The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1953-12-18
oint 4 Realization

There is rather general agreement on the prin-
ciple that peoples with high standard of living
have obligation-arisng from sound self-interest
As well as from moral eonsiderations-to help their
neighbors in underdevelOped countries.
This principle is the basis of the Technical As
sstance Program, generally known as Point Four,
which was launched by this country more than four
years ago However, it is not too surprising if the
application Of this principle has brought forth diff
ferng views. One aspect in particular that has given
cause TO controversy the respective roles
of the governments as such and OF private volun-
tary organizations in helping underpriyileged and
under-deyeloped peoples
Catholic missionary and charitable agencies
for whom, after all the Point Four idea is moth
ing new but merely new name for something
they have carried for many ycars-have repeat
edly pointed out that private agencies play a
tremendous, perhaps decisive, role in making Point
-Four what il is really meant to be: program de-
signed TO help the people in under-deyeloped couR-
tries help themselves by teaching them the tech
nical knoWhow that living standards could be
raised and communism thwarted.
Only month ago, at the annual meeting of the
Catholic Association for international Peace, Arch
bishop Patrick A. OBoyle of Washington voiced the
hope that the administrators of such programs would
cooperate in every possible way with established
religious organizations and missionary orders "al-
ready working so effectively for God and for the
cause of human betterment'
Similar thoughts were expressed by Bishop Ray
mond A. Lane Superior General of Maryknoll. He
also urged that the vast experience of voluntary
agencies working in foreign fields be properly
used Stressing the need Of carrying out the pro
gram lin such way as not 10 offend the human
values Of the people being helped" he termed mis-
sonsrie5 "the best specialists TO be found IN the
world on the local problems of their folks
In view Of all this Catholic agencies in this
country are gratied by indications that responsible
government officials have recognized the import
ance of voluntary participation in technical assist
anee programs.
Some time ago Harold L SaSsen director Of
the Foreign Operations Administration and head
of the Technical Assistance Program under recent
governmental reorganization. stated tha! there
would be more participation In the aid program
by private American agencies, especially voluntary
agencies and by colleges and universities. II APP
peared from his remarks that great effort would
be made toward operating the program people
topeople basis rather than as a governmental
government operation.
Secretary Of State Dulles in testimony earlier
this year before the House Appropriations Subcom
mittee also suggested that eventually, the Govern
ment could gradually withdraw from providing
money for technical assistance and LET private or
CARNATIONS handle that type of aid.
All in all, however much good has been accom-
pshed and the general principles Of the program
have been welcomed by the recipient countries even
though at times the local Point -Four agencies
we're overstaffed with American officials
BY fully enlistng the cooperation Of voluntary
agencies and profiting from their vast experiences,
many errors can be avoided and the technical
sistance program can as Archbishop O'Boyle said,
"brng a little more Justice into this world and
thereby help to establish the foundation of last
ing peace