TEMPORARY CONTINUATION COMMITTEE 
CONFERENCE ON INTER-AMERICAN RELATIONS 
IN THE 
FIELD OF EDUCATION 
MINUTES OF MEETING OF 
FEBRUARY 2 AND 3, 1940 TEMPORARY CONTINUATION COMMITTEE CONFERENCE 
• • • 
ON INTER-AMERICAN RELATIONS IN THE 
FIELD OF EDUCATION 
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY S AND 3, 1940 
Room 474- 
Department of State 
Department of State 
April 1940 MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE TEMPORARY CONTINUATION 
COMMITTEE OF THE CONFERENCE ON INTER-AMERICAN 
RELATIONS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION 
The Continuation Committee of the Conference on Inter- 
American Relations in the Field of Education met in 
Washington on February 2 and 3, 1940, under the leadership 
of George F. Zook, to assess and interpret the findings of 
the Conference, to give careful consideration to the recom- 
mendations and resolutions of the six discussion groups of 
that body, and to consider the problem of what permanent 
agencies were best designed to carry forward a coordinated 
program of educational interchange with the other American 
republics. 
Present at the two-day deliberations were; 
Harold Benjamin, Professor of Education and 
Dean of the College of Education, 
University of Maryland. 
Allen C# Blaisdell, Director, International House, 
Berkeley, California, 
Lloyd E. Blauch, Consultant in Inter-American 
Educational Relations, United States 
Office of Education. 
The Reverend Harold Carroll, representing 
Monsignor Ready of the National Catholic 
Welfare Council. 
. Ben M. Cherrington, Chief, Division of Cultural 
Relations, Department of State. 
Donald F. Christy, Chief, Division of Foreign 
Agriculture and Agricultural Relations, 
Office of Foreign Agricultural Relations, 
Department of Agriculture. 
Bernice B. Cronkhite, Dean, Radcliffe College. 
Hugh S. Gumming, Director, Pan American Sanitary 
Bureau. 
William D. Cutter, Secretary, Council on Medical 
Education and Hospitals, 
American Medical Association. ?y 
Stephen Duggan, Director, Institute of International 
Education. 
Edward 0. Ernst, Assistant Director, Fan American 
Sanitary Bureau. 
Edgar J. Fisher, Assistant Director, Institute of 
International Education. 
Ernesto Galarza, Chief, Division of Labor and 
Social Information, Pan American Union. 
Willard E. Givens, Executive Secretary, national 
Education Association. 
Clarence II. Haring, Chairman, Committee on Latin 
American Studies, American Council of 
Learned Societies. 
Rowland Haynes, President, University of Omaha, and, 
President, Association of Urban Universities. 
Isaac L. Kandel, Professor of Education, Teachers* 
College, Columbia University. 
Warren Kelchner, Chief, Division of International 
Conferences, Department of State. 
Fred J. Kelly, Chief, Division of Higher Education, 
United States Office of Education. 
Waldo G. Leland, Director, American Council of 
Learned Societies. 
Martin R. P. McGuire, Dean of the Graduate School, 
Catholic University of America. 
Carl H. Milam, Secretary, American Library Association. 
The Right Reverend John F. 0!Ha.ra, Auxiliary Bishop 
of the Army and Navy. 
Richard Pattee, Division of Cultural Relations, 
Department of State. 
Harry H. Pierson, Division of Cultural Relations, 
Department of State. Sherwood D. Shank],and, Secretary, American 
Association of School Administrators, 
National Education Association. 
Guy Eo Suavely, Secretary, Association of 
American Colleges. 
Lee E. Sutton,•Dean, Medical College of Virginia. 
Charles A. Thomson, Assistant Chief, Division of 
Cultural Relations, Department of State. 
John H. Tigert, President, University of Florida, 
and President, National Association of 
State Universities. 
George A. Works, Dean of Students, 
The University of Chicago. 
Evan E. Young, Vice President, Pan American Airways. 
George F. Zook, President, American Council 
on Education. 
SUMMARY 
At the morning session on February 2, the Committee 
reviewed briefly the work of the Conference. It heard 
statements from the chairmen of the section committees on 
Scholarships and Fellowships, Curriculum and Courses, 
Hospitality, Publications, Medical Education, and Primary 
and Secondary Education, concerning significant develop- 
ments in their particular fields since the Conference. In 
addition, it received a statement on Agricultural Education. 
The Committee then gave preliminary consideration to the 
problem of committee structure to carry forward the recom- 
mendations and proposals of the Conference. It heard re- 
ports on the work done to date by the Continuation Com- 
mittees of the Conferences on Inter-American Relations 
in the Fields of Art, Music, and Publications and 
Libraries. The Committee then began detailed consider- 
ation of the recommendations submitted by the six discus- 
sion groups on the final day of the Conference. 
The afternoon session on February 2 was devoted to a 
discussion of the most practical way of putting into effect the recommendations of the Conference discussion groups 
and other proposals submitted for its consideration* 
These concerned the development of additional fellowship 
opportunities; stimulation of more adequate educational 
facilities for Latin American studies in universities 
and colleges, secondary and elementary schools, and adult 
education; adjustment programs for foreign students; 
more effective presentation in the United States of works 
of scholars and writers in the other American republics 
through educational journals and publications of learned 
societies in this country; the development of cooperative 
projects in the field of medical education and research; 
and cooperation in agricultural education. 
