CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE RE: DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PROVIDING 'SUPPORT' TO THAI TROOPS IN LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP73B00296R000300080058-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 10, 2002
• Sequence Number: 58
• Publication Date: July 28, 1971
• Content Type: OPEN

S 12374 Approved For Release$ /B AJR D029600b060080058-8
Taking away nothing from the very re-
markable men who founded these United
States, we would like to point out that, along
with the disappointments, a lot of Improve-
ments have been made since those Good Old
Days.
Take 1789, the year George Washington
became our first President:
The long, divisive war (opposed from the
beginning by fully a third of the populace)
had been miraculously won seven and a half
years before.
Inflation and post-war depression had
strained the public purse, temper and credu-
lity, ,
After two years of debate, North Carolina
and Rhode Island had yet to ratify the new
Constitution and join the Union. More than
thirty-five percent of all delegates at state
ratifying conventions had, in fact, voted
against the Constitution.
Even when ratified, what did the Con-
stitution provide?
No guarantee of personal liberties, cer-
tainly. Our precious Bill of Rights would not
be adopted until 1971-as a grudging com-
promise to the Nation's first protest move-
ment, the Anti-Federalists, who feared un-
bridled government power.
No provision for religious freedom. In New
Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts
separation of church and state was not to
be achieved until well after 1800.
No solution to the agonizing slavery issue.
It would take, seven decades later, history's
bloodiest war and the loss of one out of five
American men of military age to erase slavery
from the land.
Nor was the right to vote guaranteed even
to white males.
Every state had economic, religious or other
restrictions on voting. In Rhode Island more
than half of all adult white males would be
disenfranchised until as late as 1843.
Women, of course, would not vote until
1920 and blacks in some parts of the country
would be unable to exercise that right until
a century after it was established in 1870.
Universal education, labor reforms, health
laws-all were yet to rise out of nineteenth
century humanitarian movements.
What the Constitution did provide was a
beginning-a hard-won chance to build a
Nation which, more than a century and a
half later, laborer-philosopher Eric Hoffer
would describe as "the only new' thing in
history." ,
The Revolution goes on. Sometimes peace-
fully, sometimes painfully.
And there is reason for confidence.
Ours is the first great nation, in the midst
of unprecedented power and prosperity, to
re-evaluate its own goals, question its own
rightness and work from within to correct
its injustices.
May we, as Marylanders,,p?rove as equal to
the task of doing the proper thing (if not
always the most popular thing) as those first
practical dreamers of the American Revolu-
tion.
Let's work together ... Meeting the Balti-
more Challenge.
THE SOKOLS
Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, on July 17, I
had the honor of addressing the 25th Na-
tional Slet on the Slovak Catholic Sokol.
At the convention, I was especially im-
pressed by the sense of brotherhood of
the Sokols and by their pride in both
their ancestry and America. Since many
of us are not familiar with the origin of
Sokol organizations or of the particular
character the organizations give to cities
like Bethlehem, Pa., I ask unanimous
consent that an article entitled "Bethle-
hem, Pa? is Widely Known as a Sokol
City," published in the July 14 issue of
the Falcon be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the article
was ordered to be printed in the RECORD,
as follows:
BETHLEHEM. PA., IS WIDELY KNOWN AS A
SOKOL CITY
Bethlehem, Pa., is truly called a Sokol City
for the reason that it has two Sokol Halls and
the members of both organizations live in
peace, harmony and true brotherly Sokol love
and spirit, as advocated by the Sokol
founders.
Bethlehem, Pa., Slovak pioneers settled in
this "Christmas City" 91 years ago. On June
29, 1971, we recalled the 80th anniversary of
the ordination of their late great leader, Fa-
ther Francis C. Vlossak, whose Centennial
birthday we observed in 1964. Father Vlossak
was a pioneer priest of Philadelphia arch-
diocese, out of which was created the Allen-
town diocese. He assisted the well known
Msgr. William Heinen of Mauch Chunk,
known as the "apostle of the Slovaks" in
the Leigh Valley on account of establishing
some 14 Slovak parishes.
