Latin America: Democracy's Bull

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". . . The ideal of the Inter-American system is 'the application of democracy to international relations.' "The Good Neighbor Policy is one of respect which begins with self-respect and then mutual respect. It is a two-way, not a one-way, street to be traveled in dignity by both parties in full realization that they [both] have rights and responsibilities." One such prerogative, to Braden's way of thinking, is the right of all governments to speak their minds. As Spruille Braden, and as an Assistant Secretary of State, he can be expected to go right on speaking his.

Oath & a Prayer. This week, in Washington, Supreme Court Justice Stanley Reed swore in Spruille Braden. Maria Braden, sitting quietly by, never took her dark eyes off her husband. Afterwards, when the ceremony was repeated for cameramen, Secretary of State James F. Byrnes grinned and sardonically echoed Braden: "So help you God." Then Byrnes turned to the photographers, suggested that they caption their pictures : "Standing in need of prayer." Spruille Braden smiled, signed the oath, and kissed his wife.