(August 2, 1999, The Chugoku Shimbun)

The first delegation from overseas to participate in the Gensuikin's (Japanese Congress against A and H Bombs) World Conference to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the A-bombing (starting from August 2) arrived in Hiroshima on August 1. These 7 participants came from 5 various countries such as India who forced to conduct the nuclear testing last year and England who is one of the nuclear states. As they visited the Peace Memorial Park located in the city's Naka-ward, placed a wreath on the A-bomb memorial cenotaph and prayed for the repose the souls of victims.

The participants visited the A-bomb Memorial Museum thoroughly for about an hour. Mr. William Peden (age 33), a researcher of England's CND, which has a purpose of promoting the movement for the abolition of nuclear armament, said, "I've seen the pictures of Hiroshima over and over again. But I was impressed by the magnitude of devastation caused by the atomic bombing more than ever. I became aware of the meaning of our movement and as a result my feelings for the elimination of nuclear weapons increased extremely. " He renewed his pledge to anti-nuclear wishes.

A German delegate who involves in the movement to oppose the establishment of plants to scrap the final version of nuclear wastes, commented, "I want to appeal to the young generation of the world to visit Hiroshima and see the A-bomb Memorial Museum. I'm sure it will be a firm step towards the realization of peace"

The World Conference against A and H Bombs has been scheduled from 2 to 3 August in the Hiroshima Workpia located in Minami-ward. The Hiroshima Assembly will be held from 4 to 6 August in Naka-ward including the prefecture's gymnasium. The Nagasaki Assembly will be held from 7 to 9 August in Nagasaki. 19 overseas participants from 11 various countries have been scheduled to attend the conference including the above-mentioned delegation.

On the other hand, the World Conference of against A and H Bombs 1999 organized by Gensuikyo (Japan Council Against A and H Bombs) will be held from 3 to 5 August in Kosei Nenkin (Welfare Annuity) Hall located in Naka-ward. After the Hiroshima Assembly to be held on August 6 in prefecture's gymnasium, the venue will be moved to Nagasaki from 7 to 9 August.

Picture Caption:Overseas delegates to attend Gensuikin's World Conference, walking towards the A-bomb Memorial Cenotaph to dedicate the wreath.