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IV. Economic and Social Questions

A. WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION

1. Consideration by the Economic andSocial Council at its Twelfth Session

At its twelfth session, held at Santiago de Chilefrom 20 February-21 March 1951, the Economicand Social Council, in, its annual review of theworld economic situation, had before it GeneralAssembly resolution 406(V),1 requesting it "topay special attention to changes currently takingplace in the international economic situation, witha view to recommending to governments and tothe General Assembly measures designed to makepossible the uninterrupted progress of pro-grammes of economic stability and development".

a. REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

The Council's discussion was based mainly ona report on world economic trends, entitled WorldEconomic Report, 1949-50 (E/1910 & Corr.1).2

This report provided a factual analysis of sig-nificant economic developments in the world dur-ing 1949 and the first half of 1950. It pointedout that, while the volume of goods producedin the world during the years 1949 and 1950, aswell as the volume of international trade, hadrisen to new heights, these developments had nottaken place without serious economic difficultiesin a number of countries. Thus, under-developedcountries in general had recorded little progress,if any, during these years; meanwhile, the UnitedStates had experienced a short-lived recession dur-ing 1949 from which it had emerged to new peaksof production by the middle of 1950, althoughunemployment at that point was still at its post-war peak; on the other hand, a large number ofcountries had experienced serious foreign ex-change difficulties during 1949 which had broughton the imposition of new and more stringentimport restrictions as well as a wave of currencydevaluations during September and October of1949.

The report further pointed out that the mostimportant features of international trade during1949-50 had been the decline in the world im-

port surplus with the United States; the expan-sion of trade among non-dollar countries—par-ticularly in Europe—owing to their own in-creased production; and the possibility that anincreasing number of countries could maintaintheir economies at levels at least comparablewith those of the immediate pre-war years, de-spite the reduction in the external assistance whichsome had been receiving. Aided by continuedspecial assistance from the United States, manycountries had been able to begin rebuilding theirgold and dollar reserves.

The outbreak of the conflict in Korea in mid-1950 had immediately introduced an atmosphereof impending inflation in a number of coun-tries, particularly in the United States, the reportsaid. While the extent to which rearmament pro-grammes had manifested themselves in terms ofactual expenditures during 1950 remained rela-tively limited, the rise in the prices of all typesof goods, especially of primary products, had be-gun to exert a profound influence both upon na-tional economies and upon international economicrelations. In the United States, military expendi-tures were officially expected to rise in 1951 moresharply than the total national output. As a re-sult, civilian investment and consumption wereexpected to be reduced.

In the other countries which were rearming,notably in Western Europe, civilian consumptionwas generally not much higher, and in some caseseven below, pre-war levels, the report stated. Inthese countries, there was a possibility that re-armament might involve not only a cutback incivilian output, but also a deterioration in theirbalance-of-payments position.

Though under-developed countries were ex-pected to find ready export markets for their pri-mary products, it was feared that they might findit difficult to convert the increased receipts fromexports into needed supplies, particularly of thecapital goods required for their economic devel-

1 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 476-77.2 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.C.1.

Economic and Social Questions 363

opment. The report expressed the view that theeconomic development of the under-developedcountries remained the most important single long-run economic problem confronting the world.Those countries were faced with the task of at-taining a rate of economic development very muchmore rapid than was characteristic of the indus-trially more developed countries. Without meas-ures commensurate with that task the difference instandards of living was bound to increase ratherthan decrease. The solution of the problem calledfor a rapid expansion of the world economy. Suchan expansion could, if appropriately oriented, pro-vide the goods and services needed to raise theliving standards of two thirds of the world's pop-ulation, as well as the possibility of achievingwithout undue strain the economic adjustmentsrequired in all parts of the world.

The World Economic Report, 1949-50 also con-tained two special supplementary sections: TheReview of Economic Conditions in Africa (E/-1910/Add.1 & Corr.1),3 and the Review of Eco-nomic Conditions in the Middle East, (E/1910/-Add.2 & Corr.1).4

The former was prepared in accordance withthe Council's request (resolution 266(X))5 thatthe Secretary-General include in the Report a spe-cial section relating to economic conditions inAfrica "using material readily available and suchfurther information as may be provided by theGovernments concerned". It described the basiccharacteristics of the African economy and dealtwith recent economic trends on that continent, de-velopment plans, and the demographic situation.It showed that low levels of production and con-sumption and extreme dependence on foreigncapital characterized the economic conditions ofAfrica. The report showed further that produc-tion, within a predominantly subsistence economy,was concentrated on primary products for export.Heavy external demands, partly of a strategic na-ture, had influenced the general upward trend ofmineral production and exports. However, duringand since the Second World War, some importantdevelopment projects had been launched and a sig-nificant aspect of this had been the growth ofinter-governmental co-operation. Heavy and sus-tained capital investments, especially from abroad,were needed to raise per capita levels of pro-duction and consumption. The report warned,nevertheless, against capital investments devotedmainly to developing primary production for ex-port. Administrative measures were also required,it said, to expand social services, education, tech-

nical training and public health, to develop labourorganizations, and to adapt indigenous institu-tions to modern economic development.

The Review of Economic Conditions in theMiddle East was prepared by the Secretariat inorder to provide the Council with informationon a region which would not otherwise have beencovered. It briefly outlined the physical, economicand social features of this area and its main eco-nomic trends, as well as several aspects of theeconomic development of the region. The Reviewsaid that while in the last three decades there hadbeen much progress in the economic and socialfields, the benefits of economic development inthe Middle East had been largely offset by rapidpopulation growth. Low living standards and theessential similarity of the economies of most ofthe countries in the region constituted major ob-stacles to the economic integration of the region.To improve living conditions generally, the na-tional income must be greatly expanded, whichcould be done mainly through agricultural devel-opment. Some countries, however, had some out-standing assets to aid them in their efforts for eco-nomic progress, such as petroleum resources, un-used land and rivers capable of considerable de-velopment. External aid might enable govern-ments to develop the resources of their coun-tries more rapidly than in the past. There was,however, a striking contrast between the hugepotential wealth of oil reserves and the currentbenefits being derived by countries with thesereserves, it said.

The Council further had before it the Reviewof International Commodity Problems, 1950 (E/-1907)6 prepared by the Interim Co-ordinationCommittee for International Commodity Arrange-ments.

It also had before it the replies from MemberGovernments (E/1912 and Addenda)7 to theSecretary-General's communication of 2 January1951 concerning General Assembly resolution406(V) on the world economic situation. Thatresolution had invited all members of the Coun-cil to submit "their views concerning the way inwhich the current world situation has affected

3

4 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.C.3.5 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 480.6 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.D.1.7 Replies were received from the following Member

States: Burma, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, India, Iraq,New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, USSR,United Kingdom and United States (E/1912 and Add.1-12).

U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.C.2.

364 Yearbook of the United Nations

their economic progress and the prospects of con-tinuing world economic expansion, and if pos-sible, to communicate these views, through theSecretary-General, to the Council before the open-ing of its twelfth session".

b. VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL

The Council discussed the world economic sit-uation at the 103rd to 105th and 107th meetingsof its Economic Committee, from 13-15 March,and at its 449th to 458th and 477th and 478thplenary meetings, from 1-20 March 1951.

Several representatives, among them those ofBelgium, Canada, France, Sweden, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, pointed out thatthe aggression in Korea and threats of aggres-sion elsewhere left their countries no other coursethan to build up their military defences. Thiscourse of action, they emphasized, necessarily re-duced the priority of many desirable economicand social programmes, as well as the speed withwhich they could be implemented. They alsoadded that the demands made by rearmament onraw materials had brought about, for those in-dustrialized countries who depended on their im-port for manufacture, an inflated price-level andhad created shortages of materials needed for eco-nomic development. All these representatives wereagreed on the need for international co-operationto meet the situation, though they maintained thatmilitary and non-military programmes were notnecessarily mutually exclusive.

The United States representative, however, saidthat the rearmament programme had in no wayundermined or affected his country's social wel-fare services, yet the rapid increase of defence pro-duction had involved substantial shifts in the useof resources, inflationary pressure and sacrifice byhis country. The United States was prepared tonegotiate, through international commodity con-trol organs, with producing and consuming coun-tries in order to limit price increases in importantscarce commodities during the current emergency.The representative of France pointed out thatgreater spending on armaments could bring abouta reduction of productive investments, thus threat-ening the standard of living and bringing infla-tion to the under-developed countries, whichwould no longer be able to purchase the capitalgoods necessary for their expansion and develop-ment. The representative of Sweden urged inter-national co-operation to assist governments, inthe face of inflationary tendencies throughout the

world, to maintain internal stability so as to pre-vent an upset in the price and cost structure anda fall in productivity. He feared that the difficul-ties arising from the world economic situationmight slow down progress in raising the standardof living and the expansion of social welfare sys-tems.

Representatives of under-developed countries,among them those of Chile, China, India, Iran,Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines and Uru-guay, sought international co-operation for im-proved and equitable distribution of importantproducts in short supply. They stressed the im-portance of promoting the economic developmentof under-developed countries despite the demandsof rearmament. They pointed out that the under-developed countries might not be able to expandand diversify their economies in the face of press-ing demands to produce and export more raw ma-terials. The increase in prices obtained by somecountries for raw materials produced was not acause for optimism, as these countries were nowfinding it increasingly difficult to procure the com-modities they needed, and the accumulating fundswere tending to create inflation within their bor-ders, thus further aggravating their already diffi-cult economic problems. These representativespointed out that the under-developed countrieswere not trying to take advantage of the emerg-ency situation by raising unduly the price of rawmaterials; but they wished to obtain a fair pricefor their exports and to continue to procure theequipment and the other goods needed for eco-nomic development so as to raise the living stand-ards of their people, or at least to prevent themfrom falling.

The representative of Chile said that the WorldEconomic Report showed an adverse balance oftrade between the under-developed and the in-dustrialized countries, and that these deficits inthe balance of payments had to be financed by adepletion of exchange reserves, by the liquidationof private investments and government loans. Inorder to attain a higher standard of living andeconomic stability, he suggested:

(1) regulation of prices of certain basic raw materi-als; ( 2 ) a guarantee of real values of currencies accumu-lated by under-developed countries; (3) an assuranceto under-developed countries of a regular supply ofequipment and capital goods from industrialized coun-tries so that economic development programmes wouldnot be checked; (4) the assessment in terms of realvalues of the credits granted; and (5) establishment bythe Secretary-General of a board of experts to considerthe problems which would face under-developed countrieswhen the emergency was over.


In the view of the representatives of Czecho-slovakia, Poland and the USSR, the uneven de-velopment of the economies of the capitalist coun-tries was steadily increasing the conflicts amongthose countries, and was resulting in a growingtendency among them to try to solve their eco-nomic difficulties through wars and war prepa-rations, serving as justifications for increasingeconomic and social restrictions. These represen-tatives stated that the establishment of a wareconomy in peacetime was retarding the develop-ment of the under-developed countries and col-onies and was reducing the opportunities of theWestern European countries to re-establish theirfinancial liquidity, lowering their capacity to ex-port and thereby increasing their economic de-pendence on the United States. These represen-tatives further felt that the rearmament pro-grammes were resulting in growing restrictionson civilian production and consumption. They ex-pressed the view, nevertheless, that different po-litical and economic systems could co-exist andthat normal economic and commercial relationscould be established between such systems, pro-vided that co-operation was based on principlesof equality and on respect for national sover-eignty. They called for the abolition of all dis-crimination in trade between countries belongingto different political and economic systems, be-lieving that this would stimulate the develop-ment of international economic co-operation.

Representatives of the following non-govern-mental organizations in consultative status madestatements on the world economic situation: TheInternational Federation of Agricultural Produc-ers (IFAP); the International Confederation ofFree Trade Unions (ICFTU); the InternationalCo-operative Alliance (ICA): and the WorldFederation of Trade Unions (WFTU).

The representative of IFAP suggested that an ad hoccommittee of experts should be appointed to report tothe Council on the steps necessary to expedite theconclusion of international commodity agreements de-signed to maintain and expand production of primarycommodities and to achieve equitable allocation ofcommodities in short supply.

The representative of ICFTU stressed the need forinternational co-operation in rational and equitable useof necessary materials, both for defence industries andindustries producing for civilian needs, and the needfor stabilizing prices of such materials. He pointed tothe danger of existing inflationary tendencies and calledfor an uninterrupted advance in the economic develop-ment of under-developed countries.

The representative of ICA, pointing also to the cur-rent increase in inflationary pressure, stressed the needfor free and equitable access by all countries to raw

materials, and urged: the adoption of measures designedto maintain and raise the standard of living; the initia-tion of studies on the impact of cartels on productionand living standards; and a study of world oil resources.He described how the promotion by governments ofco-operative associations would promote these aims.

The representative of WFTU, after analysing the im-pact of the rearmament programme on the current worldeconomic situation, expressed the view that only abolitionof the war economy could eliminate its harmful effects.He urged the adoption of specific proposals submitted byhis organization (E/C.2/281/Add.1) and designed, hestated, to improve the position of the working masses.

c. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

The Council considered various proposals, somepertaining to the world economic situation andother providing for further consideration of someaspects of the report. It also considered a draftresolution by Poland, relating to a proposal sub-mitted by WFTU (see above).

The draft resolutions concerning the world sit-uation, presented in the Economic Committee,were:

(1) A joint draft resolution by Chile, Mexico, Peru,and Uruguay (E/L.154 and Corr. 1), according to whichMember Governments would be asked to regulate pricesof essential goods and to ensure adequate supplies ofgoods required by under-developed countries for increasedproduction and development, so that the real value ofmonetary reserves of the under-developed countrieswould be safeguarded. The Secretary-General would beasked for recommendations to promote the conclusionof agreements, aimed at stimulating the economicprogress of the under-developed countries. A group ofexperts appointed under Council resolution 290 (XI)8

would be asked to include in its recommendations appro-priate measures to reduce the vulnerability of theeconomies of under-developed countries to fluctuations ininternational markets.

(2) A draft resolution by Belgium (E/L.159), whichwould have the Council recommend governments to:(a) take steps to prevent inflationary factors capable ofdisturbing the economic equilibrium from developing;(b) consider how their civilian requirements could bemet by increasing the production of raw materials andof capital and consumer goods, with a view to worldeconomic progress and to the raising of the generalstandard of living; (c) ensure that the burden causedby the change in the world economic situation wasequitably distributed among the population; (d) con-sider how the economic and social problems arisingfrom the world economic situation could be settledwithin the framework of international co-operation. Thedraft resolution also proposed that the raw material-producing and -consuming countries be invited tomaintain the prices of raw materials at an equitablelevel and to develop their reciprocal trade.

Three amendments and sub-amendments to the jointdraft resolution by Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguaywere proposed:

8 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 472-74.


(a) A United States amendment (E/L.162 andCorr.1) aimed at clarifying the operative part of thedraft and proposing the deletion of the provision con-cerning price regulation. It would also amend thepreamble so as to place the resolution in the contextof the current over-all world economic situation.

(b) A USSR sub-amendment (E/AC.6/L.37) to theUnited States amendment (E/L.162). It would: (i) addto the preamble a statement that the Council consideredthat the enormous increase in military expenditurewould aggravate the burden of taxation and lead toinflation and a further lowering of the standard ofliving; and (ii) recommend to United Nations Membersthat they should immediately close down their warindustries and increase civilian production so as topromote the maintenance of international peace andhigher standards of living.

(c) A French amendment (E/AC.6/L.36) to thejoint draft resolution. It would add to the preambletwo paragraphs, drawing attention to the position ofthe industrialized countries in the face of the rise inthe price of raw materials.

One draft resolution, with amendments to it,referring to the further consideration of theWorld Economic Report, was considered by theCommittee:

(1) A joint draft resolution by India, Iran, Mexico,Pakistan and the Philippines (E/L.155), by which theCouncil would consider further at its thirteenth sessionthe section of the Report relating to economic conditionsin the Middle East and Africa, together with commentsof Member Governments, with a view to making appro-priate recommendations.

(a) A United States amendment (E/AC.6/L.35) tothis draft, have the Council consider the whole Reportat the thirteenth session. A Chinese oral proposal thatthe United States amendment be altered to have theCouncil study particularly the chapters dealing with theeconomic situation in the Middle East and in Africawas accepted by the sponsor and was adopted at the104th meeting by 10 votes to 7. The United Statesamendment, as amended by China, was adopted at thesame meeting, by 9 votes to none, with 6 abstentions.

(b) A United Kingdom oral proposal to defer con-sideration of the whole Report to the fourteenth sessionwas rejected, also at the 104th meeting, by 11 votesto 7.

The joint draft resolution by India, Iran, Mex-ico, Pakistan and the Philippines (E/L.155) wasadopted as amended, by 15 votes to none, with 3abstentions, at the 104th meeting of the Commit-tee on 13 March.

An informal drafting committee was set upto combine into a single text the various out-standing proposals. As a result, a new two-partjoint draft resolution (E/AC.6/L.40), sponsoredby Belgium, Chile, France, India, Mexico, Pakis-tan, Peru, the United States and Uruguay wasconsidered at the 107th meeting on 15 March1951. The USSR amendments (E/AC.6/L.37—see above) were voted on as amendments to the

new joint draft resolution; each was rejected by15 votes to 3.

The Committee also rejected, at its 104th meet-ing on 13 March 1951, a draft resolution by Po-land (E/L.156) relating to a proposal submit-ted by the WFTU, which would have the Councilstate that it considered that a war economy andexpenditure on armaments entailed a consider-able lowering of the workers' standard of livingand conflicted with the aims of the Charter, andrecommend that governments reduce their arma-ments budgets for 1951 and 1952 by from 30 to50 per cent and use the resources thus made avail-able to achieve full employment in productionfor peace. The draft also provided for a commit-tee to ensure the implementation of these pro-posals.

The Committee then adopted, by 15 votes tonone, with 3 abstentions, the joint draft resolution,the first part of which contained recommendationsarising out of the current world situation; the sec-ond concerned the further consideration of theworld economic situation at the thirteenth ses-sion of the Council. This was later adopted bythe Council (resolution 341(XII)) at its 478thplenary meeting on 20 March 1951; part A by13 votes to none, with 4 abstentions, and part Bby 14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

The Council, in plenary session, rejected, by13 votes to 3 and 14 votes to 3, two amendmentsproposed by the USSR (E/L.171) covering thesame points as those dealt with in the USSRamendments previously rejected in the EconomicCommittee (see above). It also rejected, by 15votes to 3, a Polish draft resolution (E/L.156),which would have required the Secretariat to pre-pare annual reports, in collaboration with thecompetent non-governmental organizations inCategory A, on national income, living stand-ards of industrial and agricultural workers, andon profits accrued through war economy. Thisproposal also called for reduction in armamentsexpenditures, for using the funds thus saved forcivilian purposes, and for the setting up of acommittee of the Council, with participation ofnon-governmental organizations in Category A, tosupervise the allocation of these funds.

d. RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

Part A of resolution 341(XII) read:"The Economic and Social Council,"Noting with interest the World Economic Report,

1949-50, prepared by the Secretariat,


"Taking into account General Assembly resolution406 (V) and

A"Considering that:

"(a) The maintenance of international peace andsecurity, the creation of conditions of economic stability,and the improvement of the standards of living of theworld's population are permanent objectives of inter-national economic and social co-operation among theUnited Nations,

"(b) Continued progress in creating conditions ofeconomic stability and in improving standards of livingrequires increases in the production of food, rawmaterials and manufactured goods,

"(c) In the under-developed countries, progresstoward the objectives enumerated in paragraph (b)above is limited by the characteristics of their presenteconomic structures, which are reflected in the natureof their foreign trade, in the vulnerability of their termsof foreign trade, in their dependence on foreign countriesfor capital goods, in low levels of investment and inother factors both external and internal which contributeto their low living standards,

"(d) Some of the adverse factors enumerated inparagraph ( c ) above are being aggravated by new infla-tionary pressures, shortages of goods, regulation of pricesat different relative levels for different products, andre-allocation of productive factors, which are likely toaffect unfavourably the rate or pattern of economicdevelopment of some countries,

"(e) In the industrialized countries, particularly thosewhich are faced with the task of reconstruction andre-equipment as the result of war damage, the additionaltasks assumed as a result of the international situationare likely to cause inflationary pressures,

"(f) Instability of prices in international markets alsoaffects industrialized countries and, in many of them,aggravates internal disequilibrium and makes more diffi-cult the necessary increase of their production,

"(g) If appropriate measures are not taken, difficul-ties may arise in trade between the industrialized coun-tries and the under-developed countries when presentinflationary pressures subside and when reconversion ofdefence industries occurs; and some of these difficultieswould tend to increase the difference between the levelsof their respective productive capacities and also toincrease the vulnerability of their economies to a declinein the demand for their products and to a fall in theprices of these products in world markets, with con-sequent unfavourable economic and social effects,

"1. Recommends that all Members of the UnitedNations, during the period of general shortage of goods,take special measures to bring about adequate produc-tion and equitable international distribution of capitalgoods, essential consumers' goods and raw materialsespecially needed for the maintenance of internationalpeace and security, the preservation of standards ofliving and the furthering of economic development;

"2. Recommends that all Members of the UnitedNations, during the period of general inflationary pres-sure, take measures, direct or indirect, to regulate atequitable levels and relationships, the prices of essentialgoods moving in international trade, including capitalgoods, essential consumers' goods and raw materials;

"3. Recommends that the equitable regulation ofdistribution and prices referred to in recommendations 1and 2 above be maintained as long as strong inflationarypressures persist, in order to minimize changes in thepurchasing power, in terms of imports, of currentearnings from exports as well as of monetary assets;

"4. Recommends further that all Members of theUnited Nations take all steps in their power to preventthe development of inflationary pressures, thereby pre-venting speculative profits and maintaining the pur-chasing power of the poorer sections of the population;

"5. Amends paragraph 19 of Council resolution 290(XI) to request that the group of experts to be appoint-ed under that paragraph include in its report recom-mendations concerning the appropriate national andinternational measures required to mitigate the vul-nerability of the economies of under-developed countriesto fluctuations in international markets, including mea-sures to adjust, establish and maintain appropriaterelations between prices of raw materials, on the onehand, and essential manufactured goods on the other,and thus to ensure greater economic stability; and

"6. Requests all Members of the United Nations toreport to the thirteenth session of the Council on suchaction as they have taken under the present resolution."

In part B of resolution 341(XII), the Councilrecognized that various governments had neitherhad sufficient time to study the World EconomicReport, 1949-50, nor to respond to the invitationcontained in General Assembly resolution 406(V)to submit their views on the way in which theworld economic situation had affected their eco-nomic progress and the prospects of continuingworld economic expansion. Accordingly, the Coun-cil decided to consider further at its thirteenth ses-sion the world economic situation in 1949-50 andparticularly the economic conditions in the Mid-dle East and Africa, and the views submitted byMembers of the United Nations in response toGeneral Assembly resolution 406(V).

e. REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONALMONETARY FUND

During its consideration of the world economicsituation at its twelfth session, the Council alsoconsidered the annual report of the InternationalMonetary Fund for the fiscal year ended 30 April1950, together with a supplement covering theremaining months of 1950 (E/1872 & Add.1).The report was considered at the 450th and 451stplenary meetings on 1 and 2 March 1951.

At the 449th plenary meeting of the Council,introducing the report of the Fund, the Manag-ing Director of the Fund analysed the progressmade toward a better balance in international pay-ments in 1950. He pointed out that recovery andexpansion of agricultural and industrial produc-


tion had enabled many countries to import fromelsewhere commodities formerly imported fromthe United States; assistance from the UnitedStates and other sources had contributed to thatrecovery; restoration of sound budgets and creditpolicies had released for export industries re-sources previously absorbed by domestic demand.The 1949 devaluations had brought a whole se-ries of exchange rates into line with post-war eco-nomic and monetary conditions. While militaryevents and the requirements of rearmament hadlargely contributed to an improvement, the in-creased tension and uncertainty of internationalrelations might in the future have important eco-nomic repercussions. Indicating that the increasein the price of industrial raw materials had strong-ly affected the position of the countries exportingsuch materials, he pointed out that an increasein revenue due to high prices provided a less stablebasis than an increased revenue due to a genuineexpansion of production and exports.

The Managing Director stressed the point thatthe balance-of-payments situation of non-dollarcountries, in spite of the improvement in thecourse of the past year, was still a matter of con-cern. In analysing this problem, he expressed theview that it could be solved only by internationalaction and that much depended upon the meas-ures taken to combat the inflationary forces re-sulting from the impact of rearmament, as wellas those remaining from previous inflations. Ifeffective monetary policies were adopted in goodtime, the problem of international payments couldbe solved in an orderly manner. The Fund, hesaid, must be the guide and support of its mem-bers in preventing and controlling inflation. Hestressed the readiness of the Fund to encourageand to assist any country which, side by side withan improvement in the balance of payments, pur-sued a policy designed to strengthen its reservesand to reduce restrictions on imports and exchangecontrols.

During the discussion, the representative ofFrance welcomed the warnings given by the Man-aging Director of the Fund as most timely, andexpressed the view that the 1949 devaluationmeasures which the Fund had urged had helpedto improve the balance-of-payments position inmany non-dollar countries. The representative ofChile called for a more flexible lending policy bythe Fund so as to enable under-developed coun-tries to meet their foreign exchange needs. Therepresentatives of Pakistan and India felt thatthe adoption of anti-inflationary measures in the

manner advocated by the Fund would result incutting down productive investments in under-developed countries. The representative of Polandsaid that the Fund had failed in its tasks of pro-moting monetary stability, correcting maladjust-ments in payments balances and in solving thepost-war exchange problems. He further chargedthe Fund with becoming an instrument of theUnited States in furthering the policies of thatcountry.

At its 451st plenary meeting on 2 March 1951the Council adopted, by 15 votes to none, with 3abstentions, resolution 344(XII), in which it tooknote of the report of the Fund.

2. Consideration by the Economic andSocial Council at its Thirteenth Session

At its thirteenth session, held from 30 July-21 September 1951, the Economic and SocialCouncil gave further consideration to the worldeconomic situation, in the light of its own recom-mendations and with special reference to the re-plies received from governments in response toGeneral Assembly resolution 406(V). The mat-ter was discussed at the Council's 483rd to 493rd,its 495th to 498th and at its 500th and 501stplenary meetings, from 31 July-14 August 1951.The problem was considered in two separate discus-sions: the first covering the reports received fromgovernments on action taken concerning produc-tion, distribution and prices of commodities andmeasures to combat inflation; the second coveringfurther consideration of the world economic situa-tion in 1949-50 and particularly of those sec-tions of the World Economic Report, 1949-50 re-lating to economic conditions in Africa and theMiddle East.

a. REPORTS BEFORE THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL

In addition to the documents presented to thetwelfth session, the Council had before it:

(1) Replies from Member Governments to theSecretary-General's communications of 2 January and3 May 1951 concerning General Assembly resolution 406(V) on the current world economic situation. Thereplies included both those received in time for theCouncil's twelfth session and those received subsequently(E/1912 and Addenda).

(2) Replies from Member Governments to theSecretary-General's communication of 3 May 1951 con-cerning Council resolution 341 A (XII) on measurestaken in the matter of production, distribution andprices of goods, and on combating of inflation (E/2034and Addenda).


(3) "Relation of Fluctuations in the Prices ofPrimary Commodities to the Ability of Under-developedCountries to Obtain Foreign Exchange" (E/2047 andAdd.1)—a study prepared by the Secretary-General inresponse to Council resolution 294 (XI).9

(4) A note from the Secretary-General on the workof the Trusteeship Council and the Special Committeeon Information Transmitted under Article 73e of theCharter on economic conditions in Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories (E/2037).

In addition to the surveys dealing with the worldeconomic situation in general and with Africa and theMiddle East, the Council, at its thirteenth session, hadbefore it three separate regional economic surveys—ofEurope, of Asia and the Far East, and of Latin America—prepared by the secretariats of the respective regionalcommissions.10

b. VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL

In the discussion of the world economic situa-tion at the thirteenth session, many representa-tives dealt in detail with various measures takenby their governments in response to recommenda-tions contained in Council resolution 341 A(XII) (see above). They reaffirmed their sup-port of the policies recommended in that resolu-tion and stated that their governments were toa large extent complying with them.

Various measures to increase productivity andtotal production were reported.

Several representatives referred to measures de-signed to encourage new capital investment: moreprompt adoption of new production techniques;selective relief from taxation where it was de-signed to facilitate production; and extension ofcredit facilities for similar purposes. Represen-tatives also pointed to the successes their govern-ments had achieved in introducing counter-infla-tionary measures, including: fiscal measures; priceand wage controls; the encouragement of importsof agricultural and industrial products for massconsumption by means of relief from custom du-ties; controls over credit facilities and measuresdesigned to encourage savings.

In the opinion of many representatives, includ-ing those of Belgium, Canada, France, Sweden,the United Kingdom and the United States, theshortage of raw materials continued to be oneof the main problems, although it was pointedout that after the initial growth of strategic stock-piling and of speculative buying there had beena drop in prices of several raw materials which,together with an increase in the production ofsome of these materials, had relieved some of theshortages. These representatives also referred to

policies introduced by their governments designedto husband raw materials internally and establishcriteria to meet urgent needs.

However, some representatives of the industrial-ized countries, including those of Canada, Franceand the United Kingdom, felt that the efforts oftheir countries to maintain full employment mightbe endangered by the shortage of raw materials,and that, while recognizing the common effortsthrough the International Materials Conference,they felt that further efforts were needed toincrease production of raw materials and ensuretheir reasonable distribution between nations andbetween various types of consumers. They be-lieved that price stability and the expansion ofproduction of raw materials (rather than highprices) were the solution to the problem. Thebest guarantee the industrialized countries couldprovide for continued economic development ofthe under-developed countries, they felt, wasthrough the maintenance of a full employmentpolicy and of the stability of purchasing powerthroughout the world.

The representatives of under-developed coun-tries, on the other hand—among them those ofChile, China, India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru,the Philippines and Uruguay—pointing to somedecline in the prices of raw materials, felt thatthey might invalidate the improved tradeof the countries producing raw materials,particularly because the declines were coupledwith the current rise in the prices of importedmanufactured goods and in transport and insur-ance charges. From the point of view of the under-developed countries, two of the most serious prob-lems were the rapid rise in prices of importedgoods, and the accumulating foreign exchange sur-pluses. These were aggravating internal inflationarypressures in those countries which had been tryingto speed up their economic development and im-prove their social services.

Several of these representatives also called at-tention to various measures taken by their gov-ernments in response to Council resolution 341 A(XII), including the introduction of more com-prehensive plans for development, and the devel-opment of local industries. The efforts of theunder-developed countries were designed to ex-pand production. In some cases, these efforts weredirected primarily toward solving the problem ofexisting food shortages; in others it was a mat-

9 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 443-45.10 See also pp. 458, 467, 471-72.


ter of readjusting exchange rates in order to en-courage the production of those goods which wereessential for maintaining living standards and atleast of normal production levels. Their eco-nomic development programmes, however, con-tinued to be handicapped by an inadequate sup-ply of essential goods, particularly of capitalequipment.

Several representatives, including those of Chile,China, India, Mexico, Pakistan and the Philip-pines, felt that industrialized countries, in allocat-ing commodities in short supply, should not onlytake into account armament requirements butshould remember that the under-developed coun-tries which did not produce armaments requiredthese commodities to maintain their existence.Furthermore, to maintain and to intensify theirdevelopment programmes, these countries needed afair share of available capital equipment and rawmaterials together with necessary credits to obtainthem.

Some representatives, including those ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, deploredthe reorientation of economic activity in manycountries towards the production of war imple-ments. They claimed that this led to the dispro-portionate rise in monopolistic profits in capital-ist countries and that this rise was accompaniedby a lowering of the standard of living of themasses and by a curtailment of trade union activi-ties. A war economy, they said, was being utilizedfor the extension of control over sources of rawmaterials and for the solution of the economicproblems of the capitalist countries. It offeredno solution to the problems of the under-devel-oped countries, which should be advised to directtheir resources into channels which were sociallynecessary. These representatives also felt that theefforts to curtail the trade of Eastern Europe withWestern Europe and with under-developed coun-tries was also a part of the drive for economicdomination by the United States. At the sametime, they pointed to the economic activities intheir own countries which, they stated, weremarked by vigorous reconstruction and generaleconomic advancement conducted in the spirit ofpeaceful work and co-operation. The problem ofthe co-existence of the two economic systems inthe world with two different trends of develop-ment should be and could be solved only throughpeaceful co-operation.

The Council also heard statements from repre-sentatives of the WFTU and the InternationalFederation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP).

Dealing with the effects of inflation, the repre-sentative of the WFTU stated that only by revert-ing to a peacetime economy could an end be putto the impoverishment of the working class. Hesuggested various measures designed to increasewages, expand social security, provide low-costhousing, increase the supply of consumer goodsat lower prices, reduce taxes paid by the workers,reduce profits and dividends and assure full tradeunion rights. The representative of the IFAPstressed the importance of maintaining full em-ployment in the industrialized countries and theneed for generous external financing of economicdevelopment in the under-developed countries, andurged the Council to recommend internationalmeasures to deal with the existing scarcities ofprimary commodities. He also repeated the pro-posal made by his organization at the twelfth ses-sion of the Council for an ad hoc committee ofexperts to deal with the question of primarycommodities.

c. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

The Council had before it a draft resolution towhich four amendments were proposed.

The draft resolution was submittted by thePhilippines (E/L.182, subsequently revised (seebelow) as E/L.182/Rev.1). In its operative part,the draft resolution in its original form wouldhave the Council urge Member Governments:

(1) to continue efforts to bring about adequate pro-duction and equitable international distribution of com-modities; (2) to regulate, at an equitable level, theprices of essential goods in international trade; and(3) to combat inflation. The Secretary-General wouldbe requested, in consultation with the specialized agen-cies concerned, to appoint a small ad hoc committee ofqualified experts to study practical methods for dealingwith this problem on an international level and toreport back to the Council.

According to the preamble, the Council wouldreaffirm the principles stated in resolution 341 A (XII)and take note of the reports from governments and theviews expressed at the session. It would also state:

(1) that it considered that present physical shortagesof essential goods, together with an increase in shippingfreight and transport costs, were likely to give rise toincreased production costs and intensified inflationarypressures; and (2) that it recognized that inflationarypressures and disruptive price relationships might retardthe attainment of economic stability unless concertedinternational action were taken to keep reasonableamounts of essential goods moving in the channels ofinternational trade, to confine price increases withinreasonable bounds and to save price parities from severedisruption.


The following amendments were submitted tothis resolution:

(1) A USSR amendment (E/L.190), which soughtto amend both the preamble and the operative part ofthe Philippine draft resolution. It would have theCouncil urge Member Governments to take effectivesteps to increase the production of civilian industry, toreduce prices of articles of mass consumption, to decreasethe people's burden of taxation, and to increase theexpenditure on various social needs.

The amendment to the preamble would state that thearms race in some countries united by aggressive plansled to a reduction of civilian industry, the rupture ofnormal economic relations between countries and deter-ioration of the living conditions of the workers; that itled also to an increase in the people's burden oftaxation, increased prices, inflation and a high cost ofliving, decreased expenditure on housing and otherneeds.

The amendment to the preamble was rejected by14 votes to 3 and the amendment to the operative partof the draft resolution by 11 votes to 3, with 3 absten-tions, at the 498th plenary meeting of the Council on13 August 1951.

(2) A United States amendment (E/L.192), whichproposed a series of thirteen drafting changes.

These proposals were withdrawn at the 497th plenarymeeting.

(3) An amendment by Pakistan (E/L.193) which,inter alia, would have the Council incorporate in thepreamble of the Philippine draft resolution its recogni-tion that increased and continual supply of capital goodswas essential to the implementation of the developmentprogramme of the under-developed countries.

(4) A farther United States amendment (E/L.194),which sought to amend the Pakistan amendment(E/L.193) by adding to the preamble that the Councilconsidered that the overriding claims of defence werelikely to increase the difficulties of meeting all needsfor machinery and equipment which the under-developedcountries required for their economic development, andthat the Council therefore recommended the action con-tained in the operative part of the resolution.

(5) A further amendment by Pakistan (E/L.196),which would add to the operative part of the resolutiona paragraph in which the Council would recommendthe industrialized countries to continue and increaseefforts to ensure that supply difficulties did not interferewith the development plans of the under-developedindustries.

The representative of the Philippines accepted thesethree amendments and submitted a revised draft resolu-tion (E/L.182/Rev.1) incorporating them.

d. RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

At its 498th plenary meeting on 13 August 1951,the Council adopted, by 14 votes to none, with 3abstentions, the revised Philippine draft resolu-tion dealing with the world economic situation(E/L.182/Rev.1), as resolution 367 A (XIII).

The resolution noted the reports from govern-ments on action taken under Council resolution

341(XII) and recognized that shortages of essen-tial goods are contributing to inflationary pres-sures; that inflationary pressures and inequitableprice relationships are impeding economic sta-bility; and that an increased and continuous sup-ply of capital goods is essential for the economicdevelopment of under-developed countries. It re-affirmed the principles enumerated in Council reso-lution 341 A (XII) concerning production, distri-bution and prices of goods, and combating infla-tion. To that end it urged governments to con-tinue exerting efforts to bring about adequate pro-duction and equitable international distribution ofcapital goods, essential consumers' goods and rawmaterials, to regulate at equitable levels and rela-tionships the prices of such goods moving in inter-national trade and to combat inflation. It recom-mended to the industralized countries that, in thelight of the overriding needs of defence, theymake every possible effort to ensure that supplydifficulties do not interfere with the developmentplans of under-developed countries. In addition,the Council requested the Secretary-General totransmit the summary records of the debate to thead hoc group of experts appointed by him in ac-cordance with paragraph 19 of resolution 290(XI),as amended by resolution 341(XII), so that theymight take into consideration the views expressedby Council members.

The ad hoc Group of Experts met from Augustto October 1951 and recommended measures con-cerning international commodity arrangements,international flow of capital and internationalmonetary reserves (E./L.313). Their report, Mea-sures for International Economic Stability (E/-2156),11 dated 27 November 1951, was to be con-sidered at the Council's fourteenth session in 1952.

e. CONSIDERATION OF ECONOMIC CONDI-TIONS IN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

In accordance with its decision at the twelfthsession, the Council paid particular attention at itsthirteenth session to economic conditions in Africaand the Middle East. Attention was drawn to theextremely low standard of living prevailing on theAfrican continent, to the low levels of productionand income and the almost complete absence ofdomestic capital for investment.

The representatives of those Governmentswhich administered territories in Africa, amongthem those of Belgium, France and the UnitedKingdom, while not denying the low level of eco-

11 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.A.2.


nomic development in those territories, felt thatthe Secretariat's report failed to give full historicalperspective to economic development in Africa.In their view, considerable progress had beenachieved over a period of time and the economicdevelopment activities now taking place in theAfrican territories should further enhance the posi-tion of the African populations. The aim of thesedevelopment programmes was to raise the livingstandards of the African peoples while avoidingthe creation of any disequilibrium due to the in-troduction of modern techniques among under-developed peoples. These representatives sharedthe views of the other members of the Councilon the need of balanced development and indus-trialization of the African Continent and felt that,as the productivity of the African worker in-creased, the living standards would rise.

Some representatives, however, including thoseof Czechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, felt thatthe main problem in Africa was not so much alack of capital investment as the need for a re-orientation of capital investment in the interestsof the African population so as to ensure thateconomic plans were carried out in the interestsof the peoples of the area. It was generally agreedthat more comprehensive studies of the regionwere needed to serve as a continuing basis forprogrammes designed to assist in Africa's eco-nomic and social development.

There was some difference of opinion amongrepresentatives on the desirability of establishinga regional economic commission for Africa as rec-ommended in the report of the group of expertson Measures for the Economic Development ofUnder-Developed Countries (E/1986).12 Somerepresentatives, including those of Czechoslovakia,Poland and the USSR, expressed themselves infavour of establishing such a regional commission.Other representatives, among them those of Chile,India and Pakistan, felt that the question shouldat least be considered by the Council. Others, in-cluding the representative of Sweden, thought thatthe establishment of such a commission would bepremature, as it could be established only with theagreement of the principal governments in thearea and the representatives of the governmentsadministering the territories in Africa were not infavour of such action.

Statements to the Council on economic condi-tions in Africa were made by representatives ofWFTU and of the World Federation of UnitedNations Associations (WFUNA). The represen-tative of WFTU described the economic and social

conditions of the African population and outlinedmeasures which his organization believed wouldimprove those conditions. He stressed the neces-sity for the participation of the African peoplesin the preparation and application of such mea-sures, and supported the proposal for setting up aregional economic commission for Africa. Therepresentative of WFUNA expressed the hopethat another comprehensive survey of economicconditions in Africa would be made by the Secre-tariat within two years, that annual studies of theimportant problems in Africa be undertaken, andthat the Council would establish economic com-missions both for Africa and for the Middle East.

The discussion of the economic problems of theMiddle East was based largely on the material con-tained in the Secretariat's Review of EconomicConditions in the Middle East. A number of rep-resentatives, among them those of India and Pakis-tan, emphasized the need for expanding agricul-tural production, which had not kept pace withthe increase in population in this area and for es-tablishing or extending domestic industries. Refer-ence was also made to the need for further andmore intensive study of the economic problems ofthis area.

There was diversity of opinion on the mannerof financing development of the Middle East. Thepoint was made by some representatives, includingthose of Pakistan and the Philippines, that anysubstantial improvement in the region would de-pend on increasing international aid and particu-larly on financial assistance. On the other hand,it was felt by some representatives, among themthe representative of Czechoslovakia, that theMiddle East could easily accumulate the necessarycapital for investment if its oil resources werefully utilized to the benefit of the countries of theregion. Several representatives, including those ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, stressed theview that external strategic and political interestswere responsible for the economic backwardnessof many of the Middle Eastern countries and thatonly in the light of these interests could the eco-nomic problems of those countries be understoodand analysed.13

At the conclusion of the general discussion, theCouncil had before it a Philippine draft resolution(E/L.183), to which amendments had been sub-

mitted by Sweden (E/L.189 and Rev.1), India(E/L.188) and the USSR (E/L.191).

12 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.B.2.13 For consideration of the question of establishing an

economic commission for the Middle East, see pp. 476-77.


The Philippine draft resolution (E/L.183)sought the establishment of an ad hoc committeeon measures to promote the economic develop-ment of Africa, composed of an equal number ofadministering and non-administering Powers withthe following terms of reference:

(1) to make recommendations concerning the pos-sibility of establishing an Economic Commission forAfrica; (2) to formulate a series of study projectsrelating to Africa's economic problems; (3) to reviewmeasures being taken under the technical assistanceprogramme and make recommendations to enhance thecontributions to the improvement of economic conditionsin Africa; (4) to consult with the governments of thecountries in the region and governments responsible foradministering territories in Africa to obtain their viewsand to take them into account in formulating recom-mendations; and (5) to consult interested specializedagencies.

The draft resolution would also have the Coun-cil request the Secretary-General to give specialand immediate aid to the ad hoc committee bycontinuing studies with a view to defining andanalysing the economic problems of Africa whichthreatened its economic stability and development.

The Philippine representative accepted the In-dian amendment (E/L.188) that the proposedad hoc committee report on study projects on theeconomic problems of Africa "with particularreference to the economic conditions of the Nativeinhabitants and the non-white population". TheUSSR proposed that the authorities to be consultedby the proposed committee should include "therepresentatives and consultative organs of the localpopulation of the territories in question".

The Council, however, at its 501st plenarymeeting on 14 August, adopted by votes rangingfrom 8 to 7, with 1 abstention, to 14 to none, with4 abstentions, the Swedish amendments (E/L.189and Rev.1), which deleted the provisions for anad hoc committee and substituted for them instruc-tions to the Secretary-General to include in theWorld Economic Survey certain information oneconomic developments in Africa (see below). Itadopted by 11 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions, theproposal which had been included in both theSwedish and USSR amendments, to delete fromthe preamble to the resolution a statement to theeffect that the United Nations regional economiccommissions had performed valuable functionswithin their respective regions. The Council didnot vote on the USSR amendment.

The amended draft resolution was adopted by14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (resolution367 B (XIII)). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Having noted the Review of Economic Conditions in

Africa, prepared by the Secretary-General in response to

resolution 266 (X) of the Economic and Social Council,and based in part on information made available to theTrusteeship Council and to the Special Committee onInformation transmitted under Article 73 e of theCharter,

"Recognizing that the countries and territories ofAfrica are faced with serious economic and socialproblems affecting the welfare and progress of thepeoples of the region,

"Recognizing that the Trusteeship Council and theSpecial Committee on Information transmitted underArticle 73 e of the Charter provide opportunities withinthe United Nations for discussing the economic andsocial problems of trusteeship and colonial territories ofAfrica, and recognizing the need for considering theproblems of other countries in the area,

"Considering that continued study and analysis by theEconomic and Social Council of the economic problemsof Africa would help in the task of raising both thelevel of economic activity and the standard of living inthe area and in strengthening the economic relations ofthese countries and territories among themselves andwith other countries of the world,

"Requests that the Secretary-General continue toreport to the Economic and Social Council, as part ofthe annual World Economic Report, on economicdevelopments in Africa, with special attention to thefollowing factors:

" ( a ) The economic condition of the indigenousinhabitants and the non-white population;

"(b) The measures being taken under the technicalassistance and other programmes of the United Nationsand the specialized agencies;

"(c) Action in the development of internal resourcesand in the expansion of educational and social services;and

" ( d ) Measures of co-ordination between the govern-ments of the countries which are prepared to co-operatein regard to matters mentioned in the foregoing para-graphs."

3. Consideration by the GeneralAssembly at its Sixth Session

Chapter II of the report of the Economic andSocial Council (A/1884), which included a recordof the Council's discussion of and decisions con-cerning the world economic situation, was con-sidered at the Assembly's sixth session by theSecond Committee, at its 181st to 188th meetings,from 11-19 January, 1952, and by the GeneralAssembly at its 365th plenary meeting on 26 Jan-uary 1952.

During the general debate on world economictrends, many representatives made reference to theworld food situation and the Assembly heard state-ments by representatives of FAO and WHO.14

Reference was also made to the question of thecontinuation of the regional economic commis-

14 For discussions concerning the world food situation,see pp. 433-36.


sions,15 and to the question of establishing an eco-nomic commission for Africa and an economiccommission for the Middle East,

In the course of the debate, various charges andcounter-charges were made. Certain representa-tives, including those of the Byelorussian SSR,Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Ukrainian SSR andthe USSR, criticized the Western Powers, main-taining that rearmament by these nations wascausing hardship to the working population bylowering standards of living. In this connexion,the representative of Burma said that rearmamentprogrammes should be dropped or substantiallyreduced by all Members of the United Nations,if development plans evolved by the under-devel-oped countries, the United Nations and the spe-cialized agencies were not to have been made invain. The representatives of Australia, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, among others,replied to these charges. It was their view thatrearmament was necessary for security, and thatfull economic development could take place onlywhen that security had been achieved. The repre-sentative of Australia felt that it was necessary torecognize that because of the need for rearmament,standards of living in certain countries would belowered.

The need for measures to further economicstability by, on the one hand, combating inflationon a national level and, on the other hand, reduc-ing the disequilibrium in the balance of pay-ments was emphasized by the representatives ofboth Cuba and Greece. These representatives alsoreviewed various difficulties facing countries atdifferent stages of development and emphasizedthe need for international co-operation in seekinga solution to the problem.

In addition to these points, discussion in theAssembly devolved mainly on draft resolutionsproposed by Czechoslovakia (A/C.2/L.135), Cuba(A/C2/L.141) and Yugoslavia (A/C2/L.143),with amendments to the Yugoslav draft resolutionsubmitted by Chile (A/C.2/L.147), by India(A/C.2/L.148) and by Poland (oral amendment).

(1) Draft resolution by Czechoslovakia (A/C.2/L.135). It would state:

(a) that the armaments race was causing deteriora-tion of the economic position of the workers—that realwages were declining, prices continually rising, theburden of taxation increasing, inflation developing,expenditure on cultural and social needs being con-siderably reduced, and trade union rights being violated;

(b) that Members of the United Nations, therefore,should take with all speed steps necessary to raise thestandard of living of the working population—to increasethe production of civilian consumer goods, to reduce the

burden of taxation, to improve social legislation, toincrease appropriations for housing, health and educa-tion, to develop and guarantee trade union rights, andto encourage normal economic relations between allcountries;

( c ) that the Economic and Social Council shouldconsider at its next session the problem of raising thestandard of living of the working population in accord-ance with the above statements.

The representatives of the Byelorussian SSR,Poland, the Ukrainian SSR and the USSR sup-ported the Czechoslovak resolution, but a numberof representatives, among them those of Cuba,Denmark, the Dominican Republic, France, theNetherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom andYugoslavia, criticized it as "propaganda". Therepresentative of Norway emphasized that hewould vote for a constructive proposal for raisingthe standard of living of the working population,but maintained that the views expressed by theCzechoslovak draft resolution were not in accord-ance with the facts.

The draft resolution by Czechoslovakia was re-jected by the Committee at its 188th meeting on19 January 1952. The preamble to the resolution,which would have the Assembly note the deterior-ation of living standards was rejected by 28 votesto 6, with 10 abstentions; a paragraph of the op-erative part of the draft resolution which wouldrecommend action to Member Governments wasrejected by 18 votes to 7, with 19 abstentions; theproposed recommendation to the Economic andSocial Council was rejected by 15 votes to 7, with20 abstentions.

When the same draft resolution was reintro-duced by Czechoslovakia (A/2079) into the As-sembly at its 365th plenary session on 26 Janu-ary 1952, it was rejected by 32 votes to 8, with 13abstentions.

(2) Draft resolution by Cuba (A/C.2/L.141). Itexpressed the opinion that the Secretary-General should,as soon as possible, study the feasibility of a multilateralconvention between the governments of countries export-ing to world markets the principal primary commoditiesand those importing them, to guarantee that productionshould not substantially decline. Such a study, it wasfelt, should cover the possibility of emergency action tomaintain any commodity at the present level of importand also the possibility of rapidly increasing the outletsfor such commodities in the under-developed countries,including (a) food and agricultural products, (b) rawmaterials which could be converted into industrialproducts and ( c ) equipment, for which there was agreat demand in the under-developed countries. Theproposed study should consider the need for internationalagreements or international conferences toward this end.

15 For discussions concerning the regional economiccommissions, see p. 67.


Stability of world economy, it was held, depended onguarantees and sureties of the kind envisaged in thedraft resolution.

At the 187th meeting of the Second Committeeon 18 January 1952, however, the representativeof Cuba withdrew his draft resolution, after thecommittee had decided, on the proposal of Chile,that the Secretary-General should transmit thedraft resolution to the Economic and Social Coun-cil, for consideration at its fourteenth session inconnexion with its deliberations on the item on itsprovisional agenda for the fourteenth session:"Full employment, and report of experts on theproblem of reducing the international impact ofeconomic recessions and on measures required tomitigate the effect of fluctuations in internationalmarkets on the economies of under-developedcountries".

(3) Draft resolution by Yugoslavia (A/C.2/L.143later revised as A/C.2/L.143/Rev.1). It would state:(a) that general developments in the world economicsituation were likely to affect adversely the economicstability of many countries and thereby increase thedanger of a deterioration of the living standards of theworking population; (b) that normal trade relationsamong all countries were most important for the raisingof living standards in both exporting and importingcountries; and (c) that in view of these factors thefollowing action should be taken:

(i) the Economic and Social Council should continueto pay special attention to the changes occurring in theliving standards of the working population and shouldcontinue to recommend measures aimed at the raisingof these standards;

(ii) all Member States should be urged to take allpossible domestic measures and measures in their inter-national economic relations necessary to combat inflation;

(iii) Member States should pay full attention to therecommendations of the Economic and Social Counciland furnish the Council with all data which would helpit in its efforts, and they should also register with theUnited Nations all treaties and agreements regardingtheir international economic relations.

The Yugoslav draft resolution was consideredin detail, and the following points were raised inthe general discussion:

(1) Certain representatives felt that the draft resolu-tion should refer to the population as a whole and notto the "working population". This point of view wasput forward by the representative of India and wassupported by the representatives of Belgium, Ecuadorand the United States. The representative of Yugoslavia,however, supported by the representatives of Brazil,Chile and France, thought that the widest possibleinterpretation should be given to the term "workingpopulation", and that it would be undesirable to passa resolution which failed to mention the working popu-lation. Compromise wording was suggested by therepresentative of the Lebanon (". . . of the population,particularly of the working classes") and by France(". . . of the poorer classes of the population").

(2) The representative of Belgium expressed hisopposition to a paragraph of the Yugoslav draft resolu-tion which would have the Assembly state that itconsidered "that normal trade relations among all coun-tries—an obligation under the United Nations Charter—in promoting economic progress" were most importantfor the raising of living standards in both exporting andimporting countries. He did so on the ground that theSecond Committee was not competent to interpret theCharter in this manner. The representative of Brazil,among others, spoke in favour of the inclusion of thatparagraph.

(3) The representative of Australia asked for aseparate vote on that part of the resolution which wouldrecommend to Member States that they take measuresnecessary to combat all factors which might adverselyaffect the maintenance and raising of living standards.Though he did not disagree with the intentions of theresolution, he said, Australia had committed itself toa considerable rearmament programme, which couldentail sacrifices on the part of the whole population.Such sacrifices had been willingly accepted and, in viewof that, it would be inconsistent to approve a recom-mendation of this nature.

(4) The representative of India, supported by therepresentatives of Belgium, Brazil and the United Statesconsidered inappropriate the paragraph of the Yugoslavdraft resolution which sought to invite Member Statesto pay full attention, in introducing all necessary meas-ures for the maintenance and the raising of the livingstandards of the working population, to the recommen-dations of the Economic and Social Council and tofurnish the Council with all data required for theexecution of its task under the draft resolution.

To meets the points raised by these representatives,the representative of Yugoslavia withdrew this part ofthe resolution.

(5) The representative of Chile submitted an amend-ment (A/C.2/L.147) to the Yugoslav draft resolution,to state that the Assembly considered also that in manycountries real wages had declined owing to priceincreases and inflation, a circumstance which was alsolikely to affect adversely the living standards of thepopulation.

This amendment was accepted by the representativeof Yugoslavia and incorporated in the draft resolution.

A further point contained in the Chilean amendmentwas later withdrawn. It would have had the Assemblyrecommend to Member States that efforts to combatinflation and assure the maintenance and rise of standardsof living should be redoubled, and that these measuresshould be taken through channels recommended earlierby the General Assembly or through other methodslikely to improve standards of nutrition, clothing, hous-ing, education and health, strengthen trade union rightsand promote economic relations between nations.

