In a message dated 5/17/98 5:34:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< trust all members of ICOM will join those members of ICOM New Zealand who
strongly condemn the Indian Governement's blatant arrogance as it ignores
international concerns and perpetuates the nuclear arms race through a series
of nuclear tests.

 It wasn't all that long ago (at a trienniale) that members voted to convey a
similar message to the French, noting their determination to continue testing
in the South Pacific.

 I trust the ICOM 1998 meeting in Melbourne will be equally vociferous in its
condemnation of India
  >>
Strongly condemn, blatant arrogance, condemnation...should ICOM be a world
watch dog?
1.  What good will come of this?
2.  How will it improve ICOM's stated mission?
3.  Does ICOM offically take positions on issues that have nothing to do with
its mission?  4.  Who will determine what issues are right and wrong?

We all have issues we feel very strongly about, but I hardly think ICOM should
be a platform from which it or its members take sides on any issue not related
to ICOM's stated goals. How will this help ICOM's Indian members?

Sam Alexander