MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO REFUGEES BY AUTHORITIES AND SOCIETY DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Russian Government, State Duma, the public, the clergy, representatives of local government showed great concern for refugees during the First World War. Elaborated legal system concerning refugees, interaction of branches of authority, strict observation of their recommendations were of great help. The result was a considerable reduction of social tension among refugees. Problems of giving them medical help were also dealt with at congresses of Zemsky doctors (zemstvo - elective district council in Russia, 1864-1917). The experience of Russian pre-revolutionary state authorities and society is applicable to modern conditions during local and international military conflicts.