Text of AAWS Inc. Copyright License Agreement with Central Mexicana
AA member sentenced to serve a term of one year in jail for alleged crime

3. Enclosed letter to Central Mexico - Letter sent to Central Mexicana on February 17, 1994

4. July 25, 1994 letter from Dr. Jose Ignacio Guzman Mejia, Chairman of Section Mexico General Service Board, to Chairman of A.A. World Services, Inc.

12. August 24, 1994 letter from Dennis B., past delegate, to Xavier M., Section Mexico.

13. An excerpt from the 12th World Service Meeting Report - 1992

14. History of Mexican Copyright Licenses distributed by the General Service Office in New York.

15. A Letter Written by a Delegate that attended the 1987 General Service Conference - at this Conference Article Two was Changed to reflect the Policy of AAWS to grant exclusive licesing to One Service Structure per Country.

16. A Letter from A Class B Regional Trustee to the General Service Board Regarding the "Mexican Situation." Northeast Regional Trustee

17. A Letter from a past Delegate to a member of Section Mexico, dated October 4, 1994

The 1^st faction, Central Mexicana, obtained permission to exercise its legal right against the infringing faction, Section Mexico, from A.A. World Services, Inc. in February of 1994. After the Mexican authorities confiscated the literature from Section Mexico, Section Mexico wrote a letter to the General Service Conference, USA/Canada, petitioning for the redress of a personal grievance. A response was not immediately forthcoming. The General Service Board decided that it was an "internal problem" in Mexico-they believed that everything was `legal'; the Spiritual intent of Concept V was not considered. An interesting question arises; if we have taken the authority by changing the Conference Charter, Article II, do we not also have to take the responsible? This also brings up whether or not, by this change in the Conference Charter, we have gone against Warranty Six in Concept XII.

The following background information has been re-typed, verbatim, from various letters, documents, and other supporting materials in regard to the issue of, "Mexico - Two Factions."

The material is presented in chronological order.

We hope this material will help clarify the, "Mexico Situation."

February 10, 1994 - Letter from the General Manager of GSO to the A.A. World Service, Inc. Directors

To: AAWS Directors
From: George D. General Manager of GSO
Re: GSO (Central) Mexico

After further communication between our attorneys and the attorneys for the (Central) Mexican General Service Board, as well as between GSO and GSO (Central) Mexico, it has been clarified that a letter as per the attached should suffice to permit the (Central) Mexican General Service Board to proceed as is authorized by the License Agreement that we gave them. Please note that the letter does not ask them to proceed but simply states that we have "no objection" to their taking action.

The (Central) Mexican General Service Board meets on February 26 and they would very much like to have the letter from us as it will be their last meeting before the (Central) Mexican General Service Conference. Their Conference, last year, asked the Board to take appropriate steps to protect copyrighted material. Tom (GSO Services Director) or I will try to be in touch with each of you. If there appears to be a problem, we can try to arrange a conference call. We would, in any event, like to have a definite response to our Mexican friends by the end of the next week.

George D.

Enclosed letter to Central Mexico - Letter sent to Central Mexicana on February 17, 1994

Central Mexicana de Cervicios Generales
de Alcoholicos Anonimos, AC
Av. Cinco de Mayo No. 39
Col. Centro
06000 Mexico, D.F.

Dear Sirs:

We understand that you wish to take appropriate legal action for copyright and trademark infringement against infringers in Mexico. As you know, A.A.W.S. Inc., the trademark and copyright owner, has licensed its trademarks and copyrights to you. Paragraph 7 of the copyright license provides that you, as the Licensee, may take appropriate legal action regarding infringement in your own name. The purpose of this letter is to formally advise your that A.A.W.S, Inc. has no objection to your starting any legal action that you deem necessary to protect the copyrights and trademarks which have been licensed to you before any judicial or administrative authority, including but not limited to the Attorney General's Office, the Mexican

Trademark Office of the Commerce Department and the Copyright Office of the Commerce Department and the Copyright Office. Any such action will of course be at your cost.

Very truly yours,

Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Mr. George D. General Manager

July 25, 1994 letter from Dr. Jose Ignacio Guzman Mejia, Chairman of Section Mexico General Service Board, to Chairman of A.A. World Services, Inc.

July 25, 1994

Dear Fellow A.A.:

We're glad to say hi and afterwards we would like you to know about the events we have been going through, and which have just resulted in a crisis.

Since the beginning of the AA program in Mexico, a service structure named Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales, A.C. had been in charge of providing the general service to the groups in this country. However, on account of motives of money and power, the structure dangerously deviated from the AA traditions and principles. Notwithstanding, our efforts and requests to get Back to Basics, we weren't ever heard by the authorities, yes, the authorities within AA. All these facts have been gathered and are verbatim contained in our booklet, Regreso a lo Fundamental (Back to Basics). We named our withdrawal and new service structure movement after this expression.

Effective August 24^th, 1986, about fifteen hundred AA groups in this country decided not to keep in with Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales, A.C., and simultaneously, we all approved the creation of a new general service structure, named General Service Conference, Mexico Section (Seccion Mexico de la Conferencia de Servicios Generales), as well as its two operating entities; the General Service Office and "Dimension" Magazine.

Through correspondence issued since 1984, addressed to the General Service Office and to the General Service Board in New York, all of the antecedents and the facts that came about were properly informed by us. For most of these letters we are certain that the same were received, but for the rest we still don't know about since we never got a response, not even as an acknowledgment of receipt.

In a reiterative way the reply from New York, particularly at the beginning, was in the sense of not getting involved in this matter. There was an emphasis on the fact that this structural problem would have to be solved internally, this is, in Mexico itself. However, sometime later and in an unusual and mysterious way, some letters from New York GSO asked us to refrain from printing and distributing any AA literature. Coincidentally, there was some correspondence through which NY GSO was granting the legal rights to Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales, so as to use, print and distribute the publications from AA World Services, Inc., as well as the granting of the license to Central Mexicana so as to register the trademarks, the logos and the name of Alcoholics Anonymous before the Mexican Government dependencies. It's clear that this sides-taking attitude by NY GSO, generated serious conflicts and confusion.

As per the agreement of both the AA groups and the Section Mexico of the Conference, the legal Chart for the General Service Board, as well as the two entities of service (General Service Office and "Dimension" Magazine) were duly legalized. Under this chart, the General Service Board has the duty of looking after the spiritual aspects and message of AA publications for its printing and distribution to the alcoholic members. The GSO has the responsibility to provide services as per The AA Service Manual, and the Dimension" Magazine publishes a bi-monthly magazine. The Trustees service committees are a vital importance in providing service to the members. All of this structural service keeps itself abiding by the principles from the Twelve Concepts for World Service and the Twelve Traditions of AA.

There are currently twenty-four hundred AA groups supporting our Section Mexico and this figure keeps increasingly growing and interested in the services that this Section Mexico provides.

We have deemed necessary this introduction, whereas through correspondence issued on February 19^th, 1994 from AA World Service, Inc., subscribed by Thomas J., Service Director, Central Mexicana, A.C. was approved to sue our service entity, in care of printing and distributing AA literature, suing us also for using the name, "Alcoholics Anonymous" and for using the AA logo. An action thoroughly contradictory to one of the 43^rd US/Canada General Service Conference conclusions about the AA logo, in which one paragraph states: "In the end, the Committee was in doubt about suing - `What would the benefit be in suing? We guess that the damage inside our Fellowship would be much worse than the harm done out of AA." (This is an indirect translation for where we got this quotation from was a Spanish version from the 43^rd General Service Conference Final Conference Report) Anyway, isn't it this harm the same that has been done to the 2,400 AA groups we serve?

This last point of view is based on the trust we have toward the very same AA bedrock principles as well as our God-trusting way, which we have as the principle for our AA program, and also of our lives. We do also hope that the AA principles will serve t protect our beloved name. Warranty Five in one paragraph reads, "It seemed certain that we could confidently trust AA opinion, public opinion, and God Himself to take care of Alcoholics Anonymous in this respect.

Having this principle in mind, we don't get to understand the NY GSO attitude, which, in every aspect, seems to us to be out of AA Tradition spirit. Last July 5^th, Central Mexicana sued criminally our service entity, Section Mexico (that is, the Section Mexico GSO) and in a shameful action, some Mexican law-enforcers, accompanied by several loaders, and two truck impounded our AA literature. It's a pity that our principles had been so abused. What about our Fifth Warranty? What about the money contributions according to Tradition Seven from the groups which, instead of being channeled to reach the still suffering alcoholic, will surely have to be paid as attorney's legal fees and expenses for both Central Mexicana, ourselves, and yet the ones yourselves might sometime need, due to this legal action?

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For the above mentioned reasons and motives, and bearing in mind the important service that minorities achieve within AA as a whole, and abiding to the "Right of Appeal and the redress of personal grievance, we respectfully beg your to take into consideration, as well as to make way to our following petitions:

1. A redress of personal grievance for the facts and consequences which, painfully, took place because of the criminal suit from Central Mexicana, supported by A.A. World Services, Inc.

3. To terminate the authorship license agreement between Central Mexicana and A.A. World Services, Inc.

4. Your issuing of a letter to Mexican prosecutors in the sense that A.A.World Services, Inc. does not legally protect any longer the use of Alcoholics Anonymous logo.

5. To submit for further analysis and discussion all the procedures that have been established through A.A. World Services, Inc. oriented to the granting or denying of the rights to print AA literature, considering that such literature is the sole patrimony of AA as a whole. This way, no service committee, no matter its responsibility level, shouldn't be ever able to regulate nor to pre-establish the groups' behavior, whereas otherwise is a flagrant violation to the Conference General Warranties.

