CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26179, 1 August 1950, Page 6

CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY

PLANS OF COLUMBIA

UNIVERSITY INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM , AS THEME In 1954 Columbia University, in the city of New York, will celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of its establishment. The university has decided to take as its theme for the celebration the ideal of freedom of scholarly inquiry and expression, and is asking universities throughout the world to join in similar observances. Advice to this effect has been received from the president of the university (General Dwight D. Eisenhower) by the Rector of Canterbury University College (Dr. H. R. Hulme). In his letter to Dr. Hulme, General Eisenhower says: “For many centuries the civilised world has held that the principle of full freedom of scholarly inquiry and expression, the right of mankind to knowledge, and the full usq thereof is essential to human liberty, welfare, and progress. Unhappily, it is now being subjected to serious and systematic attack in many lands. Our trustees, accordingly, have concluded that it would be appropriate to ask institutions of higher learning throughout the world to join in of their faith in the freedom of inquiry and expression. Our plans for a convocation in New York are in preparatiqn. Meanwhile, we are suggesting that each participant find its own manner of marking this privilege, which is man’s natural right,'but not always his legal one. The nature and methods of such observances would vary "greatly from institution to institution, possibly taking the form of convocations, special lectures, courses of instruction, publications, and the like. But no matter what forms such observances may take, if they centre □n the year 1954, their concentrated effect will focus world-wide attention on the belief that, through the free and just use of all the knowledge he can acquire, man may triumphantly ensure the peace and progress for which he strives.

“Columbia will make this ideal the central theme of its bicentennial celebration in 1954. Should you find it possible to participate at that time in this demonstration of faith and belief, we would be happy to exchange with you and other institutions such information and plans as may be mutually of interest. The cause which we seek to serve far transcends any of our individual institutions. We invite your collaboration in it, and shall welcome such comments on this letter as yoq, at your convenience, may care to send me.”

The letter was received at a meeting of the Canterbury University College Council yesterday, and it was decided to leave it in the hands of the Rector and the registrar (Mr J. Logie) to write a suitable reply.