(6) India submitted an amendment (A/C.2/L.148),accepted by the representative of Yugoslavia, to theeffect that more comprehensive measures to combat infla-tion and to raise the general standard of living shouldbe urged on Member States. These measures, it was feltshould be elaborated to include: (a) in the domesticsphere increase of the production of food and consumergoods, reduction of the burden of taxation of the lowerincome groups, adoption of social legislation and othermeasures for improving conditions of health, housing


and education; and (b) in the international sphere,promotion of economic and commercial relations betweenall countries.

(7) The representative of Poland submitted an oralamendment that Member States should also be urged totake measures for the strengthening of trade unionrights. The representative of India expressed oppositionto this amendment, but, after the representatives ofChile, the USSR and Yugoslavia had spoken in favourof its inclusion, it was adopted by the Committee by31 votes to 1, with 10 abstentions.

The Committee voted separately on that partof the resolution which was originally submittedas an amendment by India (A/C.2/L.148) andwhich had been accepted by the representative ofYugoslavia. It adopted, by 39 votes to none, with5 abstentions, that part of the amendment whichwould urge Member States to reduce the burden oftaxation of the lower income groups. It alsoadopted, by 42 votes to none, with 2 abstentions,the Indian amendment as a whole.

Before the Yugoslav draft resolution, asamended, was put to the vote, the representativeof Yugoslavia withdrew from his draft proposalthat part which would urge Member States toregister with the United Nations all treaties andagreements regarding their international economicrelations. He also withdrew the phrase whichwould have the Assembly describe normal traderelations among all countries as "an obligationunder the United Nations Charter". The reviseddraft resolution, as amended, was adopted as awhole by 38 votes to none, with 6 abstentions, atthe 188th meeting of the Committee on 19 Janu-ary 1952.

The draft resolution as recommended by theCommittee (A/2069) was adopted by the GeneralAssembly, by 49 votes to none, with 5 abstentions,at its 365th plenary meeting on 26 January 1952as resolution 527(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Considering that general developments in the world

economic situation since the fifth session of the General

Assembly are likely to affect adversely the economicstability of many countries, and considering that, inaddition, real wages in many countries have declinedowing to price increases and inflation, a circumstancewhich may likewise adversely affect the living standardsof the working population,

"Bearing in mind that Article 55 of the Charter pro-vides that the United Nations shall promote higherstandards of living, full employment, and conditions ofeconomic and social progress and development, and thatunder Article 56 of the Charter the Member States havepledged themselves to take "joint and separate action inco-operation with the Organization" for the achievementof these purposes,

"Considering that, in promoting economic progress,normal trade relations among all countries are mostimportant for the raising of living standards in bothexporting and importing countries,

"Emphasizing the recommendations made by the Eco-nomic and Social Council at its twelfth and thirteenthsessions regarding the maintenance of living standardsand of the purchasing power of the sections of thepopulation with lower incomes, and regarding the pre-vention of the development of inflationary pressure andspeculative profits,

"1. Requests the Economic and Social Council to con-tinue to pay special attention to changes occurring inthe standards of living of the working population, andto provide for the working out of adequate statisticalmethods and techniques so as best to facilitate thegathering and use of pertinent data in order to enablethe Secretary-General to publish regular annual reportsshowing changes in absolute levels of living conditionsin all countries and which would permit the study of thisproblem in the light of changing general economicconditions; and invites all Member States to furnishto the Secretary-General all the data required for thispurpose;

"2. Recommends that all Members of the UnitedNations, in order to combat inflation and to maintainand raise the general standard of living of their popula-tions, give special attention (i) in the domestic sphere,to increasing the production of food and consumergoods, to reducing the burden of taxation of the lower-income population groups, to adopting social legislationand other measures for improving conditions of health,housing and education and for strengthening trade-union rights; and (ii) in the international sphere, topromoting economic and commercial relations betweenall countries."

B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UNDER-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

1. Financing of Economic Development

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS TWELFTH SESSION

(1) Report of the International Bank forReconstruction and Development

The Council, at its twelfth session, consideredthe annual report of the International Bank forReconstruction and Development (E/1893), to-

gether with a supplementary report covering theperiod from 1 August 1950-31 January 1951(E/1873/Add.1),16 at its 459th to 465th plenarymeetings, from 7-10 March 1951.

The President of the Bank, presenting the reportin the Council, pointed out that the Bank hadloaned more than $300 million for productive

16 For the activities of the Bank during 1951, seeunder Part Two: The Specialized Agencies.


projects during the year. For the first time, it hadmade loans in Africa, the Near East, South-EastAsia and Australia. Total loans to date amountedto more than $1,000 million, of which two thirdshad already been paid out. The total had beendistributed among some 40 undertakings in twentycountries, and of the total, $272 million had beenloaned to various countries in Latin-America.

The Bank was functioning as a pool of bothgovernmental and private resources. More thanhalf the States members of the Bank had autho-rized the use of some or all of their local currencysubscriptions to the Bank's capital. The Bank wasalso securing the participation of private capitalin economic development. In 1950, for the firsttime, it had transferred to private hands withoutthe Bank's guarantee some of the bonds receivedfrom a borrower country. The Bank was currentlyhaving no difficulty in procuring the funds itneeded. Its bonds were being favourably receivedon the United States market and were beginningto make their way in other countries, such asFrance, the Netherlands, Switzerland and LatinAmerican countries, although the United Statesremained the main source of the Bank's capital.

The President of the Bank pointed out that asa result of events in Korea and the subsequentrearmament efforts, the situation had changed, andthe availability of funds no longer guaranteed thatequipment necessary for development could beobtained. The resources available for developmentwere still considerable and, as compared with thecapacity of the industrial world for production,the total amount of equipment and materials thatcould usefully be absorbed by the basic develop-ment of under-developed countries was at presentvery limited. The Bank had established a servicefor assisting governments to obtain the equipmentnecessary to carry out the projects for which theBank had granted loans. Higher living standardsin less developed areas were vital to the preserva-tion of peace, and industrialized countries couldand should regard support for economic develop-ment as one of their most urgent tasks. Under-developed countries must select development pro-jects which were of fundamental importance totheir economies. Economic development was pri-marily their responsibility, and the extent to whichtheir need for external capital would be met andto which such capital could be effectively em-ployed depended mainly on their own develop-ment efforts. A country's whole social structure de-termined the possibilities of economic progress,and reforms, such as reforms in tax systems, fixed

policies and investment practices, and especiallyreform of land tenure, might be indispensableconditions for economic development. Some coun-tries could not adequately accelerate their develop-ment if they received capital only in the form ofloans which they had a reasonable chance of re-paying. With respect to long-term, low-interestloans to be made by governments, caution wasnecessary since they might impose severe strainson the economies of borrowing countries. Lendingcountries would find it preferable, so far as pos-sible, to make outright grants rather than pseudoloans of this kind. With regard to external aid,international agencies provided the best avenueof approach because international action would bemore effective than national action in enabling theless developed countries to adopt domestic mea-sures which, though necessary, were none the lesspolitically difficult. Furthermore, internationalagencies provided the best means of directing theresources of national contributors towards a com-mon international objective.

In the course of the debate, a number of repre-sentatives noted with satisfaction that the Bank'slending policies were becoming more elastic andthat its loans to under-developed countries weregrowing in number and volume. The representativeof Belgium, however, felt that the problem of fin-ancing basic non-self-liquidating development pro-jects had not yet been solved. The representativesof Chile, India, Pakistan and Peru considered thatthe urgent need for expanding the Bank's lendingcapacities had not been adequately met. They be-lieved that the Bank's funds were too small for thedevelopment needs of the under-developed coun-tries. In this connexion, the representative of Chilesuggested that the Articles of Agreement of theBank should be changed so as to authorize it toreceive deposits from developed member Statesequal to the deposits which under-developed coun-tries have in the former, thereby enabling theBank to use such deposits as a basis for expandingits loans for economic development. It was alsosuggested by the representative of France that, inview of the current shortages of raw materials, theBank should finance projects designed to expandthe production of certain raw materials, providedsuch expansion did not expose the economies ofthe under-developed countries to fresh dangers.The representative of India expressed the viewthat the Bank should, in the future, give priorityin its loans to the poorest areas. Finally, somerepresentatives, among them those of Poland andCzechoslovakia, felt that the Bank had failed to


fulfil the task of assisting reconstruction and de-velopment by facilitating the investment of capitalfor productive purposes and that it had lost itsinternational character. Its management and fundswere largely of American origin and the UnitedStates, they asserted, had a decisive influence on itsactivities.

At the conclusion of the debate on the wholequestion of economic development, the Council,at its 465th plenary meeting on 10 March, adopted,by 13 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, resolu-tion 343 (XII) taking note of the report of theBank.

(2) Consideration under General AssemblyResolution 400 (V)

General Assembly resolution 400(V) recog-nized that the financial needs of economic devel-opment of under-developed countries could notbe met without an increased flow of internationalpublic funds and recommended that, in givingfurther study to the problem of financing eco-nomic development, the Council should considerpractical methods, conditions and policies forachieving the adequate expansion and steadier flowof foreign capital, both private and public, and payspecial attention to the financing of non-self-liqui-dating projects which were basic to economicdevelopment. The General Assembly also calledon Member Governments and interested special-ized agencies to submit to the Council proposalsbearing on this resolution, and requested theCouncil to submit its recommendations to theAssembly at its sixth session.

Accordingly, the Council, at its twelfth session,considered problems of financing economic devel-opment at the 106th to 108th meetings of itsEconomic Committee from 14-16 March and atits 459th to 465th and 478th plenary meetingsfrom 7-20 March 1951. It had before it a memo-randum by the Secretary-General on "Financingof Economic Development of Under-developedCountries" (E/1876) containing background in-formation on this item. In this document the Sec-retary-General referred to his "Memorandum ofPoints for Consideration in the Development of aTwenty-Year Programme for Achieving Peacethrough the United Nations", submitted to thefifth session of the General Assembly (A/1304).17

Point 6 of that memorandum called for a soundand active programme of technical assistance foreconomic development and for the encouragementof broad-scale capital investment, using all appro-priate private governmental and intergovern-mental resources.

During the debate at the Council's 459th to465th plenary meetings,18 many representatives,among them those of Belgium, Chile, India, Iran,Mexico and Pakistan, expressed the view that,while financing of development must be based pri-marily on the mobilization of domestic resources,the financial resources of under-developed coun-tries were not sufficient to ensure the desired rateof development. Unless accompanied by adequatefinancing, the representatives of India and thePhilippines stressed, technical assistance could notsolve the problems of the under-developed areas.The representatives of Chile and Mexico pointedout that under-developed countries must developat a more rapid pace than industrialized countriesif the gap in living standards between the two wasto be reduced and that, to this end, external finan-cial assistance was urgently required. The repre-sentatives of Poland and Czechoslovakia agreedthat maximum use should be made of domesticfinancial resources, with foreign aid consideredmerely as supplementary. Growing national sav-ings, combined with industrial profits and directloans as an additional source, should, they con-sidered, be the principal means of financing eco-nomic development. They, together with the USSRrepresentative, also stressed the importance of in-dustrialization and increased productivity for eco-nomic development.

The Canadian representative pointed out that,since economic development was closely related tothe maintenance of a high level of prosperity inindustrialized countries, it was the obligation ofthose countries as Well as of international agenciesto provide assistance to under-developed countries.This was particularly true with regard to the pub-lic financing of basic economic and social projects,necessary to an integrated programme of devel-opment, which private capital was unwilling toundertake.

The representatives of Canada, India, Pakistan,the United Kingdom and the United States, amongothers, thought that considerable progress wasbeing made in the field of financing economicdevelopment. Reference was made to: contribu-tions toward public financing made through theColombo Plan and such agencies as the UnitedStates Export-Import Bank and the Economic Co-operation Administration; the availability of pri-

17 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 214 S.18 The Council held a joint discussion on the expanded

programme of technical assistance, financing of economicdevelopment and the Report of the International Bankfor Reconstruction and Development.


vate capital for foreign investment under suffi-ciently attractive conditions; and the recent in-crease in the holdings of foreign exchange byunder-developed countries. The United States rep-resentative thought that, as a result of the im-proved balance-of-payments position of under-developed countries, many such countries shouldbe able to finance a larger part of their develop-ment needs out of their current earnings.

During the debate, it was emphasized that thetension in the international political situation andthe accompanying rearmament programmes wereresulting in inflation, in a rise in capital goodsprices without an equivalent rise in raw materialgoods prices, and in a lessening of private andgovernmental capital investment. The representa-tives of France and Peru urged that the Councilpromote agreements to ensure that the supply ofraw materials to developed countries and of equip-ment to under-developed countries was not seri-ously affected by prevailing world conditions.

The representatives of Poland and the USSRstated that assistance should not entail demandsfor political or military privileges for the coun-tries providing assistance. Foreign monopoliesshould be debarred from using technical assistanceand financing as a means for subordinating theeconomies of under-developed countries to theirown interests to the detriment of the under-devel-oped countries. They alleged that the United StatesPoint Four Programme was designed primarily toexploit the wealth of under-developed countries,and emphasized that the United Nations mustnot follow the same policy in its programmes.

It was generally agreed that despite some prog-ress the amount of financial assistance providedthus far had been inadequate to meet the needsof under-developed countries and that some prac-tical means must be sought for the expansion ofexisting sources of international finance. The rep-resentative of Canada thought that in some casesit would be necessary to give grants rather thanloans. The representatives of Chile, Pakistan andPeru emphasized the importance of utilizing fullynational savings and of increasing them. The rep-resentatives of Chile, India, Pakistan and Swedenfelt that increasing reliance must be placed oncapital provided by international agencies ratherthan on private capital.

The representatives of Belgium and Canada,however, stressed the importance of private capi-tal as a source of external finance. The representa-tive of the Philippines favoured governmental

guarantees to private investors as one means ofmeeting the situation.

At the close of the debate the Council referredthe question to its Economic Committee. The dis-cussion in the Committee at its 106th to 108thmeetings from 14-16 March was primarily pro-cedural and was concerned with what actionshould be taken before the next Council session.After some drafting changes, a joint draft resolu-tion (E/AC.6/L.42) submitted by Belgium, Can-ada, Chile, India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru,Philippines and the United States, was adoptedin the Committee (E/1958) on 16 March by 13votes to none, with 4 abstentions.

The Council considered the text of the draftresolution recommended by the Committee at its478th plenary meeting on 20 March. A USSRamendment (E/L.170), to include a reference towhy foreign capital was necessary and for whatpurposes it would be used, was rejected by 12votes to 3, with 3 abstentions. Another USSRamendment, to delete the specific reference toconsideration of reports submitted by the group ofexperts, was rejected by 15 votes to 3. The draftresolution was adopted by 14 votes to none, with4 abstentions, as resolution 342(XII).

This resolution requested the Economic, Em-ployment and Development Commission at itssixth session to give priority to the problem offinancing economic development and urged allMembers of the United Nations and the special-ized agencies concerned to submit relevant pro-posals on the question, if possible by 15 June1951.

Recognizing the urgency of the problem, theCouncil further decided that its Economic Com-mittee would meet a week before the opening ofthe thirteenth session of the Council "to considerpractical methods, conditions and policies for im-proving or augmenting the existing sources ofexternal finance, both private and public, with aview to achieving an adequate expansion and asteadier flow of foreign capital, in order to meetthe financial needs of the economic developmentof under-developed countries, and to considerthese matters in the light, inter alia, of such re-ports as may have been submitted by the groupof experts appointed in accordance with para-graph 22 of resolution 290(XI)19 of the Counciland by the Economic, Employment and Develop-ment Commission".

19 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 472-74.


b. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GROUPOF EXPERTS ON FINANCING ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

In accordance with Economic and Social Coun-cil resolution 290(XI), the Secretary-Generalappointed the following experts: Alberto BaltraCortez, Professor of Economics, National Uni-versity of Chile; D. R. Gadgil, Director, GokhaleInstitute of Politics and Economics at Poona, In-dia; George Hakim, Counsellor, Legation of Leb-anon, Washington, D.C.; W. Arthur Lewis, Pro-fessor of Political Economy, University of Man-chester, United Kingdom; and Theodore W.Schults, Chairman, Department of Economics,University of Chicago, United States.

The group of experts met from 19 February-2May 1951 and prepared a unanimous report en-titled "Measures for the Economic Developmentof Under-Developed Countries" (E/1986).20 Thereport contained sixteen major recommendationsfor national and international action, many ofwhich dealt directly or indirectly with methods offinancing economic development.

With regard to national action by the under-developed countries, the experts recommended,in order to promote rapid economic development,that under-developed countries should take thefollowing measures:

"Recommendation 8: Prepare programmes to stimul-ate domestic savings, including the extension of savingsinstitutions and measures involving taxation; and, inorder to ensure that capital moves into the most pro-ductive uses, establish a development bank and anagricultural credit system, and if necessary, take othermeasures for influencing the direction of investment,such as credit controls, foreign exchange controls, orlicensing of buildings or capital extensions."

Regarding measures to be taken by govern-ments of developed countries, the experts recom-mended action along the following lines:

"Recommendation 10: Developed countries shouldconsider setting up national institutions similar to theExport-Import Bank of the United States.

"Recommendation 11: Developed countries shouldfacilitate foreign private investment by:

"(a) Taking the initiative in making treaties withunder-developed countries for the equitable treatmentof foreign investments;

"(b) Offering to insure foreign investments of theirnationals against transfer difficulties; and

"(c) Exempting foreign-earned incomes from doubletaxation."

The international measures by the UnitedNations and other organizations in the field of

financing economic development recommended bythe experts were as follows:

"Recommendation 13: The International Bank forReconstruction and Development should set for itselfthe objective, to be reached within the next five years,of lending $1 billion [1,000 million] annually to under-developed countries.

"Recommendation 14: The United Nations shouldestablish an international development authority to assistthe under-developed countries in preparing, co-ordinatingand implementing their programmes of economicdevelopment; to distribute to under-developed countriesgrants-in-aid for specific purposes; to verify the properutilization of such grants; and to study and report onthe progress of development programmes.

"Recommendation 16: The United Nations shouldexplore the possibility of establishing an internationalfinance corporation to make equity investments and tolend to private undertakings operating in under-developed countries."

c. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC,EMPLOYMENT AND DEVELOPMENTCOMMISSION

Pursuant to Council resolutions 290(XI) and342(XII) (see above), the sixth session of theEconomic, Employment and Development Com-mission (May 1951) was devoted almost entirelyto a consideration of the report of the experts andparticularly to its recommendations relating tofinancing of economic development.

Most members of the Commission regarded thereport as a helpful analysis of the problems con-fronting under-developed countries in their effortsto promote economic development, and agreedwith the experts' conclusion that, while the Coun-cil had asked them to study the problem of reduc-ing unemployment and under-employment inthose countries, useful recommendations could notbe presented except on the basis of an analysis ofthe measures required for economic development.

The views of the Commission (E/2006) onthe experts' recommendations relating to financingof economic development were briefly as follows:

In connexion with recommendation 8, the Commis-sion suggested that the Council urge the Secretary-General:

(1) to continue further the detailed examination ofspecific problems in the field of domestic capital mobili-zation of countries in the Economic Commission forAsia and the Far East (ECAFE) region, and to prepareperiodic follow-up reports to the Council, and to govern-ments in that area on the measures taken and on theexperience of such countries in encouraging the mobiliza-tion of domestic capital; and

20 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.B.2. See also section onFull Employment, pp. 420ff.


(2) to undertake similar studies for countries in theEconomic Commission for Latin America (ECLA)region and for the other under-developed areas.21 TheCommission also recommended, in connexion with theuse of foreign exchange controls as a means of influenc-ing the direction of investment, that attention should begiven to the need for keeping in mind the obligationswhich member countries of the International MonetaryFund have assumed with respect to exchange practices.23

With respect to recommendation 10, the Commissionfelt that it was not necessarily desirable that a specificmodel should be followed by all capital-exporting coun-tries in organizing governmental capital exports. Mostmembers of the Commission also felt that the efficacyof recommendation 11 (a) and (b) depended on afavourable attitude of both capital importing and capitalexporting countries. Other members felt, however, thatthe subject of this recommendation was not suitable foraction by the United Nations and that actions referredto in recommendation 11 (c) should be left entirelyto bilateral negotiations.

The Commission was of the opinion that no usefulpurpose would be served by the reference in recom-mendation 13 to the specific figure of $1 billion as thetarget to be reached within five years in the annuallending of the Bank to under-developed countries. TheCommission, in this connexion, took note of the state-ment of the representative of the Bank that it had beensteadily increasing its volume of lending to under-developed countries and that it intended to continue thatpolicy, subject only to its responsibility for prudenthandling of the Bank's resources. Some membersthought that it would be useful if the Bank were toexplore the possibility of guaranteeing governmentallong-term credits granted for the export of capital goods;and that, in deciding on loans, the Bank should take dueaccount of the possibility of an increase in the servicingcapacity of the borrowing country as a result of pro-gressive economic development.

As to recommendation 14, the Commission held theview that no new international organization should beset up before a thorough investigation had proved thatnone of the existing organizations could perform thenecessary functions. However, it was suggested that, ifthe Council considered it feasible, the possibility offinancing low-yielding and slow-yielding projects essen-tial to economic development should be further explored.Most members considered that grants-in-aid, to theextent likely to be available in the future, could bemade effectively without the creation of a new inter-national institution; that such grants-in-aid should notbe regarded as a normal feature of international eco-nomic co-operation; and that it would not be feasible atthis time to establish an additional international agencyfor the purpose of distributing grants to under-developedcountries, since it appeared that very few countrieswould be able to make substantial contributions to suchan agency in the immediate future.

A minority of members, however, endorsed theexperts' recommendation 14 and stated that Councilresolution 342 (XII) could be given practical effect bythe adoption of a resolution which would invite theGeneral Assembly to establish a United Nations develop-ment authority which, in addition to the functionsspecified, would be charged with the distribution ofspecial loans (long-term with low rates of interest and

appropriate flexibility as to debt service) through theBank, which would act as its agent. The purpose of suchloans should be the financing of basic economic projects,essential to economic and social development, whichcannot be financed wholly from other sources. Such aresolution should further recommend that, in determin-ing their contributions to such an agency, countriesshould take into account such facts as the level of percapita national income and their balance-of-paymentsposition. It should also recommend that, in determiningpriorities for the allocation of financial means to areceiving country, its level of development, its willing-ness, preparedness and efforts to improve its owneconomic and social situation should be taken intoaccount.

With respect to recommendation 16, the Commissionrecommended that the Council invite governments to givefurther consideration to this recommendation. In addi-tion, it proposed that the Council invite the Bank(1) to consider and report to the Council whether aninternational finance corporation could make significantadditional contributions to economic development, overand above those that could made by existing organiza-tions, by assisting in the financing of productive privateenterprise in under-developed countries—either throughloans without government guarantee, through purchaseof stock, or otherwise; and (2) if it so considered, tomake recommendations with regard to the powers,functions, organization and methods of operation of suchan institution.

d. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS THIRTEENTHSESSION

(1 ) Consideration by the Economic Committee

In accordance with Council resolution 342(XII),the Economic Committee met a week before theopening of the thirteenth session of the Councilto consider practical methods of financing eco-nomic development. In addition to the relevantparts of the experts' report on Measures forthe Economic Development of Under-DevelopedCountries (E/1986) and the report of the sixthsession of the Economic, Employment and Devel-opment Commission (E/2006) the EconomicCommittee had before it the following documents:

(a) Replies of Member Governments (E/2007 andAdd.1-5) and of the specialized agencies (E/2029 andAdd.1) to the Secretary-General's communication con-cerning Assembly resolution 400 (V) and Councilresolution 342 (XII) on financing of economic develop-ment.

(b) "Relation of Fluctuations in the Prices ofPrimary Commodities to the Ability of Under-developedCountries to obtain Foreign Exchange" (E/2047 andAdd.1). This study, prepared by the Secretary-General

21 For countries in the ECAFE and ECLA regions, seepp. 51, 52.

22 For these obligations, see under International Mone-tary Fund. (Part Two of this volume).


pursuant to Council resolution 294 (XI),23 containeddetailed statistical analyses of the behaviour of pricesand of changes in quantity and total proceeds in respectof the major export commodities of under-developedcountries covering the period 1922-1949. It also con-tained an analysis of the composition of balance ofpayments of under-developed countries as between exportproceeds, invisible items on current account and capitalmovement.

(c) "Volume and Distribution of National Incomein Under-Developed Countries" (E/2041). This pre-liminary report was prepared by the Secretary-Generalin conjunction with the International Monetary Fund, inaccordance with Assembly resolution 403 (V).

The Committee also had before it two secreta-riat memoranda prepared by the InternationalMonetary Fund (E/2024) pursuant to Councilresolution 294(XI) on "Investment Service ofUnder-Developed Countries" and "Statutory andAdministrative Measures designed to provide forservicing Foreign Investment in Times of Ex-change Stringency in Under-Developed Coun-tries"; and a resolution of the fourth session of theEconomic Commission for Latin America (ECLA)concerning financing of economic development(E/2021).24

The Committee discussed the question at its109th to 115th meetings from 23-28 July 1951.It decided to confine itself to the experts' rec-ommendations 10, 11, 13, 14 and 16 contained inthe report of the group of experts (E/1986) andto the relevant portions of the report of the Eco-nomic, Employment and Development Commis-sion (E/2006).

The representatives of Chile, Pakistan and In-dia, among others, favoured all the recommenda-tions under discussion. The representatives of In-dia and Chile stressed the importance of economicstability on a world-wide scale, the Chilean rep-resentative pointing out that development ofunder-developed countries should not be regardedas a favour. The industrial economy of developedcountries required the economic development ofunder-developed areas.

The representative of Iran agreed with recom-mendation 10 to invite developed countries toconsider setting up institutions similar to theUnited States Export-Import Bank. The represen-tatives of China and France thought that it wouldbe cheaper to encourage and facilitate grantingof credits for exports to under-developed coun-tries within existing national banking systems.

The representative of Iran expressed doubts, onthe basis of past experience, concerning the fulfil-ment of recommendation 13—to invite the Bankto adopt the objective of lending $1,000 million

within the next five years to under-developedcountries.

Considerable controversy arose over recommen-dation 14—that the United Nations should es-tablish an international authority to assist theunder-developed countries in preparing, co-ordi-nating and implementing their programmes ofeconomic development and to distribute to themgrants-in-aid for that purpose. The representativesof Chile, Iran, Pakistan and India were stronglyin favour of the establishment of such an author-ity, though the Indian representative pointed outthat the attitude of the United States was im-portant to its success. Therefore, he thought thatthe question should be studied further, and grants-in-aid meanwhile provided under independentprogrammes. A bare minimum of assistance in theshape of outright grants to under-developed coun-tries should be ensured, the representative of Pak-istan said. The representative of China thoughtthe time was not yet ripe for such an agency and,moreover, the decision when to establish it shouldcome from the developed countries and not beforced upon them. The representative of Swedenheld that the creation of such an agency was un-necessary and would not solve the problem offinancing non-self-liquidating projects. The repre-sentative of Poland thought its establishmentwould lead to interference in the internal affairsof under-developed countries and that develop-ment schemes should be under national control.The United States representative, stressing theprinciple of universality, stated that such an or-ganization should involve participation of allcountries. As yet, lack of means would not permita number of countries to take part. Moreover,under-developed countries, as a result of theirimproved balance-of-payments position, would beable to meet to a greater extent their develop-ment requirements out of foreign exchange earn-ings.

The representatives of Iran and China and ofthe International Bank supported recommenda-tion 16—that the United Nations should explorethe possibility of establishing an internationalfinance corporation, affiliated with the Bank, tolend to private undertakings operating in under-developed countries.

The importance of measures to facilitate theflow of private foreign investment was stressedby the representatives of Belgium, France and the

23 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 443-45.24 See p. 472.


United States, among others. The representativeof Pakistan pointed out, in this connexion, thatno matter how attractive the conditions, certaintypes of economic activity such as education,health, and public services, would not producea profit.

The Committee had before it a draft resolutionproposed by the United States (E/AC.6/L.59/-Rev.1), amendments to it by Sweden (E/AC.6/-L.44) and Belgium (E/AC.6/L.46), and a draftresolution submitted jointly by Chile, India, Pak-istan and the Philippines (E/AC.6/L.45). Ajoint proposal (E/AC.6/L.47/Rev.1) was sub-mitted to the Committee by a drafting committeecomposed of these Members. It was adopted at the115th meeting on 28 July by 14 votes to none,with 3 abstentions, following the adoption of twoamendments:25

(a) An oral amendment by Pakistan, which wouldhave the General Assembly recommend that MemberGovernments of under-developed countries should re-view the adequacy of their national institutions andtechniques for maximizing the availability of theirdomestic capital for, and the flow of foreign capital into,essential national development programmes. The origi-nal proposal had contained no mention of the flow offoreign capital.

(b) A French oral amendment that the words "Mem-ber Governments" and "Member countries" should bereplaced by the words "Governments" and "countries"throughout the resolution.

It was agreed that the issue of whether or notthe Assembly should make these recommendationsor whether they were within the jurisdiction ofthe Council should be discussed again in plenarysession.

(2 ) Consideration in Plenary Session

The Council at its 498th to 505th, 507th to509th, 511th and 514th plenary meetings from13-22 August considered the question of financ-ing economic development, together with thereport of the group of experts (E/1986) and thereport of the Economic, Employment and Devel-opment Commission (E/2006).

In the consideration of the draft resolution pro-posed by the Economic Committee (E/2061), itbecame apparent that a number of representa-tives favoured considerable substantive modifica-tions. Several representatives explained that theyhad reserved the right to speak again on the sub-ject and to propose additional measures; othersfelt that there had not been time to investigatefully the implications of the draft resolution. Stillothers stated that their positions had changed

since the adoption of the resolution in the Com-mittee. The representatives of Chile, Iran and Pak-istan, in particular, expressed their disappoint-ment that emphasis in the Commission had beenplaced on further study and review, rather thanon action.

While all representatives were agreed that therewas a need for external grant assistance to under-developed countries, there was disagreement onthe type of machinery through which grants wouldbe made available and on whether the creationof such international machinery was currentlyfeasible and practical. The representatives of Chile,Pakistan and the Philippines, among others, feltstrongly that the Assembly should be asked togrant the Council authority to make arrangementsfor the establishment of an international fundfor making grants to help finance non-self-liqui-dating projects. The representative of Chile con-sidered that the recommendations of the expertsshould be regarded as a step forward, and thatfurther consideration should be given to meansof implementing them when circumstances weremore favourable.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR stressed that economic developmentshould be based on industrialization; should notbe used for exploitation; should be financed, pri-marily from domestic resources, foreign financingbeing only supplementary; and should take intoaccount the specific political, economic and so-cial conditions in the different regions. The groupof experts, they stated, had made no recommen-dations for the establishment of national indus-tries; had advocated the use of foreign capital asthe primary means of development and had there-by sought to encourage monopolistic exploita-tion to the detriment of under-developed coun-tries. Therefore, they could not support the draftresolution proposed by the Economic Committee.

Following the debate, the Council, at its 514thplenary meeting on 22 August 1951, adoptedresolution 368 (XIII), as a whole, by 14 votesto one, with 4 abstentions (see below). In ad-dition to drafting changes, which included re-numbering of paragraphs and the insertion of sev-eral formal introductory phrases, the adopted res-olution differed from the draft resolution submit-ted by the Economic Committee in the followingways.

In form, it did not recommend a resolution foradoption by the General Assembly as had been

25 For alteration to text in plenary session, see below.


proposed by the Committee but, instead, recordedthe Council's views and recommendations.26

In substance, it modified the draft resolution,as follows:

The general preamble differed from the draftresolution of the Economic Committee in that itspecifically stated its complete agreement withthe basis of General Assembly resolution 400(V)and its belief that the problem of the financingof the economic development of under-developedcountries must be approached in a manner whichcorresponded to its importance. The preamble ex-pressed the Council's conviction—where the draftresolution of the Economic Committee merelyused the term "considers"—that, in order to pro-mote a larger and steadier flow of public andprivate capital from the more developed to theunder-developed countries, various measuresneeded to be taken at that time.27

The Council resolution retained section A ofthe Economic Committee's draft resolution withthe addition of a recommendation28 to the UnitedNations and the competent specialized agenciesto furnish the necessary assistance in the appro-priate form whenever they were requested to doso by the governments of under-developed coun-tries lacking the necessary facilities for puttinginto effect the recommendations contained in theresolution.

The main changes in section B dealt with thefollowing points:

(1) Countries able to export capital were asked,in paragraph (c), to ensure conditions favourable tothe investment of private foreign capital includingthe importation of modern equipment and techniquesand other special requirements necessary for economicdevelopment,29 and also in paragraph ( e ) (ii) toimpress on investors the importance of ensuring also,wherever feasible, opportunities for participation ofnationals of the under-developed countries in theadministrative and technical services in industry, andin their training.30

(2) Countries seeking to attract private foreign capitalwere asked to undertake certain measures and to giveadequate assurances in respect of the treatment of foreigninvestors, provided that such action would be withoutprejudice to the right of a Government of a MemberState to take any appropriate safeguards necessary toensure that foreign investment is not used as a basisfor interference in its internal affairs or national poli-cies.31 The resolution further recommended, in paragraph(b)32, that these measures should consist of providingadequate assurances, through treaties or otherwise, withrespect to the treatment to be accorded foreign investors:(i) in the operation, management and control of theirenterprises; (ii) in the remittance of earnings andwithdrawal of capital; (iii) in the protection of theirpersons and property; (iv) in the matter of compensa-

tion in case of expropriation of their property; and (v)in respect of any other questions which may arise. Itrecommended in paragraph (c)33 that governments seek-ing to attract private foreign capital should undertake,through legislative or administrative measures and thenegotiation of tax treaties, to safeguard foreign investorsagainst discriminatory taxation and to resolve other taxa-tion issues, including the issue of double taxation.

The Council arrived at this position after re-jecting by 8 votes to 6, with 4 abstentions, anIndian amendment (E/L.202), which proposedthat countries seeking to attract private foreigncapital should provide adequate assurances to for-eign investors that they (i) would be accordedreasonable opportunities to remit earnings andwithdraw capital, (ii) would enjoy protectionfor their persons and property and (iii) wouldnot have their property acquired without ade-quate compensation. The Council rejected by 7votes to 5, with 6 abstentions, a further amendmentby Pakistan (E/L.210), proposing that the coun-tries seeking to attract private foreign capitalshould undertake, through bilateral agreementsand tax treaties, elimination of discriminatory tax-ation, as recommended by the Fiscal Commission,as well as relief from double taxation.

Section C combined the substance covered bysections C and D and the last paragraph of sec-tion B of the Committee's draft resolution.

It retained the affirmation of the pertinentprinciples, to which the statement was added inplenary session that the suggestions made by thegroup of experts in recommendations 13, 14 and

26 Adopted by 14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions,on proposal of Chile, France and India.

27 The preamble, as adopted in a paragraph byparagraph vote, was proposed by Chile and India(E/L.214).

28 Proposed by Uruguay (E/L.206) and adoptedby 14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

29 Following drafting changes by the United States andthe President of the Council, the Uruguayan proposal(E/L.206) to include this reference was adopted by 13votes to none, with 4 abstentions.

30 Proposed by France and the United Kingdom (E/-L.219), and, following drafting changes by India, Swe-

den and the United States, adopted by 15 votes to none,with 3 abstentions.

31 This proviso was proposed by Pakistan and adoptedby 17 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

32 Proposed by France and the United Kingdom (E/-L.219) and adopted by 14 votes to none, with 4 ab-stentions. This stated in more general terms the assur-ances which should be accorded to private foreign capitalinvestors.

33 Paragraph (c), proposed by France and the UnitedKingdom (E/L.219) was adopted by 14 votes to 3,with 1 abstention. The paragraph as proposed by theCommittee would have recommended measures to elim-inate discriminatory taxation of foreign enterprises.


16 were borne in mind by the Council.34 TheCouncil resolution then urged the (InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development andother) existing agencies entrusted with the exten-sion of credits for economic development, in the

light of the increasing demands placed uponunder-developed countries by their economic de-velopment programmes, to continue to expandtheir (lending) operations (in under-developedareas), taking into consideration that progressiveeconomic development will generally result in anincrease in the debt servicing capacity of borrow-ing countries.34

On the basis of a proposal by France, the UnitedKingdom and Uruguay (E/L.213), adopted by15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, the Councilresolution directed certain requests to the Bankand to the Secretary-General (see below para-graphs 13 and 14 of section C of the resolution,as adopted).

The Council's resolution finally urged MemberGovernments to submit further proposals for con-sideration at the fifteenth session (see final par-agraph).35

The text of section C of the Council's resolu-tion was adopted after the rejection, by 10 votesto 1, with 7 abstentions, of an amendment byChile (E/L.195) which proposed in some detailthat, in accordance with Article 66 of theCharter, the General Assembly should entrust theCouncil with the responsibility for establishing,as soon as circumstances permitted, a special fundto be available for grants-in-aid and for low-interest, long-term loans to under-developed coun-tries for the purpose of helping them, at theirrequest, to accelerate their economic developmentand to finance non-self-liquidating projects whichare basic for their economic development.

The Chilean amendment had also proposedthat the General Assembly request the Councilto prepare, for the Assembly's consideration, aseries of recommendations, concerning:

(a) the composition and administration of the fund;(b) the manner in which the contributions to the fundwould be collected; (c) the character of the contribu-tions of Members and non-members of the United Na-tions; (d) the conditions and manner in which grantsand loans would be made; (e) the principles to whichsuch grants and loans should adhere; and (f) the cri-teria for defining the countries which would be eligiblefor grants and for loans.

(3) Resolution Adopted by the Economic andSocial Council

The resolution, as amended, was adopted, as awhole, by 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions,

at the Council's 514th plenary meeting on 22August as resolution 368(XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"1. Considering:

"(a) That the General Assembly, after having ex-amined the reports of this Council, of the Economic andEmployment Commission and of the Sub-Commissionon Economic Development, and the experts' reportNational and International Measures for Full Employ-ment, recommended, in its resolution 400(V), that theCouncil, in giving further study to the problem of thefinancing of economic development, consider practicalmethods, conditions and policies for achieving theadequate expansion and steadier flow of foreign capital,both private and public, and pay special attention to thefinancing of non-self-liquidating projects which are basicto economic development, and that it requested theCouncil to submit its recommendations to the sixthsession of the General Assembly,

"(b) That the General Assembly based its recom-mendation on the following considerations:

"(i) That a more rapid economic development ofunder-developed countries is essential for raising thelevel of productive employment and the living stand-ards of their populations, for the growth of the worldeconomy as a whole and for the maintenance of inter-national peace and security,

"(ii) That, although the economic development ofunder-developed countries depends primarily upon theefforts of the people of those countries, the necessaryacceleration of that development, on the basis of theirown plans and programmes, requires not only techni-cal, but also financial assistance from abroad, andparticularly from the more developed countries,

"(iii) That the accelerated economic developmentof under-developed countries requires a more effectiveand sustained mobilization of domestic savings andan expanded and more stable flow of foreign capitalinvestment,

"(iv) That the volume of private capital which iscurrently flowing into under-developed countries can-not meet the financial needs of the economic develop-

34

Uruguay (E/L.213) and adopted by 13 votes to none,with 4 abstentions. The words in parentheses were pro-posed in plenary session by the Philippines (E/L.211/-Add.1) and accepted by the sponsors of the amendment.These sections of the joint amendment were technicallyamendments to an amendment by India (E/L.202) tothe draft resolution. However, following their adoptionthat amendment was automatically defeated. It wouldhave reaffirmed the same principles, but would haverecognized that recommendations 13, 14 and 16 of theexperts represented a step forward and would haveasked the Secretary-General, in consultation with theBank and other agencies, to formulate specific proposalsin regard to further action to be taken toward the im-plementation of recommendations 14 and 16. An amend-ment by Pakistan, requesting that in expanding opera-tions larger loans should be made available, was rejectedby 8 votes to 4, with 6 abstentions. Another Pakistaniamendment (E/L.210) which would have recognizedindisputably that grants would be needed was rejectedby 10 votes to 3, with 5 abstentions.35 Paragraph proposed by the Philippines (E/L.211)and adopted by 17 votes to none, with 1 abstention.

As redrafted by France, the United Kingdom and


ment of the under-developed countries, and that thoseneeds cannot be met without an increased flow ofinternational public funds, and

"(v) That some basic development projects are notcapable of being adequately serviced through existingsources of foreign finance although they contributedirectly or indirectly to the increase of national pro-ductivity and national income, and"(c) That it agrees completely with the basis of the

resolution of the General Assembly and believes thatthe problem of the financing of the economic develop-ment of under-developed countries must be approachedin a manner which corresponds to its importance,

"2. After having studied:"(a) The relevant parts of the report of the group of

experts appointed by the Secretary-General under Coun-cil resolution 290(XI) entitled Measures for the Eco-nomic Development of the Under-developed Countries,

"(b) The relevant parts of the report to the Councilof the Economic, Employment and Development Com-mission (sixth session),

"(c) The replies from the governments of MemberStates to the Secretary-General's communications of2 January and 3 May 1951 concerning General Assem-bly resolution 400(V) and Council resolution 342(XII), and

" ( d ) The replies on this subject from the specializedagencies,

"3. Is convinced that, in order to promote a larger andsteadier flow of public and private capital from the moredeveloped to the under-developed countries, variousmeasures need to be taken at this time; and to this endsubmits the following recommendations for action bythe governments of Member States, the Secretary-Gen-eral and the specialized agencies concerned:

"A. WITH THE OBJECT OF EXPANDING THE FLOW OFCAPITAL FOR FINANCING DEVELOPMENT PRO-JECTS IN UNDER-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ANDINCREASING THE CAPACITY OF THE LATTER TOABSORB DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL

"4. Recommends:"(a) That governments of under-developed countries

review the adequacy of their national institutions andtechniques for maximizing the availability of theirdomestic capital for and the flow of foreign capital intoessential national development programmes;

"(b) That governments of developed countries simi-larly review the adequacy of their national institutionsand techniques for expanding the flow of capital tounder-developed countries for economic development;

"(c) That governments of under-developed countries,as part of their over-all development programmes, takemeasures to increase their capacity to absorb foreigncapital, such as the institution of expanded programmesof mass education, vocational technical training andagricultural extension services, training of scientists andadministrators, meaningful measures of land reform andreform of agricultural credit systems, and measures toincrease social mobility;

"(d) That the Secretary-General and the specializedagencies concerned give further consideration to thedesirability of undertaking training-schools at variouscentres on the preparation of well-rounded development

projects and the appraisal of their costs and prospectiveyields;

"(e) That in order to further the above-mentionedproposals in under-developed countries which lack thenecessary facilities for the studies and plans mentionedin sub-paragraphs (a) and (c), the United Nations andthe competent specialized agencies furnish the necessaryassistance in the appropriate form whenever they arerequested to do so by the governments concerned;

"B. WITH THE OBJECT OF ACHIEVING AN EXPAN-SION AND STEADIER FLOW OF PRIVATE FOREIGNCAPITAL

"5. Recommends that countries able to export capital:"(a) Provide potential investors with the fullest

possible information on foreign investment opportunities;"(b) Undertake measures for the avoidance of double

taxation, such as the negotiation of appropriate taxtreaties;

(c) Be prepared to negotiate treaties with under-developed countries to ensure conditions favourable tothe investment of private foreign capital, including theimportation of modern equipment and techniques andother specialities necessary for economic development,and, in particular, to ensure the conditions set forthin paragraph 6(b) below;

"(d) Supplement, whenever found desirable and feas-ible, assurances given by recipient countries with guar-antees to or insurance of potential investors againstcertain non-business risks affecting foreign enterprise;

"(e) Impress on investors the importance:"(i) Of adhering to proper standards of conduct in

the operation of their foreign enterprises, and inparticular of having due regard to the economic andsocial welfare of the capital receiving countries; and

"(ii) Of ensuring, wherever feasible, opportunitiesfor participation of nationals of the under-developedcountries in the administrative and technical services inindustry, and for their training;

"6. Recommends that countries seeking to attractprivate foreign capital:

"(a) Examine domestic laws and administrative prac-tices affecting private foreign investment with a view toremoving deterrents to the inflow of private capital;

"(b) Provide adequate assurances, through treaties orotherwise, with respect to the treatment to be accordedforeign investors:

"(i) In the operation, management and control oftheir enterprises;

"(ii) In the remittance of earnings and withdrawalof capital;

"(iii) In the protection of their persons andproperty;

"(iv) In the matter of compensation in case ofexpropriation of their property; and

"(v) In respect of any other questions which mayarise;"c) Undertake, through legislative or administrative

measures and the negotiation of tax treaties, to safe-guard foreign investors against discriminatory taxationand to resolve other taxation issues, including the issueof double taxation,


"Provided that the provisions of sub-paragraphs (b)and (c) will be without prejudice to the right of thegovernment of a Member State to take any appropriatesafeguards necessary to ensure that foreign investmentis not used as a basis for interference in its internalaffairs or national policies;

" ( d ) Develop information services and other meansfor informing potential foreign investors of businessopportunities in their countries, and of the relevant lawsand regulations governing foreign enterprise;

"C. WITH THE OBJECT OF ACHIEVING AN EXPAN-SION AND STEADIER FLOW OF PUBLIC LOANCAPITAL, OF PROMOTING THE FINANCING OFPRODUCTIVE PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN UNDER-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, AND OF ENCOURAGINGTHE FLOW OF CAPITAL TO HELP FINANCE NON-SELF-LIQUIDATING PROJECTS BASIC TO ECONOM-IC DEVELOPMENT

"7. Reaffirming the pertinent principles enumeratedin Council resolution 294(XI) of 12 August 1950 inparagraphs 8(c) and (d), 9(a) and (b) and 11,

"8. Bearing in mind the suggestions made by thegroup of experts in its recommendations 13, 14 and 16in regard to the action to be taken by the United Nationsand other international agencies,

"9. Recognizing that for some countries, particularlythe least developed, the financing of basic non-self-liqui-dating projects may under some circumstances require,in addition to the steps recommended above, a measureof external grant assistance, particularly in order toprovide an initial impetus to such basic projects,

"10. Noting that some grant assistance is availableunder various programmes initiated by the UnitedNations, the specialized agencies and some MemberStates, individually or in regional groups,

"1. Noting, however, that many countries which for-merly were substantial exporters of capital are not nowin a position to make any appreciable contribution toany international agency along the lines of recommenda-tion 14 of the report of the group of experts,

12. Urges the International Bank for Reconstructionand Development and the other existing agencies en-trusted with the extension of credits for economic deve-lopment, in the light of the expanding demands placedupon under-developed countries by their economic de-velopment programmes, to continue to expand theirlending operations in under-developed areas, taking intoconsideration the fact that progressive economic develop-ment will generally result in an increase in the debtservicing capacity of borrowing countries;

"13. Requests,In order to ensure that foreign capital may contribute

in greater measure to the economic development ofunder-developed countries, adding a new and importantfactor to the action taken in that direction by existingbodies, bearing in mind the favourable opinions ofexperts and institutions which have already urged thatcourse, and expressing its sympathy with the recom-mendation of the group of experts that the possibilitybe explored of establishing an international finance cor-poration to promote the financing of productive privateenterprise either through loans without government guar-antee, through equity investments or by other methodsintended for the same purpose,

"The International Bank for Reconstruction andDevelopment to consider what contribution such a bodycould make to the general scheme, and to report to theCouncil at its fourteenth session on the conclusionsreached;

"14. Requests:"(a) The Secretary-General, in consultation with the

States Members of the United Nations, the InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development and the othercompetent specialized agencies, to keep under activestudy the problems and methods of domestic and ex-ternal, including international, financing of non-self-liquidating projects in under-developed countries, includ-ing the possibility of supplementing existing interna-tional co-operation by means of external grant assistancein favour of those under-developed countries whose eco-nomic situation makes it impossible to raise sufficientdomestic capital for financing the essential and basicprojects mentioned in paragraph 9 (a) of Council reso-lution 294(XI), and to submit these studies togetherwith recommendations to the Council as soon as prac-ticable;

"(b) Without either accepting or rejecting the princi-ple of the establishment of an international fund toassist in the financing of economic development ofunder-developed countries or of an international devel-opment authority,

"The Secretary-General, in consultation with theInternational Bank for Reconstruction and Developmentand other appropriate specialized agencies, to formulatea series of methods which he deems practicable for deal-ing with the problem of grant assistance, taking intoaccount the debate in the Council at its thirteenth ses-sion concerning recommendation 14 of the report of thegroup of experts, and to submit these methods to thesession of the Council preceding the seventh session ofthe General Assembly; and

"15. Urges the governments of Member States tocontinue to act upon the invitation contained in Gen-eral Assembly resolution 400(V) by submitting, throughthe Secretary-General, in time for consideration by theCouncil at its fifteenth session, any further proposalswhich they may wish to make to the Council."

e. CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEM-BLY AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

The General Assembly at its sixth session con-sidered the item "Economic development ofunder-developed countries" at the 147th to 180thmeetings of its Second Committee from 20 No-vember 1951-10 January 1952 and at its 360thplenary meeting on 12 January 1952.

The question of the financing of economic de-velopment was discussed during the general de-bate at the Committee's 147th to 155th meetingsfrom 20-29 November and specifically at its 161stto 168th meetings from 7-18 December 1951.

During the general debate, the critical worldsituation and its effect on the economic develop-ment of the under-developed countries were again


stressed. The same issues which were raised inthe Council at its twelfth and thirteenth sessionswere raised again in the Assembly.

A number of representatives, among them thoseof Burma, Cuba, Egypt and Iran, stressed the needfor a development authority to assist under-devel-oped countries in preparing, co-ordinating andimplementing their development programmes andto distribute grants-in-aid for specific programmes.The representatives of Chile and Yugoslavia fa-voured the creation of an international fund forfinancial assistance to under-developed countries.

The representatives of Australia, Belgium,Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Greece, Haiti,New Zealand, Sweden, the Union of South Af-rica, the United Kingdom and the United Statespointed out that, for a number of reasons, theestablishment of such an agency at the presenttime was neither feasible nor practical. A num-ber of these representatives emphasized the valueof using existing institutions.

The important role of private capital in financ-ing economic development was stressed by therepresentatives of Canada, Mexico, the UnitedKingdom and the United States. The representa-tives of India and Iran, among others, however,felt that the flow of such capital had been inade-quate since the war and that it would be a longtime before it attained its former level.

The representatives of Belgium and the UnitedStates stressed the improved situation in the bal-ance-of-payments position of under-developedcountries.

The creation of an international corporation tofinance productive enterprise in under-developedcountries was again urged by the representativesof Burma, Cuba, Indonesia and Iran, among oth-ers. The representatives of Belgium, Denmark,Greece and the Union of South Africa felt thatsuch a corporation might be of value in facilitat-ing movement of private capital. The New Zea-land representative doubted whether its establish-ment would be practicable. The representativesof Denmark, Iran, Greece, the Netherlands andThailand thought the Bank should be encouraged toincrease its lending capacity.

The representatives of China, Indonesia andthe United Kingdom pointed out that, basically,capital goods rather than foreign exchange wereneeded.

The representatives of the Byelorussian SSR,Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Ukrainian SSR andthe USSR again discussed the principles, which,

they held, should govern economic development:inter alia, consideration of the country's needsand guarantees of economic and political inde-pendence; development of industry; extensiveland reforms; use of domestic capital as the mainsource for financing economic development; pro-tection from foreign monopolies; and complianceby foreign countries with local laws.

The Committee had before it the following fivedraft resolutions concerning the financing of eco-nomic development of under-developed countries:

(1) A draft resolution by Chile (A/C.2/L.77). Itwould have the Council prepare, for consideration bythe Assembly at its seventh session, plans for establish-ing, as soon as circumstances permitted, a special fundfor grants-in-aid and low-interest, long-term loans tounder-developed countries to accelerate their economicdevelopment.

(2) A joint draft resolution by Burma and Cuba(A/C.2/L.83 and Add.1 and Corr.1 and 2) . It wouldrequest the Council to submit to the General Assemblyat its seventh session suitable recommendations concern-ing practical plans for:

(a) establishing an international development author-ity which would assist under-developed countries in theireconomic development programmes and verify the useof any financial resources received from the relevantUnited Nations organs;

(b) establishing an international fund to make long-term loans at low interest rates and to provide grants-in-aid to the governments of the under-developed coun-tries, and to their national or local credit institutions,and also provide loans, without government guarantee,to private undertakings engaged in economic develop-ment activities; and

(c) collecting the required funds.

(3) A draft resolution by Yugoslavia (A/C.2/L.99).It would request the Council:

(a) to prepare for the seventh session of the Assem-bly detailed proposals for the creation of a UnitedNations fund for accelerating the economic developmentof under-developed countries by the provision of long-term, low-interest loans and grants-in-aid; and

(b) to include in these proposals any recommenda-tion on ways of co-ordinating the work of the proposedfund with the technical assistance activities of the UnitedNations.

(4) A joint draft resolution by Brazil and Greece(A/C.2/L.86 and Corr.1). It would approve the actiontaken by the Council under its resolution 368(XIII)and would:

(a) request the Secretary-General, in analysing repliesto his full employment questionnaire (as amended inaccordance with Council resolution 371(XIII),36 to dealalso with problems encountered in carrying out theplans of economic development of under-developedcountries and with resources having a direct bearing onsuch development, and to include comparative data onindustrialized countries; and

36 See pp. 422-23.


(b) request the Council to continue to study theproblem of financing economic development of under-developed countries and the practical ways and meansfor their development, and to pay particular attentionto the financing of non-self-liquidating projects throughexisting institutions.

(5) A draft resolution by Ecuador (A/C.2/L.79 andCorr.1 and 2 ) . It would invite the International Bankto provide loans to national industrial and agriculturalcredit institutions of under-developed countries and toafford them technical advice. It would also recommendthat governments should facilitate the investment ofprivate capital through the intermediary of the Bank.

The Committee at its 162nd to 166th meet-ings from 7-13 December held a general discus-sion on the five draft resolutions, when furtherproposals were made.

The representative of Egypt proposed amendments(A/C.2/L.96) to the Chilean draft resolution to haveboth the preamble and operative parts refer to theneed for foreign financial assistance.

Following Chile's acceptance of these amendments,the representatives of Burma, Chile, Cuba, Egypt andYugoslavia replaced their original proposals and amend-ments with a revised joint draft resolution (A/C.2/-L.104) which covered in substance the proposals in theoriginal Chilean and Yugoslav drafts and part of thejoint proposal of Burma and Cuba.

Burma and Cuba submitted another joint draft pro-posal (A/C.2/L.83/Rev.1) which addressed itself tothose aspects of their original proposal which were notdealt with in the new joint draft resolution, that is, arequest that the Council prepare plans for establishing aninternational development authority and for utilizing anynew international fund which might be established toassist private undertakings and national or local creditinstitutions.

At the 166th meeting on 13 December, the sponsorsaccepted an Indian amendment (A/C.2/L.109) to thejoint five-Power draft resolution to add a request thatthe Council keep in mind the use of savings which mightaccrue from any disarmament programmes, as a sourceof contributions to the proposed fund.