Now what is the Sokol? It means Falcon
and the Slavonic nations adopted the name
to honor their heroes, who are called Sokols.
The Sokol movement dates back to the boy-
hood of St. Methodius, who with his brother
St. Cyril converted the Slovaks and the Slavs
in the ninth century. It is related that St.
Methodius as a boy was attached to a bird
Falcon and practiced falconry, which was a
popular sport among the European aristoc-
racy.
The Slavonic poets and bards wrote about
their heroes, whom they called Sokols.
But the movement was organized on Feb-
ruary 16, 1862 in Prague, present Czecho-
Slovakia by Dr. Miroslav Tyrs and his father-
in-law Jindrich or Frederick Fugner for the
purpose of Physical Fitness and training of
members In virtues of life, also in persever-
ance to overcome the hardships of tyrannical
governments, under which the Slavonic na-
tions were forced to serve their oppressors.
The Sokols were known especially for their
artistic banners, which were blessed by priests
amid beautiful ceremonies. These banners
were preserved and used in World War I.,
when the Czecho-Slovak Legions were orga-
nized in Russia by General Milan R. Stefanik,
noted Slovak astronomer and scientist. Gen-
eral Stefanik was a Slovak and became a gen-
eral in a French army within three years from
an ordinary private. He served on General
John J. Pershing's Allied Military Staff and
visited the United States on several occasions.
The first time in 1906 on his way to the Tahiti
Island and the second time in 1917, when he
was organizing Czecho-Slovak Legions with
a Military Camp in Stamford, Conn.
General Stefanik wanted the Sokol (Fal-
con) to be the emblem of the Republic of
Czecho-Slovakia and the h4ghest decoration.
Instead a lion was chosen.
A famous historian, Dr. Frantisek Rieger,
exalted the Sokols over a century ago during
one of their celebrations by naming them the
Christian Knights of that period, who must
always be ready to defend their faith.
The American Sokol took root after the
Civil war in St. Louis, Me., in 1865 and thus,
in 1965 its Centennial was observed. It would
have been started earlier but its leaders were
occupied with the Civil War, aiding Presi-
dent Abraham Lincoln. For instance, on
February 4, 1861, Colonel Geza Mihalotzy,
born of Slovak parentage, petitioned Presi-
dent Lincoln for a permission to use his name
for "Lincoln Riflemen of Slavonic Origin."
The great emancipator "cheerfully granted
the request."
However, after the Civil War, Sokol or-
ganizations began to flourish besides St.
Louis, also in Chicago, New York, Iowa, New ,
Jersey, Pennsylvania and other states.
Duty ;,T, 19
It is noteworth,, that during the Bi-Cen-
tennial of: the city of St. Louis, former Presi-
dent Lyndon B. Johnson chose Stan Musial,
noted baseball player, for his advisor on Phys-
ical Fitness for Musial, a son of a Polish
father and a Slovak mother, born in Do-
nors, Pa., received his first Physical Fitness
training in the Polish Sokols, or Falcons.
The Bethlehem Slovak were also sports
minded. The best pl oof is that way back in
1904 the young Bethlehem Slovaks organized
the St. Anthony's Baseball Team. This team
won 24 out of 26 games during that season
under the captaincy of Charles Gostony, as
reported way back In 1921 by John J. Barton,
one of the four living Sokol founders of
Assembly 78 and ?'ur oldest Supreme Officer
who were honored on December 5, 1970. Dur-
ing the same year the young Slovaks formed
a football team. In 1908 they formed an Ath-
letic Association of St. Anthony Juniors. In
1909 they formed the Athletic "Thomas"
Club and a year later Assembly 78, was
founded which wa -.warded many champion
trophies by the Slo. sk Catholic Sokol organi-
zation.
