LIFELINE is a WWII report on the rebuilding of Europe and Asia in the wake of WWII prior to the advent of the Marshall Plan, through the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA). This was an international relief agency, largely dominated by the United States but representing 44 nations. Founded in 1943, it became part of the United Nations in 1945, and it largely shut down operations in 1947. Its purpose was to “plan, co-ordinate, administer or arrange for the administration of measures for the relief of victims of war in any area under the control of any of the United Nations through the provision of food, fuel, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities, medical and other essential services”. Its staff of civil servants included 12,000 people, with headquarters in New York. Funding came from many nations, and totaled $3.7 billion, of which the United States contributed $2.7 billion; Britain $625 million and Canada $139 million.
UNRRA cooperated closely with dozens of volunteer charitable organizations, who sent hundreds of their own agencies to work alongside UNRRA. In operation only three years, the agency distributed about $4 billion worth of goods, food, medicine, tools, and farm implements at a time of severe global shortages and worldwide transportation difficulties. The recipient nations had been especially hard hit by starvation, dislocation, and political chaos. It played a major role in helping Displaced Persons return to their home countries in Europe in 1945-46. Its UN functions were transferred to several UN agencies, including the International Refugee Organization and the World Health Organization. As an American relief agency, it was largely replaced by the Marshall Plan, which began operations in 1948.
The film shows UNRRA distributing food, medicine, clothing, and other essentials to the war weary peoples of the world. At the 3:30 mark, essential goods to restart economies are shown being shipped including fuel, tractors, pipes, trucks, etc. Some of the objections raised against the shipment of these supplies, including to the Soviet Union, are discussed including support of Communist allies.
At 5:13, war torn China is shown, with the Red Army fighting the Nationalists. UNRRA aid was distributed in these conditions as well.
At 7:53, postings are seen of missing persons, a common sight in post-WWII Europe. The reunification of families is seen at the 8:00 mark. At 8:16 Sardinia is seen, with locusts attacking crops, and American troops came in with pesticide and killed the locusts.
At 8:58, American machinery arrives in Europe to help rebuild the farm economy.
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