THE UNITED STATES AND AFRICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01731R000400680004-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 16, 2002
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: STATEMENT

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ASS b!M'-L'Y M LAKE ARROWHEAD, CALIFORNIA
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The Western Regional Assembly, cosponsored by the Uni-
versity of California, Los Angeles and the American Assembly, met at
Lake Arrowhead on October 9-12, 1958 to consider problems arising
with respect to the relations between the United States and Africa.
The statement that follows was drafted on the basis of the discus-
sion held, and reviewed by the participants in the Assembly, whose
names appear on the back cover. Although there was general agreement
on this final report, it is not the practice at these Assemblies for mem-
bers to affix their signatures, and it should not be assumed that every
participant necessarily subscribes to every recommendation included
in the statement.
The American Assembly is a program of conferences which bring
together business, labor, farm groups, the professions, political parties,
government and the academic community. These meetings develop
recommendations on issues of national concern. The American Assem-
bly is a non-partisan public service designed to throw light on problems
confronting citizens of the United States.
The Assembly was established in 1950 by Dwight D. Eisenhower,
as President of Columbia University.
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The United States has a legitimate interest in
the character of the present and future Africa,
even though it has no colonial ties and only
limited economic involvement. Our interest
derives not only from our concern with the
world community and from our relation with
European nations which are involved in Africa,
but also from our commitment to broad demo-
cratic ideals and our historic leadership in pro-
moting the principle of self-determination.
We view with enthusiasm the growth of participation by all the peoples
of Africa in their political development. Without discounting the many
problems and dangers that face the African peoples of all races during
the period of transition, we support orderly progress toward self-deter-
mination.
African communities should be free to develop their institutions
and modes of life in accordance with the spirit of their own cultural
traditions and the current needs and desires of their own peoples. Politi-
cal development cannot be the same in all African countries nor can the
end product be identical, but we hope that certain general features will
be found in all. Political systems in African states should be geared to
orderly change and continued growth and adaptation which minimize
the dangers of disruptive political explosion. A government must be
able to protect itself from threats to the continuity and stability requi-
site to economic progress and the establishment of modern statehood;
at the same time, political systems should safeguard the political rights
and the dignity of the individual. Institutions of government need fol-
low no established pattern, but should provide for broad participation
in the determination of public policy and in the selection of leaders,
and should assure the right to public dissent.
We feel that change from tribal societies to modern statehood is
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endangered by tendencies toward fragmentation into non-viable units.
A viable political system requires a healthy economy. There must be
opportunity for African people to enjoy higher levels of living and
material progress, to develop their natural and human resources and
skills in the arts and sciences, so as to enable them to increase their con-
trol of the natural environment. The productivity of these economies
should be increased as rapidly as possible. The primary objective of
economic advancement should be to raise the level of living of all mem-
bers of society, and the economy should be organized in such a fashion
as to provide equal opportunity for everyone.
Adequate and balanced food supply will improve the health and
assist in raising the standard of living of the various African peoples.
These ends can be accomplished through : improved techniques and con-
ditions of livestock production, selection of crops which will provide
better balanced diets, improved farming methods, and improved sys-
tems of transportation (including roads) which will enable a more
beneficial distribution of products within Africa.
Race, ancestry, or religion should not be barriers to education,
employment, or to full participation in common government. Equality
of opportunity, where it does not already exist, is a desirable objective
for all societies in Africa; the ultimate goal should be a society where
race is politically irrelevant.
&rrunGPi0airrn L%QV?n
The United States can and should offer its knowledge, skills, resources,
and political experience to Africa without seeking to impose them.
There are many channels through which this can be done, and private
means are as important as governmental. Major assistance can be
offered in at least two broad areas : education and economic growth.
Education is a vital means by which America may substantially
assist in the development of Africa. Furtherance of education on the
college level is important, and the number of scholarships for Africans
to American institutions of higher learning should be increased. Equally
important, but often neglected, are training in administrative, man-
agerial and organizational skills, and forms of vocational training, such
as apprenticeship programs, technical schools, in-service training in
American and African industries, and schools for trade union .training.
Opportunities for such training in Africa itself should be promoted
wherever possible. A most important contribution is American encour-
agement for broadening the general educational base for adults, as well
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as for children through the elementary and secondary levels. Emphasis
should be placed upon programs of fundamental education necessary to
the realization of African aims.
The United States Government, particularly through the Depart-
ment of State's Student, Leader, and Specialist Exchange Programs,
and through the many programs of the International Cooperation
Administration and the United States Information Service, should
continue to play an important role in furthering African education and
mutual understanding. In addition, American philanthropic and schol-
arly foundations and private organizations have a significant role to
play and their efforts to expand similar activities should be encouraged.
