torted the geographic pattern and prevented flexible use of resources to meet changing political requirements. The aim now is to correct such imbalances and achieve greater flexibility. At the same time, maximum feasible use of foreign currencies will be sought. The principal components of the CU programs in this budget are discussed in the following pages. They are: A. Exchange of persons programs. B. American sponsored educational institutions abroad. C. Cultural presentations and reverse flow. D. Special educational and cultural projects. Throughout the process of constructing this budget, choices were made and levels established with the following considerations in mind: (1) The most important needs of the United States and of the foreign country which could be served by these programs; (2) the feasibility of achieving good administration on a given scale in view of limitations on U.S. and foreign specialized manpower and institutional capacity; (3) the relative importance and likely effectiveness of particular types of activity in particular places, judging from past experience and prospective conditions; (4) the relationship of the particular activity to U.S. objectives and to other likely U.S. activities in the area; and (5) the availability of foreign currencies which might otherwise go unused or be applied to less important uses. CU programs will be carried out in close cooperation with programs of other agencies of the U.S. Government, so as to achieve the most effective results, and to avoid duplication and overlapping. The prime objectives of U.S. educational and cultural programs differ sharply as between the Atlantic Community, the Soviet bloc, and the various underdeveloped areas. With respect to the Near and Far East, south Asia, Africa, and Latin America, we seek: (1) To work with and identify the United States with constructive forces of progress; (2) to strengthen our own educational institutions and resources; and (3) to establish, maintain, and increase ties with leaders from all fields broadly representative of entire nations. In the Atlantic Community, our programs must continue to make clear the nature and direction of American education, American culture, American thought, and to foster the sense of our political unity and identity of basic values. In the Soviet bloc, the need for greater knowledge of each other, especially in intellectual and cultural matters, calls for substantial expansion of our exchanges. These differing objectives reinforce the general objective of "promoting mutual understanding" and provide a clear guide to program planning. It will be noted that increased priority throughout the whole program has been given to Africa and Latin America where the scale of CU programs is currently low in relation to programs in other areas and in relation to needs. Budget presentation These budget estimates are presented on an area basis. Domestic program expenses are prorated to the several areas as are oversea program expenses. whereas administrative expenses are presented as a single unit. The total request for 1963 is $56,657,000 of which $9,055,000 will be utilized to purchase for program purposes foreign currency owed to or owned by the U.S. Treasury. In addition to the amount of $9,055,000 for the purchase of foregn currency for 1963, $8,043,798 previously appropriated under "International educational exchange activities (special foreign currency program)" will be available for program purposes. The full amount of foreign currency to be utilized in 1963 $17,098,798 will thus include $13,403,798 for exchange of persons programs, $240,000 for assistance to American-sponsored educational institutions abroad, and $3,455,000 for special educational and cultural projects. Pursuant to Public Law 87-256 this appropriation request includes funds (1) for increased orientation services; (2) health and accident insurance and emergency medical expenses for all grantees including for the first time, Americans; (3) travel expenses, economy class, for grantee's principal dependent (all areas except West Europe); (4) the establishment of 3 additional reception and program centers in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston; and (5) increased program evaluation and reporting as required by section 106(b)(1), section 107, and section 108 (b). 1. Post language program, $30,000.-A more rigorous policy on minimum standards of language competence now calls for all personnel assigned to foreign language areas to achieve, at the least, the equivalent of 100 hours of instruction in the primary language of their post. The Department is also now in the process of designating certain positions at each foreign language post as "language essential” and plans to man these positions after December 31, 1963, only with personnel who possess the specified level of proficiency. These policies will result in an increase in part-time language training at diplomatic and consular posts abroad. 2. Training of dependents, $29,000.-As a result of congressional and public encouragement on the training of dependents, an increase in the cost of the oversea language program is anticipated in 1963. It is estimated that approximately 250 Department of State dependents cannot be accommodated on a spaceavailable basis during fiscal year 1963 and that $20,000 will be required to establish classes for them. Special classes are also anticipated for wives of officers in training at the three hard language schools at a cost of $9,000 for additional tutors. Obligations by object class Funds are required for payment of differentials to area/language students and staff while assigned to posts where difficult living conditions or excessive physical hardships prevail. Supplementary post allowances are paid when an employee and two or more members of his family are occupying temporary quarters without cooking facilities upon their first arrival at a post. It is intended primarily to offset part of the high cost of hotel or restaurant meals. Post allowance is paid to the regional language supervisors at posts where the cost of living is higher than in Washington, D.C. |