At its final session on February 3, the Committee 
reviewed the discussion of the previous sessions and 
passed the following resolutions; 
4 
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 
That the responsibility for developing additional 
fellowship opportunities be referred to the Institute of 
International Education. 
LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES 
That the responsibility for stimulating more adequate 
educational facilities for Latin American Studies in 
universities and colleges, secondary and elementary schools, 
and adult education be assumed by appropriate organizations 
and that the Division of Cultural Relations of the Depart- 
ment of State be empowered to approach such organizations 
with the request that they conduct activities in this field. 
HOSPITALITY 
That the administration of adjustment programs for 
foreign students be delegated to the Continuation Com- 
mittee recently organized by Section III of the Conference, 
that said Committee be related to the Institute of Inter- 
national Education, and that the creation of an advisory 
council be left to the decision of the Hospitality 
Continuation Committee. PUBLICATIONS 
That the recommendations of Group IV, concerning the 
possibilities of more effective presentation in the 
United States of works of scholars and writers in the other 
American republics through educational journals and pub- 
lications of learned societies in this country, be referred 
to the Committee on Report and Recommendations of the 
Conference on Inter-American Relations in the Field of 
publications and Libraries and that that Committee add 
one or two representatives of Group IV to its membership* 
MEDICAL EDUCATION 
That the recommendations of Group V, for the develop- 
ment of cooperative projects with the other American 
republics in the field of medical and allied education 
and research, be delegated to the Continuation Committee 
in Medicine and Allied Fields, authorized by Group V and 
now in the process of formation, and that its activities 
be related to the Pan American Sanitary Bureau* 
AGRIGUL TURAL EDUCATI ON 
That a committee for cooperation in agricultural 
education be created, such committee to be associated 
with the United States Department of Agriculture* 
OTHER FIELDS OF EDUCATION 
That the Division of Cultural Relations of the 
Department of State be authorized to enlist the support 
of appropriate organizations in other fields of edu- 
cational activity, such as engineering, where sufficient 
interest is in evidence* 
CORRELATION OF ACTIVITIES 
That provisions for the correlation of the various 
bodies to whom activities in inter-American relations 
in the field of education have been delegated by this 
Committee be referred to the General Advisory Committee 
of the Division of Cultural Relations of the Department 
of State and that said Committee be enlarged to become 6 
more widely representative of the groups involved. 
The Temporary Continuation Committee of the Con- 
ference on Inter-American Relations in the Field of 
Education then dissolved. 
MORNING SESSION 
February 2 
In welcoming those in attendance, Dr, (Sherrington 
expressed the appreciation of the Department of State 
for their sacrifice of valuable time and the diligent 
effort devoted by members of the Committee toward bring- 
ing about better understanding between the peoples of 
the Western Hemisphere through the development of a 
reciprocal program of educational interchange between 
the United States and the other American republics. 
Dr. Cherrington outlined briefly the underlying 
philosophy which had led the Department to create the 
Division of Cultural Relations# The Division, 
Dr. Oherrington said, ha.d been created 
for the three-fold purpose of afford- 
ing to private initiative i£ie good of- 
fices of the Government in making more 
effective international activities of 
a cultural nature, of acting as a co- 
ordinating agency in order to eliminate duplication of 
effort, and of unifying the cultural activities of the 
various Government agencies participating in programs 
of cooperation with foreign countries. 
Functions of 
the Division 
of Cultural 
Relations 
Dr, Oherrington then sketched briefly the history 
of the Division* In the formulation of its program, he 
added, it was suggested at first that a 
large national committee be set up to ad- 
vise the Department on the best methods of 
achieving the purposes for which the 
Division had been created. It was later decided, however, 
to organize a small committee composed of outstanding 
leaders in the cultural life of the United States* This 
committee, in consultation with officers of the Depart- 
ment explored what was being done in the field of inter- 
national cultural relations in order to arrive at a 
point of departure from which the Department might initiate 
efforts toward making existing facilities more effective 
and bringing about their gradual expansion. 
Point of 
departure 7 
The decision was then reached to invite leaders in 
the various fields of cultural effort to attend a series 
of four conferences in Washington devoted 
to inter-American relations in the fields 
of art, music, education, and publications 
and libraries. These conferences, it was 
felt, would afford opportunities for representatives of 
national organizations, institutions, foundations, and 
individuals to compare programs, assay facilities in 
their particular fields, plumb the resources for effective 
interchange with similar groups in the other American 
republics, and lay the groundwork for a long range program 
of inter-American cooperation. Invitations were extended 
by the Secretary of Sta.te and on October 11 ana 13, 1939, 
some 150 leaders in the field of art discussed the pos- 
sibilities of inter-American cooperation through the medium 
of art. On October 18 and 19, 1939, approximately 150 
leaders in the field of music discussed interchange with 
the other American republics. The Conference on Inter- 
American Relations in the Field of Education, attended by 
over 600 persons, followed. The final conference, devoted 
to inter-American relations in the field of publications 
and libraries was held on November 39 and 30, 1939, Over 
300 leaders in those allied fields were in attendance. 
