Aid For Backward Countries

Press, Volume C, Issue 29637, 6 October 1961, Page 18

Aid For Backward Countries

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Oct. 5. For the first time the proven skills and tested techniques of the more advanced nations were being harnessed consciously, deliberately, and effectively to attack economic and social problems of the less advanced nations on a broad scale, said the United States Ambassador to New Zealand (Mr A. B. Akers), in Wellington today.

Mr Akers, at a luncheon meeting of the New ZealandAmerican Association was discussing the Foreign Aid Bill recently signed by President Kennedy. Technical co-operation in itself was as old as humanity but what was new today was that it was an important activity pf governments and international organisations—a tangible expression of common interest among the peoples of many nations. “New Zealand has a most commendable example of assistance in participation in the Colombo Plan,” said Mr Akers.

Since its earliest days America had been sending its technical knowledge to all parts of the world.

“Americans are aware of the pitfalls in the programmes for aiding other countries on their road to technical improvement. “The domestic and political needs of many of the newly independent countries make their leaders sometimes seek quick and dramatic results that can exist only in a pipedream. “Their own natural resources. skilled labour pool, and capital reserves will require a nourishing and enlarging that takes years of patience and diligence and sacrifice.

“For America, the programmes are larger and costlier than ever before, and more directly than before they are a part of the theatre of international politics. “But, as in the past when their scale was smaller and a mission sometimes consisted of only one man they will

serve their'purpose best. and. ultimately. America’s too. insofar as their goal remains primarily the progress of mankind.” he said. “With continued and concerted effort by advanced nations of the Western world, such as yours and mine, and through international frameworks such as the Colombo Plan and the United Nations, our planet will have the opportunity greatly to diminish and in the future, perhaps. finally to extirpate the ancient enemies of all mankind disease. ignorance and poverty and to bring new horizons to men. women and children everywhere,” said Mr Akers.