HEARING OF SPECIAL SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL HEALTH, EDUCATION AND LABOR PROGRAMS OF THE SENATE LABOR AND PUBLIC WELFARE COMMITTEE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP71B00364R000500200023-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 8, 2001
• Sequence Number: 23
• Publication Date: April 26, 1968
• Content Type: MFR

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0
Menu andum for t
dated 25 April 1
26A
al ubcasnittee on International
a and Labor Programa of the Senate
Welfare Committee
Record same subject
1. Subject hearings opened at iOlO a.m. on April 29,
in Room 4232, New Senate Office Su lding. Six witnesses
tied:
Jack Ot?
Internst
Bureau of
Clerks
Association
Washington
tent Director
sirs Department
? Airline h Steamship
ed with Railway Labor
Richard Mumphrey? Director
Commission on Into al Zducatin
American Council on Education
aashington
Francis Pressly
Director of Int* J.
National Foun
Washington
ion
Or Mansfield 1. 'Smith
Director of Washington Operations
Mxperiment in International wing
saes Fowler, President
US Youth Council
New York, New Fork
2. All six witnesses ?see to
aid previously written statements,
Prepared to
1779. The
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s read their statements. The fourth, Mr.
pted by Senator Yarborough (the only Sub-
present throughout the hearings) who requested
reading of the fornal statement by Mr. Progeny be
, this request was to facilitate adjournment of the
* meeting by 12 soon because Senator Yarborough ss
presence s required on the Senate floor. The prepared
by the first four witnesses were distributed, and
attached. So extra copies were available of Mr.
and Jr. Fowler's statements.
The attached statements are largely self-explanatory,
allowing renarks may be of interest:
JACK 072X0
Otero opened by endorsing the April 25 tee
mony of Joseph 3.irn.. Otero, like Marne*
concentrated on Latin leeriest emphasising
that he (Otero) had spent ai years in Slo
and 21 years is Lima. Otero, who returned
to the U. S. in July 1900? emphasixed in
particular the ''outstanding work's of the
International Transport Worker, Federation
(IT?) La its people-to-people programs.
After giving historical background on the
ITT, Otero stressed the Federation's work
in Asia* Africa and Latin America. Otero
complained that the ITT often was unable
to compete with Church (i.e., Catholic)
and Communist grqups working in the same
fields?often collectively. Otero men-
tioned that the 117'. annual budget is
only $200,000.
The ITF's role, is holplas lve a recent rai
way strike is Guatemala was cited with con-
siderable pride by Otero; he was highly or/
tical that the railway involved, was owned
by U. S. company whose management had
encouraged continuation of the strike in
the full knowledge that the Guatemalan
Government might thereby be sada to fall.
Otero also complained that both L. A. and
U. S. business interests in Latin America
often actively work to thwart traee VAIOA
growth. In strongly supporting S. 1710,
Otero stressed the used for "conPlete Inde-
pendence's if people-to-people programs of
the ITV variety are to succeed.
2
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(farbo thanh$d otero for his strong sup
port. The Senator alsoted that 194.8 is
an election year and that many Congressmen
are Way campaigning, thus having less time
to devote to legislative matters. Tarbcrougfl
said he and his Subcommittee could use all
of the "lobbying" of Congressmen that could
be marshaled by any organization favorably
disposed to S. 1779: and. the Senator urged
such organizatioasto exert all possible
pressure to assure enactment of the Sill
this year.)
of S. 177
ation would mu
at, AID or USIA programs;
Li. The ' hope is to avoid
aucratic red taps of the typo connected
sosa gove a i.e., AID) programs;
ough does no
about the foundat
nt and private noway;
S. 1/79 envisages granting many
grants for people-to-people programs
ontrast to the large grants made by the
S. foundations;
ey suggested that the object of
could be achieved by contracting
through a private orgasiration:
hat if none new exists, one could be
ed. Yarborough expressed his doubts
such a contracting arrangement would
easible.)
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The Experiment in late ions Living (210:
brings 2,400 persons from 95 countries to
the U. B. annually; is involved with 600
other exchange visits involving second and
third countries; and altogether Is concerned
with 3,400 such visits annually.
zations baa
nt funds for
ill decrease
local year.
After briefly tracing C's 0-year bieto
and noting that USTC's international acti-
vitiai began only In 1992, Fowler stressed
his opinion that the effectiveness of pro-
grass by private voluntary organixations
often is better than "old-line programs,
but that the old-line activities often
find it easier to obtain funds.