Purpose of 
conferences 
Each conference created a continuation committee to 
consider the recommendations of the conference and to 
devise ways and means of putting into ef- 
fect the proposals it deemed practicable 
and capable of completion* As the continu- 
ation committees of each conference were of 
a temporary nature, this, Dr. Oherrington said, led to the 
problem of whether these bodies, having considered the 
proposals of the conferences and having recommended those 
which they considered best designed to bring about effec- 
tive inter-American cooperation, should cease to exist or 
be reorganised and continued on a more permanent basis. 
Continuation 
Committees 
Dr. Oherrington pointed out that in 1939 the Congress 
had passed an Act authorizing the President to render 
closer and more effective the relationship 
between the American republics. This Act, 
he added, authorizes the President, sub- 
ject to such appropriations as are made 
available, to utilize the services of the departments, 
agencies, and independent establishments of the Government 
in carrying out the obligations of treaties, conventions, 
Advisory 
Committees 8 
and other agreements proposed at the Buenos Aires Conference 
in 1936 and the Lima Conference in 1938 which have been rati- 
fied by this Government. The President is further autho- 
rized in this Act to create such advisory committees as in 
his judgment may be of assistance in carrying out these 
obligations. Individuals appointed to such committees may 
not receive compensation for their services but may receive 
actual transportation expenses and per diem allowances not 
to exceed $10 in lieu of subsistence and other expenses 
while absent from their homes in the service of the Depart- 
ment of State, While no appropriations have yet been made 
for this purpose, Dr. Chorrington stated that it was hoped 
funds would soon be made available by the Congress. 
Mrs, James reported briefly on the activities to date 
of the Organizing Committee of the Conference on Inter- 
American Relations in the Field of Music. 
At its initial meeting in January, Mrs. James 
said, the Committee had recognized the urgent 
need for a central clearinghouse to coordinate 
the activities of various musical organizations and to pro- 
mote closer relationships in the field of music between the 
Americas. Such a clearinghouse would be initially consti- 
tuted as an agency of the Music Organizing Committee. Vari- 
ous subcommittees had been appointed to deal with specific 
problems in the fields of music library exchange, music 
education, community and recreational music, radio, music 
recording, moving pictures amd music, music management and 
concert interchange, and music copyright and publishing. A 
subcommittee was appointed to consult with one or more 
philanthropic and possibly commercial institutions as to the 
most desirable, way of setting up a musical clearinghouse 
and after these steps have been taken to submit to the 
Music Organizing Committee a memorandum covering in general 
form the administration, necessary staff, and approximate 
budget for the proper operation of such a clearinghouse 
over a given period of time. Mrs. James also announced 
that Dr. William Berrien, Chairman of the Music Organizing 
Committee had been granted a leave of absence at full 
salary from Northwestern University in order to devote full 
time to the formulation of a coordinated program of inter- 
American musical interchange. 
Mus i c 
Conference 
Dr. Leland outlined the activities of the Committee 
on Report and Recommendations of the Conference on Inter— 
American Relations in the Field of Publi- 
cations and Libraries. This Committee, he 
stated, was preparing a digest of the con- 
ference proceedings and would at a later 
-date meet to make its recommendations to 
the Department of State. The Committee regarded itself, 
Conference on 
Publi cations 
and Libraries he added, as of a temporary nature# It would "bring to- 
gether what had "been said at the conference and, upon 
the basis of its findings, submit certain recommendations 
for the furtherance of inter-American relations in these 
fields for the guidance of the Department# 
Hr. Thomson outlined briefly the work of the Con- 
ference on Inter-American Relations in the Field of 
Art and stated that the Continuation 
Committee of that Conference would meet 
in Washington on February 15 and 16, 1940. 
Art 
Conference 
There then followed a brief discussion of the two 
divergent views: (l) whether the conference continua- 
tion committees were appointed merely 
to report to the Department of State 
and recommend for its guidance what 
should be done in a particular field 
of cultural cooperation with the other 
American republics, or (2) whether such 
committees should be continued as coordinating factors 
in guiding private initiative in international intel- 
lectual cooperation* 
Shall Continu- 
ation Committees 
be Permanent 
or Temporary? 
Dr, Duggan explained the function of the Subcom- 
mittee on Exchange Fellowships and Professorships in 
assisting the Department of State in the administration 
of the Convention for the Promotion of 
Inter-American Cultural Relations. This 
treaty, he explained, had been ratified 
by the United States and twelve of the 
other American republics. It provides 
for the annual exchange of two graduate 
students or teachers and one professor 
between each of the ratifying countries. 
The Subcommittee, Dr. Duggan said, had drawn up a set 
of standards upon which applicants for the exchange posts 
might be judged and acted as a committee on selection in 
the evaluation of the applications received. 
Functions of 
Subcommittee 
on Exchange 
Fellowships 
and Profes- 
sorships 
The Committee then began to give detailed consider- 
ation to the recommendations of the six discussion groups 
which had met on the second day of the Conference (Novem- 
ber 10, 1939) to consider specific problems in the develop- 
ment of programs of educational interchange with the 
other American republics. The recommendations of Group I, composed of executive 
authorities of educational institutions who met to discuss 
ways and means of stimulating greater ex- 
changes of students, teachers, and profes- 
sors, the methods of financing such ex- 
changes and related problems were considered 
first, This group had recommended: 
Increasing 
lellowship 
opportunities 
1. That descriptive and fully informative literature, 
in the Spanish and Portuguese languages be dis- 
tributed in the other American republics in order 
that citizens of those countries might be ade- 
quately informed concerning the educational facili 
ties available in the United States. 
