GREAT EXHIBITION

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 149, 21 December 1945, Page 9

GREAT EXHIBITION

BRITISH PROPOSAL

SUGGESTED FOR 1951

Suggestions have been made that the centenary of the first international exhibition ever held—the "Great Exhibition" of ISSi in Hyde Parkshould be marked by another in London, says an article in "The Times" by Viscount Samuel. The Government announced recently the appointment of a committee of leading men in commerce and industry to consider the value of exhibitions and fairs as a means of promoting export trade, and stated that the committee had been asked for its views on this proposal in particular. This question 'is one that touches every side of the nation's life, and World-wide interests as well. By 1951, at the turn of the halfcentury, after six years of war and six years of recovery, the world may be ready to take stock of its situation. The two great wars, with a universal and unparalleled economic depression between; the many signs in the present age of a weakening of moral and" political restraints; a widespread un* certainty and anxiety as to the very foundations of its civilisation—it is not surprising that these should have cast a tinge of pessimism over modern thought. On the other hand there have been great achievements. Greatest among them has been the ending of both wars in the victory, not of the forces that make war their trade and cynicism their philosophy, but of the ideas and movements that aim essentially at righteousness and a peaceful world. And, viewing the position as a whole over a period of years, in almost every branch of human activity there have been remarkable advances —in education, in social laws, in the discoveries and inventions of science, and, as a consequence of these, in the standards of life of the peoples. If samples and symbols of all this were brought together from all countries, and displayed to the tens of millions who would certainly flock to see them, it might help to give to the second half of the twentieth century a stimulus, an assurance, a zest, so obviously lacking in the first. It may be that the other States would readily agree that for the next great International Exhibition London was the right place. None has been held in this country for many years past. Paris had her latest and very noteworthy exhibition only two years before the war. The United States held famous World Fairs in Chicago m 1933-34 (with nearly 40,000,000 attendances), and in New York in 1939-40 (with 55,000,000). Russia geographically is not so convenient of access. The countries of Central Europe are disqualified for the time being. It is hardly an enterprise for one of the smaller States. Besides, the endurance of London during the worst years of the war, the death and destruction she suffered while the British Commonwealth alone was holding the fort for the common cause —this may have earned from the other countries a recognition such as this. It may be confidently expected that, before 1951, Russia will have gone far towards recovery. Perhaps she would welcome an opportunity to emerge from her semi-aloofness, and to show to the world the characteristics and qualities of what the Webbs called "a new civilisation." If active Soviet cooperation were invited from the outset and ample space assured for the Soviet display, Russia might give whole-hearted co-operation. Nothmg could better promote that mutual understanding which is indispensable for the success of the 20-year AngloSoviet Treaty of Alliance.

VISITS FROM OVERSEA. There is a movement on foot to encourage tourism in Great Britain. The Travel Association exists, with Government support, for that object. It aims at an improvement of transport facilities and of hotel accommodation, accompanied by a propaganda campaign at home and abroad, such as has been effectively organised in other countries. With the general increase in wealth and leisure, and the coming of speedy air travel all over the world, there is little doubt that within the next generation we shall see an immense increase in the number of people in North and South America and in the British Commonwealth who, at least once in their lives, will come to Europe f.>r a holiday; in addition a growing number will travel on business Britain has much to show and to attract, if only she can Jearn how to show it attractively. 'With the elimination of the slums of our industrial cities; a finer London in the building; a great part of our best, scenery preserved and made accessible in' the new national parks; a better road system; and all the coming developments in town and country planning—much that is worth seeing will soon be added to the interest and charm oC ancient cities and a lovely countryside. The choice of a site is a matter for deliberate consideration. Certainly it ought to be in the centre of London— perhaps in one of the principal parks, Or more than one; or else, if practicable, in the area, awaiting development, on the south bank of the Thames facing the Victoria Embankment