In the course of its Assembly on 19 December 1974, the ICRC noted the resignation of Mr. Max Petitpierre on reaching the age limit.Mr. Petitpierre assumed his functions as a member of the International Committee in December 1961. From that time on, he co-operated unfailingly and intimately in the work of the institution, which benefited from his vast knowledge and far-reaching experience with Red Cross problems and international humanitarian law. It was he who presided over the 1949 Diplomatic Conference which adopted the four Geneva Conventions. Having exercised the highest functions in his country's government, he rendered the ICRC services which, with his authority and constant devotion, his knowledge of beings and things, his wisdom and prudence, proved particularly useful in the humanitarian task of the organization under various circumstances.