2. That the Institute of International Education 
appoint a committee to canvass possible donors 
with a view to increasing the number of fellow- 
ships and scholarships available for inter— 
American exchanges. 
3. That the spread of information in each American 
republic be facilitated and that the United States 
legations and embassies be aided in every feasible 
way to make available as widely as possible in- 
formation concerning educational activities and 
trends in the Western Hemisphere. 
With reference to descriptive literature published in 
the Spanish and Portuguese languages concerning educational 
facilities in the United States, Dr. Duggan reported that 
ho had requested Nicholas Murray Butler, 
President of the Ohrnogie Endowment for 
International Peace, to publish in Spanish 
the Guide Book for Foreign Students in the 
United States issued by the Institute of International 
Education. Dr. Leland suggested sending United States 
college catalogs annually to centers in the other American 
republics. Mr. Pierson reported that this was now Doing 
done. He added that the Department of State was working 
in collaboration with the Office of Education in the 
distribution of catalogs through a number of American 
consular and diplomatic offices in the other American 
republics. The Department had sent circular instruc- 
tions, Mr. Pierson said, to American diplomatic and 
consular offices asking where collections of North Ameri- 
can college catalogs might best be set up. Eleven posts 
Descriptive 
Literature ha d indicated places where the catalogs might "be dis- 
played in order to assure that they would be seen and 
examined by the largest number of persons possible. 
The Office of Education, he said, had requested 145 
colleges in the United States to send their catalogs 
to the places indicated and added that the colleges had 
responded very favorably. Dr. Zook stated that the book 
American Universities and Colleges, published by the 
American Council on Education, was sent to American 
diplomatic offices abroad. 
Arrangements to facilitate the spread of information 
concerning educational activities and trends in the other 
American republics were now getting under way, Mr. Pierson 
said. He added that American diplomatic and 
consular offices in these countries had re- 
ceived instructions to make reports on in- 
stitutions of higher learning in their dis- 
tricts and that the file of such reports was almost complete. 
Dr. Leland corroborated the statements of Mr. Pierson, add- 
ing that during his trip through South America last summer 
he had found that at least one member of each mission had 
been assigned to survey educational developments in that 
district and that these men were extremely well informed 
concerning educational trends in those countries. Dr. Kelly 
stated that information of a technical nature was available 
at the Office of Education. He added, however, that in 
view of the cost involved a definite policy had not yet 
boon established by the Federal Security Agency concerning 
the printing and distribution of this material among 
interested groups and individuals throughout the United 
States. Dr. Duggan stated that cultural institutes in many 
of the other American republics had available facilities for 
the distribution of information of this nature. Mr. Thomson 
suggested that the Committee might wish to indicate to the 
Department specific services Foreign Service officers in 
the other American republics might perform which would 
make it easier to inform interested persons in this country 
concerning educational developments and trends in the other 
American republics. 
Educational 
trends 
Dr. Duggan pointed out that the number of fellowships 
and scholarships available for inter-American exchanges had 
increased materially in the past few years. 
The Institute of International Education was 
canvassing colleges and universities for 
scholarships and fellowships with consider- 
able success. He added that additional funds 
it was hoped, would be made available by individuals inter- 
ested in the promotion of such exchanges. Dr. Leland 
Fellowships 
and Scholar- 
ships outlined the steps which had been taken by various organi- 
zations and institutions to provide scholarship and fellow- 
ship opportunities in the United States for students from 
the other American republics. Most colleges and universi- 
ties, he added, because of the expenses involved were un- 
able to provide more than tuition scholarships. The im- 
mediate need, he said, was to secure funds to defray the 
coots of travel and living expenses for visiting students 
in order that they might be able to take advantage of the 
tuition scholarships and fellowships now offered by col- 
leges and universities in this country. 
Dr. Duggan expressed the opinion that scholarships 
and fellowships should be offered for study and research 
in United States colleges and universities rather than 
for in-service training in business establishments in the 
United States. The emphasis, he added, should be on 
graduate students. Funds for such exchanges should be 
provided by the large foundations. 
This led to a discussion of the types of persons who 
should he afforded opportunities to study abroad. Dr. Zook 
was of the opinion that arrangements should 
be made for the exchange of teachers in 
secondary schools and school executives. 
He thought that we could learn much from 
schools in the other American republics 
and they in turn had much to learn from us. 
Several members of the Committee expressed 
interest in the establishment of facilities for the exchange 
of undergraduates and secondary school teachers. In view of 
the fact that little provision had been made for satisfactory 
living accommodations at colleges and universities in the 
other American republics it was thought by many that for 
the present at least large exchanges of undergraduates should 
not be encouraged. Dr. Duggan stated that it was the 
opinion of many who had had years of experience in inter- 
national student exchanges that students should receive 
their academic training in their own country. 
Should ex- 
changes he 
limited to 
graduate 
level? 
Dr, Duggan cautioned the Committee that the fields 
of study in the other American republics in which Forth 
American students might profitably engage 
arc limited and that that problem had best 
be squarely faced. He was trying, he added, 
to stimulate universities in the other 
American republics to offer scholarships 
and fellowships to students from this country, but that 
an even exchange at the present time could not be 
Opportunities 
in other Ameri- 
can Republics anti cipated* He thought that before a student from the 
United States should attempt to do advanced study in the 
other American republics he should first have a clear 
picture of what was available there. A very pressing 
need, Dr. Duggan said, was for the publication of material 
in English outlining in detail the opportunities for study 
in the other American republics which would be readily 
available to the United States student planning to do ad- 
vanced study there. 
