The work of the Red Cross is born of a high ideal, from which it continually draws fresh life, but as it primarily consists of practical actions, frequently improvised, there is a serious risk that in the haste of charitable action and in spite of the purity of one's intentions, one may deviate from the guiding principles and unity of thought may diminish, the more so as the institution takes root in every corner of the world. It is therefore particularly necessary that the Red Cross possesses a well-defined and firmly established doctrine.

The military operations which took place at Muong-Sing and Nam-Tha, in the province of Laos bordering on Burma, China and Thailand, have led to a further influx of refugees into areas controlled by the Vientiane Government.

Mr. Pierre Gaillard, delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross, carried out a mission in Algeria during the first fortnight in May, in order to prepare the ICRC's future action. Together with Mr. Roger Vust, permanent delegate of the ICRC, he was received at Rocher-Noir by the French High Commissioner, Mr. Christian Fouchet.

For the thirteenth year running, Radio-Gèneve organised the International Red Cross Broadcast, placed traditionally under the patronage of the ICRC, the League, the European Broadcasting Union and the International Radio and Television Organization. The broadcast took place on May 8 last, the anniversary of Henry Dunant's birth which is celebrated in a number of countries in memory of the founder of the Red Cross. It will be remembered that last year's programme was given by the Belgian Broadcasting corporation and included a cantata by Louis de Meester, on a poem of Karel Jonckheere's, entitled “ Here is my blood ”, which is a salute to the blood donors' gesture of human fellowship.