In this connection the effectiveness of the International Cooperation
Administration and the United States Information Service would be
enhanced by assuring their permanence, placing their personnel on a
career basis, increasing their funds, and permitting long-term budget-
ary planning.
To the end that American investors may fruitfully cooperate with
African governments in economic development, a favorable climate for
private investment should be promoted by: (a) Governmental agree-
ments to avoid double taxation and to guarantee against expropriation
and other arbitrary measures, (b) increased information concerning
investment opportunities and (c) where feasible, prosecuting appro-
priate commercial treaties.
African private enterprise both small and large should be encour-
aged. One way in which this can be accomplished is by fostering Devel-
opment Loan Banks within the various countries to supply credit from
capital provided by the United States Government or by international
agencies.
Economic growth should be fostered through technical assistance
and financial aid, including loans and direct investments. Financial
assistance should be given to small scale projects which will help the
domestic farmer and entrepeneur as well as to large scale projects, such
as dams. American financial aid should primarily support economically
justifiable undertakings; there are circumstances, however, in which
the noneconomic benefits are so great as to justify financially unattrac-
tive projects.
Investments should be both private and public, depending upon
local circumstances and the varied attitudes of African governments.
The United States should take cognizance of certain fears of African
leaders as to the political implications of economic aid. In consideration
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of such fears, capital may be effectively provided through multi-lateral
as well as bi-lateral agreements and through regional and international
organizations.
n'',,=U, - R, Kc, :-EQsln it CJopDd G-D(DFZpa(~~Ews
The great-power struggle cannot be ignored as a factor in American
national policy, but the United States should recognize that African
states may desire to pursue policies of non-alignment. It is firmly
agreed that American actions which promote the economic, social and
moral interests of Africa will ultimately serve America's best interests.
We respect the right of African states to determine their own foreign
policies, and we should not regard their adoption of our policies a con-
dition of our friendship and support.
P\C-*I,M and Moans
America is in a position to realize the difficulties of achieving the kind
of world we want, particularly with respect to the relations between
different races. The earnestness of our efforts to remove racial discrimi-
nation in the United States should stand as sufficient proof of our devo-
tion to the ideal of a non-racial society. We deplore such discriminatory
practices as remain, but believe that these should not inhibit American
action on the international scene in promoting racial equality. We wel-
come the increased pressure for removal of racial barriers in the United
States that results from the emergence of African states.
While the United States should respect the principle of domestic
jurisdiction, it should strongly support policies directed toward elimi-
nation of racial discrimination in all situations of an international char-
acter such as those involving territories under international supervision
and disputes between separate political entities. America should use its
influence in government-to-government relations, in consultation with
metropolitan powers, and in the councils of the United Nations to foster
progress toward non-racial societies. It should also continue to support
the stand that some American corporations in Africa have taken against
racial discrimination.
America has a positive interest in the development of African
economies. The economic prosperity of African countries is desired as
an end in itself ; an expanding African economy will provide greater
markets for American products. Domestic policies giving rise to such
actions as the establishing of import quotas and tariffs and the dump-
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ing of agricultural products on the world market can lead to disastrous
consequences for the economies of African states. While these conse-
quences cannot be the sole basis for the determination of domestic poli-
cies, they should receive careful consideration in the formulation of
American domestic policy.
We welcome the creation of the office of Assistant Secretary of
State for African Affairs and we hope that this will be followed by a
similar development of branches in other agencies of government speci-
fically charged with African responsibilities.
The implementation of the policies we have recommended requires
an informed public. We must introduce more materials concerning
Africa in our secondary schools and colleges and in adult education
programs. Such information requires increased attention by scholars
in all fields of research. Education of the public is essential. The Ameri-
can people must acquire a clearer understanding and conception of
Africa through education in the broadest possible sense.
Excerpts from the Speech of
THE HONORABLE JOSEPH C. SATTERTHWAITE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE
FOR AFRICAN AFFAIRS, before the Regional Assembly
On Mlpoasln MMVC)nalos,M
As has been said again and again, the urge to create a national entity
and to exercise the prerogatives of self-government is clearly the major
political, social and economic force at work in most of Africa today.
This great drive-this dynamic force of nationalism-is weaving pro-
found changes in the pattern of African society, and is of direct and
fundamental importance first to Europe, and, of course, to the United
States, and Americas and Asia.
Responsible and articulate Africans today seek equality, dignity
and justice for themselves and their fellow countrymen. They seek to
bridge as rapidly as possible the great gulf between conditions on their
continent and in the Western World. They are clearly determined to
eliminate oldfashioned colonialism and racial discrimination from the
African continent. They seek to play an important and expanding role
in world affairs-to project the new "African personality" on the world
scene. As indicated by the various All-African conferences, they seek to
gain their objectives by achieving a greater unity of purpose among
their diverse and disparate peoples.
