DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
Date: April 4, 1949
Subject: Dr. Torres Bodet's Appointment with the Secretary
Participants: The Secretary Dr. Torres Bodet Mr. George V. Allen
Copies to: The Secretary UNESCO - Mr. Thomson
The visit was primarily a courtesy one. During the twenty minute conversation, Dr. Torres Bodet expressed his very great interest in Point 4 of President Truman's Inaugural Address and expressed the view, on behalf of UNESCO, that the proposed program for extending American technical assistance to underdeveloped areas was one of the most forward looking and hopeful developments in recent history. He said he hoped very much that in carrying out the program, the American Government would give adequate attention to the needs of education, particularly fundamental and technical education, in the development of backward areas. He remarked that it would serve no useful purpose to place tractors in the hands of people who did not know how to use them.
Mr. Acheson expressed general concurrence in the idea that education should play an important part in the development of backward areas.
P:GVAllen:hg 4/13/49