World Medical Association Meets in Helsinki

What you feel about the World Medical Association probably depends on the standards you apply to it.If you judge it in terms of a successful national medical association, you are bound to be disappointed, because the world has scarcely.got beyond thinking in terms of nations.If, however, you com- pare it with other non-governmental international bodies you may find that it has considerable merit.At least it has con- trived to survive and not to split up into linguistic or political or confessional groups.Furthermore, at times when its dis- integration has been prophesied by the pessimists it has managed to find new sources of energy and inspire its supporters with hope.In the words of its recent chairman of council, Dr. Felix Worre, its motto could well be that of tne City of Paris, " Fluctuat nec mergitur," which may be freely and inaccurately translated as "It has its ups and downs but it does not sink."The XVIII World Medical Assembly, held in Helsinki in June, was by common consent one of the best for years; and once more the optimists found cause for satisfaction.The business sessions were conducted efficiently and expeditiously; there was less irrelevant debate than usual ; and there was a general air of hope and good will among the delegates.For this happy state of affairs our Finnish hosts were largely responsible.They had contrived to organize the meeting with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of efficiency.They had even contrived to ensure perfect summer weather, and their unobtrusive hospitality and friendliness were a model for international gatherings.The Assembly got under way at the rather odd hour of 1 p.m. on Sunday, 14 June, when the Opening Ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Finland, Urho Kekkonen, a tall and somewhat austere figure, and the Mayor of the City of Helsinki, Lauri Aho, a somewhat shorter and considerably less austere figure.There were the usual exchanges of greetings, and the Finns performed well, from the President of the Republic downwards, in giving short and sensible addresses of welcome.