The Bethlehem Sokols mindful of their
duty for Cod and Nation, when World War
I broke out, voluiteered for the service In
defense of their country. The records show
that on June 9, 1917, first nine Slovak volun-
teered for the service of Uncle Sam. There
were 93 Bethlehem Slovaks in the U.S. Army
and 16 in U.S. Nevy during World War I.
George Silvay and John Nemcik paid the sup-
reme sacrifice. The World War II gave a re-
cord number of young men and women to the
service of their country and also during the
Korean conflict anf' the present War in Viet-
nam.
And the Sokol organizations trained these
men to be brave soldiers and loyal to their
great country-the beloved U.S.A. Zdar BohI
Your Editor,
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PROVID-
ING "SUPPOR I"' TO THAI TROOPS
IN LAOS
Mr. CASE. Mr. President, it is more in
sorrow than in anger that I report a glar-
ing inconsistency in the administration
position on the funding of Thai troops
in Laos.
On July 15 I I eneved an unclassified
letter from the State Department ' which
says that support for Thai "irregular"
troops in Laos Ls being supplied under
our military aid program for Laos.
This admission directly contradicts
testimony given by Secretary of Defense
Laird on June 14 before the Senate For-
eign Relations Committee.
I believe it also violates the Fulbright
amendment which forbids the use of De-
partment of Defense money for funding
foreign mercenaries in Laos.
During the Julie 14 hearing I asked
Secretary Laird:
The military assistance program won't take
care of the moneys ?,eing spent for regular or
irregular Thai troops in Laos; that comes
from somewhere else.
He replied:
That Is correct. The military assistance
program will not fund that program.
I continued:
In other words, you are not going to use
'military assistance or military credit sales
in the future for mercenaries or other third-
country military forces. This is not done now
and you do not propose to do it in the fu-
ture out of military assistance programs?
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Secretary Laird answered: sent that my letter to the State Depart- have been taking the brunt of North Viet-
No; the military assistance program is not ment on the Thai troops In Laos, a Wash- namese attacks in north asaos.
used for that purpose and will not be Used irigtori Star article, and the State De- Lao military sources said Premier Sou
for that purpose. partment's reply be included in the REC- vanna Phouma himself eyuested additional
And later, Secretary Laird said: ORD. help for Vang Pao, who lost most of his able-
We can only provide excess military equip- There being no obiection, the material bodied Meos in action.
ment to countries that have been Meanwhile, Thai troops in North Laos are
'
approved W&s ordered to be printed in the RECORD, taking serious casualtle::, now estimated at
for funding in. the military assistance pro- as folaows:.
gram. 7e0 killed in action, over half of them this
Icon. WILLIAM P. ROGERS, JUNE 21, 1971. year.
I asked: The high casualties were caused because
They cannot be used for irre ular trop s? Secretary of State, the Thais, with some bravery, made infantry
g p Department of State, charges up the hill slope; at Ban Na on the
He answered: Washington, D.C. edge of the Plain of Jars against dug-in Viet-
That is correct; military assistance is fur- DEAR MR. SECRETARY: I am enclosing namese machine gunneis. Lao troops who
nshed only to governments. Tammy Arbuckle's June 15 article from the did not expose themselve-; to fire in the same
Washington Star which reports that the Ad- action, suffered few casualties. "We did not
Yet a month later on July 15 the State ministration is planning to circumvent pos- just charge up the hills like the Thais. We
Department wrote me: sible Congressional prohibitions on funds for were actin
ind
"
g
ependent) v,
said a source.
Support for these Thai irregulars is su Thal troops in Laps by supporting these Thailand's two battalions which took part
plied under the Lao military aid s is su troops with funds earmarked for assistance in the Ban Na attack were further decimated
pp
which, as you know, is funded through the of Thailand. by three accidental U.S. sir strikes on them.
Department of Defense budget as "Military i would appreciate it if you would com- These U.S. errors tooUk place on April 1, April
Assistance Service Funded" (MASF) . ment on the points raised in Mr. Arbuckle's 4 and April 6 this year on That battalions
article and also answer the following ques- 904 and 600.
