A—2a

The only doubts with regard to the satisfactory assumption by the World Health Organization of the fourth category of UNRRA's health work, as described above—and they were expressed, amongst others, by Mr. La Guardia and the principal delegate for the United Kingdom—were as to whether the budget of the Interim Commission as approved by the United Nations would prove adequate, particularly if any large epidemic outbreaks should occur. Welfare Work The work of this Division of UNRRA has been largely in the direction of helping Governments in the liberated countries to re-establish reasonable standards of caring for undernourished children, orphans, nursing and expectant mothers, and groups particularly unprotected because of the war, such as maimed and disabled persons. It has consisted largely in the provision of special equipment and supplies and of trained personnel. It is expected that the work can be readily taken over by the temporary Social Commission of the United Nations. The Council authorized the Director-General to negotiate with the United Nations authorities for the transfer of UNRRA's welfare work and to transfer to the United Nations any available records, equipment, and personnel which they may desire. International Children's Fund The initiative with regard to this matter was taken by Dr. Rajchman, formerly Director of the Health Division of the League of Nations, and one of the Polish delegates to this fifth session of the UNRRA Council. The operative part of the resolution adopted unanimously by* the Council reads : —• " Resolved " 1. That such assets as the Central Committee may determine to be available after completion of the work of UNRRA shall be utilized for the benefits of children and adolescents. " 2. That such purpose might effectively and appropriately be served by the creation of an International Children's Fund to which such assets would be transferred, together with any gifts for this purpose and for child health purposes generally which may be made by Governments, voluntary agencies, individuals, and other sources. "3. That a Standing Committee of the Council be set up to prepare recommendations, in agreement with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and after consulting appropriate specialized agencies of the United Nations, and such voluntary agencies as the Standing Committee may determine, with a view to the establishment of international machinery and to report to the Council or the Central Committee—- " (a) On the steps which would be taken to organize effectively and without delay the proposed activities ; and " (b) On the response which might be obtained from the several possible sources of funds. " 4. That such Standing Committee shall be composed of the members of the Council represented on the Central Committee or their alternates, together with the members of the Council or their alternates representing Greece, Norway, Poland, Denmark, and the Ukranian S.S.R. Although such funds as may eventually be available from UNRRA under this resolution could be spent only for the benefit of children and adolescents in countries devastated by the war, the wording of the second paragraph is designed to give the Fund a wider scope concerning contributions from Governments, voluntary agencies, or individuals. From these assistance could be given for children in any country, particularly in such areas as famine-stricken districts in India, for which the Indian delegate made an eloquent plea. It was pointed out that the greatest need was still

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