LEE R. BAXANDALL ON THE FIRST WORLD CONGRESS ON NUDE BEACHES & RECREATION AREAS

4/11/1984

Angelos,

I admire your broad scope of planning. The First World Congress of Free Beaches, contemplated for August 1985, could be a major step for freedom both in the naturist movement and in the cultural life of Greece. But as I wrote you earlier, the Congress must be carefully prepared for, or it will be an empty gesture. I would like to see it unite in useful discussions the leading figures of the world naturist movement - with the initiative in the hands and roles of the “beachers,” those of us who have refused to be driven into the ghettos of private enclaves and who believe that as much as the future is to be clothes-optional and rational, the present should build upon the use of appropriate public spaces. While fully acknowledging the historical and future role, of course, of those entrepreneurs and organizations which bring us comfortable resorts and other private facilities.

As the human civilization began on the Aegean coasts, and footraces and other sports and games of the ancient world were practiced there in the nude “gymnastics”, so it is appropriate that we return to the Aegean nude beaches for this important Congress. HOWEVER I believe the Government of Greece should be involved and made to commit itself to this ideal, to the point where its support is manifest, and it protects the Congress against the hostile priests. This is not too much to ask of the Greek Government.

It would be a pleasure to mark the 10th anniversary of the Free Beaches Documentation Center, by becoming naked in the cradle of rational and free body culture.

I would want Alan McCombe, and other interested INF leaders and members, to attend but not to control the direction of the Congress. I expect, given that the initiative would be in the hands of “beachers,” that INF participants would be constructive and valuable.

I do not know about Law 1399/83 - which you say outlaws unofficial nude beaches - tell me about it? I am of course aware that the Government has failed to date to establish the designated nudist resorts on private land that recent law provided for.

The Naturist Society will be happy to be a co-organizer of the World Congress if that is what you wish.