Secretary Laird's testimony may pos- tions: Thirty seriously wounded Thais were taken
sibly be semantically in accord with the I. Does the U.S. Government have any to Udorn hospital in northeast Thailand and Ile: from the Government that State Department letter if one were to assistance for Thaua dhwilll not be diverted 40 All told an estimatedtl0o Thasewere killed
accept that the military assistance pro- to Laos or Thai troops serving in Laos? on the slopes near Ban Na, where the in-
gram refers to only that part of mili- 2. What procedures does the U.S. Govern- cidents happened.
tary assistance funded through the For- ment have to insure that assistance to That-
eign Assistance Act and not to "Military land is not diverted to Laos or to Thai troops DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Assistance, Service Funded." But since serving In Laos?
all military assistance to Laos and Thai- 3. Is there any statutory basis for the Ad- Hon Washington, D.C.. Ludy 15, 1971.
nI , P. CASE,
land is "Military Assistance, Service ministration to authorize Thialand to divert , Senate
assistance to Laos or That troops serving in W s goon, D.C.
Funded," this explanation would seem a Laos? ashi n
bit attenuated, especially in light of the 4. Does the Administration consider the DEAR SENATOR Cosy: The Secretary has
State Department's description of it as anti-guerrilla campaign in Northeast Thai- 1971, nc to reply to your letter of June 2y
the "Lao military aid program-funded land to be another front of the war in Laos? Tammy Arbuckle Washingion
through the Department of Defense
U.S. financial
5. Are there any limitations an the use by support for Thai forces operating in Laos
Budget as 'Military Assistance, Service the That Government of U.S. assistance? and posing questions about the Thal use of
Funded.' " Sincerely, U.S. military assistance.
I stated in a speech on May 20, 1971, CLIFFORD P, CASE, Since there are no Thai regular troops in
that I had learned "from, Gyv2nment U.S. Senator. Laos, we presume reference is being made
sources tat learned
are four to six thou- to the Thai volunteers wht, are operating in
sour Thai tether in Laos and the the (From the Washington Star, June 15, 1971] irregular guerrilla units in Laos under the
Government, through CIA, is paying for OUTWITTING SENATE To PAy THAI TROOPS command of the Royal Lao Armed Forces.
them," (By Tammy Arbuckle) S
der L military p upport for these irregulars is supplied un-
VIENTIANE,-The Nixon administration re- you tkn w,ois fundeda h ou R Ia the lDepartt-
I stand by that statement, and I am portedly has a new gimmick ready to pay for ment of Defense budget as "Military Assist-
glad we now have a, better idea of where Thai troops in Laos if the Senate prohibits ance, Service-Funded" (MASF). Under cur-
the money is coming from. funds for the Thais, informed sources here rent aion But the fundamental issue remains of , said. ppropriat
can be used to leg local forces c funds
Ili Laos.
the public's and the Congress' right to The gimmick is to hide payment to the' The Royal Thai Governmenthas not contof
know what is happening in the "Secret Thai troops serving in Laos to funds ear- or part In the dispensation of Lao MASF,
War" in Laos, After all, the U.S. taxpayer marked for Thailand itself. and no equipment, suppli+.s, or funds are
is financing activities in Laos to the tune "Formation of a force for antlguerrhla ac- provided to the Royal Thai Government for of at least $350 million annually
ti
vities
in northeast or northern Th
not t
il
,
0
a
will
be
and the mention the estimated $2 billion cost for heseTha sowill be sentstorLaosaand the
the air war over that country. The North money for that force will be used to pay for
Vietnamese and their allies certainly the Thais already serving in Laos."
