Evening star., 1947-07-01
Safeguarding Aid to Europe

that we should continue the relief OF European
countries is positive step to render aid to
them and to answer the Communist threat
which Is hanging over Europe. It is an oppor-
tunity to seize the initiative in our dealings
with Europe and will commend democracy to
those western nations in which the spark OF
resistance to communism still lives.
Various estimates placing the cost as around
Sc, 600 900, 900 year are certainly imposing and
before it is appropriated it will undoubtedly be
subjected to the closest scrutiny by Congress.
There can be no disputing the fact there Is
need in Europe. There is no disputing the fact
there is need in the United States. Before the
money is appropriated close study must be
made by members Of Congress in Europe.
I was in Paris in December, 1946, and was
impressed by the fact that although I was
United States Army officer, could not afford
restaurants, shops. and plays that Parisians
could afford and did afford. Pictures Of desti-
tute French children tear the heart but they
can be duplicated in Washington, D. c., as
we'll A close -at-hand study in the foreign ma
tions must be made by Congress before this
money is appropriated
From personal observations in Munich, Ger
many, last winter I know that German butcher
shops and stores there were full Of supplies.
Bologna, sides of beef, and meat OF all de-
scriptions were visible in every butcher shop
and there were many, many shops. Another
thing that amazed other Americans and me
was that the Germans near Munich, at least,
were nearly always well and warmly dressed.
OF course, aid is needed in these countries.
For instance, the German housing problem Is
far more acute than ours But many common
American people might feel that we do not
owe much to the Germans in the matter OF
restoring their houses, at least not until our
shortage is alleviated.
Congress must, therefore, make the decision
whether we will continue aid to Europe. how
we will aid, and to what extent strongly
believe they should pick from their body mem
bers which are most qualified to study this
situation and that these members be provided
with stats of linguists and other required per-
sonnel in order that they may go personally
to Europe and make a careful and detailed
study of those economic problems there and
determine for Congress and the people how and
where our aid may be better utilized to help
those countries help themselves.
How can the common American people stom-
ach the paying of taxes to fatten many French
men who are better fixed than they? Or pay
for the socialistic experiment in England? Or
assist italian black marketeers? And aid ma
tions where Russia can siphon it of to her
war machine? Compassion for the hungry
and homeless is a good American trait. Aid
Of that sort is well and good. Aid that will
assist those countries to resume their full pro-
ductivity is sensible but, where are our guar
antees? Who will present these problems and
offer common sense solutions to the nation?
AS the elected representatives OF the people,
Congress should grasp this opportunity to util-
ize their powers and send certain members OF
their body to Europe in order that they may
study the conditions of those countries. They
can then protect the interests of the American
people and enlighten them concerning the
noicies of foreign aid. JAMES N. ESKES.