377. Letter from Bowles to President Kennedy, May 231

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Dear Mr. President:

I understand there is some difference of opinion as to whether you should go before Congress in behalf of the new economic aid program and the new agency we hope Congress will authorize.

This is simply to establish myself as strongly in favor of such an action for two reasons.

The first relates to our appearance to the world: Inevitably during the next few weeks the Administration will become connected in the public mind with measures which in spite of their essential nature are militantly negative, i.e. further increases in military expenditures, an [Typeset Page 1598] increased space program to help to catch up with the Soviets and the possible resumption of nuclear testing.

However essential to our security, these moves all tend to strengthen the image of a nation striving to keep bad things from happening rather than striving to create the kind of free societies throughout the world to which you are so deeply committed.

The second reason relates to the support of the aid program by the American public and the Congress. I’m sure I need not stress to you the concern with which friends of the bill in both Houses view the difficulties confronting it—particularly the long-term aspects which are the key to its success. A personal presentation by you after you return from Vienna and immediately before hearings in both Houses would be in the tradition of the special appearances of President Truman in behalf of Greek-Turkish aid and the Marshall Plan in 1947.

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I know that you believe as I do that a truly adequate long-term economic aid program is an essential and very likely decisive element in American foreign policy. A personal appearance by you before Congress in behalf of this program will go far to assure its acceptance and at the same time enable you to underscore our affirmative objectives in world affairs.

With my warmest regards,

Sincerely,

Chester Bowles
  1. President’s Hill appearance in support of new economic aid program. No classification marking. 2 pp. Department of State, Central Files, 700.5–MSP/5–2361.