Following roll-call votes, varying from 30 votesto 17, with 10 abstentions, to 27 votes to 20, with10 abstentions, on several parts of the resolution,the amended joint draft resolution (A/C.2/L.-104) as a whole, was adopted by the Commit-tee (A/2052) by a roll-call vote of 28 to 20,with 9 abstentions.

The General Assembly at its 360th plenarymeeting on 12 January 1952 adopted it by a roll-call vote of 30 to 16, with 11 abstentions, asresolution 520 A (VI) (see below). The votingwas as follows:

In favour: Afghanistan, Argentina, Bolivia, Burma,Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, ElSalvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indo-nesia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama,Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Vene-zuela, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark,France, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Luxembourg, Netherlands,New Zealand, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, UnitedStates.

Abstaining: Brazil, Byelorussian SSR, Czechoslovakia,Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland,Thailand, Ukrainian SSR, USSR.

Also at the Committee's 166th meeting, thejoint draft resolution presented by Burma andCuba (A/C.2/L.83/Rev.1), as modified by Pak-istan (A/C.2/L.105), was rejected by 22 votes to19, with 13 abstentions. The amendment of Pak-istan which had been accepted by the sponsorsof the resolution provided that use should also bemade of any international fund: to make equityinvestments in under-developed countries; to helpprivate undertaking through other appropriatemethods; and to make loans.

Finally, the Committee at the same meetingconsidered the joint draft resolution by Braziland Greece (A/C.2/L.86 and Corr.1). An amend-ment by Chile (A/C2/L.103) to add a paragraphrequesting the Council to consider additionalmethods of increasing the international flow ofpublic funds for the economic development ofunder-developed countries was accepted by thesponsors. The sponsors also agreed to substitute aparagraph proposed by France (A/C.2/L.107) torequest the Council to pay particular attention tothe problem of financing non-self-liquidatingprojects, and, generally, of establishing a regularflow of international public capital within theframework of existing institutions—for the para-graph which would have requested that the Coun-cil pay particular attention to the financing ofthese projects through existing institutions, so asto ensure a regular flow of international publiccapital.

The joint draft resolution by Brazil and Greece,as amended (A/C.2/L.86 and Corr.1), wasadopted by the Committee (A/2052) by 41 votesto none, with 13 abstentions.

It was adopted by the General Assembly at its360th plenary meeting on 12 January, by 45 votesto none, with 8 abstentions, as resolution 520 B(VI) (see below).

The draft resolution proposed by Ecuador(A/C.2/L.79 and Corr.1 and 2) was consideredby the Second Committee at its 167th and 168thmeetings on 17 and 18 December. The repre-sentative of Ecuador accepted amendments pro-posed by the Philippines (A/C.2/L.110), withthe addition of clarifying sub-amendments by theUnited States (A/C.2/L.112). The Philippine


amendments were designed to express apprecia-tion of the work of the Bank and to invite it tocontinue to expand its loans, and, in particular,to give special consideration to financing basic ag-ricultural development projects and loans for thedevelopment of manufacturing industries. Therepresentative of Ecuador agreed during the dis-cussion to exclude the specific reference to thetransactions already made by the Bank. He alsoaccepted an amendment by India (A/C.2/L.113)to the first paragraph which would mention thatannual per capita income levels are low in under-developed countries and that agricultural and in-dustrial production, which is not generally suf-ficient, needs to be expanded.

Following paragraph-by-paragraph votes, vary-ing from 38 to none, to 35 to 5, the amendeddraft resolution by Ecuador (A/C.2/L.79/Rev.1)was adopted, as a whole, by the Committee (A/-2052) at its 168th meeting, by 37 votes to none,with 5 abstentions.

The General Assembly, at its 360th plenarymeeting on 12 January, adopted it by 50 votes tonone, with 5 abstentions, as resolution 520 C(VI).

Resolutions 520 A, B and C (VI) read:

"The General Assembly,"Taking note of the report of the Economic and

Social Council to the General Assembly at its sixth regu-lar session, the report of the Economic, Employmentand Development Commission on its sixth session, andthe experts' report entitled Measures for the EconomicDevelopment of Under-developed Countries,

"Having in mind the obligations assumed by the gov-ernments of Member States under Articles 55 and 56of the United Nations Charter,

"Recalling its conviction, expressed in its resolution400 (V) of 20 November 1950, that:

"(a) Although the economic development of under-developed countries depends primarily upon the effortsof the people of those countries, the necessary accelera-tion of that development requires not only technicalbut also financial assistance from abroad, particularlyfrom the more developed countries,

"(b) The volume of private capital which is cur-rently flowing into under-developed countries cannotmeet the financial needs of the economic developmentof those countries without an increased flow of inter-national public funds,

"Recognizing that:"(a) An urgent and practical approach to the prob-

lem of international financing of economic and socialdevelopment is essential to general progress, to thestrengthening of international co-operation and confi-dence and that it is, therefore, vital for the strength-ening and maintenance of peace, especially in the presentstate of world tension,

(b) It is necessary, for these reasons, to give specialattention to the solution of this problem through inter-national co-operation within the framework of theUnited Nations,

"Considering that the statistics contained in the WorldEconomic Report, 1949-50, published by the Secretary-General early in 1951, show that the national incomesof the under-developed countries do not allow a suffi-cient accumulation of domestic savings to provide heavyinvestments for their rapid economic development,

"Believing that there exists an urgent necessity forstudying the problem of creating new sources of inter-national financing suitable for the acceleration of theeconomic development of under-developed countries,with a view to raising the standard of living of theirpeoples,

"Convinced that the acceleration of the economicdevelopment of under-developed countries calls, amongother forms of international financial assistance, for aninternational system of grants-in-aid to those countries,but believing that such an international system ofgrants-in-aid should not be established on a permanentbasis and should in any case be correlated with theefforts of the under-developed countries themselves,

"Believing that the promotion of the economic de-velopment of under-developed countries calls for theclosest co-ordination of the activities of already existinginternational organizations,

"Believing further that detailed plans for action de-signed to increase the flow of international public fundsfor the development of under-developed countries, es-pecially for assisting in the financing of the non-self-liquidating projects basic to their economic development,must be initiated without delay if such plans are to betranslated into action within a reasonable period oftime,

"Cognizant of the fact that, although the necessaryacceleration of the economic development of under-developed countries requires foreign financial aid, thestudy and elaboration of the plans mentioned in thepreceding paragraph cannot and must not be regardedas in any way committing the governments participatingin such study or in the elaboration of such plans tojoin in implementing those plans in any degree, whetherfinancially or otherwise,

"1. Requests the Economic and Social Council tosubmit to the General Assembly at its seventh regularsession a detailed plan for establishing, as soon as cir-cumstances permit, a special fund for grants-in-aid andfor low-interest, long-term loans to under-developedcountries for the purpose of helping them, at theirrequest, to accelerate their economic development andto finance non-self-liquidating projects which are basicto their economic development;

"2. Further requests the Economic and Social Coun-cil, in implementing paragraph 1 above, to prepare forconsideration by the General Assembly at its seventhregular session a series of recommendations concerning:

"(a) The size, composition and administration of thespecial fund, keeping in mind, with respect to itsadministration, that the creation of a new internationalorganization should be considered only if a carefulexamination of the functions of existing organizationsproves that the required functions cannot be carried outby them;

A


"(b) The manner of collecting contributions to thespecial fund, keeping in mind the desirability of uni-versal participation and the utilization of any savingsthat may accrue from any programme of disarmament,as one of the sources of contributions;

( c ) The character of the contributions of StatesMembers of the United Nations and of those which arenot Members;

" ( d ) The policies, conditions and methods to befollowed in making grants and loans from the specialfund to under-developed countries;

"(e) The principles which countries receiving grantsand loans from the special fund should observe;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General to assist theCouncil in carrying out the responsibilities placed uponit by the present resolution;

"4. Invites governments to make suggestions to theCouncil with respect to the recommendations mentionedin paragraph 2 above.

B"The General Assembly,"Considering that the problem of financing economic

development is of the greatest importance and urgentlyrequires solution,

"Taking note of Economic and Social Council resolu-tion 368 (XIII) of 22 August 1951,

"1. Approves the action taken by the Economic andSocial Council under the above-mentioned resolution;

"2. Notes with satisfaction the Council's request tothe Secretary-General, contained in resolution 371 B(XIII) of 28 August 1951, to amend the annual ques-tionnaire on full employment so as to take into con-sideration the progress achieved by the under-developedcountries and the obstacles facing them in their eco-nomic development;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General, in analysing thereplies from governments:

"(a) To deal not only with problems of employmentand under-employment, but also with problems en-countered in carrying out plans basic to economicdevelopment; with industrial, mining and agriculturalproduction—in particular, food production; and withfinancial, technical and scientific resources having a directbearing on economic development;

"(b) To include in the analysis, in order to facilitatecomparison, a reference table showing the progress madeby the industrialized countries in these respects;

"4. Requests the Economic and Social Council:"(a) To continue its studies of the problem of

financing the economic development of under-developedcountries;

"(b) To study practical ways and means and com-prehensive programmes for developing those countries;

"(c) Within the framework of existing institutions,to pay particular attention to the problem presented bythe financing of non-self-liquidating projects and, gen-erally, by the establishment of a regular flow of inter-national public capital;

"(d) To consider additional methods of increasingthe international flow of public funds for the economicdevelopment of under-developed countries.

"The General Assembly,"Considering that in order to raise the standard of

living and the economic and financial capacity of theunder-developed countries, where the levels of annualper capita incomes are low, it is essential to expand andimprove their agricultural and industrial production,which is not generally sufficient,

"Considering that the capital available through agri-cultural and industrial credit institutions and throughnational savings in under-developed countries is notsufficient to provide extensive credits for the expansionand improvement of present production in the measureand with the speed desirable in view of the seriousnessof the economic and social situation of those countries,

"Considering that the expansion and improvement ofpresent production presuppose the provision of credit tomany thousands of individual and corporate local produ-cers who have no direct recourse to international credit,

"Considering that the International Bank for Recon-struction and Development is entrusted, within thelimits of its financial resources and of its Articles ofAgreement, with the task of granting duly authorizedand guaranteed loans for the economic development ofMember States,

"1. Invites the International Bank for Reconstructionand Development, within the framework of its Articlesof Agreement, to continue to expand its lending opera-tions keeping in mind the special situation of under-developed countries with low levels of annual per capitaincome and, in particular:

"(a) To give full consideration to continuous andeffective co-operation with the national agricultural andindustrial credit institutions of under-developed coun-tries, members of the Bank, with the objective of in-creasing their effective resources by means of loans;

"(b) To afford the national institutions which makeloans to agricultural and industrial producers the tech-nical advice required to establish sound standards andmethods of scrutiny and control of such transactions,in order to ensure the viability of such loans;

"(c) to consider the possibility of increased financingof basic agricultural development projects so as to ensuregreater productivity and utilization of land resources;

" ( d ) To consider the possibility of increased financ-ing of manufacturing industries so as to enable theunder-developed countries to make further use of theirmineral and other resources and thereby assist them inachieving more rapid progress in industrialization;

"(e) To keep the Economic and Social Councilperiodically informed of its progress in these fields ofdevelopment;

"2. Recommends further that all governments respondto the fullest extent possible to the recommendationscontained in paragraph 8 (c) of Economic and SocialCouncil resolution 294 (XI) of 12 August 1950."

2. Technical Assistance for EconomicDevelopment

The Technical Assistance Administration wasset up by the Secretary-General on 31 July 1950,to provide for the efficient operation of the


United Nations technical assistance programmeand for its co-ordination with similar programmesof Member Governments and with those of thespecialized agencies. The Technical AssistanceAdministration (TAA) was thus made respon-sible for operational activities under General As-sembly resolutions 200(III) on technical assist-ance for economic development, 246(III) ontraining in public administration, 418(V) on ad-visory social welfare services, and for the UnitedNations operational activities under Economicand Social Council resolution 222 A (IX) on theexpanded programme of technical assistance foreconomic development of under-developed coun-tries.37

a. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THEREGULAR PROGRAMMES OF THEUNITED NATIONS38

( 1 ) Consideration by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its Twelfth Session

General Assembly resolution 200(III) had re-quested the Secretary-General to report to eachsession of the Economic and Social Council onmeasures which he had taken to carry out theprovisions of that resolution. With the establish-ment of TAA, the operation of United Nationsprogrammes under the various technical assistanceresolutions was placed on an integrated basis.In order that the Council, at its twelfth session,might have before it in a single document an ac-count of the progress made under the three closelyrelated resolutions, the Secretary-General, in hisreport (E/1893), described activities under Gen-eral Assembly resolutions 246(III) and 418(V),as well as those under resolution 200(III).

The report described the progress made underthe three resolutions in the provision of expertadvice, the award of fellowships and scholarshipsand the organization of training centres and con-ferences of experts. The Council was informedthat, during 1950, a total of 81 experts had beensent to advise 25 governments on questions ofsocial and economic development and public ad-ministration; that, during that year, the award of309 fellowships and 25 scholarships in these threefields had been recommended; and that trainingcentres, conferences and seminars had been heldon subjects such as community organization, thecare of physically handicapped children, the ap-praisal of economic development projects, bio-statistics and public personnel management. TheSecretary-General further described the establish-

ment, purpose and functions of TAA and statedthat the new Administration would work in closeco-operation with the Department of EconomicAffairs, the Department of Social Affairs as wellas with the regional economic commissions andtheir secretariats. The Council's special attentionwas drawn to a number of administrative prob-lems which tended to slow down the flow of tech-nical assistance, in particular the difficulty of lo-cating experts of sufficiently high calibre and thelack of clarity on the part of governments request-ing such assistance in defining their needs. TheSecretary-General asked for the fullest co-opera-tion from Member Governments in overcomingthese difficulties and, in that connexion, welcomedthe settting up in a number of countries of cen-tral technical assistance agencies.

The Council discussed the Secretary-General'sreport at its 449th, 450th and 465th plenary meet-ings on 1 and 10 March 1951. The majority ofrepresentatives expressed satisfaction with the es-tablishment of TAA and with the work so faraccomplished by it. During the discussion, a num-ber of recommendations were made on the op-eration of the programme. In particular, theUnited States representative stressed that the timehad now come for an attempt to be made to evalu-ate the results of technical assistance and the bene-fits derived by governments from the programme.

The Secretary-General was asked by the rep-resentative of Chile to circulate to Member Gov-ernments reports by experts giving their recom-mendations on economic or other developmentproblems and, in addition, reports on the prac-tical results of the publication of these recom-mendations in particular countries. The repre-sentatives of China and the Philippines urgedthat experts should be recruited on as wide ageographical basis as possible and from the under-developed countries themselves. The representa-tive of Poland stated that if the principles laiddown by the General Assembly were to be res-pected, groups of experts must be established onlyon request and with the approval of governments,and that some experts should be from under-devel-oped countries. The representative of the UnitedStates welcomed the appointment of resident tech-nical assistance representatives in countries whereproblems of co-ordination had arisen and agreedwith the report that such officers should be re-sponsible to the Technical Assistance Board,

37 See Y.U.N., 1948-49, pp. 437-38 and 480; 1950,p. 596; and 1948-49, pp. 443-47, respectively.

38 See also under Advisory Social Welfare Service.


rather than to one or more of the participatingorganizations (see below).

The representatives of China and the UnitedKingdom expressed the view that conferences andseminars should take place only at the expressrequest of governments, and after very carefulpreparation. In the case of the advisory socialwelfare services, it was suggested by the repre-sentative of France that the provision of fellow-ships might be a more effective method of carry-ing out the programme than the large-scale or-ganization of conferences and group meetings.

Several representatives, among them those ofFrance, India, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates, pointed out that technical assistance inpublic administration was fundamental to the im-provement of economic and social conditions, par-ticularly in the case of countries which had re-cently acquired political independence.

The Council, at its 465th plenary meeting,adopted a draft resolution proposed by India,Mexico and the United Kingdom (E/L.149), by14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

Resolution 360 (XII) took note of the reportand noted with approval the steps taken and thesuggestions made by the Secretary-General to en-sure the effective and integrated administrationof the technical assistance programme of theUnited Nations.

(2) Consideration by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its Thirteenth Session

The Secretary-General's report (E/2001 andCorr.1 and 2) to the Council at its thirteenth ses-sion was drawn up according to countries andincluded information on the progress of the UnitedNations activities under the expanded programmeof technical assistance as well as under the threerelated programmes established by General As-sembly resolutions 200(III), 246(III) and418(V). The technical assistance activities of theUnited Nations Relief and Works Agency forPalestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA-PRNE) were also reported briefly. The report, ingeneral, covered the period during which the ex-panded programme had been in existence—name-ly, 1 July 1950-31 May 1951. The Secretary-General drew the Council's attention, in particu-lar, to the fact that the primary operational prob-lem was still the serious delay in meeting theneeds of requesting governments, despite two fac-tors which held out promise of reducing thesedelays: the provision by an increasing number of

governments of special facilities for handling tech-nical assistance matters, and the utilization of theservices of resident technical assistance represen-tatives. There was, moreover, a need to strengthenspecific programmes of technical assistance by theestablishment of complementary programmes inrelated fields. The Secretary-General describedthe attempt which was being made, followingrecommendations by the Council at its twelfthsession, to evaluate the work already accomplishedin the field of technical assistance. He further sug-gested that the public administration activities au-thorized by General Assembly resolution 246(III)should henceforth be placed on a continuing basisand thus brought into line with the related tech-nical assistance activities carried out in the eco-nomic and social fields under resolutions 200(III)and 418(V).

The report stated that, during the period16 June 1950-31 May 1951, a total of 125 expertsof 29 nationalities had advised the governmentsof 28 countries; and that, during the first fivemonths of 1951, a total of 369 nominations for eco-nomic development fellowships and scholarshipshad been received, while 168 had been recom-mended for awards; 153 nominations for socialwelfare fellowships had been submitted and 192awards recommended; finally, 81 public adminis-tration fellowships and scholarships had beenrecommended for award, out of a total of 161nominations by governments.

The Secretary-General also brought to the Coun-cil's attention the holding of a number of regionaland other conferences, seminars and training cen-tres, some of which had been organized in co-operation with specialized agencies, including aregional conference in Burma on methods em-ployed in the collection and analysis of externaltrade and balance-of-payments statistics; a work-ing group of experts from Asia and the Far East,which was studying in countries of the region, inWestern Europe and in North America, techno-logical advances in inland water transport; Inter-American and Mediterranean training centres onthe formulation and appraisal of agricultural andallied plans and projects, held respectively in Chileand in Turkey; a seminar and training session onpublic administration, held in Brazil; a training-centre in the Middle East on vital and healthstatistics; a seminar in the Netherlands on theteaching and supervision of social case work; aconference in Geneva of experts on comparativefiscal administration; and a group of experts onpublic administration, meeting in New York.


The Secretary-General also described variousways in which technical information services werebeing made available to governments in thefields of economic development, social welfare andpublic administration.

During the Council's discussion of the Secre-tary-General's report at its 527th to 529th and531st plenary meetings on 30-31 August and 1September 1951, some of the views expressed dur-ing the twelfth session regarding the operationalaspects of the technical assistance programmeswere re-emphasized. General satisfaction was ex-pressed with the progress achieved, as well asparticular appreciation of the efforts made toevaluate the benefits derived from the United Na-tions technical assistance programme, notably inconnexion with the advisory social welfare serv-ices authorized by resolutions 58(I) and 418(V).On the other hand, some representatives, amongthem the USSR representative, were unable toendorse the general lines of the programme andcalled for a more practical approach and forgreater emphasis on technical assistance in suchbasic fields as industrial production.

Several representatives, including those of Can-ada, China, France, the Philippines, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, welcomed thesuggestion that the public administration pro-gramme should be placed on a continuing basis.It was urged, however, by the representatives ofFrance and the United Kingdom, that assistancein this field should be designed primarily to meetpractical working needs and that the tendency toemphasize academic and theoretical aspects of theproblem should be avoided.

The United States representative recommendedthat technical assistance activities in the social fieldshould be closely integrated with the work of theUnited Nations in defining standards and conduct-ing research, and the importance of communitywelfare centres was stressed as a practical meansof achieving social progress through local action.

Following the adoption, by 15 votes to none,with 3 abstentions, of an amendment by Chile(E/L.241, paragraph 1), to have the Councilnote with appreciation the report and the workaccomplished, the Council, at its 531st plenarymeeting on 1 September, adopted the draft reso-lution as proposed by the Secretary-General inhis report (E/2001).

In resolution 399(XIII) the Council took notewith appreciation of the Secretary-General's re-port on the United Nations technical assistanceprogrammes and of the work accomplished under

them, and recommended to the General Assemblythe adoption of a resolution (see below).

(3) Resolution Adopted by the General Assemblyat its Sixth Session

The Second Committee of the General Assem-bly, at its 156th meeting on 1 December, unani-mously and without discussion, adopted the reso-lution proposed by the Council (A/2052).

It was adopted by the General Assembly with-out objection, at its 360th plenary meeting on 12January 1952, as resolution 518(VI).39 It read:

"The General Assembly,"Having decided in resolutions 305 (IV) and 316

(IV) that the regular budget of the United Nationsshould continue to provide for the activities authorizedby resolutions 200 (III) and 58 (I),

"1. Directs the Secretary-General to place on a con-tinuing basis the programme of technical assistance inpublic administration authorized by resolution 246 (III)and to include an amount for these services in theUnited Nations budget in the future;

"2. Notes with approval that the Secretary-Generalhas included in the United Nations budget for the year1952 the same amounts as were appropriated by theGeneral Assembly in 1951 for activities under resolu-tions 200 (III), 246 (III) and 418 (V); and

"3. Recommends that additional technical assistanceactivities to be undertaken for the benefit of under-developed countries in the fields of economic develop-ment, public administration and social welfare should beconsidered under the expanded programme of technicalassistance in cases where such additional programmescannot be financed from the budget of the UnitedNations."

In resolution 583(VI), adopted on 21 Decem-ber 1951, the General Assembly appropriated for1952 a total of $479,400 for the regular techni-cal assistance programme and $145,000 for theprogramme of public administration.

b. EXPANDED PROGRAMME OF TECHNICALASSISTANCE

The expanded programme of technical assist-ance for the economic development of under-developed countries was established under Councilresolution 222 A (IX),40 as a joint activity of theUnited Nations and the specialized agencies.Under this resolution, the Council's Technical As-sistance Committee (TAC), a standing commit-tee consisting of all the members of the Council,makes a critical examination of activities under-taken and results achieved under the programme

39 For general discussion on technical assistance, seealso pp. 399-400.

40 See Y.U.N., 1948-49, p. 443-47.


and reports to the Council concerning the reportsit receives from the Technical Assistance Board(TAB).

The programme is co-ordinated by the Techni-cal Assistance Board, which consists of the Secre-tary-General of the United Nations and the ex-ecutive heads of the participating organizations.

The organizations participating in this pro-gramme, which is financed by voluntary contribu-tions from governments to a Special Account,continued, in accordance with resolution 222 A(IX) to be the United Nations, the InternationalLabour Organisation, the United Nations Educa-tional, Scientific and Cultural Organization, theInternational Civil Aviation Organization and theWorld Health Organization. The InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development andthe International Monetary Fund, though they arenot participating organizations and are not titularmembers of TAB, are represented at the Board'smeetings and co-operate fully with the promotionof the objectives of the programme.

(1) Second Report of the Technical AssistanceCommittee (TAC)

The Council, at its twelfth session, had beforeit the second report of TAC (E/1920 and Add.1)submitted after the Committee had reviewed thesecond report of TAB (E/1911) at its 6th to12th meetings on 5-7 and 26 February 1951.The Committee had noted with satisfaction thateach of the participating organizations had under-taken or planned a series of useful projects underthe expanded programme, through which it ap-peared that an effective contribution to the eco-nomic development of under-developed countrieswas being made, in accordance with the guidingprinciples laid down in Council resolution 222 A(IX). It had noted that, in a number of under-developed countries, the co-ordinating mechanismswhich the resolution called for had been estab-lished, and had expressed the hope that other gov-ernments would take similar action.

The Committee had also considered the formand content of future reports of TAB. It had rec-ommended that the main parts should be devotedto the description, country by country, of techni-cal assistance activities. Although the emphasisshould naturally be placed on the activities con-templated, begun or completed within the frame-work of the expanded programme, the reportsshould also include information on the technicalassistance activities of the participating organi-zations under their regular programmes, to the ex-

tent that they are related to the activities of theexpanded programme. Reference should also bemade to other technical assistance projects initi-ated by the recipient governments under regionalor bilateral programmes of technical assistancewhenever such reference would facilitate a betterunderstanding of the activities under the expandedprogramme. Wherever possible, it should beshown how the technical assistance activities fitinto or promote the objectives of the economicand social development plans of recipient coun-tries.

The Committee, at the request of TAB, hadalso considered the question of the local costs tobe borne by recipient governments in connexionwith technical assistance missions. The Committeedecided that, in agreements between the recipientgovernments and the participating organizations,provision should be made for payment by the re-cipient governments, in local currency or in kind,of the following costs of each project, as appro-priate:

(a) Local personnel services, technical and adminis-trative, and labour; (b) office space and buildings;(c) supplies and materials obtainable within the coun-try; (d) local transportation; (e) postal and telecom-munications; (f) medical care for technical assistancepersonnel; (g) provision of lodging for experts, prov-ided that, in exceptional circumstances and subject tothe prior agreement of TAB, provision of lodging maynot be required of recipient governments by participatingorganizations.

The Committee further decided that recipientgovernments should contribute such further costsor facilities, including subsistence allowances, asmay be mutually agreed upon between the govern-ment and the organizations concerned, subjectalways to the general policies laid down by TAB.

TAC reported that it had welcomed the appoint-ment of resident technical assistance representa-tives to be stationed in a number of countries. TheChairman of the Board informed the Committeeof the procedure in these appointments and therelationship of each resident representative to thevarious participating organizations.

TAC felt that the second report of TAB indi-cated that the Board had effectively co-ordinatedthe activities of the participating organizationsin avoiding duplication and in developing co-operative working relationships. It believed, how-ever, that, as the expanded programme developed,the Board would have to do more to ensure thatthe technical assistance furnished was "designedto meet the needs of the country concerned", aslaid down in the observations and guiding prin-


ciples annexed to Council resolution 222 A (IX).Through the work of TAB, the activities of eachorganization should, as far as possible, be madeto supplement the activities of the other organi-zations represented on the Board in meetingthe economic development needs of recipientcountries. To this end, the Board was urged tokeep under constant review the total programmein each country. The Committee had noted withsatisfaction the statement of the Chairman ofthe Board that the Board was reviewing itsfunctions and procedures in the light of ex-perience.

(2) Consideration by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its Twelfth Session

The Council, at its 459th, and 461st to 466thplenary meetings from 7-13 March, held a jointdiscussion of three items: the expanded pro-gramme of technical assistance, the financing ofeconomic development of under-developed coun-tries, and the report of the International Bankfor Reconstruction and Development.41 Withparticular reference to the expanded programme,representatives of three non-governmental or-ganizations whom the Council had decided tohear—the International Federation of ChristianTrade Unions (IFCTU), the International Con-federation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), andthe International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) —expressed their support of the programme, therepresentative of ICA expressing also the convic-tion that the active participation of the co-opera-tive movement was necessary in carrying out theprogramme.

At its 466th meeting on 13 March 1951, theCouncil unanimously adopted a draft resolutiontabled by the President (E/L.160) as resolution361 (XII). By this resolution the Council tooknote of the second report of TAC and of thesecond report of TAB; transmitted the recordsof the discussions to TAB and to the organizationsrepresented on it for their guidance; and statedits decision to review the financial and allocationarrangements of the expanded programme at itsthirteenth session.

(3) Third Report of the Technical AssistanceCommittee

At its thirteenth session, the Council had beforeit the third report of TAC (E/2102 and Corr. 1),prepared after consideration by TAC of the thirdreport of TAB (E/2054 and Add.1, Add 1/Rev.1and Add.2) at its 13th to 20th meetings from20-29 August.

In accordance with the recommendation of TACat the twelfth session, the third report of TABgave a detailed picture, country by country, oftechnical assistance activities begun or projected,and reviewed, in general terms, the developmentof the policies under which the programme hadoperated since its inception. It dealt with thevarious forms of assistance rendered, and stressedthe importance of the sending of experts to reci-pient countries to recommend measures promotingeconomic development and to train local tech-nicians and officials so that they might carryforward the work initiated by the experts. TheBoard described its own role in the co-ordinationof activities. It had reviewed the implemenationof requests received and had achieved, throughthe appointment of resident technical assistancerepresentatives and by other measures, improvedplanning and co-ordination of activities in indi-vidual countries. The third report of TAB alsocontained a summary account of the major fieldsin which technical assistance was being renderedby the various participating organizations, andreviewed the contribution made to economic de-velopment. The report further dealt with theadministrative and financial aspects of the pro-gramme, proposed some financial and allocationarrangements for 1952, and provided informationregarding the proposed programme of activitiesfor the second financial period (1952).

In its report to the Council, TAC expressedthe opinion that, in view of the continuing char-acter of the programme, it should be left to theparticipating organizations, where they deemednecessary, to give long-term contracts to thoseexperts whose special fields are most in demand.The Board was authorized to allow individualparticipating organizations to enter into any nec-essary commitments for this purpose within thelimits of the nature and scope of the projectsfor which such experts might be needed. It alsonoted that the quantity of equipment and sup-plies required under the expanded programmevaried according to the nature of the project andthe stage of development of the country in theparticular field but recommended that the Secre-tary-General and the participating organizationsshould interpret the rules regarding the provisionof supplies and equipment more generously thanhad been done in the past. It was agreed by TAC,the report stated, that TAB should study and

41 For consideration of the last two questions, seeabove, pp. 378-79, 376-78.


report to TAC on the practicability of meetingthe needs for supplies and equipment designedto increase the effectiveness of the teaching insti-tutions, research centres and health services, amongother things.

TAC recommended further that greater em-phasis be placed on the establishment in theunder-developed countries of training and demon-stration projects and on the provision of pilotplants and similar facilities by the organizationsparticipating in the expanded programme.

When it considered the third report of TAB,the Committee was informed that the equivalentof $16,270,940, out of the $20,069,411 pledged,had been paid into the Special Account.

In the light of this information, TAC recom-mended that the Secretary-General should con-tinue his efforts to secure payment of. all con-tributions pledged at the Technical AssistanceConference held in June 195042. It also recom-mended that the Council suggest to all govern-ments that they make their contributions to theexpanded programme in the form of currencywhich could in turn be used for procuring goodsand services in the country providing them. If,for special reasons, a government felt it shouldmake a contribution in kind, the utilization ofsuch goods and services as it might provide wouldbe greatly facilitated if an appropriate amountof currency were also made available as part ofthe contribution. Governments which had notalready permitted the conversion of part of theircontribution into other currencies as might berequired for the operation of the programme wereurged to do so in appropriate cases.

The Committee further recommended that aspecial reserve fund be created to assure the com-pletion of projects which extend beyond theperiod for which financial support has currentlybeen pledged, and to provide funds pending thereceipt of contributions at the beginning of afinancial year.

The Committee also recorded its view that itwould be desirable that in agreements to be signedwith governments, relating to operations to becarried on in succeeding financial years, a clauseshould be included stating that such operationsin succeeding years are subject to the availabilityof funds. The participating organizations shouldnot enter into commitments for future activitieswhich would exceed their current share in theprogramme, without prior approval of TAB.

Concerning the size of the total programmefor 1952, TAC reached the following conclusions:

(a) Activities in 1951 and 1952 would commit allthe funds pledged by governments for the first financialperiod.

(b) Governments should be urged by the Councilto contribute in 1952 amounts equal to or greater thanthey had pledged for the first financial period. In makingthis recommendation, the members of TAC were notin a position to indicate the pledges which their govern-ments might be able to make.

(c) The Secretary-General and the General Assemblyshould be requested to make arrangements for thepledging of contributions for 1952 and that a con-ference similar to that held in 1950 be called, and thatall Members of the United Nations and all other govern-ments members of any specialized agency participatingin the programme should be invited to attend.

Concerning the allocation of funds to theparticipating organizations in 1952, TAC reachedthe conclusion that the percentage formula given inCouncil resolution 222 A (IX) for the automaticdistribution of funds to the participating agencieshad proved, with some exceptions, to be a reason-able guide for the relative weight which shouldbe given to the activities of the agencies, andthat it would be undesirable to revise the formulafor 1952.

The Committee believed, however, that in-creasing emphasis should be given to the alloca-tion of funds by the Board on a project basis,and recommended that only part of the contribu-tions received in 1952 be distributed to the par-ticipating organizations on the above-mentionedpercentage basis, leaving the balance available forallocation by TAB, in accordance with paragraph9 (d) of Council resolution 222 A (IX).

Experience had shown, however, that the auto-matic allocation received by the InternationalCivil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had beeninadequate to finance its technical assistance pro-gramme and the Committee requested TAB toallocate to ICAO, from the unallocated portion offunds available for 1951, adequate funds to coverthe present firm commitments of ICAO for 1952,taking into account the funds to be automaticallyobtained from 1952 contributions.

TAC recommended to the Council that theInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU)and the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) be approved as participating organiza-tions in the expanded programme, subject, asfas as WMO was concerned, to the approval bythe General Assembly of the draft Agreement

42 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 448-50.


between the United Nations and WMO43. Itrecommended arrangements for 1952, underwhich, inter alia, funds should be made availablefor projects in the field of interest of ITU andWMO by the United Nations out of its shareof the Special Account in accordance with ar-rangements to be made between the United Na-tions and ITU and WMO respectively.

After considering the administration of theexpanded programme and the co-ordination ofactivities, TAC decided to set up a working partyfor the purpose of studying ways and meanswhereby the activities of the agencies participatingin the expanded programme might be moreeffectively co-ordinated and the programme moreeffectively administered.


The Council discussed the report of the Tech-nical Assistance Committee at its 528th plenarymeeting on 30 August. The majority of represen-tatives, while agreeing that it was too early toevaluate fully the expanded programme of tech-nical assistance, praised the progress alreadyachieved.

The representative of Czechoslovakia stated thathis Government had watched with some reservethe slow implementation of the programme and,having appraised the imperialist motives under-lying it, had not contributed to it financially. Hethought it desirable that TAB reports includeinformation on expenditure, on requests whichhad not been implemented, and reports fromrecipient countries on the real results of thetechnical assistance provided and of any conse-quent favourable effects on the living standardof the population. Only then could the achieve-ments be judged in their true perspective.

On the basis of the third report of TAC(E/2102 and Corr.1), together with the thirdreport of TAB (E/2054 and Add.1, and Add.1/-Rev.1 and Add.2), the Council at the same meet-ing, by 13 votes to none, with 4 abstentions,adopted, as resolution 400 (XIII), a draft reso-lution (E/L.239) jointly proposed by France, thePhilippines and the United States.

In resolution 400 (XIII), the Council expressed(1) its conviction that the expansion of sucha programme under the auspices of the UnitedNations was of vital importance for the economicdevelopment of under-developed countries; (2)its appreciation of the progress achieved underthe expanded programme—the first results of

which it considered to be an important stepforward in international co-operation—and (3)its satisfaction with the measures taken for ef-fective co-operation with other bilateral and mul-tilateral international activities. It approved theparticipation of ITU and WMO in the expandedprogramme.

It also urged governments to make contribu-tions for the 1952 programme so as to ensuretotal contributions equal to or greater than theamounts pledged for the first financial period,and asked the General Assembly to make arrange-ments for seeking and receiving pledges at anearly date.

The Council further invited the General As-sembly at an early date in its sixth session toapprove the following financial arrangements:

"(a) The amounts allocated for the participatingorganizations for the first financial period shall remainavailable for the purpose of assuming obligations orcommitments during the second financial period, subjectto necessary adjustments for the establishment of theSpecial Reserve Fund provided for in paragraph (b);

"(b) There shall be established a Special ReserveFund equivalent to US $3 million for the purpose ofassuring the completion of projects which extend beyondthe end of the financial period for which funds areavailable, and of providing funds pending receipt ofcontributions at the beginning of a financial year. TheSpecial Reserve Fund shall be created from unobligatedfunds remaining from the first financial period andshall be maintained principally in convertible currencies.The size of the Special Reserve Fund may be changedby the Technical Assistance Committee. Withdrawalsfrom the Special Reserve Fund may be made by theTechnical Assistance Board for the purposes describedabove and shall be replaced as soon as contributionsbecome available;

"(c) The Secretary-General shall allot contributionsreceived for the second financial period as follows:

"(i) $10 million out of contributions received forthe second financial period shall be automatically avail-able for allocation to the participating organizations inaccordance with paragraph 9 (c) of Council resolution222 (A) (IX);

"(ii) The balance of contributions received shall beretained in the Special Account for further allocation, asprovided in paragraph (d) below;

"(d) Contributions retained under paragraph (c)(ii) above shall be allotted in accordance with decisionsof the Technical Assistance Board in such manner andat such time as it may decide, with a view to ensuringthe development of well-balanced and co-ordinated coun-try and regional technical assistance programmes, takinginto consideration all relevant factors, in particular, theamounts and kinds of resources on hand and receivable,the technical assistance requests received which fall

43 This agreement was approved by the General Assem-bly in resolution 531 (VI) on 20 December 1951, seep. 589.


within the field of the several participating organizations,the uncommitted balances held by them, and the needfor the retention of any reserves to meet unforeseenrequests from Governments;

"(e) Unallocated funds remaining in the SpecialAccount from the first financial period after establish-ment of the Special Reserve Fund shall be available forallocation by the Technical Assistance Board in thesecond financial period."

(5) Consideration by the General Assembly atits Sixth Session

The General Assembly discussed the questionof the expanded programme of technical assistanceat the 156th to 160th meetings of its SecondCommittee from 29 November-6 December 1951and at its 360th plenary meeting on 12 January1952.

During the general debate on the question ofeconomic development of under-developed coun-tries at the Committee's 147th to 155th meetingsfrom 20-29 November, the majority of represen-tatives expressed satisfaction with the technicalassistance programmes, and stressed the importanceof closer co-ordination between the InternationalBank, the Technical Assistance Administrationand the Department of Economic Affairs. Theneed for greater co-ordination within the coun-tries requesting assistance, as well as within thosegranting it, was also stressed.

At the Committee's 156th meeting on 29 No-vember, it had before it a draft resolution, sub-mitted by the United States (A/C.2/L.85). Itwould have the Assembly:

(a) note the arrangements made by the Economicand Social Council under its resolution 400 (XIII);

(b) approve the financial arrangements for theadministration of the funds;

(c) establish the methods and procedures for nego-tiating contributions for the second fiscal period of theexpanded programme, and make arrangements for theconvening by the Secretary-General of a conferencerelating to such contributions, and for the participationin such a conference, as well as for reports to theGeneral Assembly by specialized agencies on the expen-diture of the funds allocated from the Special Account;

(d) urge all governments to contribute to the 1952programme amounts at least equal to their contributionsfor the first financial period;

(e) request the Secretary-General, the Council andthe specialized agencies to ensure that the technicalassistance rendered was consistent with integrated plansof economic and social development; and

(f) stress the need for increased collaboration be-tween the agencies furnishing technical and financialassistance.

The representative of the United States lateragreed to incorporate in a revision of his draft

resolution (A/C.2/L.85/Rev.1), in addition todrafting suggestions, the following points:

(a) A proposal by Denmark (A/C.2/L.87) to adda paragraph urging participating organizations to makethrough TAB such arrangements with governments aswould ensure the fullest and most effective utilizationof all currencies.

(b) A Philippine amendment (A/C.2/L.90) whichwould have the Council recognize that governmentsmaking assistance available to the expanded programmeshould take all possible steps to facilitate the availabilityof that assistance. It would add a paragraph describingthe actions taken by TAC during the thirteenth sessionof the Council, and would add a reference to the needfor co-ordination within the countries requesting assist-ance as well as those granting it.

(c) An amendment by Haiti (A/C.2/L.91/Rev.1)which would, in view of the fact that private non-profitorganizations were engaged in giving technical assistance,ask the Secretary-General to study the possibility ofco-ordinating their activities with those of the UnitedNations and the specialized agencies.

The representative of the United States then acceptedan amendment by Egypt (A/C.2/L.97) to his revisedtext (A/C.2/L.85/Rev.1) which would include a refer-ence to the fact that funds would be available fromparticipating governments subject to parliamentary ap-proval.

There was considerable discussion over a Bra-zilian proposal (A/C.2/L.93) to delete the para-graph in the United States draft resolution whichlinked negotiations for contributions to the Spe-cial Account with those for other funds. Thisproposal was supported by the representatives ofChile, India, Uruguay and Yugoslavia, amongothers. The representative of Yugoslavia, more-over, felt the expanded programme should be puton a continuing basis within the United Nationsbudget. The representative of the United States,however, could not accept the amendment andthe proposal was subsequently withdrawn, on theunderstanding that a separate vote would betaken on that paragraph. By 18 votes to 15, with10 abstentions, the Committee decided to retainthe paragraph.

A final redraft of the resolution (A/C.2/L.85/-Rev.2), to include drafting changes suggestedprimarily by Pakistan and India (A/C.2/L.100),was submitted at the 160th meeting of the Com-mittee. Further drafting changes proposed by thePresident were accepted by the United Statesrepresentative.

Following a separate vote on several of theparagraphs, varying from 37 votes to none, with6 abstentions, to 18 votes to 15, with 10 absten-tions, the draft resolution as a whole was adoptedby the Committee (A/2052) on 6 December by


34 votes to none, with 10 abstentions (for textsee below).

At the 160th meeting on 6 December, theSecond Committee discussed a draft resolutionproposed jointly by Haiti and Israel (A/C.2/L.88and Add.1). It proposed that the Assembly recom-mend to the organizations participating in theexpanded programme that they give sympatheticconsideration to requests for the organization ofteams of workers, foremen and technicians fromunder-developed countries and to placing them inappropriate enterprises of other countries so thatthey might become technically proficient and trainother workers in the techniques of their trades.

A number of representatives, among them thoseof Belgium, Chile, India, the Philippines, theUnited Kingdom and Yugoslavia, thought it wasa mistake to emphasize solely one form of tech-nical assistance. The representative of Yugo-slavia therefore suggested that the resolution beamended to recommend that the participatingorganizations "give among other forms of tech-nical assistance sympathetic consideration to . . ."these requests. This oral amendment was formallymoved by the representative of the Philippinesand accepted by the sponsors.

Two other oral amendments were also acceptedby the sponsors of the joint draft. One, by India,proposed that the phrase "organization of teamsof workers" be changed to "placement of teamsof workers" on the ground that organizationshould be undertaken by the governments con-cerned. Another, proposed by Pakistan, woulddelete the reference in the preamble which wouldtend to limit trainees, since it stressed that traineesshould be employed in enterprises abroad whichutilized equipment and techniques available inthe countries of the origin of such trainees. Itwas agreed to delete this latter phrase.

The draft resolution, as amended, was adoptedby 40 votes to none, with 3 abstentions by theCommittee (A/2052).

The General Assembly, at its 360th plenarymeeting on 12 January 1952, adopted both reso-lutions recommended by the Second Committeeon the expanded programme by a single vote of51 to none, with 5 abstentions, as resolution519(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,

"Believing that the continuation and extension of thetechnical assistance programmes of the United Nationsand of the specialized agencies are of basic importanceto economic development and to effective internationalco-operation to raise standards of living in under-developed countries,

"Recognizing that governments requesting technicalassistance under the Expanded Programme have theprimary responsibility for planning and carrying out,within the framework of available resources, their ownprogrammes of economic and social development,

"Recognizing the great importance of close collabora-tion between agencies giving technical and financialassistance,

"1. Notes with satisfaction the action taken by theEconomic and Social Council in resolution 400 (XIII)of 30 August 1951, the progress already achieved inputting the Expanded Programme of Technical Assist-ance into operation, and the collaboration which hasbeen developing between agencies giving technical andfinancial assistance with regard to particular projects;

"2. Welcomes the action taken by the TechnicalAssistance Committee of the Economic and Social Coun-cil during the latter's thirteenth session recommendingthat the Secretary-General and the participating organi-zations should interpret the rules regarding the provisionof supplies and equipment more generously than hasbeen done in the past within the framework of Councilresolution 222 A (IX) of 15 August 1949 and request-ing the Technical Assistance Board:

"(a) To study the practicability of meeting the needsfor supplies and equipment designed to increase theeffectiveness of certain economic and social services inthe under-developed countries, especially in respect ofthe establishment of training and research centres;

"(b) To place greater emphasis on the establishmentof training and demonstration projects in the under-developed countries and on the provision of pilot plantsand similar facilities;

"3. Requests that negotiations regarding contribu-tions for the second financial period of the ExpandedProgramme of Technical Assistance be carried out byany negotiating committee for extra-budgetary fundsestablished during the present session of the GeneralAssembly;

"4. Requests the Secretary-General:"(a) Subject to the provisions of any other resolu-

tion adopted by the General Assembly at its sixth regu-lar session concerning the pledging of extra-budgetaryfunds, to convene a conference for the purpose of ascer-taining approximately the total amount of contributionsfor the second financial period available from the partici-pating governments, subject to the approval of theirrespective legislative authorities, for the execution of thetechnical assistance programmes of the United Nationsand of the specialized agencies;


"(b) To invite to the conference with the right tovote all Members of the United Nations and all otherStates which are members of the specialized agenciesparticipating in the programme; and likewise to invite,without the right to vote, representatives of the special-ized agencies;

"5. Approves the financial arrangements set forth inthe annex hereto for the administration of the fundscontributed, as agreed by the Economic and SocialCouncil in paragraph 7 of its resolution 400 (XIII)of 30 August 1951;

"6. Urges the participating organizations, throughthe Technical Assistance Board, to make such arrange-ments with governments contributing to the ExpandedProgramme of Technical Assistance as would ensurethe most effective utilization of all currencies, includingparticularly the contributions in currencies of limitedconvertibility, contributed to the Special Account;

"7. Calls on the specialized agencies participating inthe Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance toprovide, in their regular budget documents, informationconcerning their estimates for the expenditure of tech-nical assistance funds; and to transmit to the GeneralAssembly, for examination and approval, the auditreports relating to expenditure of technical assistancefunds allocated from the Special Account after approvalof the appropriate audit reports by the general con-ferences of their agencies or by such other authoritiesof the agencies as are constitutionally authorized toapprove them;

"8. Expresses the hope that governments of Stateswhich are not Members of the United Nations but aremembers of participating specialized agencies will attendthe conference mentioned in paragraph 4 (a) above,and that they will associate themselves with the financialand other arrangements mentioned above;

"9. Urges all governments to make contributions tothe programme for the year 1952 at least equal to thecontributions which they had pledged for the firstfinancial period;

"10. Requests the Secretary-General, the Economic andSocial Council and the specialized agencies to take allpossible measures to ensure that technical assistancerendered is consistent with, and makes the maximumcontribution to, integrated plans of economic and socialdevelopment;

"11. Further requests the Secretary-General, in viewof the fact that certain private non-profit organizationsare engaged in rendering technical assistance to severalunder-developed areas, to study the possibility of co-ordinating their policies and activities with those of theUnited Nations and the specialized agencies;

"12. Looks forward to increased collaboration be-tween the agencies furnishing technical assistance andfinancing agencies so that maximum co-ordination be-tween technical and financial assistance can be obtained;

"13. Recommends:

"(a) That governments requesting technical assist-ance under the Expanded Programme continue tostrengthen their internal machinery for the co-ordinatedplanning and implementation of development measures,for the formulation of integrated programmes of de-velopment, including priorities, and, in general, for theutilization of technical assistance in as effective a manneras possible, including the possibilities of financing suchdevelopment projects as may be recommended by tech-nical assistance missions;

"(b) That governments requested to make availableexperts and facilities for the Expanded Programme takeall possible steps to facilitate the availability of suchtechnical assistance to under-developed countries throughthe United Nations and the participating specializedagencies, and further that these governments continueto improve their co-ordinating facilities in order to helpaccelerate the flow of technical knowledge in the under-developed countries.

B"The General Assembly,

"Considering that improvement in the productiontechniques in industry, agriculture and other branches ofthe economies of under-developed countries can begreatly advanced by the training of groups of theirworkers, foremen and technicians in countries which aremost developed in certain fields of their economy,

"Considering that a valuable method of training suchworkers, foremen and technicians is by actual employ-ment in appropriate enterprises abroad,

"Taking into account, further, that the experiencegained by such teams of workers, foremen and techni-cians has proved useful under various bilateral arrange-ments in the past,

"Recommends that the organizations participating inthe Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance give,among other forms of technical assistance, sympatheticconsideration to requests for the placement of teams ofworkers, foremen and technicians from under-developedterritories in appropriate enterprises in other countriesfor such periods as may be necessary for such teams toacquire the technical proficiency necessary for effectiveuse in their country of origin, and also to enable themto train other workers in those techniques or to adaptsuch techniques to the conditions in their country."

In adopting the budget for 1952, on 21 De-cember (583(VI)), the United Nations appro-priated $300,000 toward the staffing requirementsof the Technical Assistance Administration.

(6) Contributions to the Expanded Programme

By 31 December, the equivalent of $US 17,-354,014 had been paid into the Special Accountfor the Expanded Programme. The following isa summary of the contributions pledged andreceived as at 31 December 1951 for the firstfinancial period:


Name of Country Currency Amount Pledged Amount Received

AfghanistanArgentinaAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBoliviaBrazilBurmaCanadaCeylonChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDenmarkEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEthiopiaFinlandFranceGreeceGuatemalaHaitiHondurasIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyKoreaLebanonLiberiaLuxembourgMexicoMonacoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPakistanPhilippinesSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaThailandTurkeyUnited KingdomUnited States of AmericaUruguayVenezuelaYemenYugoslavia

AfghanisArgentine pesosAustralian poundsAustrian schillingBelgian francsBolivianosCruzeirosBurmese rupeesCanadian $Equivalent of U.S. $Chilean pesosU.S. dollarsU.S. dollarsEquivalent of U.S. $Cuban pesosDanish kronerSucresEgyptian poundsU.S. dollarsEthiopian $Finnish marksFrench francsGreek drachmaeEquivalent of U.S. $Equivalent of U.S. $U.S. dollarsIndian rupeesRupiahEquivalent of U.S. $DinarsPounds sterlingIsraeli poundsEquivalent of U.S. $U.S. dollarsLebanese poundsU.S. dollarsBelgian francsMexican pesosFrench francsFlorinsNew Zealand poundsNorwegian kronerPakistan rupeesPhilippine pesosSwedish kronerSwiss francsSyrian poundsThailand bahtTurkish poundsPounds sterlingU.S. dollarsUruguayan pesosEquivalent of U.S. $Indian rupeesDinars

119,0841,000,000

178,970500,000

13,500,000750,000

8,500,00035,714

850,00015,000

5,400,00010,00051,0205,000

50,000660,00094,50028,500

5,00050,000

1,155,000422,625,000304,830,000

5,0006,0008,000

1,190,476463,00040,000

1,7875,000

10,00093,000

5,00014,3658,000

126,000300,000

1,000,0001,520,000

45,000250,000467,000100,000500,000

1,000,00025,000

425,000514,186760,000

12,007,500151,00044,00020,000

2,500,000

119,084–0–

178,970200,000

13,500,000–0–

8,500,00044

35,714850,000

15,00045

–0–10,00051,020–0–50,00046

660,000–0–28,500

5,00050,000

1,155,000422,625,000150,000,000

–0–6,0008,000

1,190,476463,000

–0–1,7875,000

10,000–0–5,000

14,3658,000

126,000–0–

1,000,0001,520,000

45,000250,000467,000

–0–500,000

1,000,000–0–

425,000514,186760,000

10,000,000–0–4,400

20,0002,500,00047

44 Brazilian contribution for goods and services accept-ed as payment in full.

45 Ceylon contribution: $1,000 (U.S.) and 66,850Ceylon rupees equal to $14,009 (U.S.).

46 Cuba contribution: $25,000 (U.S.) equal to 25,000pesos and 25,000 Cuban pesos equal to $25,000.

47 Yugoslavia contribution: $10,000 (U.S.) equal to

500,000 dinars and 2,000,000 dinars.


c. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIESDuring 1951, a total of 143 experts, repre-

senting 35 nationalities, were sent by the UnitedNations to 32 countries. For example, an oilconsultant was sent to Afghanistan to assist incontracting with an oil drilling organization tosink a test well on one of the sites suggestedearlier by a United Nations geologist. An expertin low-grade coals had arrived in Ecuador, andteams of 12 and 18 experts, respectively, wereworking in El Salvador and Libya on compre-hensive development programmes for the Gov-ernments of these countries. Experts on the dis-covery and utilization of underground water re-sources were sent to Iran and Israel and small-industry specialists aided Indonesia, Jordan andBurma. Ceylon requested aid for production ofiron and steel, glassware, ceramics, sugar, vege-table oils, kaolin, DDT, caustic soda, chlorine,titanium and zircon. One of the first expertsrequested began assisting that Government in thedrawing up of specifications, layouts and tendersfor the machinery for an automatic plant capableof handling 100,000 tons of raw sand a year torecover ilmenite and rutile, the source of titaniumand zircon. Late in 1951, Bolivia signed a five-year technical assistance agreement with the UnitedNations to implement the main features of areport of a technical assistance mission to thatcountry. The agreement called for the employ-ment by Bolivia of ten leading administrators inten Ministries and services. At the end of theyear, the United Nations was recruiting these"administrative assistants" for Bolivia through 22governments. A dozen experts were also beingrecruited for service there under the United Na-tions programme.

The United Nations Technical Assistance Ad-ministration (TAA) issued 570 notices of awardsof fellowships and scholarships during 1951, tonominees from 61 countries and territories. Ofthe awards, 206 were in the field of economicdevelopment, 257 in social welfare, and 107 inpublic administration.

For example, an electrical engineer from Brazilwas sent to the United States to study appraisalof hydro-electric thermal power resources, powerplant construction and rural and industrial electri-fication. An inspector from the Egyptian Ministryof Finance went to the United Kingdom to studybanking. A director of a boys' reformatory inFinland went to Switzerland and Austria to studyinstitutional services to children in those coun-tries. A signals engineer on the Finland State

Railways was sent to Denmark to study safetymethods and signalling systems there. The chiefof the Foreign Trade and Finance Division of thePhilippine National Bank went to Australia tostudy agricultural and industrial credit. A townplanning officer from Southern Rhodesia wentto New Zealand for the study of regional plan-ning. A Turkish architect was given the oppor-tunity to study earthquake-proof structures in theUnited States and Italy. From Yugoslavia, a teamof eight specialists in aspects of the rehabilitationof the chronically handicapped went to the UnitedStates and the United Kingdom as a result of arecommendation of a TAA physical rehabilitationexpert that the group be trained to work as ateam.