know we are fighting them in Laos, so The sources had no doubt this scheme
why can the American people who are would succeed. They said that although
paying for it not have the same infor- many Thai regular units were used in Laos,
mation? the Thai government as a whole was not
fully
An important first step would be for The U.S. informed of the situation,
the administration to facilitate publiea- sources, makesolump sum payments ortbri es accordin the
tion of the Senate Foreign Relations high-ranking members of the Thai army and
Committee's staff report on Laos Which is government for the use of these units.
currently being delayed because of ad- Some units are totally recruited from
ministration insistence that certain in- northeast Thailand, where Lao is the ethnic
formation, already reported in the press, tongue, using the same system.
be treated as classified. The administra That military comma des. Sources g gave tion apparently includes in this category response to questions on feelings among Lao
details concerning the Thal troops in military officials following statements in the
Laos, about which the State Department U.S. Senate about cutting the financing of
has Just written me, Thai troops.
I would welcome an administration "Now you can see why the (Lao) generals
White paper which gives all the details are not worried," sources said on the Senate
on Laos: What it costs? Who is fighting? . outcry.
What agreements have been made with Another Lao source said "you must under-
foreign governments; and of course most stand we need the Thane e
importantly, when will it all end? None of the ant g to Gen was willing
. Pao, to
Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- send Military Regieon commander wiehoss
As you may recall, I haveVrnedejfother com-
ments on the subject of Thal forces In Laos
in my letter of May 19, 1971 to you.
Military assistance to Thailand, both for-
merly Under the Foreign Assistance Act, and,
more recently, under service-icinding
(MASF), has been furnished for the purpose
of contributing to the defense of Thailand,
Including its internal security. The limita-
tions on the use by the Thai Government of
U.S. assistance are stated In the agreements
between the V.S. and Thailand respecting
provision of military assistance. In particular
the Agreement of October 17, 1950, TIAS
2434. The Agreement includ+ , undertakings
by the Government of Thailand. to use mili-
t
the ary assistance provided by the U.S. only for
except uw with the prior which
of the Gov-
ernment of the U.S. and to retain title to
and possession and control or any material,
unless the Government of the U.S. shall
otherwise consent.
The limitation In the 1950 agreement Is
reinforced by the Military Procurement Au-
thorization Act of 1970. PI,-i1-441. Section
502, which applies to the question of the
Administration's ability to consent to a
transfer by Thailand of U.S.-supplied mili-
tary assistance to another country. The Act
provides. that no defense article may be fur-
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nished to Vietnamese and other free world
forces in Vietnam or to local forces in Laos
and Thailand with funds authorized for use
of the U.S. Armed Forces (i.e., MASF, the
current basis for funding such 'military
assistance) unless the government con-
cerned-in this case Thailand-shall have
agreed that it will not, without the consent
of the President, transfer the article, permit
its use by anyone not an officer of the gov-
ernment, or use or permit its use for pur-
poses other than those for which it was
furnished.
The Act provides that, when the article
is no longer needed for the purposes for which
it was furnished, it will be returned to the
U.S. unless the President consents to an-
other disposition. The Act further provides
that 'before the President may give his con-
sent to a transfer or new use he must provide
written notice to the Speaker of the House
and the President of the Senate 16 days
in advance of his proposed action.
There is accordingly no Statutory or in-
ternational agreement authorization for
Thailand unilaterally to divert assistance re-
ceived under Thai MASF to the Government
of Laos or to the That volunteers in irregu-
lar forces operating in Laos. No unauthorized
or authorized diversion of Thai MASF has
occurred nor are there plans for any such
move. I can assure you that we do take
precautions against such diversion. Military
assistance to That forces in Thailand is
carefully monitored. Requirements for mili-
tary assistance are developed In the field by
the MAAG In consultation with our Embassy
in Bangkok and the Ambassador. These re-
quirements are validated at CINOPAC and
forwarded to Washington. In Washington
they pare jointly reviewed by the Departments
of Defense and State before programs are
finally approved. Close interdepartmental
On July 2, Congressman FRANK THOMP-
soN of New Jersey and I held hearings on
this legislation. Among those testifying,
all of whom were either involved in folk
culture or dedicated leaders in its pro-
motion and support, were Vine Deloria,
Jr., author of "Custer Died for Your
Sins," Johnny Shines, a modern blues
guitarist from Alabama, and Dewey
Ealfa, a Cajun fiddler from Louisiana.
