24 JULY 1936, Page 21

A GOODWILL CONGRESS

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sia,—While the Governments of the world are proclaiming their readiness to cultivate goodwill and mutual under- standing, they are each at the present time frantically building up their armaments, thus preparing for another " war to end war." The peoples themselves undoubtedly have a deep longing for peace. They recognise the futility of attempting to settle differences of opinion, economic or political, by the sacrifice of the lives of their young sons. They heartily desire to promote understanding with their neighbours, and there is no better way of furthering this aim than that of making it possible for individuals of different nations to get to know one another by providing them with facilities for personal contact.

With this aim in view the International Club of Budapest has arranged an International Goodwill Congress which will be held there from August 28th to September 8th this year. The Congress, while offering agreeable social advantages, will include discussions on subjects of mutual interest. It will mainly be concerned, however, with enabling those who attend to spend a few pleasant days together seeing some- thing of Hungary and the special characteristics of its people, their way of life and how they amuse themselves.

The time chosen is very favourable for such a Congress. Harvesting will be over, leaving time for rest and enjoyment. At this season of the year most of the attractive Hungarian peasant weddings take place. There will also be held the celebrations in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the departure of the Turks from Budapest, which will afford an opportunity of presenting at their best the colourful and picturesque Hungarian national demonstrations. Dancing and gipsy music, warm nights on the banks of the Danube and the • agreeable feeling that one is a welcome guest in a country possessing traditional friendship for Great Britain, will combine to create an atmosphere in which goodwill to the lasting benefit of all concerned will be prominent.

The Hungarian National Office for Tourism, whose address is 211 Piccadilly, London, W. 1, will be pleased to give information with regard to special rates to applicants who wish to attend the Congress.—Yours faithf Idly, M. DE GuILtEAUME, - Executive President Of the International Goodwill Congress.