Evening star., 1942-05-03
Pan-American Child
Congress Welcomed
By u. 5. Officials
Message From President
Is Reed to Session
By Breekinridee Long

Pointing out that the war already
has caused economic and social dis
locations in the Western Hemi-
sphere, Assistant Secretary of State
Breckenridge Long. addressing the
opening session of the 9th PAN
American Child Congress at the
Pan-American Union last night, de-
clared it is imperative that we do
not lose sight of the duty of safe
guarding the welfare of our
children"
The great struggle which we are
waging against the powers of evil, "
he told the congress, lis primar-
lily to guarantee for the coming gen.
erations a legacy of peace and BROTH
erhood, untrammeled by the threats
and fears of greed and brute force" ."
In a message to the congress, read
by Mr.. Long. President Roosevelt
welcomed the delegates of the Amer
lean republics.
Hope and Freedom.
Il wish that it were possible for
me personally to greet you in this
opening session and to thank you for
coming such long distances, at great
personal inconvenience, in order that
we may counsel together concern
ing the ways in which childhood
may be safeguarded in the midst
of war and assured the fullest op-
portunity in the future which we
are struggling to make one of hope
and freedom and development for
all human beings the President
said.
You will feel. I trust, that the
city named for the first President
Of the Oldest American republic, is
truly your home, place where the
Ideals Of Washington. Bolivar, San
Martin, Tiradentes, O'Higgins, and
the other great liberators may find
expression in congress devoted to
the interests of children"
The President expressed the be-
lief that the deliberations of the
conference would contribute to the
extension and fulfillment of the
good neighbor policy as the basic
principle of international associa-
ton"
Miss Lenroot Speaks.
Other speakers included Miss
Katharine F. Lenroot, chief of the
Children's Bureau, who was elected
president Of the congress yesterday
afternoon; Dr. Matilde Rodriguez
Cabo. chairman of the Mexican
delegation; DR.. L. S. Rowe, direc-
tor general of the Pan American
Union: DR.. Roberto Berro, director
OF the American International In
stitute for the Protection of Chill
dren at Montevideo, and DR.. Hugh
s. Cumming, director of the Pan
American Sanitary Bureau.
Mr.. Long said, "One of the worst
tragedies of the present situation is
the devastating effect which it will
have upon many of the children in
different parts of the world. Many
children who are innocent of any
responsibility for the vicious acts of
oppression will pay in blighted lives,
broken spirits and lost opportunities
for the devastation and carnage
which Is being wrought.
Work Is Unabated.
ut is most encouraging that In
these difficult times the peaceful
processes Of mutual collaboration of
free peoples for the purpose of pro-
noting the welfare Of their children
may 20 on unabated."
Tho first congress was held in.
Argentina in 1916.
Expressing her appreciation of the
honor Of being elected president of
the congress, Miss Lenroot declared
that in the civilization OF the Amer
icas "the interests Of children are
primary"
ours is the twofold task of as
suring a future fit for our children
and rearing children fit for a future
which shall be built upon founda-
tions of justice. freedom, security
and mercy for all
Extending welcome to the dele
gates in behalf of the Pan American
Union. DR.. Howe declared that the
meeting Of the conference clearly
demonstrated that the nations of
the New World will not ignore their
obligations to the rising generation
no matter how great the sacrifices
the present world conflict may de-
mand"
A message of greeting was pre-
sented to the conference from DR..
Creoorio Aranz Alfaro presjdent
Of the American International In
stitute for the Protection of Infancy,
and head Of the Argentine delega-
ton. Sessions of the Congress will
continue through Saturday.