AFTERNOON MEETING 
February 2 
At the afternoon session on February 2, the Committee 
gave consideration to the recommendations of the Conference 
discussion Groups II, III, IV, and V. 
Group II, composed of curriculum authorities, de- 
partment heads, and professors, who met to discuss and 
compare programs for academic and pub- 
lic education in inter-American affairs, 
had recommended: 
!• That the study of the Spanish, Portuguese 
and French languages be increased in the primary 
and secondary schools, and colleges and uni- 
versities in the United States. 
2. That the United States Commissioner of Education 
bring to the attention of the proper authorities 
responsible for the conduct of education in the 
various states the desirability of a greatly in- 
creased program for the teaching of these languages 
and that these authorities be asked to submit con- 
certed suggestions concerning (a) the manner in 
which an increase in these disciplines might be 
effected within their present organizations, and 
(b) what provisions might be made for the beginning 
of the study of modern foreign languages on the 
level of the elementary school. 
Latin American 
studies 
Dr. Kelly stated tnat the teaching ol loreign languages 
was considered at a recent meeting of the chief State school 
officers, hut that, owing to the plan of 
school organization in the States general- 
ly, local school systems should he approached 
regarding instruction in foreign languages. 
Mrs. James said that the Pan American Union would soon issue 
Study of for- 
eign languages a statistical report on instruction in Latin American 
studies in our colleges and universities. 
Dr. Benjamin stated that in the section of the Novenv- 
ber conference which dealt with these problems there was 
some difference of opinion with respect to the desirability 
of increasing the teaching of foreign languages* Many were 
of the opinion, he said, that a teacher of a foreign 
language should study and live at least one year in the 
country whose language he taught. Dr. Kandel stated that 
as a general rule teachers of Spanish were more concerned 
with the culture of Spain and that more emphasis needed to 
be placed on the intellectual achievements of Spanish 
America. Dean Cronkhite stated that graduate schools 
generally require a knowledge of French and German and 
for this reason undergraduates arc loss likely to study 
Spanish and Portuguese. She expressed the opinion that 
some effort should be directed to overcome this obstacle 
to the increased study of the languages of the other 
American republics. Dr. Benjamin stated that this was 
now being done in many schools. 
Mr. Blaisdell expressed the opinion that programs 
emphasizing the literature and other cultural achieve-* 
ments of the Americas should be 
stimulated in colleges and uni- 
versities in the United States. If 
this were adequately done, he added, 
students would logically be more 
inclined to study the languages of those countries. 
Following a report by Dr. Kelchner on the progress 
made in planning and organizing the Eighth Pan American 
Scientific Congress to be hold in Washington in May, the 
Committee considered methods by which it 
might cooperate in the work of the Sec- 
tion on Education of the Congress. 
Dr. Kandel indicated that the seven prin- 
cipal problems to receive consideration by 
the Section on Education of the Congress were (l) Educa- 
tion and National Culture; (2) What is a Liberal Education; 
(3) Current Educational Issues and Theories; (4) Problems 
of Higher Education; (5) The Education of the Adolescent; 
(6) Research in Education; and (?) Round taiole discussion 
of Educational Materials to Promote Understanding Between 
the American republics. 
Dr. Oherrington suggested the possibility of utiliz- 
ing the Congress in the formation of a confederation of 
Study of 
literature 
could stimulate 
interest in study 
of languages 
pan American 
Scientific 
Congress educators in the Americas• Mrs. James said that thought 
is being given to such an and that it was 
hoped that when the Bogota Inter-American Conference meets 
a definite proposal will be read}?-. 
Group III, composed of deans and advisers of men and 
women, directors of international houses and hospitality 
centers who met to discuss problems involv- 
ing the adjustment of students from abroad 
to their now environment and to formulate 
plans for more effective guidance and 
hospitality, had recommended: 
!• Approval of the initial membership of a Continu- 
ation Committee on the Adjustment of Foreign 
Students in the United States and of the appoint- 
ment of an Advisory Council. 
2. Consideration of a survey, including its financing, 
of organizations and agencies concerned with for- 
eign students, of the experience of foreign students 
now studying in the United States, of- the colleges 
and universities they attend, of existing facili- 
ties for assisting and counselling foreign students; 
and consideration of the publication and financing 
of a revised Guidebook for Foreign Students in the 
United States, in both English and Spanish editions. 
3. Consideration of the question of a loan fund and 
group health and accident insurance for foreign 
students. 
Mr. Fisher, after reviewing briefly a meeting held 
prior to the November Conference and several more recent 
meetings in New York City at which problems involving the 
adjustment of students from abroad had been discussed, 
suggested the names of persons who might be appointed to 
the Continuation Committee on the Adjustment of Foreign 
Students in the United States which had boon recommended 
by the Conference. Such a group, ho added, should contain 
at least one specialist in surveys. With reference to the 
survey recommended by the Conference, Dr. Fisher said that 
this study should cover the entire field rather than only 
the institutions having students from the other American 
republics. He suggested the preparation of a master list 
of persons interested in foreign students. He further ad- 
vocated the establishment of a service for students prior 
Student 
Orientation to their departure for the United States, the purpose of 
such a service being to assist the students in obtaining 
visas, and in other practical ways. This service, he 
stated, should be supplemented with facilities in the 
United States for assisting the student upon his arrival 
in this country and affording him guidance and counsel 
until he is enrolled and thereafter assisted by the 
hospitality group at the institution he attends. 
