U.N. promised $32m for Bengali relief

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32639, 22 June 1971, Page 22

U.N. promised $32m for Bengali relief

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 20.

More than s32m has been given or pledged to the United Nations for assistance to refugees in East Pakistan, according to the president of the United Nations Association of New Zealand (Dr R. Bedggood).

Contributions already made 1 through United Nations agen- 1 cies included vaccines and 1 medical supplies valued at a $325,000 from the World 1

Health Organisation, and relief supplies to refugees in India valued at $600,000 with a further slm authorised from U.N.1.C.E.F., he said-

U.fiI.C.E.F. was appealing to national committees to raise further funds, while a longer term project for ssm for mothers and children was being prepared. Replying to comments that the United Nations agencies had not acted quickly to provide relief for the stricken East Pakistani refugees. Dr Bedggood said that the secretary and agencies acted as soon as the world news let it be known that there was a refugee problem unprecedented in history. Dr Bedggood says that the secretory-general (U Thant) has received encouraging reports and thinks that the United Nations agencies will be able to alleviate the present conditions substantially in a short time.