THE WAR BLINDED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 19, 23 January 1943, Page 6

THE WAR BLINDED

ST. DUNSTAN'S AND AMERICA

Sir lan Fraser, M.P., chairman of St. Dunstan's, discussed with a representative of "The Times" his impressions of his two months' visit to the United Statesjand Canada. Sir lan Fraser said: "To assist American soldiers in the American Expeditionary Force in Great Britain who may become temporarily or permanently blinded or who may be threatened with blindness. 1 have offered to the Secretary of War the facilities of St Dunstan's for such patients awaiting evacuation to the United States In accepting this invitation, Mr. Stimson has expressed himself as being much impressed with the soundness of the suggestion. He has so informed the Surgeon General of the Army ot the United States. Mr. Stimson has assured me of the War Department's reciprocal desire to assist British servicemen blinded in American theatres of action." Similar arrangements for the care of Canadian blinded soldiers were made early in the war. and are working satisfactorily with the Canadian military medical authorities in England Referring to a request for advice as to the best methods of caring for warblinded persons. Sir lan Fraser said: "I emphasised the importance of establishing a training centre and after-care organisations especially designed for and devoted to the ex-ser-vice group. Young blinded serving men recover their spirits and learn how to face their new life best in an 'old soldier' atmosphere. I do not think there is any doubt that institutions similar to St. Dunstan's and making use of our experience will be established in Canada and the United States."