This hearing dramatized the need to in-
vest in our human resources, in the qual-
ity, range, and talent of Americans,
much as we invest in our other natural
resources. I ask unanimous consent that
the text of that hearing be printed in the
RECORD.
There being no objection, the tran-
script was ordered to be printed in the
RECORD, as follows:
AMERICAN FOLKLIFE FOUNDATION HEARING,
JULY 2, 1971
Senator HARRIS. I welcome you to this "Folk
Hearing" on legislation which Congressman
Thompson (D., N.J.) and I and others have
lntr;,duced to create an American Folklife
Foundation.
These hearings will be transcribed and
printed in the Congressional Record for use
in connection in the official hearings held in
the Senate and the House.
I would first like to thank S. Dillon Rip-
ley, Secretary of Smithsonian Institution,
and other officials of the Smithsonian Insti-
tuti-n for making it possible for us to con-
duct this hearing as a part of the Smith-
sonian Institution's 1971 Festival of Ameri-
can Folklife.
The bill which Congressman Thompson
and I have introduced would create an Amer-
ican Folklife Foundation within the Library
tends to follow, existing laws. We are con- public support would be lent to a wide rang-
cerned with effectively implementing the ing effort designed to foster both a broader
Nixon Doctrine which would encourage Asian and deeper understanding of this country's
regional cooperation. One example of such rich folklife. This festival, Itself, may I say, is
cooperation is the assistance which the Thai an putstanding example of an effort which
Government and That individuals are provid- the American Folklife Foundation could
ing to Laos. This assistance reflects a gen- support.
uine Thai interest in its neighbor. Thailand I have a special interest in American In-
shares a 1,090 mile border with Laos and has d,ans, American, English dialects and in
a natural concern over the Impact that blue grass music, but I am interested in all
developments in.that country may have upon aspects of American Folklife culture. I am
Thailand's own security. very much interested in this effort here that
You asked about .the relationship between has been going on at the Smithsonian for
the anti-guerrilla campaign in Northeast
Thailand and the war In Laos. The Thai
counterinsurgency campaign in Northeast
Thailand is an internal defense effort and
not another front of the war in Laos. How-
ever, this is not to deny the obvious-name-
ly, that the unstable situation along the
porous Lao/Thai border enhances the ability
of the Communists in Thailand to receive
materiel assistance from outside sources and
to use neighboring areas of Laos for sane-
tuary and training purposes. It should be
noted that the Thai Communist Party is
an independent entity and, as far as we are
aware, does not have any organizational con-
nections with the North Vietnamese Com-
munist Party or its offspring, the Laos Com-
munist Party.
r ,-,.-... aw- -- ......,rl.Aaa co fiafantnrv A.n-
Additionally, the American Folklife Foun-
dation could support scholars and field re-
searchers and thereby give us all a better
understanding of the cultural history of
America. But the purpose of this legislation
is not simply to know what was and then to
stare it in an archive to gather dust. Rather
we are interested in bringing the American
folklife of 200 years ago, as well as the folk-
life of 20 years ago and of today, to bear on
ewers LUyuur yuo~vava,o. -
Sincerely, The witnesses then we have today are
DAVID M. ARSHIRE, people that effectively promote our folk ctel-
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Lure, and I appreciate their willingness to
Relations, participate in this hearing and their dedi-
ated support of America's folklife.
