*In 1946, when the School of Americas was established, there were 20
military dictatorships in Latin America -- now there is only one: Cuba.
*The School teaches that the purpose of a military in a democratic nation
is to safeguard property, lives and the rights of its citizens.
*The School seeks to instill the concept of civilian control of the
military in emerging democracies.
*The School supports the President's national military strategy of
engagement and enlargment of democracy. Secretary of Defense,
William Perry, made a strong statement in support of the School on
March 9, 1995.
*The overwhelming majority of graduates have made significant contributions
to democratizing their individual countries.
*The courses taught at the School are the same ones taught to U.S. soldiers,
except that the instruction is in Spanish and there is additional
instruction in respect for civil authority, democratic values and human
rights.
In the coming days you may hear criticism of the School of the Americas.
That criticism will focus on the human rights records of a very small
number of graduates. In response to the criticism, Secretary Perry said
"if it was ever correct, it is certainly decades out of date." Over
almost 50 years, only one half of one percent of graduates, less than
300 out of 59,000 in a variety of courses, allegedly or actually
committed crimes. The record of the School is outstanding, but like any
other institution not perfect. After all, Heidleburg produced Joseph
Goebbels and Harvard taught Admiral Yamamoto.
The Maryknoll film did not win anything, and shouldn't have even been
nominated, because it isn't a documentary, it is propaganda. It distorts
the truth and has very little validity except as an example of advanced
propaganda techniques.
I would like to invite anyone desiring information on the School of the
Americas, or possibly even a presentation to contact me. Also, the
School is open to visitors and it would be my pleasure to organize a
tour and briefing at the school. Groups are welcome. If you would
like an information packet with the truth then please send me a land
address and I'll gladly send you a packet. It is rather thick.
Thanks for your attention
Major Gordon Martel
Public Affairs Officer
School of the Americas
Ft. Benning, GA., 31905