In our previous issue, we reported on the opening meeting on 24 May 1971 of the Conference of Government Experts, convened in Geneva by the ICRC, and at the same time we gave the texts of the opening speeches which revealed how important the meeting was. The Conference finished on 11 June and we now quote below the message of the President of the ICRC at the closing session, as well as three papers delivered outlining the work of the Conference.

On 25 May 1971, the International Committee launched the following appeal to National Red Cross Societies:

During the past few years, several appeals have been made for assistance to the various countries affected by the war in South-East Asia: Laos—January 1968; Vietnam—February 1968; Laos—April 1970; Cambodia—June 1970. In view of the permanent state of war which exists throughout Indochina, and in view of the infinite suffering resulting therefrom, the International Committee of the Red Cross is today making a general appeal to the generosity of National Societies, calling on them to come to the aid of all the victims of the conflict, regardless of political or ideological affinities.

From 26 to 28 May 1971, the ICRC delegates for Eastern Africa, Mr. R. Weber and Mr. P. Gachoud, went to Burundi to visit five prisons there. They saw persons held for political reasons and offences and talked without witnesses with prisoners of their choice.

The delegates, in co-operation with the Burundi Red Cross, distributed toilet requisites and note-paper. They also handed over to the National Society mats and medicaments to be distributed at a later date.

During his stay in Geneva for the International Labour Conference, H.E. Mr. Léopold Sédar Senghor, President of the Republic of Senegal, visited the ICRC.

The President of the ICRC, Mr. Marcel A. Naville, with members and senior officials of the International Committee, welcomed their distinguished visitor, who was introduced by H. E. Mr. Cissé, Ambassador of Senegal in Geneva. This meeting was attended also by Mr. Henrik Beer, Secretary-General of the League of Red Cross Societies.