University of Virginia Library

I. Purpose

Events of the recent past seem to point inevitably to increasing participation of the United States
in world affairs. It is therefore obvious that we have and shall continue to have, for reasons of national
self-interest among others, a vital role to play in world reconstruction and rehabilitation, the establishment
and maintenance of world peace, world trade and finance; in fact, in all aspects of the mutual exchange
on an international basis of ideas, goods, and services. New opportunities and needs, in addition to those
of the past, are constantly arising. Consider, for example, the possibilities in the new fields of international
journalism and transportation, or the interchange of the progress and results of scientific research
and inventions.

The field is vast, varied and vital. The best interest of our nation demands specially trained men,
in its manifold departments of international relations; and the young man who seeks a career in non-governmental
service that involves contacts with foreign countries must possess that general background and specialized
equipment which will be conducive to his success.

Of equal importance is the education of at least a segment of the American public in the meaning
and responsibilities of its participation in world organization for peace. To participate intelligently
and effectively we must have at least a nucleus of public opinion that is conversant with the historical
background of world affairs, a grasp of the world's economic problems, a sympathetic and tolerant understanding
of the view-points of other nations, and a knowledge of civilizations and cultures other than one's own. All
of this represents a liberal education in itself.