The Twenty-fifth International Conference of the Red Cross,

recognizing the need for continuous efforts to ensure that the means of identification and signalling of medical personnel, units and transport keep pace with technical advances,

noting with satisfaction the actions taken, following Resolution VIII of the Twenty-fourth Conference, by the competent international bodies, namely ITU, IMO and ICAO,

recalling amongst others the principles laid down in the Second Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, for the amelioration of the condition of wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea and, in particular, Article 43 of the Convention,

aware of the possibilities of technological developments to enhance protection,

1. notes the report by the ICRC concerning the actions taken pursuant to Resolution VIII of the Twenty-fourth Conference,

2. stresses the need for an expert approach, taking full advantage of technological developments, within the limits of the Second Geneva Convention,

3. invites governments to consider the proposals made by the International Lifeboat Conference,

4. welcomes the ICRC initiative to consider the possibility of drawing up, in consultation with governmental technical naval experts, a technical manual intended to facilitate the practical application of the Second Geneva Convention, and invites governments to co-operate with the ICRC to this end,

5. requests the ICRC to follow up these matters and report to the Twenty-sixth Conference.