[Pen-l] The perversion of humanitarian activities

[Michael Perelman <michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The United States has a long history of using humanitarian ventures as a cover for 
promoting its own self-interest. Here is an example I found from the early 20th 
century regarding Herbert Hoover's relief work following World War I.

Andelman, David A. 2008. A Shattered Peace: Versailles 1919 and the Price We Pay 
Today (New York: J. Wiley).

31: "Colonel Edward House recognized that the peace was likely to be won by the power 
that had the best understanding of the situation on the ground of each of the 
territories that the delegates were about to carve up and remodel. So in mid-November 
House and Van Deman hit on an original approach to the rapid establishment of an 
effective spy network throughout Europe. Van Deman described it in his own words: "It 
will be remembered at the time Herbert Hoover had been given charge of providing food 
and relief for certain devastated sections of Europe. We desired to send with Mr. 
Hoover's workers going into those areas certain intelligence agents who were familiar 
with the country, but to this Mr. Hoover violently objected."

More at 

http://michaelperelman.wordpress.com/2009/02/21/the-perversion-of-humanitarian-activities/ 
-- Michael Perelman Economics Department California State University Chico, CA 95929

Tel. 530-898-5321
E-Mail michael at ecst.csuchico.edu
michaelperelman.wordpress.com
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