel W. Fry, who founded it, with many thousands of dollars, cars, tires plus years of endless hours for Understanding and its service to all mankind . They planned to run it in their questionable ways. With 'friends' like these, who needs enemies? They were so unwise as to forget that their appointed one year term had already expired making their alleged votes meaningless. They are out. The knife thrown toward our backs became a boomerang and returned to the senders. We are told that one in particular plans to destroy a group if he cannot run it! Form your own opinion of that! This is the office of the President. There is no other.

As Martin Luther King said, "Free at last! Thank God Almighty." No longer hampered, NOW watch Understanding grow: We have created 3 new units in the past 11 months. 1 Puerto Rico. 2. Richardson Tex. The new unit one of the president (here) including fine people of quality, abilities and drive. More units will be created by us as time passes. (Anyone who wishes may become a 'member-at-large' if not near a unit. )

Enclosed is a reminder so each of you may be more aware of what Understanding really is, plus the endless drive to maintain PEACE. Dr. Fry has BEEN doing that for 29½ years, and will continue to do so until the day he dies.

Speaking of death; we seem surrounded by it. We had no relations among the blessed marines, but we weep for them and those who love them. We just suffered the loss of one of our beloved members who wrote so often in praise of Dr. Fry's editorials and my offerings.

She was killed by a car and died instantly, without suffering. She had recently written to agree with my remark that we do not live "day-by-day," but MOMENT-BY-MOMENT: Who could know it would so soon apply to her. We had become warm 'letter friends' and only a few weeks ago she'd sent a picture of herself - as I requested from all of you if you had one around. We will miss her so much.

To some of you we once again ask for your phone numbers, which will soon cost us 75c each from a long distance operator! Relax! It is not our intention to ever disturb you or call upon you in person without an invitation, for 2 reasons, We are better bred and haven't time to stop and visit, as much as we'd like to meet you, one-by-one. We really would.

As I write this, we are about to lose an 'Old timer' member (with us for many years,) as God has decided his work here is done and it's time for him to come Home.

We do have members dating back to Dr. Fry's first lecture in 1954! I leave you with a special little prayer for a happy Thanksgiving, and that our blessed Lord will keep YOU close within His loving care.

 Faithfully yours,

Cleona Q. Fry

The Lord is my Sheperd;

I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

 

Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.

 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the lord forever.