6. To instruct the service premises (in this case the General Service Office) so that the letters and correspondence addressed to that section members will effectively be handed in to the consignees.

This is an emergency breakdown for Alcoholics Anonymous so if you deem it adequate, you may hold an extraordinary General Service Conference meeting, according to the procedures contained in Article IX of the Current Conference Charter.

We want you, fellow AAs, to take into account that the service structure of Section Mexico Conference is supported by and fully trained to service 2,400 AA groups; that the criminal suit filed by Central Mexicana, supported by A.A. World Services, Inc. is not but delaying the structural problem-solution in this country, whereas hindering the life message to the still suffering alcoholic.

We wouldn't like to say this but, if we don't get an adequate response to our Petition, we would be in the situation to consult the New York Bar of Attorneys, so we could have the advice in authorial-laws from those professionals, since not having your support, we'd be in a position of a legitimate defense.

Concept V says, "The well heard minority, therefore, our chief protection against an uninformed, misinformed, hasty or angry majority."

"All around us in the world today we are witnessing the tyranny of majorities and even worse, tyranny of very small minorities invested with absolute power. De Tocqueville would have neither, and we A.A.'s can heartily agree with him."

Yours sincerely,

CONFERENCE: ALWAYS A GUARDIAN, NEVER A GOVERNMENT FOR A.A.

SERVICIOS GENERALES DE A.A. SECCION MEXICO

Dr. Ignacio Guzman Mejia - Chairman of the Section Mexico General Service Board, Fernado Iglesias Valdes - Secretary of the General Service Board Section Mexico-Trustee, Jose Antonio Villela Frutos-Treasurer of the General Service Board Section Mexico , Class A Trustee, Saul Castorena Monterrubio - Coordinator of Committee Section Mexico Class B Trustee

July 25, 1994 letter from Dr. Jose Ignacio Guzman Mejia, Chairman of Section Mexico General Service Board, to the General Service Conference US/Canada.

E.E.U.U. & Canada Sections

By means of a letter addressed to the A.A. World Services, Inc. signed by Thomas J., we obtained information that the Service Director (Thomas J.) gave permission or authorizing the Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales de Alcoholicos Anonimos Section Mexico, A.C. to initiate legal actions VS. our Junta de Servicios Generales de Alcoholicos Anonimos Seccion Mexico, A.C. "accusing the organization for the responsibility of the utilization to authors rights gave to AA, and at the same time the "logo" and literature distribution of AA provokes public opinion antagonism that violates "principles that no government for AA."

By means of this on July the 5^th, to the present year, in a poor, shameful action, they sent a judge order to enter to our offices, utilizing aggressively and violence to obtain our literature (policemen, chargers, lawyers at the control office and other people.)

Because of this on July the 9^th, of the present year, we had an Extraordinary meeting of the General Service Conference, Section Mexico to valorate and send to you in an advise action, the document that avalate this and a legal inquire done to E.E.U. U. and Canada based on the Fifth Concept, copy of the legal edict that they presented versus our subsidiary, copy circumstantial act copy (in which we turned the actions done by the authorities brought by them).

If you need more information or ampliation of these inform we will send to you. If you want more comments to the present one, please communicate it to us and with pleasure we will ampliate to you.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Conference: "Always Guardian, Never Government to A.A."

Dr. Jose Ignacio Guzman Mejia
Chairman of the General Service Board Section Mexico

August 9, 1994 letter from George D., General Manager of GSO to Dr. Guzman regarding Dr. Guzman's  July 25, 1994 letter to the Chairman of A.A. World Services, Inc.

August 9, 1994

Dr. Ignacio Guzman
Junta de Servicios Generales de A.A., Seccion Mexico
Apartado Postal M-7875
06000 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico

Dear Dr. Guzman,

We have received and reviewed the communication you sent to members of our Board and our Conference.  We also acknowledge and appreciate the visit of Saul Castorena Monterrubio and Xavier Maza  to GSO today and their explanation of your position.

At this time we are not in a position to respond to the statements or requests that you have made in any way.  We are, as I indicated, giving this situation serious review and consideration and will further respond as soon as possible.

As we talked about during the visit, we hope and pray that all concerned in Mexico will strive with all their hearts to achieve unity and to preserve the loving and vital A.A. Fellowship that exists throughout your country.  As I indicated to you, and have offered to Central Mexico, we would be willing to do anything we could to assist our Mexican brothers and sisters in their search for unity.

Yours very truly,
 
George D.
General Manager

cc:  Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales de A.A., A.C.

August 10, 1994 letter to the General Service Conference from the Chair of the General Service Board, Jim Estelle.

To: All Conference Members

From: W. J. (Jim) Estelle, Jr. - Chairman, General Service Board

Dear Friends,

By now, most of you have probably received a package of mail from Mexico. The mailing list may have been taken from a 1993 Conference Report, as we believe the package was not sent to Panel 44 delegates and if any others of you did not receive the mailing, contact Pat at GSO for copies. As briefly as possible, this is the background of the situation:

· The Conference Charter of the United States and Canada provides (The A.A. Service Manual, S31), "In countries where a General Service Structure exists, the United States/Canada Conference will delegate sole right to publish our Conference-approved literature to the General Service Board of that structure." Complying with the Charter, AAWS has historically granted licenses to foreign General Service Boards to publish approved translations of AAWS copyrighted literature. The exclusive licenses carry with them the right to protect the licenses (copyrights) in their countries. Without this right the exclusive license would afford no protection.

· We have been aware of Mexican unity problems since the mid-1980's when "Section Mexico" was formed as a new service board out of what had been some areas in their Mexican General Service Conference (Central Mexicana) structure. Since this occurred, we have continually appealed to the Mexican A.A.s to work towards resolving their differences and achieve unity. Three of our general managers - John B., Wayne P., and George D. - have urged them to come together and attempt to resolve their difficulties.

· Board members from Section Mexico visited GSO (in the late 1980's) regarding permission to publish AAWS-copyrighted literature. The request was declined on the basis that the preexisting service board held the exclusive license.

· Section Mexico proceeded to publish AAWS-copyrighted material. Wayne P. and John B. before him, wrote Section Mexico regarding the copyright violations. Section Mexico refused to discontinue the sale of the materials.

· AAWS took no action absent an indication as to what the Central Mexicana Conference wanted to do-again feeling it was a Mexican problem and hoping they would find a way to resolve it. In late 1993, the Central Mexicana Board advised GSO that their Conference had requested that they take action to stop Section Mexico's publication of materials for which Central Mexicana possessed the exclusive license.

· The Central Mexicana Board was advised by their lawyers that the Mexican courts would require a letter from AAWS requesting or authorizing legal action. AAWS balked at the proposed language and finally sent a letter stating simply that AAWS had "no objection" to

· action taken in their own name to protect the copyrights licensed to them. Had this not been done, the exclusive license AAWS had given the Central Mexicana Board and the position they had taken regarding their role as sole publisher in Mexico would have been ineffective.

· *AAWS was not a party to the Mexican legal action, did not pay for it, or control it. AAWS receives no income from literature published by Central Mexicana.

· In conversations with the general manager of GSO, Central Mexicana and with their board members, we have continuously counseled restraint and repeatedly offered whatever help we could give to resolve differences. We have had no communication with or appeal from Section Mexico since they rejected Wayne P.'s request prior to the package sent to Conference members.

A present and former board member of Section Mexico visited GSO and met with the general manager on August 9, 1994. They delivered the enclosed letter (the following letter-number 8). The response, also attached (included in number 8), was given to them before they left.

We believe that this is an internal Mexican AA problem. We are gathering input to determine what response should be made. We do not feel that any of us should jump to conclusions, take precipitous action, or do much else at this point but pray for the continued sobriety and improved unity of our friends in Mexico.

We have once again made known our offer to be of any possible assistance, whatever, that could be of help to our Mexican friends in resolving their differences. You can be sure our Conference members will be kept informed.

With warm regards,

Jim Estelle

* (note from editor)...this is not true. Consider the following quote from AAWS General Manager George D. concerning the foreign licensing agreements, "Our licensing agreements have also included a REQUIREMENT that the necessary actions to protect the copyrights which were licensed."  So, contrary to AAWS statement that they had no part in Central Mexicana's suing Section Mexico, this is not true...Central Mexicana had to sue, according to AAWS's licensing agreement.

August 15, 1994 letter from Saul ., Class B Trustee of Section Mexico to George D., General Manager, GSO

August 15, 1994

Dear George,

Thank you again for your kind reception and please accept our apologies for not having been able to announce our visit.

It's always a great pleasure to be in the cordial and warm atmosphere of the GSO. Please extend our thanks to everyone who helped us and made our visit so pleasant.

We will be waiting with great expectation the communication announced in your letter delivered to us an dated August 9. We do hope that together we might avoid a shameful public confrontation derived from a criminal legal process between brothers.

Following please find and extract of the main points of our conversation. We hope to have made a faithful synthesis. If not, please let us know and we will certainly correct any misinterpretations in which we might have undeliberately (sic) occur.

· We leaned from you that in accordance with the Conference Charter, A.A. World Services policy is to have one literature publisher per country. Since you have already authorized Central Mexicana, you do not advise or accept that other Service Structure print and distribute A.A. literature.

· We informed you that the legal criminal process already launched against the Junta de Servicios Generales means prosecution by law and therefore there is no legal withdraw or withhold from the part of the complainant. This also means that the Junta de Servicios Generales will have to defend itself by all the means within its reach.