In Fowler's 2i years as president or USTC,
the orgenivation bad been involved In a
variety of oversees activities, including
seminars and leadership programs.
receives some AID funds but its appll
no for support from the big U. S.
andations have been turned down. Fowler
that only two contributions had been
wed from a recent fund-raising drive
seci to 90 possible donors.
Passage of 3. 1779 would belt tremendous
contribution" to the international youth
program. Thal B. 1779 funds would provide,
among other things, a financial continuity
that now is lacking.
Fowier, noting that the language .of the 8i11
stated that Council members "shall be eminent
in the field, of education, student activi-
ties, youth activities, expressed
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hope that, so far as youth members of
Council are concerned, they will be
ly qualified, experiencee youth leaders
rather than prestigious persons without a
direct connection with youth.
(Yarborough in response asked it r had
in mind youths who specialized In clinbing
into the windows of university /pest mats'
offices. Fowler jokingly respond.' that
such youths, in his opinion, were better
equipped to explain "Red Rudi than would
be the old timers.)
4. Fowler, like Smith, only had
fy before Yarborough adjourned t
te. But Yarborough tarried to en
and sympathetic conversation.
rried. First of all Tarborougn as
parently not knowing who he was. There followed a
discussion of Yarborough's (student?) experiences in OermanItim
a statement to Fowler that we want to cooperate with you,
and a reciprocal declaration by Fowler of USYC's desire to
facilitate the Subcommittee is any way possible. It was the
undersigned's distinct impression from this post-hearing
exchanger, that Yarborough is well disposed toward the USYC.
It might be noted, as indicated in reference, that Yarborough
did not display the same warmth toward NSA President Swartr
on April 25.
10 minutes t
ring, to hurry to
Fowler in
adersigned simi
about "Red
S. Rfforts are being made by
of the Smith and Fowler statements.
Attachments: 3
as stated, pare 2
tribution:mw
rig. Ai 1 - DC/CA,
1 - DC/CA
1 - DC/CA,
1 - MC,
1 CA/NO, w/atts.
1 CA/NO Chrono
1 w/o
?
Signed
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SUBCOMMITTEE ON
INihRNATIONAL HEALTH, EDUCATION} AND LABOR PROGRAMS
Hearing
Friday, April 26, 1968
(S. 1779: To establish an international health, education, and
labor program to provide open support for private, nongovern-
mental activities in the fields of health, education, and labor,
and other welfare fields.).
Witnesses
*I John Nagle, President
National Federation of the Blind, Inc.
Washington
it Jack Otero, Assistant Director
International Affairs Dcpartment
Bureau of Railway, Airline & Steamship Clerks
affiliated with Railway Labor Executives
Association
Washington
?ARichard Humphrey, Director
Commission on International Education
American Council on Education
Was
--JVFrancis Pressly
Director of International Programs
National 4-H Foundation
Washington
Dr. Mansfield I. Smith
Director of Washington Operations
Experiment in International Living
Washington
4 Prepared Statement attached.
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to whom. Draw a line across column after each comment.)
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Statement Presented by John F. Nagle
Chief, Washington Office
National Federation of the Blind
In Public Hearings on S. 1779
Conducted by the Special Subcommittee
on International Health, Education, and Labor Programs
Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, United States Senate
4 o1/4) 10(7,7.;
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
My name is John F. Nagle. I am chief of the Washington office of the National
Federation of the Blind. My address is 1908 Q Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009.
Mr. Chairman, the National Federation of the Blind is appearing here, today,
to give its endorsement and support to S. 1779, a bill introduced by the able and
distinguished Senator Ralph Yarborough of Texas, to establish an International
Health, Education, and Labor Program to provide support for private non-governmental
activities in the fields of health, education, and labor and other welfare fields.
The National Federation of the Blind is a nationwide organization with a
membership primarily of blind men and women, joined together and working together,
to secure, for all who are blind, a fair and equal opportunity to live worthwhile
lives.
By our organized efforts and individual example, we strive to eradicate mis-
information about, blindness and false notions about blind people.
We reject the inferior, demeaning and sterile status of benevolent custodial-
ism--our lot by custom and tradition--and we assert the right of all blind people
to determine their own destiny, to direct their own lives, to share fully in the
hazards and responsibilities, as well as the rights, privileges, and opportunities
of constructive and contributory living.
