DEPARTMENT OF STATE
250 West 57 St.
New York, N.Y.

In reply refer to IE

November 16, 1949

Mrs. Isabella Greenway King
Operation Democracy, Inc.
369 Lexington Avenue
New York, N.Y.

Dear Mrs. King:

In answer to your request concerning "the effectiveness and value" of Operation Democracy's program, I speak, of course, only for the Office of International Information of which I am a representative.

One of the problems of the Voice of America lies in the development of overseas programs which give an honest picture of this country without the overtones of "official propaganda" to which most foreigners are so thoroughly inured. One of the best methods is to give the people of our country a chance to speak for themselves, framing their own messages and, in some instances, choosing their own audience based on common sympathies and experience. We have found in the town affiliation formula, as developed and expanded by Operation Democracy, a valuable medium for enlisting the support of private citizens along these lines. Such programs as Orleans-to-Wichita, New Rochelle-to-La Rochelle, Glen Cove-to-Pontecorvo, etc., have accomplished a mutual understanding that is both valid and effective.

In checking the material aid which is reaching Europe through the efforts of communities working with Operation Democracy, we are pleased to note that more and more emphasis is now being placed on long-range cultural assistance through help to schools, libraries, etc. In looking over the list of supplies sent from Wichita to Orleans, we were especially pleased to find such items as manual training tools, movie projectors, albums of representative American music, sports equipment, etc. This is a departure from the "emergency relief" psychology of recent years, and to our minds, it is a healthy step in the right direction. Our own representatives here and abroad have been only too happy to consult with Operation Democracy in determining current European needs along these lines, and we have found that most communities have responded enthusiastically to the suggestions which Operation Democracy has passed on to them.

Another phase of Operation Democracy which has proved interesting to the Office of International Information is the emphasis it places on the role of the community and the individual in world affairs. The charge of self interest and dollar diplomacy can easily be leveled against a government by organized opposition forces, but it loses its force when directed against a community or a group of individuals. I am certain, for example, that the personal letters, exchange visits, photograph albums, etc., which have passed between Morganville, Kansas and Feves, France, have produced a mutual respect and understanding which will resist all effort to discredit the motivation behind this program.

In short, the program of Operation Democracy, Inc. has, I feel, done much to bring about a lively partnership between the American people and those branches of their Government which are working in the field of international relations. We sensed this most strongly recently when twenty-three citizens of St. Cloud, Minnesota stopped off here enroute by air to their "affiliated" city of Mellrichstadt, Germany. These private citizens of a small and not-wealthy Western town were public servants in every sense of the word. To many of us, this was a new phenomenon in American life, and we are grateful to Operation Democracy and all similar organizations which are fostering this approach to international affairs.

Very truly yours,

(signed) Bartow H. Underhill

Special Assistant
Office of International Information and Educational Exchange