AMERICAN FOLKLIFE
. FOUNDATION
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. President, on May 24,
1971, I introduced the American Folklife
Foundation Act to recognize and build
upon the vital role of folklife within
American culture,
the daily lives of today's Americans. While
we contemplate. pure academic research in
this bill, we also contemplate much more
than that. We contemplate dissemination
and preservation of America's folklife in such
a way that it can bring understanding and
perhaps even some wisdom to the decisions
that our people-both Individually and as a
I am Senator Fred Harris of Oklahoma and
the House sponsor of this bill is Representa-
tive Frank Thompson of New Jersey who will
now make an opening statement and pre-
sent our first panel.
Representative THOMrsoN. Thank you very
much, Senator. I join Senator Harris in my
enthusiasm for this and my gratitude to
those who have agreed to testify. We shall
July 28, 1971
first hear from Dr. David C. Sweet, Director
of Ohio Department of Development and
Ohio Supervisor of tie 1971 American Folk-
life Festival; Reverend Mel Klokow, a min-
ister of the Moravian Church In Ohio. His
congregation will conduct a Love Feast at
the festival, for which they are baking right
now; and Dr. Francs I7tley, Folklorist, Ohio
State University, Ger?tlcmen, we welcome you
indeed and are plea: ed you can be with us.
The Festival of Am!ierican Folklife has at-
tracted hundreds of thousands of people in
past years, and prove d the widespread grass-
roots interest. in the ethnic and folklore tra-
ditions of our nati-gyn. America has always
taken pride In the diversity of its people, and
the great contribution which many ethnic
and racial groups have made to our culture,
such as we have ju:;t seen in the Ohio ex-
hiblt. Many groups are represented. Building
a strong nation doe:; not require the sacri-
fice of cultural diversity and Individuality.
Quite the contrary, our nation will be the
stronger, the more we learn to appreciate and
value the many folkltfe traditions which
shape our culture.
The bill which is the subject of this hear-
ing is designed to develop, promote, and im-
plement a broadly c+rnceived national policy
of support for American folkltfe. The defini-
tion of American folklife contained in the
bill indicates the broads area of our national
heritage which the bill encompasses. It reads:
(a) the term "American folklife" means
the traditional cu;;tones, beliefs, dances,
songs, tales, saying!:. art, crafts, and other
expressions of the spirit common to a group
of people within any area of the United
States; the term Includes, but is not limited
to, music (vocal and instrumental), dance,
drama, lore, beliefs, language, humor, handi-
craft, painting, scuil,tlire, architecture, oth-
er forms of creative and artistic expression,
and skills related to the preservation., pres-
entation, performan? s. and exhibition of the
cultural heritage of any family, ethnic,
religious, occupational, racial, regional, or
other grouping of American people;
This Folklife Festival is a fine example of
one type of activit, which the legislation
would promote and support. The bill would
also provide for a rumber of other things,
which the Senator has mentioned:
(a) research, scholarship and training in
American folkltfe:
(b) a national Archive for the collection
of creative works, handicrafts, objects of
art, films, audio recordings, and other records
which represent or illustrate some aspect of
American Folklife:
(c) The production of films, exhibitions,
and displays which represent or Illustrate
some aspect of Ameilean folklife:
(d) dissemination of information on folk-
life traditions and art: by the broadcasting
of appropriate films and by loaning displays
and exhibitions to museums, schools, and
other groups:
(e) the production of materials specifically
designed for use in classrooms, to be made
available to educational institutions:
(f), the support of live performances, and
workshops.
American Folklife has a fundamental im-
pact on the beliefs and values of our peo-
ple. It is appropriate, therefore, for the Fed-
eral Government to act now in developing a
program of support for preserving and dis-
seminating our folklife traditions and arts.
Now we shall h,.ar from Dr. David C.
Sweet.
Dr. DAVID C. SWEET: Senator Harris,
Representative Thompson, thank you. The
Department of Development is charged with
the responsibility of making effective use of
Ohio's resources to achieve economic devel-
opment in the state. Business and industry
assess the quantity and quality of a wide
variety of a state's resources in their decision
to invest capital in new or expanded facilities.
We have learned that the most important
resource a state can possess is Its human
resources-the quality, range and talent of
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