MR. SECRETARY SUPPORTS

Flaunting an impressive sheaf of endorsements by high government officials, the Committee for Latin-American scholarships has returned to the limelight. Since Secretary of State Hull has labeled its scheme "a great idea" and promised "the full cooperation of the State Department," Harvard must recognize the group's serious intent--therefore proceed to an objective consideration of the plan.

Bad in the beginning was the timing of the original announcement, which caused skepticism in a large body of students. This Committee can live down. More important is the close succession of the new drive for scholarship funds upon that of the Refugee Committee. But since the new appeal will be made on a totally different basis, it is likely to score in different quarters. Moreover, it will undoubtedly excite a sympathetic Alumni response. That certain Alumni are interested in such a scheme is evidenced by the fact that, prior to the Great Depression, three Harvard, Club scholarships were awarded in Argentina.

More general is the criticism that fifteen scholarships are a useless if noble gesture toward Pan-American solidarity and good faith. But on more useless than are Rhodes scholarships for promoting Anglo-American relations. It is furthermore possible that other schools will follow Harvard's lead. The Refugee Plan, conceived and delivered at Harvard, has since grown into a lusty child supported by a number of eastern colleges. There is just as much reason that this plan should catch the fancy of other undergraduates.

It is primarily by gestures like this--isolated and infinitesimal though they may seem in themselves--that international relations are promoted. These scholarships may well result in nuclei of good faith toward the United States, which will diffuse and permeate large portions of South American opinion.

Confidence in her sincerity is the United States' primary need in South America at the present stage of the game. While recognizing the commercial and political advantages of close relations with the "Colossus of the North," most Latin-American states are shy from bitter lessons of the past. This traditional distrust can be undermined only by acquainting the South American with the true nature of this nation, and such an acquaintance can be imparted by no better means than education in domestic colleges.