PEACE AMBASSADORS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 12, 31 March 1947, Page 6

PEACE AMBASSADORS

FRANCE PREPARES FOR 50,000 SCOUTS Side by side with the French Jamboree Association’s fears for transport to and from Moisson, rose doubts as to the country’s ability to satisfy the hearty appetite of nearly 50,000 Boy Scouts. The varied tastes and culinary customs of each contingent made the question even more involved and it was not until the Ministry of Food had promised support that any hope for a solution to the problem was held.

It was stated that no difficulty regarding the supply of bread, meat, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, or rice, was expected and consequently apprehension was to a large extent expelled. Similar assurances for the supply of milk, tea, fats and sugar, were not so readily forthcoming, but in the event of such food articles being still rationed in France in 1947, some supplies will be taken by the contingents. To overcome the complications of food control caused by the varied diets of individual nations two menus have been prepared. This provision allows for a selection, according to the contingent’s taste, between the French menu and the Anglo-Saxon menu. The Day’s Routine at Moisson

Already a broad outline of the day’s proceedings has been drawn up by the “Jam” Leadei’s so that the programme of events can maintain accoi’dance with a strict routine of regular daily hours. At 7.30 a.m. the camp is expected to be awake, but until that hour, complete silence is demanded. Ablutions and dressings fill the time until 8 a.m. when breakfast absorbes all interest. From half past the hour until 9 a.m. silence throughout the camp will be observed during morning prayers. Flag-break is not honoured until 10.30 a.m., Scouts being allowed free time until then. The midday meal at noon is the next item to take place at a set time, but for lg hours before and 21 hours after that time Scouts will have ample opportunity to wander about the camp creating new friendships with overseas Scouts. One of the many special activities is scheduled for the afternoon, and will last until as late as 5.30 p.m. when the evening meal will be prepared. Many lecturers, each an expert in his own field, will occupy the Scouts’ evening houi's, while others will- give practical advice in campcraft and various other Scout crafts. Sanitary arrangements have been meticulously taken care of and 4500 washing taps and 1000 showers ensure a high state of cleanliness among Jamboree participants. An average consumption of 15 gallons of water daily is allowed each Scout although weather conditions are likely to prove the deciding factor as to whether or not this amount is ever necessary. Within the hospital, set in a shady position away from the main camp, are 200 beds, a surgical ward and a dental room. To bring first aid facilities even closer to the Scouts, a nurse will be on duty in each sub-camp at all hours. The Welfare of France Although there is no doubt that the French Government leaders are being instrumental in ensuring the success of the World Jamboree their action is not without a view to the welfai’e of France. To bi’ing before every visiting Scout a true conception of the greatness of France, cost and national self-saci'ifice will not be spared. It is the earnest desire of the French Government and Scout Movements that in each foreign Scout attending the 1947 Jamboree, “La France” will have an ally—a true defender of her name whose patriotism has been won by a deeper understanding of his nation host. Within the borders of the camp on the Seine, an elaborate exhibition depicting the various modes and characteristics of France has been conceived, planned and built. Long before Moisson is reached, however, the Scouts will be “acclimatised” by sightseeing trips to histoi'ical sites within easy reach of the railway.

For 'evei’y Scout intending to be present at Moisson in August, the Jamboree will prove the ultimate climax of a Scouting career; yet have few among them more rightly deseiwed the honour of such a privilege than the many Fi’ench Scouts, who are to carry the burden of duty before and after the camp. These same Scouts during the long war years, kept alive a Movement which all but died in countries unfettered by a conqueror. Their duty as hosts to thousands of brother Scouts has already begun. The elder boys now take lessons in the principle languages that will pr-edominate at Moisson English, apart from French, will lead easily from Ger-

man and Spanish. From the exhibitions, centrally placed for the convenience of all visiting campers, Scouts will be able to obtain any information they desire concerning events or sights which have interested them during their various trips around the country. In this way a dual purpose will be served. Visits to Private Homes

The French “Welcome Fortnight” as it has been appropriately termed, is not entirely a new idea to Scouting. A successful precedent was set at the Copenhagen Jamboree when large numbers of visiting foreign Scouts were received in private homes for a few days following the camp. This year the event has been given more significance and has evoked careful planning by the Jamboree leaders, who visualise gi eat possibilities of friendships and international understanding in the scheme. In accordance with these hopes, the names of the principle provinces of France have been allocated to each sub-camp to facilitate the appointment of foreign contingents to one particular portion of France. Under the hospitable care of the province whose title they bore at the “Jam,” these boys are expected to accumulate an even more intimate knowledge of the nation responsible for the 1947 Jamboree,

The many and varied sites’ visited by, .the Scouts during their sightseeing tours of France have been arranged by the Jamboree Authorities to include many not covered by the average tourist’s explorations. Only a personal understanding of the habits and character of a people can ensure international goodwill that will do so much to bring about peace. To this end the French nation have pledged themselves to overcome the many difficulties of rationing and fuel shortages, and thus to give visitors a complete insight into their national life. This international aspect of the Jamboree proves its worth in the cause of World peace and reflects credit on all whose efforts will make possible the eventual dispatch of 250 New Zealand Scouts for France.