StarBulletin.com

Paul Fagan enthusiastic over Oahu for United Nations Capital


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POSTED: Sunday, October 04, 2009

”;Back in the Day,”; appearing every Sunday, takes a look at articles that ran on this date in history in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Hawaii's oldest continuously published daily newspaper. The items appear verbatim, so don't blame us today for yesteryear's bad grammar.

“;Hawaii offers unequaled advantages as the site for the United Nations capital,”; says Paul I. Fagan, San Francisco capitalist and world traveler.

In Honolulu Tuesday on a flying trip to Manila on an unannounced mission, Mr. Fagan commented enthusiastically on the project to establish the United Nations capital here.

Waimanalo, on windward Oahu, is the site proposed — a magnificent stretch of land between the towering cliffs and the sparkling sea.

An invitation has gone forward from Governor Stainback to the United Nations conference committee designated to select the site for the future capital. This invitation is being considered with those from Miami, Fla., Geneva, Switzerland, and other cities.

“;Hawaii offers advantages that no other country can parallel for a world capital of nations meeting in amity and discussing international problems with as near impartiality as possible,”; says Mr. Fagan.

“;This mid-Pacific archipelago is remote, geographically, from the attentions and controversies of any continent. In geography, in climate, in such facilities as transportation and communications, the island of Oahu is admirably situated and the Waimanalo site appears to be excellent.

“;This territory has demonstrated to the world its advantages as a melting pot of races. In the years before the war, conventions and conferences of an international character were held frequently in Honolulu and so this city has the 'practice' in handling international assemblies. In brief, Hawaii has the know how!

“;The development of airplanes has made Honolulu not only the crossroads of the Pacific but the hub of the world.”;