live first step was the formation of some kind of regional organization.
Individual states and private groups had been doing excellent work
within their operational frameworks, but I felt that all of these
approaches would be able to function more effectively if the states
that comprise the Appalachian Region could get together and give
a visible and forceable demonstration of their united concern for
the Region. Such a demonstration would underline their determina-
tion to work together at the highest state executive level in order to
get the Appalachian area back on its feet and bring its economy into
line with the prosperity that exists in other sections of the country.

In commenting on the gathering of Appalachian governors, an
editorial in the Baltimore Sun, in my opinion, put our hopes as well
as our doubts in excellent perspective. The Sun said:

"Each state with an Appalachian problem has tried to find solu-
tions for itself. Now Governor Tawes proposes a regional approach
and has invited the governors of affected states to an Annapolis con-
ference. What can ten states do together that one cannot do alone?
That is a question yet to be answered. One obvious thing is that by
recognizing a common problem and getting together to discuss its
varied aspects, representatives of the ten states can benefit from
sharing their localized knowledge of what has proved helpful in
alleviating distress. Possibly through the regional approach the
affected states can actually find regional solutions, if not right away
at least on a long term basis. "

Long-range solutions on a regional basis—these are indeed the keys
to permanent progress in the Appalachian area.

It was in this atmosphere and with this background that the first
meeting of the Appalachian governors was called in Annapolis. Out
of that meeting an interim committee was formed, which soon led
to the formation of the permanent association of the Appalachian
governors at a subsequent meeting in Kentucky. Governor Combs of
Kentucky, who played a leading role at the Annapolis meeting, was
elected the first chairman of the Conference.

As a result of the ideas expressed at Annapolis, the Conference of
Appalachian Governors has directed most of its attention toward
emphasizing two fundamental aspects of the regional approach.

These two aspects are that the region should be considered essen-
tially underdeveloped rather than depressed, and that fundamental
steps should be taken to end the isolation of the area.

The validity of both of these premises came into strong light very

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