Evening star., 1938-11-30
74-Point Plan Seeks
Closer Bond With
Latin America
Program Designed to
Curb TotuIitdrion
Cultures

Curb TotoIitorion
Cultures
~ the Associated Press.
Recommendations for closer cul-
tural ties between the United States
and Latin America provided a basis
today for new administration ef-
forts toward Western Hemisphere
solidarity.
Prepared by committee OF high
Government officials, the recon-
mendations were pointed toward
the Administrations goal Of form
ing stronger bonds with the South
ern republics to discourage pene-
tration by Europe's totalitarian cul-
lures.
The proposals, made public yes
terday by Acting Secretary of State
Sumner Welles, would involve ex-
penditure of nearly 1,000, 900 year
Widely diverse projects, such as
collecting folk music in Mexico,
Argentina and Brazil and sending
Photographic copies of the Declara-
ton of Independence to Latin
American republics, were suggested.
Some Program Started.
Each of the 20 republics would be
given a set of 100 copies of "funda-
mental American documents" in
cluding the Constitution. Sets of
George Washington's most impor-
tant documents also would be given
each country. Americas 100 best
folk songs would be presented in
record form.
Some of the program already is
under way, but the new proposals
would coordinate all activities un-
der the State Department.
Each country will be permitted
to decide for itself If 1t wants to
cooperate in the plan.
The Department of Agriculture
would spend $3.50, 900 the first year,
exclusive of whatever funds will be
appropriated for work on the Pan
American highway.
Latin America would stand to
benefit through increased American
tourist travel, and it would be Of
fered educational benefits through
opportunity of students and tech
nicians to study in this country.
Other Steps Suggested.
Among the other steps suggested
were these:
Dispatch of many American cul-
tural groups to sister republics in
the Western Hemisphere; co-opera-
ton in radio, aviation and high
way development: study of Latin
American resources and possibilities;
display of American films in Latin
America and a film on Latin Amer
lea in this country; public health
service cooperation.
The program covered "A separate
proposals. all non-military.
The committee recommended a
budget of 1898 ,804 for the first fiscal
year. Additional funds would be
needed to cover projects left pend
ing for further study. This money
would be allocated to 13 Govern
ment departments and agencies for
widespread activities.
COMMITTEE discussions" the re-
port said. were based on the prem
ise that New World republics have
the same aspirations; that the well
fare of the community OF American
nations demands their increasingly
close and friendly association, and
that through program OF practical.
reciprocal cooperation the fulfill
ment of our common American
ideals can be brought appreciably
closer to achievement.
IF this premise is correct and
your committee is profoundly con-
vinced that it is. then the program
outlined is merely point OF de-
parture in the direction of an in
creasingly vigorous and affirmative
relationship between the republics
of this hemisphere-a relationship
founded on voluntary cooperation
among partners living as friendly
neighbors in an American world"
Good Will Trip Proposed.
There was no specific reference to
what other countries are attempt
ing to do in Latin America.
Funds were asked to finance a
recommended good will trip of two
Coast Guard vessels to Central
American countries this winter.
Besides Mr.. Welles, members of
the committee are secretaries Ickes,
Wallace, Roper and Perkins; Wayne
c. Taylor, assistant Secretary of the
Treasury; Herbert Putnam, libra
rian of Congress: C. G.. Abbot, Sec
retary, Smithsonian Institution:
Frank r. McNinch, chairman of the
Federal Communication Commis-
sion; Thomas R. Woodward, vice
chairman of the Maritime Commits
sion: Warren Lee Pierson, president
of the Export-Import Bank; Lowell
Mellett. executive director National
Emergency Council. and Edward J.
Noble, chairman of the Civil Aero
nautics Authority.
The committee recommended the
following division of projects and
funds: Department Of Agriculture,
$350,0O0: National Emergency Coun-
Gil. $176,500: Treasury Department
and Public Health Service. $127, ,794:
Commerce Department, $88,850; Lii
brary of Congress, $72,600; State De-
partment, SOL. .76O; Smithsonian In
stitution, $61 900; Interior Depart
ment, 500, and Labor Depart
ment, $4,000.
The National Emergency Council
would undertake distribution of ed
ucational and other films in Latin
America and equip all embassies and
legations there with projection
equipment.