----------------------------------------------------------
This document has been made available in electronic format
by the International Co-operative Alliance ICA 
----------------------------------------------------------
                         December 1997


               56th International Co-operative Day
                    Saturday, 1st July, 1978

*******************************************************
Message from the International Co-operative Alliance
*******************************************************

Dear Co-operators,

The International Co-operative Alliance hopes that, on the
occasion of this 56th International Co-operative Day, all co-
operators will review the achievements of their movements
during the past year, and initiate measures that will enable
co-operation to face the future with optimism and enthusiasm.

On this day, when millions of Co-operators stand united under
the Rainbow Flag, the International Co-operative Alliance
calls on Co-operators every where, and especially those in
membership:

-    To Work for the establishment of lasting Peace and
     Security;

-    To Assist in the promotion of the Economic and Social
     Progress of workers throughout the world;

-    To Collaborate with the United Nations and its
     Specialised Agencies and all voluntary bodies which
     pursue Aims of Importance to Co-operators; and

-    To Promote friendly and economic relations Between Co-
     operative Organisations of all kinds, nationally and
     internationally.

In order that 1978 may be the Year of Co-operative Solidarity,
your Movement may wish to consider, as was approved at our
1976 Congress in Paris, the creation of a Co-operative Liaison
Committee in your country (where a body fulfilling such a
liaison function does not already exist), so that the
different branches of the Movement may pull together and
provide, through the International Co-operative Alliance,
coordinated responses to the major issues affecting all
humanity.

In this important task, we seek your assistance and guidance.

With co-operative greetings,
S.K. Saxena
Director