Statement by Commissioner Of Education Earl McGrath, Greetings To Exchange Teachers From Great Britain and France

in THANTS FROM op an IPTITAT AT I take a meat deal of pleasure in welcoming the Exchange Teachers from Great Prita in and France to the United States. Though you do not carry official creientials as ambassadors from your various countries, you will in a very real may serve as important representatives. Your mission here, like that of your American replacements abroad, is of crucial importance, The efforts o' the peoples of the free world to create international undorstanding, good will, and peace will be greatly enhanced by your prosence hore in the United States during the next academic year. The interchange program, in which you are playing a significant role, is a tell-established educational venture. During the past Cive years it has brought tenchers from the United Kingdom and France to schools in more than 225 cities an touns in 16 States. You are, therefore, following a well-b azed trail uhich needs to to came wider and broader. You will find in the communitics in which you will live and work a (Traat interest in your people and your culture. Like- wise, I am sure your counterparts who will take your places in the school rooms in England and France will help the residents of the communities in which they live to understand and to appreciate Anerican life and culture. From all reports or previous exchanges of this typc, American teachers have been warmly received and graciousl treated in the communities in which they lived. And they have como to. knou more about the life, the customs, and the colture of your people. You will find also hern in the various co muties et the United States to which you are going a kind and friendly recention and a mot interest in your school system at home and in the everyday lives of your aun people. It is my firm conviction that these exchange programs car, CO more than any other single thing to creat under- standing among the free mations of the world to the end that we may work together for the general vell-being of all and for the maintenance of peace. I wish for all of you a very hanny and stimulating exp rience in the school rooms and comunities of America during the next academic year. *Remarks by Darl J. McGrath, U. S. Commissioner o Education, in welcoming the teachers arriving at Union Station, D, C., August 15, 1951, 2:15 p.m., EDT.