Scope of Federation work

Reports are available of youth activities from fifteen different countries. Particularly active are the groups within countries directly affected by the war, where their efforts are bent towards complete elimination of fascist tendencies and towards physical, mental and social reconstruction of their homelands. Evidence of international activity is provided by the active support given by WFDY affiliates to the opponents of fascist Franco.

During World Youth Week many countries organised activities of great social value.

France.—Features were the production campaign and solidarity campaigns for Spanish youth. In Pas de Calais, girls working as pithead sorters have given up their lunch hour to increase production. The greatest activity and enthusiasm was developed for the campaign of assistance to Republican Spain. Ureal Quantities of bandages, medicines and pharmaceutical products have been collected for the guerillas.

In Germany the Allied Command withheld permission to celebrate World Youth Week.

Greece.—Plans for youth activities suppressed by police. In spite of official resistance a mass meeting was held and much publicity given to WFDY.

Austria.—Democratic youth of Austria have been particularly active in their country's reconstruction. Programmes include clearing of bombruined streets, cultural and sports activities, and a vigorous anti-Nazi campaign.

Poland.—The celebrations of Youth Week found a great response all over the country. The entire Polish youth, two million workers and students, took part in production campaigns in the coalfields, repairing the port of Stettin and in sports activities.

Algeria.—5,000 members of democratic youth organisations collected several tons of food and clothing. Later free meals were served to thousands of young people in need.

Burma looks forward to complete independence of every subject nation.

Canada.—Activities centre around campaigns for more work for Canadian youth, better training and pay. "Young Canadians fought hard to win the war. and are going to fight just as hard to win the peace. We are going to let the Government know we are on the Job and expect a Canada in line with the sacrifices that were made during the war."

Cyprus.—World Youth Week celebrated by mass meetings and lectures in 150 towns. Cyprus youth planted a great number of trees and repaired destroyed roads, etc.

Yugoslavia.—Prodigious efforts were made to help in the country's reconstruction. During 620,180 voluntary working days. 42 schools were repaired. 638 destroyed houses cleared, 120 houses repaired, canals and drainage ditches repaired, bridges reconditioned, railway lines repaired, trees planted, land ploughed, extra timber cut. Feature of the activities was the re-opening of 500 libraries and collection of books for them.