Evening star., 1935-08-25
PAN-AMERICANISM KEY
IS HELD BY SCHOLARS
Their Approach to Coal Is Better Than
Political and Economic Methods,
Observer Declares.

cred uniforms. They look at It from
q political point Of view. Naturally
they expect to accomplish the ideals Of
pan n-Americanism, that Is. permanent
peace and cooperation in the New
World, through the age-old political
methods Of treaty signing, arbitration
pledges. Recommending" conferences
and spectacular goodwill missions.
The second way is that OF business
men and travelling commercial agents
They advocate the establishment of
closer economic links as the only
means of turning into material reali-
ties the dreams of internationalists.
To q certain extent, 1t must be ad-
mitted, they were once among the
pioneers Of pan-Americanism, though
perhaps without realizing 1t. Because
of the world depression. both their
enthusiasm and their influence have
dwindled In recent years.
Outside these two methods, the po-
litical and the economic, which are
the only two so far attempted-im-
perfectly of course-in q century Of
inter american relations, there is an
other, almost ignored to this day.
which we might call the intellectual
method.
The principle behind it Is not new,
but its application only recently has
been suggested. Its promoters are
men of letters, educators. college pro-
fessors, writer's snd other idealists
who never have enjoyed much favor
with hard-boiled public opinion. They
believe that the best way to attain, or
at least to approach, the goal Of pam
Americanism is that Of better knowl-
edge of each other, cultural inter-
change and the mutual understanding
which only popular education can
avail.
Although the real solution probably
will be found only when the three
methods are put to work simultane-
ously, not before, the merits Of the
third one are self f-evident. If none of
the three alone could, by itself, suffice,
the third one has the advantage that
It may show the way to the other two
and simplify their problems.
The settlement Of political differ
ences Is, obviously, an essential re-
quirement before any two nations, or
any group of nations, can come to q
lasting friendship. Dissensions as to
principles and practices Of interna-
tional law can block the road forever.
So can political "shibboleths." But
political adjustments are impossible
while Misunderstanding, lack Of mu-
tual knowledge and the suspicious
which both create are allowed to stand
in the way.
Economic ties, also, must be ac-
corded the importance they deserve
in promoting international good will.
There Is danger, however, in over
estimating that importance. In an era
of scientific progress, rapid means OF
communication, radio, wireless, etc,
commercial links and material con-
facts, undoubtedly, should have con-
siderable weight in building up friend
ship among 81 republics which are to
profit from their mutual cooperation.
But friendship based purely on ma
terial foundations is not permanent
It Is not even reliable. Under the
present organization Of society. eco
nomic links are artificial, intended for
private or temporary national benefit.
As things stand today, ons should
not hesitate to prefer the pan-Amer-
icanism Of scholars to the pam
Americanism Of politicians or that Of
travelling statesmen. even If that still
may be, for the public, the pam
Americanism Of "visionaries."
(ccpyrisht, 1p3Sl