Red Cross and League The refusal of the International Red
Cross Committee at Geneva to communicate to the League of Nations Council the evidence in its possession regarding the use of gas in Abyssinia is surprising and discreditable. The International Red Cross exists not merely to alleviate suffering but to take special cognisance of breaches of the laws of war. It possesses, however, no power in that respect except that of publicity, and might be expected in its own interest to give whatever help it can to the League Council, which possesses other powers. There is, moreover, a further reason why this unfortunate remIcitrance stands condemned. The Covenant itself contains an article whereby the Members of the League agree to encourage and promote the establishment and co-operation of duly authorised voluntary national Red Cross organisa-; tions having as purposes the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and the mitigation of suffering throughout the world.
The Red Cross is, therefore, given special recognition and support by the League. It is a strange return for that to refuse co-operation with the League Council when it proposes to take up a part of the Red Cross's task which the Red Cross has no power to execute itself.
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