International > Report on the activities of the Executive Committee from January 1st to December 31st, 1938

[Communicated to the Assembly, Official No.: A. 26.1939. XII.
the Council and the Members
of the League.]
Geneva, August 29th, 1939.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS
■ —
✓ 'F ;
INTERNATIONAL RELIEF UNION
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE FROM JANUARY 1st TO DECEMBER 31st, 1938
(Communicated to Members of the International Relief Union, the Assembly and
the Council of the League of Nations.)
In conformity with Article 10 of the Statutes of the International Relief Union, the Executive
Committee has to submit to States Members of the Union a report on its activities in the past
year, and communicate it to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, in order that it
may be brought to the knowledge of the Council and the Assembly.
1. During 1938, the Executive Committee held two sessions, one in Paris on April 12th
and 13th, the other at Geneva on December 12th.
2. The year 1938 was marked by a particularly serious natural disaster which affected the
territory of a State Member of the International Relief Union—namely, the flooding of the Yellow
River in China. A detailed report on the consequences of this catastrophe for the inhabitants
of several provinces of China having been communicated to the Union by the International Red
Cross Committee (which had itself received it from its delegate in China, Dr. Calame), the Executive
Committee decided at its December session to get into touch with the Chinese’and Japanese
Governments with regard to the possibility of eventual action on its part on behalf of the said
inhabitants. It adopted in this connection the following resolution:
“ The Executive Committee,
“ Having received from the International Red Cross Committee a report by the latter’s
representative in China—Dr. Calame—which gives striking details regarding the poverty and
neglect of the inhabitants of several provinces ot China;
“ Considering that intervention by the International Relief Union on behalf of these
unfortunate inhabitants ravaged by famine and disease would be in accordance with the
mission devolving on it in virtue of the Convention of July 12th, 1937;
Considering that, in view of the hostilities which are going on in Chinese territory, the
Union can only act in a spirit of strict neutrality, and that it is advisable to get into touch with
the Chinese Government and the Japanese Government with regard to the possibilitv of
eventual action on its part; ^
Considering that such action could not in the present circumstances be undertaken
without the collaboration of the International Red Cross Committee.’
“ Decides, subject to the replies of the above Governments:
“ (1) To appeal to the generosity of States Members of the Union for the purpose of
collecting as rapidly as possible the necessary funds for relieving the hardships suffered bv
the victims of the disaster; ^
(2) lo bring this appeal to the notice of non-member States in case they may wish
to associate themselves with whatever generous action Member States may take;
“ (3) To arrange with the International Red Cross Committee so that its delegation
in China may collaborate with the International Relief Union in distributing funds amonv
the populations in need of relief. ” 6
418 — S.d.N. 1.130 (F.) 1.015 (A.). 10/39. Imp. Kundig.
of League of Nations Publications
INTERNATIONAL BUREAUX
1939. XII.B. 3.