Block 88

Of course, if aid is reduced, these coun tries will object strenuously, and Johnston noted that even though they may protest strongly, cuts in aid are justified. The Johnston report is highly interest ing, since it concludes that the original pro grams of military and economic aid in this area were necessary and that they have achieved the intended reshits. However,, he believes loans should now replace grants and that military and eco nomic aid can be cut down. The key con clusion of the report is that. Communist ag gression is not an immediate critical dan ger, and that, therefore, U. S. aid could be trimmed lest it tempt certain military ven tures or clashes. Johnston also believes the greatest opportunity for economic recovery in these countries lies in a program giving private enterprise a chance to show what it can dp. In general, his conclusion is logical, namely, that this country should see to it that its aid to our allies in this area is greater than our aid to neutral countries. Certainly, where Communist aggression is not imminent, or a critical-danger, as con cerns a neutral country in this area, our aid program should be reviewed, and if it is found that it is contributing to “windfall profits” of foreign merchants, and keeping certain cliques in power in these countries, then it certainly can be reduced.