UNRRA’S Problems In the Far East

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 191, 14 August 1945, Page 3

UNRRA’S Problems In the Far East

LONDON, August 12. The head of the Unrra’s organisation (Mr. Lehman) issued excerpts from his report to the Council of the Far Eastern areas in which he quoted replies from Australia, China, France, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Britain and India to Unrra’s inquiries of September 21, 1944, whether, firstly, they needed Unrra’s assistance for the health or welfare of displaced persons and for supplies; secondly, whether they agreed with the members of Unrra participating in major discussions between the military and civilian authorities; thirdly, whether they agreed with members of Unrra proceeding as early as possible to their territory. Australia answered all the questions in the affirmative but stated that very little aid was needed. Britain replied that she did not anticipate any need for help for British Far East territory and agreed to cooperate. The Netherlands stated that she might need help for epidemics for displaced people and possibly in other fields. France requested aid for displaced persons and medical assistance for Indo-China. India replied that she assumed responsibility for her internal relief problems and stated that she would cooperate for the exchange of displaced persons between Indian and British territories but would welcome assistance from Unrra for repatriation. President Osmena for the Philippines cabled a summary of the serious conditions and Unrra sent an initial shipment, including 4682 tons of foodstuffs and 15,000 phials of penicillin. As a result of the Chinese reply 30,000 tons of supplies were sent in by the Lcdo Road. She also requested 30 medical and 14 welfare specialists, medical and veterinary supplies, seeds and tools. In addition she asked in an interim programme for 800,000 tons of supplies valued at 192,000,000 dollars as soon as Chinese ports were open.