European Central Inland Transport Organization facts for kids
Quick facts for kids  European Central Inland Transport Organization |
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| Org type | United Nations specialised agency |
| Status | Inactive |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
The European Central Inland Transport Organization (ECITO) was a special group created by the United Nations. It was formed right after World War II ended. ECITO's main job was to help fix and manage transport (like trains, trucks, and ships) across Europe. This was important for moving supplies to soldiers and regular people. It also helped bring displaced persons (people forced to leave their homes) back to their countries. ECITO worked to get Europe's transport systems back to normal after the war.
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Why ECITO Was Formed
After World War II, Europe was in chaos. Many roads, railways, and bridges were destroyed. It was hard to move food, medicine, and other important supplies. Millions of people were also trying to get home. ECITO was set up to solve these big problems. Its goal was to make sure supplies could move easily. It also wanted to help people return home safely.
The London Conference
The idea for ECITO came from a meeting in London in October 1944. This meeting was called the Conference on European Inland Transport. Many countries attended, including Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, the USSR, the UK, the USA, and Yugoslavia. Some of these countries had governments that were in exile during the war. Observers from Denmark and other important military groups also attended. The conference was led by Lord Noel-Baker.
How ECITO Worked
ECITO worked to coordinate all kinds of transport. This included trains, trucks, and ships. They helped decide where transport equipment and materials should go. This made sure that essential supplies reached the right places. They also helped organize the return of displaced persons.
Key Leaders
The first person in charge of ECITO was Charles Henry Alexandrowicz. He was called the Director-General. Major-General Rex Hewer was his deputy, helping to run the organization.
Official Name in French
ECITO also had an official name in French. It was called Organisation d'Europe centrale pour les transports intérieurs. This means "Central European Organization for Inland Transport."
End of ECITO
ECITO did not last for a very long time. It stopped its work in 1947. Its tasks were then taken over by a new group. This new group was called the Economic Commission for Europe, Inland Transport Committee. ECITO was officially closed down by 1954. The old records and documents of ECITO are kept safe at the United Nations Archives in Geneva.
