AMERICAN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS FOR WORLD PEACE
Suite 70, 49 West 44 Street, New York 18. N.Y.
Telephone Murray Hill 7-4292
July 26, 1949
Dear Sponsor:
The billion dollar arms program, says Senator Taft, will authorize the state and defense
departments "to make alliances throughout the world and involve us in any and all
wars, civil or external, going on anywhere in the world".
In the face of this imminent threat to world peace, the American Continental Congress
assumes immense importance. Latin America is specifically mentioned in connection
with this arms program and proponents of the "cold war" attach great importance to
the domination of Latin American countries and their ability to influence the votes
of Latin America in the U.N.
United States participation in this Congress will imbue the peace forces of the entire
hemisphere with new hope and confidence. For the first time, the peace forces of
the western hemisphere will meet together to plan united action and demonstrate to
the bi-partisan war planners a people's united will towards peace.
At the meeting of sponsors held on July 18th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Rogge,
Maxine Wood reported on the progress of the work throughout Latin America. (Since
the enclosed list was typed, 3 additional countries have sent in their vice-presidents
and committees, and Enrique Gonzalez Martinez, Mexico's famed poet, has accepted the
presidency of the Congress.)
Much of the time of the meeting was devoted to discussion of finances, and there was
general agreement that a committee must be organized immediately in order to meet
the most urgent expenses to maintain the office, print the call in English, etc.
Some individuals undertook to raise money by personal solicitation or by arranging
some affairs. This problem is pressing and if you can help by sending a contribution
or by suggesting persons who would be willing to help support this great peace project,
we would appreciate it.
We would also very much appreciate any names you may have of organizations or individuals
who should know about this Congress and who might cooperate in one way or another.
This will be discussed further at the meeting August 1st. If you will not be in the
city on that date, it will be most helpful if you would send us any suggestions.
Sincerely yours,
W. E. B. Du Bois
Linus Pauling
Urgent: In view of the great danger that the proposed arms budget may be rushed through
immediately, we urge that you let your congressmen and senators hear from you at once,
that you express your opposition to the arms appropriation and insist on extended
hearings.
