Joining nations 1947-1990

A DIPLOMATIC CRISIS

43

The 25th Annual Assembly at Toronto in 1972.

for over 30 years with great distinction, as the growth in the im– portance and influence of the DVS testifies. During this period Dr Sossenheimer, as a leader of the German delegation, gave whole– hearted support to co-operation with the IIW which he served with exemplary dedication in several capacities, one of them being as Treasurer in 1969-72. His successor, Dr I Oehler (USA), was an equally committed supporter of the IIW. An industrialist and a leading figure in the American Welding Society, Dr Oehler served for many years on Commission III and was appointed a delegate on the Governing Council in 1966. A convinced believer in international co-operation, to the extent of actively supporting during the cold war US-Soviet detente, Dr Oehler, like Dr Sossenheimer, served the IIW personally in various capacities, perhaps chiefly in presenting to his compatriots the IIW as an organisation deserving of their encouragement and active participation. One of Dr Sossenheimer's last acts as Treasurer was to propose that the IIW's share of enrolment fees at Annual Assemblies should, after five years at £5 per person, be increased to £7 in 1973 when the Assembly marking the 25th anniversary of the IIW would be held in Dusseldorf. With regard to documentation, the Presidential Committee, whose