CONTINUATION OF DISPATCH SECRET DISPATCH 5961

courses) have been discouraging. In most instances the teachers share identical biases with the students with the result that misconceptions are reinforced and no new horizons are opened up. Prof and Clara have asked the German Institute for International Solidarity to increase its support in the student training field, but the Germans, while recognizing the serious need, have thus far declined to increase their commitment. To accomplish anything significant, the Germans believe a massive program must be launched (which would tax their current resources), and they wonder whether the CD youth situation has been permitted to drift too long to salvage.

III - THE IMPACT OF CLASC ON THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

9. CLASC Poses Serious Danger for CD Movement. A KNOCX study points out that organized labor could contribute substantially to the development of well-organized CD political parties in the hemisphere, but it also offers the best chance for CD extremists to cause harm to the movement. Few would argue that the CD movement faces the same kind of projects depend on insignificant sources than the posture assumed and progress achieved by CLASC. More often than not, the judgment of a mass movement is based on the worst element comprising it -- and in this regard CLASC is challenged only by the Party youth and student wings. (As an organized labor force CLASC has been a dismal failure (with the exception of its campaigns); its only impact and sole reason for up to this time has been as a political action instrument with primary appeal to the working classes. It is unlikely that CLASC, under Moscoso leadership, will mellow as do parties when they achieve responsibility of government.

10. CLASC Has Maintained Posture of Independence. Despite its "Christian" label, CLASC has consistently maintained that it is not subservient to the Christian Democratic movement or any member party. The statement cannot be disputed, for while CLASC is guilty of most of the same aberrations as the least responsible of the CD parties, it invariably commits its follies independently (often, in fact, setting an example that is emulated by the parties). But while CLASC can defend its claim of independence, it is also true that CLASC does not discourage the belief that it is the chosen labor instrument of the Christian Democratic movement, although this label has never been formally bestowed.

11. Closer Ties Between CLASC and CD Movement Appear Likely. It appears likely that a more organic participation of CLASC in CD affairs is in the offing. A seminar was held in Montevideo from 11 - 23 April (sponsored by the Christian Democratic Formation Institute in Florence) for officials of CLASC who are also officials of Christian Democratic parties. The seminar, called for the specific purpose of arriving closer coordination between the CD political movement and the Christian labor movement, resulted in the signing of the "Carta de Montevideo" on 20 April. The act calls for formal representation of ODCA in both the Christian and labor organizations and CD party labor departments. To this end, a Coordinating Committee was formed at the Florence Seminar to Coordinate the Christian Democratic Labor Party Functions in CD Parties Democratic Parties. The Act appeals to the CD parties.