The Wilmington morning star., 1947-09-25
Dollars And Policy

Dollars And Policy
Looking forward to the day when the
Marshall plan shall become the Marshall
operation" Senator Byrd has called for ar
accounting. He wants to know how an esti-
mated $40, 900, 600, 900 was spent on foreign
aid in the past two years, and the results.
He also wants to know what specific results
are expected from forthcoming expenditures
under the Marshall plan.
The request for a bill of particulars on
future aid seems a good idea. The general
detectives of such aid are already known
the alienation of current critical hardships,
the restoration of Europe's economy, the
sterilization of currencies, the support OF
free governments against communism.
Other information that Mr.. Byrd seeks,
may be implicit in the report of the lena
ton European Economic Conference. But 6
desirable addition would be a list of wha
particular sums are expected to achieve, a
well as a lump-sum total of the money t.
be requested.
The economy-minded senator from Viz.
ginia is not necessarily displaying opposition
to the Marshall plan when he asks for an
accounting. Surely no American wants to
see his government write a blank check for
Europe. A requisition for several billion
dollars should be justified as well as itemiz-
ed, even though results cannot be guaran-
teed. Such a requisition might speed final
action when Congress meets to debate the
aid-to-Europe program.
There IS less promise, and perhaps less
point, in Mr.. Byrd's demand for an account
ing of the last two years spending in Europe,
even though there are good reasons why the
accounting should be made. 1t can be said
in advance that it would disclose some
dismaying information.
There has undoubtedly been some appall-
ing wastage of American funds, but the fault
does not lie entirely with the American
government.
It was certain when the war ended that
the United States, untouched by battle and
possessing great wealth in money and pro-
ductive capacity, would have to help
Europe. The victorious and occupied coun-
tries there found themselves exhausted and
confused. The conquered nations were a
responsibility, as well as a liability. A new
start had to be made from near ruin.
Americas first efforts to help may also
have been confused, but there scarcely was
for detailed planning. Political differ
ences were secondary; here were hungry,
illclad, homeless people.
But for the Soviet government, their poll
tics would still be of minor Importance. The
American government was reluctant to ac-
cept the political challenge. It hesitated to
admit that aggression and threats to free
government did not end with the Nazi's de-
feat. 1t was Moscow's decision, not WASH
1ngton's, that the Communist governments
would not participate in a united effort to-
ward Europe's reconstruction.
American foreign policy in the past two
years may seem awkward and fumbling.
Mistakes, arising from motives of decency
and from a desire to trust and cooperate
until trust and cooperation were shown i'm
possible, may have been made. But now,
American policy is positive. The Marshall
operation" if and when, will probably cost
considerably less than the largely non-politi-
cal aid of the past two years. America is
row hard-headed because she has to be. But
her earlier warm-heartedness, while expen-
Fsive, is nothing to be ashamed of.