Evening star., 1941-01-20

every citizen OF the country. Today,
more than ever before, domestic events and
decisions are influenced by considerations of
foreign policy.
Foreign relations involve the preservation
of the safety, security and peace of the
Nation. They involve the promotion of the
peoples welfare, in so far as it is dependent
upon the proper functioning of political, eco
nomic and numerous other international rela-
tionships. They involve the protection Of
the lives, the rights and the property of
American citizens abroad, and numerous
other problems.
The Department of State is the agency
of our Government through which the foreign
relations Of the United States are conducted.
Under the Presidents direction, this depart
ment performs a large variety of functions
pertaining to the formulation and execution
of foreign policies and to other phases of the
countrys relations with the rest of the world
For the carrying out of its duties, the depart
ment has an appropriate organization in
Washington and directs the activities of the
embassies, legations and consulates, which
are maintained by our Government in every
part of the globe.
The first requirement in the formulation of
sound foreign policy is adequate informa-
ton as to conditions and developments at
actions and intentions of foreign govern
ments. Equally important is careful analysis
and Interpretation of such information in it's
bearing on the interests Of the United States.
The collection and appraisal of factual data
relating to conditions abroad and to inter-
national relations and affairs constitute one
of the primary tasks of the Department of
State. The department performs this task
through its staffs abroad and in Washington
This information is at the disposal of the
President and his advisers. Essential facts
are available to the Congress. Such of the
data as may in the public interest be made
matter of general knowledge is rendered
readily available through the press and
through other means of dissemination, as we'll
as through public utterances of responsible
officials.
A BASIC task of the Department of State
is the conduct of negotiations with foreign
governments. Some of the negotiations result
in the conclusion of formal treaties which
cannot become effective before they are ap-
proved by the Senate. Some result in the
conclusion OF agreements, which can be put
into effect by executive power. Some relate
to the application or Interpretation of existing
treaties or agreements. A great part of formal
and informal negotiations concerns questions
and problems which arise without reference
to treaties or agreements but which, in one
way or another, affect the rights or interests
OF the Nation or of individual citizens.
Some of the negotiations are conducted in
Washington, between the officials of the de-
partment and the representatives of foreign
governments, either permanently stationed
here or sent here on special mission Some
are conducted abroad, between our repre-
sentatives and the officials of the foreign
governments concerned.
The formal and informal negotiations
cover vast variety oi subjects. They COM
prise problems of political relations between
our country and other countries, the han
ding of which at times spells the difference
between an aggravation and an amcable
settlement of possible controversies They
comprise problems of economic relations
through the proper solution of which the
government seeks to enlarge and generally
improve opportunities abroad for American
trade and finance and at the same time, to
provide the necessary safeguards for our
domestic producers. They comprise the pro-
motion of countless other worthwhile in
ternational relationships of technical, cul-
tural, scientific, Or other character.
Through our representatives abroad, the
department provides protection for American
citizens who choose to do business or travel
or engage in other legitimate activity in
foreign countries. An American citizen law
fully going abroad is supplied with a pass
port issued by the department, which is his
means of Identification and his evidence of
right to protection by the Government OF
the United States. At the same time, the
department contributes to the adminstratio
of the immigration laws of this country