Fifty training programmes, conferences andseminars were held during 1951. For example,Training Centres in Vital Statistics and HealthStatistics held in Cairo, Egypt, and Nuwara Eliyah,Ceylon, concluded their operations in December.The Training Centre in Ceylon was held from19 September-11 December 1951, under the jointauspices of the Government of Ceylon, TAA, theUnited Nations Statistical Office, the EconomicCommission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE)and the World Health Organization (WHO). Itwas attended by 31 participants from Burma,Ceylon, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan andThailand, and one observer from Ceylon. TheTraining Centre in Cairo, held under the auspicesof the Government of Egypt and the United Na-tions and WHO, met from 8 October-6 De-cember 1951, and was attended by 44 personsfrom Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Jordan, Leb-anon, Libya, Syria and Turkey.

On 20 December 1951, the Latin AmericanTraining Centre on Agricultural and Allied Plansand Projects in Santiago, Chile, concluded a three-month training course for participants form eight-een Latin American countries; and, on 31 De-cember, the Mediterranean Centre on Agriculturaland Allied Projects, in Ankara, Turkey, concludeda similar three-month training course for parti-cipants from nine Mediterranean countries. Al-together, more than 100 participants receivedtraining at these two Centres. These Centres wereoperated jointly with the Food and AgricultureOrganization, the International Bank and the gov-ernments concerned.

A Conference on External Trade and Balanceof Payments Statistics was held in Panama City,Panama, from 3-15 December 1951, under thejoint auspices of TAA, the United Nations Sta-


tistical Office, the International Monetary Fundand the secretariat of the Economic Commissionfor Latin America (ECLA), with the co-operationof the Inter-American Statistical Institute.

The Conference was attended by 46 representa-tives from Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, CostaRica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador,El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the UnitedKingdom, the United States and Uruguay; andby nine representatives of the participating inter-national organizations.

A "Seminar on Youth Welfare, Including YouthMovements and Organizations" was held at Simla,India, from 1-21 November 1951, under the jointsponsorship of the Government of India and TAA.

Activities under the Expanded Programme ofTechnical Assistance for Economic Developmentof Under-developed Countries, carried forwardunder Economic and Social Council resolution222 A (IX),48 began to occupy during the yearan increasingly prominent part in the undertakingsof the United Nations and the specialized agen-cies participating in the programme. Under Eco-nomic and Social Council resolution 400(XIII)49

of 30 August 1951 the International Telecommu-nication Union and the World MeteorologicalOrganization became participating organizations.

The programmes of technical assistance underthe expanded programme are conducted eitherindividually or as joint projects by the partici-pating organizations. Examples of the projects oftechnical assistance conducted during the year bythe United Nations and the specialized agencies,either under the expanded programme or undertheir individual programmes financed by theirregular budgets, are given above and in the sec-tions dealing with the work of the specializedagencies.50

Assistance under the expanded programme fromthe beginning of its operation to 31 December1951 consisted, in the main, of sending out some797 experts, either individually or in teams, tosome 75 countries; of providing a limited amountof equipment, primarily in support of expert ad-vice or for demonstration purposes; and of pro-viding some 845 nationals of the under-developedcountries with opportunities for study and trainingabroad. In accordance with resolution 222(IX),the assistance continued to be rendered only atthe request of the governments concerned andwas conceived essentially as reinforcing, and notas a substitute for, the efforts of the under-developed countries themselves.

3. Land ReformGeneral Assembly resolution 401(V)51 recom-

mended that the Secretary-General, in co-operationwith the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) and in consultation with other appro-priate specialized agencies, prepare and submitto the thirteenth session of the Council an analysisof the degree to which unsatisfactory forms ofagrarian structure, particularly systems of landtenure, in under-developed countries and terri-tories impede economic development and thusdepress standards of living, especially those ofagricultural workers, tenants and small and me-dium farmers. The resolution further called uponthe Council to consider this analysis, and to pre-pare recommendations to the General Assemblyfor improving the conditions of agricultural popu-lations.

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS THIRTEENTHSESSION

In pursuance of this resolution, the Council,at its thirteenth session, had before it a reportprepared by the Secretary-General in co-operationwith FAO on the "Defects in Agrarian Structureas Obstacles to Economic Development" (E/-2003). The report described the main featuresof agrarian structure in under-developed coun-tries, including the size and layout of farms,the various conditions of tenancy, agriculturalcredit, settlement of legal title to land and towater rights, communal tenure and the specialproblems presented by estates and plantations.The report also analysed the relationship betweenthe different forms of agrarian structure andland tenure systems with special reference tocommon defects which impede economic de-velopment, and illustrated the governmental meas-ures that had been taken to cope with theproblems involved.

The report concluded that not all of themeasures noted for special attention by the Gen-eral Assembly were of equal importance for allcountries and hence that the recommendation ofa single group of measures could not be expectedto meet all situations. It was also found thatthe effect of a single measure would be rein-

48 For text of this resolution, see Y.U.N., 1948-49,pp. 443-47.

49 See above, pp. 398-99.50 See Part Two; The Specialized Agencies.51 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 461-62.


forced and sustained if applied in conjunctionwith other measures appropriate to the givensituation. The best course appeared to be acomprehensive attack by a suitable combinationof measures which were related to plans forgeneral economic development. The suggestionwas also advanced that the Council should con-sider making arrangements which would assistit in the future to make recommendations con-cerning: (1) major problems confronting gov-ernments of under-developed countries in theirefforts to overcome obstacles to the improvementof the condition of their agricultural popula-tions; and (2) technical assistance services re-quested and rendered to governments by theUnited Nations and specialized agencies in re-spect of these problems, with particular regardto requests for types of assistance which couldnot currently be provided.

Attention was also drawn to the report onMeasures for the Economic Development ofUnder-Developed Countries (E/1986)52, whichrecognized that adequate land tenure legislation,adequate agricultural credit facilities for borrow-ing the necessary funds, appropriate organizationof agricultural units to obtain efficient produc-tion, creation of certain types of co-operativeorganizations, organization of agricultural exten-sion work and other measures were required toassist in the development of agriculture and theraising of standards of living of the rural in-habitants.

The Economic, Employment and DevelopmentCommission had considered at its sixth sessionin May 1951 (E/2006) that, in elaborating aprogramme along the lines of General Assemblyresolution 401(V), the Council should pay spe-cial attention to "the need for instituting appro-priate measures to improve the security of landtenure; to expand agricultural credit facilities;to improve the conditions upon which cultivatorsoccupy land; to relieve the burden of inequitabletaxes and similar charges on the cultivator; topromote co-operative enterprises; and to expandprogrammes of fundamental education in ruralareas, adequate research and practical demon-stration facilities".

The Council's discussions, at its thirteenthsession, at its 533rd to 541st plenary meetings,from 3-7 September 1951, centred on two draftresolutions, one submitted by the United Statesand the other by Poland.

The United States draft resolution (E/L.246/-Rev.1), its sponsor said, was based on the prin-

ciples that the main effort to modernize landpractices should be made by governments, whichshould be assisted by the United Nations andthe specialized agencies.

The draft resolution contained recommendations thatgovernments take measures to: (1) provide security ofland tenure and opportunity of ownership for the manwho cultivates the land; (2) promote, where advan-tageous, the operation of agriculture on the basis of thefamily-size farm; (3) establish and improve nationaland local agricultural credit facilities; (4) preventexorbitant land rentals and inequitable land taxes;(5) promote co-operative organization for the marketingand processing of agricultural products and for thepurchase of farm supplies and equipment; (6) encouragerural industries so as to utilize rural manpower moreefficiently; (7) develop and expand rural educationalprogrammes; (8) ensure that adequate agriculturalresearch is undertaken; (9) establish services to instructfarmers in modern methods; and (10) improve theeconomic and social status of agricultural wage labourers.The resolution also provided specifically that suchmeasures should be extended to Non-Self-GoverningTerritories.

It recommended also that the specialized agenciesshould combine through the expanded programme oftechnical assistance to meet the needs of governmentsin dealing with their land problems. Provision was madefor the submission to the Council of reports by thespecialized agencies, and the analysis of these reportsfor the Council by the Secretary-General.

The Polish draft resolution (E/L.247) wouldhave the Council state that:

(1) in most under-developed countries, as well asin colonial and Trust Territories, the greatest part ofarable land belonged to big landowners, absentee land-lords and foreign corporations; (2) that holders ofsmall and medium-sized farms, as well as indigenouscommunities, were constantly dispossessed by these land-lords and corporations, and (3) that the system of biglandownership was the main cause of poverty and stoodin the way of widening the internal market, industrial-ization and genuine economic development.

It would recommend that land reform measures shouldbe put into effect with the co-operation of farmers'associations and unions of agricultural workers, andthat these measures should provide inter alia, for:(1) the abolition of debts contracted by agriculturalworkers, land tenants and small and medium farmers;(2) supplying the small landholders on a low-costbasis with implements, seeds, fertilizers and insecticides;(3) the development either by direct government actionor through co-operatives, of small factories and work-shops for the manufacture, maintenance, repair andservicing of the most essential agricultural machinery;(4) the abolition of discrimination between agriculturaland industrial workers in the field of wages and socialsecurity; and (5) the improvement of the working andliving conditions of the agricultural population.

In the Council's discussions, it was generallyrecognized that the problems of land reform,

52 See also pp. 380, 420.


with all the underlying problems in the eco-nomic, social, educational and humanitarianfields, were of deep and continuing concern toall countries, regardless of their stage of develop-ment, and that these problems differed so widelythat no one solution could be found. It was alsogenerally agreed that land reforms, especially inunder-developed countries and territories, wereessential to the effective implementation of com-prehensive programmes for economic develop-ment and for economic and social progress. Therepresentatives of Belgium and Canada stressedthe point made in the Secretary-General's reportthat, failing a basic reform of land tenure sys-tems, steps taken to increase capital investmentin agriculture would probably prove fruitless.

Successful land reforms, the representatives ofChile, Iran, Mexico and the United States held,called for many varied measures to be taken ina co-ordinated fashion in a number of relatedfields. The representatives of Belgium, Canada,Chile, the Philippines, Uruguay and the UnitedStates, among others, emphasized also that, im-portant as it was, the solution of land tenureproblems alone could not and would not bringlasting modification in the agrarian structureor remove obstacles to agrarian and generaleconomic development. Several representatives,among them those of France, India and Pakistan,called for co-operation to ensure that the bestfeatures of both the private and collective sys-tem of ownership and exploitation of land andits products be properly combined. In this con-nexion, the majority of representatives statedthat there was little basic difference betweenthe operative parts of both draft resolutions, butthat they could not support the Polish draftbecause of the statements in its preamble.

The representative of India thought that, atleast in India, co-operatives, with the village asthe unit, rather than collectivization measures ofthe kind adopted by the Soviet Union, was thegoal to be pursued. The representative of Pakis-tan favoured the establishment of model farms.The representatives of India, Pakistan, and thePhilippines spoke of the need to encourage thedevelopment of small industries. The Chileanand Pakistani representatives also stressed theimportance of industrial, as well as agricultural,development.

The United Kingdom representative statedthat, in his opinion, both the United States andPolish draft resolutions placed undue stress onthe individual ownership of land, one advocating

family-sized farms, the other small and medium-sized holdings. For instance, in Africa, wherecommunal ownership sprang from the people,a different problem existed. It was just as wrongto force a concept of individual ownership onpeople with communal traditions, as it was toforce a collective system on farmers with indi-vidualistic traditions, he said.

Various amendments were proposed to theUnited States draft resolution: by Canada (E/-L.250); Sweden (E/L.252); Pakistan (E/L.251);India (E/L.249); and the Philippines (E/L.253).They were subsequently withdrawn and incor-porated in a revised United States draft reso-lution (E/L.246/Rev.2).

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR thought the revised draft resolu-tion not only did not provide the necessaryconditions and measures for the carrying outof land reforms in the spirit of General Assemblyresolution 401(V), but also left much roomfor misinterpretations and sought to maintainand secure the existing conditions of tenancy,favouring the interests of big landowners. Theyheld that reforms of agrarian structures werenot mere technical nor even mere economicmatters. They should instead be viewed in theirsocial context and the social aims implementedby economic and technical means. These repre-sentatives also objected strongly to the implica-tion that populations large in respect to exploitedresources constituted a burden to economic de-velopment.

The following amendments were suggestedto the revised United States draft resolution andwere accepted by the United States:

(1) A Pakistan proposal (E/L.267) which recom-mended that governments take legislative or administra-tive measures to assist in the reduction of agriculturalindebtedness;

(2) A Philippine amendment (E/L.266) to ensurethe implementation of the Technical Assistance Com-mittee's resolution concerning the provision of suppliesand equipment.

(3) A Belgian amendment (E/L.265) to include inthe preamble a reference to the fact that the report hadbeen prepared in pursuance of General Assembly resolu-tion 401(V).

The Council at its 541st plenary meeting on7 September adopted the following amendmentsto the amended revised United States draft reso-lution (E/L.246/Rev.2):

(1) A French amendment (E/L.257/Rev.2) to adda paragraph recognizing that, where the fundamentalproblem was that of a surplus rural population, as


compared with the cultivable area, it called for diver-sification of activities and the establishment of industriesin conjunction with the other recommended measures—adopted by 11 votes to 2, with 5 abstentions.

(2) A United Kingdom amendment (E/L.268) toinclude a paragraph urging all governments confrontedwith the problem of agrarian structure to study theSecretary-General's report in order to take full accountof the experiences of others in carrying out their ownplans—adopted by 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions.

(3) A Polish amendment (E/L.275), which recom-mended that governments institute appropriate landreforms in the interest of landless, small and mediumfarmers—adopted by 17 votes to none, with 1 abstention.

(4) A French amendment (E/L.275/Rev.2), to addtwo paragraphs drawing the attention of governments tothe importance of a system of free and voluntaryco-operation and requesting the Secretary-General, inco-operation with FAO, ILO and other competent special-ized agencies, to report on agricultural co-operation andits future prospects—adopted by 14 votes to none, with4 abstentions.

The Council by 9 votes to 3, with 6 absten-tions, rejected a Polish amendment (E/L.275)which would specify the assurance of securityof tenure to small and medium cultivators ratherthan to cultivators generally.

At its 541st plenary meeting on 7 September,the Council adopted the revised United Statesdraft resolution (E/L.246/Rev.2), as amended,in paragraph-by-paragraph votes, ranging from17 to none, with 1 abstention, to 14 to 3, with1 abstention. It adopted the resolution as awhole by 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions,as resolution 370 (XIII).

In paragraph-by-paragraph votes, ranging from13 to 3, with 1 abstention, to 8 to 6, with 3 ab-stentions, the Polish draft resolution (E/L.247)was rejected.

Resolution 370 (XIII) read:"The Economic and Social Council,"Having examined the report prepared, in pursuance

of General Assembly resolution 401 (V), by theSecretary-General in co-operation with the Food andAgriculture Organization of the United Nations, ondefects in agrarian structure as obstacles to economicdevelopment, the report of the Economic, Employmentand Development Commission (sixth session) whichpoints out the need for land reform as an aid toeconomic development, and the report of the Councilof the Food and Agriculture Organization,

"Noting the work done by the International LabourOrganisation in the field of agricultural labour, and thata study on rural economic development in Trust Terri-tories has been undertaken by the Trusteeship Council,

"Bearing in mind the importance of improving theconditions of agricultural workers, tenants, small andmedium farmers to economic development and risingstandards of living, human dignity and freedom andsocial and political stability,

"Further bearing in mind the main conclusion of theSecretary-General's report, namely:

"(a) That, in view of the great diversity of con-ditions in under-developed territories in various partsof the world, no one special measure or group ofmeasures can be expected to meet all situations, and

"(b) That any measures taken to improve agrarianconditions should be related to general plans for pro-moting economic development,

"Recognizing that appropriate measures of landreform designed to achieve improvement of the condi-tions of agricultural populations and an increase inagricultural production must in many countries beregarded as a necessary part of any effective implementa-tion of comprehensive programmes for economic dev-elopment,

"Recognizing further that, especially in cases wherethe fundamental problem is that of a surplus ruralpopulation as compared with the cultivable area, theproblem calls for diversification of activities and theestablishment of industries, in conjunction with themeasures recommended hereafter,

"1. Urges all governments confronted with the prob-lem of agrarian structure to study the Secretary-General'sreport in order to take full account of the experiencesof others in carrying out their own plans for economicdevelopment;

"2. Recommends that governments institute appro-priate land reforms in the interest of landless, small andmedium farmers;

"3. Recommends further that governments take suchof the following measures as may be appropriate to thecircumstances in their countries:

"(a) Assure security of tenure to the cultivator ofland so that he may have the incentive to improve theproductivity of the land and to conserve its resources,and the opportunity to retain an equitable share of hisproduction;

"(b) Provide opportunity for the cultivator to acquireownership of land;

"(c) Promote the organization of land holdings intofarms of an efficient size, either by dividing unduly largeholdings or by combining fragmented units, as may berequired, wherever this may be economically and sociallyadvantageous to the population;

" (d) Establish on undeveloped and newly reclaimedlands secure and equitable tenure conditions, includingopportunity for ownership in family-sized holdings;

"(e) Establish or expand national and local institu-tions for providing agricultural credit at reasonable ratesof interest and take legislative or administrative measuresto assist in the reduction of agricultural indebtedness;

"(f) Enact and enforce legislation which will preventthe charge of exorbitant rentals on agricultural land;

"(g) Review their tax structure and administrationwith a view to eliminating inequitable tax loads andrelated charges on the cultivator of land;

"(h) Promote co-operative organizations for the cul-tivation, marketing and processing of agriculturalproducts for the purchase of farm supplies and equip-ment;


"(i) Encourage diversification of agricultural produc-tion wherever this can help raise the living standards ofthe farm and non-farm populations;

"(j) Take steps directed towards rational diversifica-tion of their economies so that agricultural developmentsmay proceed as part of an integrated programme ofeconomic development;

"(k) Encourage the establishment of industries inrural areas, including co-operatives, small-scale and cot-tage industries, and especially industries using indigenousagricultural products as their raw materials, and thusassure such industries a place in the economic life ofthe country;

"(l) Establish or expand, either through co-operativeorganizations or by other means appropriate to theeconomy of the country, factories or workshops for themanufacture, maintenance, repair and servicing of themost essential agricultural machinery and the storage ofspare parts;

" ( m ) Expand and develop programmes of literacyand general education in rural areas;

"(n) Ensure that adequate agricultural research,through governmental services or otherwise, is under-taken;

"(o) Establish or expand services for the educationof the farmer in the technological and economic aspectsof agricultural and rural life through such measures asagricultural extension services and model farms;

"(p) Improve the economic, social and legal statusof agricultural wage labourers on plantations and otherlarge estates;

"4. Recommends that all governments responsible forpopulations which are not economically advanced, in-cluding those governments responsible for the adminis-tration of Non-Self-Governing Territories, in addition totaking such of the measures described above as may berequired, should ensure that the interests of such popula-tions are fully protected in policies and laws relating tothe transfer of land;

"5. Recommends that the specialized agencies, eachin its respective field, particularly the Food and Agri-culture Organization of the United Nations, the Inter-national Labour Organisation and the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, should,in co-operation with the United Nations, keep thesubject of land reform under review and give highpriority to this problem in their technical assistanceprogrammes, bearing in mind the resolution of theTechnical Assistance Committee adopted at its nineteenthmeeting, dealing with the provision of supplies andequipment, and specifically:

"(a) Focus attention on the urgent need for landreforms in many areas;

"(b) Consider affording a high degree of priority tothe recruitment of professional staff competent to advisegovernments on problems of land reform and draw theattention of governments of Member States to methodsof solving such problems which have proved successfulin other countries;

"(c) Place particular emphasis on furnishing assist-ance to governments wishing to adopt domestic measureswhich would contribute to land reforms, particularly:

"(i) The development of legislation relating to landtenure, settlement of titles, conditions of

tenancy, problems of the size and organizationof land holdings, settlement of publicly ownedland, and financing of the redistribution ofland;

"(ii) The development and extension of agriculturalcredit;

"(ii i) The development and extension of co-operativeorganizations for essential agricultural servicessuch as financing, marketing, processing ofagricultural products and purchase of farmimplements and supplies;

"(iv) The promotion of agricultural extension servi-ces;

"(v) The establishment of rural industries;"(vi) The development of programmes for improve-

ment of agricultural labour standards andsecurity of employment;

"(vii) The expansion of programmes for training ofteachers and educational leaders in techniquesof mass education, especially in rural areas;

"6. Requests the Secretary-General, in co-operationwith the appropriate specialized agencies, to give assist-ance to governments, on their request, including assist-ance with respect to activities that fall outside the fieldof any specialized agency and, in particular, with respectto measures to improve their fiscal systems with specialreference to measures designed to prevent the impositionof inequitable taxes and other assessments and fees onthe cultivator of land;

"7. Requests the specialized agencies concerned, intheir respective fields of responsibility, to include intheir annual reports to the Council information on theiractivities pursuant to recommendations in paragraph 5above;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General to arrange perio-dically, but at least once every three years, in co-opera-tion with the specialized agencies concerned, to obtain,by means of a single questionnaire addressed to govern-ments, information on progress in land reforms, in-cluding legislation and other measures adopted and onany obstacles to the adoption of such measures andany suggestions that governments may have concerninginternational action to promote land reforms; and toanalyse the information received and to present con-clusions and recommendations to the Council;

"9. Draws the attention of the governments con-cerned to the possibilities offered by the system of freeand voluntary co-operation on the part of farmers witha view to meeting the requirements of technical andeconomic progress in agriculture, while preserving therights and freedoms of the individual;

"10. Requests the Secretary-General, in co-operationwith the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Inter-national Labour Organisation and the other competentspecialized agencies, to prepare a report for a futuresession of the Council briefly analysing the resultsobtained in various countries through agricultural co-operation and bringing out the possibilities offered fromevery stand-point by the co-operative system in this field;and

"11. Recommends that the General Assembly con-sider this subject from time to time in order that allgovernments of Member States may have an opportunityto take part in the discussion of developments in thisfield."


b. CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEM-BLY AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

At the General Assembly's sixth session thequestion of land reform was discussed duringthe general debate on the economic developmentof under-developed countries at the 147th to155th meetings of the Second Committee from20-29 November 1951 and specifically at its176th to 180th meetings from 7-10 January1952.

The views expressed were substantially thesame as those put forward at the thirteenthsession of the Council (see above).

The representatives of Brazil, Chile, France,India, Indonesia, Israel, the Netherlands, NewZealand, Pakistan, Sweden, Thailand, the UnitedKingdom, the United States and Venezuela sup-ported the recommendations of the Council. Therepresentatives of the Byelorussian SSR, Polandand the USSR, while agreeing that the resolutionrepresented an advance, thought it was nownecessary to supplement the initial action byenergetic and practical measures. They againstressed the need for industrialization, which wasalso emphasized by the representatives of Cubaand Indonesia.

The representative of Mexico thought thatthe resolution did not place sufficient emphasison the need for giving land to individuals andcommunities who did not possess it.

The representative of Yugoslavia suggestedthat greater attention should be paid in futurestudies to the relation between agricultural im-provement and the plans for general economicdevelopment. The representative of Egypt thoughta study would be valuable on the practical andfinancial measures required to industrialize pre-dominantly agricultural countries, while the Bur-mese representative held that the question ofland reform in relation to population increaseshould be carefully studied.

The Second Committee had before it twodraft resolutions concerning land reform, one byBrazil, Pakistan, Thailand and the United States(A/C.2/L.76 and Add.1) and the other byPoland (A/C2/L.82):

The joint draft resolution would: (1) note theSecretary-General's report on "Defects in AgrarianStructure as Obstacles to Economic Development";53

(2) express conviction that the agrarian structureand land tenure system in many countries preventimprovement in the economic and social status of thosewho work the land, and impede economic development;(3) approve the Council's resolution 370 (XIII) on

land reform; (4) urge all governments to carry outthat resolution's recommendations and co-operate withthe Secretary-General in supplying information; (5)provide for consideration of the subject at the seventhsession of the Assembly; and (6) request the Secretary-General to report to that session on action taken andprogress achieved.

The Polish draft resolution (A/C.2/L.82) wouldrecommend that Member Governments: (1) carryout land reforms in the interests of the "landless,small and medium-sized farmers" and undertake large-scale assistance to such agricultural populations; (2)carry out measures for the return to the local popu-lation of lands appropriated for the use of foreigncompanies; (3) adopt measures for the liquidation ofthe indebtedness of certain agricultural populations;(4) support existing associations and assist in the organ-ization of new associations which would include tenants,landless and holders of small and medium-sized farms,such associations to play an active part in putting landreform measures into effect; and (5) adopt social legis-lation for agricultural workers.

The representative of Israel thought that theAssembly should also express its conviction thatland tenure systems in many countries causepolitical instability; he proposed an amendmentto the joint draft resolution to this effect (A/C.2/-L.122).

The representative of Egypt proposed (A/C.2/-L.80/Rev.1) inserting three paragraphs in thepreamble to the joint draft to:

(1) recognize that no one standard measure could beconsidered the best suited to all under-developed territo-ries and that, when possible, land tenure reforms shouldbe undertaken within a general programme of landreform; and (2) express the conviction that the form ofredistribution of land should depend to a large extenton the relationship between density of population, thesupply of land and other resources.

The representative of Mexico (A/C.2/L.121and Corr.1) suggested the addition of a furtherparagraph to the preamble of the joint draft,to note with approval the statement in the Secre-tary-General's report that social conditions hadimproved in countries which had granted landand water rights to farmers lacking them.

The amendments, as well as one by Egypt(A/C.2/L.130), which would urge all govern-ments to carry out recommendations so far asthey were appropriate to the particular technicaland financial circumstances of their countries,were accepted by the sponsors of the joint draftresolution, and incorporated in a revised text(A/C.2/L.76/Rev.1). Israel also joined the

sponsors of the joint draft resolution.Chile and India submitted a joint amendment

(A/C.2/L.131) to the revised draft.

53 See pp. 404-405.


It would express the belief that rapid improvement inexisting agrarian structures in many countries requiredlarge-scale financial outlays. It would, therefore, invitethe institutions providing international loans to considersympathetically loan applications from under-developedcountries designed to implement their projects of agra-rian reform, including projects designed to bring newland under agricultural cultivation, and to make anysuch loans on terms of interest and amortisation designedto place the smallest feasible burden on the borrowingcountries.

The representatives of Chile and India ac-cepted a United Kingdom amendment (A/C.2/-L.132) to their amendment, which would, inaddition, urge Member Governments to giveactive consideration to making funds availablefor projects of agrarian reform and invite theinstitutions making loans to do so consistentwith their maintaining themselves as self-sup-porting entities.

A second revision of the joint proposal (A/-C.2/L.76/Rev.2) was then submitted, with Chile,France, India and the United Kingdom as addi-tional sponsors. This nine-Power draft resolution,inter alia, incorporated the above revised amend-ment. It also contained a revised paragraph 9which would incorporate the substance of theideas in the operative part of the Polish pro-posal (A/C.2/L.82, see above), with the ex-ception of the measures recommended for thereturn to the local populations of lands appro-priated for the use of foreign companies. Therepresentative of Czechoslovakia then withdrewan amendment (A/C.2/L.133) which had soughtto include the entire operative part of the Polishdraft resolution in the first revision of the jointdraft.

Following several oral drafting changes thenine-Power draft resolution, as amended, wasadopted (A/2052) at the Committee's 180thmeeting on 10 January by 43 votes to none,with 5 abstentions.

At the same meeting, on the request of itssponsor, the Polish resolution (A/C.2/L.82) wasvoted on. It was voted on in parts and wasrejected by the Committee in votes rangingfrom 22 to 7, with 18 abstentions, to 24 to 7,with 13 abstentions.

The General Assembly, at its 360th plenarymeeting on 12 January 1952, adopted the reso-lution proposed by the Committee by 56 votes tonone, as resolution 524(VI).

Resolution 524(VI) read:"The General Assembly,"Having noted the report of the Secretary-General

entitled Land Reform—Defects in Agrarian Structure as

Obstacles to Economic Development, prepared pursuantto General Assembly resolution 401(V) of 20 Novem-ber 1950,

"Convinced that in many countries the agrarian struc-ture and, in particular, the systems of land tenure pre-vent improvement in the economic and social status ofthose who work the land, impede economic developmentand cause political instability,

"Recognizing that, in view of the great diversity ofconditions in under-developed territories in various partsof the world, no one standard measure or group ofmeasures can be considered as best suited to the con-ditions of all such territories,

"Recognizing that, when possible, reforms of systemsof land tenure should be undertaken within a generalprogramme of land reform in order effectively to im-prove the living conditions of agricultural populations,

"Believing that rapid improvements in existing agra-rian structures and land tenure systems in many under-developed countries require large-scale financial outlays,

"Convinced that the form which an equitable and use-ful re-distribution of the ownership of land should takedepends to a large extent and in many countries on therelationship between density of population, the supplyof land and of other resources,

"1. Notes with approval the statement in the afore-mentioned report of the Secretary-General concerningthe favourable results in the social sphere obtained bycountries which granted land and water rights to farmerslacking them;

"2. Approves the recommendations of the Economicand Social Council with regard to this problem, as setforth in Council resolution 370 (XIII) of 7 September1951;

"3. Urges all governments, so far as the recommen-dations of the above-mentioned resolution are appro-priate to the particular technical and financial circum-stances of their countries, to carry out these recommen-dations and to undertake practical steps for implementingland reforms which would:

"(a) Assist in increasing agricultural production, ineliminating food shortages, in raising the welfare of thepopulations of the under-developed countries, and whichwould safeguard the interest of small and medium-sizedfarmers and landless agricultural workers who constitutethe majority of the rural population of the under-developed countries;

"(b) Include measures which will enable farmers tosecure agricultural equipment, draught animals, seeds,fertilizers and low-interest agricultural credit and assistthem in developing various types of co-operatives for theproduction and disposal of agricultural products;

"(c) Include the adoption of measures to enableagricultural workers, tenants and small and medium-sized farmers to reduce or liquidate indebtedness whichmay have arisen from unduly high rents, unfavourableconditions of land tenure, and usurious rates of interestand unduly high prices paid in the purchase of seeds,agricultural equipment, draught animals and otherfacilities;

"(d) Include the adoption of appropriate wage andother social legislation for improving the conditions oflabour and for raising the living standards of agricul-tural workers;


"(e) Support the already existing agricultural asso-ciations and assist, where appropriate, in organizing newassociations of landless agricultural workers, tenants andsmall and medium-sized farmers whose principal interestis in, and who have an active part to play in, thecarrying out of all measures provided for under the landreforms;

"4. Farther urges all governments to co-operate withthe Secretary-General and the specialized agencies con-cerned in the preparation of the reports requested bythe Council in paragraph 8 of the above-mentionedresolution;

"5. Urges the governments of Member States, inworking out their fiscal policies, to give active considera-tion to making funds available for projects of agrarianreform and invites the institutions providing interna-tional loans to give sympathetic consideration to loanapplications from under-developed countries for develop-ment projects which are designed to implement theirprogrammes of agrarian reform including projects de-signed to bring new lands under agricultural cultivation,and invites these institutions, consistent with their main-tenance as self-supporting entities, to consider makingany such loans on terms of interest and amortizationdesigned to place the smallest feasible burden on theborrowing countries;

"6. Urges the Secretary-General, the Food and Agri-culture Organization of the United Nations, the Inter-national Labour Organisation and the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, asrecommended by the Economic and Social Council, toaccord high priority to the recommendations in para-graphs 5 and 6 of Council resolution 370 (XIII); andto be prepared, upon the request of governments, tomake specific studies and recommendations for the eco-nomic and social betterment of the agricultural popula-tion of their countries;

"7. Decides to place the subject of land reform onthe agenda of its seventh regular session and requeststhe Secretary-General to report to that session withregard to action taken and progress achieved."

4. Volume and Distribution of NationalIncome in Under-Developed Countries

The General Assembly in resolution 403 (V)requested the Secretary-General to prepare andsubmit to the Council a report on the volumeand distribution of national income in under-developed countries so as to enable the Councilto study and report to the Assembly on theproblem, with special reference to the variousincome groups and the respective proportionsbetween them, and to the amounts used by thosecountries to meet their foreign commitmentsarising from loans and investments, public andprivate, and the payment of services.

Accordingly, the Council, at its thirteenthsession, had before it a report prepared by theSecretary-General on the "Volume and Distri-bution of National Income in Under-Developed

Countries" (E/2041). The report presented in-formation on levels of national and per capitaincome of various countries and on the industrialorigin of such income. It contained data onforeign commitments and claims of under-de-veloped countries, and on the internal distribu-tion of income in these countries as well as inselected industrialized countries included in thestudy for purposes of comparison. The Secretary-General also presented suggestions as to thedirection in which the study could be expandedin the event that the Council should wish amore complete and detailed investigation to becarried out.

The Council also had before it, in connexionwith this item, two studies prepared by theInternational Monetary Fund on "InvestmentService of Under-Developed Countries" and on"Statutory and Administrative Measures Designedto Provide for Servicing Foreign Investment inTimes of Exchange Stringency (in Under-De-veloped Countries)" (E/2024); and a studyby the Secretary-General on "Relation of Fluc-tuations in the Prices of Primary Commoditiesto the Ability of Under-Developed Countries toObtain Foreign Exchange" (E/2047 and Add.1).

The Council discussed the reports at its 514th,516th, 518th and 519th meetings from 22-24August. The view was repeatedly expressed that,while it was clear that there is a very wide dif-ference between the national per capita incomeof the under-developed countries and of developedcountries, it was also true that the variations inthe per capita income of different occupationaland other groups within under-developed coun-tries are much wider than within developedcountries. It was pointed out that the amountof current foreign exchange receipts of the under-developed countries used to service foreign debtsis a considerable proportion of their total foreignexchange receipts, though a much smaller propor-tion of their total national income. The repre-sentative of India stressed that great care shouldbe taken in drawing conclusions from changes inthe balance-of-payments position of countries. Theability of countries to service foreign loans hadno relation to their standards of living. The repre-sentatives of Canada, France, Sweden and theUnited Kingdom emphasized that most under-developed countries do not have the detailed sta-tistics required for a proper evaluation of theirnational incomes and the distribution of theseincomes, and that comparisons in the volume anddistribution of income as between developed


countries and under-developed countries are diffi-cult to make because the normal methods cur-rently employed in calculating national incomesare designed primarily for use in countries withhighly developed economic and financial systems.

Some representatives, among them those ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, felt thatmore positive action on this subject was requiredin view of the General Assembly's request fora study and report by the Council. They felt thatthe report before the Council was of a prelimi-nary character only, and that the Secretary-Generalshould be asked to complete it and submit it tothe Council at its next session, and that a fullreport would enable the Council to draw con-clusions beneficial to the under-developed coun-tries. The representative of Poland submitted adraft resolution to this effect (E/L.228). Theserepresentatives also thought that the distributionof national income in the under-developed coun-tries should be kept under continuous review bythe Council. They believed that changes in thedistribution of national income and provisions toprevent the flow of capital from the under-devel-oped countries in the form of dividends andprofits would make it possible for them to ac-cumulate sufficient capital to finance their eco-nomic development. The Polish proposal was re-jected by the Council by 9 votes to 3, with 6abstentions.

The majority of the Council, however, agreedthat statistics on factors, such as national income,production, consumption and balance of pay-ments, would be useful in discussions of prob-lems of economic development at future sessions.With this in mind, the Council, at its 519th meet-ing on 24 August, adopted by 15 votes to none,with 3 abstentions, a Canadian draft resolution.The resolution had been revised (E./L.225/-Rev.1) to incorporate amendments by Sweden(E/L.227) and, orally, by the United States toemphasize the development of "adequate" and"reliable" national income statistics and the needto develop statistical series which would reflectthe existing differences in the economic and so-cial structures of the countries concerned.

In resolution 369 (XIII), the Council notedthe reports and requested the Secretary-Generaland the Fund, in co-operation with other special-ized agencies concerned, to continue to give at-tention to these subjects in the course of theirregular work on problems of economic develop-ment and on the development of adequate andreliable national income statistics and balance-

of-payments statistics. The Council asked that par-ticular attention be given to the preparation ofbasic statistical series in both developed and un-der-developed countries in a manner which wouldtake into account the existing differences in theeconomic and social structures of the countriesconcerned.

5. Conservation and Utilization ofNon-Agricultural Resources

The Secretary-General submitted a report (E/-1906) to the twelfth session of the Council inpursuance of the Council's resolution 271 (X)requesting that he study the proceedings of theUnited Nations Scientific Conference on the Con-servation and Utilization of Resources and reportto the Council appropriate proposals, after con-sulting the specialized agencies concerned andsuch of the conference participants as he consid-ered useful. The Secretary-General advanced twodetailed proposals which would provide for: (1)a United Nations programme to promote thesystematic survey and inventory of non-agricul-tural resources, and (2) international conferenceson particular resource problems.

The Council considered the report at the 98thand 99th meetings of its Economic Committee on21 and 22 February and at its 464th plenarymeeting on 9 March.

With regard to the first proposal, considerabledebate arose over a Philippine amendment (E/-AC.6/L.27). The purpose of the amendment, itssponsor stated, was to ensure that the most seriousconsideration would be given to requests fromgovernments for technical assistance in organiz-ing, planning and conducting national surveys andinventories of non-agricultural resources, includ-ing oil and coal reserves, and for training person-nel for such surveys and inventories.

The representative of the United States saidthat, while he realized it was not the intent ofthe amendment that the United Nations itselfnecessarily make the surveys, it nevertheless couldbe so interpreted and its adoption would risk in-volving the United Nations in expenditures whichit would be unable to meet.

Following the adoption of amendments by theUnited Kingdom to delete the words "the mostserious" and the words "and the conduct of",however, the Committee at its 99th meetingadopted the Philippine amendment by 15 votesto none.


The Committee also adopted, by 13 votes tonone, an Indian amendment (E/AC.6/L.26) toask the Secretary-General to give further detailedconsideration to any international action thatmight be undertaken immediately, particularly inpromoting an integrated approach and a syste-matic analysis of the problems raised by the con-servation and utilization of resources.

A joint amendment by the United Kingdomand France (E/AC.6/L.29) to provide that theSecretary-General would furnish each subsequentsession of the Council with a statement of specificplans and action, was adopted by 14 votes tonone.

Several United States amendments (E/AC.6/L.24/Rev.1) were adopted by votes varying from15 to none to 10 to 1. These amendments were pri-marily designed to stress the necessity of encour-aging a systematic analysis of the problems raisedby the conservation and utilization of resources,and the important part which the specializedagencies and non-governmental organizationswould play in the future success of the measuresproposed.

The amended draft resolution was adopted bythe Economic Committee (E/1926) by 15 votesto none.

At its 464th plenary meeting the Counciladopted by 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions,a United Kingdom amendment (E/L.158), whichwould delete a provision for standing advisorycommittees to consider specific survey and inven-tory problems. Following the adoption of anotherUnited Kingdom amendment, designed to clarifywording, the Council adopted the draft resolu-tion, as amended, by 14 votes to none, with 3abstentions, as resolution 345A (XII) (see be-low).

In considering the second proposal (providingfor international conferences on resource prob-lems), the Economic Committee, without debate,at its 99th meeting on 22 February adopted thefollowing amendments:

(1) A United States suggestion to refer in the pre-amble to the importance of the use of the world'sresources for furthering economic development, adoptedby 15 votes to none; (2) Two French proposals, the firstto specify that the "advice" rather than "co-operation"of experts should be sought, adopted by 14 votes tonone, and the second to provide that the Council shouldbe kept informed, adopted by 15 votes to none, with3 abstentions; (3) an Indian amendment to delete areference to regional conferences on the subject, adoptedby 12 votes to 1, with 5 abstentions. The amended textwas adopted by 13 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

Following the adoption of two clarifyingUnited Kingdom amendments (E/L.158), theCouncil at its 464th plenary meeting on 9 Marchadopted the draft resolution (E/1926), asamended, by 15 votes to none, with 3 absten-tions, as resolution 345 B (XII).

Resolution 345(XII) read:A

"The Economic and Social Council,"Considering that the work of the United Nations

Scientific Conference on the Conservation and Utilizationof Resources has demonstrated the need for the system-atic survey and inventory of resources, particularly inconnexion with economic development programmes,

"Having noted that the Food and Agriculture Organi-zation of the United Nations is developing a programmefor continuing co-operation with respect to soils, forestsand other natural resources important to food and agri-culture, and that no overall facilities are currently pro-vided for similar co-operation on a continuing basiswith respect to non-agricultural natural resources,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General:"(a) To initiate a programme designed to promote

the systematic survey and inventory of non-agriculturalnatural resources, including:

"(i) The development and improvement of standardconcepts, terminology in various languages, methods andprocedures useful for the survey and inventory of specifictypes of non-agricultural natural resources;

"(ii) The systematic compilation, at United NationsHeadquarters or other suitable places, of informationembodying the results of surveys and inventories ofparticular non-agricultural natural resources on the basisof the examination of published data and data furnishedby governments;

"(b) In carrying out the task entrusted to him undersub-paragraph (a) above,

"(i) To consider the suggestions of Member Statesand of the regional economic commissions;

"(ii) To seek the advice of suitable experts and, inthis connexion, establish, as necessary, small ad hoc com-mittees of experts to consider specific resource surveyand inventory problems;

"(iii) To consult with and seek the co-operation ofinterested specialized agencies and, to the extent hedeems appropriate, scientific and technical societies andother organizations having important responsibilities,experience or interest in fields related to the programme;

"(iv) To furnish each subsequent session of theCouncil with a statement of specific plans to these endsand of action taken;

"(c) To give consideration to requests from govern-ments for technical assistance made under Council reso-lution 222 A (IX) and General Assembly resolution 304(IV) in the organizing and planning of national surveysand inventories of non-agricultural resources, includingpetroleum and coal reserves, and for training of person-nel for such surveys and inventories;

"(d) To give further and detailed consideration toany international action of a general character that maybe immediately undertaken particularly in promoting anintegrated approach to and a systematic analysis ofproblems of conservation and use of any particularresources;


"(e) To report to the Council, not later than thefifteenth session, concerning his activities under thepresent resolution; and

"2. Recommends that Member States, specializedagencies, and interested non-governmental organizationsco-operate with the Secretary-General in the executionof this programme.

B"The Economic and Social Council."Recognizing the importance of promoting the effect-

ive and sustained use of the world's natural resources asa means of furthering economic development, and recog-nizing further the progress that may be made in thisdirection through the holding of international conferen-ces in which there is an exchange of information per-tinent to particular types of resources or particularresource problems common to a group of countries,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General:"(a) To explore, at the request of Member States

concerned, and, when appropriate, in consultation withregional economic commissions and specialized agenciesconcerned, the scope and specific subject matter of anyparticular resource conferences that may, upon appro-priate investigation, appear desirable;

"(b) In carrying out the task entrusted to him undersub-paragraph (a) above, to consult to the extent hedeems appropriate and to seek the advice of experts,scientific and technical societies, and other organizationshaving important responsibilities, experience or interestin the fields related to the programme of particularconferences;

"(c) To furnish each subsequent session of the Coun-cil with a statement of specific plans to these ends andof action taken; and

"2. Requests the regional economic commissions toconsider the present resolution and to make recommen-dations as they deem would be useful in promoting itspurposes."

At its thirteenth session, at its 550th plenarymeeting on 13 September, the Council thereforehad before it the Secretary-General's first reportunder Council resolution 345 (XII). This report(E/2038) dealt with the Secretary-General's spe-cific plans and the action taken with respect tothe survey and inventory of non-agricultural re-sources and with the question of internationalconferences on resources.

The Secretary-General informed the Council ofhis intention to select iron ore as the first of theresources for study and described the manner inwhich he was planning to proceed with the work.He also informed the Council that, during 1951,he expected to explore whether and for whatother mineral resources the need existed for simi-lar work. With regard to water resources, he feltthat the need for a systematic survey, for an in-ventory of activities, and for the developmentand improvement of standard concepts and termi-nology might best be clarified following the prep-aration of the report on international co-operation

in the field of water control and utilization re-quested by resolution 346 (XII).54

In the course of the consideration of the Sec-retary-General's plans, the representatives ofBelgium, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates commended his selection of iron ore re-sources as the first subject of study. The repre-sentative of the United States also suggested thatthe next subject might properly concern suchresources as copper, lead, zinc and mineral fuelsand chemical fertilizers.

The representative of Peru stressed that hy-draulic energy, as well as mineral wealth, forestland and agricultural and cattle resources, consti-tuted wealth belonging to each State. No mea-sures concerning those resources or sources ofwater (lakes, rivers, glaciers) could therefore beundertaken without the full agreement and par-ticipation of the country concerned.

At the end of the discussion, the Council, by15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, took noteof the Secretary-General's report (resolution 376(XIII)).

6. International Co-operation on WaterControl and Utilization: Development

of Arid Lands

At its twelfth session, the Council had beforeit a note (E/1894) by the United States con-cerning international co-operation on water con-trol and utilization. It pointed out that, althoughsegments of the problem were within the com-petence of various United Nations agencies andother intergovernmental and non-governmentaltechnical organizations, there was no single unitwithin the United Nations with central responsi-bility to promote and co-ordinate internationalaction in this field.

The General Assembly, the note stated, at itsfifth session had requested the Secretary-Generalto report on the practical measures adopted forthe study of the problems of arid zones and onthe technical and financial means employed bythe specialized agencies for this purpose. The notesuggested that this report should be enlarged soas to survey the entire field of water control andutilization and that it should also cover the workof semi-governmental and non-governmental or-ganizations as well as that of the specializedagencies. The United States proposed a resolutionto this effect.

54 See below, p. 415.


The Council considered the question at the 99thto 101st meetings of its Economic Committeefrom 22-24 February and at its 464th plenarymeeting on 9 March 1951.

During the debate, the representative of theUnited States suggested that, in view of the im-portance of proper water control and utilizationfor economic development, there should be es-tablished, within the existing United Nationssystem, facilities:

(1) to stimulate new research where necessary, andto promote the exchange and co-ordination of researchfindings and practical experience on all aspects of watercontrol and utilization, using not only public but privateinstitutions;

(2) to assist in arranging technical assistance projectsof the United Nations and the specialized agencies insuch a way that the multiple-purpose approach to watercontrol and utilization problems was furthered whereverpossible; and

(3) to formulate proposals for co-operative inter-national action to assist national action in these fields.

While most representatives agreed on the needfor centralizing responsibility for promoting andco-ordinating within the United Nations systeminternational action for maximum utilization ofwater resources, the representatives of India, thePhilippines and the United Kingdom, amongothers, were of the opinion that the extensivesurvey suggested might delay the work alreadyundertaken. The United Kingdom representativepointed out that, since the problem of arid zonesand that of water control and utilization werehighly specialized, they had to be approached indifferent ways, and an attempt to deal with thetwo problems simultaneously might hamper thework in progress on arid zones. The representa-tive of France suggested as an alternative (E/AC.6/L.31): that the Secretary-General might beinstructed to undertake a separate study in col-laboration with the specialized agencies concernedon the work being done in the field of watercontrol and utilization. The representative of Perusupported the French amendment and also sug-gested (E/1894/Add.1) that the resolution shouldbe extended to take into consideration the judi-cial aspects of the problem both on the nationaland the international plane.

The representative of the USSR expressed theview that, although the question was within thecompetence of the United Nations, the UnitedStates proposal constituted an attempt to inter-fere in the domestic affairs of countries withrespect to their water resources. The responsibilityfor the control and utilization of water shouldrest with the governments concerned. If there was

any need for co-operation on the question be-tween countries sharing the same source of watersupply, it could well be achieved by bilateralagreements.

At the 101st meeting of the Economic Com-mittee on 24 February, the various proposalswere embodied in a joint text submitted byFrance, the Philippines, the United Kingdom andthe United States (E/AC.6/L.32). The representa-tive of Peru felt that the legal aspects had beenignored and therefore maintained his amendment(E/1894/Add.1), which was subsequently re-jected by 10 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions.

At the same meeting, the joint proposal wasadopted by the Economic Committee (E/1929)by 15 votes to 3, with no abstentions, and by theCouncil, at its 464th plenary meeting on 9 March,by 15 votes to 3.

Resolution 346 (XII) requested the Secretary-General, in preparing the report recommendedunder General Assembly resolution 402 (V), totake into consideration the entire field of watercontrol and utilization as related to the problemsof arid zones. The resolution further requestedthe Secretary-General, in consultation with thespecialized agencies, to submit an additional re-port to the Council on the work of the special-ized agencies and other international organizations,whether governmental, semi-governmental or non-governmental, engaged in the broad field of watercontrol and utilization.

7. General Aspects of EconomicDevelopment

The General Assembly at its sixth session con-sidered the item "Economic development of under-developed countries" from the 147th to 180thmeetings of its Second Committee from 20 No-vember 1951-10 January 1952 and at its 360thplenary meeting on 12 January 1952.

The Second Committee at its 168th to 175thmeetings from 18 December 1951-5 January 1952had before it the following three draft resolutionsconcerning general aspects of economic develop-ment: (1) by Cuba (A/C.2/L.84/Rev.2) on in-tegrated economic development; (2) by Haiti(A/C.2/L.95) on methods to increase produc-

tivity; (3) by Poland (A/C2/L.81 and Corr.1) on integrated economic development and long-term trade agreements.

A joint draft resolution by Chile and France(A/C.2/L.111) was subsequently withdrawn when


it became apparent that unanimity could not beachieved. This would have proposed that the Eco-nomic and Social Council should encourage gov-ernmental action for economic development tofacilitate the international movement of commod-ities and, where appropriate, of manpower toenable the under-developed countries to developtheir essential industries and at the same time tosupply the export products needed by the indus-trialized countries.

a. INTEGRATED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The draft resolution by Cuba (A/C.2/L.84/-Rev.2) proposed that the Council should studythe problems of economic development whichhad not been studied sufficiently by the Assemblyor the Council, including problems involved in:( i) the rapid industrialization of under-developedcountries; (ii) the internal reform of systems ofsocial legislation, particularly legislation relatingto the standards of living of the working classesand to the effects of mechanization of agricultureand industry; and (iii) fiscal reform. The Councilwas asked to submit to the Assembly, as soon aspracticable, concrete proposals for measures whichshould be recommended for dealing with theseproblems.

The Cuban draft resolution was supported bythe representatives of Burma, Chile, Czechoslo-vakia, Egypt, Greece, Pakistan, the Philippines,the Ukrainian SSR, the USSR and the UnitedStates.

The representatives of Egypt, Pakistan, thePhilippines, and the Ukrainian SSR, however, feltthat fiscal reforms were essentially within theprovince of governments and therefore the refer-ence to them should be deleted.

The representatives of Belgium, France and theUnited Kingdom felt that the Council was alreadyoverburdened with work and that such generalstudies would serve no practical purpose.

At the Committee's 171st meeting on 21 De-cember the representative of Cuba submitted arevised proposal (A/C.2/L.84/Rev.3), incorporat-ing, inter alia, an amendment by India (A/C.2/-L.123).

It would request the Council to promote studiesof a programme of rapid industrialization of theunder-developed countries, including the economic,social, fiscal, technical and organizational prob-lems involved, and of the role that the industriallyadvanced and the under-developed countries have

to play in such a programme. This amendmentreplaced both clauses of the operative part of therevised Cuban draft, with the exception of theclause referring to the submission by the Councilto the Assembly of concrete proposals for meas-ures which might be of aid to the under-devel-oped and developed countries in these problems.(A separate vote was subsequently taken on theIndian amendment and it was adopted by 21 votesto 13, with 11 abstentions.)

An oral amendment by Egypt substituting thewords "achieve a better direction" for the words"avoid mis-direction" in the third paragraph ofthe preamble (see below) was adopted by 43votes to none, with 2 abstentions.

An oral amendment by France, which wouldhave the Council merely formulate proposalsrather than submit them to the Assembly, wasrejected by 17 votes to 14, with 15 abstentions.

The revised draft resolution, as amended, wasadopted as a whole at the 171st meeting of theSecond Committee (A/2052) by 41 votes to 2,with 3 abstentions.

The General Assembly at its 360th plenarymeeting on 12 January 1952 adopted it by 52votes to none, with 2 abstentions, as resolution521 (VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"In view of the fact that the General Assembly and

the Economic and Social Council have devoted con-siderable attention to methods of financing economicdevelopment, to technical assistance and to the questionof land reform and that the results of these efforts arelikely to exert an important influence on the economicdevelopment of under-developed countries,

"Considering that there are other aspects of economicdevelopment involving equally important problems whichhave not been given the attention they deserve,

"Recognizing that a continuing comprehensive andmethodical study of every aspect of economic develop-ment is required in order to achieve a better directionof effort and resources in promoting the economicadvancement of under-developed areas and countries,

"Considering that a comprehensive and full study ofeconomic development should be conducted to acceleratedevelopment programmes and plans,

"Requests the Economic and Social Council:"(a) To promote studies of a programme of rapid

industrialization of the under-developed countries, in-cluding the economic, social, fiscal, technical and organi-zational problems involved, and the role that the indus-trially advanced and under-developed countries have toplay in such a programme;

"(b) To submit to the General Assembly, as soon aspracticable, concrete proposals for measures which maybe of aid to the under-developed and the developedcountries in connexion with the problems referred to insub-paragraph (a) above."


b. METHODS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

The draft resolution by Haiti (A/C.2/L.95)on methods to increase productivity in the worldproposed that the Council prepare, for submissionto the seventh session of the Assembly, recom-mendations and programmes on this subject.

The representative of the United States intro-duced several amendments (A/C.2/L.119) whichhe explained did not modify the sense of theHaitian draft resolution. Instead of listing thevarious means of national action with regard towhich the Council was requested to submit rec-ommendations, the amendment defined the sub-ject of such recommendations in more generalterms. The representative of Haiti felt that theseamendments gave the resolution added force andaccepted them. The United States representativefelt the Council should be asked to report at anearly session rather than at the seventh session.However, he agreed to withdraw that proposal.

The draft resolution, as amended, was adopted(A/2052) without further discussion at the 172ndmeeting of the Second Committee on 2 Januaryby 26 votes to none, with 14 abstentions.

