|
|
| SEARCH |
Duperrey's speech to the 1938 |
| From President Duperrey’s
speech “Around the World with Rotary” Another matter which received much consideration during those meetings was the question of the existence of Rotary in Germany and later in Austria. Under particularly difficult circumstances the Rotarians of that district were confronted with a choice between their ardent patriotism and their devotion to Rotary ‑ and they have proved by their example that the first duty of every Rotarian is to be a loyal citizen of his own country, and that this is possible, even though one is devoted to the cause of international understanding. We sincerely regret that the Rotarians of Germany and Austria, in the face of circumstances, felt that the only decision they could take was to disband their Rotary clubs, and we are sorry that, through Rotary, men of good‑will in fourscore countries of the world, no longer have the opportunity of close contacts with men of good‑will in Germany. But even though the former members of Rotary clubs in Germany are no longer Rotarians, they are still our friends. A third matter to which careful consideration was given revolved around the problems confronting Rotary as a result of the tragic civil war which is waging in Spain. Not only I as president, but the board of directors and the European advisory committee as well as individual Rotarians and various clubs in Europe gave much thought to these problems. While there is nothing that Rotary can do in the nature of intervention in that strife, we nevertheless can and we have relieved suffering. This humanitarian work was started in France shortly after the outbreak of fighting when Rotary clubs there provided relief for Rotarian refugees. That work was taken up by Rotary clubs in Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and other countries and then as the need for assistance increased an appeal was made to Rotarians of the world which resulted in the creation of a fund which is being most wisely administered bv Mariano Font, a member of my own Rotary club. I would urge you all to read the account of that work as related in the June issue of "The Rotarian." In March I made an extensive tour visiting Rotary clubs in my own European continent. First I visited Belgium where the Rotary club of Brussels had organized a splendid inter‑city meeting and where I had the honor of a long private audience with His Majesty King Leopold who is honorary governor of the Rotary district, and who is deeply interested in Rotary. The next visit was to Italy where at Milano I was greeted by Rotarians from practically all the clubs in the Italian district. There in Italy, Rotary enjoys an exceptionally high standing. His Majesty, the King, is not only an honorary Rotarian but he is honorary governor of the district. Nine princes of the royal house are honorary Rotarians and leading men of Italy are glad that through the contacts and opportunities offered by Rotary, there is a possibility of developing mutual understanding. |
RGHF members, who have been invited to this page, may register RGHF members, who have been invited to this page, may register If a DGE/N/D joins prior to their year, they will have more exposure to Rotary's Global History by their service year. This will be beneficial to all concerned. *Based on paid members, subscribers, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, mobile app users, History Library users, web pages, and articles about Rotary's Global History RGHF Home | Disclaimer | Privacy | Usage Agreement | RGHF on Facebook | Subscribe | Join RGHF | |