RELIEF FOR ITALY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 3

RELIEF FOR ITALY

Avoiding Disturbances LONDON, August 13. Italy, by her conduct in the last two years, has earned the right to be treated as a member of the free nations, declared Mr W. L. Clayton. United States Assistant-Sectary of State, in charge of economic affairs, at a meeting of the UNRRA ( ouncil. Mr clayton proposed that UNRRA should be authorised to initiate, as soon as possible, a programme of relief rehabilitation assistance for the people of Italy on the same basis as for nationals of the United Nations. Mr Clayton added that the maximum United States contribution would be 1 per cent, of the national income. There would be great difficulty in getting that sum if Italy was neglected. Mr Noel Baker (British Minister of State) concurred regarding the treatment of Italy. He said there were 23.000.000 people in Northern Italy, and the United Nations could not ex £ pect to avoid trouble if the factories were idle and men were unemployed, while their families were hungry. “It would be serious for us if there were disturbances in Austria and Italy, which may happen without the help of UNRRA. The British financial position is grave. We are perhaps more crinpled financially than any other large country in the world, but in spite of our’ own difficulties we will make a further contribution.”