Mason Declares Support Of International Center

Edward S. Mason, professor of Economics and Dean of the School of Public Administration, yesterday endorsed the idea that Harvard should strengthen its graduate program in International Relations.

The Littauer Dean gave qualified approval to the suggestion for a Center of International Studies, proposed on Tuesday by Rupert Emerson '22, professor of Government. In addition, Mason called for strengthening instruction in International affairs at the undergraduate level, as all indications pointed to significant Faculty and Administration support for revisions in the University's existing programs in the area.

Meanwhile, it was learned that definite Administration plans for an expanded graduate program will probably be completed by next spring. While complete agreement on the nature of an interdepartmental graduate Center is still lacking, it is understood that the only remaining barrier is the selection of personnel and the allocation of appointment among departments.

As conceived by Mason, the Center would be run by an interdepartmental committee--composed of representatives of those faculties currently contributing to research and teaching in the broad area of international problems. The committee would be headed by a director who might be attached to any of the several departments involved, but who would run the Center as an independent instutute, like the three existing research centers in Russian, Near Eastern, and Far Eastern affairs.

The probable character of an International Center, Mason said, would reflect the personality and ideas of whoever might be appointed its director. "At any rate, the chairman of the interdepartmental committee would therefore require great coodinating ability in addition to scholarly achievement," he said.

Along with an expansion in the graduate program, new courses and additional personnel are needed to strengthen the undergraduate curriculum, Mason said.