ANNOUNCEMENT BY PROCONSUR

ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC HISTORY CONGRESS

20 May 1998

The messages of numerous Congress attendees have brought to PROCONSUR's attention, on 19 May, a note distributed by e-mail and fax signed by Prof. Gabriel Tortella in which he announces the suspension of the Twelfth International Economic History Congress, and indicates that persons registered for the Congress should apply directly to PROCONSUR for the refund of amounts paid in advance. As can be imagined, many persons have made such request. Furthermore, many Congress attendees, as well as expressing their surprise and understandable displeasure, have asked PROCONSUR to give its own version of events, in response to which, PROCONSUR wishes to make clear the following facts:

1. PROCONSUR has taken no part whatsoever in the decision to suspend the Congress, and that such decision is contrary to its wishes, interests and commitment to the economic historians and the Institutions which have given aid to the Congress. PROCONSUR deeply regrets the damage that this decision will cause to the scientific community of economic historians.

2. PROCONSUR has written to all of the members of the Executive Committee of the International Economic History Association to convey its views, and asking for a public statement before 26 May.

3. Out of respect for the International Economic History Association, PROCONSUR will wait until 26 May before making public its own version of events and responding to the individual requests of persons registered for the Congress.

PROCONSUR, S.A.

Av. San Francisco Javier, 15-4ª planta

41018 – Sevilla Spain

Tlf.: +34 5 4922755

Fax : +34 5 4923015