In our April 1968 issue we published an article by Leopold Boissier, former President of the ICRC, which had appeared in the Journal de Genève. Later the same journal contained another article by the same writer, on a subject which is receiving the full attention of the Red Cross. We therefore consider it worthwhile reproducing here some of its main passages (Ed.).

Pathological investigation in a number of countries over the past twenty years has shown that prisoners of war are prone to certain ailments. Papers on considerable and valuable scientific research in this field were delivered at the First International Medical Congress on the Pathology of Captivity in Brussels in 1962, organized by Mr. R. Nachez, President of the International Confederation of Former Prisoners of War, and by Dr. P. Houssa. In 1964 a second congress took place in Cologne, of which an account was given in the February 1965 issue of International Review.

The International Review in its last issue published news of the ICRC relief action in Nigeria and in the seceding province (Biafra) during the month of July 1968. We now give some information summarizing the work carried out in August. In this connection, it should be pointed out that several meetings have enabled the directors of various National Societies and voluntary agencies taking part in this action, as well as the general public, through press, radio and television channels, to be in touch with a situation which, moreover, continues to fluctuate.

North Yemen. — The relief of the ICRC medical team in the country did not take place at the end of June because of unexpected difficulties. The ICRC, however, intends to install a fresh surgical team whose task will be to give treatment to casualties from the fighting. It should be pointed out that in addition to the risks caused by the hostilities to which the delegates are exposed, several ICRC representatives have, as a result of infectious diseases contracted, had recently to return to Switzerland where they are now receiving the necessary care.

The International Committee of the Red Cross contacted the Czechoslovak Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva on August 23, requesting him to convey to the President of the Czechoslovak Red Cross an invitation to come to Geneva or to delegate the National Society's Head of External Affairs. The purpose of the invitation, extended in agreement with the League of Red Cross Societies, was both to enquire whether the Czechoslovak Red Cross had need of any assistance as a result of current events, and to enable one of its leading members to take part in the meetings of National Red Cross Societies which have been scheduled to take place in Geneva for months past.

In our last issue we mentioned that 119 states were parties to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. The International Committee of the Red Cross was recently informed by the Federal Political Department, Berne, of Guyana's accession.

The ICRC has just produced a new colour film (16 mm.): Nigeria-Biafra—War and Famine. It shows the ICRC teams bringing relief to the wounded and to the population, both in Nigeria and Biafra. It gives an insight into the dedication of the doctors and their assistants and of the ICRC delegates working under trying conditions to alleviate the widespread suffering and organizing and supervising what relief supply distributions, particularly to children, have been possible.