Dear Friends,

We herewith have the pleasure in presenting to you our Newsletter in its New Look. As you know, the purpose is to inform you about the activities of the International Committee and about events in other countries. This issue contains mainly the activities of our friends in Holland and the United States. It shows that contacts have been made with different groups of people to inform and enlighten them concerning our aims and ideals. The results are encouraging, and it may be expected that public opinion will grow more tolerant and understanding. If you can, please let us know about occurrences and activities in your country which might be of interest to all of us.

The next issue will contain full information about our International Congress, which will be held in Paris (France) in November, next, from Friday 11 to Monday 14. The subject to be discussed will be "The Origin of Morals and Human Rights." It is hoped that a new wave of understanding of our problems will emanate from it, to the benent of both the homophiles and society at large.

FOURTH ICSE CONGRESS, 1955 As it was most important that the Latin countries should receive full attention of the ICSE, the French groups have accepted to organize this year's Congress in Paris. The dates will be: at night on the 11, 12, 13, and 14th of November. Main theme of the Congress: "Human Rights and the Origin of Morals." The Congress will have a slight emphasis on the Latin aspects of the theme. There will be 2 or 3 speakers from France, 1 from Italy, 1 from Scandinavia, Germany and Holland. It is the Arcadie-group chiefly which will have the task of host. There will be at least 6 important lectures, followed by discussions and interpretation into English and German. Names of speakers, subjects and registration formalities with all further details will appear in next month's issue, which will be devoted entirely to the Paris Conference.

Holland Week-End Study Group On November 13 and 14, 1954, a weekend study-group met in Amersfoort in the building of the Internation School of Philosophy to discuss the subject of methods to be applied and tactics to be followed in making contacts with groups and people

who know little or nothing about the C.O.C. Organization. Some 70 members, representatives of the several groups, were present. The subject was introducd by two speakers, each of whom discussed it from a different point of view. Besides the general discussion which followed each of the two speakers, the meetings of the 10 committecs gave ample opportunity to bring forward the different points of view of the members which resulted in the drawing up of severa! suggestions to be carried out in the near future. It is expected that when realized they certainly will contribute to strengthen the organization to a considerable degree and to put it in a position facilitating propagation of its aims and ideals, thus creating a stronger basis for being better understood by outsiders.

One of the first expressions of a greater and more vivid activity of the Dutch C.O.C. organization was the contact established with a group of probation officers and other people interested in the subject, on November 26, 1954, is Amsterdam. The difficult and delicate problem of these officers being confronted with homosexuals whom they do not understand was thoroughly introduced by two speakers, each of whom approached it from different standpoints.

A most interesting discussion followed, during which many points were elucidated; objections brought back to exact proportions or refuted and, in general, opinions enlightened. So great a success was this first meeting that a second one of the same nature was decided upon for the near future with another group of officers and people doing the same kind of work.

The New Year's Message

After having given a review of the activities performed in 1954, and an outlook for 1955, the Chairman of the Dutch National C.O.C. Organization wondered whether it would not be opportune to institute a "World-day of Friendship" dedicated to positive aid for the lonesome and sick among our people. "A day," Bob Angelo continued, "which should be held every year in our own characteristic way and which should symbolize in a lofty manner our unity. I suggest that March 21st, the date of the rebirth of Nature, be taken as such a symbolic day. Though, I admit, this is of secondary importance." In fact, another suggestion has already been made, viz., the third Sunday in September . . . the argument being that the beginning of Autumn introduces also a kind of intimate social life.

"A lighted candle in a deserted room is useless."

Gabrielle Ganelle

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