Evening star., 1939-08-06

81 to 35-muSt first pass written exami-
nation, covering the general fields of
education, but stressing economics, COM
mercial and international law. If he
passes this with a grade of 10 or better,
he is then called by the Board of Foreign
Service Examiners for an oral quiz-his
final ordeal, in which many are called
but few are chosen.
The written examination Is merely 4
test of knowledge. But those who pass
the oral quiz must give evidence of rea-
soning ability, tact, clearness in present.
ing ideas and strong, pleasant person.
ality. Trick questions" often are asked
to catch the slow-witted and unwary.
In recent examination of 481 candi-
dates, 108 passed the written examina-
tion, but of LOG who appeared for the
oral quiz, only 80 were selected. These
figures illustrate the rigidity of the exam
ination and the carefulness with which
recruits are selected.
Once admitted, the neophyte is COM
missioned as an officer in the United
States Foreign Service-"unclassife
Before him stretch years of arduous work
segregated by law into nine classes"
before he reaches his potential earning
capacity of $4,000 per year.
Merit Factor in Advance.
The merit system" governs the young
officers Advancement. His record Is
studied periodically by the Foreign Serv-
ice Personnel Board, which determines
whether or not his work justifies promo
ton. Up to Glass 5, an officer may be
promoted not oftener than once in l8
months; after that he may be advanced
only once every two years. An officer who
applies himself diligently may expect
to reach the top of the ladder and ap-
pOintment as counsellor of the embassy,
consul-general minister or even an
ambassador within from 20 to IS years.
After a period of training and service,
the young officer receives dual commits
sion-as vice consul and as a secre-
tary in the diplomatic corps. Almost
invariably the State Department at
tempts to give him service in his early
years in both lines of work, diplomatic
oAio SOAlouldI. lhuCCu, Clldl-SlllS WOIlu
conditions have made the line that once
separated the two types of activity less
sharp than formerly. AS Mr.. Shaw
puts it:
"The idea that diplomat does politi-
cal work and consul economic or COM
of the world In which the totalitarian
point of view predominates-a consid-
cradle and growing part-it is the CEN
trail governments which negotiates trade
agreements, imposes quotas and exchange
regulations, makes large purchases and
in countless other ways affects COM
merce.
"And in those countries it is therefore
the diplomatic mission, which, under in
ternational law, Is normally alone COM
petent to deal with the central govern
ment, that is handling most of the work
that vitality concerns the business man.
"Under these new conditions the local
contacts which were conspicuous asset
of the Consul In assisting business men
have naturally lost some of their value
for that purpose. We are experimenting
In trying to meet these new tendencies
by consolidating diplomatic missions and
consular offices in capitals.
1--WE do not think Of our Foreign Serv-
Ice officers as diplomats or consuls We
are concerned with types Of work and not
with titles, which we look upon simply
as labels recognized by international law
and practice. We analyze the work be-
ing carried on at our diplomatic missions
and our consular offices and from our
knowledge of the officers We try to ht
them into that work - effectively -
| possible"