Evening star., 1939-11-02
Pan-American Union
Avoids Taking Sides
In Feminist Fight
Row Over U. S. Delegate
To Inter-Americun
Commission Ignored

The professional diplomats who
comprise the governing board of the
Pan-American Union gave Wash
ington a lesson in diplomacy today
by remaining aloof from a women's
battle in which some feminist lead
ers want them to take hand.
The board ignored a bitter con-
troversy over whether Miss Doris
Stevens or Miss Mary Winslow is the
United States delegate to the Inter-
American Commission of Women,
merely listing Miss Winslow as the
name of the representative COM
municated" to it by this Govern
ment and saying any fuss about the
position was entirely q domestic
affair.
Miss Stevens, chairman of the
commission since 1t was organized
II years ago, although this Govern
ment never had officially named a
delegate until President Roosevelt
appointed Miss Winslow early this
year, has been waging determined
fight to retain her status.
Argentine Leader Elected.
At an executive session late yes
terday the board unanimously
elected Sanora Ana Rosa de Mar
tinez Guerrero, Argentine mother
and feminist leader, as chairman OF
the commission to succeed Miss
Stevens. Senorita Minerva Bernar-
dino of the Dominican Republic, who
has worked with Miss Stevens for
five years, was named vice chairman.
The two officials were selected
from the 19 representatives on the
commission designated by as many
of the American republics.
Chief significance of the battle
between Miss Stevens and Miss
Winslow lies in the basic prin-
ciples of legislation for which the
two women leaders have struggled.
Miss Stevens supports the equal
rights amendment proposal, while
Miss Winslow opposes it and favors
protective laws for women instead.
There have been charges that Mrs.
Roosevelt's friendship with Miss
WinsloW led to the latter's appoint
ment.
The Women's commission was Gre
ated originally at the Havana Inter-
American Conference in 1928. The
Lima Conference in 1898 adopted a
resolution that it be continued and
"placed on an official basis" 1t'was
Instructed to act in advisory capacity
on the problems and interests OF
women, reporting to the Pan-Amer-
lean Union Governing Board on the
special issues affecting women that
should be considered by future inter-
American conferences.
Background Of Action.
The boards action yesterday in
listing Miss Winslow as the United
States representative on the women's
commission was the outgrowth OF a
policy adopted last March.
A special committee reported then
that before the board could deslg-
nate a chairman of the commission,
as it was instructed by the 1898
Lima Conference to do, it would be
necessary to determine who were
members Of the commission.
The board decided to ask the gov
ernments of the 81 American re-
publics to transmit to the union the
names of their representatives on
the commission, this involving
"either a confirmation of the re-
spective representatives now on the
commission or a new designation"
Since Miss Winslow's name was
duly transmitted by this Govern
ment, the controversy between her
and Miss Stevens did not come
before the board, 1t was pointed out.
Miss Stevens has contended that
tacit recognition of her designation
as chairman of the commission IN
1928 constituted valid appoint
ment. A resolution is pending In
the Senate to "ratify and confirm"
her position.
She also has contended that the
Lima Conference provided for new
appointments only in the case Of q
vacancy or inactivity of delegate,
and that no such vacancy or in
activity existed to justify Mr.. Roose-
e