The American Pavilion at the World's Fair here is officially controversial. President Eisenhower, described as “very irritated” at the bad notices our exhibition has received, dispatched George V. Allen, Director of the United States Information Agency, to Brussels to give him a personal report. The President's action made the adverse opinions expressed by many writers and private citizens returning from the fair a subject of official inquiry.

This controversy over our representation here has its ironic aspects. While everyone who visits the fair agrees there is much to criticize, little agreement exists on the basis for the criticism. Many vociferous attacks have been launched from assumptions that are questionable or even inconsistent.