· We informed you that given the circumstances described above, the only way not to harm thousands of members affiliated to the Conferencia Seccion Mexico, the only way not to harm the Service Structure and to protect the liberty and integrity of persons as well as to avoid public confrontation is to agree to the petition of the Junta de Servicios Generales, to permit the use of symbols and literature within the Service universal standards. All this in the benefit of Alcoholics Anonymous and the suffering Alcoholics.

Is in the sense if this last paragraph that the Junta has asked your prompt and determined intervention. The petition makes more sense since the Junta de Servicios Generales, according to the Conference Charter, is a well organized Service Structure, based on the AA Service Manual principles, on the AA Traditions, on the 12 Concepts for World Service, and in the Conference Structure..

· We insisted that the criminal process launched by Central Mexicana will lead us all to a public confrontation that nobody wants and that only AA World Services, Inc. can stop this aberrant initiative since Thomas J.'s letter served as the foundation for Central Mexicana's denunciation.

· Full of hope and optimism, we are glad to transmit your offer to mediate between Junta de Servicios Generales Section Mexico and Central Mexicana. Thank you. We reiterate the Recommendation of the Conference Seccion Mexico position: "The Conference Seccion Mexico continues to be willing and open to dialog between delegates of both service structures.

Receive again our sincere thanks for your hospitality and fraternal affection together with our best regards in the service spirit that inspire us all.

Saul C. M. Class B Trustee General Service Board Section Mexico
Xavier M.

September 28, 1994 letter from George D., General Manager, GSO to Saul C. M., Class B Trustee General Service Board Section Mexico & Xavier M.

Saul C. M.
Xavier M.
Junta de Servicios Generales de AA
Apartado Postal M7876
06000 Mexico, D.F.

Dear Saul and Xavier,

We appreciated and thank you for your letter of August 15, 1994, and the very kind and warm things you had to say about your visit to GSO. You may be sure that you will always be welcomed in the same spirit.

We discussed your letters at the September 15 meeting of the AAWS Board of Directors and would like to report to you concerning AAWS' position.

As we have previously advised you, from the time that countries other than the U.S./Canada first became capable of publishing AA literature, our policy has been to grant the sole right to publish AAWS copyrighted literature to only one service structure in each country. Our licensing agreements have also included a requirement that the licensee take the necessary action to protect the copyrights which were licensed. Changing the policy at this time could have a serious effect on Alcoholics Anonymous worldwide.

While we cannot take sides in an internal dispute, we are, as I indicated during your visit, deeply concerned for AA unity in your country. As all of us know, AA unity is our most precious possession and vital to our mission and primary purpose - carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

The Central Mexicana Board has told us that they have an earnest desire to meet with you to attempt to discuss and resolve differences. You indicate that your delegates are "open to dialogue." We sincerely and prayerfully hope that a way can be found whereby some discussion can commence.

With warm regards,
George D.
General Manager GSO

Highlights from the A.A.W.S. Board meeting, October 27, 1994

There was discussion during the week regarding AAWS' copyright and licensing policy. The World Service Meeting delegate unanimously accepted the report of their Literature Committee as follows:

"Copyrights were brought up under new business. It was felt the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous belongs to AA as a whole and AAWS, Inc. (U.S./Canada) holds these copyright in trust for all of us. The committee recommended that AAWS, Inc., should continue to grant exclusive licenses to one service structure per country. Giving licenses to two entities in one country could weaken the unity of AA in that country. It was suggested that future World Service Meetings be kept aware of problems regarding copyrights in AA."

George stated that he was profoundly moved by the sense that, not withstanding enormous differences in language, religion, culture and political systems, we all identified with each other so well. Similarly, with our service efforts to reach the suffering alcoholic, our successes and our problems are remarkably similar throughout the world. Larry N. (US Trustee-at-Large/World Service delegate) added that attending the World Service Meeting was a tremendous personal experience and source of gratitude for the privilege of participating in this meeting.

August 15, 1994 letter to Mike McP., Chair of AAWS, from Jake H., Northeast Regional Trustee.

August 15, 1994

Dear Mike,

In reading the Final Conference Report for this year, I noticed that the license agreement to Central Mexicana was dated October 4, 1990. Jim Estelle's letter of August 10, 1994 states, "We have been aware of the Mexican unity problems since the mid-1980's when Section Mexico was formed as a new Service Board..."

My question is, how was the decision made to license one AA service entity over another? What criterion was used to determine which AA was the valid AA?

Also, for my information, please provide me with a copy of the letter - "AAWS authorized a letter expressing no objection to the Central Mexicana General Service Board taking action, as necessary to prevent infringement of copyrighted literature in that country." (AKA Thomas J. letter of February, 1994)

Thank you for this information,

Love in Service,
Jacob B. H. - Northeast Regional Trustee

cc Members of the AAWS Board, Jim Estelle - Chairperson General Service Board

August 24, 1994 letter from Dennis B., past delegate, to Xavier M., Section Mexico.

Mr. Xavier M.

Junta de Servicios Generales de AA, A.C.

Independencia 101-23

06000 Mexico, D.F.

Dear Mr. M.

I have received copies of the material you sent to some of the delegates of our General Service Conference. Upon receiving them I called your office on or about the 11^th of this month (August). I believe it was you with whom I spoke.

You mentioned that you had been to our GSO and had talked with George D., who requested more information - which you were gathering and preparing to send. I also requested a copy of the letter by Thomas J. and you were kind enough to agree to send this to me, along with copies of the material you were sending to George D.

Since that time, I have found someone who can translate some of the material you have already sent in the packet to the delegates. There is one set of documents which we are finding hard to read. Therefore, I would like to request a translated copy of what appears to be minutes of a meeting. The notation at the top left of the page is:

A.P. 2840/DO/92
MESA:6-FPII

The copies I have received are very hard to read and the person translating is not able to complete the work. Your assistance would be very much appreciated.

I would also like to inform you regarding what has taken place since your material has arrived. However, before I do so, it would be helpful for me to point out that we are currently having many of the same kinds of problems which may have been your experience prior to the formation of your service organization, Section Mexico.

Since we have received your material, a move to censure (determine wrong-doing) of our General Service Board has been attempted. While a substantial number of our delegates would not support this - by signature - there is a growing unrest about how our business is being conducted. Many of us, who have been working to bring about a change of course in our General Service Board's actions, feel a deep brotherhood to you in your struggle.

I have enclosed a copy of the letters and written material which grew out of your mailing to us. A review of it will give you a sense of what is being attempted by a small group of concerned folks.

Of course, as can be expected, we are under much pressure to stop. The delegate who first sent me the material has received many phone calls in an attempt to scare or negotiate him away from this course. We are, however, gathered around him for support and he remains strong - as do we all.

Yours in Love and Service,
Dennis B. Past Delegate

An excerpt from the 12^th World Service Meeting Report - 1992

Page 52: "Also on the subject of trademark registration and copyrights, an Irish delegate noted that, following the 1990 World Service Meeting, Ireland had registered our A.A. logos. One delegate stated that, at the Eleventh World Service Meeting, the delegates were told that they would be sent international treaties to be signed pertaining to trademarks and logos. The delegate from Central America, expressing some confusion on the issue, also reported having heard that delegates would receive copies of an international treaty with a list of countries that have already signed. It was pointed out that laws regarding the registration of trademarks vary considerably from country to country and that therefore it is presently impossible for all countries to sign an international treaty.

"A Mexican delegate shared that in his country some AA groups have separated from the service structure and are printing literature copyrighted by A.A. World Service, Inc. The Mexican General Service Office, having requested and received a list of titles that Mexico had been granted permission to reprint, proceeded to register the trademarks and obtained copyrights in Mexico and were then able to take action against the violators."

History of Mexican Copyright Licenses distributed by the General Service Office in New York.

2/86-General Manager, John B., reported to AAWS Board that an element of Mexican general service structure had spun off and created a separate structure, hereafter, "the Section group," which was publishing an exact duplicate of Central's literature without permission either from us or from Central. John also reported that our exclusive licenses to the General Service Boards of other countries would be revised so as to grant each the authority to police infringements its own country.

11/86- A new form of license agreement was developed giving licensees authority to sue, and Central executed the revised agreements in connection with 41 books and pamphlets, effective December 4, 1986.

4/87- In 1987, John wrote to the Section Mexico group in response to a letter to him advising of a complete separation from Central. His letter shared our experience regarding the need for unity, asked that they discontinue their unauthorized publishing activities, and noted that it had been the policy of the Board to grant licenses to only one entity in a country, the established General Service Board. It was also noted that we were unable to become involved in local problems. A second letter was written in July, 1987. There is no indication that the Section group ever responded to the General Manager or that they made application for a license.

4/87- The 37^th General Service Conference amended the Conference Charter to provide that, "...in countries where a General Service structure exists, the US/Canada Conference will delegate sole right to publish our Conference-approved literature to the General Service Board of the structure."

6/89- A letter from the General Manager of Central's GSO to John pointed out that Central had not yet taken action so as to avoid controversy; that their legal counsel had suggested meetings between Central and Section in order to negotiate an agreement; and that the existence of the second structure was increasingly disruptive and the cause of a great deal of confusion, and the general service structure was seeking some kind of board action to halt the unauthorized publishing, even if it meant a lawsuit. The Mexican General Manager once again requested us to ask that the Section group to discontinue their unauthorized publishing activities.

7/89- The new General Manager, Wayne P., wrote to the Section group in July, 1989 advocating unity, insisting that the Section group discontinue the unauthorized publication of our literature, and confirming that Central had full authority to undertake any action they felt necessary to halt the unauthorized publishing activities.

8/89- The Section group responded and stated unequivocally that they had no intention of halting the unauthorized printing and distribution of AA literature.

