In its desire to contribute actively to disseminating the principles of the Red Cross and the Conventions among schoolchildren the world over, the International Committee took the initiative of publishing and offering National Societies an 80-page school textbook with illustrations suited to each country. The school textbook was complemented by a “Teacher's Manual” to serve as a guide for teachers. By 31 October 1973, fifty-eight countries of Africa, Asia and the Middle East were using the textbook, and more than two million copies had been published in seventeen languages.

In the Annual Report for 1971, the ICRC announced that the presentation of the accounts for 1972 would for the first time reflect the new financial structure. The ICRC has to take into account two imperatives, namely, continuity for the financing of its permanent activities and flexibility in respect of its fluctuating activities.

It was in 1921 that Mr. Paul Logoz was elected to membership of the ICRC, and it was in 1943, upon his appointment as a Federal Court Judge, that he resigned and was designated an honorary member.

As it does every year, the International Committee has published a report, with illustrations, summarizing its activities during 1972. This Annual Report, like earlier reports, is divided into four parts: practical activities, general activities, activities relating to information, and the financial position of the ICRC and the Special Funds it administers.

A second meeting of experts on the use of such conventional weapons as may cause unnecessary suffering or have indiscriminate effects was held at ICRC headquarters from 12 to 15 June 1973. At this meeting, experts had an opportunity to comment on the report issued after the first meeting, held in Geneva from 26 February to 2 March 1973.

The International Committee of the Red Cross on 16 July 1973 made an urgent appeal to twenty governments and twenty-five National Red Cross Societies for funds to enable it to continue its work in the Asian Sub-Continent.