Germany. France. and other countries of the Old World bring with them a heritage rich in spiritual and cultural achievements. We Americans are proud of the contribution of the immigrant. a contribution of labor. and thought reflecting the grandeur of Europe. There is no doubt of the heroic contributions made by citizens of foreign extraction in the American Army during the late World War. Regardless from what land they emanated. they were Americans. all fighting a common enemy for the liberty of mankind. Only a few days ago a German mother. living in Brooklyn. received as her New Years greetings notifications from the War Department of her sons death in Nicaragua. This illustrates conclusively that not only are immigrants who have sworn allegiance to America ready to accept the opportunities that are available to them. but they are ready to tight and die for the land of their adoption. While it is expected that you shall pledge undivided allegiance to America. America does not expect you to forego your love for the land of your birth. Be proud of the country you come from. Be sympathetic with the heroic efforts that your native lands are making in solving the many postwar problems that beset them. especially since the peace of the world depends on the solution of many of those problems. We Americans feel that each country Is entitled to the kind of government that best suits its needs. but we are opposed to the extension of the influence of any European government to these shores. for this extension tends to retard the progress of assimilation and handicap the immigrant himself in the betterment of his social and economic conditions. Incidentally I might observe that in view of the conditions that prevail among certain foreign groups In this city. State. and country. it would be wise and opportune for certain European governments to delegate tile control of their nationals abroad. in this country particularly. exclusively to their ambassadors and consuls. who are much more competent to understand the psychology of the country with which they are dealing than the many opportunists who exploit the patriotism of our alien groups for purposes of their own.
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immigrant immigrants