SIR,- - During the Anglo-French operations at Port Said in November. 1956,
many innocent civilians lost their homes. Owing to the Government ban on cor- respondence with Egypt, it was not possible for many months to ascertain the extent of the destruction. Later it was learned that the attractive Youth Hostel at Port Said had been among the casualties and that the young people of Egypt, and neighbouring coun- tries, had been deprived of this opportunity for healthful recreation.
In the months that have passed since 1956 the Egyptian Government has provided £12,000 so that a new and better Youth Hostel may replace the damaged building. The work is now nearing comple- tion, but at least one thousand pounds (LI,000) will be required to re-equip the new building and provide a beach house, for the Youth Hostellers from many lands.
There arc, we believe, many in Britain who, what- ever their views on the events that took place in November, 1956, would wish to offer some practical expression of goodwill towards the young people of Egypt. We the undersigned arc eager to help in pro- viding the 'furnishings and equipment for the new Hostel, and we invite all who wish to join us in promoting this work of reconciliation to send their gifts to the Treasurer, Friends' Peace Committee (Port Said Fund), Friends House, Euston Road. London, NW1.—Yours faithfully,
BOYD ORR. PHILIP TOYNBEE, KATHLEEN LONSDALE. ROBERT DAVIS (Chairman of Friends' Peace Committee). E. ST. J. CATCHPOLE ( Formerly President of the International Youth Hostel Federation)
Society of Friends' POUT Committee. Friends House, Easton Road, NW I
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