The 5th Congress of the French Speaking International Institute of Law (I.D.E.F.) was opened on Monday (October 19) in the Palace of the National Assembly at Libreville, Gabon. M. Jean Stanislas Migolet, Secretary of State, represented President Bongo at the opening ceremony.

The opening session was attended by gabon Cabinet Ministers, Foreign Diplomats and about 100 delegates from 31 member countries.

General theme of the conference was "The Status of the Land". All aspects of land laws in member countries were reviewed, with particular attention concentrated on the policy of those countries to improve or alter the distribution of land among individuals.

Presiding over the conference was M. Cassin, who is also honorary president of the French Constitutional Council.

The opening address was made by M. Paul Malekou, acting Minister of Justice. He outlined the role of the I.d.E.F. in modern society.

When he spoke, M. Cassin expressed his thanks for the confidence the I.D.E.F. had shown in him since its foundation six years ago. He said he was greatly assured by the establishment of special links amongst men devoted to law.