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Having long recognized that traditional colonialism is coming to
an end, the United States supports the principle of orderly transition
to self-government and eventual self-determination in the interests of
all parties and peoples involved. The speed of this evolution, we believe,
should be determined by the capacity of the African populations con-
cerned to assume and discharge the responsibilities of self-government.
The United States supports European measures designed to pro-
vide self-government and eventual autonomy to dependent African ter-
ritories. Insofar as we are able to do so, we also encourage moderate
African leaders who recognize the benefits to their own people of evolu-
tionary rather than revolutionary progress. In this connection the
United States believes that all concerned should consider seriously the
dangerous pitfalls that confront a newly independent state today. Eco-
nomic visability, established and stable political, social and cultural
institutions, trained cadres of civil servants and at least a modicum of
experienced technicians are generally regarded as essential to a modern
nation.
Ors G3aLc~W pPofboamZ
Although we cannot ignore the many dangers inherent in any failure
to meet the problem of harmonious relationships between the several
races inhabiting Africa's dependent and independent territories, we
must recognize that at the present time-in view of our own domestic
problems-we must in humility avoid proposing specific solutions. We
can and must, however, continue to stand steadfastly for the universal
principle of non-discrimination and racial equality.
Insofar as we are able to solve this knotty problem of harmonious
race relationships within our own borders we will be in a better moral
position to exercise greater influence for moderate solutions of racial
problems in Africa and elsewhere in the world.
On OOOunm 1G003M
Although the current Soviet economic, cultural and diplomatic offensive
has not shown important results in Africa, no one can afford to be com-
placent. Persistent and ingenious Communists, skilled in subversive
and revolutionary tactics, must be reckoned with. Success in meeting
the Communist challenge in Africa will directly depend on success in
helping Africans realize their legitimate political and economic aspira-
tions in a progressive manner.
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On 1EO(DnOMDQ Dae(BO?PUNan t
Africa's economic and social needs, closely related to her political and
racial problems, are numerous and pressing. Among them are the need
for more public and private capital for investment and development;
for more technical, executive and organizational skills and abilities ; for
more transportation and communication facilities, and for diversifica-
tion of one crop economies.
Constituting a major challenge to our wisdom, good will and gen-
erosity, these economic problems require prompt remedial action. They
are so numerous that no one nation can possibly solve them alone. Africa
must have and deserves the cooperative support of all nations of the
free world in this endeavor. Much is already being done.
On 20?i it pp?t (pass
Side by side with economic development, of course, must come social
progress. Both the United Nations and the countries of the free world
must contribute to Africa's social advancement. For the advancement
of African agriculture and its progress in industrialization must take
into account available human resources and the social patterns within
which economic development takes place. This is particularly true since
social patterns in Africa range from primitive tribal organizations to
highly developed urban societies.
Oummsspy
Recognizing the vital interdependence of Africa and Europe, we must
support constructive African political evolution and work for mutual
understanding of our own policies and support for our common ideals as
set forth in the United Nations Charter.
Africa is generally friendly to the West, although independent
African states have evidenced no apparent desire to formulate formal
alliance. Threatening this basic attitude of friendliness, however, is the
insidious international communist force, which would deny the area to
the West and ensnare it into the political and socio-economic slavery of
Communism. We of the West have no time to lose. We must anticipate
events, sympathetically understand African aspirations, and help to
meet them. To do so we must have the full understanding and support
of the American people.
The opportunity to develop a sound base for enduring friendly rela-
tions and mutual cooperation with an emerging Africa is ours today.
We must make the most of this opportunity without delay.
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Chairman: Raymond B. Allen, Chancellor, University of California, Los
Angeles
Director: Walter Goldschmidt, Professor of Anthropology & Sociology, UCLA
Assistant Director: Warren H. Schmidt, Assistant Director of
University Extension, UCLA
Information Officer: Andrew Hamilton, Public Information Officer, UCLA
Panel Chairmen: James S. Coleman, Lloyd A. Fallers, Charles R. Nixon
Panel Rapporteurs: John Galbraith, William O. Jones, James Kirk
R {:SIP o ? WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
ON AMERICAN INTERESTS IN AFRICA U October 9 through 12, 1958
^ University of California Conference Center, Lake Arrowhead, California
ALVIN, Cass; Director of Education, United Steelworkers of America,
Los Angeles
APTER, David; Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
BAUM, Robert D.; Department of State, Washington, D.C.