Group IV, composed of editors of journals of educa- 
tion and editors of journals of learned societies, authors 
and publishers, who discussed the pos- 
sibility of more effectively acquainting 
the United States with scholars and writers 
in the other American republics, had recommended: 
1. That a list of Latin American writers, classi- 
fied according to their fields of interest, be 
made generally available. 
2. That a classified list of periodicals and 
publishers in the other American republics 
be prepared and made generally available. 
3. That the possibility of implementing the 
second convention agreed upon at Buenos Aires 
in 1936 concerning the interchange of publica- 
tions between national libraries be investi- 
gated. 
4. That the whole problem of the sale of books, 
including credit facilities, in the other 
American republics be brought to the attention 
of publishers in the United States. 
5. That publishers in the other American republics 
be informed of the current interest in the 
United States in their publications and the 
desirability of having book exhibits from time 
to time in this country. 
It was reported that inasmuch as the recommendations 
of this section had been discussed at the Conference on 
Inter-American Relations in the Field of Publications and 
Libraries, held on November 29 and 30, 1939, it was thought 
advisable that the conclusions of Group IV be transmitted 
to the Committee on Report and Recommendations of the 
Conference on Inter—American Relations in the Field of 
Publications and Libraries for appropriate consideration. 
Publications ■17 
Group V, composed of representatives of medical and 
allied fields, who met to consider cooperative projects 
with the other American republics in 
the field of medical education and 
research, had recommended: 
1. That a study and analysis 
of medical education, medical schools, 
and research institutes in the American republics 
be undertaken* 
2. That the reciprocal exchanges of journals, 
bibliofilm and loan collections be undertaken. 
3. That a section Continuation Committee composed 
of representatives from the fields of Medicine, 
Tropical Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Public 
Health, Sanitary Engineering, Hospital Adminis- 
tration, and Vital Statistics, be created to 
explore these and other recommendations, and 
to advise on the selection of medical students 
and professors who apply for fellowships and 
professorships under the Convention for the 
Promotion of Inter-American Cultural Relations. 
Dr. Cutter reported that the Continuation Committee 
recommended by the Section was now in the process of forma- 
tion and would meet in the near future $o give detailed con- 
sideration to the proposals made at the Conference. General 
Gumming stated that he was informed that a large medical 
publishing house planned to publish some works in Spanish 
and that a beginning had been made in putting into effect 
some of the exchanges of journals and loan collections 
recommended by the Section. 
The question arose as to whether the interchange of 
medical students created a problem. Dr. Gutter replied 
that it gave rise to many problems® The exchanges, he 
said, should be on the graduate level, as exchanges at 
the undergraduate level were not feasible. Internships, 
Dr. Gutter said, would be available in the United States 
for well recommended graduates of medical schools in the 
other American republics. The problems of medical 
licensure, however, were great, he said. 
With respect to United States medical students wish- 
ing to do advanced study in the other American republics, 
Cooperation in the 
field of medical 
and allied educa- 
tion and research Dr, Cutter stated that this posed many problems* Latin 
American countries, he said, had validated European 
medical schools but not medical schools of the United 
States. It was difficult therefore, for our students 
to enter medical schools in the other American republics* 
Dr. Duggan stated that he had experienced difficulty 
in obtaining internships for foreign students in the 
United States. Dr. Gutter replied that the situation had 
changed materially in recent years. He stated that there 
were available in the United States about 1,000 more 
internships than there were medical graduates. Dr. Gumming 
stated that he had placed eight interns from Chile this 
year and that there was no difficulty in placing men in 
post graduate schools. 
FINAL SESSION 
February 3 
Group VI, composed of primary and secondary school 
administrators and teachers who met to discuss curriculum 
materials for Latin American 
studies and teacher exchanges, 
had recommended; 
1* The study of Latin American 
history in elementary and secondary 
schools, materials and procedures to be adapted 
to the respective levels. 
2 m The study of Spanish, Portuguese and French should 
be encouraged and in conjunction with such language 
study there should be the study of Latin American 
civilization. 
5. That a survey be made of the courses, projects, 
units, assembly programs, and other activities 
relating to Latin America. 
4. That a committee of competent persons be appointed 
to carry out this study and to make recommendations 
for the preparation of additional materials such 
as maps, motion pictures, text books, reading lists, 
bibliographies, translations, and anthologies* 
Curriculum materials 
for Latin American 
studies in primary 
and secondary schools 
5. That elementary and secondary school teachers and 
administrators, chosen with regard to their ability to represent their own culture and to appreciate 
sympathetically the culture of the other American 
republics, be included in any program of teacher 
exchanges. 
Mr. Galarza reported that this Section had organized 
the National Committee on Latin American Studies in 
Elementary and Secondary Schools which was outlining and 
developing the program recommended by the Conference. 
Members had been appointed to three State committees, and 
it was likely, he added, that six or seven state committees 
would be cooperating with the National Committee in the near 
future. Mr. Galarza listed the following activities pro- 
jected by the National Committee: 
1. Stimulation of the teaching of Spanish. 
2. Study of the problems in teaching Spanish to 
elementary and secondary school pupils. 
