Reported by Robert Pernet

We must first thank Mr. Claude Nobs, the head of the Montreux Jazz Festival organization for having given us the opportunity to hold this meeting under the patronage of the Festival. Mr. Nobs himself was very interested in the various steps already made by the EJF and is willing to join it.At the beginning of the meeting those present were reminded who first had the idea to create a European organization. Mr. Lance Tschannen, for example, as early as in 1965 suggested the creation of an European Federation of Jazz Journalists and Writers. A brief report was then made for the benefit of the mem-bers who did not attend the previous meetings, in order to make a summary of the principal aims of the EJF and to explain the steps already made earlier at meetings, in:

1. WARSAW, 1967 — First concrete work done, countries represented sign resolution, Statute established provisionally — first staff of the Preparatory Committee (election of members).
2. PRAGUE, 1967 — Conclusion of Warsaw discussions, and election of some more members to the Preparatory Committee.
3. VIENNA, 1968 — Statute concluded, 1st branch of the EJF, the Library Center, established.
4. LJUBLJANA, 1968 — New divisions: Education Center, Jazz Festival Committee, Radio and TV Division, JAZZ FORUM recognized as official magazine of the EJF, new members (Oslo).
Then the following points were suggested in Montreux. First, that we must try to combine several Festivals in "blocks" (grouping 5 or 6 festivals within a period of one or two months — Joe Be-rendt's suggestion). Secondly, we suggested to find some one to be our official contact for the USA.
Other ideas suggested by the members:
a) Lance Tschannen: He agrees completely with the general idea of the EJF but is really afraid as far as practical activities are concerned, considering the many different ways of working and thinking in each of the countries of Europe. The most important thing, it seems to him, is to coordinate all the interests of individual people or organizations, as far as critics are concerned, for they, in his opinion, are one of the most important elements of jazz life.
Again about jazz critics, he insisted that it is very important matter for them to know exactly and in due time what and where is happening in each European country. In fact, Lance Tschannen suggested to forget about some of the statute and all juridical stuff, but to see only what i s happening now in the local divisions and individual countries. He ad-ded "Don't go too quickly: let's just concentrate on the facts already accomplished".
Eventually, the EJF should establish another statute, easier to read by individual members and a one which would not give false ideas to subscribers (members). In short, many people seem to be a litte afraid of the "big organization" and its risks.

b) Berendt, Tschannen, Lees: Again, the essential point for such an organization will be to get support and cooperation of UNESCO. Joe Berendt thinks that it is possible, as it seems to be sure that UNESCO has an interest for jazz music.
We must have a body that can officially represent the Federation and therefore it was suggested that each member of the EJF-committee must try to contact the UNESCO-head in his own country, in all local seats of this organization. Explain the EJF, check the possibilities and see if on national ground UNESCO can de anything for the EJF. This statement is addressed to all EJF members and let's hope we will see the results of these talks at the Warsaw meeting! Also added by Joe Berendt: The UNESCO will soon issue a number of their magazine entirely devoted to jazz.
c) General opinion: to hold the EJF meetings whenever possible under the patronage of jazz festivals. They provide an excellent opportunity to meet jazz personalities from all over the world. Under no other circumstances will so many jazz people be together in the same place and for the same reason (jazz).
d) Another precious suggestion was to hold meetings on local basis, as often as possible, even if only some countries are represented, in order to speak about the EJF and exchange views. Perhaps someone could not have been in contact with the EJF members and has interesting new ideas. So, please, let us have as many meetings as possible, at local jazz festivals concerts, conferences, exhibitions and on any other occasion (alsoradio and TV). Here is an example: I was interviewed directly at the Mon-treux Festival; I spoke only about the EJF, and on the next day I had already some inquiries from people who had listened to the program.
e) It has been also decided that JAZZ FORUM magazine will be officially distributed in the Benelux countries by Robert Pernet.
f) Contact in France: despite efforts of the Preparatory Committee no contact has been established with an official French representative. I urgently ask all the members if they have any idea about this?
Contacts have already been established with Jazz Magazine (Ginibre) and also with Charles Delaunay (Jazz--Hot). Any suggestions?
g) Division of jazz festival organizers: it was suggested to have a meeting of this division during the next Jazz Festival in Berlin; the meting will be chaired by Joe Berendt.
h) Contact has been established with delegates from Ireland and Sicily as well as with Norberto Gimelfarb from Argentina.
i) Claude Nobs has promised to write an article for Billboard about the EJF and the meeting in Montreux.
Robert Pernet

List of participants at the conference
about the European * Jazz Federation,
June 14, Montreux, Switzerland:

Norberto Gimelfarb — Argentina
Robert Pernet — Belgium
Karel Srp — Czechoslovakia
Borge Roger Henrichsen — Denmark
MattI Konttinen — Finland
Karl Heinz Deim — German Democratic
Republic
Joachim Ernst Berendt — German Federal
Republic
Joe Viera — German Federal Republic
Roger Fames — Great Britain
Joop De Roo — Holland
Janos Gonda — Hungary
Thorleif Ostereng — Norway
Jan Byrczek — Poland
Lance Tschannen — Switzerland
Rene Langel — Switzerland
Demetre Ioakimidis — Greece
Claude Nobs — Switzerland
Willy Leiser — Switzerland
Gene Lees — U.S.A.
Robert Share — U.S.A.