1/90- The Chairman of Central's Board wrote to Wayne stating that the Board of Directors had required him to take prompt action to stop the unlawful use of trademarks, logos and copyrights, including legal action, if necessary.

4/90- Central's attorneys wrote Section group advising that they had been retained; and advising the Section group that they had 15 days to comply with a request to discontinue the unauthorized publication.

5/90- A month later the Section group responded to the attorneys saying that any request for discontinuance of publication would have to be referred to the AA groups in their structure-it would be up to the groups.

10/93- A law firm retained by Central's Board requested a letter restating the authority reflected in the clause of the Licensing Agreement which authorized Central's Board to conduct copyright infringement litigation. After several months of back and forth discussions, a letter was drafted by the General Manager, George D., approved by the AAWS Board, and was forwarded to Central's General Service Board in February, in 1994. Since Central's Board was due to meet at the end of February, George, who was away from the office, asked the Services Director, Tom Jasper, to execute the letter (which required a notarized signature) and sent it to Central.

10/93- The discussions with Central were reported in the minutes of the Oct. and Dec, 1993 meetings of the AAWS Board; in the "Highlights From AAWS," reflecting those 2 meetings; in the AAWS Chair's report to the General Service Board at its Oct. meeting; and in the AAWS Chair's report to the General Service Conference.

7/94- A letter from the Section group informed us that a civil and criminal action had been brought by Central because of the continuing infringement activities, and that Section's office was the subject of a search by local authorities pursuant to a search warrant. The letter, together with a number of other documents was distributed to some members of the US/Canada General Service Conference.

8/94- In discussions with Central and its legal counsel, they informed us that prior to instituting legal action, Central sought to have the matter arbitrated before the copyright office, consistent with procedure provided for under Mexican law. While the Section group attended three such meetings along with the representatives of Central, the Section group refused to agree to be bound by any decision the arbitrator might render. Additionally, we learned that the infringing literature that had been seized would be held until the matter was finally adjudicated; that no one had been arrested or detained; that, while Section had initially failed to appear in court on 2 scheduled dates, they had subsequently appeared on August 31, 1994; and, that Section had reserved its right to submit a written answer to the charges.

As early as 1986, we took the position that Section printing of copyrighted literature without permission was an infringement, and that we supported Central as our exclusive licensee.

Thereafter, from 1987 through 1990, we worked with Central to ensure their exclusive license position was properly documented, and would enable them to proceed against Section in their own name. *The General Service Conference appeared to agree with this general policy, evidenced by the 1987 revision of the Conference Charter.

The Mexican situation may be unique in that there are two AA entities purporting to be general service structures. This raises the question as to whether we should consider amending our present policy, i.e., should we license both Mexican entities?

A Letter Written by a Delegate that attended the 1987 General Service Conference - at this Conference Article Two was Changed to reflect the Policy of AAWS to grant exclusive licesing to One Service Structure per Country.

Pat R.
Richard B.
General Service Office
Grand Central Station
PO Box 459
New York, NY 10163

RE: Article Two of Conference Charter

Dear Pat and Richard,

I am at a loss as to whom I should write this letter on this subject matter. I know others have tried the GSB, George D., etc. and when serving as Trustees or past Delegates, they were ignored, or worse, name-called, labeled, or whatever - the same as I was by a Board Chairman on the subject of Grapevine and Concepts. All of this does not put the Conference and AA as a whole in the best light. We all need to remember the goal is "best." Anything less, with perhaps the exception of compromise, when improving circumstances will not do and it reflects unfavorably as we forget principles and get lost in "money, property, and prestige." Corporate entities are no exception and can also go on extensive and damaging "dry drunks." None of us is exempt. So while I may end up copying everyone in the world on this long letter, I am writing to you both and want you to consider this letter from the perspective of a Panel 45 Delegates, attending the 1987 General Service Conference which John B. and Bob P. chaired. I am asking a great deal because the result of reflection from 10 years ago may provide a solution. I also know you will quickly correct my impressions but that is the basis for this letter. We know there are reports and tapes of all these proceedings but these do not capture the feelings or impressions created in that conference setting in the room at the Roosevelt Hotel. We were there.

There also is another method of checking our thinking and it would not be too difficult for GSO to contact all past Delegates attending the 1986 & 1987 Conference for their impressions on this matter. In fact, when Frank M. suggested something on the nature of a "gathering," such a use as this was what I envisioned. It is an untapped wealth the Fellowship has at its disposal. It is not used and in a sense, the mechanism is in place with things such as NERASSA and PRASSE, NERD, Forums, etc.

It pains me to think that we, as a fellowship, have not been doing what we say we do - that is, carry, or make it possible for the groups to carry the message to the alcoholic. We are hypocrites. We have erected barriers. Literature is part and parcel the message as well as the medium at the disposal of groups and group members. We all know and accept that. In this Conference of US/Canada, we spend a great deal of time and effort keeping the cost of literature down so it is affordable and available to all. In fact, we pride ourselves in a sense on how cheap it is for us to sell and produce this literature when we compare prices to the real publishing world. In fact, our history and impression, given through the years, is to reduce the price to at or near cost. In our groups, the group or individual will even give the book(s) away if the person can't afford it. We say we in AA are different and often the reverse of the real world; we created the Conference and legal entities to serve us. These were accepted in 1955. Maybe this is why it may be time to separate GSO from AAWS, Inc. which will be a topic for another lengthy letter. In any case, the Fellowship, through the Conference, accepted the responsibility for these corporate entities and the overall setting of Policy for these entities and AA. The Conference is involved with Policy. To look at the 1995 Conference and the gloating over how spiritual it was, with little or no Advisory Actions (21?) and a flat out refusal by most to even consider, much less discuss and table until later, four items, reveals to the Fellowship how moribund and self-serving we have become. It is especially irking because these issues are all related and serious. A few years ago, the Conference Theme was "AA Takes Its Inventory - The General Service Conference Structure." Maybe it better do so again - a serious, critical look.

In thinking back, I recall John B. talking at great length that it was time to reword this section (Article Two) as it no longer seem to fit what was occurring, although in this rewording, there is no intent to alter the implied meaning in the original, of senior section, etc. The intent in paragraphs one, two, and three, were to remain. The reason cited for this change was in Australia where two entities had been given (licensed?) the right to print in a parallel situation, of an Intergroup occurring first followed years later by a Conference Structure, to what occurred in the US in the early years and post-Conference years when many Intergroups did their own printing. Isn't that one of the reasons behind ultimately the Circle and Triangle sign, "Conference Approved," etc.? The rewording took place so licensing would be to a Conference Structure. As I remember, progress was also being made in the USSR, as well as Eastern Europe, and Africa and South Africa. At the time, Mexico, it was reported, was encountering some local opposition from a few dissident groups - what the opposition was about was never mentioned, but that it was the normal growth process and the Mexican General Service Conference Structure would cope with it (did they?). With these events occurring, no where was it expressed or implied in the Article Two discussion that the attempt would be made to enforce or even imply that the "one Conference to one Country" principal was to apply precisely because of language or location. Isn't that Politics? AAWS and the General Service Board erred in their interpretation. More to the point, they failed to consult when it was obvious consultation with the Conference was necessary, as not a a simple "OK to print with our permission" but a licensed agreement was used which categorically violates the principles imbedded in the older Conference Charter in paragraph three. While pricing itself was not an issue, the thinking was that the pricing structure would be similar in thinking to that in the US/ Canada, and so available to the AA member at the lowest possible price. We apparently don't adhere or follow the dictate of one country, one Conference, for instead of Great Britain GSO for England, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia, we have separate Conference Structures. Geography may play a role but would not apply to the British Isles.

Hence for Mexico to decide to have two Conference structures is their decision. And therefore, if one can print, both should print unless one decides not to do printing of literature. It disturbs me that while it is OK for us to purchase literature as cheaply as possible, we evidently don't encourage this thinking in helping to establish service structures and literature printing. Rather then emphasizing Self-Support through contributions, the sale of literature is seen as the source of funding, hence the high prices as is the practice among some central service/intergroup offices.

The stock answer given by AAWS and the General Service Board for encouraging the growth of the General Service Structures in other countries has been to indicate that growth occurs faster with a structure in place. However, perhaps we are too quick to jump to this conclusion. We know how slowly the growth and development has been in our Areas as awareness and need grow from a meeting to a group. It usually takes this process years to develop, here in the states. I suspect the process is not that much faster overseas. So why is AAWS and the GS Board so quick to jump in and encourage growth of structures rather than work through the surer and safer nearest structure? We have done it in Eastern Europe and the former USSR, which has since fragmented into many republics, which according to current thinking would mean many GSO's and printing literature privileges where there was one. Has this happened and why not? The same is occurring in Cuba. Is this wise or is it fraught with danger as these areas need more time in absorbing the import of the Traditions and Concepts and principles involved? If our concern is to carry the message then surely the cheapest and most effective way would be to make the price of literature as low as possible. Exclusive agreements, the word "exclusive" itself is not in our vocabulary, with other entities is not, repeat, not, the way to cheapest anything. It is a franchise and a way to more profit. At whose expense? Those we would help? If we had known that when we showed up at the doors of AA, would we be here now? I suspect we would have been out the door as we discovered there was an angle or way out. We are violating our own purpose. Conferences have repeatedly said that the loss of copyright (to the Big Book) was no big deal, and as the ideas themselves were copied from so many different sources, that the ideas are universal. These copyright losses were a big deal to those who would profit from the money lost - namely royalty beneficiaries and AAWS.

