In National Colours (WIDF, 1961): Asian and African postage stamps

=== [PDF page 1] === MAO te cee 1959 Pree IN THE NATIONAL COLOURS Rare today are the letters coming ia sts INDONESIA from Asia and Africa bearing the seals of the colonial powers or the effigies of European kings or queens. Instead, the stamps which carry the names and symbols of the new Asian and African states, with inscriptions in their national languages, the price indicated in the national currency to all parts of the world are a vivid and spectacular affirmation of the irresistable progress of a national independence in these two conti- 4 REPUBLIC ¢ nents. We thought it would be interesting ms OTRAD ss on mes to present our readers with a_ small selection. Many, of course, are dedicated to the Struggle for liberation and independence, such as those from Ghana and Liberia (14, 15) which commemorate African Liberation Day”, from Iraq (9), from the People’s Republic of China (2), from Indonesia (6), from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (7), from Guinea (18-23) and from Nigeria (21). The stamps are also a miniature exhibition of the work of national construction 'o which these free peoples are devoting themselves. They sing the praises of their public works: Burmese Union (5), India (12), Sudan (20); vast projects such as the Aswan Dam (19); social changes such as the agrarian reform: Iraq (4); the ardent desire for education and culture: India (1), Morocco (17), Somalia (22). Often the women are honoured: As a mother, People’s Republic of Mongolia (24), the worker, People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (13) and the peasant, Ceylon (3); United Arab Republic (16). They are frequently associated with the desire for peace and friendship between peoples, so that all efforts can be concentrated on national construction: Democratic Republic of Vietnam (10), People’s Republic of China (11). Stamps are sometimes dedicated to women as a whole, such as the one issued by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam commemorating the fiftieth anni- :. 71 versary of International Women’s Day (8). | ASWAM HIGH OAM - 1960 Tes - a Ax d i | Whatever their theme, they reflect a | little of the great force of the people who | have taken their destiny in their own | hands. We hope that stamp collections will soon be able to boast of similar stamps from all the countries of Asia and Africa Ei9se / LINDEPENDANCE,