SARAJEVO WOUNDED PROBABLY TO BE EVACUATED TO ITALY OR GERMANY

ZAGREB, Feb 6 (Hina) - Commander of US Contingent in former Yugoslavia Col. Stewart H.Watkins stated at today's press conference held in the US Headquarters at the Zagreb airport, that the Sarajevo wounded, if evacuated by American forces, would be transferred to hospitals in Germany or Italy. Watkins said that the American field hospital (MASH) in Zagreb could accept only those needing most urgent surgical intervention. The hospital disposes with 60 beds and could admit patients at any time, offer needed treatment and prepare them for further transport to a larger hospital, he added. The aircraft, that flew the medical experts to Sarajevo this morning, is waiting in Split and will be able to transport 50 persons, Watkins said. The decision is to be made solely by the medical experts, while US forces can take part in the evacuation only upon request by the United Nations. The Zagreb MASH serves primarily for urgent interventions of some 29,000 UN soldiers, but would help civilians if requested by UN. 061536 MET feb 94