UNRRA RELIEF

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 226, 23 August 1945, Page 5

UNRRA RELIEF

ITALY AND AUSTRIA.

AID TO BE GIVEN

(N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.) (Rec. 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 22. The Unrra Council, at today’s

plenary meeting, decided that Italy and Austria be included in

tlie programme of relief and rehabilitation.

The United States proposed the inclusion of Italy on the grounds of Italy being the first Axis Tower to break with Hitler, that she materially contributed to Germany’js defeat and later joined the Allies against Japan, and was making good progress toward the re-establishment of a democratic Government.

The Yugoslav delegate protested against Italy being placed on an equal footing with the countries which fought against Nazism throughout the war. He said the Italians during their 30 months’ occupation of lugoslavia pillaged tlie country, doing damage amounting to many millions. The time had.- not arrived for Yugoslav.. relations to become normal. Italy had not given sufficient evidence that she had definitely broken with Fascism. The British delegate (Mr J. B. Bynd) said that, while the world appreciated the Yugoslav sufferings, TJnrra’s purpose was not to reward or to punish, but to avoid a 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 Lehman (Director-General) explained that the extension of relief to Italy and Austria did not mean that those countries would be helped immediately after the present military aid ceased. Organisations niust be set up and supplies procured. The administration must know what funds were available. The resolution to aid Italy and Austria was carried by 29 votes to Yugoslavia’s one. South Africa retraining from voting.