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FOREIGN MISSION BOARD MINUTES
November 2, 1971
The Foreign Mission Board held its regular monthly meeting at 3:00 p.m. , November 2,
1971 in the Board's Chapel, Richmond, Virginia with Joseph B. Flowers, first vice-
president, presiding.
PRESENT: State Members: Alabama: J. R. White; Arkansas : W. 0. Vaught, Jr.; D. C. :
Kenneth E. Thornton; Michigan: Hubert G. Keefer; Missouri : Ralph M. G. Smith; South
Carolina: Robert L. Deneen, Daniel W. Cloer; Tennessee: B. Greer Garrott.
Local Members : Joseph B. Flowers, V. Allen Gaines, Mrs. Ross S. Shearer, Robert B. Bass,
Mrs. R. B. Carter, Sr., J. Roy Clifford, Austin W. Farley, Paul E. Crandall, Davis S.
Hammock, Mrs. Clyde V. Hickerson, John W. Kincheloe, Jr., Mrs. Thomas Whalen, H. I.
Willett.
Staff: Baker J. Cauthen, Charles W. Bryan, Louis R. Cobbs, Winston Crawley, Edna
Frances Dawkins, William K. Dawson, Samuel A. DeBord, James G. Edwards, Jesse Fletcher,
Ward S. Hildreth, W. David Loclcard, Ralph A. Magee, Frank K. Means, Stanley A. Nelson,
Floyd H. North, Norman Price, Sidney C. Reber, Fon H. Scofield, Melvin Torstrick,
Rogers M. Smith, Truman Smith, W. L. Smith, Richard M. Styles, Elizabeth Minshew.
The meeting was called to order.
Sidney C. Reber, director of the Board's Management Services Division, led the audience
in the opening Hymn: "Guide Me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah."
Dr. Ralph M. G. Smith, Board member from Missouri, read a passage of Scripture from the
first chapter of Paul and led in prayer.
Minutes of the Board for its annual meeting, October 11-13, 1971 were approved.
The First Vice-President and Dr. Cauthen extended a cordial welcome to state Board
members and all visitors.
REPORTS were called for as follows:
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY - Dr. Baker J. Cauthen
Dr. Cauthen gave the following report:
Since the last meeting of our Board, highly significant developments have taken place
on the world scene. The admission of Communist China to the United Nations and the
expulsion of Nationalist China will have long-range effect. It seems probable that
the stature of the United Nations will be diminished and its influence as an effective
instrument for world peace and understanding be eroded. The fact that the population
of Taiwan is larger than 95 of the 131 countries in the United Nations, together with
the fact that Nationalist China was one of the founders and major contributors to the
support of the United Nations makes obvious the conclusion that some major principles
have been overlooked in dealing with this situation.
The action of the United States Senate in cutting off foreign aid is another major
development of recent days. While it is possible that further consideration will be
given to foreign aid and some program may emerge designed for present realities, it
seems to be obvious that the post-war era of foreign aid, as we have known it, has
ended, and whatever may emerge will be based upon fresh considerations.
It is possible we may look back upon the developments which have just been experienced
as marking a dividing line between the rehabilitation period of World War II and a
new era in process of emerging.
It seems probable that we will experience other highly significant developments within
the next year. The journey of the President of the United States to Communist China,
to be followed by his journey to Soviet Russia, in addition to the far-reaching effects
of the new economic policies, both within our country and throughout the world, will
undoubtedly be of great significance.
Amid these circumstances it is important that we seek to cultivate a continuing concern
for the whole world. A development of isolationism on the part of the American public
would be a serious loss both to our country and to the world. We must do everything
that we can do to cultivate a spirit of worldwide Christian responsibility. We must
recognize that upon Christ's people there rests the obligation and privilege of sharing