Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

711.96/5–1647

Memorandum by the Counselor (Cohen) to Brigadier General Marshall S. Carter, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State

Washington, May 16, 1947.

Re: Memoranda submitted by Ambassador McNutt.¹⁶

1. Ambassador McNutt’s general observations on Foreign Policy suggests the importance, in developing and extending our foreign aid programs and policies, of putting primary emphasis on the fact that these programs and policies are designed to enable the countries aided to safeguard and promote their own political and economic independence, not to make them our satellites but to keep them from becoming satellites of any power. Such measures of control as we require are intended only to ensure that the funds are used for these purposes.

2. Mr. McNutt significantly points out that despite the widespread sense of gratitude to America for her war and post-war contributions there is great envy of America’s economic power. It is difficult for our people to understand why this feeling should exist, and not to resent it. This feeling of envy which is a great handicap to us can be combatted only by helping these countries out of their present economic distress and making them feel that they as well as we have a real stake in a free world.

3. Mr. McNutt’s comment on the lack of appreciation and understanding of our relations to the Philippines is another illustration of the need of an effective Voice of America. It is, however, only one aspect of American policy which is not adequately understood.

4. I agree that Mr. McNutt’s memoranda should be circulated through the regular Department’s channels.¹⁷

16. Reference is to Ambassador McNutt’s memorandum dated May 6 to the Secretary on the subject of “Report on the Philippines” (not printed). The memorandum briefly covered the Ambassador’s trip from Manila, March 22, by way of southern Asia and Europe to Washington, followed by “general observations with regard to the Philippines” encountered en route, and “general recommendations”. A second, undated, memorandum was entitled “General Observations on Foreign Policy.”
17. Notation on the original by the Secretary of State: “OK for circulation of his memo. GCM”