UNRRA COUNCIL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 6

UNRRA COUNCIL

INCLUSION OF ITALY. Aid TO BE GRANTED. (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 1.30 p.m); LONDON, Aug. 22. The UNRRA Council at today’s plenary meeting decided that Italy and Austria be included in the prograffuffiF of relief and rehabilitation. \ ■ i The United States proposed the inclusion of Italy on the grounds that Italy, being the first Axis Power to break with Hitler, materially contributed to Germany’s defeat and later joined the Allies against Japan. She is making good progress toward the re-establishment of democratic Government. , The Yugoslav delegate protested against Italy being placed on an equal footing with countries which had she fought • against with Nazism throughout the war. He said the Italians, during 30 months’ occupation of Yugoslavia, pillaged the country, doing damage amounting to many millions. The time had not arrived for Yugoslavian relations to become normal. Italy had not given sufficient evidence that she had definitely broken - with Fascism. The British delegate, Mr J. B. Hynd, said that while the world appreciated Yugoslav sufferings, UNRRA’s purpose was not to reward or punish, but to avoid catastrophe. The Chinese delegate, supporting the inclusion of former enemy countries in the programme, said that if the administration at any time discussed extending its scope to the Japanese people; he personally would support it. Mr Herbert Lehman, Director-Gene-ral, explained that the extension of relief tiJTtaly and Austria did not mean that those countries would be helped immediately after the present military aid ceased. Organisations must be set up and supplies procured. The administration must know what funds were available. A resolution to aid Italy and Austria was carried by 29 votes to Yugoslavia’s one.. South Africa refrained from Voting.