Another trueism known among those of us in service is that about the nature of questions and trust. Sometimes we will get an answer to our questions and more information will be volunteered. However, that is not usually or always the case. The question may be answered, but if there is a better question or answer, that is not answered or given. Another given is that we drunks are naive, and are quick to make assumptions which are not true but are part of deception which might be included with trust. Such a question arises when we look at licensing, and more dangerously, "exclusive licensing" when it comes to the perception of property and who owns what in the sense "custodialship" and "guardianship." What was never spelled out or presented by AAWS to the Conference was their understanding of "exclusive" and how much their understanding differed from Conference thinking, hence no policy was developed by the Conference as guidance. Certainly information has been played down and tossed off as normal business practice for a corporation, when closer examination was needed by the Conference. AAWS certainly did not present both sides or all sides of the issue. I, for one, would like to see a copy of a generic licensing agreement and a specific instance - say, with Mexico, England, Germany, so I can compare these documents myself. Where are these registered? With whom? What is the document fee?? Who pays it? Remuneration in some form is usually required by the grantor? What is it and how much? Is this remuneration payable yearly from "profits" akin even to royalties? Is this why AAWS is concerned? Where in the mass of budget figures is this amount hidden? Somewhere in the publications division? Warehousing fees? Is that why they were excluded? Are we, as AA members, and the Conference given full information so decisions can be made?

Most groups and members take AA seriously and accept the implications of the Traditions to heart. They want their funds used to help carry the message as prudently as possible, which is why some groups support the higher priced central office prices on literature when it would be more prudent to wait three weeks and order from GSO at lower prices. This custom, so firmly imbedded in AA, is not followed apparently on the International or multi-GSO structure level as on this level exclusive agreements seem to abound, which when all is considered, translates not "more bang for the buck" but rather how much can we charge and get away with. If literature can be bought cheaper from this Conference by someone in another Conference, then why can't they buy it? We are making decisions for someone that we have no right to make. I shudder to think that with our crass, opportunistic attitude towards licensing - exclusive - that the struggling and new groups reportedly increasing in Cuba are going to have to pay, as individuals, the higher priced Mexican literature, rather than AAWS in US? Or, for that matter, IWS, if the price is right? The message is in the book but if it is too high priced, then we are at loggerheads with ourselves. Does AAWS, as a corporation, have the Conference interest at heart? I'm not talking individuals. An entity, any entity, is interested in self-reservation. Only in AA do we ask ourselves to give up for the greater good - reorganization, rotation?

Frankly, I don't know if the Conference has the guts to take back its responsibility of providing policy direction and doing the reorganization that may be necessary. I do not believe too many AA members and those in service are too familiar with the Service Manual and the Concepts. 1955 was serious. Bill, like the rest of us, was not too thrilled with the tensions in his own heart, else why would he feel that AA and the Conference were finally safe, even from himself. The Conference always has to think in terms of the best. I hope these issues surface on the Conference floor if the Agenda Committee chooses to ignore them. Many of these questions and concerns have arisen from various Area Committee people and, more importantly and independently, from the GSR's who attend the District VIII monthly meetings as we go through the Service Manual in a workshop. I hate to write letters such as this as there is no quick answer - typical?

I would appreciate it if you could send me a copy of the past two World Service Meeting Reports so I could attempt to determine the thinking the Delegates had in their support of AAWS which appears to be so adamant. If no one questioned these matters, or if they were but weren't reported, then that is evidence enough that something is wrong, that AAWS sees the World Service Meeting as another extension of itself as glorified "bookstores" similar to central offices as literature outlets. In fact, there were so many GSO and AAWS members at this World Service Meeting, it is not surprising the thinking and decisions paralleled AAWS. They were overwhelmed or perhaps, intimidated. Sort of like a treatment facility sending 20 clients to a small group such as Stonington.

I suspect the Fellowship has grown through the Coming of Age Stage. Perhaps the title and directional sense in the perennial updated AA history book should be approached from the theme of AA Matures and Accepts Its Responsibility. The issues and principles of Article II and Licensing must be addressed, honestly, trustingly, with no secrets held back because we

(can not handle the truth, with full information from all perspectives, and full debate. Decisions should be delayed until the next Conference so that the Fellowship, worldwide, has a chance to reflect. Wouldn't this Panel/Presentation be a better use in the Wednesday AM time slot presently used for a Spiritual Meeting? (In fact, the daily early AM meeting, prior to the Conference convening, might think about disbanding, and joining, rather than separating from, other surrounding established early AM meetings - what is our primary purpose?)

Along with the requested last two World Service Reports, completed and uncompleted licensing form and agreements, I would also appreciate a copy of the report on the last Northeast Regional Forum held this past August. I couldn't attend as I was too busy innkeeping with out much help! Thank you both for listening. If I can be of any help in any of the above, please let me know.

Love through Service,
Bob D., Panel 36 - Area 28

A Letter from A Class B Regional Trustee to the General Service Board Regarding the "Mexican Situation."

Dear Board Members,

I have not heard from any member of the General Service Board in regard to my query concerning the Mexico situation. Did you know that members of Section Mexico are being sued on criminal charges? Once again, are we going to respond to the Section Mexico grievance as was their "Right to Petition" to the General Service Board under Concept V?

Do you anticipate that the General Service Board, as required by the 4^th Warranty, will discuss policy in regard to public relation/public controversy, anonymity, as they relate to litigation? Are a few hours on a Sunday night adequate to address these grave issues which vitally affect Alcoholics Anonymous?

I look forward to your response in regard to these issues. If we are indeed committed to free and open communication, then it is incumbent on us to commence the dialog amongst ourselves, the Conference and the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Sincerely,
Jacob H.
Northeast Regional Trustee

A Letter from a past Delegate to a member of Section Mexico, dated October 4, 1994

To: Alberto P.
RE: Latest mailing from GSO-New York

Dear friend,

I attach a copy of the material recently sent to all the delegates of our General Service Conference. [referring to the "History of Mexican Copyright Licenses" sent to all Conference members by the Chairman of the General Service Board, Jim E.] I suspect his is in response to a number of things. First, the move to Censure, and second a growing concern in our structure that things have gotten out of hand. We now have at least one other trustee who feels that a change of some kind must take place. The progress is slow, but we keep acting on our faith of AA principles and a loving God.

Mentioned in the material sent is the fact that in 1987 our General Service Conference approved a change to the Conference Charter, Article Two. This change seemed to be a "maintenance" type of legality change when it occurred. I don't even recall our delegate reporting on it. At the time we were engaged in a debate over the use of surveys within our society and whether "specialty" pamphlets were proper, as well as the controversy over Merit Pay for the office staff.

This change, however, lies at the heart of both your current difficulty and ours. Prior to the change we had been operating on a "one world" basis. All persons, committees, boards and entities in AA were on equal footing. No single entity or service group held any authority or power over any other. With the approval of the change in the Conference Charter, Article Two, that was all reversed. In fact, looking at the change one can easily see that it is in direct conflict with the original intention in two ways. First, it sets on AA person/group/entity in authority over another. Second, it establishes the opportunity for "acts of government" (Warranty Six) to become a part of the AA service structure.

As has been my custom, when I stumble across this kind of new understanding, I will be writing a paper on this new perception of mine. It will address what appears to have been the true intention of the Conference Charter (i.e. our service structure) and how the change has led us on a path which can only end in destruction or dissolution.

May God be with you until we meet
D. Past Delegate Panel 41

A letter, dated December 23, 1994, from a then current Delegate to the Chairperson of the Report and Charter Committee Chairperson Regarding Article Two, Paragraph 4 of the Current Conference Charter.

Jim E. General Service Board Chairperson
Michael McP., AAWS, Inc. Chairperson

RE: Article 2, paragraph 4 of the Current Conference Charter
1995 Report and Charter Agenda Request

Dear Betty, Bruce, Jim and Mike,

At the recent Southeast Regional Forum in Biloxi, Mississippi, December 2-4^th, 1994, I shared my concerns with this issue with the Southeast Regional Trustee (and AAWS, Inc. member), Gay G.

Gay's comment was that the issue would be addressed if a current Conference member *requested that it be placed on the 1995 Agenda.

Therefore, after several weeks of research, prayer, and consultation, as a still current Conference member, I would request that:

The 1995 Report and Charter Committee review Article 2 of the Current Conference Charter,

paragraph 4, page S31 (1994-1995) The A.A. Service Manual, for consideration of a conflict with

Tradition Four (Long Form) and Warranties Three, Four, Five and Six.

Rationale:

While the Advisory Actions (#53) of 1987 and (#6) of 1988 appeared to be in the best interests of AA in the US/Canada and Worldwide, is this a case of the seeming good being the enemy of the best? The actions, in effect policy changes, did negatively affect AA in Mexico. Did we have the spiritual authority to do this?

I would add to this Rationale the last paragraph and six questions raised by the current General Service Office General Manager in the "Timeline" on Mexico that he compiled and mailed to all Conference members as part of the September 23, 1994 AAWS, Inc. "Highlights" : (I quote)

· "The Mexican situation may be unique in that there are two AA entities purporting to be general service structures. This raises the question as to whether we should consider amending our present policy, i.e. should we license both Mexican entities?"

To continue the Rationale, the situation in Mexico is NOT an "outside issue." Almost nine years after their formation, the "new" General Service Structure of Section Mexico still exists and is

growing. As we step into 1995, the legal and spiritual entanglements in Mexico are the direct consequences of actions taken by the US/Canada Conference and our involvement is not over yet. There is more to come.

Please believe me when I say that requesting this to be added to your already full Agenda did not come easily. The softer easier thing to do would have been to just walk away and use the cop out, "well, I'm rotating out; not my problem anymore!"

