To the Editors:

I wish I had time to comment more fully on Pearl Buck’s article in the April Commentary. I believe that we have to blaze entirely new trails in thinking about our responsibility in connection with helping other peoples in the world improve their living standards, as I believe this is probably the only way in which we can hope to have a lasting peace.

Of course, I cannot agree that in a capitalistic economy we can make food, shelter and clothing free commodities to all men. I am probably somewhat old-fashioned in thinking that people should work for the things they get and the things that are given free are of relatively small value in helping improve the race.

However, I do think that the United States, with its know-how which it has gained over a period of years, can help others develop their natural resources in a way that will make food, shelter and clothing more available to the people of the world. It would take a long time to develop this thesis so that it would be agreed to by everyone, but I am sure that it can be done.

Donald M. Nelson
Hollywood, California