RED CROSS CENTENARY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30220, 27 August 1963, Page 9

RED CROSS CENTENARY

Formation In Geneva On August 26, 1863, an International conference was convened in Geneva. Representatives of 16 countries were present. The meeting lasted only four days, but it represented the beginning of the greatest humanitarian organisation the world has ever known. The meeting w*as a result of the work of five Genevese citizens moved by the heartrending accounts of conditions on the battlefield and described by Henri Dunant. in his book, “A Memory of Solferino.” He wrote: “But why have I told of all these scenes of pain and distress, and perhaps aroused painful emotions in my readers? ... It is a natural question. Perhaps I might answer it by another: would it not be possible, in time of peace and quiet, to form relief societies for the purpose of having care given to the wounded in war-time by zealous, devoted and thoroughly qualified volunteers?” The book was translated into several languages and sent to governments, sovereigns and other influential persons throughout Europe. Dunant and four supporters travelled widely, stirring the conscience of the Powers of the day. The conference recommended that relief societies be formed in each country to be authorised by the national governments to co-operate with the army medical services. A permanent committee of five was appointed to draw up a convention to provide for the protection of sick and wounded soldiers and medical supplies—the convention to be accepted by governments as a condition of war. Finally the conference resolved to meet again a year later to sign the convention. So the Recj Cross was born. Though Sunday, September 1, will be the official celebration date throughout the world for the centenary of the founding of the Red Cross. August 26 will always be associated with the birth of this great organisation. Today there are 94 national Red Cross societies with a total world membership exceeding 180 m. Scotland For Trial.—Scotland's Rugby football captain, K. J. F. Scotland, was today ordered to stand trial in an Edinburgh court on a charge of careless driving. The Edinburgh Sheriff’s Court today also committed for trial on a careless driving charge the lorry driver whose vehicle was in a collision with Scotland’s car.—Edinburgh, August 23.