I can't d that. I was invited to spend Thanksgiving Weekend with the General Service Board of Section Mexico and 7,000 sober GSR's, DCMs and AA group members representing 2,400 groups were present. They are as much "AA" as we are. I don't pretend to have the perfect solution for a very complicated issue, but I would sincerely ask that all of you consider this Agenda request carefully. Perhaps a look at the principles in Steps 10 and 11 can guide us all.

To be of help, I hope, knowing how long it took me to track down and research all the information, I've added a brief "Background" summary for you.

I would appreciate hearing from you,

Bob Panel 43

*Editor's note: The Agenda Item request never got out of Report and Charter for Conference discussion.

1985, Staff report, International/World Service Meeting stated: "To protect AA's copyright, careful consideration is given to granting overseas boards and centers permission to print AA Conference approved literature. A request should come from the board; and before any printing begins, GSO first explores the way the material will be financed and distributed. The request for permission to print of reprint is then presented to AAWS." (Not a Conference Action)

In February of 1986, General Manager, John B. reported to AAWS that AAWS's exclusive licenses to the General Service Boards of other countries would be revised so as to grant each the authority to police infringements in its own country. In November of that same year, a new form of license agreement was developed giving licensees authority to sue. (Please note: there are no 1986 Conference Advisory Actions to support these policy changes, nor any reference in the General Service Board's report that it was consulted.)

I have been informed that the "Background" for Advisory Action #53 (1987) came from a sub-committee of the General Service Office, the primary focus being paragraphs 2 and 3. However, a 4^th paragraph was added which put into place an important new policy statement:

"In countries where a General Service Structure exists, the US/Canada Conference will delegate sole right to publish our Conference-approved literature to the General Service Board of that structure."

(note: Again, the background material is not clear as to whether the General Service Board voted to support this policy change before it was referred to Report and Charter.)

In 1988, Report and Charter had 16 Advisory Actions, among them #60.

At the risk of offending a number of people, I would take exception to the conclusion reached in the September 23rds "History of Mexican Copyright Licenses":

"There after, from 1987 through 1990, we worked with Central Mexicana to ensure their exclusive license position was properly documented, and would enable them to proceed against Section Mexico in their own name. The General Service Conference appeared to agree with this general policy, evidence by the 1987 revision of the Conference Charter."

That is like saying it "appeared" that the 1989 Conference "agreed" with the now infamous Merit Pay footnote, when in fact, most members of that Conference have readily admitted that the issue blew right by them (rubber stamped) only to resurface over the next three years and create a considerable amount of controversy.

In looking over the 1995 Agenda request and this background summary, I would ask that you also consider Tradition Four, Long Form and Warranties Three, Four, Five and Six.

Thank you,

Bob McE. Panel 43

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To: All members of the 1994 Thirteenth World Service Meeting

October 9-13, 1994

Cartagena, Columbia

Dear Friends,

The enclosed copies are for your review and comment, if you wish. I am sending them to all of you because of the unanimous acceptance of the report of your Literature Committee:

"Copyrights were brought up under new business. It was felt the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous belongs to AA as a whole and AAWS, Inc. (US/Canada) holds these copyrights in trust for all of us. The committee recommended that AAWS should continue to grant exclusive licenses to one service structure per country. Giving licenses to two entities in one country could weaken the unity of AA in that country. It was suggested that future World Service Meetings be kept aware of problems regarding copyrights in AA."

Based on the enclosed information and the Statement of Censure presented to the General Service Board (US/Canada) this year, in a small part because of AAWS' "handling" of the situation in Mexico, I cannot help but wonder what was used as "background" for your Literature Committee's recommendation.

Thank you for the time taken to read this correspondence. *I look forward to hearing from you.

With Love in Service,
Bob McE. Panel 43

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Additional Background for the 1995 Report and Charter Committee Agenda Request, December 23, 1994

Chairperson: Dr. Jose Ignacio Guzman Mejia - General Service Board Section Mexico
Presidium: General Service Board Members
Ad Hoc Committee Members for the "Situation in Mexico."
Assistants: Current Service Delegates from the 19 Areas of Section Mexico General Service Conference.
Region Trustees
Former Delegates

Questions:

1. According to the communications we have just received from the United States/Canada, we have been watching several inconsistencies in the actions from the General Service Board in New York, with which some service delegates do not agree. My question is: "What has the Conference position been in regard with this attitudes from the General Service Board?"

2. The A.A.World Service, Inc. board has been acting in opposition to the Alcoholics Anonymous principles. In a thumbnail, I mean the possession of the literature, as well as some lawsuits filed against several associations outside of Alcoholics Anonymous. What is the position from the Conference in relation to the General Service Board on these matters?

3. I would just want to know about the opinion that the AA groups in the US/Canada have about this so important matter, and also whether the groups have discussed this with their delegates.

4. As a former Delegate in Central, I noted that the Consulting Board-the equivalent to the General Service Board-were deviating us from AA principle. I would like to know if situations as these happen also in the United States, for instance: Does the GSB own the building where the service entities work? Even as a Conference, Central has sometimes expressed its willingness to legally incorporate Alcoholics Anonymous, something Bill said we ought never to permit to happen.

5. According to the modified Article Two of the Conference Charter, do you believe that any situation like ours should-to name it somehow-regulated by the delegates at the world level, or should it have to be solved by the Conference of each country. I thought the World Service Meeting never made policy.

6. What impression has Section Mexico caused on the US/Canada delegates, in respect to our actions aimed to form a new service structure, which we name as Back to Basics? Why did GSO members approved a lawsuit versus an Alcoholics Anonymous section, without being expressly authorized for such action, which has affected more than forty thousand sober alcoholics in Mexico?

7. As far as I know, the amendment to Article Two was made in 1987-why in that moment-when it came to light-the Conference didn't foresee the future problems we currently face, or what was in their minds when they accepted such a change?

8. Why have so many sensitive subjects have been escaping from the Delegates control, like someone giving permission to sue a section of Alcoholics Anonymous, the register of trademarks, and logos, and lawsuits? What's the matter with the US/Canada Conference, isn't it as reliable as it has always been?

9. What information did you have from us-before our fellow attorneys visited you in New York last August-since this problem has existed since 1986?

10. Have the delegates in the US/Canada Conference taken note of this problem, so as to discuss it during the next Service Conference Meeting, because besides Mexico, there are perhaps more problems like this?

11. It sounds that there is a Recommended Action from the Conference so to authorize Central Mexicana to print and distribute literature. What year did the US/Canada Conference issue this action? What is the future you foresee for Section Mexico?

12. How long has it been since the delegates lost the control of things and let the General Service Board and AAWS to take over? Why did the legal poser come first rather than the spiritual one?

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Additional Background for the 1995 Report & Charter Committee: Letter from an AA member of Section Mexico to a Panel 43 Delegate:

As soon as I received your information request of 12-20, I immediately asked the Ad-Hoc Committee and we then met, and afterwards with the General Service Board and contacted the Delegates, so as to have the info requested ready as soon as possible, about the "Situation in Mexico." My fellows and myself appreciate very much your leadership and valuable help you're giving to our troubled AA service structure. Following the same order of your letter, we are providing the information requested, namely:

The status of the legal procedures.

1. Since the conflict began, we have always been willing to settle the differences with the plaintiff (Central Mexicana). However, this has not been possible since the only way to have this dispute settled, has always been on a basis according to AA Tradition and principle. I mean, any agreement must be reached by the Service Delegates from both Section Mexico and Central Mexicana. This latter has always rejected this proposal. About this position, there are already some facts, which we made Mr. George D. aware of, opportunely:

a) When we were summoned by the Central's attorneys our reply to them was that this was a problem, which had to be Traditionally solved by the Service Delegates.

b) On September 8^th, 1992, we addressed a letter to the Mexicana Government agency for Copyrights, and asked for the same Traditional solution.

c) On August 9, 1994, our trusted servants, Saul C. and Xavier M. met with Mr. Dorsey, personally, in New York, and he was given a copy of the letters described in a) and b).

2. We have asked the Attorney General for subpoenas for only Messers. Wayne P. and Thomas J. The first because he appears as the primogenial (sic)-original-author of all the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous, at the National Information Center of Copyrights of the SEP (Public Education Secretariat) in Mexico. Please find attached two pages (they're originals and are in Spanish, issued by SEP in August 17, 1989). These pages are only an example, and they're about the copyright of the booklet, "A.A. Tradition-How It Was Developed," you can see that Wyne (sic)-Wayne- P. appears as the author (Spanish author or author primigenio)

About Mr. Thomas J. we petitioned for a subpoena because he issued an authorization in behalf of Central Mexicana so this one by itself or on behalf of AAWS would be able to denounce Section Mexico for infringement of the Federal Copyright Law and Industrial Property Law on Patents and Trademarks, action which has put us in this current plight to us all. We feel this is a very serious accusation about the Services Director for Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.-Mr. Thomas J.-so I'm enclosing you the letter in two pages, dated February 17, 1994, by which you can see that this gentleman issued a formal authorization to Central Mexicana to start ANY legal action to protect the copyrights and trademarks before ANY judicial or administrative authority in our country.

We want to tell you that we didn't ask for any subpoena for Mr. George D. However, this gentleman is fully aware of the legal conflict currently in Mexico, for our representatives in the visit they made to New York as I've told you in point 1-c. He, though, has said that he felt that the authorization to file suit against Section Mexico would only be civil and never criminal. You can judge by the letter that it clearly involves the General Attorney's Office, so we don't get to understand George's statement. Furthermore, we somehow got the Spanish translation of a letter to the Conference members from AAWS, signed by Mr. W. J. E. (Chairman of the General Service Board, US/Canada), dated August 10^th, 1994, stating that they had only issued a letter stating that they had no objection so that Central Mexicana could file any action against on their behalf, so to protect the copyright. We deem both Mr. D.'s and Mr. E.'s statements highly inconsistent.

