On signature, Portugal entered a reservation concerning this article and Article 13 of Convention I but did not maintain it on ratification. It reads as follows:

The Portuguese Government makes a reservation regarding the application of the above Articles in all cases in which the legitimate Government has already asked for and agreed to an armistice or the suspension of military operations of no matter what character, even if the armed forces in the field have not yet capitulated.

In our previous issue, it was mentioned that the second session of the Conference of Government Experts, held under ICRC auspices at Lugano, ended on 26 February. At the final plenary meeting, Mr. J. Pictet, Chairman of the Conference, and ICRC Vice-President, closed the session with the following words:

Our work has drawn to a close. Although this Conference has made considerable progress on what was achieved in Lucerne, it is perfectly obvious that the last word on the matter has not yet been said.

Operations Director's mission. — From 25 February to 7 March 1976, Mr. J.-P. Hocké, Director of the Operations Department, was in Luanda. The purpose of his visit was to discuss with the authorities of the People's Republic of Angola what would be the activities of the ICRC in the postwar situation. Mr. Hocké had talks with the Prime Minister, Mr. Lopo di Nascimento, and with the Minister for Health and the Director of Information and Security. He also met leaders of the Angolan Red Cross, a Society which is in process of formation.