3. Preparation of teaching materials. 
4. Survey of books available for use in elementary 
and secondary schools. 
5. Survey of methods of organizing the curriculum 
in Latin American studies. 
Mr. Galarza explained that this committee desired to 
conduct its activities primarily from the point of view of 
the classroom. It did not wish, he said, to become a 
research group. The Committee, he indicated, had been set 
up as a permanent channel for the expression of classroom 
experience and enthusiasm. 
Mr. Shankland expressed the opinion that if a program 
of cooperation with the other American republics in the 
field of education was to receive the support of the 
American people generally it was necessary to reach the 
masses through the elementary and secondary schools. He 
suggested a number of organizations that should be taken 
into account. Among such organizations he listed the 
National Association of Secondary School Principals; the 
Society for Curriculum Construction; the National Council 
on Social Studies; the American Youth Commission; the Of- 
fice of Education; the Pan American Union; and the De- 
partment of Supervisors and Directors of Instruction, 
the Department of Elementary School Principals, and the 
Department of Classroom Teachers, of the National Educa- 
tion Association. Mr. Christy reported on the development of inter- 
American activity in the field of agriculture and 
agricultural instruction. The Department of Agriculture, 
he said, was interested in pro- 
moting the production of agri- 
cultural products which do not 
compete with domestic commodi- 
ties* He cited the dependence 
of the United States and the 
other American republics upon products which have reached 
a high degree of development in the East Indies, many of 
which are indigenous to the soil of this hemisphere* Among 
such products he cited quinine, insecticidal and medical 
plants, tropical fibers and rubber. 
The Department of Agriculture, Mr. Christy stated, 
was much interested in promoting agricultural education 
and research in tropical and semitropical America and 
had loaned numerous advisers to the American republics 
in these areas. He submitted the following proposals 
for the consideration of the Committee; 
1. Creation of a committee on agriculture to 
consider problems in til s field and to ad- 
vise concerning the activities of those 
institutions interested in inter-American 
agricultural education. 
2. Consideration of the proposal for an Institute 
of Tropical Agriculture as recently approved 
by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Co- 
operation with the other American republics. 
Dr. Zook, the presiding officer, summed up the 
previous discussion and laid before the Committee the 
question of apportionment of 
responsibilities, and the com- 
mittee framework to be created 
in carrying forward the recom- 
mendations of the Conference. 
Dr. Gherrington stated that the function of the 
Department in the field of cultural relations was 
primarily to facilitate better correlation of activi- 
ties and to serve as a clearing center for information 
among various groups, institutions and agencies concerned 
with the development of more effective international 
intellectual cooperation. The motivation of the program, 
Inter-Arnerican cooper- 
ation in the field of 
agriculture and agri- 
cultural instruction 
Apportionment of 
responsibilities Dr* Oherrington said, was found in the dynamic character 
of culture itself* The program, he added, should develop 
naturally and not be stimulated artificially. The four 
conferences on inter-American relations in the fields of 
art, music, education, and publications and libraries held 
in the fall, Dr. Oherrington said, were in accordance with 
this plan and purpose. 
The attitude of the Department of State in the formu- 
lation of policy in the field of cultural relations, 
Dr. Oherrington emphasized, was that the program must be 
the program of the people of the United States and not of 
the Government of the United States. The Government could 
be helpful and could assist, but the development of the 
program of cultural relations should arise from our people 
and t he i r inst ituti ons• 
The Committee then debated the question of the func- 
tions it had been created to perform. Two points of view 
were expressed. One was that the Conference 
on Inter-American Relations in the Field of 
Education had been called by the Department 
of State, the Conference had appointed the 
Committee, and the Committee had been called 
in meeting to advise the Department of State. The second 
view was that the Committee had been created to advise the 
various groups and organizations represented at the Con- 
ference. After some discussion it was decided that the 
functions of the Committee were to a,dvise the Department of 
State. This was put in the form of a formal motion which 
was passed. 
A second resolution was approved stating that the 
motions passed by the Committee would bo a part of a. 
report to be submitted to the Division of Cultural Rela- 
tions of the Department of State and that the auction of 
the Committee would be merely advisory. 
In considering the problem of committee structure to 
carry out the recommendations of the conference and ether 
proposals submi11ed for the Commi11oe1s 
consideration, Dr. Oherrington introduced 
a series of questions which, at the request 
of the Committee,had been prepared by the 
Division of Cultural Relations and which related to the 
question at hand. 
The first of these questions was: 
Functions of 
the 
Committee 
Committee 
framewo rk -33- 
What agency or agencies shall assume responsibility 
for developing the additional fellowship opportunities 
considered by Discussion Group I of the Conference? 
After some discussion it was the sense of the 
Committee that this responsibility should be assumed 
by the Institute of International 
Education. This was put in the 
form of a formal motion which was passed# 
The next question considered was: 
What organization or organizations shall be respon- 
sible for stimulating more adequate educational facili- 
ties for Latin American studies in (a) universities and 
colleges; (b) secondary and elementary schools; and (c) 
adult education? 