The General Assembly, at its 360th plenarymeeting on 12 January 1952, adopted it by 44votes to none, with 10 abstentions, as resolution522 (VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Considering that, to ensure more rapid economic

progress of the world as a whole, closer internationalco-operation is required to facilitate the best use of theworld's manpower resources, natural resources andproductive equipment,

"Considering that an expansion of the world economyin the interest of raising living standards requires therapid economic development of the under-developedcountries, and that such an expansion depends upon thegrowth of production of vitally needed goods and serv-ices in all parts of the world,

"Believing that an important increase in the rate ofgrowth of world production could be achieved by theapplication of the latest available scientific knowledgeto techniques of production,

"Taking account of the fact that the optimum combi-nation of human, natural and capital resources is likelyto vary, depending on the relative abundance or scarcityof these resources,

"Requests the Economic and Social Council:"(a) To study the varying ways in which the pro-

ductivity of peoples everywhere can be increased bythe application of existing scientific and technologicalknowledge;

"(b) To recommend, as soon as practicable, methodsby which the results of the studies undertaken undersub-paragraph (a) above can be made available to theunder-developed countries at their request;

"(c) To report to the General Assembly at its seventhregular session on the progress made under the presentresolution."

c. INTEGRATED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTAND COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS

The draft resolution submitted by Poland onintegrated economic development and long-termtrade agreements (A/C.2/L.81 and Corr.1) pro-posed that in order to enable the under-developedcountries to finance their own development, Mem-ber Governments should consider the possibilityof concluding long-term trade treaties, free of anyconditions violating the sovereign rights of theunder-developed countries, so that, in exchangefor their raw materials, the under-developed coun-tries might be assured of the capital goods neces-sary for their development. The draft resolutionwould also call upon the under-developed coun-tries to adopt measures designed to counteract theharmful economic effects of the rearmament race.

The representative of the United States thoughtthat the Polish text, which referred to the im-portance of obtaining capital goods with rawmaterials under prevailing difficult world condi-tions, was very narrow in scope and distorted thefacts. He therefore presented a series of amend-ments (A/C.2/L.120) designed to show how allMember States could take steps to meet some ofthe problems involved in the development ofunder-developed countries while bearing the strainimposed by defence precautions. This amendmentwould change the title to read "Integrated eco-nomic development", modify substantially the pre-amble and amend the operative part by:

(1) recommending that Members of the UnitedNations, within the framework of their general economicpolicy, should continue to make every possible effort:

(a) to facilitate the international movement andequitable distribution of capital goods, essential con-sumer goods and raw materials especially needed for themaintenance of international peace and security, theimprovement of standards of living and the furtheringof economic development; and (b) to facilitate thedevelopment of natural resources which could be utilizedfor the domestic needs of the under-developed countriesand for the needs of international trade;

(2) stating that any agreements entered into to giveeffect to these objectives would not contain any eco-nomic or political conditions violating the sovereignrights of the under-developed countries, including theright to determine their own plans for economicdevelopment;

(3) approving the recommendations contained inresolution 341 (XII) of the Economic and SocialCouncil55 and urging all Member Governments to takethe measures called for therein; and

55 See pp. 366-67.


(4) requesting all Members of the United Nations toreport to the fifteenth session of the Council on suchaction as they had taken under Council resolution 341(XII) or, where such reports had been submitted to thethirteenth session of the Council, to bring such reportsup to date.

A joint amendment to the United States amend-ment was proposed by Egypt, India and Indonesia(A/C.2/L.124 and Corr. 1 and 2) in an attemptto reconcile elements of both texts and to elimi-nate political considerations.

According to this joint amendment, the title of theresolution would read "Integrated economic developmentand trade agreements", the preamble would be substan-tially modified, and the operative part would recommendthat Members of the United Nations should:

(1) continue to make every possible effort to carryout the recommendations contained in paragraphs 1 to4 of section A of Council resolution 341 (XII), and

(2 ) consider the possibility of concluding trade agree-ments to facilitate: (a) the movement of machinery,equipment and industrial raw materials needed by theunder-developed countries; and (b) the development ofnatural resources which could be utilized in the firstinstance for the domestic needs of the under-developedcountries and for the needs of international trade, pro-vided that such trade agreements would not contain eco-nomic or political conditions violating the sovereignrights of the under-developed countries, including theright to determine their own plans for economicdevelopment.

The sponsors of this joint amendment accepteda Chilean amendment (A/C.2/L.125) whichwould add two paragraphs at the end of the Polishdraft resolution, as it would be amended by thejoint amendments to the United States amend-ments.

The Chilean amendment would request the Counciland its regional economic commissions to encouragegovernmental action as recommended in the amendeddraft resolution, and to facilitate such action by anysteps which the Council might deem appropriate. Theamendment would further request the Secretary-Generalto continue to carry out such studies as would enablegovernments, the Council and its regional economiccommissions to give effect to the recommendations con-tained in the amended draft resolution.

Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden sub-mitted a joint amendment (A/C.2/L.127 and Add.1) to the joint amendment by Egypt, India andIndonesia (A/C.2/L.124 and Corr.1 and 2).

This would recommend that Members of the UnitedNations consider the effect which a more even distribu-tion of the national incomes of the under-developedcountries would have on a fuller utilization of theirnational resources and thereby on the improvement oftheir conditions for economic development.

An informal drafting committee was set up atthe 174th meeting. At the 175th meeting it pre-sented a consolidated joint amendment co-spon-sored by Chile, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece,

India, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and theUnited States.

In the course of the discussion at the 175thmeeting, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Swedenwithdrew their amendment and the nine sponsorsof the amendments to the Polish draft resolutionaccepted several minor oral amendments and sug-gestions by the members of the Committee andby the Chairman. In this modified form, theamendments were accepted by the representativeof Poland.

The Polish draft resolution, as amended, wasadopted unanimously by the Committee (A/-2052), at its 175th meeting on 5 January.

It was also adopted unanimously by the GeneralAssembly, at its 360th plenary meeting on 12January 1952, without discussion, as resolution523 (VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Considering that the under-developed countries have

the right to determine freely the use of their naturalresources and that they must utilize such resources inorder to be in a better position to further the realizationof their plans of economic development in accordancewith their national interests, and to further the expan-sion of the world economy,

"Considering that the existing sharp increase in thedemand for raw materials, including the demand forstock-piling has resulted in an increase in the prices ofa number of raw materials and in fluctuations in theprices of others; has in many cases been accompaniedby increased prices and reduced availability of importantitems of machinery, equipment, consumer goods andindustrial raw materials necessary for the developmentof under-developed countries; has created inflationarypressures and brought about the regulation of prices atdifferent relative levels for different products and hasthereby caused or increased the economic difficulties inmany of the under-developed countries,

"Recognizing that continued domestic and externalinflationary pressures, if unchecked, are likely to affectunfavourably the rate and pattern of economic develop-ment of the under-developed countries,

"Bearing in mind that one way of obtaining the meansnecessary for carrying out economic development plansin under-developed countries is the creation of condi-tions under which these countries could more readilyacquire machinery, equipment and industrial raw ma-terials for the goods and services exported by them,

"1. Recommends that Members of the United Na-tions, within the framework of their general economicpolicy, should:

"(a) Continue to make every possible effort to carryout the recommendations contained in paragraphs 1, 2,3 and 4 of Economic and Social Council resolution 341(XII), section A, of 20 March 1951;

"(b) Consider the possibility of facilitating throughcommercial agreements:"(i) The movement of machinery, equipment and in-

dustrial raw materials needed by the under-developed countries for their economic develop-


ment and for the improvement of their standardsof living, and

"(ii) The development of natural resources which canbe utilized for the domestic needs of the under-developed countries and also for the needs ofinternational trade,

provided that such commercial agreements shall notcontain economic or political conditions violating thesovereign rights of the under-developed countries, in-cluding the right to determine their own plans for eco-nomic development;

"2. Requests the Economic and Social Council andits regional economic commissions to encourage govern-

ment action as recommended in the preceding para-graph and to facilitate such action by any steps whichthe Council may deem appropriate;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General to continue tocarry out such studies as will enable governments, theEconomic and Social Council and its regional economiccommissions to give effect to the recommendations con-tained in the present resolution;

"4. Requests all Members of the United Nations toreport to the Economic and Social Council at its four-teenth session on such action as they may have takenunder the present resolution and under Council resolu-tion 341 (XII), section A."

C. FULL EMPLOYMENT

The subject of full employment was placed onthe agenda of the thirteenth session of the Eco-nomic and Social Council, in view of the Council'sdesire, expressed in its resolution 290 (XI),56 tokeep so vital a question under continuous review.

In accordance with that resolution, the Secre-tary-General had circulated to governments aquestionnaire (E/CN.1/81 & Add.1-14) con-cerning their full-employment standards, economictrends and objectives, and balance-of-paymentsand related problems. The replies were before theCouncil at its thirteenth session, together withanalyses of these replies prepared by the Secre-tariat (E/2035 and Add.1).

In its report on its sixth session (E/2006), theEconomic Employment and Development Com-mission which, under resolution 290 (XI), hadbeen requested to examine the replies and form-ulate recommendations to the Council, stated thatit had not been able to do so, partly because toofew replies had been received from governmentsin time to enable the Commission to performthis task, and partly because the Commission, inaccordance with a request of the Council, hadgiven priority to the problem of financing eco-nomic development of under-developed coun-tries.57

The Council considered the question of fullemployment at its 503rd, 507th, 508th, 520th,521st and 524th plenary meetings, held on 15, 17,18, 25, 27 and 28 August 1951.

The Assistant Secretary-General in charge ofEconomic Affairs, analysing the replies, informedthe Council that only one country (the UnitedKingdom) had adopted a full-employment stand-ard fully in accordance with the Council's recom-mendation, while another (the United States) hadadopted a procedure for announcing yearly em-

ployment goals which would serve as a guide foreconomic policy. Several governments were con-tinuing to study the problems which the adoptionof a standard would entail, and a number hadpointed out that the establishment of a full-employment standard was not of immediate in-terest to them, the amount of unemployment intheir countries being very small. A few govern-ments had stated that the adoption of a full-employment standard would not be helpful forthe formulation of economic policies. Regardingeconomic trends and objectives during 1950, theAssistant Secretary-General informed the Councilthat the replies showed that the level of economicactivity had reached a new post-war peak almosteverywhere during 1950, and that governmentswere concerned less with problems of unemploy-ment than with policies designed to curb risingprices and inflationary pressures. A considerablepart of the analyses undertaken by the Secretariathad therefore been devoted to those problems.

He made two specific suggestions. The first wasthat the Council amend resolution 290 (XI) soas to leave the Secretary-General free to determinethe period to be covered by the proposed studyof the long-term balance of international paymentsand of the related commodity composition of in-ternational trade,58 as well as the time when, inhis judgment, such a study would serve the prac-tical purpose of providing the Council with afactual basis for action regarding internationaltransactions, policies and programmes. The othersuggestion dealt with the possible modification ofthe annual questionnaire on full employment un-der resolution 290 (XI), with a view to the col-lection and analysis of material bearing directly

56 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 472-74.57 See pp. 380-81.58 See paras. 11 and 13 of resolution 290 (XI).


on the problems peculiar to under-developed coun-tries. He also called attention to the fact that,when the Council had adopted resolution 290(XI), it had referred to the special conditionswhich obtained in some predominantly agricul-tural countries and the difficulties these countriesmight have in carrying out some of the provisionsof that resolution. The Council had also said thatit would consider recommendations with regardto national and international measures for fullemployment in under-developed countries in thelight of a report, prepared by a special group ofexperts on problems of unemployment and under-employment in under-developed countries,59 whichwas now before the Council (E/1986).60

The experts, in their report, pointed out thatthe principal way to reduce unemployment andunder-employment in under-developed countrieswas through economic development; thereforethey concentrated their attention on national andinternational measures for economic development.The first eight recommendations of the report,however, dealt with national action by under-developed countries to provide the pre-conditionsand institutional framework for economic devel-opment.

They recommended that the government of eachunder-developed country:

"1. Make clear to its people its willingness to takevigorous action to remove the obstacles to free and equalopportunity which blunt the incentives and discouragethe efforts of its people. Under this head we include landreform, abolition of privileges based on race, colour,caste or creed, the establishment of taxation upon aprogressive basis, and a programme of mass education;

"2. Establish a central economic unit with the func-tions of surveying the economy, making developmentprogrammes, advising on the measures necessary forcarrying out such programmes and reporting on themperiodically. The development programmes should con-tain a capital budget showing the requirements of capitaland how much of this is expected from domestic andfrom foreign sources."

They further recommended that, in order topromote rapid economic development, an under-developed country should take the followingmeasures:

"3. Survey the ways in which production, distribu-tion and finance are organized in each of the majorsectors of the economy and take measures to improvetheir efficiency;

"4. Survey the prospects of creating new productiveemployment by industrialization, by bringing more landunder cultivation, by developing mineral resources, orby other means; and announce its programmes forexpanding employment;

"5. Survey the possibilities of increasing agriculturalyields and announce the measures it proposes to adoptin order to effect rapid improvement of yields;

"6. Prepare a programme, covering a period of years,for the improvement of public facilities by capital in-vestment;

"7. Prepare a programme of education and researchshowing its goals and its proposed expenditures for somesuch period as five-years; and showing separately whatis proposed for agricultural extension services, for in-dustrial training, and for the training of scientists andadministrators;

"8. Prepare programmes to stimulate domestic sav-ings, including the extension of savings institutions andmeasures involving taxation; and, in order to ensure thatcapital moves into the most productive uses, establish adevelopment bank and an agricultural credit system, andif necessary, take other measures for influencing thedirection of investment, such as credit controls, foreignexchange controls, or licensing of buildings or capitalextensions."

The report of the Economic, Employment andDevelopment Commission on its sixth session(E/2006) further elaborated some of these rec-ommendations concerning national action. Thus,with respect to recommendation 2, the Commissionfelt that, in addition to a capital budget showingthe requirements of capital, economic developmentprogrammes should also contain budgets for othersectors of the economy. With respect to recom-mendation 8, the Commission emphasized the rolewhich domestic financial resources must play ineconomic development, and urged that the Secre-tary-General continue further the detailed exami-nation of specific problems in the field of domesticcapital mobilization in the under-developed areas.

In the general debate on the problem of fullemployment, the Council discussed the measurestaken by governments toward achieving full em-ployment and the effect which the current eco-nomic situation—in particular, the rearmamentprogrammes—had on the problems of employ-ment, inflation and living standards. Some repre-sentatives, including those of Beligum, CanadaCzechoslovakia, France, the Philippines, Polandand the United States, supplemented informationcontained in the replies to the Secretariat's ques-tionnaire (E/CN.1/81 and Addenda 1-14).

Various representatives attributed differentcauses to the full-employment problem. The rep-resentative of the United Kingdom, for example,felt that, while the domestic measures taken by hisGovernment were adequate to maintain internaldemand, the real danger to full-employment came

59 See para. 22 of resolution 290 (XI).60 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.B.2. This report was con-

sidered by the Council in some detail during the debateon the question of economic development of under-developed countries. See pp. 380-87.


from the disequilibrium in the balance-of-pay-ments. In his view, international co-operation wasessential if all countries were to pursue full-em-ployment policies.

The representatives of certain under-developedcountries, including those of Chile, India and Pak-istan, maintained that full employment was di-rectly dependent on economic development andcould not be achieved without it; and at the pres-ent time there was a risk of the tempo of eco-nomic development in those countries slowingdown.

It was pointed out that full employment didnot currently constitute such a problem for themajority of the developed countries as it had inprevious years. The most urgent problems facingthem were inflation and the scarcity of resources.From the standpoint of the under-developed coun-tries, however, both in Asia and in Latin America,full employment as an immediate goal had alwaysappeared somewhat out of focus. The under-developed countries suffered from unemployment,under-employment and disguised unemployment,and the key solution to their employment prob-lem was economic development, which would re-quire increased international and internal invest-ment and capital equipment with which under-developed countries could produce more, and forwhich they needed the fullest co-operation of thedeveloped countries.

The representative of the Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO) spoke on the agriculturalaspects of full employment, referring in particu-lar to the conclusion of the group of experts (E/-1986, see above) that the fundamental solutionto the problem of unemployment in most under-developed countries lay in rapid economic devel-opment balancing agricultural and industrial de-velopment.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR maintained that the current worldeconomic situation in the capitalist countries wasdominated by war preparations, that productionand employment programmes in those countrieswere directed towards increasing the volume ofgoods that had no social value at the expense ofthe necessities of life and that the living standardsof the masses were therefore deteriorating. In theirview, the situation was very short of the objec-tives of Article 55 of the United Nations Charter(which deals with the creation of conditions ofstability and well-being). They pointed, on theother hand, to rising production and living stand-

ards in the non-capitalist countries and to theneed for an end to rearmament and to the elimi-nation of obstacles to trade between the two typesof countries.

The representative of the International Confed-eration of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) statedthat while ICFTU was fully aware of the priorityto be accorded to rearmament, there was need forexpanding production of consumer goods. Thisrepresentative urged the appointment of a groupof experts who would keep economic conditionsin all countries under continuous survey and wouldreport to the Economic and Social Council on:any trends threatening a major economic disequil-ibrium; labour participation in the administrationof commodity agreements; control of profits; equi-table distribution of taxation; expansion of foreigntrade; improved social security; maintenance andstrengthening of free trade unions; and sharingby the workers in the returns from the increasedproductivity.

The representative of the World Federation ofTrade Unions (WFTU) considered that in thelight of the data presented by him, the transitionfrom a peace economy to a war economy did notsolve the problem of unemployment and that,therefore, the proposals on full employment (E/-1332 and Add. 1 and 2) previously submitted byhis organization to the Council as part of a policyfor productive and peaceable full employment werestill fully valid.61

Concern was expressed by some representativesabout the complacency shown in the replies ofcertain governments with respect to the need forthe adoption of a specific full-employment stand-ard in accordance with resolution 290 (XI).Several representatives, including those of Canada,China, France, India, the Philippines, Sweden andthe United States, explained the reasons whichhad led their Governments to a decision againstadopting such a standard.

The United States representative declared thatwhile his Government had accepted the idea offull-employment targets, it did not regard fullemployment as a goal in itself, but rather as oneof several related goals which had as their pur-pose a high and stable level of production and aconstantly rising standard of living, under a sys-tem of free enterprise. His Government, he said,did not therefore use the term "full employment"in its limited sense referring merely to providing

61 This had been submitted to the ninth session of theCouncil in July-August, 1949.


a given number of jobs, since that might resultin under-employment, low productivity and poorutilization of labour and other productive re-sources, as well as constituting a stimulant torestrictive practices. The representative of Canadasimilarly stated that, while his Government op-posed the adoption of a mathematical full-employ-ment target, its policy aimed at high levels ofemployment, economic stability and improvingstandards of living.

The representatives of France, India and Swedenpointed to the difficulties of adopting a rigidfull-employment standard. They felt that it wasnot really possible to compare employment stand-ards between one country and another on a math-ematical basis. The representatives of China, Pak-istan and the Philippines pointed to the imprac-ticability of establishing such a standard in theircountries in view of the large agricultural popula-tions, considerable seasonal unemployment andlack of data concerning changes in unemploymentand under-employment levels.

Several representatives, including those ofFrance and India, welcomed the fact that, in ac-cordance with the terms of Council resolution 290(XI), the question of full employment remainedpermanently on the Council agenda.

A number of representatives supported the sug-gestion of the Secretary-General not to undertakeat this time the studies of the long-term balanceof international payments and of the related com-modity composition of international trade. Theyconsidered that conditions had changed consider-ably since Council resolution 290 (XI) had beenadopted, and thought it desirable, in view of thehighly uncertain future, that the Secretary-Generalbe given a greater degree of discretion in appoint-ing the group of experts and in submitting hisreport to the Council. A joint draft resolution(E/L.208) submitted by Sweden, the United

Kingdom and the United States was adopted bythe Council at its 521st plenary meeting on 27August, by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

According to this resolution, 371 A (XIII),the Council amended paragraphs 11 and 13 of itsresolution 290(XI) so as to leave the Secretary-General free to carry out the studies mentioned,when, in his judgment, they would be most prac-ticable from the point of view of providing theCouncil with a factual basis for action regardinginternational transactions, policies and program-mes, and also to leave him free to determine theperiod of time such studies should cover. He was

requested, however, to carry out those studies atthe earliest practicable date.

A second draft resolution (A/L.216/Rev.1)revised by its sponsors, Pakistan and the Philip-pines, to incorporate amendments by the UnitedStates (E./L.226), by Sweden, France and theUnited Kingdom (E/L.230), and an addendumby the authors, was voted on by the Council at its524th plenary meeting on 28 August. It wasadopted by 14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions,as resolution 371 B (XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,

"Recalling that in Council resolution 290 (XI)account was taken of the fact that it might not bepossible for some predominantly agricultural countriesto implement certain provisions of the resolution owingto inadequate figures on unemployment and under-employment, and that it was decided that further recom-mendations in regard to national and internationalmeasures for full employment in under-developed coun-tries would be considered by the Council in the lightof the report to be prepared by a group of expertswhich was to be appointed under paragraph 22 of theresolution,

"Having noted the experts' report on Measures for theEconomic Development of Under-developed Countriesand the report of the Economic, Employment and Dev-elopment Commission (sixth session), as well as thereplies of governments to the Secretary-General's ques-tionnaire on full employment and the Secretary-General'sanalysis of these replies,

"Recognizing that the under-developed countries,despite the current improvement in their foreign tradebalances resulting from present trends in the world eco-nomic situation, may find it difficult to increase employ-ment and productivity at a desirable rate without acontinued growth in capital equipment and provision oftechnical assistance on an increased scale,

"Agreeing that the elimination or reduction of unem-ployment and under-employment in under-developedcountries, although depending primarily on the effortsof the under-developed countries to achieve the balancedeconomic development so essential to raise the standardof living of their peoples, also requires a high level ofeconomic activity in the industrially advanced countries,

"1. Decides to place on its agenda once each year,beginning in 1952, for consideration as part of thediscussion of the economic development of under-developed countries and in the light of economic trends,the problems of reducing structural unemployment andunder-employment in the under-developed countries andof eliminating obstacles to economic development;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General, in the light ofGeneral Assembly resolution 407(V):

(a) To amend the questionnaire being issued underCouncil resolution 290(XI) where necessary, so as totake into consideration any special problems facing theunder-developed countries in connexion with the imple-mentation of resolution 290(XI);

"(b) To assemble and analyse the replies submittedby governments in response to this questionnaire so asto facilitate the consideration by the Council of the


employment and under-employment problems of theunder-developed countries; and

"(c) To give special attention to requests made bythe governments of Member States for technical assist-ance to improve their economic and statistical services,so as to assist them to comply with resolution 290 (XI)and thus to take a step forward in the implementationof their development programmes, including the problemof reducing unemployment and under-employment."

In a resolution (520 B (VI)) adopted on 12January 1952, concerning the financing of eco-nomic development of under-developed coun-

tries,62 the General Assembly noted with satis-faction the Council's request to the Secretary-General contained in resolution 371 B (XIII), toamend the annual questionnaire on full employ-ment. In analysing the replies from governments,the Secretary-General was requested to deal notonly with problems of employment and under-employment, but also with problems encounteredin carrying out plans basic to economic develop-ment.

D. INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS

1. International CommodityArrangements63

In response to the Council's request at itseleventh session (296(XI)),6 4 the Secretary-General submitted a report (E/2039) to its thir-teenth session on procedures for inter-governmen-tal consultations on problems of primary com-modities. In preparing the report, the Secretary-General had taken into consideration suggestionsreceived from the Interim Co-ordinating Com-mittee for International Commodity Arrange-ments (ICCICA), interested specialized agenciesand inter-governmental commodity groups. Thereport dealt with co-ordination of internationalaction on commodity problems, and the conveningof study groups and commodity conferences. Italso contained a detailed draft resolution based onthe principles and procedures regarding inter-governmental commodity arrangements previouslyestablished or recommended by the Council inresolutions 30 (IV), 110(VI) and 296(XI), andon the text of Chapter VI and other relevantarticles of the Havana Charter for an InternationalTrade Organization.

The Secretary-General noted that, since thedraft resolution was necessarily detailed andlengthy, the Council might wish to postpone ac-tion to a later session to allow opportunity forfurther examination of the question.

The Council considered the report and the draftresolution at the 122nd and 123rd meetings ofits Economic Committee on 4 and 5 Septemberand at its 549th plenary meeting on 13 September1951.

During the discussions in the Economic Com-mittee, it was generally agreed that it would beinadvisable for the Council at that time to under-take basic studies relating to the substance of the

problem. The representatives of Belgium, Canada,China, France, the United Kingdom, the UnitedStates and Uruguay, among others, favoured thecontinuation of the interim arrangements basedon Council resolutions 30(IV) and 296(XI).65

Member States, they felt, should be urged to con-tinue to take the principles laid down in ChapterVI of the Havana Charter as a general guide ininter-governmental consultations or for action re-garding commodity problems.

The representatives of Chile and Pakistan, how-ever, thought that consideration of the reportshould be postponed to a later session. A Pakis-tani proposal to that effect (E/L.256) was subse-quently rejected by 7 votes to 2, with 8 absten-tions.

The Economic Committee had before it a draftresolution by the United Kingdom (E/L.243/-Rev.1), which incorporated certain amendmentsproposed during the debate:

(1) An Indian amendment (E/L.255) to clarify theCouncil's objectives and to reaffirm the principles andobjectives of resolution 30 (IV), pending the moredetailed consideration of procedures at a later session;and (2) A. French amendment (E/AC.6/L.52) to inserta paragraph recognizing that the problem of primarycommodities was of the utmost importance for the under-developed and industrialized countries alike.

By 10 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions, the Com-mittee subsequently rejected another Indianamendment (E/L.255) which would have deletedthe reference to the Havana Charter.

Following the acceptance by the United King-dom of an oral amendment by Uruguay and the

62

See

p. 391.63 See also pp. 362ff.

64

See

Y.U.N., 1950, p . 482.65 Resolution 30 (IV) concerned the creation of theICCICA; resolution 296(XI) governed the proceduresto be followed for the convening of intergovernmentalcommodity conferences.


United States to provide that the more detailedconsideration of the problem should take place atone of the Council's sessions in 1952, the reviseddraft resolution was adopted (E/2116) as a wholeby 11 votes to none, with 6 abstentions, at theCommittee's 123rd meeting (for text, see below).

During the discussion in the Council's 549thplenary meeting on 13 September, the representa-tive of India, supported by the USSR representa-tive, again stated that he felt a reference to Chap-ter VI of the Havana Charter would handicapthe Council in its work, in view of the fact thatthe Havana Charter had never entered into force.In a separate vote on the paragraph containingthis reference, the paragraph was retained by 10votes to 5, with 3 abstentions.

The representatives of Peru and Uruguay,among others, pointed out that fluctuation in thevolume of foreign exchange receipts due to lackof stability in the prices of primary commoditiescreated serious difficulties in the way of economicdevelopment of under-developed countries. Therepresentative of France regretted that the Council,for one reason or another, was unable to makemore satisfactory progress on the problem of pri-mary commodities; other representatives, amongthem the representative of Pakistan, felt that theirgovernments needed more time to study the rec-ommendations contained in the Secretary-General'sreport. The USSR representative expressed theview that the problem of primary commoditieshad become acute, not because of civilian require-ments but because of the rearmament programmesof certain countries which had led to increases inthe demand for these commodities. The Council,he stressed, should endeavour to find a means toensure an adequate supply of raw materials to in-dustries of all Members of the United Nations en-gaged in the production of civilian goods.

The draft resolution, as proposed by the Eco-nomic Council, was adopted, as a whole, by 13votes to 3, with 2 abstentions, as resolution 373-(XIII).

By this resolution the Council recognized theproblem of primary commodities as being of ut-most importance both to the under-developed andto the industrialized countries alike. The Councilalso reaffirmed the principles and objectives ofCouncil resolution 30(IV) of 28 March 1947,pending a more detailed consideration of this ques-tion at a later date, and further recommended toMember Governments that they continue to ac-cept the principles of Chapter VI of the HavanaCharter as a general guide in intergovernmental

consideration or action with respect to commodityproblems. The Council also reaffirmed its resolution296(XI) governing the procedures to be followedby the Secretary-General in convening intergov-ernmental commodity conferences, and decided topostpone to one of its sessions in 1952 more de-tailed consideration of the appropriate proceduresto be adopted for the convening of study groupsand international commodity conferences. TheCouncil subsequently, at the reconvened thirteenthsession in December, decided not to take up thismatter at its fourteenth session.

The Council also decided to request the Secre-tary-General to reconstitute, as soon as practicable,the Interim Co-ordinating Committee for Inter-national Commodity Arrangements so that it shallconsist of a chairman nominated by the Contract-ing Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffsand Trade rather than by IC.ITO and two othermembers, one to be a person nominated by FAOand the other a person concerned in particularwith non-agricultural primary commodities.

During the debate in the General Assembly atits sixth session on the world economic situa-tion,66 the Second Committee had before it a draftresolution by Cuba (A/C.2/L.141) requestingthe Secretary-General to make a study of thefeasibility of a multilateral convention betweencountries exporting the principal primary com-modities and the countries importing them, inorder to ensure that the production and export ofthese commodities should not decline substantiallybelow their current levels.

The representative of Cuba withdrew the draftresolution at the Committee's 187th meeting on18 January 1952, on the understanding that theSecretary-General would transmit it to the Councilfor consideration at its fourteenth session in con-nexion with the item: "Full employment, and re-port of experts on the problem of reducing theinternational impact of economic recessions andthe measures required to mitigate the effect offluctuations in international markets on the econ-omies of under-developed countries."

The ICCICA met in London from 1-3 Novem-ber 1951 and prepared the Review of Interna-tional Commodity Problems,1951.67 In the Review,the Committee traced developments since the endof the Second World War and drew attention tothe rapid changes that had occurred in the situa-tion of various primary commodities.

66 See pp. 373ff.67 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1952.II.D.1.67


The outstanding features of international tradein primary commodities, the report stated, hadbeen its marked instability. In 1951 some pricesfluctuated more rapidly and more widely than inany previous recorded period; these rapid anddiverse price fluctuations had been associated withgreat variations in supply and, particularly, in de-mand. This course of events, the report contin-ued, showed that the present period of rearma-ment could be expected to accentuate the naturaltendency for primary commodity prices to fluctu-ate widely.

This prospect, the report concluded, seemed tocall for greater emphasis in future intergovern-mental commodity discussions on the desirabilityof measures to counteract price fluctuations andfor less emphasis on the securing of immediateprice advantages, which had often proved in theevent to be of secondary importance.

2. Restrictive Business Practices

The United States requested (E/2030) that thequestion of restrictive business practices should beplaced on the agenda of the thirteenth session ofthe Economic and Social Council. It pointed outthat this question, despite its importance to worldtrade, was not being considered by the UnitedNations. A widespread recognition of the needfor dealing with restrictive business practices had,however, arisen since the Second World War. Anumber of countries had adopted or were contem-plating legislation on the subject, and a numberof bilateral agreements and regional arrangements,such as the Schuman Plan for a European Coaland Steel Community, had been concluded or werebeing considered. Because of the nature and scopeof many of these practices, however, there was alarge area in which the most effective action couldbe taken on the basis of broad international col-laboration.

The Council considered the question at its 546thto 549th plenary meetings, held on 11-13 Septem-ber 1951. It had before it a United States draftresolution (E/L.270 and Add.1) with amend-ments by Uruguay (E/L.272) and Sweden (E./-L.273), and a French sub-amendment (E/L.276)to the Swedish amendment.

The United States draft resolution recommendedthat United Nations Members take appropriatemeasures, and co-operate with each other, to pre-vent, on the part of private or public commercialenterprises, business practices affecting interna-

tional trade which restrain competition, limit ac-cess to markets, or foster monopolistic control,whenever such practices have harmful effects onthe expansion of production or trade, on the eco-nomic development of under-developed areas, oron standards of living. It also envisaged the estab-lishment of an ad hoc committee on restrictivebusiness practices charged with formulating andsubmitting to the Council proposals on appropri-ate methods, to be adopted by international agree-ment, for dealing with harmful restrictive businesspractices. The Secretary-General was instructed toseek from any appropriate intergovernmental bod-ies or agencies their views on these proposals andto report to the Council.

Explaining his amendment, the representativeof Uruguay told the Council that cartels and othermonopolies in Uruguay were, by virtue of theConstitution, subject to state control. Specific lawsexisted safeguarding the national interests particu-larly concerned with economic development, andprotecting those interests against foreign monopo-lies. State monopolies and concerns were necessaryto Uruguay's development. Since such concerns andrestrictive business practices were permissible un-der the Havana Charter if; they were not harmful,his delegation proposed that the measures to beadopted should be based on the principles set forthin chapter V of the Havana Charter. This Charterclearly established which monopolies were accept-able, in that they served the general interests ofthe population, and which were harmful andshould be condemned.

The Swedish amendment (E/L.273) calledupon the proposed ad hoc committee to obtaininformation from governments, specialized agen-cies and other sources of information, on restrictivebusiness practices, and to present analyses on thisinformation to the Council.

The French sub-amendment (E/L.276) wouldhave the Secretariat, rather than the proposedcommittee, obtain the information required. Theproposed ad hoc committee, the representative ofFrance said, could then do its work without beingdelayed by the preparation of studies which couldbe entrusted to the Secretariat and were not indis-pensable to the committee's work.

The representatives of Belgium, Canada, China,France, India, Iran, Peru, the Philippines, Sweden,the United Kingdom and Uruguay supported,either as a whole or in certain parts, the UnitedStates proposal. They expressed the view that re-strictive business practices served to keep downliving standards to the extent that they limited


production, sales or international trade. Some ofthese representatives considered that the elimina-tion of such restrictive business practices wouldbe useful as a means of assuring desirable compe-tition and of protecting consumers both from arti-ficial limitation of supplies and from abnormallyhigh prices.

Attention was drawn to the fact that intergov-ernmental efforts to remove barriers to the move-ment of goods in international trade were liableto be offset, to some extent at least, by the actionsof international cartels and by barriers arising fromother concerted activities of private traders. Ex-amples were given during the debate of the harm-ful effects of restrictive arrangements and prac-tices. It was pointed out that, by allocating exportmarkets among their members, international car-tels could channel trade to or away from any givenmarket as they wished and thus handicap the ex-pansion of the world economy. It was also statedthat there was an important difference betweenthe trade barriers established by cartels and thoseestablished by governments, since the latter hadto be voted by the representatives of the people,and hence might be expected to reflect the inter-ests of the nation and of the citizens as a wholeand not of limited interests only. Restrictive busi-ness practices were particularly pernicious wherethey interfered with the further development oftechnology, impaired productivity and reduced ef-ficiency. Attention was also drawn to the factthat, as a result of restrictive arrangements, it wassometimes most difficult in under-developed coun-tries to develop local production facilities, and thatprices in the markets of those countries were there-fore frequently maintained at artificially high lev-els. Furthermore, agreements between purchasersof primary commodities to keep down prices werea serious danger to under-developed countries, partof whose wealth was derived from the export ofthose commodities.

The representatives of Belgium, France, Peru,Sweden and Uruguay, while agreeing as to theharmful effects of many restrictive business prac-tices and believing that far-reaching private agree-ments constituted a political danger, felt neverthe-less that international producers' agreements werenot always to be condemned and that in certaincases they met urgent needs connected witheconomic progress.

The search for new technical methods entailedheavy expenditure which was now beyond the re-sources of small industries. International agree-ments between producers made it possible to pool

research and equipment, and the reduction of pro-duction costs through the use of large-scale mod-ern installations was highly desirable. In certaincases, it was stated, the sharing of markets couldcontribute to the expansion of trade.

Throughout the discussion, certain representa-tives, in particular those of Canada, Sweden andthe United Kingdom, placed emphasis on the val-ue of publicity concerning the operations of car-tels. Many cartels, they believed, could not survivethe limelight of publicity. An effective anti-trustpolicy, they argued, required more than a mereprogramme of legal action. What was requiredwas an integrated programme of investigation,publicity and prosecution to ensure that malprac-tices were prevented, and that the possibilities ofmodern industrial techniques were developed andstimulated to serve the interests of the widest pos-sible circle of consumers. These representativesexpressed the hope that the proposed ad hoc com-mittee would investigate the question of publicity.

The representative of Peru stated that, in SouthAmerica, public commercial enterprises were op-erated in the interests of the State and of the com-munity, many of them being accompanied bymeasures to protect the individual's social rights.These enterprises, he said, should not be confusedwith private monopolies.

The representatives of Chile, Mexico and Uru-guay also emphasized the important part playedby public commercial enterprises in their nationaldevelopment. The Chilean and Mexican represen-tatives stated that they would abstain from votingon the joint draft resolution. Representatives sup-porting the resolution believed, however, thatstudies and investigations were necessary to dis-tinguish between good and bad restrictive prac-tices.

The representative of the International Co-operative Alliance referred to a recent survey byhis organization which had revealed the wide-spread use and the harmful effect of restrictive busi-ness practices. He described the manner in whichhis organization had been fighting such practicesand urged the Council to undertake an authorita-tive investigation in this field.

In the view of the representatives of Czecho-slovakia, Poland and the USSR, the United Statesproposal was designed to camouflage the real ob-jective of United States monopolies. Figures werecited in order to show that these monopolies con-trolled the United States foreign trade and invest-ments. These monopolies, those representativessaid, in their struggle to gain domination of world


markets, engaged in extensive restrictive businesspractices to remove any competition; they earnedimmense profits in under-developed countries, andwere powerful enough to obtain a stranglehold onEuropean trusts, secure markets for their excessproduction in Europe, and influence the politicallife of other countries through economic control.United States exports were being used as instru-ments of discriminatory policies applied againstthe peoples' democracies. American big business,those representatives maintained, fostered the cre-ation of monopolies which it could dominate, butopposed the creation of those over which it hadno control.

The representative of the United States, in an-swer, agreed that United States oil producers, forexample, had increased their proportion of theworld output, but invited consideration of thequestion whether that increase had not made pos-sible the continued wartime functioning of Soviettanks and aircraft. In reply to the Czechoslovakrepresentative, he reviewed the trade relationshipsbetween the United States and Czechoslovakia,stating that Czechoslovakia was responsible for theirdeterioration. Moreover, those representatives whohad previously stressed the shortage of consumergoods in the United States, he said, were now ac-cusing the United States of dumping its surplusgoods in Europe; both propositions could not becorrect.

Turning to criticisms of monopolies in theUnited States, he said that a large part of UnitedStates industry was carried on by small-scale firmsand not by gigantic "monopolies". Though insome cases a small number of firms accounted fora large share of the total output of products, aneffort was made in those cases to ensure competi-tion and prevent restrictive business practices.Moreover, mass production had made possible ahigh standard of living in the United States.

The Council, at its 549th plenary meeting on13 September, rejected the French sub-amendment(E/L.276) to the Swedish amendment by 9 votesto 5, with 1 abstention.

The representative of the United States ac-cepted suggestions by the Philippines and Chile,according to which the membership of the pro-posed ad hoc committee was to include Mexicoand Pakistan. He also accepted, with slight modi-fications, the amendments of both Uruguay andSweden.

The United States draft, as thus amended, wasadopted, first in parts in votes ranging from 12to 3, with 2 abstentions, to 9 to 5, with 3 absten-

tions, and then as a whole, by 12 votes to 3, with2 abstentions, as resolution 375(XIII). It read:

'The Economic and Social Council,"Recognizing that restrictive business practices on the

part of private or public commercial enterprises which,in international trade, restrain competition, limit accessto markets and to the means of production necessary foreconomic development or foster monopolistic control,may have harmful effects on the expansion of productionor trade, on the economic development of under-dev-eloped areas, on standards of living and on the otheraims and objectives set out in Chapter I of the HavanaCharter,

"Recognizing that national and co-operative interna-tional action is needed in order to deal effectively withsuch practices, and

"Noting that various governments and internationalbodies have taken or are considering individual or collec-tive action in this field, but that the Council has not dealtdirectly with the problem of restrictive business practices,

"1. Recommends to States Members of the UnitedNations that they take appropriate measures and co-operate with one another to prevent, on the part of pri-vate or public commercial enterprises, business practicesaffecting international trade which restrain competition,limit access to markets or foster monopolistic control,whenever such practices have harmful effects on theexpansion of production or trade, on the economic deve-lopment of under-developed areas or on standards ofliving;

"2. Recommends that the measures adopted in thecases and for the purposes stated in the preceding para-graph shall be based on the principles set forth inChapter V of the Havana Charter, concerning restrictivebusiness practices;

"3. Establishes an ad hoc Committee on RestrictiveBusiness Practices consisting of the following MemberStates: Belgium, Canada, France, India, Mexico, Pakistan,Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and NorthernIreland, United States of America, Uruguay;

"4. Determines that the Committee shall prepare andsubmit to the Council as soon as possible, and in anycase not later than March 1953, proposals on methodsto be adopted by international agreement for implement-ing the recommendation in paragraph 1 above, includ-ing, inter alia, provision for continuing consideration ofproblems of restrictive business practices. In preparingits proposals, the Committee may consult with interestedgovernments, specialized agencies, inter-governmentalorganizations and non-governmental organizations;

"5. Determines further that the Committee shall:"(a) Obtain information from governments, special-

ized agencies and other sources, on restrictive businesspractices, whether based on cartel agreements or not,that affect international trade and international economicco-operation generally, and on legislation adopted andmeasures taken by individual Member States in con-nexion with restrictive business practices and with theobject of restoring the freedom of competition; and

"(b) Present to the Council analyses of this informa-tion together with the proposals mentioned in para-graph 4; and

"6. Instructs the Secretary-General to seek from anyappropriate inter-governmental bodies or agencies their


views as to the organization which could most appro-priately implement these proposals and, in the light ofthose views, to make a report and recommendation at alater session of the Council."

3. Production and Distribution ofNewsprint

At the request (E/2052/Add.1 and Corr.1) ofthe United Nations Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization (UNESCO), the Council,at its 549th and 550th plenary meetings on 13September 1951, considered the question of theproduction and distribution of newsprint andprinting paper. During the Council's considerationof UNESCO's annual report,68 the Director-Gen-eral had stated that the shortage of newsprint andprinting paper was already reacting unfavour-ably on his organization's work in the fields ofeducation, science, culture and mass communi-cation.

The Council had before it a draft resolution(E/L.271/Rev.1) submitted by Belgium andFrance, which incorporated detailed amendmentsproposed by Canada, India, Sweden and the UnitedKingdom (E/L.278).

During the discussion, the majority welcomedthe initiative of UNESCO and stressed the rela-tionship between the supply of newsprint andprinting paper, and the development of educa-tion, culture and freedom of information. Therepresentatives of Belgium and France referred tothe increase in the price of newsprint and its re-lation to the wide distribution of newspapers andeducational literature. The representatives of Can-ada and Sweden, however, stressed also that theproblem of price was one that affected commodi-ties other than newsprint and paper, and that theincrease in the price of newsprint was less thanthat of other commodities.

It was recognized that the key to the problemwas increased production but it was acknowledgedthat relatively little could be done to achieve thisin the immediate future and that, therefore, em-phasis should be placed first on improving thedistribution of available supplies. Several repre-sentatives, among them those of Chile, Peru andthe Philippines, urged consideration of the possi-bility of using substitute materials to increase theproduction of newsprint; an oral amendment tothis effect was accepted by the sponsors. They alsoagreed to a further oral amendment by Canada,Sweden, India and the United Kingdom, to re-quest the Secretary-General to report to the Coun-cil specifically in 1952, rather than annually.

The Council, at its 550th plenary meeting on13 September, adopted the revised resolution(E/L.271), as amended, by 15 votes to none, with3 abstentions.

In this resolution (374(XIII)), the Councilwelcomed the campaign undertaken by UNESCO,expressed its awareness of the gravity of the prob-lem, and proposed a series of measures designedboth for short-term and long-term action and forkeeping the problem under continuous review.

With a view to immediate results, the Councilrequested the regional commissions to encouragesuch trade as would provide newsprint and print-ing-paper industries with adequate supplies of rawmaterials. It also directed an appeal to the mainconsumers of paper to reduce slightly their con-sumption, and to producers to expand their pro-duction. A recommendation was made also to allMember Governments to draw the attention oftheir nations to this appeal and to the desirabilityof voluntary co-operation.

The Council also endorsed the appeal, made bya UNESCO resolution,69 to the States membersof the Woodpulp and Paper Committee of theInternational Materials Conference, which is con-cerned with the over-all supply situation of thesecommodities. The Secretary-General was requestedto inform the States members of this Committeethat the Council was in agreement with the viewsexpressed by UNESCO and that it considered ofspecial importance the action which this Commit-tee was taking or might take to relieve the cur-rent crisis and to prevent the recurrence of similarcrisis in the supply of newsprint.

The recommendations of the Council with aview to action over a longer period were largelyconcerned with increasing production. Requestswere addressed to various United Nations bodiesto take steps to this end within their own fields.FAO was requested to continue its studies andresearch in forestry development and the uses offorestry resources, so as to indicate useful meas-ures for increasing production (including the useof substitute raw materials) and to make itsknowledge and experience in this field availableto governments and intergovernmental organi-

68 See also p. 590.69 The resolution of UNESCO had appealed to the

States members of that Committee to ensure that accountwas taken of both immediate and long-term needs, tofoster co-operation between the Committee and appro-priate United Nations agencies, to inform the Committeeof UNESCO's willingness to evaluate certain aspeas ofthe needs for newsprint and printing paper, and toensure that the needs of other States received adequateconsideration.


zations to assist them in their efforts to overcomethe shortage of newsprint and printing paper. Theregional economic commissions were asked to as-sist in those efforts. The United Nations and spe-cialized agencies taking part in the expanded pro-gramme for technical assistance were requested tomake available, to countries requesting it, techni-cal assistance necessary for their programmes re-lated to forest conservation and reafforestation, thedevelopment of substitute raw materials and theproduction of newsprint and printing paper, sofar as consistent with the principles of Councilresolution 222 A (IX). The Council requestedUNESCO to continue to draw the attention ofpublic opinion and of the Governments of mem-ber States to the problems dealt with in the Coun-cil resolution, so that they might be settled in amanner that would enable UNESCO to fulfil itsprogramme of education and freedom of informa-tion. The Council also requested the InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development, in sofar as those efforts might require the assistance ofinternational financial resources, to advise FAO,other specialized agencies and Member States, asrequested, on such aspects of the problems in-volved as fell within its sphere.

The Council requested the Secretary-General tokeep the newsprint situation under continuous re-view in order to ensure the necessary co-ordina-tion of the efforts of the United Nations and ofthe specialized agencies, and to report to the Coun-cil in 1952 on the progress made with respect tothe Council's recommendations.

During the Assembly's sixth session, the rep-resentatives of Belgium and France presented adraft resolution on the subject (A/C.2/L.144) atthe 185th meeting of the Second Committee on17 January 1952, during the Assembly's discus-sion of Chapter II (General Economic Questions)of the Council's report (A/1884). The Commit-tee adopted the draft resolution (A/2069) at its188th meeting on 19 January, without discus-sion, by 33 votes to none, with 5 abstentions.

The resolution was adopted by the Assemblyat its 365th plenary meeting on 26 January by48 votes to none, with 5 abstentions, as resolution528(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly"Notes with satisfaction:"1. The decision taken by the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations at its Conference,pursuant to the resolutions of the General Conferenceof the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cul-tural Organization and of the Economic and Social

Council, to adopt a long-term programme to supply theworld with newsprint and printing paper;

"2. The decision taken by the Economic and SocialCouncil to study at its fourteenth session the report tobe prepared by the Secretary-General pursuant to Councilresolution 374 (XIII) regarding measures "to improvethe position and ultimately put an end to the shortageof newsprint and printing paper", both "with a view toimmediate results" and "with a view to action over alonger period"."

4. International Action on the CriticalShortage of Insecticides70 for

Public Health Purposes

At its thirteenth session, the Economic and So-cial Council considered a communication (E/-2017) from the Director-General of the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) transmitting a res-olution of the fourth World Health Assemblyaimed at increasing the supply of insecticidesneeded for public health purposes. WHO ex-pressed concern that the shortage of insecticidesmight result in a suspension of anti-malaria cam-paigns. It recommended that the United Nationsinvestigate this problem and make recommenda-tions for alleviating the situation.

The Council considered the question at its 535thplenary meeting on 4 September 1951. It hadbefore it a joint United Kingdom-United Statesdraft resolution (E/L.232) according to whichthe Council would request the Secretary-Generalto set up immediately a working party to examinethe world supply and requirements of the twoprincipal insecticides, DDT and BHC. France alsosubmitted a draft resolution (E/L.187) but laterwithdrew this and substituted amendments (E/-L.238/Rev.1) to the joint draft.

The representative of France stated that thereexisted shortages of medical supplies other thaninsecticides and suggested that it would be usefulto consider the shortages in this wider field. Healso urged that any restrictions on the import andexport of these products should be eliminated asfar as possible.

As regards the proposed working party, the rep-resentative of France considered that the Secre-tary-General should be given as clear and detailedinstructions as possible, including advice on thesize of the working party (for which a maximumof fifteen members was suggested). Members ofthe working party should, it was proposed, betechnically qualified representatives designated bygovernments.

70 See also Y.U.N., 1948-49, pp. 475-76 and Y.U.N.,1950, pp. 465-66.


During the debate the Council discussed thecause of the shortage of insecticides. The repre-sentatives of Canada, France and the United Statesfelt the shortage was due to the lack of raw ma-terials. The United States representative suggestedthat immediate action be taken by governmentsto divert as large an amount of the existing sup-plies of insecticides as possible from less urgentto more urgent public health uses. The represen-tative of France considered that the shortage ofraw materials might in the future affect all medi-cal supplies and all the pharmaceutical productsessential for public health. An increase in theUnited Kingdom production, said the UnitedKingdom representative, would require additionalcapital investment, which in turn would dependlargely upon the manufacturers' long-term viewof the market and on government capital invest-ment policy.

The representatives of Iran and Pakistan wereanxious to obtain assistance for the erection ofplants within their respective countries for themanufacture of insecticides. The representative ofIran stated that the installation of a factory in Irancould assist most of the Middle Eastern countries.He thought that one of the first tasks of the pro-posed working party should be to study the ques-tion of establishing DDT factories in countrieswhere the basic raw materials were available andwhere DDT requirements were constantly increas-ing.

The sponsors of the joint draft resolution ac-cepted those French amendments referring to theproposed working party, but rejected those refer-ring to medical supplies and tariffs and quota re-strictions. The sponsors declared that no officialindication pointed to a shortage of medical sup-plies; moreover, the Council had not been re-quested to take action in that connexion. The ques-tion of tariffs and quota restrictions, the sponsorsstated, were questions which pertained to the Gen-eral Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)and could be properly handled only within itsframework. Furthermore, they added, there wasno proof that such restrictions had any serious ef-fects on the distribution of insecticides for healthpurposes.

The French amendments referring to medicalsupplies and to tariffs and quota restrictions wererejected by the Council by votes from 9 to 4, with5 abstentions to 7 to 7 with 4 abstentions. Thejoint draft resolution, as amended, was adopted asa whole by 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions,as resolution 377(XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Noting the resolution concerning the supply of insec-

ticides adopted by the fourth World Health Assembly on25 May 1951,

Conscious of the danger inherent in any shortage inthe supply of insecticides,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General to establish imme-diately a working party consisting of not more thanfifteen members and composed of technically qualifiedrepresentatives designated by the governments of themajor producing countries and of consuming countries,to examine the world position regarding the supply andrequirements of DDT and BHC and, if a significantshortage is disclosed, to make recommendations for thealleviation of the position; and

"2. Further requests that the working party shall, inview of the urgency of the problem, upon completion ofits examination of the facts, submit a report of itsfindings, conclusions and recommendations to the Coun-cil, at the earliest practicable moment and if possible byJanuary 1952, and that this report be distributedpromptly without waiting for the next session of theCouncil."

5. Conclusion of an InternationalCustoms Treatment of Samples and

Advertising Material

The Economic and Social Council, at its twelfthsession, considered international action to be takentowards the conclusion of an international conven-tion on customs treatment of samples and advertis-ing material. This subject has been placed on theagenda at the request of the Council Committeeon Non-Governmental Organizations, on the pro-posal of the International Chamber of Commerce(ICC). The supporting documentation (E/C.2/-282 and Add.1) submitted by the ICC includedthe draft Convention for the Purpose of Facili-tating Commercial Propaganda drawn up by theEconomic Committee of the League of Nationsand approved in July 1935 by the representativesof thirteen governments.

The Council considered the question at the102nd meeting of the Economic Committee, on27 February and at its 460th plenary meeting on7 March. A draft resolution (E/AC.6/L.33), sub-mitted jointly by Canada, France, Peru and theUnited Kingdom, proposed that the Council re-quest the Secretary-General to transmit to theContracting Parties to the General Agreement onTariffs and Trade (GATT) the documents sub-mitted to it and that it express the hope that theContracting Parties would examine the questionand take appropriate measures.

The majority of Council members consideredthat the subject required study by a technical body,and that it should, therefore, be submitted to the


Contracting Parties to GATT, which had specialcompetence in the field of customs tariffs.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia and theUSSR, on the other hand, thought that problemsrelating to the customs treatment of samples andadvertising material could be solved by means ofbilateral negotiations between the States concerned.They stressed the reciprocal character of the ad-vantages derived from bilateral negotiations; ageneral convention, they said, would always tendto limit the advantages of each to the minimumacceptable to all.

The representative of Czechoslovakia suggestedthat the Council set up a committee of technicalexperts to draft a document which could then bemade the subject of such bilateral negotiations.He also criticized the League draft Convention asout of date and emphasized that it had never beenput into force.

The representative of ICC said that his organi-zation, after studying the League draft, had con-cluded that it might be used as the basis for aconvention, since the problem remained essen-tially the same. Details could be brought up todate in the proposed study by the technical group.The ICC proposal was intended as a step towardsrestoring normal commercial relations betweenStates, which had been largely in abeyance since1935.

Some representatives, in particular, the Belgianrepresentative, felt that a bilateral system wouldreduce trade to the level of the opportunities of-fered by the less generous party and to that of themore restrictive legislation. It was better, they

considered, to take advantages of the benefits ofmultilateral negotiations.

The Council's Economic Committee rejected, by11 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions, an Indian amend-ment (E/AC.6/L.34) which provided for sendingthe documentation and the records of the Council'sdebate to Members of the United Nations and toother governments participating in GATT invit-ing them to express their views. It accepted, how-ever, by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, aproposal made orally by Canada which pro-vided that the documentation and records be sentto Members of the United Nations but did notrefer to obtaining views.

The joint draft resolution, as amended, wasadopted by the Economic Committee by 15 votesto 3, and by the Council in plenary meeting by14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention.

The USSR representative opposed the resolu-tion in the plenary meeting, stating that it wasconcerned with questions falling entirely withinthe competence of individual governments; casesrequiring special treatment could best be settledby bilateral negotiation.

In its resolution 347(XII), the Council recog-nized the importance of international action inthe sphere of commercial advertising; asked theSecretary-General to transmit to United NationsMembers and to the Contracting Parties to GATTthe documents submitted to the Council and therecord of its discussions; and expressed the hopethat the Contracting Parties examine the questionat their next session "and take the measures theydeem appropriate".