These subpoenas, as well as the audits have been asked for by our fellow alcoholic attorneys as a defense only, against the criminal charges made by the Central's legal office attorneys. The only one we want to defeat is John Barleycorn.

3. Concerning this point, we can just say that we don't have the answer, for this depends on the resolution given by the authority who knows of the accusation, this is, the Attorney General. The possibilities are as follows:

a) The declaring of no-criminal prosecution by the Attorney General-In this case our literature would be returned on a short term.

b) The declaring of an investigation reserve-It would take longer than a year.

c) The consigning of accusation to a criminal court-It would mean a long-term suit (years), it would then depend on the judge's sentence.

As you see, the only short-term possibility if the first one. Otherwise, our literature would be ruined due to humidity or poor handling, or the only passage of time. The books, booklets, leaflets, etc. are now inside the Depository for Crime Objects. These objects are mainly drugs, weapons, firearms, narcotics, vehicles employed in criminal activities, and the like. It's sad, very sad, to know where is now, and where still has to stay the Alcoholics message.

B. Affordability of literature in Mexico

1. Please, find attached a comparative list of publications costs to fellow AA's both from Central Mexicana and from Section Mexico.

2. The result of the external audits from both Section Mexico and Central, will be requested by the Mexican IRS if the procedure follows the course I mentioned above in alternatives 3-b and 3-c. So, the audit results from Central are still not publicly known, and nobody can state yet whether it's a for-profit group.

At this juncture, we need to express some concerns about this matter.

The Mexican law grants a special tax-free status to an association which do not make any financial profits through its activities. However, when someone fails to comply with this requirement, he has fouled this benefit and is then subject to criminal prosecution. Supposing Central had played foul, it worries us a lot, because it implies the AA name to be tainted.

We of Section Mexico periodically have to display letters in several newspapers concerning our principles of Self-Support and Anonymity because, beside Central, there are other groups (they name themselves 24 Hours) who use the name of Alcoholics Anonymous. They have made a wonderful job in giving medicines, shelter, clothing and food to alcoholic brothers and sisters who otherwise would die in the streets, because there's no public welfare for them. I have myself taken fellows under delirium tremens to 25-Hour Groups, and miraculously my fellows have gotten well. But, you'll surely understand that they have to hold these insane fellows, sometimes with a chain so the drunks do not kill themselves. There have been those who have died in the process. The tabloids usually make a big fuss of these situations, and the public in general sometimes associate us to these group for they name themselves AA, which they are not.

Financially, they have to receive outside contributions so they can support themselves.

We have lived with this, and have learned how to answer to questions from the public concerning these groups. We also have wonderful friends in the media. This image-crafting has been a task that we the AA's in Section Mexico have all endeavored and fought for as our main target and like 0ne-man's task.

I then wonder what would happen to AA as a whole, in Mexico, if Central had in any time to face criminal charges for tax-evasion and fiscal fraud.

We have made our best in order to avoid that the public controversy started by Central Mexicana and AAWS gets to the media, taking care of not violating the Fifth Warranty of the Twelfth Concept for World Service. However, we must admit that the inertia of this legal conflict makes for us harder to stick to this principle.

The irresponsibility and absence of AA principles from your Chairman of the Board, Mr. E. in telling half truths to the group conscience, from Wayne P. lying to Mexican official agencies about his authorship of AA literature, and from George D. in pretending innocence when he said that he expected the litigation t be civil and instructing Tom J. to sign a letter which clearly states the Attorney General Office, are behaviors hardly conceivable in people drinking and afflicted by alcoholism. We ask ourselves why, for God's sake, have these men, besides hindering the AA message, provoked an International legal conflict?

As your wise judgment will tell you, we feel there is much at risk in this problem, than the "controlling" of copyrights, licenses and the stuff of any other for-profit entity, but not the spiritual gift of Alcoholics Anonymous, so, please, let me know about whatever you need from me so to keep our folks' conscience in your area well informed.

Yours in Love and Service

Alberto P. Member of the Ad-Hoc Committee for the "Situation in Mexico."

Highlights from A.A.W.S. - December 15, 1994

Copyright and Licensing Agreements: The trustees' International Committee had suggested that GSO develop a "cohesive record on all copyrights and licensing agreements through the world." Our Publishing Department expects to have the following research completed by mid-January utilizing temporary help.

· Searching archives and "active" foreign GSO files for licensing agreements and permissions given on behalf of AAWS.

A Letter to the US/Canada Delegates from Dr. Guzman, Chairman of the General Service Board, Section Mexico.

(This "Petition of Grievance " was never answered by the Conference Delegates nor addressed at the General Service Conference.

October 10, 1994

Dear Fellow Service Delegates,

God's will has always expressed itself in the way of having all AA members united through Love and Service; so it is with these facts in our hearts and minds, that we wish to say, "Hi" to all of you.

This letter is intent in taking to light and to your kind knowledge those spiritual grounds and motivations we experienced several years ago, and which encouraged us to make a hard decision in creating a new AA Service Structure in this country; this is, the General Service Conference, Section Mexico.

The necessity to constitute a service structure alike the US/Canada General Service Conference surged since the beginnings of AA in Mexico, so it was then that the structure "Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales de AA" was legally created. Being its sole object the providing of the general service to the young Mexican fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymus, so as to serve them with its primary purpose of carrying the message to the still suffering alcoholic. Time passed and gradually Central Mexicana came to be the only service entity in charge of providing all the general service. This is, neither a General Service Office, nor an operating entity for the AA magazine were ever created. Meantime, the corporation began to be itself monopolistic and approriating of all the power either financial as organizational, and it eventually became despotic and imperious toward the fellowship which had created it, and to which it was supposed to oblige.

To every alcoholic person it has been true that the only way to arrest the disease is to honestly face the fact that one is afflicted by this baffling, mortal h had created it, and to which it was supposed to oblige.

To every alcoholic person it has been true that the only way to arrest the disease is to honestly face the fact that one is afflicted by this baffling, mortal disease of alcoholism. And the same facing of facts has proved to be true for the rest of our affairs, if we are to enjoy a life full or purpose and peace of mind. It was then that we had to face the facts about Central Mexicana. We indeed had the hope of getting things settled in unity; however, we were powerless to straighten things up, according to AA principle, namely:

The delegates were never given the financial statements and none of us was able to know about the situation of the structure; the legal Charter of Central Mexicana was modified without even informing the Asamblea Mexicana (Spanish for Mexican Assembly, which pretended to be a Mexican version of the US/Canada General Service Conference); ample powers of attorney were given to an individual. And a lot more of serious actions like these ones took place. There was a growing concern and unrest among the members about this state of things, but our queries were never even taken into account; they were always barred and never discussed in the Assembly Annual Meeting. The regional trustees acquiesced and connived at the Central's misdoing since they had been legally appointed under Central Mexicana's modified Charter statutes.

It was then that after enduring from the General Service Board acts of government as well as a lot of hostile and punitive actions toward eight Areas of the Center-Eastern region; after the disregarding of suggestions from AA groups and from the Structure entities and even the denial to have these suggestions discussed in four annual meetings of the Assembly; after the dismissal of a delegate from the Assembly (a fact which may be unique in AA's history all over the world), the group conscience of these eight service Areas-following a close and direct consultation before the groups they represented-made the decision to secede and to stop recognizing the Central Mexicana de Servicios Generales as their chief service arm and decided also to create the General Service Conference, Section Mexico, the General Service Board (the Trustees) along with its two operating entities, always abiding to the traditional principles and the Twelve Concepts for World Service as a base. This historic event in Alcoholics Anonymous in Mexico happened in August the 24^th, 1986.

According to the will of about 1,500 AA groups in the eight service Areas, three class A Trustees, and four class B Trustees were elected so as to be in a position to create the General Service Board and one operating entity, the GSO. Before the first twelve months of independence two more Areas joined us, and we afterwards appointed two class B Regional Trustees. This newly-born structure was given a DIs 480.00 to begin its operations. This tiny sum had been gathered through group contributions for the Central mexicana originally and that we had withheld because of our difficulties we had with Central.

A special meeting of the General Service Conference, Section Mexico was called for September, 19, 1986 and then the General Service Board was given a special advisory action in order to constitute one operating entity, the restoring of Public Information service and the editing and printing of 10 titles of Conference-approved AA literature, identical to those copies available in the US/Canada.

Through this eight-year service period, the following actions have been achieved according to our General Service Conference Advisory Actions:

· Our General Service Office was started in 1986. It is in charge of the services to AA groups and also of reprinting literature copies edited by A.A. World Services, Inc.

· The General Service Conference issued the pricing policy for the literature titles distributed to AA groups. The cost is added a 60% for all the titles, excluding those for Public Information which are added only 12%. This procedure allows only to cover the cost plus overhead expenses, and a tiny remnant applied for our Prudent Reserve Fund. Section Mexico's prices for AA literature copies are 250% less expensive than those of Central Mexicana.

· The General Service Board and the General Service Office are always to meet their expenses through the money contributions from the AA groups, according to Tradition Seven guidelines.

· With the basis on Concept Twelve, the Reserve Fund has been created. It is being capitalized through contributions from the groups, as well as through remnants from literature distribution. This way the General Service Board doesn't allow the GSO any more money than necessary to fulfill its operational needs.

