Caux meeting, 01 January 1949

Irène Laure, France, 64 nations represented in Caux. Wonderful for a socialist who is international. I am happy to see that. I thought for years that workers would lead the world. But here we are all workers to build a new world. Maybe we talk too much about France and Germany. But we have been at war for so long. Had German childfren at home between the 2 wars. We have built on sand and not on rock. Had decided to tell the Germans what I thought. But I only had love and apologies towards them. And if we had revised the Treaty of Versailles; things might have been different. Went with husband for 11 weeks to Germany. Saw ruin and misery and had wished for that. Change meant apologising before these people for her hatred. When you open your heart to your neighbour. Saw in Berlin 50000 women who cleaned the ruins. A job for men and machines. But not many men and machines. There were 14 of us. Japanese; American; Canadians; and we were united. For 30 years I heard the cries of misery of sick people in the slums of Marseille; as a nurse. ; Springossum ?, Germany, From Duisbourg. Went to an MRA reception because his boss told him to do so. Sat next to someone from Caux. Now had so much experience in Caux that it was all worth it; Springossum ?, Germany, Continued. Lived near proletariat housing. Had an easy life; but not his neighghbours. Heard in Caux communists speak. Realized that they saw life and problems differently. Invites everyone to go to Duisbourg; Jack Scott, UK, His mother wanted to divorce her husband. Wondered if this idea could unite the family. Was told about the 4 standards. Wanted to know if there was something else he could do. It seemed rather a lot!; Josef Römerhinchen, France, Leader Catholic youth. Did not want to come to Caux. Apathy of youth in Germany. They cannot see a different road.