No Reflection Upon the Government.
By their adhesion to the Treaty of Geneva, and by their recognition of the National Committees in each country, the nations of the world have declared that, no matter how extensive the preparations, nor how complete may be the organization of the medical department of an army, it is beyond human possibility to provide for all contingencies. For this reason the National Committees of the Red Cross were created. The necessity for auxiliary aid by the people, through the Red Cross, existing as it does in all the treaty countries, is in no wise a reflection upon the Medical Department of the Army, nor upon the ability and faithfulness of its officers. Hence, the timely acceptance of this auxiliary aid, the necessity for which all nations have publicly acknowledged, brings with it no discredit; it is only its rejection that opens the door to censure.