JFK CALLS FOREIGN AID CUTS 'A GREAT MISTAKE'
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 14, 1963, President John F. Kennedy "warned Congress...it is depriving him of an essential...weapon in the conduct of foreign policy by the deep cuts it is making in his $4.5 billion foreign aid bill."
At his news conference today, the President called this action "the worst attack" that has been made on the foreign aid program since it started in 1947.
The President said in his view "it is a great mistake!"
Mr. Kennedy was asked by a reporter if he thought the program "might be terminated by Congress" and the President replied...
"I can't imagine Congress being so unwise."
JFK+50 NOTE
U.S. foreign aid is dispersed through 20 government agencies that manage the programs. Foreign aid became a sustained part of government policy by the Marshall Plan following WWII & the Mutual Security Act (1951).
The current foreign aid program was established in 1961.
SOURCE
"Kennedy Tells Congress Aid Cut Is A 'Mistake,'" by J. A. O'Leary, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 14, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
