In Aid of What ?
The World Veterans Federation says that its " main aims are support of the United Nations and aid to disabled veterans." The 114 veterans' associations from 22 nations which are affiliated to it do not include the British Legion, but it has consultative status Class B " with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Its finances are something of a mystery. Its Secretary-Treasurer announced recently that its 1954 budget would include " a sum for the initiation of a fund- raising effort "; he also reviewed " steps_ which had been taken to ensure a tighter control of expenditure." The Federation does not apparently publish a balance-sheet, but I lia,ve seen a copy of its income and expenditure account for 1953. From this it appears to have spent, in round figures, some £200,000. £33,000 is shown, under " Projects," as having been either spent on or earmarked for rehabilitation. The remaining " Projects," which account for a further £50,000, are listed as Liaison: New Era (the Federation's monthly magazine): the WVF Commission for the Defence of Peace : the WVF Council : the Executive Board : the General Assembly (which gets £23,000): Radio : and the Press. To this is tacked on an odd £7,000 for external administration. Running expenses for the year came to about £90,000, covered various items (New Era, Press and Radio) which also appeared under " Projects," and included substantial sums for transport, travel and entertainment allowances. Somebody even got a monthly allowance as well. Despite the fact that in the course of two years no fewer than 200 food parcelS were distributed to veterans suffering from tuberculosis, one gains the impression that the Federation is organised on rather top-heavy lines.
Previous page