E. THE PROBLEM OF FOOD SHORTAGES


At its thirteenth session, the Economic andSocial Council considered the report (E/2008 andAdd.1-3) of the Food and Agriculture Organiza-tion71 (FAO) at its 529th and 530th meetingson 31 August 1951. The report consisted of fourparts: (1) a covering report to the Council (E/-2008); (2) the report of the Director Generalon the work of FAO 1949/50 (E/2008/Add.1);(3) the organization's draft programme of workfor 1951 (E/2008/Add.2), and (4) the reportof the special session of the FAO conference heldin November 1950 (E/2008/Add.3).

The report discussed, inter alia, the activities ofFAO in the field of international commodity prob-lems; the stabilization of prices of agriculturalcommodities and agricultural raw materials; soilerosion; water utilization and control; the develop-ment of forests and inland fisheries; economics,marketing and statistics; nutrition; problems ofland settlement; and the financing of agriculturaland allied development projects. The Council alsoheard statements by the representative of FAO.

71 Work of FAO, 1949/50, Report of the Director-General, Washington, D.C., USA, October 1950, andReport of the Special Sessions of the Conference,Washington, D.C., USA, 3-11 November 1950, Wash-ington, D.C., January 1951.


On the proposal of the representative of Chile,the Council decided to discuss, at the same time,an agenda item on the problem of food shortagesand famine in many regions. The representativeof Chile had submitted a draft resolution on thisquestion (E/L.236), which was withdrawn infavour of a joint draft resolution by Chile and theUnited States (E/L.240).

In terms of the joint draft resolution, the Coun-cil would:

(1) take note of the report of FAO; (2) take noteof the increasing effectiveness of the work of FAO in thefield of improving agricultural production; (3) statethat it considered that although the world's currentfood supply was slightly greater than in previous years,the improvement in supplies existed primarily in re-gions where per capita consumption is at high levels andlittle improvement was noticeable in most low con-sumption regions; (4) take account of the fact, that inthese circumstances, climatic and other factors whichreduce the volume of agricultural production tended tocreate severe food shortages in food deficit countries; (5)state its appreciation of the fact that recent serious foodshortages had evoked widespread response from food-exporting countries; (6) recommend that FAO keepexisting or emerging food shortages in individual coun-tries under continuous surveillance and maintain itsperiodic studies of such problems; and (7) recommendfurther that FAO, in instances of pending critical foodshortages or famine, make emergency reports thereon,such reports to be submitted to the Council and Confer-ence of FAO and also to the Secretary-General fortransmission to the Economic and Social Council.

The Council also had before it a three-partamendment to the joint draft resolution, submit-ted by the USSR (E/L.242), which would:

(1) delete references to the effectiveness of FAO'sactivities and the statement by the Council that, althoughthe world's current food supply was slightly greater thanin previous years, the improvement in supplies existedprimarily in regions where per capital consumption wasat high levels; (2) have the Council recommend theadoption of "the guiding principle that assistance toregions experiencing food shortages and famine shouldnot be conditional on demands for political, economicor military privileges for the countries according thatassistance."

The majority of representatives, among themthose of Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France,India, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, theUnited Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay,expressed appreciation of the report, stressing theimportance of FAO's role in world trade in foodand agricultural products. Among the items towhich these representatives hoped FAO would de-vote attention were: the problem of foreign tradeand international payments, particularly in com-modities like coarse grains and animal foodstuffs;the cost of industrial supplies and services requiredby agriculture, and, more generally, industrial and

agricultural prices, with a view to studying the un-duly wide fluctuations which had serious repercus-sions on the distribution of agricultural products.

The representative of Chile emphasized thatcapital investment was essential to agriculturaldevelopment and pointed out that countries receiv-ing international financial aid had achieved moreeffective results in implementing recommendationsand programmes drawn up by FAO than countriesnot receiving such aid. In this connexion, the rep-resentatives of Belgium and France, among others,pointed out that certain agricultural areas wereunable to dispose of their products because of lackof foreign exchange in the importing countries.

General appreciation of the work of FAO, asreflected in the report, was not shared, however,by the representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR. These representatives, broadlyspeaking, said they were unable to reconcile thepraises bestowed on the activities of FAO withthe agricultural situation in many regions of theworld. That organization's international responsi-bilities in the field of agriculture should be viewedin the light of the world agricultural situation asa whole, they felt, and agricultural production inthe under-developed countries and in a numberof countries in Asia and other regions of the worldwas not increasing.

With respect to the problem of food shortagesand famine in many regions, most representatives,including those of Belgium, Canada, Chile, China,France, India, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines,the United Kingdom, the United States and Uru-guay, recognized that in the last ten years worldfood production had increased by only 1 per cent,while the world's population had increased by 13per cent; moreover, the increase in population hadbeen most marked in the under-developed areas ofthe world. These representatives, while appreciat-ing the work done by FAO to help in increasingthe food production in various countries, consid-ered that the action taken thus far by that organi-zation was insignificant in comparison with themagnitude of the problem. They considered thatlarge-scale international action was needed to in-crease food production and improve its distribution.

As a basic solution, it was suggested by the rep-resentatives of India, Pakistan and the UnitedKingdom, among others, that the various inter-national and bilateral programmes of technical as-sistance should be developed and used more in-tensively for increasing food production. The rep-resentatives of Chile, China, and the UnitedStates, who recognized that a long-range solution


to the problem was needed, felt also that emerg-ency action was required to meet any crisis due toadverse climatic conditions.

At the conclusion of the general debate, theCouncil, in a series of votes, rejected the first twoparts of the USSR amendment (E/L.242) by 13votes to 3, with 1 abstention, and that part whichrecommended the adoption of the principle thatassistance should not be conditional on demandsfor privileges by 11 votes to 3, with 3 absten-tions. The joint draft resolution by Chile and theUnited States was adopted by the Council at its530th plenary meeting on 31 August 1951, by 13votes to 3, with 1 abstention, as resolution 405-(XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Taking note with satisfaction of the report of the

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),"Further taking note of the increasing effectiveness of

the work of the FAO in the field of improving agricul-tural production,

"Considering, however, the conclusion reached by theFAO Council in its recent report on the world foodsituation that, although the world's current food supplyis slightly greater than in previous years, the improve-ment in supplies exists primarily in regions where percapita consumption is at high levels and little improve-ment is noticeable in most low-consumption regions,

"Taking account of the fact that in these circumstancesclimatic and other factors which reduce the volume ofagricultural production tend to create severe food short-ages in food deficit countries,

"Appreciating the fact that recent serious food short-ages have evoked widespread response from food-export-ing countries,

"1. Recommends that the FAO keep existing oremerging food shortages in individual countries undercontinuous surveillance and maintain its periodic studiesof such problems; and

"2. Recommends further that the FAO, in instancesof pending critical food shortages or famine, makeemergency reports thereon, such reports to be submittedto the FAO Council and Conference and also to theSecretary-General for transmission to the Economic andSocial Council."

2. Consideration by the GeneralAssembly at its Sixth Session

The problem of food shortages and famine incertain regions was further considered by the As-sembly during the general debate on the worldeconomic situation, at the 181st to 185th, 187thand 188th meetings of the Second Committee,from 11-19 January, and at the 365th plenarymeeting on 26 January 1952.

The Committee had before it a joint draft reso-lution by Chile and the United States (A/C.2/-

L.134). It would express satisfaction with thework of the United Nations, the specialized agen-cies and other intergovernmental agencies in help-ing control the natural forces that might causefamine, and state its appreciation of the work ofvoluntary non-governmental agencies in alleviatingsuffering caused by emergency famines. It wouldthen:

(1) recommend certain national measures by govern-ments to attack the problems of hunger and famine inthe domestic sphere; (2) endorse the recommendationof the Economic and Social Council that FAO shouldreport on instances of pending emergency critical foodshortages or famines; and (3) request the Secretary-General, in consultation with the appropriate organiza-tions, to prepare for the Council recommendationsconcerning procedures to bring about prompt, con-certed action by governments, intergovernmental organ-izations and voluntary agencies in the event of actualor potential famines of an emergency character causedby natural catastrophes.

Submitting the joint draft resolution, the rep-resentative of Chile said that it was a "naturalcontinuation" of the resolution on the same sub-ject adopted by the Economic and Social Council(405(XIII)). He said that it embraced both thepermanent aspect of the problem of food short-ages resulting from the chronic inadequacy offood production in general and the acute aggrava-tion of the problem in certain regions as a resultof natural catastrophes. The need for increasingfood production was so urgent that it might cur-rently be considered the basic economic problem.The Second Committee had already adopted somerecommendations on economic development, butthere was a need for complementary recommenda-tions dealing in a concrete way with the problemof food production.

The representative of the United States addedthat the Assembly could do much to stimulateand make effective the work in famine relief ofthe many voluntary agencies throughout the world,as well as that of governments. Nations, acting in-dividually and in co-operation, could greatly im-prove the world's over-all food position so thatmillions would be better fed and individual coun-tries would have larger food reserves for nationalor international emergencies. In order to obtainmaximum results, such work should be facilitatedand co-ordinated.

Representatives were unanimous in stressing theimportance of the problem of food shortages andfamine, although there were some differences ofopinion on the practical measures to be taken tomeet this problem.

The representatives of Argentina, Australia, Bel-gium, Burma, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Ecuador,


Egypt, France, Greece, India and the United King-dom spoke in support of the joint draft resolutionby Chile and the United States.

Several representatives, among them those ofAustralia, Ecuador and Egypt, felt that there shouldbe a clear distinction between the two types ofmeasures which the Assembly was being asked torecommend: one, immediate measures for the re-lief of emergency famines or food shortages; theother, measures for a long-term plan designed toincrease the over-all world supply of food. Therepresentatives of Argentina and Ecuador askedthat the joint draft resolution should place moreemphasis on the long-term aspect of the problem.

The representatives of the Byelorussian SSR,Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Ukrainian SSR andthe USSR, who agreed that the problem was oneof crucial importance, felt, however, that the termsof the resolution were not satisfactory and thataction by the Assembly on the basis of the jointdraft resolution would be inadequate to meet thepressing demands of the problem.

The Committee also heard statements from rep-resentatives of the Food and Agriculture Organ-ization (FAO) and World Health Organization(WHO). The representative of FAO pointed outthat although his organization would be glad tooffer full co-operation in respect of emergencymeasures, the permanent aspect of the problemwas that the world food supply was not keepingpace with the growth of world population andthat it was necessary for governments to recognizethe great urgency of the matter and to formulateagricultural development plans. The representa-tive of WHO also offered the full co-operation ofhis organization. He pointed out that famine hadfrequently been the cause of endemic and otherdiseases, as implied though not specifically stated,in the joint draft resolution. It was unfortunate,he added, that famine frequently assumed the pro-portions of an emergency, since many famineswere the result of foreseeable circumstances whichwere capable of continuous study.

To the joint draft resolution by Chile and theUnited States (A/C.2/L.134), a number of oralamendments were suggested and formal amend-ments submitted:

Amendments by the USSR (A/C.2/L.137). Thesewould: (1) delete all phrases expressing satisfaction orappreciation of the work of the United Nations, thespecialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations,and non-governmental agencies both in helping to con-trol the forces which might cause famine and in alleviat-ing suffering caused by famine; (2) add to the measuresrecommended to governments in attacking the problems

of hunger a recommendation to free world resources tocombat the food shortage "by bringing to an end thearmaments race and making use of the stocks of foodsand chemicals accumulated for war purposes, and byexpanding peaceful civilian production in every possibleway"; (3) have the proposed recommendations to theCouncil concerning procedures for concerted and effectiveaction by governments prepared by the Secretariat, inconsultation with the appropriate regional commissionsof the United Nations, the specialized agencies and inter-governmental organizations concerned, instead of by theSecretary-General, in consultation with the DirectorsGeneral of FAO, WHO "and the executive heads ofother organizations"; and (4) have the Assembly rec-ommend the observance of the principle "that assistanceto regions suffering food shortage or famine should notbe made subject to demands for political, economic ormilitary privileges for the countries according suchassistance".

A joint amendment by Burma and Thailand (A/C.2/-L.138), which would include, as a measure recommendedto governments, that of increasing the availability ofagricultural implements and fertilizers at a reasonablecost.

An Israel amendment (A/C.2/L.139), which wouldalso include, as a recommended measure, the facilitatingof the transport of food to potential or actual emergencyfamine areas by the most expeditious means.

Amendments by India (A/C.2/L.145 & A/C.2/-L.146). These would: (1) note the resolutions on foodshortages adopted by the FAO Conference at its sixthsession dealing with procedures in respect of emergencyfood situations requiring international relief measures;(2) express agreement with the decision of FAO togive attention to ways and means of establishing emer-gency food reserves, and urge FAO promptly to considermethods for the establishment of such reserves in allfood-grain net-exporting countries and for making themavailable to all countries which are threatened or af-fected by serious food shortages; (3) request all StatesMembers of the United Nations which are normallyfood-grain net-exporting countries to offer their fullestco-operation to FAO so as to facilitate that organiza-tion's task in formulating its recommendations to theEconomic and Social Council; and (4) express theAssembly's concern with the widespread conditions ofhunger in many parts of the world, intensified by thefact that the rate of increase of world food productionwas less rapid than the rate of growth of the world'spopulation.

The sponsors of the joint draft resolution sub-mitted a revised text (A/C.2/L.134/Rev.1) in-corporating the formal amendments by Burma andThailand and by Israel, as well as certain draftingchanges recommended during the debate. Certainparts of the Indian amendments (A/C.2/L.145 andA/C.2/L.146) were also incorporated, but thesponsors stated that they were unable to accept thatpart of the amendment which would have theAssembly request all States Members of the UnitedNations which are normally food-grain net-export-ing countries to offer their fullest co-operation toFAO so as to facilitate FAO's task in devisingpractical lines of action.


Urging the adoption of this provision, therepresentative of India stated that the resolutionconcerning food reserves adopted by the FAOConference represented a "great service". He be-lieved that countries with surplus productionshould consider the possibility of putting aside aportion of their exportable surplus every year sothat, if need arose, it might be rapidly dispatchedto areas affected by famine.

The representative of the United States said thatit would be inequitable if only exporting coun-tries were to be asked to establish food reserves.He suggested, as a compromise, that the amend-ment should apply to all countries and not only tothe exporting countries. This was supported by therepresentative of Chile but was not acceptable tothe Indian representative.

After a number of proposals and counter-pro-posals had been made in the Second Committee,the representative of India agreed, at the 188thmeeting on 19 January 1952, to withdraw thereference to exporting countries, and the amend-ment, as modified, was adopted by 41 votes tonone, with 5 abstentions. The paragraph of thejoint draft resolution by Chile and the UnitedStates (A/C.2/L.134/Rev.1), as modified by theIndian amendment, was voted on separately andadopted by the Committee by 41 votes to 5.

The joint draft resolution as a whole, asamended, was adopted by the Committee by 42votes to none, with 5 abstentions.

The Committee, however, rejected the four-partUSSR amendment (A/C.2/L.137) in a series ofvotes, one of which was by roll-call, varying from17 votes to 4, with 27 abstentions, to 37 votes to 5,with 4 abstentions.

When the revised joint draft resolution adoptedby the Committee (A/2069) came before theAssembly at its 365th plenary meeting on 26 Jan-uary 1952, the representative of the USSR sub-mitted an amendment (A/2082), substantially thesame as that he had introduced in the SecondCommittee. It would have the Assembly urge gov-ernments to free world resources', to combat thefood shortage and famine experienced in a num-ber of countries by bringing to an end the arma-ments race and making use of stocks of foods andchemicals accumulated for war purposes, and byexpanding peaceful civilian production in everypossible way.

The Assembly, without discussion, rejected theamendment by 34 votes to 5, with 9 abstentions.It adopted, as a whole, also without discussion, by48 votes to none, with 5 abstentions, the draft res-

olution approved by the Committee. This resolu-tion (525(VI)) read:

"The General Assembly,"Conscious of the widespread conditions of hunger

which prevail in many parts of the world, which condi-tions are intensified by the fact that the rate of increaseof world food production has been less rapid than therate of growth of the world's population and that thisdiscrepancy between food production and growth ofpopulation is especially serious in those parts of theworld in which conditions of hunger already prevail,

"Concerned with the fact that, in addition to suchwidespread conditions of hunger, emergency faminesare from time to time created by crop failure due toplague, drought, flood, blight, volcanic eruptions, earth-quakes and similar accidents of a natural character,

"Convinced that emergency conditions of famine couldmake more difficult the work of the United Nationsand the specialized agencies and the achievement ofthe United Nations objectives with respect to the promo-tion of economic development and human welfare, andthe maintenance of peace,

"Recalling its resolution 202(III) of 8 December1948, and the actions taken by the Economic and SocialCouncil in regard to the problem of food shortages,

"Noting the resolutions on "Food shortages andfamine" and on "Emergency food reserve", adopted bythe Food and Agriculture Organization of the UnitedNations at its Conference in Rome in December 1951and annexed hereto,

"Noting with satisfaction the work of the UnitedNations, the specialized agencies and other inter-govern-mental organizations in helping to control some of thenatural forces that may cause famine,

"Expressing its appreciation of the work of the volun-tary non-governmental agencies of the several countriesas an essential complement to governmental programmesfor the alleviation of the suffering caused by emergencyfamines,

"1. Urges all governments co-operatively to attack theproblems of hunger and famine by:

"(a) Giving high priority to food production pro-grammes and continuing their efforts to accomplishthe other objectives recommended in resolution 202(III);

"(b) Placing adequate emphasis on food productionin their national economic development plans;

"(c) Facilitating the transport of food to potentialor actual emergency famine areas by the most expedi-tious means;

"(d) Intensifying their co-operation with the Foodand Agriculture Organization in its efforts to increasefood production by strengthening national agriculturalservices; increasing the availability of agricultural im-plements and fertilizers at reasonable cost; makingmaximum use of domestic capital and of such foreignfinancial assistance as may be available for the estab-lishment or expansion of agricultural credit systems;carrying out necessary land reform measures; improv-ing the collection of technical and statistical information;and participating in technical assistance programmesdesigned to increase food production and overcome thecauses of famines;

"2. Further urges all governments to promote andfacilitate the work of the voluntary non-governmental


agencies organized to meet famine conditions and topromote agricultural development; to further publicawareness and participation in such work; to correlateand integrate the resources and programmes of suchvoluntary organizations with their own relief resourcesand programmes; and to furnish current listings of thefunctions, programmes and potential resources of agen-cies of this kind within their countries;

"3. Calls on the people in all countries to give in-creasing support to the work of voluntary non-govern-mental agencies as an essential complement to govern-mental programmes for alleviating the suffering causedby emergency famine and as a means to enable indi-vidual citizens to further the humanitarian objectivesof the Charter;

4. Endorses the recommendation of the Economicand Social Council in its resolution 405(XIII) of 31August 1951 that the Food and Agriculture Organi-zation, in instances of pending critical food shortagesor famine, make emergency reports thereon;

"5. Expresses the hope that the results of the studyto be undertaken by the Council of the Food and Agri-culture Organization of suitable ways and means wherebyan emergency food reserve can be established and madeavailable promptly to member States threatened oraffected by serious food shortages or famine will beavailable for consideration by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its fifteenth session, and looks forward toreceiving the report of the Economic and Social Councilthereon immediately after the Council has completed itsconsideration of the matter;

"6. Requests all States Members of the United Na-tions to offer their fullest co-operation to the Foodand Agriculture Organization so as to facilitate itsstudy as described in paragraph 5 above;

"7. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultationwith the Directors-General of the Food and Agricul-ture Organization and of the World Health Organiza-tion, and with the executive heads of other organiza-tions concerned, to prepare, for consideration by theEconomic and Social Council at its fourteenth session,recommendations concerning procedures to bring aboutpromptly concerted and effective action by govern-ments, inter-governmental organizations and voluntaryagencies in the event of actual or potential famines ofan emergency character caused by disasters of the typementioned in the preamble of the present resolution;

"8. Recommends the observance of the principle thatassistance to regions suffering food shortages and fam-ine should not be made subject to demands for political,economic or military privileges for the countries ac-cording such assistance;

"9. Requests the Economic and Social Council toinclude in its report to the General Assembly a specialsection on the problem of food shortages and on thesteps taken by specialized agencies and by the govern-ments of Member States to deal with the problem."

ANNEXResolution on food shortages and famine

Adopted by the sixth session of the food and AgricultureOrganization Conference in Rome in December 1951The Conference resolves1. That on receiving intimation from a member na-

tion or region that a serious food shortage or famineexists or is likely to develop, which it is unable to copewith from its own resources, the Director-General shalldepute one or more Food and Agriculture Organizationofficials to investigate the nature of the problem withthe consent of the government concerned and to reporton the extent, if any, of international assistance neededand communicate the report to the United Nations andthe interested specialized agencies;

2. That when, in the opinion of the Director-General,there is an emergency, requiring international reliefmeasures, he shall at his discretion convene forthwith ameeting of the Council or of interested governments todevise the most practical lines of action which may berequired to bring about prompt, concerted and effectiveassistance by governments as well as by voluntaryagencies; and that the Director-General shall thereuponreport the action taken to the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations for transmission to the Economic andSocial Council.

Resolution on emergency food reserveAdopted by the sixth session of the food and Agriculture

Organization Conference in Rome in December 1951The Conference resolvesThat the Council should study and explore suitable

ways and means whereby an emergency food reservecan be established and made available promptly tomember States threatened or affected by serious foodshortages or famine.

F. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Transport and Communications Commis-sion held its fifth session from 19-28 March 1951and reported (E/1890) to the Economic andSocial Council at its thirteenth session. The reportof the Commission was discussed at the 118th and119th meetings of the Council's Economic Com-mittee on 2 and 3 August, 1951. At its 497thplenary meeting on 11 August the Counciladopted a seven-part resolution (379(XIII)),which dealt with the licensing of motor-vehicledrivers, road traffic and accident statistics, customsformalities for international road transport and

touring, the transport of dangerous goods, the pol-lution of sea water and discrimination in transportinsurance. An account of the principal mattersdealt with by the Commission and by the Councilis given below.

1. International Road Transport

a. ACCESSION TO THE CONVENTION ON ROADTRAFFIC

At its twelfth session (20 February-21 March1951), the Council considered the question of the


eligibility of the Federal Republic of Germanyand the Principality of Monaco to accede to theConvention on Road Traffic, signed at Geneva on19 September 1949.

The Council had before it a note from the Sec-retary-General (E/1878), reflecting communica-tions on this matter with the German Federal Gov-ernment, and a memorandum from the Secretary-General (E/1879), dealing with relevant aspectsof the Convention. It, also had before it a letterfrom the Principality of Monaco to the Secretary-General (E/1896), requesting that the questionof its accession to the Convention be placed onthe Council's agenda. In this connexion, theSecretary-General had also submitted a memoran-dum (E/1896).

In the Council's discussions at its 472nd plenarymeeting on 16 March 1951, the President pointedout that, under article 27 of the Convention onRoad Traffic, that instrument was open to acces-sion by all States Members of the United Nations,by every State invited to attend the United Na-tions Conference on Road and Motor Transportheld at Geneva in 1949, and also by any otherState which the Economic and Social Councilmight, by resolution, declare to be eligible.

Some representatives, including those of Swe-den and the United Kingdom, felt that, as animportant part of the traffic network of WesternEurope was located in the territory of the Fed-eral Republic of Germany and as adjoining coun-tries had already acceded to the Convention, it wasdesirable that the Federal Republic should also becovered by the Convention. Other representatives,in particular those of Czechoslovakia, Poland andthe USSR, maintained that Western Germany wasnot legally a State and could not therefore accedeto the Convention.

The Council adopted a joint draft resolution bySweden, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates (E/L.166) by 13 votes to 3, with 2 ab-stentions (resolution 348 A (XII)), which statedthat the German Federal Republic was eligible toaccede to the Convention and to the Protocol onRoad Signs and Signals. The Council also adopted,by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, a similarresolution (348 B (XII)) concerning the appli-cation of the Principality of Monaco.

The Commission, at its fifth session, had notedthat the Convention, which requires five ratifica-tions or accessions to come into force, had beenratified by three countries as of March 1951 —Czechoslovakia, France and the United States —and that the necessary parliamentary action to al-

low ratification was then being taken in severalother countries. A further accession, that of Mon-aco, was deposited during the thirteenth sessionof the Council, bringing the total of such ratifi-cations or accessions to four.72

b. ROAD SIGNS AND SIGNALS

The Commission, at its fifth session, had alsotaken note with satisfaction of the progress re-port (E/CN.2/94-E/CN.2/CONF.1/3) of thefirst session (November-December 1950) of theGroup of Experts on Road Signs and Signals, es-tablished in accordance with Council resolution272(X)73 supplemented by resolution 10 of thefourth session of the Commission (E/1665), tostudy the problem of devising a unified world-wide system of road signs and signals and toprepare a draft convention embodying such a sys-tem.

c. LICENSING OF MOTOR-VEHICLE DRIVERS

The Commission, in accordance with Councilresolution 272(X), made a periodic review ofdevelopments concerning international road trans-port in order to advise the Council on furtherinternational action desirable in that field. Itreached the conclusion that the problem of licens-ing motor-vehicle drivers required study, in viewof, inter alia, its bearing on safety of traffic, theexisting lack of uniformity among the variouslocal and national laws and regulations pertainingto such licensing, the desirability of giving guid-ance to the various countries as to the mimimumstandards for the qualifications of drivers, and theneed for a greater degree of uniformity to facili-tate implementation of the provisions of the Con-vention on Road Traffic concerning reciprocal rec-ognition of drivers' permits among the ContractingStates (E/1980).

The Commission recommended that the Councilinstruct the Secretary-General to appoint a smallcommittee of qualified experts:

(1) to consider these problems and report to theCommission at its sixth session; (2) to advise theCommission on the desirability and possibility of estab-lishing uniform minimum regulations for the licensingof drivers of the various categories of motor vehiclesand, on the basis of their findings; (3) to prepare draftregulations (4) to advise the Commission as to whethersuch draft regulations should be referred to the variousgovernments for consideration in connexion with their

72 On 25 February 1952, Sweden deposited its instru-ment of ratification and the Convention came into force30 days later, on 26 March 1952.73 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 488-89.


domestic laws and regulations, or considered as anannex to the Convention on Road Traffic and applicableto international traffic only, or both; and (5) to advisethe Commission on any other considerations.

At the 118th meeting of the Economic Com-mittee on 2 August 1951, the representatives ofPoland and the USSR opposed the recommenda-tion on the ground that the matter was one whichfell within the domestic jurisdiction of States andthat it would mean interference with existing na-tional laws. Other representatives, including thoseof China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, theUnited Kingdom and the United States, favouredthe draft resolution, declaring that it would fa-cilitate travel and would save lives on the road.The draft resolution proposed by the Commissionwas adopted by the Committee at the same meet-ing by 13 votes to 3, and by the Council, withoutdiscussion, at its 497th plenary meeting on 7August 1951, by 14 votes to 3 (resolution 379 B(XIII) ).

2. Other Problems in the Field ofInland Transport

a. CO-ORDINATION OF INLAND TRANSPORTThe Commission, at its fifth session, considered

a report (E/CN.2/98 & Add.1) prepared by theSecretary-General in accordance with Council res-olution 298 H (XI)74 and resolution 8 of thefourth session of the Commission (E/1665) onthe co-ordination of inland transport.

The report reviewed international and nationaldevelopments in this field and recommended thatsome general information be sought from govern-ments which would clarify the nature of the co-ordination problem in the various parts of theworld and facilitate its study at both world-wideand regional levels. It recommended that consul-tation with governments take the form of an en-quiry concerning:

(1) governmental functions, and the agencies per-forming them, as regards the different means of inlandtransport; (2) the nature and extent of competition, ifit existed, between the various means of transport;(3) measures, taken or proposed, to bring about theco-ordination of the means of inland transport; (4) anyexisting or projected studies, under government auspices,relating to inland transport co-ordination.

After discussing whether the problem of inlandtransport co-ordination required world-wide treat-ment or could be dealt with on a regional basis,the Commission concluded in resolution 8, adoptedat its fifth session (E/1980), that this was asubject to be dealt with primarily on a regionalbasis wherever adequate regional machinery ex-isted.

Since, however, there might be regions wheresuch machinery did not exist, and there mightalso be general aspects with which the Commis-sion could usefully deal, it should continue tofollow developments in that respect in the variousregions and countries. The Commission consideredthat governments should make an effort, on aninternational basis, to remove friction arising fromexisting legislation on inland transport and avoidmeasures likely to hamper the freedom of inter-national transport by the various means. The Sec-retary-General was requested:

(1) to make available to all regional bodies con-cerned the results of studies of the problem of co-ordination of inland transport undertaken by any ofthe regional bodies or initiated by the Commissionwhere necessary; and (2) to keep the Commissioninformed of developments which might require theCommission's attention.

b. REGIONAL PROBLEMS IN THE FIELD OFINLAND TRANSPORT

The Commission considered, at its fifth session,a report by the Secretary-General (E/CN.2/102,Corr.1 & Add.1), summarizing activities in thefield of inland transport. Among the regional de-velopments which had occurred since the Com-mission's fourth session, the report noted the workof the Inland Transport Committee of the Eco-nomic Commission for Europe (ECE) and theestablishment of the Inland Transport Committeeof the Economic Commission for Asia and theFar East (ECAFE),75 both of which were notedwith satisfaction by the Commission. Note wasalso taken of the holding at Johannesburg, from25 October-16 November 1950, of the Con-ference on Central and Southern African Trans-port Problems.

c. MEETING OF INLAND TRANSPORT EXPERTSIN THE MIDDLE EAST

At the 551st plenary meeting on 14 September1951, the Council, on the proposal of the Presi-dent, unanimously decided to take the same actionas at previous sessions and, having again decidedat its thirteenth session76 to postpone considera-tion of the question of whether an economic com-mission for the Middle East should be set up, topostpone again consideration of a resolution of theTransport and Communications Commission at itssecond session (E/789) which recommended, in-

74 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 490-91.75 See also under these Commissions.76 See also pp. 476-77.


ter alia, that a meeting of inland transport expertsbe held in the Middle East.

3. Facilitation of InternationalMovement of Persons and Goods

a. TRAVEL, PASSPORT AND FRONTIERFORMALITIES

Two reports by the Secretary-General were be-fore the Commission at its fifth session when itdiscussed travel, passport and frontier formalities.

One (E/CN.2/103 & Add.1), referred to theactivities of international intergovernmental andnon-governmental bodies concerned with the fa-cilitation of international travel, and in listingthese activities at both the world-wide and re-gional levels, showed that a large number ofbodies were actively promoting internationaltravel.

The other, entitled "Passport and Frontier For-malities: Progress in the Post-war Period" (E/-CN.2/99 & Add.1), contained replies to an en-quiry addressed to governments by the Secretary-General in accordance with resolution 1 adoptedat the Commission's fourth session (E/1665),77

regarding the implementation of the recommen-dation of the United Nations Meeting of Expertson Passports and Frontier Formalities held inGeneva in 1947. This report stated that wideagreement existed among governments concerningthe desirability of implementing the measuresrecommended by the Experts on Passports andFrontier Formalities. It added, however, that whilethere seemed to be general agreement that thecomplete abolition of passport and visa require-ments — regarded as the ultimate goal by theMeeting of Experts — was not feasible undercurrent circumstances, the measures which wererecommended by the experts for easing the appli-cation of these requirements were, so far as couldbe determined from the replies, on the whole con-sidered appropriate and possible. The report addedthat considerable progress had been made in thepost-war period in the application of measures forthe simplification of passport and frontier formal-ities, particularly with respect to abolition of visarequirements by bilateral or unilateral action andwith respect to co-operation by adjoining coun-tries in expediting frontier formalities. The reportalso noted that 83 bilateral agreements, reciproc-ally abolishing visa requirements, had been offi-cially notified to the Secretary-General.

The Commission, at its fifth session, requestedthe Secretary-General to continue to follow and

to report on progress in the field. It also recom-mended that any further general enquiry addressedto governments should be postponed until afterthe sixth session of the Commission.

b. CUSTOMS FORMALITIES FOR TOURING

During its review of developments in the fieldof international road transport (see above), theCommission considered a report by the Secretary-General (E/CN.2/114) on customs formalitieswith respect to international road transport andtouring. The report recommended that with re-gard to possible action with respect to customsformalities, it would appear useful to separate thequestion of touring (which concerned the variousmeans of transport) and the question of com-merical road vehicles and the transport of goodsby road. The problems of customs formalities forcommercial road vehicles as well as for the. trans-port of goods by road, the report stated, wouldappear to be questions of regional rather thanworld-wide concern, and might be taken up inthe various regions.

The Commission agreed that the problems ofcustoms formalities for commercial road vehiclesand for the transport of goods by road should bedealt with on a regional basis, but that the prob-lem of customs formalities for the temporary im-portation of private vehicles and for the personaleffects of tourists travelling by all means of trans-port were problems of world-wide scope. TheCommission recommended to the Council that theSecretary-General be instructed to circulate to Gov-ernments which had been invited to the UnitedNations Conference on Road and Motor Trans-port, held at Geneva in 1949, the draft Interna-tional Customs Convention on Touring, preparedunder the auspices of ECE, together with pro-posals submitted jointly by the World Touringand Automobile Organization (OTA) and the In-ternational Union of Official Travel Organizations(IUOTO) for the amendment of this draft Con-vention.

It recommended that the Secretary-General beasked to request the views of governments as to:

(1) the desirability of considering the conclusion, ona world-wide basis, of two conventions on customsformalities, one relating to the temporary importationof private vehicles and their equipment, and the otherrelating to tourists (i.e., the personal effects of touriststravelling by any means of transport); (2 ) the suita-bility of the ECE draft International Customs Conven-tion on Touring, together with the proposals of OTAand IUOTO, as a basis of discussion for concluding such

77 See Y.U.N., pp. 483-84.


Conventions; and (3) any modifications which govern-ments might consider desirable in order to increase thesuitability of the draft International Customs Conventionon Touring and of the proposals of the OTA and theIUOTO as a basis for discussion.

Finally, it recommended that the Secretary-Generalbe asked to report to the Commission at its sixth session.

The Economic Committee discussed these rec-ommendations at its 118th and 119th meetings,on 2 and 3 August 1951. Discussion was con-cerned mainly with the question of whetherworld-wide action should be confined to privatevehicles. Two amendments proposed by the UnitedKingdom to the draft resolution recommended bythe Commission sought:

First (E/AC.6/L.48), that the United Kingdom'sdraft World-Wide Convention on Tourism be includedamong the documents which the Secretary-Generalwould, in terms of the draft resolution, be instructedto circulate to governments; second (an oral amend-ment), that the draft resolution be amended to allowfor the possibility of regulations concerning commercialvehicles being included in a world-wide convention.

The opinion that the question of customs for-malities was the internal concern of each Statewas expressed in the Committee by the represent-ative of the USSR. Opposition to the first amend-ment by the United Kingdom was expressed bya number of representatives, including those ofChile, France, Pakistan and the United States,either on grounds of procedure or because circu-lation of the United Kingdom's draft World-WideConvention on Tourism might imply that thisdraft Convention had the Committee's preliminaryapproval. The second United Kingdom amend-ment was also opposed by several representatives.

After a number of oral compromise sugges-tions, the representative of the United Kingdomwithdrew both amendments, and the Committee,at its 119th meeting on 3 August 1951, adopted,by 12 votes to 3, the draft resolution proposed bythe Commission. This, in turn, was adopted bythe Council at its 497th plenary meeting on 11August 1951, by 15 votes to 3 (resolution 379 D(XIII)).

c. BARRIERS TO THE INTERNATIONALTRANSPORT OF GOODS

At its fifth session, the Commission noted thatthe Secretary-General had brought to the noticeof the Interim Commission for ITO Council resolu-tion 298 D (XI),78 adopted on the recommenda-tion of the Commission in which the Council urgedMembers of the United Nations and other in-terested governments to continue consideration ofnational measures consistent with the principles

of the Charter of the proposed International TradeOrganization for the simplification of customs andrelated formalities constituting barriers to the in-ternational transport of goods. The Commissionagreed that, in the circumstances, no further actionby it was needed at that time.

4. International Transport ofDangerous Goods

The Commission, at its fifth session, considereda report by the Secretary-General on the problemof the international transport of dangerous goods(E/CN.2/97 & Add.1). The report stated that thematter was clearly one requiring consideration ona world-wide basis and it suggested examinationof two main questions:

(1) the adoption on a world-wide basis of uniformregulations applicable to all or several means of trans-port with respect to certain aspects of the problem,requiring as a first stage a preliminary survey of theaspects appropriate for uniform treatment, and, as asecond stage, the preparation of uniform regulationsrelating to those aspects; and (2) the adoption subse-quently of uniform regulations for each form of trans-port—of a world-wide nature in respect to shippingand aviation, but of a regional character in respect toinland transport.

The Commission adopted resolution 7 (E/-1980), noting the great importance to the pres-ervation of life and property of the adequate reg-ulation of the international transport of dangerousgoods. It considered that, as various means oftransport in and between different parts of theworld were frequently involved in internationalshipments of dangerous goods, the regulation ofthe transport of such goods and of the variousoperations related thereto should be as uniformas possible on a world-wide basis. The Commis-sion noted that the problem of the internationaltransport of dangerous goods in Europe by roadand inland waterway, and the related operationsof handling dangerous goods, were under study bythe Inland Transport Committee of ECE and heldthat this work should be co-ordinated with anywork undertaken by the United Nations on aworld-wide basis. It recommended that the Coun-cil instruct the Secretary-General, in consultationwith the competent international and nationalbodies, to examine the problem of the transportof dangerous goods with a view to determiningwhich were appropriate for uniform regulation,

78 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 484-85.


and to report to the Commission at its sixthsession.

Consideration was given to this matter at the118th meeting of the Economic Committee on 2August and at the 497th plenary meeting of theCouncil on 11 August 1951.

Both in the Committee and in the Council, therepresentatives of Czechoslovakia, Poland and theUSSR declared that the aim of the resolution wasto facilitate the transport of war materials, which,with the rearmament by certain capitalist coun-tries, had now become a matter of urgency.

The representatives of India, the United King-dom, and the United States supported the Com-mission's recommendation, stating that its aimwas technical and humanitarian, the protection ofprivate citizens and particularly workers respon-sible for the transport of dangerous goods; suchgoods included acids, commercial gases, dynamiteand similar materials.

The Committee, by 13 votes to 3, and the Coun-cil, by 14 votes to 3, at its 497th plenary meetingon 11 August, adopted the draft resolution pro-posed by the Commission as resolution 379 E(XIII).

5. Problems in the Field of Shipping

a. RATIFICATION OF THE CONVENTION ONTHE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL MARITIMECONSULTATIVE ORGANIZATION

The Commission, at its fifth session, noted thatsix countries had ratified the Convention on theInter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organi-zation (IMCO), that two members of the Com-mission had stated that their governments expectedto ratify the Convention as soon as the necessaryparliamentary action had been completed, andthat, under its provisions, the Convention wouldcome into force as soon as it had been ratified bythe governments of 21 States, seven of which hadto possess over a million tons of merchant ship-ping. The Commission adopted resolution 2(E/-1980), in which it took note with satisfaction ofthe information that the Secretary-General was onthe point of sending to Member Governmentswhich had not thus far ratified the Conventionan enquiry concerning steps taken by them to doso. The Council, at its thirteenth session, was in-formed that two additional ratifications hadbrought the total to eight.79

b. THE UNIFICATION OF MARITIMETONNAGE MEASUREMENT

The Commission adopted a resolution (E/-1980) at its fifth session stating that, in its opin-ion, the problem of intergovernmental action onthe unification of tonnage measurement should beamong the first to be considered by IMCO.80

c. POLLUTION OF SEA WATER

At its fifth session, the Commission considereda report on the pollution of sea water (E/CN.2/-100, Add.1 and Add.2) containing the replies ofa large number of governments to an enquiry for-warded by the Secretary-General in accordancewith Council resolution 298 C (XI).81 It cameto the conclusion that, while there was wide in-terest in having this problem examined on an in-ternational basis, the suggestion for calling a meet-ing of experts immediately was somewhat prema-ture.

The Economic Committee, at its 119th meetingon 3 August, by 11 votes to none, with 3 absten-tions, and the Council, at its 497th plenary meetingon 11 August, by 14 votes to none, with 3 absten-tions, adopted resolution 379 F (XIII), based ona recommendation of the Commission.

Having noted that, as requested in Council res-olution 298 C (XI), some governments had al-ready undertaken studies on the subject of thepollution of sea water, the Council requested othergovernments possessing the necessary technicalfacilities to undertake similar studies, and to com-municate the results to the Secretary-General. TheSecretary-General was instructed by the Councilto transmit the results of these studies to the In-ter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organiza-tion when it began to function.

6. Co-ordination of Activities of theSpecialized Agencies in the Field of

Transport and CommunicationsAt its fifth session, the Commission noted a

report (E/CN.2/110, Corr.1, Add.1/Rev.1, andAdd.2) on the co-ordination of activities in thefield of transport and communications of theUnited Nations and its regional economic com-missions with those of the International Labour

79 For IMCO, see under Part Two: The SpecializedAgencies.80 For previous recommendation on this subject, seeY.U.N., 1950, pp. 485-86.81 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 486.


Organisation (ILO), the Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO), the United Nations Educa-tional, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UN-ESCO), the International Civil Aviation Organi-zation (ICAO), the World Health Organization(WHO), the Universal Postal Union (UPU),the International Telecommunication Union(ITU), the World Meteorological Organization(WMO), the Interim Commission for the Inter-national Trade Organization (IC.ITO) and thePreparatory Committee of the Inter-GovernmentalMaritime Consultative Organization (PC.IMCO).Attention was drawn in particular to co-ordinationof activities under the Expanded Programme ofTechnical Assistance for economic developmentof under-developed countries.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS OF THEATLANTIC CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONSCONFERENCE OF 1947

The Council, at its eleventh session, had adoptedresolution 298 J (XI),82 based on a recommen-dation by the Commission at its fourth session(E/1665), on the subject of the implementationof the decisions of the Atlantic City Telecom-munications Conference of 1947. The Commis-sion, at its fifth session, noted that the Extraordi-nary Radio Conference called by the InternationalTelecommunication Union for September 1950, toapprove the international list of frequencies re-ferred to in the Council's resolution, had beenpostponed but would meet at Geneva on 16 Aug-ust 1951. The majority of the members of theCommission reiterated their support for the reso-lution recommended at the fourth session, statingthat the Commission considered the establishmentof the international frequency list to be an ex-tremely urgent matter. Certain other members ofthe Commission, however, felt that this was asubject which should rather be discussed at thenext Ordinary Administrative Radio Conferenceof the International Telecommunication Union,which was scheduled to be held in 1952.

7. Transport Statistics

The Commission, at its fifth session, adopteda recommendation, subsequently endorsed by theStatistical Commission at its sixth session, that thestatistical series for tonnage of goods loaded andfor net ton-kilometres performed by road motorvehicle transport be added to the list of statisticalseries the compilation and publication of which

were recommended by the Commission at itsfourth session (E/1665).

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS

The Commission, at its fifth session, took ac-count of a note by the Secretary-General (E/-CN.2/113 and Add.1, and E/CN.3/118 andAdd.1), informing the Commission of the effortsmade on an international basis to improve roadaccident statistics, in particular by the League ofNations, WHO and ECE. The report also includeda letter from the World Touring and AutomobileOrganization (OTA) urging the standardizationof such statistics on a world-wide basis, and alsodrawing attention to the establishment by OTAof an international information centre relating toroad safety.

The Economic Committee, at its 118th meetingon 2 August adopted, by 10 votes to 1, with 5abstentions, a resolution based on the recommen-dations of the Commission, and this was adoptedwithout discussion by the Council at its 497thplenary meeting on 11 August 1951, by 13 votesto none, with 5 abstentions (resolution 379 C(XIII)).

In terms of the resolution, which had been en-dorsed by the Statistical Commission at its sixthsession (E/1994), the Council instructed theSecretary-General to co-ordinate the work ofUnited Nations bodies on road traffic accident sta-tistics.

8. Discrimination in TransportInsurance

The Commission, at its fifth session, took ac-count of information supplied by the InternationalChamber of Commerce (E/CN.2/NGO/5 andE/CN.2/NGO/9) and by the Government ofSweden, regarding practices adopted by some gov-ernments in recent years and considered to haveintroduced discrimination with respect to trans-port insurance. The discrimination alleged wassaid to take the form of reserving to underwritersin particular countries or of certain currency con-trols which sometimes had a discriminatory effect.The Commission, in a resolution adopted at itsfifth session (E/1980), requested the Secretary-General to conduct a further study to determinethe extent to which these practices were beingapplied and their impact on international trade,

82 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 487-88.


with a view to determining what useful stepscould be taken by the Commission.

The draft resolution proposed by the Commis-sion was adopted by the Economic Committee atits 119th meeting on 3 August 1951, by 11 votesto 3, and by the Council, at its 497th plenarymeeting on 11 August 1951, by 13 votes to 3,with 1 abstention (resolution 379 G (XIII)).

The Council also requested governments, in sofar as possible, to adopt a policy of non-discrimi-nation in transport insurance and to permit theplacing of transport insurance on the most eco-nomical basis.

9. Applications of Non-GovernmentalOrganizations for Consultative Status

The Commission, having at its fourth sessionpostponed consideration of the application forconsultative status of the Permanent InternationalBureau of Motor Manufacturers, called for inCouncil resolution 263 C (IX),83 decided at itsfifth session to recommend to the Council thatsuch consideration be still further postponed,

pending the receipt of fuller information fromthe organization.

Furthermore, at the latter session, the Com-mission re-examined at the request of the Councilin resolution 365(XII), the application for con-sultative status of the Inter-American Federationof Automobile Clubs — previously considered atits fourth session — and examined the applicationof the International Union of Marine Insurance.After considering the report by the Secretary-General containing information on those organi-zations (E/CN.2/101 and Add.1), the Commis-sion, in resolution 11 (E/1980), recommended tothe Council that consultative status in category Bbe granted to the Inter-American Federation ofAutomobile Clubs, and that this organization andthe World Touring and Automobile Organizationbe requested to work out arrangements by whichthey might, in future, be consulted jointly by theEconomic and Social Council; it further recom-mended that consultative status in category B begranted to the International Union of Marine In-surance. Both of these organizations were grantedconsultative status in category B by the Councilat its thirteenth session.84

G. FISCAL QUESTIONS

The Fiscal Commission, at its third sessionfrom 7-17 May 1951, discussed a series of sub-stantive fiscal problems, on the basis either of pro-posals submitted by Member Governments or ofdocuments prepared by the Secretariat. The workof the Commission was embodied in a report(E/1993) to the Economic and Social Council,

which contained a request for studies to be un-dertaken by the Secretariat in a certain order ofpriority, as well as recommendations to MemberGovernments.

At its thirteenth session, the Council consideredthis report at the 116th and 117th meetings ofits Economic Committee on 31 July and 1 August,and at its 496th plenary meeting on 10 August1951. The Council took note of the report inresolution 378 A (XIII), adopted by the Com-mittee by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions,and by the Council by 14 votes to none, with 3abstentions. It then adopted, in a series of reso-lutions (resolutions 378 B-I (XIII)), substan-tially all the recommendations made by the Com-mission. An account of the principal studies pro-posed and recommendations made is given below.

In adopting the draft resolution proposed bythe Fiscal Commission, the Council, in resolution378 I (XIII), adopted by both the Committeeand the Council by 15 votes to none, with 3 ab-stentions, recognized that first priority should begiven to technical assistance to Member States.During 1951, the Secretariat had given such as-sistance in the fiscal field to the Governments ofAfghanistan, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Sal-vador, Haiti, Israel and Libya.85 A conference oncomparative fiscal administration was organized inGeneva from 16-25 July 1951 to evaluate theresults of technical assistance rendered by theUnited Nations to Member Governments in thefiscal field, particularly with regard to the appli-cability of recommended techniques to a varietyof countries at various stages of economic devel-opment. The report on this conference, preparedfor publication in 1952, would marshal the fac-

83 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 488.84 See also pp. 597-98.85 See, in particular, Report of the United Nations

Mission of Technical Assistance to Bolivia, U.N.P., SalesNo.: 1951. II B. 5.

Yearbook of the United Nations

tual information brought out at the conferenceand in past technical assistance reports, and bedesigned to serve future missions in the field.Within the general programme of training foreconomic development, the Secretariat also granteda series of scholarships and fellowships in thefield of tax administration, tax policy and bud-getary management.

In the field of international tax problems, theFiscal Commission, at its third session, had beforeit a Secretariat study entitled The Effects of Taxa-tion on Foreign Trade and Investment86 TheCommission commended this publication, and theEconomic Committee and the Council, both by 15votes to 3, adopted a draft resolution to this effect(resolution 378 B I (XIII)). The Committee,by 13 votes to 3, and the Council, by 14 votes to3, with 1 abstention, adopted a further resolutionon international tax problems.

Resolution 378 B II (XIII) stated that inter-national double taxation normally operates as oneof the impediments to the free flow of trade andinvestment; it recognized that in the relations be-tween under-developed and industrialized coun-tries, the country in which income arises has, asa general principle, an undoubted right to taxthat income, and that the main burden of reliefof double taxation should fall on the countrywhere the income is also taxable as part of theincome of a resident or national person or cor-poration. The resolution expressed the Council'sbelief that bilateral agreements on this basis canmake their contribution to the general objectivesof the United Nations for the encouragement ofeconomic development in under-developed coun-tries and recommended that the conclusion ofbilateral agreements for the relief of double taxa-tion should find a place in the fiscal policy ofMember States.

By the same resolution, the Council also rec-ommended that there is normally no need orjustification for countries seeking to attract capitaland enterprise from abroad to offer as an incentivespecially favourable tax treatment compared withthe treatment accorded to their own national en-terprises. In this resolution, the Council also urgedthe Secretariat to enquire further into the effectsof taxation on foreign trade and investment.

The Economic Commission for Latin America(ECLA), at its fourth session, had called for astudy on the effects of tax measures in capitalexporting and -importing countries on decisions toinvest, and on the operation of enterprises, in the

countries of Latin America. As a result, a specialstudy directed toward conditions in Latin Americawas initiated.

Among the special studies requested by theCouncil was a study on the taxation of corpora-tions, which was undertaken by the Secretariat,in view of the importance of corporate activitiesin the economic development of under-developedcountries. This report, which was presented inpreliminary form (E/CN.8/55) to the FiscalCommission, was expected to be completed forpublication by mid-1952.

In resolution 378 C (XIII), adopted by theEconomic Committee and the Council by 15 votesto none, with 3 abstentions, the Council recom-mended that governments which had not yet sentthe Secretariat the information and documentsrequested in the questionnaire on the taxation offoreign nationals, assets and transactions (E/-CN.8/W.19) should reply to that request andkeep such information and documents up to date.The Secretariat has undertaken comparative ana-lytical studies on the basis of the information re-ceived, the first of which is expected to be com-pleted by the end of 1952.

In the field of budgetary classification and fi-nancial reporting, the Council discussed and com-mended the Secretariat's study Budgetary Structureand Classification of Government Accounts.87 Byresolution 378 D (XIII), adopted by the Com-mittee and the Council by 15 votes to 3, theCouncil called for continuation of this work, andurged the development of basic principles for gov-ernment budgeting, accounting, auditing and re-porting, and the development of minimum re-quirements for a uniform system of reportinggovernment financial information including anover-all picture of their operations for interna-tional use. The Secretariat was also requested todevelop a refined and broadened system of fiscaldata classification and presentation.

In pursuance of this recommendation, the Sec-retariat undertook the preparation of a Manual onthe Classification of Government Accounts. Thepurpose of this manual is to make recommenda-tions on the practical application of the basicprinciples devised in the Secretariat's study onbudgetary structure and classification; it is in-tended to fill a basic need in technical assistancework.

86 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1950 XVI. 1. For a descriptionof the contents, see Y.U.N., 1950, p. 497.

87 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.XVI.3.


In its resolution outlining a comprehensive pro-gramme of work for the Secretariat (resolution378 I (XIII)) , which was adopted by the Eco-nomic Committee and the Council by 15 votes tonone, with 3 abstentions, the Council showed thatit continued to attach particular importance tothe strengthening of the international fiscal infor-mation centre organized originally in pursuanceof Council resolution 67 (V). The Council urgedfurther publication of fiscal data in the UnitedNations Statistical Yearbook. It also urged publi-cation of periodic public finance data, jointly es-tablished with the International Monetary Fund,in its bulletin International Financial Statistics. In1951 the fiscal data published in the StatisticalYearbook appeared for the first time as a separatechapter, with more detailed information on thecharacter of government spending and receipts. Aseparate study providing, in detailed form, aneconomically more meaningful classification of gov-ernment expenditure, receipts and public debt wasin course of preparation at the end of the year.

The Secretary-General, in pursuance of therecommendations of Council resolution 378 E(XIII), adopted by the Economic Committee by10 votes to 4, with 4 abstentions, and by theCouncil by 13 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions,also initiated enquiries as to the feasibility of in-cluding statistics and other information on pro-vincial and municipal finance in its public financeinformation service.

In the series Public Finance Surveys and Pub-lic Finance Information Papers, two new studieswere published during the year. The PublicFinance Survey on India88 analyses the fiscalproblems of a newly independent nation andhow it adapted its existing administrative andfiscal structure to the constitutional complexitiesborn of partition. The Public Finance InformationPaper on Peru89 places particular emphasis onthe role of government in the inflationary processand the necessity of a co-ordinated monetaryand fiscal policy as a basis for a developmentprogramme. The public finance chapter contri-buted to the 1951 survey of the Economic Com-mission for Asia and the Far East analyses morespecifically the effect of fiscal policy in combatingthe inflationary pressures arising from the Koreanconflict.

As a further means of strengthening the roleof the Secretariat as an international fiscal infor-mation centre, the Council in resolution 378 G(XIII), adopted by the Economic Committeeby 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, and by

the Council, by 15 votes to 3, requested theSecretary-General to envisage the publicationof a world tax service, providing a continuousservice of information on national tax laws andadministration. In the opinion of the Council,such a service would greatly help Member coun-tries to attain their objectives in the field ofeconomic development, since the availability ofcomprehensive and authoritative information onthe various tax systems was a prerequisite to theestablishment of tax policies and tax systemsmore particularly designed to attract foreigntrade and investment and to promote nationaldevelopment. In pursuance of this recommenda-tion, the Secretary-General took steps to plansuch a service and to give consideration to thepossible co-operation of universities in this un-dertaking.

The Council also urged the continuation ofthe series International Tax Agreements, andthe further analysis and evaluation of tax agree-ments and unilateral provisions for relief fromdouble taxation. At its third session, the FiscalCommission had before it Volume II, Interna-tional Tax Agreements,90 containing the text ofsome 100 new agreements signed since 1948,and Volume III, World Guide to InternationalTax Agreements, 1843-1951.91 The comprehen-sive tables contained in this volume codify forthe first time information on the present statusof the 400 tax agreements thus far concluded,indicating the nature of the agreements, theirratification and effective date, modifications andterminations, as well as the implementing lawsand regulations. Volume IV, now in preparation,will contain the new agreements signed since1950, as well as a supplement bringing up todate the tables published in Volume III.

