These two international organizations had long worked in tandem.
The Committee, a Swiss organization, stated the sole reason
Its members are admitted into “the territory of belligerents”?
Their impartiality is complete and inspires confidence.
“They know . . . in a world where selfish and ideological interests
Are in conflict,” the Red Cross alone, “without any thought of self-interest”
Will step in to relieve suffering without prejudice of any kind,
Their work guided by the Geneva Convention, as expanded,
From war’s prisoners to all displaced and distressed populations.
With medical care and material goods, they arrive,
With the power of their national chapters, to keep alive
The war-torn, the persecuted, the refugees trying to survive.
At this time, they had 170 million members supporting world relief
Consistent with their motto, “By Humanity for Peace.”
June Edvenson 