Evening star., 1943-05-19

to consider how best to further
in the use of land and water but
there is still much to learn.
Fertile Soils Wasted.
Of the productive land OF the
world, much has been intensively
cultivated. Erosion by water and
wind has seriously wasted the soil
in many countries and greatly re-
duced its productive capacity. 1t is
estimated that at least one third
Of the titled land of the earth has
been seriously affected by erosion
Most of the nations have adopted
some conservation measures, but by
exchanging information as to meth
ods and fitting them into our own
economies we can all profit. Look
ing down the years this is of tre-
mendous importance to all peoples.
Nothing gives greater assurance to
any country than productive land
and available resources.
The thoughtful use of soil building
and soil conserving crops and prac-
tees will do much for any country
Each nation must be the final Judge
of what is best suited to it's condi-
tions and needs but a free exchange
OF information as to crops and meth
ods Of cultivation will help us all.
We IN the Americas greatly need
the ADVICE and suggestions of those
peoples who nave had longer eXpe-
rlence in these vital problems. We
hope that an exchange of ideas will
be mutually helpful. There is so
much for all to DO that will promote
the interests Of all that our differ
ences and conflicts seem punv when
laid alongside the vast possibilities
that are before us.
Peoples Century" Ahead.
We hope the next 100 years will
be the peoples century, in which
the numerous governments of the
earth will so shape their policies as
to protect the welfare of all of their
citizens; that they may come to
realize that in lending a neighborly
hand to each other the best interests
Of all nations will be promoted: that
many of our problems are mutual
problems; that many of our interests
are mutual interests, and that in
helping build up each other We help
to build ourselves: that what hu-
manlty wants is not charity, but a
tree opportunity. the chance to work
and help to build.
The agenda of the conference is
before you. We have undertaken
TO assemble some data and have
outlined some suggestions which we
nope may prove helpful, but We
want you to know that they are
merely suggestions. The exact scope
OF this conference, the progress it
makes and the results it achieves
will be determined by the conference
Itself. in which all the delegates from
every country will have a part. We
want to exchange views and infor-
nation and to devote our best efforts
to formulating a program that will
be for the benefit of every nation.
We realize that certain things
must wait until the conditions of the
postwar world are more fully re-
vealed, Certain specific subjects
must be left to other conferences or
later studies by committees of this
conference. but there are major OBJ
lectlves on which we agree and
which will be a starting point for
other work to follow. We shall not
deal with the problems of relief
which Immediately follow the war
and which will be handled on an
emergency basis, but with the longer
range rebuilding problems of agri-
culture which each nation must face
Farley Not for Treaties.
We all, of course, realize the con-
terence has been called to explore
and assemble facts and to make
recommenda tons to our respective
governments and not for the pur-
pose of negotiating treaties or en-
tering into binding commitments.
The hope Of the world lies in
concord, not conflict: in the arts
OF peace rather than in the imple-
ments of war. I hope that this
conference may lay the foundation
for happier relationship through
out the world A better distribution
OF the products of the farm and
field will materially aid in whatever
provision is hereafter fashioned for
maintaining the peace of the world.
We all know that food is powerful
weapon of warfare. Food NAV be
even more effective in helping to
maintain peace.
When the dogs of war have been
unleashed the suffering produced bv
their cruel fangs does not end when
the conflict has ended. The gaunt
specter Of famine begins to stalk
across the world before the smoke
OF battle has lifted 1t is the PRAYER
of all that after the war the peoples
OF the world will escape hunger and
famine. Eut this cannot be taken
Tor granted. That is why we are
here tnniuat