In resolution 378 F (XIII), adopted by theEconomic Committee and the Council by 15votes to none, with 3 abstentions, the Councilrequested the Secretariat to prepare from timeto time special reports on important fiscal devel-opments in Member States, including importantlegislation, major administrative developments andsimilar matters.

In 1951 the Secretariat continued to co-operatewith specialized agencies in studies on fiscal prob-lems of particular importance to them. A jointstudy with the International Civil Aviation Organi-

88 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1952.XVI.1.89 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1952.XVI.2.90 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.XVI.1.91 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.XVI.5.


zation (ICAO) on the taxation of internationalcivil aviation was completed and submitted forcomment to the Fiscal Commission. The Com-mission discussed the problem at length and re-quested the Secretary-General to forward to ICAOa copy of its resolution on International TaxProblems (378 B II (XIII)), as well as thesummary records of its meetings devoted to thesubject. The Council endorsed this recommenda-tion.

In pursuance of resolutions 401(V)92 and524(VI)93 of the General Assembly, dealingwith land reform, the Council invited the Secre-tariat (378 I. 2(c) (XIII)) to initiate, jointlywith the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), a study on the fiscal problems of agricul-ture. This study is to analyse the actual operationof taxes on land, land produce and income fromland, as well as tax implications of the operationsof government marketing boards and multipleexchange systems. It will also enquire into the

burdens resulting from taxes levied on the goodspurchased by the agricultural population for con-sumption or cultivation. Field studies have beenprojected to seek, in specific countries, to investi-gate the actual operation of the tax administrationand to analyse the economic effects of the taxesapplicable to agriculture.

In calling for studies and reports by the Secre-tariat, the Council, in resolution 378 H (XIII),adopted by the Economic Committee by 13 votesto 3, with 2 abstentions, and by the Council by15 votes to 3, also requested the Secretary-Generalto present to the Commission at the beginningof each future session a comprehensive statement:(1) showing the action undertaken by the Secre-tariat to carry out the programme previouslyrecommended by the Fiscal Commission and ap-proved by the Council, and (2) outlining indetail, project by project, on a priority basis, aproposed Secretariat programme of work in thefiscal field, on an annual basis.

H. STATISTICAL ACTIVITIES

The Economic and Social Council at its thir-teenth session had before it the report of thesixth session of the Statistical Commission (E/-1994), held from 7-18 May 1951.

The report included significant developmentsin the work of the Commission over the period1950-1951 and broadly covered the following:

(1) international trade statistics; (2) transport statis-tics; (3) vital statistics; (4) population and socialstatistics; (5) price statistics; (6) basic industrial sta-tistics; and (7) the fourth session of the sub-commissionon statistical sampling and (8) the improvement of na-tional statistics.

The Council considered the report (E/1994)at the 120th meeting of its Economic Committeeon 17 August and at its 527th plenary meetingon 30 August 1951. During the general discussion,in which the representatives of Belgium, Canada,China, Czechoslovakia, France, Iran, Pakistan, theUSSR, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates took part, the following, among otherpoints, were emphasized: the need for improvingboth the international comparability of statisticsand national statistics, in particular statistics onthe more essential aspects of economic and socialactivities.

The majority of the Council praised the workof the Commission. The representatives of Cze-choslovakia and the USSR, however, were of theopinion that the Commission, instead of con-

centrating on the study of statistical methods,had concerned itself with questions coming withinthe domestic jurisdiction of States; they wouldtherefore abstain on the draft resolution beforethe Council.

The Council, in resolution 380 A (XIII), notedthe report of the Commission and adopted tworesolutions suggested by the Commission con-cerning definitions of customs areas and criminalstatistics (see below).

1. Improvement of National Statistics

The Commission at its sixth session (E/1994)had before it a comprehensive memorandum(E/CN.3/131) outlining the activities of theCommission and of the Secretary-General in thefield of technical assistance. The Commission noted,in particular, the increasing scope of this pro-gramme for the improvement of national statistics.

Particular attention was drawn to the extentto which collaboration among the United Nationsorganizations was proving effective in the carryingout of technical assistance in the field of statisticsin co-operation with the Technical AssistanceAdministration. The Commission urged that the

92 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 461-62.93 See pp. 410-11.


Secretary-General should encourage and assist spe-cialized agencies in the further development oftheir programmes and at the same time recognizehis own responsibility for co-ordination.

The Commission made a number of suggestionsaimed at the improvement of the expert servicesbeing made available, and noted particularly thedesirability of interchanging, among countries ina general region, those statistical methods whichhad been found practicable in some countries ofthe region. It was important, in the view ofthe Commission, that the Secretary-General shouldgive increased emphasis to the adaptation ofstatistical standards and methods suitable for theless well-developed countries.

The Commission reiterated its view that oneof the most important problems involved inimproving national statistics was the training andeducation of national statistical personnel. Theactivities of the Secretary-General in the conductof training centres and seminars and the grantingof fellowships were especially important in thisconnexion. It was considered desirable that methodsfor the selection, placement and training of fel-lows be improved and that the total number offellowships available be increased.

The Commission noted the progress that hadbeen made by the International Statistical Insti-tute, with the collaboration of the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) and the Indian Statistical Institute,in the conduct of the International StatisticalTraining Centre at Calcutta. It reaffirmed its in-terest in this undertaking and expressed the viewthat, in activities of this kind, no attempt shouldbe made to draw too sharp a line between theeducational aspects and the training or operationalaspects of statistics.

The Commission discussed the need for basicstatistics in the planning, execution and appraisalof economic development programmes generally,and recommended that the Secretary-General en-courage the use of statistical experts in connexionwith these programmes.

In view of the fact that a large number ofcountries were now re-examining and improvingtheir statistical systems and of the fact that inter-national organizations were developing methodsand standards for statistical work in various fields,the Commission requested that the Secretary-Gen-eral provide it, at the beginning of each session,with a comprehensive summary of the status ofnational and international statistics.

To meet the need resulting from the insufficiencyin numbers, education and training of nationalstatistical personnel, United Nations fellowshipshave been awarded to national statisticians. Thefellowships are to enable the statisticians to sup-plement their knowledge both on theoretical as-pects as well as on practical operational aspectsof statistics by training in statistically advancedcountries and through short-term training anddemonstration centres. During 1951 a total of29 fellowships in the field of statistics was awardedunder the expanded programme of technical as-sistance. Also, under this programme, trainingcentres were held in Rio de Janeiro, Ceylon,Cairo and Calcutta, with a total of 106 partici-pants. In collaboration with the specialized agen-cies concerned, a conference on external tradeand balance of payments statistics was held inRangoon, Burma, with 40 participants from 16countries. A seminar on economic statistics washeld in Helsinki, with 141 participants, and 46participants from 20 countries took part in aconference on external trade and balance of pay-ments statistics in Panama.

Under the same programme, expert assistancewas given to a number of individual countriesduring 1951, either in carrying out specific sta-tistical projects or in developing national statisticalservices. In 1951 statistical experts were assignedto Afghanistan, Burma, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador,Haiti, Libya, Panama, the Philippines, Syria, Thai-land and Yugoslavia.

Work was carried forward in 1951 in thepreparation of handbooks in a number of specificfields for the guidance of under-developed coun-tries in collecting and processing statistical data.

2. International Trade Statistics

a. STATUS AND USE OF THE STANDARD INTER-NATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION

The Commission had before it a memorandumprepared by the Secretariat (E/CN.3/120) whichshowed that, since the adoption of the StandardInternational Trade Classification (SITC) by theEconomic and Social Council in July 1950 (reso-lution 299 B (XI)) , a substantial number ofcountries, accounting for the major part of theworld's trade, were either reporting their dataaccording to the SITC, or had rearranged theirdata in accordance with the classification for thepurpose of international comparisons.


The Commission, at its sixth session (E/1994)requested the Secretary-General to arrange forthe publication of data classified according tothe SITC, to assist countries to adopt or achieveconvertability to the SITC in the presentationof their trade data, and to expedite the publica-tion of indices showing the location of eachcommodity in the SITC.

During 1951 the publication of internationaltrade data on the basis of the SITC was consider-ably expanded, assistance was given to individualcountries and regions in adapting the reportingof their trade statistics to the SITC, and arrange-ments were being made to issue a manual forthe guidance of countries on the use of the SITC,together with the publication of alphabetical in-dices.

b. DEFINITIONS FOR TRADE STATISTICSThe Commission considered a paper entitled

"Definitions for international trade statistics" pre-pared by the Secretary-General (E/CN.3/126).This paper was intended as part of a technicalmanual to contain suggestions for the use of gov-ernments on the improvement of trade statistics.These suggestions differed from the provisionsof the League of Nations International Conven-tion relating to Economic Statistics by makingspecific recommendations on methods of valua-tion, determination of country of origin and des-tination, and coverage of trade data, all matterson which the International Convention providedalternatives.

The Commission examined the paper in detailand made a number of technical suggestions foruse when the paper was revised. The Commissionwas of the opinion that an effort should be made,after consultation with governments, to formulaterecommendations to extend and, where necessary,to replace, those contained in the InternationalConvention. It therefore asked the Secretary-Gen-eral to re-examine the main concepts, definitionsand practices in use in the fields of trade statistics,having particular reference to the provisions ofthe International Convention on this matter and,taking into account the views and practices ofMember countries, to report to the Commissionat its next session.

c. DEFINITIONS OF CUSTOMS AREASThe Commission considered that the list of

countries annexed to the International Conventionrelating to Economic Statistics had become obso-lete and requested the Economic and Social Coun-

cil to invite the Secretary-General to: (1) compileand issue a summary of the official definitions ofthe customs areas of Member countries to facili-tate the compilation of trade-by-country statistics;and (2) keep the summary up to date by periodicrevision.

The Council, at the 120th meetings of itsEconomic Committee on 17 August, unanimouslyadopted (E/2088) the Commission's proposal,following the acceptance of a United Kingdomclarifying amendment (E/AC.6/L.51). The Coun-cil adopted the amended resolution unanimouslyat its 527th plenary meeting on 30 August 1951as resolution 380 B XIII.

3. Price Statistics

At its sixth session, the Statistical Commissionconsidered a technical report presented by theSecretary-General on the subject of index numbersof wholesale prices (E/CN.3/125) in accordancewith a request by the Commission at its fifthsession.94

The Commission considered that the proposalscontained in this report should be circulated togovernments and specialized agencies for theircomments on the objectives, concepts and methodsset out in it. The Secretary-General was asked topresent the comments to the Statistical Commis-sion so that it might make final recommendationsfor the development of standards and the im-provement of comparability in this field. TheCommission also requested the Secretary-Generalto study the problems involved in establishingindices which would permit the international com-parison of price movements of sensitive commodi-ties.

4. Industrial Statistics

A number of suggestions to governments con-cerning the coverage, classification and certainbasic definitions applying to censuses of industrialproduction had been made at the fifth sessionof the Commission.95 In addition, the Commissionhad requested (E/1696) the Secretary-General toelaborate the study previously made and to sub-mit further recommendations aimed at improvingcurrent practices.

The Commission at its sixth session (E/1994)examined the recommendations (E/CN.3/124)

94 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 494.95 Ibid.


made by the Secretary-General and requested himto invite countries to obtain, by any means attheir disposal, statistics or reliable estimates ofcertain items which had been selected as basicfor an understanding of the volume and char-acteristics of industrial production.

In view of the great variety of methods usednationally in collecting basic industrial statistics,the Commission asked the Secretary-General, inconsultation with governments, to continue thestudy of existing practices and methods used,and report to its next session. It asked that hedraw the attention of governments to the valueof collecting comprehensive statistics even on alimited basis.

As recommended by the Statistical Commissionat its fifth session (E/1696), the Secretariat during1951 published a manual entitled "Index Num-bers of Industrial Production."

5. Other Economic Statistics

During its discussion of economic develop-ment of under-developed countries, the Economicand Social Council, at its 519th plenary meetingon 24 August 1951, considered the report onin Volume and Distribution of National Incomein Under-Developed Countries (E/2041) sub-mitted by the Secretary-General in response toGeneral Assembly resolution 403(V), and re-quested the Secretary-General to continue to giveattention to the development of adequate andreliable national income statistics.96

The Statistical Commission at its sixth session(E/1994) meanwhile considered a preliminarymemorandum (E/CN.3/129) submitted by theSecretary-General on the definition and measure-ment of capital formation. The Commission wasof the opinion that the Secretary-General shouldcontinue the studies and consultations with Mem-ber Governments for the development of standardconcepts, definitions and classifications and thathe should ask Member Governments to reviewthe possibilities of improving the comparabilityof estimates of capital formation with those ofother countries. He was further asked to drawthe attention of governments to the importanceof preparing periodic estimates of the volumeand structure of capital formation.

The Commission also considered a memorandumon censuses of distribution (E/CN.3/130) sub-mitted by the Secretary-General, and a preliminaryreport on the subject submitted by the Interna-tional Chamber of Commerce.

The need for developing statistics relating todistribution had previously been emphasized bythe Commission and, within the over-all workprogramme, it requested (E/1994) that the Sec-retariat arrange for the recording of experiencein the field of distribution statistics and the devel-opment of standards in consultation with theInternational Chamber of Commerce.

In the field of transport statistics,97 the Com-mission examined a report on the progress beingmade with regard to the acceptance of the Inter-national Standard Definitions for Transport Sta-tistics,98 and recommended that no revision of thedraft definitions be made until further commentsfrom governments had been received. The Com-mission also recommended that the Secretary-General, within the over-all work programme,co-ordinate the work on road accident statisticsbeing carried out by United Nations bodies. Inso doing he was to bear in mind the mandatoryprovisions of the World Health Organization(WHO) for compiling and publishing statisticsof death and injuries resulting from road trafficaccidents. In establishing minimum world-widerequirements, he was also to bear in mind thevarying extent to which countries in the differentregions were likely to be able to provide detailedinformation.

6. Vital Statistics

The Statistical Commission at its fifth session99

had recommended (E/1696) that the Secretariatprepare detailed draft recommendations for theimprovement and standardization of vital statis-tics. This recommendation was endorsed by thePopulation Commission at its fifth session inMay-June 1950, at which time it indicated itsinterest in improving the quality of vital statis-tics data (E/1711). In response to the StatisticalCommission's recommendation, the Secretariat sub-mitted a document, "Proposed Standards for VitalRecords and Statistics" (E/CN.3/123-E/CN.9/-65 and Corr.1), which the Commission consideredat its sixth session (E/1994). In the discussionof this document, the Commission expressed itssatisfaction with the work done in developingguiding principles for a vital statistics system ap-plicable to countries which could adopt or modifythe conventional system of vital registration.

96 See p. 412.97 See also p. 442.

98 Statistical Papers, Series M, No. 8.99 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 495.


The Commission emphasized that the principlesconstituted advice and information to countries,which might be used as desired in the develop-ment of their vital statistics systems, and werenot mandatory regulations nor a detailed pro-gramme to be followed.

In view of the advisability of providing gov-ernments with principles for use in appraisingand developing their vital statistics systems, theCommission recommended that the Secretary-General revise the recommendations in the lightof comments of the Population Commission, theStatistical Commission and other appropriate in-ternational agencies; circulate them to govern-ments; and on the basis of these consultationssubmit revised standards for vital statistics to theCommission at a later session.

7. Population and Social Statistics

The Commission at its sixth session (E/1994)considered the memorandum by the Secretary-General (E/CN.9/66) and the comments ofthe Population Commission at its sixth sessionin April-May 1951 (E/1989) on the progressof work in connexion with the 1950-51 censusesof population. The memorandum dealt with thetechnical manual on the interrelationship of stand-ard classifications of occupation, industry andstatus and with an expansion of standard termi-nology for statistics relating to the economicallyactive population, particularly in respect to defi-nitions in the official languages of the four classesof the status classifications. These concerned em-ployers, workers on own account, employees, andunpaid family workers. The Commission notedthe progress made in the preparation of thetechnical manual and in the elaboration of thedefinitions of the status classification.

The Commission also had before it a reportby the International Labour Organisation (ILO)on recent activities in developing the internationalstandard classification of occupations and a reportby the Inter-American Statistical Institute in ref-erence to the elaboration of sub-groups of theILO classification for the 1950 census of theAmericas (E/CN.3/119). The Commission con-sidered this memorandum and suggested that infurther work on this subject greater emphasismight be given to the application of the classi-fication to statistics other than those arising frompopulation censuses, and that occupation descrip-tions from sources other than national censusesbe given greater consideration. It expressed inter-

est in being informed of developments in theelaboration and use of this classification.

The Commission noted the progress madetowards the improvement of migration statisticsand noted the decisions on this subject taken bythe Population Commission.100

Concerning criminal statistics, the StatisticalCommission (E/1994) endorsed the resolutionadopted by the Social Commission on the sub-ject101 and expressed its willingness to assist thatCommission in the discharge of its task.

The Economic and Social Council, at the 120thmeeting of its Economic Committee (E/2088)on 17 August, and at its 527th plenary meetingon 30 August 1951, adopted, by 14 votes to 3,resolution 380 C (XIII), noting the StatisticalCommission's action.

8. Statistical Sampling

The Commission at its sixth session consideredthe report of the fourth session of the Sub-Com-mission on Statistical Sampling (E/CN.3/114),and noted with appreciation the work accom-plished. The Sub-Commission had dealt with sev-eral problems relating to the application of sta-tistical sampling in different subject fields andhad discussed methods which might be used toobtain early census results. It had also consideredthe use of sampling to measure goods traffic byroad, the use of sampling methods for estimatingdistribution by size of individual or family in-comes, and the possibilities of using samplingmethods to obtain migration statistics.

With reference to the Council's planned re-view102 at its thirteenth session of the functionalcommissions and sub-commissions, the StatisticalCommission at its sixth session stressed the im-portance it attached to continuing suitable provi-sion for the critical review of sampling methods,with the help of experts.

At its fifth and last session held in December1951 in Calcutta, the Sub-Commission (E/CN.3/-140) considered the fourth report on samplesurveys of current interest (E/CN.3/Sub.1/43)submitted by the Secretariat and made recom-mendations with regard to sampling techniques.The Sub-Commission also considered the use ofsampling techniques in agriculture, populationcensuses, road traffic, and, among other things,

100 See also p. 570.101 See pp. 539-40.102 See pp. 59ff.


reviewed the work of the Indian Statistical In-stitute and made suggestions of possible methodsto be used in order to obtain statistics of small-scale and cottage industries in Indonesia.

9. Publications of the Statistical Office

The Statistical Office, as the United Nationscentral agency for the collection, compilation anddissemination of statistical data, for the improve-ment of national statistics and the achievementof greater international comparability, continuedits activities in the various branches of statisticsduring 1951. During that year the Statistical Of-fice continued to issue the following publications:

The Statistical Yearbook, 1951103 and the DemographicYearbook 1951104 presenting important economic, socialand demographic statistical series at present publicly

available in the world; the Yearbook of InternationalTrade Statistics, 1950105 presenting commodity and tradeby country data for 42 countries; the Monthly Bulletinof Statistics, containing current statistical information onsocial and economic conditions for more than 70 coun-tries; Commodity Trade Statistics, on a quarterly basis;Direction of International Trade, issued jointly by theStatistical Office, the International Monetary Fund andthe International Bank for Reconstruction and Develop-ment, a monthly publication giving trade-by-country data;Population and Vital Statistics, a quarterly publication,supplementing the demographic data of the Demo-graphic Yearbook.

Other publications issued in 1951 included: NationalIncome Statistics of Various Countries 1938-1950; Na-tional Income and its Distribution in Under-DevelopedCountries;106 revised edition of the Standard InternationalTrade Classification; a study on Index Numbers of In-dustrial Production; several reports of training centres;and, in the field of statistical sampling, several reports onSample Surveys of Current Interest.

I. ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (ECE) 107

The Economic Commission for Europe heldits sixth session from 29 May-13 June 1951 atGeneva.

Before the Commission were the reports ofthe committees on their activities over the pastyear and a note by the Executive Secretary (E/-ECE/127), the latter dealing principally with:

(1) the ad hoc meeting of European countries inter-ested in increasing their trade in certain grains, (2)special studies, and (3) relations with specializedagencies, intergovernmental organizations and non-gov-ernmental organizations.

During a series of general statements pre-ceding the consideration of the reports of theCommission's committees, representatives stressedthe actual and potential usefulness of the Com-mission as a body for all-European economicco-operation. Varying appraisals of the work ofthe committees were advanced by representatives.In the view of some representatives the workof certain committees, such as those on coal,electric power, transport and timber, was especiallyuseful, while other committees were not at presentin a position to function effectively because ofthe prevailing political situation, and should notbe reconvened unless the pre-requisites for a suc-cessful functioning of those bodies had beenestablished. Other representatives, however, wereanxious that a number of committees which hadnot convened during the period under review,such as the committees on agricultural problemsand on the development of trade, to which theserepresentatives attached particular importance, be

revived in order to perform the tasks assignedto them, existing difficulties notwithstanding.

After discussing separately the report of eachcommittee on its past and planned activities, thereports were noted, as were items in the noteof the Executive Secretary. The Commission alsounanimously approved new terms of referencefor the Coal Committee.

Following a discussion of the economic situa-tion in Europe and the Economic Survey of Eu-rope in 1950,108 which had been prepared bythe secretariat on its own responsibility, the Com-mission took note of the Survey.

The Commission adopted a resolution in whichit (1) stated that constructive economic co-oper-ation is essential to the maintenance of peace;(2) reaffirmed its faith in the possibility of suchco-operation within the framework of the Com-mission; and (3) recommended that the Com-mission should continue its work in this direc-tion. The Commission adopted, by 9 votes to 5,a resolution concerning constructive participationin its work.

103 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. XVII. 5.104

105 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. XVII. 2.106 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. XVII. 3.107 For the work of the Commission prior to 1 January

1951, see previous issues of the Yearbook. For the re-vised terms of reference of the Commission, adoptedby the Council at its thirteenth session see pp. 49, 51.

108 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.II.E.1.

U.N.P., Sales No.: 1952. XIII. 1.


By a unanimous decision, the Commission de-cided to refer to the Economic and Social Councilthe question of granting voting rights to EuropeanStates not members of the United Nations whichare invited to take part in the Commission'swork in a consultative capacity.

1. Work of the Subsidiary Bodies ofthe Commission

a. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURAL PROBLEMSThe Committee on Agricultural Problems held

no meetings during the year 1951 (E/ECE/-127-A and E/ECE/142-A). The joint ECE/FAOsecretariat servicing the Committee completed thestudies decided upon at the Committee's secondsession:

(1) A study of measures for helping holders ofsmall and medium-sized farms, by means of, amongother things, granting credit, promoting modern farmingtechniques, establishing equitable conditions of tenancy;(2) a study on the relationship of prices of coarsegrains and the main livestock products, and the rela-tionship of prices of fertilizers and the principal vege-table products.

Work continued on the standardization of per-ishable foodstuffs, and documentation was pre-pared for the second session of the working partydealing with this problem, to be held early in1952.

b. COAL COMMITTEEThe work of the Coal Committee during 1951

(see reports of the Coal Committee to the sixthand seventh sessions of ECE (E/ECE/127-B andE/ECE/142-B) was in the main a continuationof its previous tasks concerning the Europeancoal trade, coal production and consumption, theefficient utilization of solid fuels, coal classificationand coal statistics.

Coal production in 1951 increased over that ofthe previous year by 3 per cent in the UnitedKingdom, by 4 per cent in Eastern Europe andby 6 per cent in continental Western Europe,whereas in 1950 French and Belgian productionhad been held back by lack of demand.

In Western Europe, demand during 1951 re-flected both increased requirements for currentuse and the desire to replenish stocks which hadbeen allowed to drop. Western Europe avoidedserious consequences from a shortage in its mainsource of energy by resorting to imports at arapidly rising rate from the United States.

The European deficit was a relatively smallproportion of total European consumption but

it caused violent increases in Western Europeanhard coal prices for countries dependent on coalimports. The scarcity of solid fuel also intensifiedthe importance of coal in bilateral trade negotia-tions and made particularly difficult the positionof countries whose bargaining power was rela-tively weak.

During each quarter, the Coal Committee con-tinued its endeavour to ensure the fair distribu-tion during the following quarter of availablesupplies of European coal and coke. The taskwas difficult because of the shortage in supplies.

The Committee's efforts met with varying suc-cess. It did not succeed in reaching unanimousagreement on distribution for the third quarterof 1951. This was the first time in the Commit-tee's existence when agreement on a quarterlydistribution could not be negotiated; but the set-back was only temporary and there was a returnto unanimous agreement on distribution for thefinal quarter of the year.

In addition, studies on the consumption ofvarious kinds of solid fuel in certain Europeancountries were continued, and further studies wereplanned. The Committee pursued its earlier prac-tice of studying closely forecasts of production,consumption, export and import of coal andcoke for the year ahead. This work was consideredessential for a proper understanding of trendsin coal consumption in Europe, and to guidegovernments and producers in their future plans.

Work on coal prices was carried forward byinvestigation of factors entering into those pricesin different countries. There was an exchangeof views on methods of fixing price ranges fordifferent qualities of solid fuels.

The Committee reviewed the coal productionprogrammes of the main European producingcountries for five years ahead and, in co-operationwith the ECE Timber Committee, paid specialattention to the problem of pitwood suppliesfor coal mines.

As part of the Committee's work for the im-provement of the efficiency of the operation ofplant installations and appliances for burning solidfuels, a series of studies was made on the func-tioning of "fuel advisory services". These servicesprovide plant operators with technical advice andassistance on their plant, methods of plant opera-tion and the fuels they are burning.

Work proceeded on the development of anagreed international classification system for Eu-ropean coals, with tests being performed in vari-


ous countries on samples of coals from othercountries; work on the correlation of two testson the caking properties of coal was undertakenin a pilot laboratory selected by the Committee.

The issue of the Monthly Bulletin of CoalStatistics and the Monthly Statistical Coal Sum-mary was continued. Towards the end of theyear the latter was recast and enlarged by theaddition of statistics of solid fuel imports fromthe main sources of supply.

c. COMMITTEE ON ELECTRIC POWER

The Committee on Electric Power held itseighth session from 1-3 October (E/ECE/142-C).At this session, the Committee decided, in orderto simplify its structure and to enable the variousproblems coming before it to be studied moreintensively and efficiently, to abolish its standingworking parties on hydro power, thermal power,interconnexions and statistics. Instead, seven groupsof experts were set up to deal with specificquestions, to meet on an ad hoc basis betweenthe plenary sessions of the Committee, to whichthey would report. Sixteen sessions of workingparties and expert groups were held during theyear (E/ECE/127-C and E/ECE/142-C).

The Committee also adopted resolutions basedon studies which it had been carrying out forseveral sessions. It endorsed proposals for thesimplification of national legislation concerningthe supply and exchange of electric power be-tween European countries, and for facilitatingthe hydro-electric development of rivers of interestto two or more countries.

The Committee expressed its satisfaction con-cerning a first meeting arranged by the secretariatbetween representatives of Austria and Yugo-slavia, at which the legal and economic difficul-ties of exploiting the water power on the terri-tory of those two countries were examined. Nego-tiations continued between the two countries.The Committee also adopted the text of a recom-mendation to all governments intended to facili-tate hydro-electric development of contiguousrivers, forming the frontier between two ormore States.109 The Committee noted with satis-faction the establishment by Italy and Yugoslaviaof joint commissions to promote immediate ex-changes of electric power between these coun-tries and to study possibilities for developingsuch exchanges in the future.

The Committee decided to undertake a studydealing with rural electrification, aimed primarily

at working out, in the light of experience ac-quired in countries that are extensively electrified,the best ways of carrying out the electrificationof an agrarian region. To this end, the secretariatwas requested to analyse national reports and toprepare a general study, with the possible co-operation of the Food and Agriculture Organiza-tion (FAO) and the Technical Assistance Board.

A study was also undertaken of transfers andexchanges of electric power across national fron-tiers with an analysis of the factors underlyingtheir future development.

The main object of a further group of studies—such as those on daily pumping, to extend theuseful output of certain hydro-electric stations;on the gross potential hydro-electric resources ofEurope; and on the comparison of constructioncosts of hydro-electric plants—is to contribute tothe development electric power production. Con-clusions drawn from these partial or completedinvestigations have served as a basis for nego-tiations between a number of European countries.

Close co-operation was maintained with otherinternational organizations, such as the Unioninternationale des producteurs et distributeursd'energie électrique, in order to avoid duplicationof effort and to make the best use of availabledata.

d. INDUSTRY AND MATERIALS COMMITTEE

Events in 1951 showed that, owing to a slack-ening of demand in many fields, expected shortagesin the supply of both engineering products andindustrial materials were not so great as had beenfeared soon after the outbreak of the war inKorea. With certain exceptions, delivery periodsfor most types of engineering equipment appearedto be fairly normal in many European countries;in certain countries there existed unused capacityfor some types of equipment, and output in somecases was disturbed by conversion to defence pro-duction.

The Industry and Materials Committee did notmeet in 1951 (E/ECE/127-D and E/ECE/142-D).The activities of its subsidiary organs in the fieldsof engineering and materials continued to begoverned by a programme of work drawn uptowards the end of 1950 (E/ECE/IM/55).

The Ad, Hoc Working Party on Contract Prac-tices in Engineering provisionally agreed on anumber of standard clauses for optional use in

109 A legal study on this subject (E/ECE/136), wascompleted and published at the beginning of 1952.


sales contracts for European engineering equip-ment; further work is to be done on these clauses.

Arrangements were made to prepare a "pilot"machine tool glossary designed, in the first in-stance, on a limited experimental basis, to testout the possibility of enumerating terms usedin the machine tool industry and their equivalentsin several languages.

At the request of the World Health Organiza-tion (WHO) the shortage of DDT110 was inves-tigated and a preparatory meeting of producingcountries was held.

Efforts to improve European engineering statis-tics and to make them more comparable werecontinued. The state of supplies of engineeringproducts for export overseas, especially to LatinAmerica and to Asia and the Far East, was alsostudied. A General Survey of the European En-gineering Industry (E/ECE/125) and a studyentitled European Tractor Industry in the Settingof the World Market (E/ECE/139) were pre-pared for issue early in 1952.

Housing Sub-Committee

The Housing Sub-Committee continued to de-velop work on housing and building in responseto the wishes of the governments concerned(E/ECE/127-D and E/ECE/142-D). Its workwas also aimed at implementing, on the Euro-pean regional level, the programme on housingand town and country planning recommended bythe Social Commission and approved by the Eco-nomic and Social Council.111

There was little change in the level of houseconstruction in Europe in 1951 compared with1950 and 1949. Despite progress in the rate ofhouse construction in all European countries sincethe war, most countries failed to keep pace withthe current needs of the growing population orto meet the housing problems arising from theshift of population from rural to urban areas.No country was able, therefore, to make anysignificant contribution to satisfying the backlogof unfulfilled needs.

Shortages of certain building materials stillpersisted in 1951, although not to the extentto which it was feared late in 1950. In mostcountries there was no evidence of a significantincrease in the productivity of the building indus-try, and the high level of real costs of buildingcontinued to be a cause of major concern.

The Housing Sub-Committee, which met inMarch, endorsed in principle the recommendationsof the Conference on Building Research held in

November 1950 (E/ECE/122), approved theestablishment of the Building Research Organ-izing Committee and, among other things, invitedthat Committee "to initiate collaboration throughthe exchange of information on current andplanned research."

The Sub-Committee also reaffirmed its recom-mendation to governments to facilitate the estab-lishment and functioning of national buildingdocumentation committees or centres and theirco-operation in the International Council forBuilding Documentation in order to ensure theeffectiveness of international collaboration in thisfield, as an important contribution to the develop-ment of the building industry.

The Sub-Committee also considered certaineconomic and technical studies prepared at itsrequest by the secretariat and by rapporteurs invarious countries, as well as progress reports onstudies under way.

In the field of technical studies, for example,the rapporteur (France) and co-rapporteur (Italy)studying strength and stability factors in buildingwere asked by the Sub-Committee to continuethe study and to establish contact with interestednon-governmental organizations with a view todeveloping the work.

The Housing Sub-Committee also consideredwhat further steps it could take to reduce thecost of building and, in particular, to increasethe productivity of the industry. Believing thatthere was much to be gained by the exchangeof information and experience in this field, itasked the secretariat, among other things, to ascer-tain the most important measures being takenby various countries to reduce building costs andto report on them.

The Sub-Committee drew the attention of gov-ernments to the desirability, for social reasonsand to increase productivity in industry, of main-taining and, wherever possible, expanding theircurrent housing programmes.

At the end of the year the work of the Hous-ing Sub-Committee was concerned with:

(1) promotion of permanent international collabora-tion in building research and documentation; (2 ) tech-nical studies; (3 ) studies of an economic and institu-tional character; (4) operational statistics; (5) efficiencyof the building industry and its developments; and(6) social projects.

Among the reports issued for general circula-tion during 1951 the most important were:

110 See also pp. 429-30.111 See pp. 542-43.


A Comparative Study of the Utilisation of Spacein Current Types of Dwellings in 14 EuropeanCountries (IM/HOU/25/Rev.1); Directory ofBuilding Research and Development Organiza-tions in Europe;112 Methods and Techniques ofFinancing Housing in Europe (E/ECE/IM/-HOU/38).

The Building Research Organizing Committee,one of the subsidiary organs of the Housing Sub-Committee, in the course of meetings held during1951, completed its task of formulating detailedrecommendations for an organization for systematicinternational collaboration in building research.

e. MANPOWER COMMITTEE

No meetings of the Committee were held dur-ing 1951, its programme having been taken over,on the decision of the governments, by ILO inApril 1948 (E/ECE/I27-H and E/ECE/142-H).

f. STEEL COMMITTEE

During 1951 the main problems before theSteel Committee were caused by the heavy demandfor steel and the ensuing shortages of steel-makingraw materials. The Committee gave close atten-tion to the supply position of raw materials,particularly iron ore and scrap; this became anacute problem owing to the high rate of pro-duction of steel, which totalled 67.6 million tonsof crude steel in Europe (excluding USSR) in1951. This was seven million tons more thanin 1950 (E/ECE/127-F and E/ECE/142-F).

The Working Group of Experts on Iron Oreset up by the Committee concluded a compre-hensive survey of the prospective European ironore situation in 1953 and the following years,and made specific recommendations to individualcountries on steps to be taken to ensure theadequacy of iron ore supplies.

The Committee's Panel on Scrap reviewed thescrap position in various European countries andmade recommendations on measures to increasethe flow of scrap, relating particularly to prices,scrap drives and control of stocks. A separateWorking Party on Scrap considered the inter-national aspect of the scrap market and madesuggestions for producing healthier conditions inthat market.

The Committee agreed upon revised formsfor the collection of statistics on foreign tradein steel products, conforming to the. StandardInternational Trade Classification. It adopted

schemes for the collection of statistics on deliveriesof steel to consuming industries and on produc-tion in continuous wide-strip mills.

During the year, collaboration between the sec-retariats of the ECE and of the Economic Com-mission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) wasintensified with a view to helping to meet theurgent requirements for steel in the ECAFE re-gion.

The publication of the Quarterly Bulletin ofSteel Statistics for Europe, begun in December1950, was continued and the Bulletin was enlargedin content to serve not only the Committee butthe industry as a whole.

The secretariat prepared and published a par-tial revision (E/ECE/123) of its study on Euro-pean Steel Trends in the Setting of the WorldMarket113, originally published in 1949.

g. TIMBER COMMITTEE

The Timber Committee at its eighth session,held in August 1951 (E/ECE/127-G and E/-ECE/142-G), reviewed the timber market situa-tion at that date. It found that the prospectiveimport figure for 1951 appeared to correspondfairly closely with estimated export supplies; hencethe European market for sawn softwood duringthe remainder of 1951 seemed to raise no specialproblems. The Committee also examined, on thebasis of preliminary estimates, the marker pros-pects for sawn softwood in 1952. While theredid not seem to be any cause for alarm, theCommittee believed that the situation needed tobe kept under review.

The Committee found that the high world-widedemand for wood pulp had led to strong com-petition between pulpwood and pitprops, withprices rising. It decided to include a review ofthe European pulpwood situation in the agendaof its next session. The Committee drew attentionto the danger of a pitprop shortage, with itsconsequences to Europe's coal production, andurged the early placing of orders. Because ofimproved production, an early purchasing cam-paign and the shipment of considerable quantitieslate in autumn, the danger was averted. Pitpropstocks improved and prices eased towards theend of the year. So far as pulpwood was con-cerned, high prices stimulated supplies and stocksimproved.

112 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.IV.5.113 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1949.II.E.2.


Timber-consuming and -producing countries114

at the Timber Committee session in August, be-sides making their usual market survey, notedthe progress made by the secretariat in imple-menting the Committee's recommendations con-cerning the more rational utilization of wood.The Committee particularly emphasized the needto encourage the better utilization of waste fromforest industries, to reduce logging losses and todivert fuelwood to industrial use. Studies on thesequestions, covering various aspects of eliminatinglosses and utilizing waste, were being continuedat the end of the year in collaboration withother international organizations and with nationalresearch institutes.

The Committee made further progress in thefield of statistics during the year; questionnaireswere amended to conform to the Standard Inter-national Trade Classification, and a start wasmade in the collection of price statistics.

The Committee considered there was a needfor an international exchange of scientific, tech-nical and industrial information about new tech-niques and appropriate methods for the produc-tion and utilization of wood in all its differentforms. It therefore asked the Executive Secretaryto continue, with the advice of qualified experts,to explore the desirability of creating an interna-tional timber documentation centre.

The Committee endorsed the suggestions madeby ILO in its report on training of woodworkingtechnicians, prepared at the Committee's request.It expressed itself in favour of a number of prac-tical measures for the intensification of interna-tional co-operation in this field in order to increasethe productivity in logging operations and forestindustries.

The ECE secretariat, working jointly with theFAO secretariat, continued its study on trends inEurope's consumption, production and trade intimber.

The joint publication by ECE and FAO ofquarterly bulletins of Timber Statistics includingMarket Reports was continued during 1951.

h. COMMITTEE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OFTRADE

The Committee on the Development of Trade,created at the third session of the Commission,did not meet during 1951 (E/ECE/I27-H andE/ECE/142-H). At the sixth ECE session, heldin June 1951, however, most representatives ex-pressed themselves in favour of convening, as

in November 1950115, an ad hoc meeting tofacilitate trade, this second ad hoc meeting toconcern itself not only with trade in cereals andforestry products but also with appropriate coun-terpart deliveries.

The Executive Secretary suggested that anotherad hoc trade meeting should be convened onlyif it could be ascertained in advance that commonground existed on which practical negotiationcould be started. For this purpose, the ExecutiveSecretary further suggested that he be authorizedto hold, as a first step, a preliminary consultationwith trade experts from the major interestedcountries to:

(1) make a first assessment, in broad terms, ofrequirements and export availabilities (a) for grainsand perhaps forestry products and, ( b ) for counterpartdeliveries; (2) plan the work of the ad hoc meetingand the organization of multilateral and subsequent bi-lateral discussions; (3) consider which countries shouldbe asked to participate in the ad hoc meeting and thesubsequent negotiations; and (4) fix the date of thead hoc meeting.

After further correspondence and discussion,this approach was generally accepted and theconsultation took place at the end of August1951.

The group which had the primary responsibilityfor advising the Executive Secretary was composedof experts from Denmark, France, Hungary,Poland, the USSR and the United Kingdom. TheNetherlands, Norway and Sweden also furnishedcertain information through experts delegated tothe Consultation. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,Greece, Italy and Romania were represented byobservers. Czechoslovakia, Turkey, the UnitedStates and Yugoslavia were represented by ob-servers but did not participate in the discussion.

According to a report prepared by the Execu-tive Secretary (E/ECE/142-H, Annex 1)116, allparticipating experts agreed that the Consultationprovided a useful opportunity for a businesslikeexchange of views. It initiated fifteen series ofbilateral talks between experts of twelve Europeancountries. During those talks, concrete problemsrelating to trade between pairs of countries wereexamined and further information on the possiblevolume and range of trade was exchanged; somecountries supplied lists of commodities as a pos-

114 Canada and Egypt join European countries and theUnited States as regular participants in the work of the

ECE Timber Committee.115 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 503.116 The discussions were informal and no official record

of the proceedings was issued.


sible basis for eventual trade negotiations. In thisway, the Consultation was able, in the opinion ofthe Executive Secretary (E/ECE/146), to gosomewhat further than during the earlier meetingon grains.

All participating experts, moreover, agreed thatthe Consultation had made clear the wish of allparticipating countries of Western and EasternEurope to increase trade above the level of recentyears with their respective trade partners. It wasgenerally understood that the bilateral talks initi-ated during the Consultation should be pursuedthrough normal channels.

On the other hand, the Consultation revealedthat progress on the various points of the agendawas insufficient to justify the calling at that stageof another ad hoc meeting on trade. There was ageneral consensus, however, that the ExecutiveSecretary, taking into account all the relevant facts,should decide, in consultation with governments,the form, the time and the scope of such ameeting.

The Executive Secretary kept himself informedabout the progress of bilateral negotiations andthe evolution of the views of governments onthe question of a further ad hoc meeting; reportson these matters were sent, as confidential docu-ments, to member governments.

i. INLAND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE

The Inland Transport Committee held one ses-sion of the Committee and 31 sessions of itssubsidiary bodies during 1951 (E/ECE/127-E andE/ECE/142-E). The Committee, which first mettowards the end of 1947, decided at its seventhsession in July 1951 that the work so far accom-plished, often on an ad hoc basis, and, in parti-cular, the studies which it had initiated, hadadvanced far enough to define more precisely thebroad aims it wished to attain; that is, the estab-lishment of a general transport policy for Europe.The Committee considered that it was essential toconcentrate all efforts on this objective which, ifrealized, would facilitate trade between countriesand reduce the cost of goods carried.

Transport in Europe should be organized, theCommittee agreed, to provide the services requiredas economically, efficiently and uniformly as pos-sible. It was indispensable to this end to co-ordinate investments, especially in important pro-jects the implementation of which would haverepercussions on the European economy. Before

decisions in this field could be taken, however,it was necessary to carry out certain economicstudies and to investigate thoroughly such ques-tions as the cost of transport, and tariffs for road,rail and inland waterway transport. The Commit-tee therefore set up appropriate working partieswhich, during the year, began studying theseproblems. It also called on the International Unionof Railways, the International Road TransportUnion and the International Chamber of Com-merce to set forth their views, point by point, withregard to general transport policy, and decided thatthe Committee itself would hold special sessionsfrom time to time for the purpose of co-ordinatingthe work to be carried on by these technicalgroups.

The Committee continued, at the same time,work on practical issues in all fields of inlandtransport, such as: problems related to the sim-plification of frontier formalities, the transport ofperishable foodstuffs, statistics, the financing ofinternational road traffic arteries, the transport ofdangerous goods, as well as various legal problemssuch as the road transport contract. Questionsarising out of the application of the variousEuropean agreements and the Customs Conventionfor commercial vehicles were also dealt with. TheCarnet TIR system (customs document equivalentto the carnet de passage en douane for touristvehicles) was applied between five countries.

Some of the principal achievements of theCommittee in the year 1951 are mentioned below.

Two conventions, one to facilitate the crossingof frontiers for goods carried by rail and anotherto facilitate the crossing of frontiers for passengersand baggage carried by rail, were prepared. Thesigning of these conventions will enable the time-table conferences to reduce considerably the dura-tion of certain international rail journeys inEurope.117

In the field of road transport, progress was madein laying down rules for the development andimprovement of transport of passengers and goodsby road in Europe, an indispensable step towardsthe solution of the problem of co-ordination ofthe various means of transport. One of the firstinstances of co-ordination between rail and roadinterests was the effort to establish a planned inter-national network of tourist bus services includingthose operated by the railways and by private roadtransport undertakings.

117 They were signed by eight countries early inJanuary 1952.


Austria adhered in 1951 to the United NationsDeclaration on the Construction of Main Interna-tional Traffic Arteries in Europe,118 as well as tothe European agreements supplementing the1949 Convention on Road Traffic and Protocol onRoad Signs and Signals. A number of governmentsadhered to the European agreements on weightsand dimensions of vehicles in international roadtraffic.

After lengthy negotiations, insurance organiza-tions reached an agreement based on a recom-mendation of the Sub-Committee on Road Tran-sport for introducing, as from 1953, a scheme forthe insurance of foreign motorists against third-party risks.

The Committee, through its subsidiary bodies,adopted recommendations to governments aimedat facilitating travel by road and rail and fosteringtourism in general.

Work on the preparation of a convention oncontainers used in transport was begun at the endof the year, and a revised text of the Draft Con-vention on the Transport of Dangerous Goods byRoad was issued.

Several countries during the year agreed toimplement the Committee's recommendations onstandardized packaging of perishable foodstuffswhich, it is hoped, may lead to a reduction in thetransport cost of these goods.

The publication of the Quarterly Statistics Bul-letin was continued, and the Annual Bulletin ofTransport Statistics for 1950,119 which includeddata for fourteen European countries, was pub-lished.

2. Economic Survey of Europe in 1950

The Economic Survey of Europe in 1950,120

published in May 1951, was the fourth annualsurvey prepared by the secretariat of the Commis-sion.

The Survey, based on official statistics andstatistical estimates made by the secretariat, review-ed the impressive increase in European productionand trade during and immediately after 1950, aswell as the significant improvement achieved inEurope's balance of payments. It underlined thefact that, in Europe and in the world, raw mater-ials production continued to lag behind industrialoutput.

It also stressed that the foreign exchange earn-ings of overseas primary producing countries werelikely to increase very much in 1951 over 1950because of the great rise in raw material prices;

that defence and civilian requirements and thethen generally inflationary development in theAmerican economy tended to reduce United Statesexports and increase its imports.

The Survey stated that although defence pro-duction had not yet begun to claim the same shareof output in most Western European countries asit did in the United States, the ability of Europeancountries to supply greatly increased exports inresponse to the larger demand overseas would tendto be limited by much the same factors as thoseaffecting United States exports, notably conversionto rearmament and shortages of raw materials.

The Survey warned that, for Europe, highimport prices, shortages of raw materials andrising foreign and domestic demand in the faceof limited output of civilian goods, threatened tobring growing inflation which might wipe outmany economic gains and raise serious socialproblems. While prices of raw materials importedby Europe had increased far above prices of itsmanufactured goods, prices of manufacturers wouldcatch up in time in response to both rising produc-tion costs and increased demand.

From many points of view, however, the Surveysuggested, it appeared preferable to try to cut thisprocess short by increasing the value of WesternEuropean currencies in relation to the dollar whileholding domestic price levels as stable as possible,rather than by the vastly more disturbing processof letting internal inflation in Europe run itscourse. The impact of even a modest appreciationof Western European currencies, coupled withvigorous internal anti-inflationary measures, would,it was stated, help to break the spiral of increasingprices and incomes. Non-European countries wouldshare the benefits of such a stemming of the risingtide of inflation in Europe, the Survey stated.

The Economic Bulletin for Europe, publishedthree times during the year between the publica-tion of the annual Surveys, included, besides quart-erly reviews of the economic situation in Europeand European economic statistics, the followingspecial articles: Europe's Trade with Latin Amer-ica; Note on Recent Changes in Europe's Balanceof Payments; Changes in the Structure of Taxationin Europe; Motive Power in European Industry;Note on British Long-Term Food Purchase Con-tracts; Long-Term Trends in European Agricul-ture; and Recent Developments in Trade betweenEastern and Western Europe.

118 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 501.119 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. E. 2.

120 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. E. 1.


3. Discussion by the Economic andSocial Council of the Commission's

Report

The Economic and Social Council, at its 551stto 553rd plenary meetings held on 14 and 15September 1951, discussed the annual report of theCommission covering its activities from 16 June1950-13 June 1951, which included decisionstaken at its sixth session (E/2002). Referencewas made in the report to the statement preparedby the Executive Secretary of the Commission forthe ad hoc Committee on the Organization andOperation of the Council and its Commissions(E/AC.34/12 part II),121 which contained, interalia, a brief historical survey of the Commission'sstructure and operation since its inception in 1947.At the 551st plenary meeting, the Executive Secre-tary of the Commission made a statement sup-plementing information given in the report.

The debate in the Council concentrated on theappraisal of the activities and achievements of theCommission, in connexion with the special reviewof the regional commissions undertaken by theCouncil as part of the over-all review of its organ-ization and machinery.122

The Council agreed unanimously that the Com-mission was a useful instrument for regional co-operation and should be continued indefinitely.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR considered that the work of theCommission toward restoring economic relationsamong European countries to normal, particularlyby expansion of trade relations between Easternand Western European countries, had not beensuccessful owing to pressure exerted by the UnitedStates and to the effects of rearmament. Therepresentative of Poland also thought that theCommission's achievements in the field of recon-struction had been disappointing.

Other representatives, among them the repre-sentative of the United States, stated that theWestern European countries had maintained theirindependence of action, and, while agreeing thattheir economic development had not proceededwith the rapidity that might be desired, pointedto the determination of those countries to buildup their defences which would be rendered un-necessary only by a general change in the politicalsituation. Further improvement in the economicsituation in Europe, they thought, required areduction in political tension in order to permita decline in the burden of armaments, increased

co-operation and expansion of trade. Many mem-bers of the Council also noted with satisfactionthat the secretariat of the Commission had madeseveral efforts to promote trade between Easternand Western Europe.

The growing co-operation between the sec-retariats of the regional commissions was viewedmost favourably by many Council members and,together with other co-ordination measures, wasconsidered as an assurance that the regional ap-proach to various problems would take dueaccount of broad or global aspects of many ques-tions. In this connexion, the studies concerningtrade between Europe and Latin America andbetween Europe and Asia and the Far East, under-taken jointly by the secretariats of the ECE andthe other regional commissions, were regarded asimportant, useful and likely to contribute to anexpansion of world trade.

The Council further discussed the work of thenumerous subsidiary bodies of the Commission.Most members pointed to the importance of theactivities of the Commission at the technical leveland expressed the view that the technical commit-tees should be continued and that their successdepended on the greatest possible participation ofthe European countries concerned.

The Council likewise, when considering theannual report, discussed briefly the question refer-red to it by the Commission of extending votingrights to European countries participating in theCommission in a consultative capacity. Duringthe discussion, it was pointed out by the represent-ative of Czechoslovakia that the States in questiontook an active part in the work of the Commissionand its subsidiary bodies, and that the importanceof their contribution to the expansion of theEuropean economy and to the development oftrade warranted their being granted voting rightsin the Commission. The majority of the Council,however, was of the opinion that, for the timebeing, no change should be made as regards votingrights in the Commission itself, but that the Com-mission's function, assigned to it by the Council,to determine the conditions in which these Statesmay participate in its work, could include thequestion of voting rights in its subordinate bodiesonly. It was agreed that this question should be

121 See also Part I and Appendix III of the report tothe fifth session of the Economic Commission for Eu-rope, by the Executive Secretary, on the future work ofthe Commission (E/ECE/114/Rev.1).

122 See pp. 59ff.


considered when the Council examined the reportof the Co-ordination Committee on regional com-missions.123

On the basis of a joint French-Swedish draftresolution (E/L.277) the Council, at its 553rdplenary meeting on 15 September in resolution381(XIII), unanimously took note of the Com-mission's annual report (E/2002). It expressedthe view that the programmes of the Commissionand its subsidiary bodies continue to be of primaryimportance for the maintenance of sound eco-nomic relations among European nations and fortheir economic progress, and invited the General

Assembly, taking the over-all budgetary situationinto account, to consider favourably the financialrequirements for satisfactory implementation ofthe Commission's 1951-52 work programme.

The Council in resolution 414(XIII) decidedto continue the Commission indefinitely.124

The General Assembly considered the activitiesof the regional economic commissions during itsdebate on the world economic situation and sub-sequently adopted resolution 526(VI) in which itnoted with satisfaction the valuable work whichwas being done by the regional economic commis-sions and the Council's decision to continue them.

J. ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE FAR EAST (ECAFE)

The Economic Commission for Asia and theFar East held its seventh session (E/1981) atLahore, Pakistan, from 28 February-7 March 1951.Its subsidiary bodies also held meetings during1951;125 the principal change in the structure ofthe Commission's subsidiary bodies was the crea-tion of an Inland Transport Committee (seebelow).

The Commission's membership remained un-changed throughout the year.126

The Economic and Social Council in resolution414(XIII) decided to continue the Commissionindefinitely and to strengthen its work in the fieldof economic development and technical assist-ance.127 The General Assembly considered theactivities of the regional economic commissionsduring its debate on the world economic situationand subsequently adopted resolution 526(VI) inwhich it noted with satisfaction the valuable workwhich was being done by the regional economiccommissions and the Council's decision to con-tinue them.

1. Activities of the Commission

In its initial stages, the Commission was mainlyconcerned with fact finding and analysis, but grad-ually a marked shift in emphasis had taken placetowards more concrete action, including variousforms of advice to governments in such fields asflood control, industrial and mineral resourcesdevelopment, trade and finance. One of the mostimportant developments in ECAFE's work hasbeen the growing co-operation with the UnitedNations Technical Assistance Administration

(TAA). Liaison is being facilitated by a newlyappointed TAA regional representative, stationedat ECAFE's headquarters in Bangkok.

Considerable progress has also been made in theco-operation with specialized agencies and otherregional commissions, especially ECE. A numberof studies were undertaken during the year jointlywith the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), the International Labour Organisation(ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scien-tific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Aninstance of a combined attack on a regionalproblem was the setting up of a joint WHO/-UNICEF/FAO and ECAFE working party onDDT and antibiotics. ECAFE and ECE have beenengaged in a joint study on trade between Europeand the ECAFE region. ECAFE has also co-oper-ated closely with ECE in seeking means to ensurethat adequate supplies of capital goods andmaterials are made available for the developmentprogrammes of the countries in the region.

123 The majority opinion was subsequently adopted.124 See p. 66.125 For list of meetings of the main subsidiary bodies,

see p. 53.126 For members of the Commission, see p. 51. At

its eighth session the Commission recommended thatthe Economic and Social Council amend the Commis-sion's terms of reference so as to include Japan in itsgeographical scope, and that upon this change in itsterms of reference, Japan be admitted as an associatemember.

127 For the Council's discussions and decision taken onthe basis of the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on theOrganization and Operation of the Council and itsCommissions (E/AC.34/6), see pp. 66-67. For ECAFE'srevised terms of reference (E/CN.11/29/Rev.3), seepp. 51-52.


