As announced previously, the ICRC has drafted two Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. These drafts are to be the basic working documents of the Diplomatic Conference to be held in Geneva from 20 February to 29 March 1974, and to which all signatories of the Conventions have been invited.

The Swiss Federal Council has invited all States parties to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for the protection of war victims, and all member States of the United Nations to send representatives to the Diplomatic Conference on the Reaffirmation and Development of International Humanitarian Law Applicable in Armed Conflicts, which it is convening to meet in Geneva from 20 February to 29 March 1974.

We have the honour to inform you that the International Committee of the Red Cross, on 20 September 1973, officially recognized the Fiji Red Cross Society.

We have the honour to inform you that the International Committee of the Red Cross, on 20 September 1973, officially recognized the Bangladesh Red Cross Society.

We have the honour to inform you that the International Committee of the Red Cross, on 20 September 1973 officially recognized the Singapore Red Cross Society.

From 7 to 21 August, two delegates of the ICRC visited the following places of detention: Bujumbura, Bubanza, Muyinga, Ruyigi, Gitega, Muramvya, Ngozi, Rumonge, Bururi and Rutana. They distributed blankets, clothing, soap and games to the prisoners.

Frequent mention has been made, in the International Review, of families being re-united by the ICRC at El Qantara in the Suez Canal area. Thanks to the ICRC, a great many people from Israelioccupied territory have been able to rejoin their families in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and other people in that Republic to cross over to the East bank of the canal. Miss Francoise Bory, an ICRC press attache, witnessed one of these operations some time ago. Her report, reproduced below, describes its various stages.