Evening star., 1947-01-11
Benton Splits State Department
|On Control of u. S. Broodcosts
Privote Foundation to Run Foreign Programs,
Financed by Public Funds, Is Proposed
By Wallace R. Deuel.
By Wallace R. Deuel.

position in the State Department
Neither Congress nor the depart
ment would have any real control
over short-wave broadcasting, under
Mr.. Benton's plan, its opponents say
Thus there would be no co-ordi-
nation between national foreign
policy and the policies of United
States sEort-wave broadcasting-
which has a powerful effect on the
country's position in the world.
Mr.. Benton's proposal therefore
amounts to this, its opponents say;
That millions of dollars of the tax
payers money would be given away
every year to private individuals te
use pretty much as they liked III
activities of vital concern to the
national welfare.
At least two exalted tempers
have blown up with loud bangs in
the State Department on this issue
and startlingly strong words are
being used.
Outgoing Secretary of State
Byrnes is leaving settlement of the
argument to Gen. George C. Mar
shall, his successor.
Supported by Public Funds.
Mr.. Benton's plan was originally
drafted by Joseph L. Weiner. for
mer director of the Office of Civilian
Supply of the War Production Board
it is understood.
IJoro oro accont;a1e ~ tho y,1o,, &C
stated in a. confidential 'memoran-
dunn which Mr.. Benton has laid be-
fore Mr.. Byrnes:
1t calls for the creation of pub
lie corporation supported with pub
lie funds, to conduct and to stimu-
late international broadcasting, un-
der the guidance and direction of a
Board of Trustees of distinguished
private citizens.
"The permanent organization
which I propose for your considera-
ton would take full responsibility
for operating the international voice
broadcasting facilities of the United
States and for stimulating such
broadcasting by private agencies,
the memorandum goes on.
II propose the creation of a pub
lie corporation. for which the name
the International Broadcastine
Foundation of the United States is
suggested.
1.-THE foundation would be man.
aged by board of IS trustees, o1
whom one would be the Secretary
of State. or an assistant secretary
designated by him, and the re-
mainder would be outstanding pri-
vate citizens appointed by the
President with the approval OF the
Senate and serving without salary
Added Financing Weighed.
"The activities of the foundation
would be financed chiefly through
annual appropriations by Congress
although the possibility OF some
financing through the sale Of time
or through contributions, or through
the foundations acceptance Of pro-
grams prepared and presented by
private agencies, remains open and
should be explored.
'sThe foundation seems to Offer
adequate public control, through the
annual review by Congress of needed
appropriations, without entailing
the necessity of Government opera
ton.
Further, the presence Of the
Secretary of State or his nominee
on its board assures opportunities
for liaison with the department OF
Government responsible for overall
policy in the field OF foreign affairs
'"The foundation must make the
final determination as to the suit
ability of proposed programs, both
its own and those Of independent
agencies.
copyright, 1947, by the Chicago Daily