PUBLIC AND PRIVATE RESPONSIBILITY IN THE CONDUCT OF
FOREIGN RELATIONS


One of the blessings of our free society is the 
availability to the President and to the Department of State of a 
great deal of free and unsolicited advice on foreign policy. 
This counsel comes in abundance from Congress, from the press, 
from private individuals and organizations, and from foreign 
nations. One gets the Impression at times that high officials 
in the executive branch feel that they are getting more guidance 
than they want or need, but there is nothing very disturbing 
about that — it may in fact be all to the good.
It is disturbing, however, — very disturbing indeed and 
very mischievous — when private groups or businesses or 
individuals take it on themselves, by act or omission, to alter or 
dictate or defeat official policies of the United States 
Government. This amateur policy making — or policy breaking — can 
be accomplished by almost any group or organization endowed