SOME OF THE RESULTS OF THE MONTEVIDEO CONFERENCE:

It is immensely gratifying, to me that: a special and renewed interest on your part in improved relations between the 21 American republics is primarily responsible for this luncheon occasion. The press, as the greatest single molder of public opinion, has correspondingly great responsibilities. You gentlemen in manifesting keen interest in the recent Pan American Conference and in seeking to develop its true significance are promptly meeting a vitally important responsibility. Not only members of the press, but every citizen with intelligence to recognize the vastly complicated and chaotic conditions in most parts of the world has an unsurpassed opportunity for service to his fellow beings. To be of such needed service, however, he must consecrate much more of his time and effort than the general public during recent years has been willing to devote to public and civic affairs. Peoples everywhere are now paying the penalty for this gross neglect of duty, so frightful and far-reaching in its consequences.

The Conference of American Nations met at Montevideo under entirely unfavorable auspices. Some four or five of the most influential foreign offices in South America cabled in advance that there was no real chance for a successful conference now, and enumerated a formidable list of obstacles relating to the economic, the peace, the political, and other difficulties in the way. There were many sincere

1 Address delivered by the Honorable Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, at a luncheon given in his honor by the National Press Club, Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 1934, and broadcast over the network of the Columbia Broadcasting Co.

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