The Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in time of war as in time of peace, irrespective of class, race, nationality, religion, political beliefs or any other criterion, solely tin the basis of humanitarian principles. This line of conduct has been and still is being followed daily in many different situations, for despite outstanding progress in different spheres and all that has been achieved by modern techniques and growing civilization, present-day society still desperately needs help in relieving human suffering.

The Red Cross constantly provides such aid, sometimes discreetly, sometimes in a more spectacular way, but always in accordance with the basic principles governing Red Cross work.

The Swiss Red Cross Central Committee has given its approval to new directives for general nursing schools recognized by the National Society and for maternity and child welfare nursing schools. These directives lay down the aims of the training period and its duration, which is unchanged at three years. They also affect the organization and teaching staff in the schools, the syllabi, reporting on students’ work and behaviour, examinations for graduation, and measures taken for safeguarding the health of candidates.

The Australian Red Cross has awarded Mr. Léopold Boissier, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross from 1955 until 1964, its Medal of Honour, with citation, the highest distinction granted by this Society, for his work at the head of the Committee at a time when this institution was faced with particularly difficult decisions.