Debt and development

The external indebtedness of many developing countries -Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in particular -- has been of considerable international concern. The debts arose partly because of changes in international banking practices and partly because of unwise short-term borrowing by governments accustomed to continuing international inflation. The problem has been made worse by high world-wide interest rates caused in part by the historically high domestic deficits of the United States government. There are signs that the crisis may be easing, however, and that moderate growth may Boon resume in Latin America.