Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 81.djvu/480

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PUBLIC LAW 90-137-NOV. 14, 1967

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[81 STAT.

" I n addition, the Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to support the principles of increased economic cooperation and trade among countries, freedom of the press, information, and religion, freedom of navigation in international waterways, and recognition of the right of all private persons to travel and pursue their lawful activities without discrimination as to race or religion. The Congress further declares that any distinction made by foreign nations between American citizens because of race, color, or religion in the granting of, or the exercise of, personal or other rights available to American citizens is repugnant to our principles. "The Congress further declares that to achieve the objectives of this Act, programs authorized by this Act should be carried out in accordance with the following principles: "First, development is primarily the responsibility of the people of the less developed countries themselves. Assistance from the United States shall be used in support of, rather than substitution for, the self-help efforts that are essential to successful development programs, and shall be concentrated in those countries that take positive steps to help themselves. Maximum effort shall be made, in the administration of this Act, to stimulate the involvement of the people in the development process through the encouragement of democratic participation in private and local governmental activities and institution-building appropriate to the requirements of the recipient nations. "Second, the tasks of successful development in some instances require the active involvement and cooperation of many countries on a multilateral basis. Therefore, to the maximum extent practicable, other countries shall be encouraged to increase their contributions to development programs and projects so that the cost of such common undertakings, which are for the benefit of all, may be shared equitably by all. "Third, assistance shall be utilized to encourage regional cooperation by less developed countries in the solution of common problems and the development of shared resources. "Fourth, the first objects of assistance shall be to support the efforts of less developed countries to meet the fundamental needs of their peoples for sufficient food, good health, home ownership and decent housing, and the opportunity to gain the basic knowledge and skills required to make their own way forward to a brighter future. In supporting these objectives, particular emphasis shall be placed on utilization of resources for food production and voluntary family planning. "Fifth, assistance shall wherever practicable be constituted of United States commodities and services furnished in a manner consistent with other eff'orts of the United States to improve its balance of payments position. "Sixth, assistance shall be furnished in such a manner as to promote efficiency and economy in operations so that the United States obtains maximum possible effectiveness for each dollar spent.

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