After a discussion of the various organizations and 
associations active in this field it was decided that in 
order to assure the greatest adminis- 
trative flexibility possible the 
Division of Cultural Relations of the 
Department of State should be empowered 
to enlist the support of appropriate 
organizations functioning at the various levels. Among 
the organizations mentioned were: The National Education 
Association, College and University Associations, Associa- 
tion of Adult Education, Committee on Latin American 
Studies, American Council on Education, and the Institute 
of International Education. 
A formal motion was then made and passed authoriz- 
ing- the Division of Cultural Relations of the Department 
of State to request appropriate organizations to assist 
in carrying out the recommendations of the Conference 
with respect to the stimulation of Latin American Studies 
at the various scholastic levels. 
The next question considered was; 
Shall the administration of adjustment programs for 
foreign students be delegated to the Continuation Commit- 
tee recently organized by Discussion Group III of the 
November Conference and, if so, to what organization or 
organizations shall the Committee be related? 
Fellowship 
Opportunities 
Stimulation of 
Latin American 
Studies Dr. Fisher moved that the administration of adjust- 
ment programs for foreign students he delegated to the 
Continuation Committee recently 
organized hy Section III, that 
the Committee he related to the 
Institute of International Education, and that the crea- 
tion of an advisory council he left to the decision of 
such committee* 
The motion was passed* 
The next question considered was: 
Shall the conclusions of Group IV he referred to 
the Committee on Report and Recommendations of the 
Conference on Inter-American Relations in the Field of 
Puhlications and Libraries, or should some other course 
he followed? 
Dr. Kandel moved that the recommendations of 
Group IV he so referred and that it he recommended that 
the Committee on Report and Recom- 
mendations add one or two represen- 
tatives of Group IV to its membership. The motion of 
Dr. Kandel was passed* 
The next question considered was: 
Shall, the recommendations of Group V and other 
activities in the field of medical and allied relations 
he delegated to the Committee authorized hy Group V now 
in the process of fornation and, if so, shall this com- 
mittee he related to some existing organization? 
Dr. Cutter moved that it he recommended that the 
Continuation Committee in Medicine and Allied Fields 
now in the process of forma- 
tion he continued and that its 
activities he related to the 
Pan American Sanitary Bureau. 
The motion was carried. 
The next question considered was: 
Shall a committee for cooperation in agricultural 
education he'created and, if so, shall it he related to 
some existing institution? 
Dr. Kelly moved that it he recommended that the 
Committeo for Cooperation in Agricultural Education 
he created and associated 
with the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture* 
The motion was passed* 
Orientation of the 
visiting student 
Publications 
Medical educat ion 
and research 
Cooperation in 
Agricultural Education The next question considered was; 
Shall committees be formed for cooperation in other 
fields of educational activity, such as engineering or 
coniine rc ial educati on? 
Mr. Pattee stated that the American Council on 
Engineering had indicated its interest in the possibili- 
ties of cooperation with the other 
American republics and would likely 
welcome the creation of such a 
Committee. After some discussion 
it was recommended that the Division of Cultural Relations 
of the Department of State be authorized to enlist the 
support of appropriate organizations in other fields of 
educational activity, such as engineering, where suffi- 
cient interest was in evidence. 
Other fields of 
educational 
activity 
The next question considered was; 
What provision, if any, should be made for the cor- 
relation of the various activities involved in the develoju 
rnent of a program of cooperation with the other American 
republics in the field of education? 
In the consideration of this problem the question 
arose as to whether the General Advisory Committee of 
the Division of Cultural Relations 
of the Department of State already 
in existence was not the proper agency 
for the correlation of activities in the field of inter- 
American educational cooperation* 
Correlation of 
activities 
Dr* Sherrington stated that with respect to educa- 
tional activities the advice of the Temporary Continua- 
tion Committee of the Conference on 
Inter-American Relations in the Field 
of Education would he helpful in 
determining the functions of the Gen- 
eral Advisory Committoo* The Department, Dr. Oherrington 
added, earnestly sought the wisest counsel available in 
the United States in the determination of policy and that 
it needed the services of an advisory body composed of 
individuals of recognized standing who commanded the 
rospe ct and confidence of leaders in all cultural fields. 
Need of counsel 
in determining 
policy 
After considerable discussion a motion was made 
by Dr. Haynes that the Temporary Continuation Committee ■25 
of the Conference on Inter-American Relations in the 
Field of Education recommend to the Department of State 
that the correlation of 
inter-American educational 
activities he referred to 
the General Advisory Com- 
mittee of the Division of 
Cultural Relations and that 
said Advisory Committee he 
enlarged to become more widely representative of the vari- 
ous agencies in the United States participating in programs 
of educational interchange with the other American republics. 
General Advisory Committee 
to assume responsibility 
for correlation of inter- 
American educational 
activities 
This motion, amended to include the recommendation 
that one or two representatives of business active in the 
other American republics be added to the membership of 
the General Advisory Committee, was passed. 
Motions were adopted thanking the Department of State 
for its initiative in calling the Conference on Education 
and the meeting of the Continuation Committee; and ex- 
pressing the appreciation of the Committee and the Depart- 
ment of State for the effective and efficient manner in 
which Dr. Sock had presided over the meeting of the Con— 
tinuation Cornmi11ee. 
On a rising vote the Committee instructed that its 
recommendations be submitted to the Department of State, 
and that the Temporary Continuation Committee of the Con- 
ference on Inter-American Relations in the Field of 
Education stood dissolved* 
10 
2