We, the organized blind, do not limit our concerns or our efforts only to our
members, but we seek and we work for improved conditions and equalized opportunities
for all without sight in America, for all without sight in the world.
We, the organized of America, know that blind people can live independent,
inter-dependent lives, for we are doing so.
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We know that blind people, themselves, are best qualified to solve the problems
of blindness, and we assert the right to do so, we assume the responsibility for
doing so.
We assert this right, and we demand this right, individually and as members of
the National Federation of the Blind.
We assume this responsibility as individuals and as members of the National
Federation of the Blind.
In 1940, Mr. Chairman, a dozen blind men and women representing seven state-
wide organizations of blind people, met in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and formed
the National Federation of the Blind.
Today, with a membership of more than 40,000 sightless Americans, combined in
some 300 Local chapters, which, in turn, are federated in 37 state organizations,
all merged at the national level in the National Federation of the Blind--
Today, Mr. Chairman, the organized blind movement in America is an irrefutable
demonstration of the normality of blind people, of their capacities and capabilities,
it is a conclusive demonstration of the possibilities of achievement attainable by
blind men and women joined in common cause and working together toward shared
objectives.
In nIrtherance of our desire and our determination to encourage and assist the
blind of other nations to achieve fulfillment in their lives, to help them realize
their potentialities as human beings, we the organized blind of the United States,
were instrumental, several years ago, in the creation of the International Federation
of the Blind--a worldwide organization of affiliated national organizations of
blind people.
In the years prior to the founding of the International Federation of the
Blind, and in the subsequent years, we, blind Americans, have gained a greater
understanding of the sorry plight of the blind in other nations, of their great
need for help and encouragement.
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As we, blind Americans, have become 'Afore familiar with the distressing con-
ditions of blind people in other nations, as we have become better acquainted
with blind people of the Near and the Far East, of Europe and Africa, of South
and Central America, as we have become better acquainted with blind people from
many countries and every area of the world, there has grown in the National
Federation of the Blind an increasing desire to assist these people, an increasing
determination to share our experience as blind people, our good fortune as blind
Americans, with the blind of other nations, that they may gain from our experience,
that they may benefit from our good fortune.
Since 1964, Mr. Chairman, when the National Federation of the Blind began
expanding the scope of its international activities, we have had more than two
dozen leaders of the blind from nations scattered throughout the world attend and
participate in our annual national convention, and they have spent time traveling
about our country--
They have become acquainted with blind people.
They have learned how we function in our "self-help" organizations.
They have learned of the diversity of our employments and our activities, the
extent; Lo which we take part in all aspects of community and national life.
Our members, serving as hosts and guides, gained much from their association
with these leaders of the blind from other lands, and, of course, our guests
learned much during their stay with us.
In fact, Mr. Chairman, we believe the experiences that we of the National
Federation of the Blind shared with our fellow blind from other nations were of
much mutual benefit.
Each blind person who has been with us, has been a leader of the blind in his
own country, and actively engaged in seeking a better life for the blind of his
own country.
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Each blind person who has visited us, who has come from a foreign nation to be
with us in the United States, has, by associating with blind Americans, learned
about blind Americans, what we are able to do and what we are doing, and because
of this time with us, each person has been better able to work in his own country
for improved opportunities for his fellow blind citizens.
We of the National Federation of the Blind believe, Mr. Chairman, that by
affording leading blind persons of other nation, a chance to visit America, results
of far-reaching significance are achieved--
Surely, Mr. Chairman, the people of the world have heard far too much of the
wealth and the weapons of America, but, we believe, they have heard far too little
of the deep and general concern in America for persons who are physically and
mentally impaired--of the special helps and services provided to such people, of
the educational and training programs available to them, of the gainful employments
engaged in by them--
They have heard far too little of the opportunities for normal, self-dependent
living achievable and achieved by physically and mentally disabled persons in
America.
Mr. Chairman, as American citizens, we of the National Federation of the Blind
believe it is most important that this aspect of our national life and culture be
better known throughout the world--that the people of the world be informed that
basic in our national philosophy and practice, there is the cornerstone belief of
the worth of each individual; a belief so solidly rooted and so all-pervasive that
it includes the blind, other physically impaired persons, and mentally impaired
persons, within its scope.
or course, blind persons who visit the United States as guests of the National
Federation of the Blind are shown the schools, the libraries, and the other in-
stitutions and agencies which serve the needs of the blind in this Nation--but that
isn't the reason we have them here.
