Resolution XXVIII is no doubt one of the most important of those adopted by the XXth International Conference of the Red Cross. It deals with the protection of civilian populations against the dangers of indiscriminate warfare.

In his article quoted last month, L. C. Green raises a question which is of paramount importance in the context of the present study, namely whether members of resistance movements have to observe the law of war and more specifically Articles 1 and 2 of the Hague Regulations in their struggle against the aggressor. In other words: does the fact that partisans fight to defend their country legitimate their status? The question is so important that it merits further discussion.

Under the title “The action of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Congo and Rwanda” the International Review published last month an article on ICRC relief work at the request of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). It described events up to the end of November 1967.

At its plenary meeting on November 1, 1967, the International Committee of the Red Cross elected Mr. Roger Gallopin, Mr. Jean Pictet and Mr. Waldemar Jucker, as new members.

As in previous years, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross sent a message to many countries as follows:

On the threshold of the New Year, as President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, I send you my greetings and best wishes; I share with you the hope that 1968 may at last see an atmosphere of peace prevailing in the world.

Since hostilities broke out in Nigeria in July 1967, the International Committee of the Red Cross has continued to send relief for the civilian and military victims on both sides. Thus, by the end of December the ICRC medical teams working on either side had received more than twenty consignments consisting mostly of medicines and surgical equipment.