Articles

Seek to Protect Children: Want Atomic Energy Shared and Used Constructively
Journal and Guide, Norfolk , VA., 8 December 1945

By Vivian Carter Mason-Exclusive to Guide
Paris - (By Cable) -

Moving to gain complete emancipation for women all over the world and attacking some of the evils of modern civilization. The International Women's Congress in session here last week passed four significant resolutions. Among them was a declaration that atomic energy must be used for constructive purposes and shared by the United Nations.

The other three resolutions were as follows: (1) Democracy and Peace-The world must be rid of fascism. Every person regardless of race, creed, or color must be free. (2) Economic, Legal and Social Status of Women-Laws must be obtained in every country protecting women's rights. Women must have equal legal status to men and must be permitted to develop to greatest extent. (3) Status of Children-Children must be protected by proper maternity care. They must be protected in early youth by the laws. And finally, they must have access to free education, free school canteens and free clothing.

During the discussion on the atomic bomb, Mrs. Gifford Pinchot, wife of the former Governor of Pennsylvania, proposed the creation of an international commission to control scientific development of the bomb with free exchange of information among all members of the United Nations on the progress of research in the field. Mrs. Pinchot deplored the attitude of the United States and Great Britain in attempting to keep the bomb secret and said such an attitude had a “fascist” character. The conference which has 500 delegates representing 40 nations, elected Madam Cotton, president and DR. Gene Wellfish, of the United States , vice president. Mrs. Vivian Carter Mason, of Norfolk , one of the American delegates was elected to the executive committee of 27 members. She previously has been named to a secretarial post in the congress.

The conference was scheduled to close over the weekend. Resolutions adopted during the week of discussions were to be incorporated into a constitution establishing a permanent Women's International Democratic Federation. A resolution calling upon all nations to sever relations with Franco Spain was adopted by the conference. At the closing mass meeting of the Congress, Elizabeth Flynn and Mrs. Mason spoke on behalf of the United States . Other speakers represented Great Britain, India, China, Czechoslovakia, Italy, France, and Spain. Flowers were presented to all speakers.