BECK, Jack ; KNX Newsroom, Los Angeles
BELDING, Don; Foote, Cone and Belding, Los Angeles
BELT, Elmer, M.D.; American Association for U.N., Los Angeles
BELT, Mrs. Elmer; American Association for U.N., Los Angeles
BERNARD, Robert J.; Managing Director, Claremont College
BROWN, J. Cudd; Professor of Political Science, San Francisco
State College
COLEMAN, James ; Professor of Political Science, U.C.L.A.
CONRAD, John P.; Professor of Agronomy, Davis College
COOMBS, Walter P.; Executive Director, World Affairs Council, Los Angeles
CROWE, Mrs. Harold ; Los Angeles
EASTMAN, George L.; Los Angeles
ECKSTEIN, Miss JoAnna; World Affairs Council, Seattle
FALLERS, Lloyd; Professor of Anthropology, University of California,
Berkeley
FERGUSON, C. Vaughan ; Department of State, Washington, D.C.
FOX, Melvin J.; Ford Foundation, New York
GALBRAITH, John S.; Chairman, Dept. of History, U.C.L.A.
GARY, Romain; French Consul General, Los Angeles
GOSS, Hilton P.; General Electric Co., Santa Barbara
GRIFFEN, Robert A.; Retired Lloyds of London Executive, Reno
von GRUNEBAUM, G. E.; Professor of History, U.C.L.A.
HARD, Frederick ; President, Scripps College, Claremont
HAYDEN, Richard F. C.; Attorney, Statler Center, Los Angeles
HENDRICK, Kimmis; Chief, Pacific News Bureau, Christian Science
Monitor, Los Angeles
HOEIFLER, Paul L.; Hoefler Productions, La Jolla
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HOGAN, Charles E.; Dept. of International Economics, United Steel
Workers of America, Washington, D.C.
HUBERTY, Martin R.; Chairman, Dept. of Irrigation and Soils, U.C.L.A.
JACOBY. Neil H.; Dean, School of Business Administration, U.C.L.A.
JONES, William B.; Vivian, Jones, and Camil, Los Angeles
JONES, William 0.; Food Research Institute, Stanford University
KIRK, James ; Chairman, Dept. of Sociology, Loyola University, Los Angeles
LA MACCIIIA, Frank; Economic Officer, American Consulate General,
Nairobi, Kenya
LOVELL, Colin; Professor of History, University of Southern California,
Los Angeles
MAGNIN, Rabbi Edgar F.; Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles
MILLER, Loren ; Miller and Maddox, Los Angeles
MILLER, William B.; Executive Secretary, Town Hall, Los Angeles
MORGAN, Henry G., M.D.; Los Angeles
MULLENDORE, W. C.; Chairman of the Board, Southern California
Edison Co., Los Angeles
NELSON, Cholmondeley, World Affairs Council, Los Angeles
NELSON, Clifford C.; The American Assembly, Columbia University
NEUMANN, Robert G.; Professor of Political Science, U.C.L.A.
NEUMANN, Mrs. R. G.; League of Women Voters, Los Angeles
NIXON, Charles; Professor of Political Science, U.C.L.A.
NOON, John A.; U.S. Information Agency, Washington, D.C.
PAULEY, Edwin W., Jr.; Edwin W. Pauley & Associates, Los Angeles
POURADE, Richard F.; Editor, San Diego Union, San Diego
PRICE, T. M.; Vice President, Kaiser Steel Corporation, Oakland
QUESTA, E. J.; President, First National Bank of Nevada, Reno
ROBINSON, Harry ; Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park
ROHDE, E. H.; Connell Bros. Company, Ltd., San Francisco
ROSBIERG, Carl; Professor of Political Science, University of California,
Berkeley
ROSECRANS, William S.; Trustee, Claremont College
SATTERTIIWAITE, Hon. Joseph C.; Assistant Secretary for African
Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C.
SPICER, Edward H.; Professor of Social Anthropology, University of
Arizona, Tucson
TIHIOMAS, Ben; Professor of Geography, U.C.L.A.
VOLLUM, Howard ; President, Textronix Incorporated, Portland, Oregon
WHEELER, Oliver P.; Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of
San Francisco
WILLIAMS, Paul R.; Paul R. Williams & Associates, Los Angeles
WILSON, Lawrence B.; Los Angeles
WINANS, Edgar V.; Professor of Anthropology, University of Washington,
Seattle
WOOD, William R.; Acting President, University of Nevada, Reno
YOUNG, Arthur N.; Trustee, Occidental College, Los Angeles
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WESTERN { LOION AL ENo LY o LLAMJ ARROWHEAD, CADDY-OHnUk
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