STARVING EUROPE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 4 August 1945, Page 5

STARVING EUROPE

INCREASING ASSISTANCE URGED PRIVATIONS In COMING WINTER (Ree. 10.30 a.m.) London, Aug. 3 “We must tighten our belts more if the liberated countries of Europe arc to escape the severest privations in the coming winter,’* declared (he Director-General of ITNRRA Mr Lehman, at a press conference. “They cannot survive the winter months without increased assistance from UNRRA.” Mr Lehman added : ‘‘The winter will strain the political and economic structure of the Continent so seriously that it may do incalculable harm to our hopes for a permanent peaceful and satisfied Europe.” Mr Lehman said there were 1,500.000 children in Yugoslavia alone who are suffering from malnutrition. He hoped much increased supplies might come from America and Canada, which so far had supplied the bulk. He also believed Australia and New Zealand, who are co-operating to the fullest extent. might make available greater shipments. INFANTILE PARALYSIS IN BELGIUM (Rec. 10 a.m.) Brussels, Aug. 3 British and American authorities are taking widespread precautions against the worst epidemic of infantile paralysis Belgium has ever known, an official stated. The germs of the disease, which are suspected to have been imported from America, appear to be the most malignant so far experienced. The death rate is very high and it was not believed to 'be possible to stamp out the outbreak before October.