TNAG-0885-FCO40-1095-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 132

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is now allowed to send letters and some parcels to the refugees.

UGANDA

CONFLICT (See Circular 18/79

1.2.79):

With the escalation of hostilities between Uganda and Tanzania, e ICRC, in collaboration with the National Societies of these countries, has been increasingly involved over the past few months in protection and assistance for civilian and military casualties and for the many thousands of people who have been displaced on. .- both sides of the border. n 10th April, as an interim measupe, the ICRC launched a

The special appeal for Sw. Fr.700,000 to cover its relief operations in this area. BRCS gave an immediate ash contribution of Sw. Fr. 30,000 approximately £8,500) from funds raised by or Africa Conflict Appeal. An ICR doctor and delegate have been in Kampala since March, carrying out the purchase and distribution of relief supplies for displaced people and liaising with the authorities and voluntary organisations with regard to the provision of medical care. Medical supplies worth Sw.Fr, 200,000 have been flown out by the International Committee to cover immediate needs. The delegation has now been strengthened by a five-man team which flew out last week. Transport and communications are still presenting major problems and the ICRC hopes to establish a radio link between Uganda and Geneva.

The ICRC now envisages that its expenditure for the next 3 months will be in the region of Sw. Fr. 2 million and has therefore appealed for further financial support. The BRCS has responded to this second appeal with an additional contribution of Sw.Fr 30,000.

FIJI HURRICANE:

Hurricane Meli stryck the eastern and southern islands of ji on 27th March, causing 53 deaths and Leaving 8,000 people homeless. Many hundreds of people were

The Fiji injured and on some of the islands all crops and livestock were destroyed. Red Cross immediately despatched relief supplies from its exergency stocks to the affected islands and undertook the welfare of the injured who had to be evacuated to : the capital for ospital treatment. The FRCS was also given responsibility for the provision of shelter, clothing and supplementary feeding and appealed to the League on 29th March for assistance in cash and kind. The BRCS gave a cash contribution of £3,000 for local purchases. Long term assistances now underway and the role of the Fiji Red Cross is to provide soap, milk powder and nutritional drinks to children in schools and villages in the affected areas during the next 6 months. operation ill be covered by funds remaining from the League's appeal and a League delegate vill remain in Fiji until at least mid-May to assist with this programune.

This

TO: DIRECTORS OF BRANCHES:

DEREK BARSON. Director General.