OPERATION DEMOCRACY, Inc.
369 Lexington Avenue
New York 17, N. Y.
Telephone MUrray Hill 6-4986

Executive Secretary
CHARLES L. TODD

Executive Assistant
MARGARETH B. SIMS

August 11, 1949

Dear Velma:

Indeed, we are still here! Things are a little rough, but our resistance to mortal objects continues strong. We've been working on various foundations in the hope (not to vain from the looks of things) of receiving some needed monies by fall. We are working on plans and endeavoring to establish new contacts for future activities. We have about 60 towns on our list of �Programs-to-Be" and I think Autumn should open a big chapter in the life of O.D.

A goodly number of the relief agencies are closing up and American Aid to France persists in trying to block our way every way we turn. One wonderful thing that has happened, though, is the new feeling that UNESCO has for us. They are going to endorse Town Affiliation to the extent of including it as "project" recognized by UNESCO for UNESCO groups. And that is something! Sue Gilbert and Clifford Patton, Reconstruction Liaison Officers and head of UNESCO in New York, are in and out of the office and cooperate with us all down the line. I really had no idea of what UNESCO could and plans to do. From now on, however, we are going to be "in" on things; and know "what's what" and can be of greater service to UNESCO Councils undertaking this type of program.

We have no newsletters or recent reports - haven't got the time to put them out, unfortunately. One developement that is important is the increasing number of Americans visiting their affiliated towns. Practically all our towns have sent someone over. From what we hear, most committees are making plans to either exchage students, bring over someone, etc. There is a strong feeling, as in the case M�ville-Feves, that the affiliation be a lasting friendship - we are proud of this. It proves that the town-affiliation formula is working.

In the case of Semecourt, it will be quite all right for you to find a town. However, I checked with American Aid to France in re-shipping, etc., and she (Helen Lavalle X!?**) told me that since AATF did not have a dossier on Semecourt, the town could not he considered as one that had received "clearance" .... and, consequently, there might be a shipping problem. They could not, for instance, ship material in care of the mayor - or any other individual. However, it will be

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