Benjamin Franklin, "Father of the Foreign Service of the United States"-statue by Paul Bartlett in the garden of the American Embassy at Paris. FOREWORD Since entering on duty in the early 1920's, I have witnessed a radical transformation in the Foreign Service of the United States. The realization that the destiny of our country was inextricably bound with that of other countries of the world in a way that involved our own peace and security came slowly to the American people after World War I. During those years the Foreign Service of our country has had to adapt itself to the changed conditions. They have been years of modernization and adjustment to the demands of new times characterized by the clash of ideologies, the revolution in weapons of warfare, and the upsurge of new nationalisms, as well as by growing economic interdependence. The Foreign Service of the early twenties would scarcely recognize the unified and integrated Service of today with its diversified duties and responsibilities. A great many useful books and articles have been written about various aspects of this arm of our Government, but there is currently needed a wellrounded account of its origins and development as well as a description of the present status of the Foreign Service. This book responds to that need by tracing from the earliest days of the Nation the origins and development of the Consular and Diplomatic Services of the United States, their unification in a single Foreign Service, and the amalgamation of this Service with the foreign affairs personnel of the Department of State. The story of the historical development of the Service is followed by a description of the role and structure of the present-day Service, its conditions of service, and the opportunities which it offers as a career. Statistical tables, charts, and other data concerning the organization and development of the Service are contained in extensive appendixes, together with a bibliography. The volume should serve as a useful reference work for students of American history and international relations who may be interested in the development of the Foreign Service as a background for their studies in these fields. It is hoped especially that this book will contribute to a greater appreciation of the tasks, problems, and functions of the American Foreign Service by the general public and by young Americans who may be contemplating a Foreign Service career. I therefore warmly welcome this volume. WASHINGTON, D.C., January 16, 1961 LOY W. HENDERSON Deputy Under Secretary of State V |