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Wo want them here to meet blind Americans.
For, as foreign blind people meet blind Americans, they discover that here
in this country, as in theirs, there are adverse public attitudes toward the dis-
abled, that there exists prejudices and discriminations, social and economic
barriers, which bar the way of the impaired who seek to achieve self-dependent
lives.
But Mr. Chairman, they also discover that much is being done to combat such
attitudes, to eliminate such barriers.
The foreign blind who visit America discover it is the policy of our govern-
ment to afford full and fair opportunity to all citizens, and they discover that
"all" includes the blind, the deaf, the crippled, the mentally defective--that it
includes every American, that none are excluded because of physical defect or
mental disability.
Blind leaders from other lands who spend a brief time in America discover that
in our democracy, all (
ttizens are guaranteed the right and assured the opportunity
to work to change that which they deem unwise, unfair, or disadvantageous to their
interests and beliefs, and they may work to achieve such change by individual
petition, or in concert with others, by joint and organized action.
They become familiar lith the organized efforts of blind Americans to improve
their lot, to meet the challenges of sightlessness in a sight-structured society.
They are able to Observe and learn our methods and techniques, and they are
told of our accomplishments.
But most important of all, Mr. Chairman, we believe, blind persons who come
from other lands to be with us, learn of the spirit--the American spirit--which is
so well exemplified by blind_ Americans: Our determination to live normally, to
function fully and. independently.
They learn of our successful efforts to help ourselves.
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And they gain by association with us the realization that their fellow blind,
too, may strive and achieve just as we, American blind men and.. women, have striven
and achieved; that the blind of other lands may accomplish much by working together
and trying together, as we, the blind of the United States, have worked together
and tried together and accomplished much together.
Leaders of the blind from foreign nations who meet and become acquainted with
American blind persons also learn of the almost limitless number of occupations,
businesses, and professions in which we are gainfully, competitively, and success-
fully engaged, and they return to their country with a strengthened belief in the
potentialities available to their fellow blind, with a new knowledge of the economic
possibilities available to their fellow blind.
They return to their country with a conviction that if the blind of America
can aSpire and attain economic self-sufficiency, can attain social equality, so
too, can the blind of their own nation.
Mr. Chairman, the National Federation of the Blind has dealt too fully, perhaps,
with what we believe are the real gains which result by enabling blind men and women,
leaders of blind people of other lands, to spend a bit of time here in the United
States among blind Americans.
But we have done so because we have found such an extensive explanation
necessary, and even then, sometimes, our Objectives have not been understood.
As you well know, Mr. Chairman, there are already great numbers of publicly
and privately financed programs to bring persons from foreign nations to the United
States.
However, when the National Federation of the Blind has investigated these
programs, usually, we have found them categorical in approach.
We have found that if we wanted to bring teachers of the blind to America to
learn how to become better teachers, vocational rehabilitation counsellors to
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become better vocational rehabilitation counsellors, for other technicians, other
specialists in the field of the blind to come here to secure further training in
their professional specialties, then funds would have been available to us.
But when we have talked of blind persons coming to the United. States to learn
by association with American blind persons, when we have talked about blind foreign
leaders of the blind visiting the United States that they might learn how blind
Americans have Worked together in their "self-help" organizations to secure im-
proved status for blind people, then, Mr. Chairman, then we have found that that
which we wanted to do just didn't fit in any established category in the various
international exchange programs.
There was one exception to this, however--the Educational and Cultural Exchange
Program of the State Department.
The personnel of this agency with whom we have dealt have understood the in-
ternational goals of the National Federation of the Blind, and they have enthusi-
astically cooperated with us in our efforts to secure financial support for our
foreign blind applicants.
But, Mr. Chairman, only seven of our requests to this agency have been approved
since 1964--for it has very meager funds, and such funds as it has are disposed of
by our embassy people.
And we have usually found that travel grants for blind people to come to the
United States are far down on embassy priority lists.
It is our hope, therefore, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, that
5. 1779 will be promptly approved by you, that it will be promptly passed by
Congress.
For we believe the kind of international program that would be established by
S. 1779 is the very kind that we have looked for in vain--the kind of program
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that would be administered by personnel who would understand what we are tryinr, to
do, who would be responsive to what we are trying to do for the blind of other
nations.
We believe the international program established by S. 1779 would offer the
National Federation of the Blind the possibility of help in our determined efforts
to help the blind of other lands, that they will then be better able to help them-
selves.
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