A national anti-war convention, called in response to last month's escalations of the war, opens in Chicago today.

The National Peace Action Coalition, the organizor of the convention, is an "umbrella" for 60 groups-including the NAACP, SANE, Student Mobilization Committee (SMC), and Women's Strike for Peace. The convention will plan massive demonstrations demanding immediate U. S. withdrawal from Southeast Asia.

"No other organization is projecting anti-war action for the spring, so what happens in Chicago is pretty important." Matthew Spence '73, an SMC spokesman, said yesterday. Approximately 40 persons from the greater Boston area are expected to attend, he added.

Keynote speakers including Dick Gregory: Harold Gibbons, international vice-president of the Teamsters Union; and Carol Lipman, SMC West Coast leader, will address the convention at the Packinghouse Labor Center tonight.

Plenary sessions and workshops are scheduled for Saturday, and a decision-making session on Sunday will close the convention.

The National Peace Action Coalition says it has received the endorsement of groups representing labor. GI's, blacks, women, clergy, communities, and students.

The SMC will provide bus transportation to Chicago. The SMC city office (491-3917) can provide further information.