SECTION MEXICO -- A Past Delegate Visits

THE BEGINNING

Sometime last summer (1994) the Panel 43 delegates received, in the mail, a package from Mexico. In this package was information concerning a lawsuit which was taking place between two General Service Areas-Central Mexicana and Section Mexico. Central Mexicana having been the original General Service Office, and Section Mexico being the new General Service Office of the Areas that had split off from Central Mexicana. The reason this was sent to the delegates was two-fold. First, it was the exercise of the Appeal and Petition part of our Twelve Concepts, and secondly, it was to inform the delegates that a criminal lawsuit had been filed against Section Mexico as the direct result of a letter from our General Service Office in New York.

Having been fortunate enough to continue to receive copies of Conference/Delegate material as a past delegate, both from my own current delegate and from other Conference members, I was sent a copy of the Mexican material and attempted to understand what it was reporting. Since some o the material was in Spanish I enlisted the aid of a fellow AA member to attempt a translation. This moved along at a slow pace until I resolved to place a phone call to Mexico to speed up my access to information. This phone call ultimately resulted in much more than an updating /translation of the Mexican material. As the folks from Section Mexico began to provide me with material regarding their situation, I also sent them copies of letters and reports describing difficulties in the US/Canada.

It was this exchange, I believe, that precipitated in the General Service Board of Section Mexico extending a current delegate and myself an invitation to attend their National Forum in Cuernavaca and a request to speak on the topic of AA's principles. The other delegates involvement came about due to his activity with the Statement of Censure directed at the US/Canada General Service Board. Copies of this material was a part of the exchange of information between Section Mexico and myself. Other material that was sent also resulted in an invitation being extended to a Regional Trustee who felt it best to decline at this time due to a discussion with the General Service Board. The trustee has been asked to come to Mexico and visit after his term as trustee has ended and the possibility of it being misunderstood as an "official" visit no longer exists.

THE ARRIVAL & COMMITTEE OF LAWYERS

We arrived on Friday afternoon (11/25/94) in Mexico City and were driven to Cuernavaca. Our host/translator, Alberto, had informed us in advance that the Committee of Lawyers wished to talk with us during the 2 hour drive to our lodgings. This was done in order to allow time for this committee to talk with us since there wasn't any other time available in the weekends schedule. They wished to bring us up to date on the current state of the lawsuit and to ask some questions of us.

The discussion was so intense and interesting that I was totally unaware of the scenery we passed by. It was only on our return trip Sunday that I saw the beautiful countryside we had wound our way through. Once we were on our way Friday, we were asked what we wanted to know about. I asked for an overview of the legal situation. This overview, and the questions all of us had for one another, took the entire two hours to discuss.

We again heard that the lawsuit was indeed a criminal lawsuit and that there were six AA members who were directly affected by this suit. It was also impressed upon us that this had meant the General Service Office of Section Mexico had been visited by the Mexican Police and all literature had been confiscated. Here we ran into the question which would be asked of us time and time again during our stay, "How could the US/Canada Conference allow this to happen? Many asked this question out loud and with obvious attempts to contain strong feelings. In other cases it was a question one could see in the eyes of the people we were surrounded by. To these folks it was beyond comprehension that one AA Service Structure would be an active participant in taking another group of AA servants to court under criminal charges, or keeping them from the use of their own literature. For us it was also strange to feel the deep love AA's have for one another entirely enveloping us, and yet sensing the anger which lay just underneath that love. An anger which had been born out of the apparent disregard the US/Canadian AA's had for their fellows.

Included in this two hour conversation was also some news which was equally incredulous to us. We were told that when AA's literature was copyrighted in Mexico that a former GSO (New York) General Manager had been officially listed as the author of all of AA's literature. I queried the committee about this, thinking that there may be a problem with translation. I asked if possibly it had been certified that AAWS owned the literature and that the General Manager was listed as the president rather than the author. We were told that this was not the case-that the General Manager had indeed certified that he was the author of all AA's literature.

Apparently in Mexico only the actual author of written material can copyright that material. It would appear that AAWS, or the Central Mexicana General Service Board in conjunction with AAWS felt it reasonable to provide the Mexican Copyright Office with his false statement regarding our literature.

As the most poignant counterpart to this obvious falsehood, when one of the lawyers would get excited and begin to talk forcefully about the possible courtroom drama another of them would council for a diligent commitment to principle. There were several points at which we were informed that Section Mexico could file countersuits with a very high likelihood of winning. At every mention of this option, it was clearly noted that this would not be in keeping with AA principles.

Along with legal points of this discussion, we heard about activities of Central Mexicana such as having a General Service Conference delegate thrown out of the Conference and removing a non-alcoholic trustee because he proposed that the by-laws be changed to require the General Service Board of Central Mexicana to follow the directions of its Conference actions (i.e. place the AA groups as the ultimate authority). It made perfect sense when we were told that the unofficial name for Section Mexico is the Back to Basics Movement.

As you can see, our relatively short auto trip was marked with new understandings and a considerable number of shocks. The landscape out the car window fell out of view in relation to the spiritual panorama we were being given a glimpse of.

DELEGATE & TRUSTEE QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Upon our arrival in Cuernavaca we were driven to our housing accommodations-the house of an AA member, Xavier. During our short stay we were always with several AA's with whom we were constantly discussing the situation at hand and asking questions of one another. Our accommodations were of the highest order and we were treated with true AA love and consideration.

Shortly after we had gotten familiar with our lodging, we were taken to a hotel in the city. In attendance at the hotel were the current delegates to Section Mexico's General Service Conference, the current trustees of their General Service Board, as well as many past delegates and trustees. This session, as we had been told in advance, would be for those present to ask us any questions they had, and for us to respond or enter into a discussion. Both the other delegate and myself were very interested in the questions we might be called upon to answer.

Chairing this session was Dr. Jose Ignacio Guzman, the General Service Board Chairman, and also in attendance was the immediate past Chairman, Dr. Gillermo Velazquezs (both Class A non-alcoholics). These fine gentlemen took the time to explain to us that approximately 80% of the patients they see, in their hospitals in Mexico, are being treated as a result of alcoholism or its effects.

Perhaps the most profoundly impressive experience I had this entire weekend occurred during this meeting. While virtually all of the questions were a variation of the one noted earlier, "How can you allow this to happen?", there was one delegate whose actions clearly displayed the situation. He came to the microphone, and after introducing himself as we usually do, he turned and looked directly into our eyes. He noted the struggle he and his fellow AA's had gone through to develop a structure that provided for their groups survival; how they had provided information about AA to the general public; and extended the hand of Mexican alocholics who are suffering. He ended this comments by saying that we (the US/Canada Conference) had allowed, if not encouraged others to come and take their literature. This literature was now sitting in a warehouse, and drunks in Mexico were dying as the result. With all the love an compassion of one alcoholic for another in his eyes, he asked, "How can you do this to them and to us?" We had no answer to the man's question.

That man, and that moment, did more to help me understand why Bill Wilson kept encouraging us to "open doors even wider" with regard to our message carrying activities. The very idea that we in Alcoholics Anonymous had done anything that had cheated suffering alcoholics from their opportunity to recover filled me with revulsion. It is without a doubt the greatest tragedy that can befall u s as a society. This is not a failure to carry the message, or to open the doors wider. It is the active slamming of the door in the face of dying men, women and young alcoholics. In the short time that this controversy has raged, there have been many for whom recovery has been forever denied. This is what Dr. Guzman and Dr. Velazquezs were trying to impress upon us. These dear friends from medicine are the witnesses to the horrendous tragedy on a daily basis. And just as our Conference's actions, or lack thereof, baffled this delegate, so, too, it baffled these two fine doctors.

As I have noted, and by this account, you can easily see that I was profoundly affected by this encounter. As far as I am concerned, in that small moment I heard the voice of a Power Greater than all of us.

THE OPENING SESSION

On Saturday the schedule began with the opening of the National Forum at the soccer stadium in Cuemavaca. As much as the comments of the previous evening had affected me in a very profound way, the beginning of this forum impressed me. We had been informed that Session Mexico was comprised of about 2,400 groups in 19 Areas. Based on the usual experience in the US and Canada, I expected about 500/600 people to be in attendance at this Service Forum. As we approached the stadium we began to get some indication that my previous expectations were less than accurate. Outside the stadium we saw bus upon bus parked. We were told that many of the folks had taken these buses from all over Mexico in order to attend the Forum. The number of people in attendance was overwhelming. Later we were to find out that 6,000-7,000 AA's had attended this Forum! That's an average of almost 7 members per group. Imagine if we got that kind of attendance at service events in the US and Canada?

Another very interesting practice surfaced (or, at least I began to notice it at this point) in this session. Virtually all Service meetings have, as a part of their opening items, a reading of Bill W.'s discussion of the history of General Service. At the end of the portion that is read we find the question that Bill suggests is the only one needed for service work. This question is asked of all those present, "Is this service really needed?" At each session we attended the resounding answer was, "Yes!"

As the weekend progressed and as I began to see the dedication to AA principle that we were surrounded by, this simple beginning and response stood in my mind as a shining example of a true attitude of service. Neither the General Service Trustees, the delegates, or GSO staff took any significant actions without first consulting the group members. There was never a question of whether or not the group conscience was the ultimate authority.

When I commented on this it was explained to me that all new Class "A" trustees are required to read a statement which clearly spells out the simple fact that the trustees work for the groups. Upon completing their reading, they are engaged in a discussion in which their understanding of this, and dedication to it, are determined. It is only after a degree of certainty is achieved on this matter that they are accepted as a Class A Trustee of their General Service Board.

I had also been fortunate in being asked t address the opening session. My topic was, "A.A. as a whole" and focused on the spiritual opportunities and responsibilities we all have to protect our "One World" of AA.

THE FORUM WORKSHOPS

The forum workshops were, to some degree, similar to those held at our own Forums. Significant differences could be seen, however. There were approxi