Among the activities of the Commission andits subsidiary bodies during 1951 were the follow-ing:

a. PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE(1) Industrial Development

At its third session in February, the Committeeon Industry and Trade (E/CN.11/267) con-sidered a report by the secretariat on IndustrialDevelopment and Planning (E/CN.11/I & T/29)which analysed country plans. Publication of thereport in printed form was recommended by theCommittee which commended to the attention ofgovernments certain suggestions contained therein.In particular the Commission drew to the attentionof governments the emphasis placed on the currentneed to base external aid to countries of the regionon an over-all assessment of current requirements,rather than merely on specific projects, and onthe fundamental need to maintain living standardsduring the implementation of development pro-grammes.

The Committee recommended, inter alia, thatthe secretariat take steps, with the help of TAA,to organize a regional centre for training in theformulation of development programmes. It fur-ther recommended that the secretariat, with thehelp of TAA, undertake a comparative study ofthe structure of industrial organizations in thepublic sector evolved in the region and continuethe examination of industrial development plansin the light of known mineral resources.

During the course of the year, TAA agreed onthe organization of this centre.

Electric Power: The Committee also had beforeit a report on electric power resources and needsof ECAFE countries (E/CN.11/I & T/32). Itsubmitted a recommendation (E/CN.11/267),which was adopted by ECAFE at its seventh ses-sion, for the establishment of a sub-committee onelectric power. The sub-committee would considerproblems of electric power development in coun-tries of the region, with special reference to:

(a) power projects and the organizational problemsinvolved; (b) development of power transmission sys-tems over large areas; (c) co-ordination between in-dustrial and power development; (d) methods ofsurveying load growth upon which to base powerprogrammes; (e) the possibility of processing andburning low-grade fuels for generating power; (f) in-creased use of power; and (g) needs for and availabilityof machinery.

Iron and Steel: The Committee on Industry andTrade adopted (E/CN.11/267) the report of thethird session of its sub-committee on Iron and

Steel (E/CN.11/I & T/34), held in February,which pointed out the urgent needs of the regionfor semi-finished and finished iron and steel mater-ials. Supplying countries were recommended totake account of the importance of certain materialsto the economies of the region and importingcountries to collect adequate information to enablethe secretariat to furnish to supplying countriessufficiently comprehensive statements of needs.

The Commission also decided to explore withgovernments of the region the possibility of in-creased production and export of raw materialsto the industrial countries in Europe and to Japan.It was hoped that if more supplies of raw materialscould be made available in this way, the producingcountries would endeavour to supply an increasingquantity of semi-finished and finished products tothe region.

A directory of geological and metallurgicallaboratories, research and technical institutions inthe ECAFE region and nearby countries was pre-pared, in collaboration with UNESCO (E/CN.-11/I & S/29).

A study was prepared analysing the productionof raw materials, the availabilities and require-ments of iron and steel, and possibilities of in-creased production and trade (E/CN.11/I & S/-31). ECAFE studied and investigated the pos-sibility of introducing and using internationallycomparable reporting methods for iron and steel(E/CN.11/I & S/32) and a report was preparedon the standard forms adopted in the UnitedStates, the United Kingdom, India and Japan forscrap collection (E/CN.11/I & S/33). A reportwas compiled on the re-rolling industries in India,with a view to providing to other countries in theregion information likely to facilitate the estab-lishment of rolling mills (E/CN.11/I & S/30).Technical information was provided on the manu-facture of steel in small open-hearth furnaces(E/CN.11/I & S/34). It was also decided toorganize a group visit to Japan that would giveexperts from the region an opportunity to studymethods and techniques in the iron and steelindustry. Advisory services were rendered by theECAFE secretariat to countries in the region,especially to Burma and Ceylon.

Mineral Resources: In connexion with mineralresources development, the Committee on Industryand Trade at its third session considered fourreports: on coal and iron ore studies (E/CN.11/I& T/35); on the availability of the services ofgeologists (E/CN.11/I & T/36); on the possi-


bility of joint research in treating low-grade coaland iron ores, including lignites and laterites(E/CN.11/I & T/37); and on coal classificationfor regional use (E/CN.11/I & T/38). Withregard to the last-mentioned study it recommendedthat standardization, so far as possible, should bein line with that proposed for adoption in Europeand America.

Advisory services were given to Burma, duringthe year, in connexion with the development ofthe Kalewa coalfield and to the United NationsKorean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA) forthe reconstruction of several mines. An outlinewas prepared for a comprehensive study on therole of lignite in the fuel economy of the region(E/CN.11/I & T/54), a report on post-wardevelopment of mineral resources of Asia and theFar East was circulated (E/CN.11/I & T/L.12)and an information report on sink and floatprocess was prepared (E/CN.11/I & T/54, AnnexE).

A comprehensive study of the Coal and IronOre Resources of Asia and the Far East, the firstof its kind, was completed;128 this report assembledand appraised current knowledge of basic resourceswhich might be expected to be available to meetthe demands of the industrial development of theregion.

In view of the critical shortage of sulphurthroughout the world during the year and of thepossibility of expanding sulphuric acid industryin the region, a study of the sulphur situation ofthe region was undertaken (E/CN.11/I & T/54Annex D).

Cottage and Small-Scale Industries: A report bythe secretariat on cottage and small-scale industries(E/CN.11/I & T/30) was also submitted at theCommittee's third session. The Commission notedthat this report was a working paper prepared forsubmission to a working party of experts.

This working party held its first session in April1951. It recommended, inter alia:

(a) that a thorough study be made, if necessary bythe employment of a consultant, of the ceramics industry,particularly with regard to pottery; (b) that, in viewof the unanimous interest of countries of the region inimproved methods and techniques of production, thesecretariat should, on request, assist governments, inpreparing requests for assistance from TAA in the fieldsof ceramics, textiles, hard fibres and hand-made paper,including the establishment of pilot plants; (c) thatthe secretariat should disseminate technical informationon improved designs for hand-spinning and hand-weav-ing machines, jaggery-making, and model workshopson smithery and carpentry; and (d) that the secretariat,in co-operation with UNESCO and ILO, should under-

take a survey of research and technical training institutesserving cottage and small-scale industries.

To implement these recommendations, the secre-tariat engaged a ceramics consultant in November1951, and communicated with TAA and govern-ments of the region to ascertain their interest inthe establishment of pilot plants in the fields ofceramics and hand-made paper. It also requestedinformation from governments on existing andcontemplated designs of hand-weaving, hand-spinning and other equipment, jaggery-making,proposed model workshops on smithery and car-pentry, and the nature and scope of standardsadopted for cottage and small-scale industries, and,in co-operation with UNESCO and ILO, under-took the proposed survey of research and technicaltraining institutes.

Production of DDT: The ECAFE secretariat co-operated with the United Nations InternationalChildren's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), theWorld Health Organization (WHO), and theFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in aninter-secretariat working party on DDT andmedical supplies which was established by theCommittee on Industry and Trade at its thirdsession.

Power Alcohol: On the recommendation of theCommittee at that session, preparations wereundertaken for an expert seminar on power alco-hol to be held in India with the help of TAA.

Training of Personnel: On the recommendationof the Committee on Industry and Trade, theECAFE secretariat also participated in an inter-secretariat working party with ILO and UNESCO,at which problems of technical training and short-ages of trained personnel in the region wereconsidered.

(2) Trade and Finance

One of the principal developments in ECAFE'swork in trade and finance during the year was theholding of a conference on Trade Promotion inSingapore in October. This Conference, the firstof its kind ever held in Asia and the Far East,was attended not only by relatively large delega-tions, including businessmen, from almost everymember and associate member of the Commission,but also by observers from several countries which,although not members of the Commission, par-ticipated in the Conference by virtue of theirtrading relations with ECAFE countries. Repre-sentatives of specialized agencies and non-govern-

128 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1952. II. F. 1.


mental organizations also attended (E/CN.11/I &T/59).

The Committee on Industry and Trade, at itsthird session in February, considered a report ontrade promotion activities (E/CN.11/I & T/43).It noted the progress made on continuing projectsand recommended that, in addition, the secretariatshould undertake marketing and distribution sur-veys of the principal products of the region.

A comprehensive report on means of mobilizingdomestic financial resources for industrial develop-ment in countries in the region (E/CN.11/I &T/40) was also considered by the Committee,which recommended (E/CN.11/267) that it bepublished promptly after taking into account suchfurther comments as individual countries mightoffer. The report was later published under thetitle of Mobilization of Domestic Capital in Cer-tain Countries of Asia and the Far East.129 TheCommittee on Industry and Trade recommendedthat the secretariat be ready to assist countries inthe analysis of specific problems in this field, andthat it prepare, if possible with the co-operation ofthe International Bank and the InternationalMonetary Fund, detailed plans for considerationby governments on:

(a) measures for mobilizing savings through postalfacilities, co-operatives and other credit associations; (b)methods of promoting increased domestic savingsthrough expanding the sales of government bonds; and(c) steps for improving the unorganized money andcapital markets.

It recommended that the Executive Secretary, ifpossible in co-operation with the Fund, the Bankand other interested organizations, convene aworking party to consider ways of increasingdomestic resources for financing economic dev-elopment.

The Working Party on Mobilization of Domes-tic Capital held its first session in Bangkok inNovember 1951 and made recommendations (E/-CN.11/I & T/63) concerning:

(a) impact of inflation financing of economic de-velopment; (b) measures to be taken to increaseGovernment bond sales; and (c) special measures formobilizing savings, particularly in rural areas.

At its sixth session, ECAFE had considered that,while it wished to advocate the development oftrade between the ECAFE countries and Japan, itwas important to avoid suggesting measures whichmight have the effect of retarding the progressof national industrial development programmes ofthe ECAFE countries. The Committee on Industryand Trade, after considering a report on Trade

with Japan and Related Problems of InternationalFinance (E/CN.11/I & T/42), recommended thatfurther action be left to the countries which wereinterested in the matter.

The Committee commended a report (E/CN.-11/I & T/45) on the Handicrafts Marketing Sur-vey to the attention of governments in the regionfor study and implementation of its recommenda-tions so far as local conditions permitted. It washoped that the proposed working party on cottageand small-scale industries (see above) would giveconsideration to marketing aspects. The Commit-tee recommended that governments be invited tostudy the possibility of establishing special meansof financing the production and marketing ofhandicrafts; that the Executive Secretary, in con-sultation with TAA, explore the possibility ofappointing two technical marketing experts onbehalf of all countries of the region, one in NorthAmerica and the other in Europe; and that one ortwo experts be appointed to the secretariat tofollow up the recommendations made in the surveyand to advise countries on the development oftheir handicrafts marketing.

Also at its third session, the Committee onIndustry and Trade took note of a report on travelfacilities (E/CN.11/I & T/44), and welcomedthe decision of the International Union of OfficialTravel Organizations (IUOTO) to establish aRegional Travel Commission for Asia and the FarEast. It agreed that the work being done by thesecretariat should be continued until such time asthis IUOTO Regional Travel Commission wasfully organized and prepared to take up the work.The Committee recommended that the ECAFEsecretariat establish close working relations withthe IUOTO Regional Commission after its estab-lishment.

The Commission, at its seventh session, adopteda resolution (E/CN.11/305) expressing its con-cern over the availabilities of capital goods forcountries of the region. Following consultationswith the governments, a report on the supply ofcapital goods (E/CN.11/315) was prepared forthe Commission's consideration at its eighth ses-sion. A joint ECAFE/ECE/FAO study on tradebetween Europe and Asia and the Far East wasundertaken and a study on Foreign InvestmentLaws and Regulations of the Countries of Asia andthe Far East was published130 in 1951. A paperwas also completed on the working of trade agree-ments in the region (E/CN.11/I & T/61).

129

U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. F. 3.130

U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. F. 1.


The secretariat rendered advisory services toBurma in connexion with the reform of currencyand banking systems, published a preliminarystudy on the mobilization of domestic capital inMalaya (E/CN.11/I & T/40 Annex I), and con-tinued to assist governments in the improvementof their trade promotion machineries and to actas a clearing house of trade information by issuingTrade Promotion News, Trade Promotion Seriesand Calendar of Conferences, Commercial Fairsand Overseas Exhibitions. A preliminary draft ofa Glossary of Commercial Terms was issued.

In the field of travel, Travel Formalities, a com-pilation of laws and regulations controlling travelto countries of the region, was prepared (TRA/-WG/1) and publication of Asian Travelwayscontinued.

(3) Food and Agriculture

At its third session, the Committee on Industryand Trade asked the secretariat to consider theproposal for setting up a joint ECAFE/FAO work-ing party on the production and utilization offertilizers in the light of the results of the forth-coming meeting of the Fertilizer Working Party ofthe International Rice Commission (IRC). Thesecretariat accordingly sent an observer to theIRC Fertilizer Working Party, held in Indonesiain April 1951, and drew its attention to the pro-posal. The Working Party recognized the impor-tance of the problem and endorsed the proposalfor carrying out a study of the problems of manu-facture and utilization of organic manures. FAOundertook to make this study. In the light of thesedevelopments, further consideration of the pro-posal for setting up a joint ECAFE/FAO workingparty on chemical fertilizers was deferred.

Close liaison was maintained between the Com-mission's secretariat and the regional office of FAOin Bangkok. Specialists from ECAFE and the FAOregional office visited several countries of theregion in connexion with the joint ECAFE/FAOstudy of the economic use of firewood as locomo-tive fuel (E/CN.11/TRANS/5). Co-operationwith FAO was also maintained on the followingprojects: cottage and small-scale industries; fieldsof economic development handicapped by lack oftrained personnel; preparations for the seminaron power alcohol; examination of the problems ofmanufacture of DDT and other urgently neededmedical requirements; preparatory work on mar-keting and distribution surveys; and study on tradebetween the ECAFE region and Europe. ECAFE'sBureau of Flood Control131 maintained standing

consultative arrangements with FAO's regionaloffice.

For the Economic Survey of Asia and the FarEast 1950,132 FAO prepared a chapter on food andagriculture, and also sections of the chapters oninternational trade and economic plans. FAO'sregional office also prepared a special article forECAFE's quarterly Bulletin. A member of theECAFE secretariat attended the FAO RegionalConference on Land Utilization held in Ceylon inSeptember 1951. FAO representatives also attend-ed numerous ECAFE meetings.

Conversations took place between ECAFE andFAO concerning the possibility of increased oper-ational co-operation between the two organizationsby the creation of a jointly staffed agricultural unitunder the ECAFE secretariat.

(4) Recommendations of the Commission

The Commission, at its seventh session in Feb-ruary-March 1951, approved (E/1981) the reportand recommendations of the Committee on Indus-try and Trade (E/CN.11/267) with minor draft-ing changes.

The Commission noted that the programmesfor industrial and agricultural development of thecountries of the region required increased use ofmachinery, equipment and materials, and thatEurope was an important source of supplies forsuch purposes. It therefore requested the ExecutiveSecretary, in co-operation with the ExecutiveSecretary of ECE, to undertake a joint study ofways and means to increase trade between theECAFE region and Europe. The study (E/CN-11/I & T/62) was begun during the year.

b. INLAND TRANSPORTOn the basis of the recommendations of the

Ad Hoc Committee of Experts on Inland Trans-port (E/CN.11/262),133 the Commission, at itsseventh session in February-March 1951, estab-lished an Inland Transport Committee. It recom-mended that the Committee, if necessary, shouldset up sub-committees on railways, roads and in-land waterways to consider and examine problemsessentially concerning those means of transport.Also, if necessary, the Committee and the sub-committees might convene working parties of itsmembers, assisted by experts appointed by govern-ments at their invitation. The Commission further

131 See also pp. 466-67.132 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. F. 4.133 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 513-15.


recommended the establishment of a railway sub-committee to deal with such matters as the InlandTransport Committee might refer to it, or thegovernments or the railway administrations of theregion might request. In this connexion, it wasrecommended that a proposal for a railway asso-ciation for the Asian and Far Eastern regionshould be referred to the sub-committee for con-sideration.

The Inland Transport Committee held its firstsession in Bangkok in December 1951. Amongother things, the Committee considered (E/CN.-11/312) the report of the Railway WorkingParty (E/CN.11/TRANS/64/Rev.1), which hadmet in Bangkok immediately preceding the meet-ing of the Committee, and the interim report ofthe Expert Working Group on Inland WaterTransport from Asia and the Far East (E/CN.11/-TRANS/L.9—E/CN.11/TRANS/R.1). In viewof the large number of technical problems requir-ing examination, the Committee set up three sub-committees—the Railway Sub-Committee, theHighway Sub-Committee and the Inland Water-way Sub-Committee, each to meet normally once ayear.

Railways: During the year, a number of studieswere undertaken, dealing with the improved oper-ation of single line sections; the establishment of atraining centre for railway operating officials; thecreation of an Asian and Far Eastern RailwayAssociation; improved productivity of labour inrailway workshops (with ILO); the economic useof firewood (with FAO); oil and brown coal asfuel for railway motive power; and the most suit-able types of diesel locomotives for the region.

A number of these studies were considered bythe Railway Working Party, which submittedrecommendations (E/CN.11/TRANS/64/Rev.1)to the Inland Transport Committee. That Com-mittee, in endorsing the report of the WorkingParty, stressed that early arrangements should bemade for the establishment of a training centrefor railway operating and signalling officials, andfor sending a team of senior officers to study atfirst hand modern methods of train operations andsignalling equipment in various countries inEurope, in the United States and in Japan.

On the question of the Asian and Far EasternAssociation, the Committee felt that the RailwaySub-Committee would, for the time being, fulfil toa large extent the objective of promoting, co-oper-ation between railway officials in the region. Ittherefore recommended that the creation of a rail-

way association be deferred. Meanwhile, it recom-mended that railways in the region might considerjoining the existing railway associations, such asthe Association of American Railroads (AAR)and the International Union of Railways (UIC),as associate members.

Inland Waterways and Ports: Priority was givenearly in 1951 to the organization, in conjunctionwith TAA, of a study tour to Europe and theUnited States by a group of inland water transportexperts from countries of the region to examinetechnological advances in inland water transport.At the conclusion of the tour, the group's interimreport (E/CN.11/TRANS/L.9—E/CN.11/TRA-NS/R.1) was published. The Committee after acursory examination felt that the group's studymade a practical approach to the inland watertransport problems of the region and that themethod of group travel and study had provedvaluable. It was suggested, inter alia, that thismethod was generally preferable to that of obtain-ing experts from abroad who might not be familiarwith local conditions in the region.

Roads and Road Transport: The Inland Trans-port Committee had before it a joint report byECAFE and ILO (E/CN.11/TRANS/65 andAdd.1), embodying a suggested scheme for im-proving vehicle maintenance standards and fortraining drivers and mechanics. The Committeeapproved the draft scheme; placing particularemphasis on:

(a) the preparation of a simplified instruction manualfor translation into the national and local languages ofthe countries of the region utilizing visual material tothe maximum extent possible; (b) the provision of ateam of expert instructors with fully equipped mobiledemonstration vans for visual and oral instruction; (c)the urgent need for advanced training abroad in modernrepair techniques for supervisors and instructors; and(d) the reclamation of worn automotive equipment.

The setting up of permanent training centresfor mechanics in modern repair and maintenancetechniques, and for the training abroad of selectedtechnicians to act as supervisors and instructorswas suggested to governments.

Steps were taken, in co-operation with ILO,for the early provision of suitably equipped mobiledemonstration vans to countries of the region, andfor the preparation of a simplified instructionmanual for translation into the various nationaland local languages of the area. Employment ofTAA technical experts to advise governments onthe economic possibilities of setting up reclama-tion plants was also recommended.


The Committee took note of the secretariat'sdraft Highway Maintenance Register (E/CN.11/-TRANS/66) and recommended that the registerbe finalized and circulated to governments foradoption with such modifications as might benecessary to suit local conditions. Further studiesin the preparation of similar standard registers forbridges, cement concrete pavements and forms forhighway project estimates were also recommended.

c. FLOOD CONTROL

In pursuance of the resolutions adopted by theCommission at its fifth and sixth sessions, theRegional Technical Conference on Flood Controlwas convened in New Delhi, from 7-10 January1951. A total of 120 experts from fifteen memberand associate member countries of the Commis-sion, from the specialized agencies, and from inter-national and other organizations, attended themeeting. Among the subjects discussed weremethods of flood control, flood problems of inter-national rivers, the silt problem, and the use ofhydraulic model in flood control. Discussions werebased on the background papers prepared by theBureau and 30 conference papers prepared by theexperts attending the conference.

The report and recommendations (E/CN.11/-264), which were adopted unanimously by theConference, contained concrete suggestions regard-ing methods of flood control, based on the exten-sive experience already gained within and outsidethe region as well as on the studies conducted bythe Bureau.

The Conference strongly urged the importanceof international co-operation in the field of floodcontrol, and suggested that, in furthering suchco-operation, the work of the Bureau should in-clude: the study of flood control and multiple-purpose development on the regime of interna-tional rivers; standardization of technical termin-ology as well as methods and records of hydro-logical measurements; exchange of results ofhydraulic laboratories; and clearing-house servicerelating to technical information on flood controland water resource development.

The Commission considered the report of theConference at its seventh session, as well as theannual report of the Bureau of Flood Control(E/CN.11/263). The latter covered the periodSeptember 1949 to December 1950 and describedthe programme and the initial stages of workundertaken by the Bureau since its inception inApril 1949. It also contained the proposed future

programme of work for 1951 and for subsequentyears.

The Commission noted both reports with satis-faction and commended the high technical levelof the Regional Technical Conference and thework of the Bureau. It endorsed the view expressedby the Conference that flood control is funda-mentally a part of, and cannot be separated from,unified river basin development, and asked theExecutive Secretary to bring to the notice of gov-ernments the recommendations of the RegionalTechnical Conference.

The Commission also approved the suggestedprogramme of work of the Bureau, with modifica-tion in the order of priority. It further recom-mended that the publication of the Flood ControlSeries should be continued.

In conformity with the view that flood controlcould not be separated from unified river basindevelopment, the work of the Bureau, during 1951,shifted to the investigation and promotion ofmulti-purpose unified river basin developments.Country surveys as well as studies on technical andeconomic problems relating to water resources ofthe region were made.

Another aspect of the Bureau's work was thepromotion of co-operation in the field of floodcontrol and water resource development of inter-national rivers. In this connexion, a study wasmade of the lower Mekong river, in co-operationwith the Governments of Thailand, Cambodia,Laos and Vietnam.

At the request of the governments concerned,the Bureau rendered technical advice and assistanceon the following projects during 1951:

Advisory service on the reconnaissance and survey ofthe earthquake and flood-affected areas in North-EastAssam, India; model tests for the Chinat project of theMenam Chao Phya in Thailand; design of a lock gatefor the Pegu-Sittang canal in Burma; water conservancyprojects in Taiwan (Formosa); measures for furtherflood control and irrigation of the Mahanadi Delta ofOrissa, India; flood control scheme of Patiala, India. TheBureau also assisted several countries of the region torecruit technical personnel for flood control and alliedworks.

A $13,000 grant from TAA enabled the Bureauto purchase collections of standard works bearingupon flood control and water resources develop-ment and to put them at the disposal of technicalorganizations in the region.

The studies, conducted by the Bureau expertsduring their tours of investigation of the existingworks and of the technical projects made availableto the Bureau, are to be published in the Flood


Control Series. The first number of the series,entitled Flood Damage and Flood Control Activi-ties in Asia and the Far East was published inOctober 1950.134 The second number, entitled"Methods of Flood Control in Asia and the FarEast" was presented to the Technical Conferenceon Flood Control, for discussion and amendmentbefore publication.135

In addition, the Bureau has undertaken thestudy of many special problems allied to floodcontrol which are of common importance to theregion, such as the silt problem (E/CN.11/-FLOOD/2) and river bank protection.

d. RESEARCH AND STATISTICS( 1 ) Economic Survey of Asia and

the far East, 1950

The Economic Survey of Asia and the Far East,1950,136 was published in July 1951. Part I dealswith the more general factors of development andincludes chapters on resources, income and eco-nomic development problems and trends. Part IIreviews current developments in the spheres ofagricultural and industrial production, transport,international trade and payments, money andfinance, including the problem of emerging newinflationary pressures in the region.

The survey reported that although there hadbeen improvements in the economic situation ofmany countries of the region due to the increasedexport prices in relation to import prices, as wellas to the favourable balance-of-payments position,they were based primarily on the impact of theKorean war and rearmament in other parts of theworld. Therefore they offered no stable and long-range basis for prosperity of the region.

The opening months of 1950 had promisedfulfilment of the hopes that 1949 had marked theend of the first phase of painful post-war recovery.Factors tending to justify these hopes included:the impetus given to post-war planning by theformulation of the Colombo Plan; the fact thatthe world had ceased to be a seller's market, and alarger flow of development goods could be expect-ed; the position of Western European countrieswhich had made substantial recovery and were,therefore, better able to meet the developmentneeds of ECAFE countries; and the considerableimprovement in production and transport in theECAFE region. Political events in the middle of1950, however, had halted progress and weakenedthe forces of reconstruction and development inAsia.

The slight improvement in the per capita foodsupply for 1949 continued in 1950 (in Indiatoward the end of 1950, however, the food situ-ation deteriorated and widespread famine condi-tions had developed). The region's general posi-tion in agricultural production, it was stated,nevertheless remained at a level below pre-warand, unless effective measures were taken, wasliable to undergo further deterioration.

Industrial and mineral production continued tomaintain the improvement noticeable in 1949. Infact, compared with 1949, production in 1950generally showed an increase, with the significantexception of cotton and jute textiles in India. Theincrease in production of electric power in severalcountries of the region, the survey stated, wasremarkable.

There was marked improvement in transportfacilities in 1950 compared with previous years.Restoration and improvement of transport facili-ties figured prominently in post-war developmentplans, nearly one-half of the region's machineryimports in 1949 and 1950 consisting of transportequipment.

Inflationary pressures had been greatly increasedsince the middle of 1950 by the money incomesgenerated by export surpluses. In 1950, exports ofthe ECAFE region in terms of dollars rose by 21while imports fell by 12 per cent. This caused anexport surplus of $487 million, as compared withan import surplus of $800 million in 1949. Theregion's pre-war export surplus thus re-emergedfor the first time since the war.

Upward revaluation of currencies was beingconsidered in some countries as a possible methodof combating inflation.

The report stressed the importance of externalaid: intergovernmental loans, credits and grants.Although the total amount of such aid was smallin relation to the needs of the region, it never-theless served to stimulate developmental activitiesin the region. Without such aid, the report con-cluded, the position of several countries wouldhave been worse, and it was hoped that in thefuture such aid would be a factor of much greaterimportance.

(2) Quarterly Economic Bulletin

Publication of the Economic Bulletin for Asiaand the Far East continued. This Bulletin is in-tended to provide a quarterly review of the eco-134

135 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. F.5. It was subsequent-ly published in early 1952.

U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. F. 4.136

U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. F. 2.


nomic conditions of the area in the intervalsbetween publication of the annual EconomicSurvey. Each issue of the Bulletin contains a gen-eral review of economic developments during thepreceding three months and a compendium ofAsian economic statistics on which the review isbased.

(3) Statistical Conferences

Efforts to improve statistical organization in theregion led to the first regional conference of statis-ticians held in Rangoon in January-February 1951;it was jointly conducted by ECAFE, the UnitedNations Statistical Office and the InternationalMonetary Fund (E/CN.11/265). The main itemson the agenda were foreign trade and balance-of-payments statistics. The Commission at its seventhsession (E/1981) took note of the report of theConference and recommended that a workingparty of experts be convened in 1951 to co-ordinate the work of governments in the regionregarding the adoption of the standard Interna-tional Trade Classification. It further recommendedthat a second regional conference of statisticiansbe convened in 1952.

(4) Special Statistical Projects

ECAFE is engaged in a series of continuingstatistical projects. With the assistance of govern-ments, through field trips and correspondence, andin collaboration with the United Nations StatisticalOffice and several specialized agencies, basic statis-tical series have been built up and maintained onitems such as production, transport, trade, financeand prices. Another continuing project is the studyof statistical organization in countries in theregion, on which a report was issued (E/CN.11/-322) at the end of 1951. Methods and compar-ability of basic statistical series were also studiedand reports prepared in connexion with theregional conferences. A framework of economicreclassification of government accounts and bud-gets was constructed, on the basis of which theaccounts and budgets of the Governments ofBurma, Hong Kong, India and the Philippineswere reclassified for illustration (E/CN.11/270).Reports were compiled assessing the methodsemployed in framing the national income estimatesof Burma, Ceylon, India, the Philippines andJapan (E/CN.11/323).


The Council considered the annual report of theEconomic Commission for Asia and the Far East(E/1981 and Add.1) at its 542nd, 543rd and545th plenary meetings on 8, 10 and 11 September1951.

The debate concentrated on a general appraisalof the achievements of the Commission and areview of its work programme, and on the eco-nomic problems of the region with reference tothe Economic Survey of Asia and the Far East,1950.

Most representatives commended the Commis-sion and its secretariat on the work achieved, andfelt that the Commission had been an increasinglyeffective and useful organ of the Council and aconstructive force in the development of regionalco-operation.

Several representatives, among them those ofPakistan, the Philippines and the United States,expressed the opinion that the Commission, whilecontinuing its basic research and efforts at im-provement in the field of statistics, had progressedto a stage of practical action which had beenwidely appreciated by its member States, asdemonstrated in their active participation in thenumerous subsidiary bodies. Others, inter alia, therepresentatives of Czechoslovakia, Poland and theUSSR, agreed that the Commission, concernedwith an extensive area, large populations anddifficult problems, should be one of the mostimportant organs of the Council, but felt that ithad been handicapped by the absence of theGovernments of the People's Republics of China,Korea and Vietminh. Furthermore, they main-tained that the Commission had dealt largely withproblems of secondary importance, paying insuffi-cient attention to the key problems of economicdevelopment and industrialization.

Several members of the Council were of theopinion that, while the major tasks of the Com-mission were far from being fulfilled, the Com-mission had undertaken useful activities in thefield of natural resources and flood control, andin analysing measures for the financing of econo-mic development, especially for mobilizing domes-tic capital and channelling it into productive pur-poses, as well as in the field of trade. The repre-sentatives of India, the Philippines and the United


States stressed particularly the importance of theactivities of the Bureau of Flood Control andstated that multi-purpose river basin developmentshould be dealt with by the Commission.

Unanimous support was expressed for a decisionof the Commission that a study on the expansionof trade between Europe and Asia and the FarEast should be undertaken jointly by the secre-tariats of ECAFE and ECE. While the representa-tive of Belgium, among others, also emphasizedthe usefulness of the Commission's study on tradewith Japan, the representatives of Czechoslovakiaand Poland felt that important problems con-cerned with the reconstruction of Japan werebeing neglected, and that Japan, instead of be-coming a peaceful factor in Asia, was beingrearmed, and thus was becoming a potentialthreat to peace in Asia and the Far East.

Members were in general agreement that landreform, as the key problem in the region, shouldbe placed high on the priority list of the Com-mission's work programme.

On the question of financing economic develop-ment, the Indian, Philippine and United Kingdomrepresentatives took the view that mobilization ofdomestic capital for that purpose was of par-amount importance. Certain representatives, amongthem those of Pakistan and the United States,placed emphasis on the attracting of foreign capi-tal and commended the Commission on its publica-tion of a study on laws and regulations affectingforeign investment. Others however, including therepresentative of Poland, stressed the danger ofcontinued exploitation of the countries in theregion by foreign monopolies. The Council agreedon the need for preparation of over-all economicdevelopment plans and for adequate supplies ofcapital goods in spite of rearmament programmesin industrialized countries.

The Council endorsed the opinion of the Com-mission that the flow of technical assistance servi-ces under the United Nations programme of tech-nical assistance to the countries in its region wasslow and should be increased. The United King-dom representative pointed out that the flow ofservices depended to a large extent on the initia-tive of governments, since technical assistancecould be rendered only at their request. Themajority were in agreement that governmentalinitiative should be actively assisted by the TAA

and that the secretariat of the Commission couldalso play an important role in this matter.

With regard to the conduct of business of theCommission at its sessions, the representatives ofIndia and France regarded as a significant stepforward the unanimous agreement reached at theseventh session of the Commission whereby coun-tries outside the geographic scope of the Commis-sion would abstain from voting against the major-ity of Asian countries on economic problems ofthe region. Some representatives, however, includ-ing the representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR, criticized the influence of non-Asian countries in the Commission.

As to the future, the Council was in unanimousagreement that the Commission should be con-tinued indefinitely and should further develop itsactivities, especially in the field of economicdevelopment.137

The Council had before it a draft resolutionproposed by India, Pakistan and the Philippines(E/L.260). The sponsors of the draft accepted anoral amendment by Sweden which would have theCouncil invite the Assembly to consider favourablythe Commission's financial requirements ratherthan recommend that they be made available. Theamendment was also voted on, and was adoptedby 17 votes to none, with 1 abstention, at theCouncil's 545th meeting on 8 September.

In part A of resolution 382 (XIII), the Councilunanimously took note of the Commission's annualreport. In part B, adopted by 14 votes to none,with 4 abstentions, it invited the General Assem-bly, taking into account the over-all budgetarysituation, to consider favourably the financialrequirements for the implementation of the 1951-52 work programme of the Commission. TheCouncil, in section C of this resolution, adoptedunanimously, requested the Secretary-General andthe executive heads of the specialized agencies toensure, when requested by governments:

(1) an increased supply of technical assistance tocountries in the region with minimum delay, includingthe establishment of pilot and demonstration projectsand assistance in the establishment of training andresearch institutions; and (2) the maximum provisionof expert technicians and other personnel and trainingfacilities at as low a cost as possible to the under-devel-oped countries.

137 The question of continuation of the Commissionand changes in its terms of reference were considered bythe Council in connexion with other matters concerningthe organization of the Council. See pp. 59ff.


K. ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR LATIN AMERICA (ECLA)

The Economic Commission for Latin America,established by the Economic and Social Councilat its sixth session in March 1948 (106 (VI)),had held three sessions up to 1 January 1951. Atthis time it was committed to a work programmewhich involved the preparation of the EconomicSurvey of Latin America 1950 (E/CN.12/217)as well as other studies, including studies on eco-nomic development, labour productivity, tradebetween Latin America and the United States andEurope, and foreign investments in certain LatinAmerican countries.

The work of the secretariat of the Commissionbetween the third session at Montevideo, in June1950 and the fourth session at Mexico City, inMay-June 1951, was described in two documents:(1) the statement prepared by the ExecutiveSecretary of ECLA for the Ad Hoc Committee onthe Organization and Operation of the Counciland its Commissions (E/AC.34/6), which cov-ered the activities of the Commission from June1948 to March 1951; and (2) the third annualreport (E/2021). The statement of the ExecutiveSecretary to the Ad Hoc Committee contained afull account of the activities of the Commission,together with an extensive and analytical appraisalof its record. The third annual report showed thatthe Commission had made substantial progress inthe systematic analysis of Latin American econo-mies and had reached the stage where it couldassume the practical role of making recommenda-tions to member governments. It also showed thatthe progress made by the Commission had beenachieved to a considerable degree by increasinglymore effective co-operation between the Commis-sion and other United Nations organs and agen-cies, particularly through co-operative arrange-ments with the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), the International Bank for Reconstruc-tion and Development and the InternationalLabour Organisation (ILO). The activities ofECLA were also co-ordinated with those of theInter-American Economic and Social Council.Both the statement by the Executive Secretary tothe Council's Ad Hoc Committee and the thirdannual report were adopted by the Commission atits fourth session.138

The Economic and Social Council, in resolution414(XIII), decided to continue the Commissionindefinitely and to strengthen its work in the fieldsof economic development and technical assist-ance.139

The General Assembly considered the activi-ties of the regional economic commissions duringits debate on the world economic situation andsubsequently adopted resolution 526(VI), inwhich it noted with satisfaction the valuable workwhich was being done by the regional economiccommissions and the Council's decision to con-tinue them.

1. Studies and Reports

The secretariat of the Commission completedand presented to the Commission's fourth sessionin May-June 1951 a number of studies and re-ports.

Among these were the Economic Survey ofLatin America 1950, (see below) primarily con-cerned with describing and analysing developmentsand trends in the economies of Latin Americancountries since the end of the Second WorldWar.

A report entitled Theoretical and Practical Prob-lems of Economic Growth (E/CN.12/221),analysed, inter alia, economic development inLatin America in its historical perspective. Itpointed out that, up to the depression of the1930's, external and international factors hadlargely determined the economic growth in LatinAmerica, but that, since the Second World War,internal forces had played an increasingly im-portant role due to the dislocation of world trade,the abrupt reduction of the flow of foreign in-vestments and the consequent tendency towardseconomic self-sufficiency. Pointing out that tech-nology in the advanced industrial countries de-velops under conditions of relative scarcity oflabour and abundant capital resources, the reportstated that these combinations of labour and cap-ital could not be arbitrarily imposed on a lessdeveloped country where per capita capital densityis much lower. Under these latter conditions itwould therefore be preferable to put more em-phasis on utilizing equipment for increasing pro-duction rather than on reducing labour utilizedper unit of capital. The more advanced techniquesof highly industrialized countries might thereforenot be suitable to the optimum combination ofproduction factors in Latin American countries;

138 Details of resolutions adopted by the Commissionat its fourth session are given in E/2021.

139 For the Council's discussions and decision, takenon the basis of the Ad Hoc Committee's report, see pp.66-67. For ECLA's revised terms of reference, see p. 51.


and technological unemployment might result inthe use of equipment not adapted to Latin Amer-ican conditions. The report contained a numberof concrete suggestions for the establishment ofgoals and programmes through which the objec-tives of economic development in Latin Americancountries might be achieved.

A study of Labour Productivity of the CottonTextile Industry in Five Latin American Countries(E/CN.12/219)140 was based upon comprehen-sive data secured directly through surveys of indi-vidual mills in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, andPeru. The report summarized the results of thesurveys and put forward suggestions for raisingthe productivity of the textile industry in thecountries concerned. It also contained countrystudies which gave a detailed analysis of produc-tivity in the various types of mills and of thereasons for the relatively low productivity foundin the mills which were surveyed.

The study entitled Effects of United States De-fence Programme on Trade with Latin America(E/CN.12/234) was undertaken, following theKorean crisis and the radical change in the worldsituation, in order to examine the effects of therearmament programme, especially in the UnitedStates, on the availability of capital goods andother essential exports to Latin American coun-tries. The report noted the substantial improve-ment in Latin America's trade with the UnitedStates during 1950 and early 1951, and the risein Latin American exchange earnings. Moreover,it pointed out, serious inflationary dangers facedLatin American countries, both as a result of theincrease in money incomes, and of the accumula-tion of foreign exchange attendant on likelyshortages of imports of essential goods.

The report on United States Capacity to AbsorbLatin American Products (E/CN.12/226) was di-vided into two parts, one dealing with the UnitedStates market for a number of Latin Americanexports, and the second with the commodity struc-ture of Latin American exports to the UnitedStates. In considering the future growth of theUnited States market for Latin American products,the report indicated that the size of this marketwould depend to a major extent on United Statesdemand for Latin American foodstuffs, in partic-ular coffee and sugar; In the aggregate, UnitedStates demand for the traditional Latin Americanexports was not likely to show an appreciable ex-pansion over the high levels reached in the recentpast, but such demand would probably increaseat a rate of not less than 1.5 per cent per year.

This rate of increase, it should be noted, was lessthan the rate of growth of Latin American popu-lations.

The ECLA/ECE/FAO Report on Trade be-tween Latin America and Europe (E/CN.12/-225), jointly undertaken by the three bodies, dealtwith the structure of Latin American-Europeantrade and its prospects. The report noted that,despite a rapid increase in Latin America's popu-lation and the progress made toward economicdevelopment, the great depression and two worldwars had reduced trade between Latin Americaand Europe to a level below that of 1913. Al-though the relatively low level of Latin Americantrade with Europe had persisted into the periodfollowing the Second World War, European de-mand for Latin American goods, the report sug-gested, might grow at a relatively faster rate inthe future.

The report on the Economic and Legal Statusof Foreign Investments in Selected Countries ofLatin America (E/CN.12/166) was a continua-tion of the country studies on foreign investmentsundertaken by the secretariat in collaboration withthe United Nations Department of Economic Af-fairs. Countries included in this study were Bolivia,Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru.

2. Economic Survey of Latin America,1950

The Economic Survey of Latin America, 1950,the third annual study of this kind prepared bythe secretariat of the Commission, came beforethe fourth session of ECLA in May-June 1951.

The report was divided into three parts:(1) A general section, dealing with the region as

a whole, covered the outstanding economic develop-ments since the war in the fields of agriculture, industry,mining, inflation, exchange policies, and balances ofpayments.

(2) Separate country-by-country studies showed re-cent developments and trends in eight countries: Ar-gentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala,Mexico and Venezuela. These studies gave detailedinformation on the various sectors of the economy ineach country.

(3) A separate study of the Survey analysed recentdevelopments and trends in the production of certainbasic minerals (iron, copper, tin, lead and zinc) inrelation to their principal markets.

The Survey pointed out that the recent shiftin the balance-of-payments position of all LatinAmerican countries had led to widespread con-cern regarding the accumulation of foreign ex-

140 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. II. G. 2.


change and its use to purchase capital goods andother essential commodities. It also noted the in-flationary pressures in Latin America arising fromthe increase in foreign exchange holdings and inthe internal money supply, and suggested that ifthe future availability of exchange could be as-sured, the problem of absorbing excess liquidfunds could be dealt with more easily.

The Survey emphasized the fact that the pos-sible slowing of development programmes in LatinAmerican countries, as shortages of capital importsbecame more pronounced, did not mean that theapplication of development measures should besuspended. Instead, the coming period might offeran opportunity to examine the economies of eachLatin American country in broad perspective andto use recent experience for the better guidance ofeconomic development.

3. Fourth Session of the Commission

The fourth session of the Commission was heldin Mexico City from 28 May-16 June (E/2021),1951.

a. FUTURE OF THE COMMISSION

The Commission's continuance was fully dis-cussed in view of the fact that the Council wasto review its regional economic commissions. Itwas agreed that ECLA was a useful and indispen-sable instrument for the solution of Latin Ameri-can economic problems, and that it should notonly be continued indefinitely, but also expandedand strengthened. The Commission adopted a res-olution which embodied these concepts and alsorecommended two additions to the Commission'sterms of reference in order to strengthen its workin the fields of economic development and tech-nical assistance.

b. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Commission discussed the various prob-lems relating to economic development, and, atthe same time, the relation between developmentand trade, which involved a number of short-termas well as long-term problems due to fundamentalchanges in the international situation. Reports andstudies prepared by the secretariat, in particularthe Theoretical and Practical Problems of Eco-nomic Growth and the Economic Survey of LatinAmerica 1950, formed the basis for these debates,together with the report on the Effects of UnitedStates Defence Programme on Trade with Latin

America and the joint ECLA/ECE/FAO Reporton Trade Between Latin America and Europe.

The Commission agreed that changes in worldeconomic conditions following the Korean crisishad created a new series of problems for LatinAmerica. It was felt that the rise in money income,due to the great expansion of export values andforeign exchange earnings, and the limitation ofimports of capital goods and essential consumergoods due to shortages, could lead to serious in-flation in Latin American countries. The shortsupply or unavailability of capital goods would,moreover, retard this economic development. Anumber of representatives felt, however, that thisproblem could be overcome in a relatively shortperiod, providing United States production rosesufficiently to meet both defence needs and therequirements of under-developed countries for cap-ital goods.

It was also agreed that, in order to ensure anintensive and systematic development of LatinAmerican economies, national development pro-grammes should be prepared according to somedefinite criteria.

The studies on specific industries in LatinAmerica received special attention. It was agreedthat the study of textile labour productivity wasa fundamental contribution and should be ex-panded. In addition, other similar studies shouldalso be carried out immediately on iron and steel,woodpulp and paper, and the chemical industries,as well as the food processing industries.

While recognizing that reliance must be placedmainly on internal resources and methods, theCommission considered means of increasing theinflow of investment funds from abroad, as wellas the formation of domestic capital. It was esti-mated that, in spite of the very low level of percapita consumption in Latin American countries,it was advisable to examine the possibility of in-creasing, directly or indirectly, the savings derivedfrom the higher-income groups, creating at thesame time the capacity to save among the low-income groups, particularly as productivity andreal incomes increased.

The Commission welcomed the offer of collab-oration by the International Monetary Fund instudies of monetary and fiscal measures bearingon economic development. Some representativesurged that, in carrying out such studies, particularattention should be paid to the problem of infla-tion, recommending at the same time close co-operation with the International Bank for Recon-struction and Development.


The Commission repeatedly emphasized the im-portant role of technical assistance in the eco-nomic development of the Latin American coun-tries, and urged that these countries should utilizethe facilities offered under the United Nationsexpanded programme of technical assistance. TheCommission felt that the secretariat should playas full a role as practicable in formulating andcarrying out requests for technical assistance inthe field of economic development, and requestedmember governments to consult the Executive Sec-retary, wherever appropriate, with a view to pre-senting requests to the Secretary-General.

The Commission gave particular emphasis tothe relative scarcity in Latin American countriesof trained economists available for fundamentalresearch and expert assistance in planning andexecuting development programmes. A number ofrepresentatives also felt that, inasmuch as thetheoretical and practical problems of economicdevelopment in Latin America were different fromthose studied in the highly industrial centres, itwas necessary to give Latin American economistsan opportunity to receive systematic training andexperience in dealing with these problems in thelight of Latin American conditions. They accord-ingly urged the Executive Secretary to arrangefor the establishment of an ECLA centre for eco-nomic development which, in addition to carry-ing out fundamental research, could be used toorganize appropriate training courses and seminarsfor Latin American economists in the field ofeconomic development.

The desire was expressed that schools of eco-nomics attached to Latin American universitiesshould give wider recognition to courses on eco-nomic development, and the Executive Secretarywas requested to co-ordinate the activities of theECLA Centre with those of university facultiesand schools, as well as those of other research andstudy centres. The Secretary-General was requestedto utilize the ECLA Centre to place fellows and-scholars under the United Nations fellowship andscholarship programme for economic development.

With regard to immigration problems, the Com-mission noted the progress report (E/CN.12/-224) submitted by the Committee on EconomicDevelopment and Immigration, established by theCommission at its third session. It recommendedthat the Executive Secretary consult with theexecutive heads of other international organiza-tions concerned with this problem, with a view tothe establishment by the interested organizationsof an inter-agency regional co-ordination commit-

tee on migration, in which ECLA would partici-pate, which would meet, when necessary, to reviewprogress and co-ordinate action in the field ofmigration in Latin America.

The Commission noted with satisfaction thedeclared objectives of the Central American gov-ernments with reference to the integration of theirnational economies, and requested the ExecutiveSecretary to study the means or plans for theprogressive attainment of those objectives. It in-vited the governments concerned, whenever theymight consider it appropriate, to form a commit-tee on economic co-operation, composed of Min-isters of economic affairs or persons appointed bythem, to act as a co-ordinating body for activitiesrelating to the above-mentioned questions.

c. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

Attention was drawn to the limited progressof agricultural production in Latin America andto the fact that the relatively slow advance of agri-culture was due in part to greater emphasis onthe development of other sectors of the economy.A number of representatives considered that, inorder to maintain some balance between agricul-ture and industry, an attempt should be made tofurther the improvement of agriculture in LatinAmerican countries. It was noted that the growingindustrialization of Latin America would, in fact,lead to a long-term increase in urban populationand demand, which would, in turn, necesitate anincrease in the supply of agricultural products.Representatives accordingly suggested variousmeasures aimed at improving agricultural practicesand production.

While noting that the conditions of agricul-tural production varied widely from one countryto another, the Commission advanced a numberof concrete measures intended to meet the agri-cultural problems of most Latin American coun-tries. These included: the training of agronomists;soil surveys; the expansion of agricultural exten-sion services; proper soil practices in the use offertilizers; irrigation; and assistance in stock rais-ing. Consideration of the tenancy problem wasalso urged, and it was suggested that the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of FAO should be requested to assistgovernments in this entire programme.

In considering the joint work programme ofECLA and FAO in the field of agriculture andforestry, a number of representatives noted theinitiative taken by the two organizations on the


question of agricultural credit. It was suggestedthat the Executive Secretary and the Director-General of FAO call a meeting of experts onagricultural credit in one of the Central Americancountries, as agreed at the third session of theCommission in Montevideo.

The Commission took note of the establish-ment of a Latin American Agricultural TrainingCentre in Santiago de Chile, at the joint intiativeof the Government of Chile, FAO, the UnitedNations and the International Bank, and urgedthat governments give special attention to theopportunities offered by the Training Centre.

The Commission also considered with interesta report (E/CN.12/235), prepared by the ForestBureau of FAO in Rio de Janeiro, on the import-ance of forests and forest products to the economyof Latin America. The continuation of such studieswas recommended and a series of measures relat-ing to forest policy were suggested.

d. INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The question of international trade was consid-ered on the basis of three studies prepared by thesecretariat on Latin American trade with Europe,effects of the United States defence programme ontrade with the Latin American countries, and thecapacity of the United States to absorb LatinAmerican products. The question of intra-regionaltrade was also considered, on the basis of a noteprepared by the Executive Secretary.

Several representatives of the Latin Americancountries expressed concern regarding the problemof accumulation of inconvertible European cur-rencies, the limited availability of capital goodsrequired for economic development, and the pos-sible decline in value of accumulated exchangebalances. Concern was also expressed with respectto the future course of Latin America's terms oftrade and the internal inflationary effects of theprobable accumulation of exchange balances. Rep-resentatives of European members pointed outthat the accumulation of incovertible Europeancurrencies had not yet become a problem. In viewof the emphasis given by the Latin Americancountries to their need for capital goods, theyexpressed the hope that Latin America would notplace obstacles in the way of importing consumergoods of vital interest to Europe's export trade.

The Commission recommended that govern-ments should give special consideration to themaintenance and expansion of Latin Americanpurchasing power in European markets, to the

maintenance of the purchasing power of Europeancurrencies that might be accumulated by LatinAmerican countries, and to the fair and orderlyliquidation of balances so accumulated. The Ex-ecutive Secretary was requested to assist interestedgovernments in dealing with these problems, andto continue studies on Latin American Europeantrade, paying particular atention to the problemsof achieving greater transferability of accumu-lated foreign exchange. He was authorized to calltogether non-governmental experts, whenever hedeemed it appropriate, to consider the problemspresented by trade between Latin America andEurope.

The Executive Secretary was requested to pre-pare and circulate analyses of fundamental changesin the economic activity of the United States andthe main European centres of supply, similar tothat prepared by the secretariat on the effects ofthe United States defence programme on tradewith Latin American countries.

The Commission recommended that the LatinAmerican governments give careful considerationto the demand factors analysed in the long-termstudy of the capacity of the United States to ab-sorb Latin American products, and that they in-form the Executive Secretary of the results.

A number of representatives expressed the viewthat it was important to expand intra-regionaltrade in order to widen markets for developingLatin American industries, to avoid unnecessaryduplication and thus to overcome deficiencies ofsupply during emergency periods. The Commis-sion urged that the Executive Secretary:

(1) present a report to its fifth session, on the basisof the studies then completed, as to the possibilities ofexpanding inter-Latin American trade; (2) consultthe governments on the aspects of this trade of specialinterest to them; and (3) call a meeting of non-govern-mental experts, at his discretion, to discuss such aspectsof this problem as he might consider appropriate. Highpriority was given to the studies on intra-regional trade.

e. SPECIAL PROBLEMS

(1) At the Montevideo conference, ECLA had pro-posed measures for increasing the availability of suppliesof educational, scientific and cultural materials. After ex-amining the report presented by the Executive Secretary(E/CN.12/230), the Commission took special note ofthe fact that no country had, as yet, replied to thequestionnaire on this subject, and once again empha-sized the importance attached to the free internationalcirculation of such materials.

(2) On the question of traffic regulation on the Inter-American Highway, the Commission studied the notessubmitted by the Executive Secretary and requested himto prepare a general study of the international aspectsof the problem of road transport in Latin America.


(3) At the request of the Panamanian delegation,the Executive Secretary was asked to make a preliminaryenquiry into, and advise the Government of Panama onthe kind of studies necessary to bring about the maxi-mum utilization of the facilities of the Free Zone ofColon, in the Republic of Panama.

(4) The admission of the South American PetroleumInstitute to consultative status in Category B was recom-mended by the Commission to the Economic and SocialCouncil.141

f. CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER INTERNA-TIONAL AGENCIES

Measures of co-operation and co-ordination es-tablished between ECLA and the specialized agen-cies were considered in connexion with severalstudies and reports submitted by the secretariat.Representatives of the specialized agencies tookpart in the debate. The Commission commendedthe Executive Secretary for establishing close work-ing relations with FAO, which had led to a newagreement between the two agencies.

The Commission revised the measures for co-operation and co-ordination of work with theInter-American Economic and Social Council, aspresented in the Executive Secretary's statement(E/AC.34/6) to the Ad Hoc Committee of theEconomic and Social Council. As at previous ses-sions of the Commission, the official representa-tive of the Inter-American Economic and SocialCouncil and its Executive Secretary took an activepart in the discussion. The Commission decidedthat existing co-ordination should be put on amore regular basis by establishing a permanentCo-ordination Committee. It was unanimouslyagreed to establish in the coming year specialmachinery to review problems of co-ordination atthe government level and to make recommenda-tions to the next annual meetings of both agenciesin this respect.

g. ECLA OFFICE IN MEXICO

At the fourth session of the Commission, itwas agreed to establish a branch office of ECLAin Mexico City, as a dependency of the Com-mission's headquarters in Santiago. This office wascharged with studying the economic problems ofCosta Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, ElSalvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico andNicaragua, although, it was provided, the Exec-utive Secretary might also extend the studies toother regions of the continent should he considerthis desirable. The Government of Mexico grantedall necessary facilities for establishing the office.

4. Consideration by the Economic andSocial Council of the Commission's

Reports

The annual report of the Commission (E/-2021) was considered by the Economic and So-cial Council at its 532nd, 533rd, and 562ndplenary meetings on 3 and 21 September 1951.

The Council agreed that the Commission hadachieved considerable progress in its work andcommended the work programme formulated dur-ing its fourth session. It was considered that theCommission's record fully justified its indefinitecontinuation, since it had proved a valuable or-gan in promoting international co-operation onthe regional level and in assisting the economicdevelopment of its members.

The emphasis on problems of economic devel-opment, revealed in the numerous studies andrecommendations of the Commission, was consid-ered fully justified since the Commission's regioncomprised mainly areas where the most urgentproblems were those of accelerating the rate ofeconomic growth.

On the one hand it was stated, for example bythe representative of Chile, that the main problemwas to evolve a balanced economic developmentand that improvements in agriculture had laggedbehind the needs of an increasing population andthe growth of industry. On the other hand it waspointed out, for example by the representative ofIndia, that the importance of industrializationshould not be overlooked even in preponderantlyagricultural areas.

The Council was in general agreement regard-ing the value of the technical asistance programmein the region, and considered that the Commis-sion and its secretariat, in co-operation with TAA,should assist the member countries in appraisingtheir needs in this respect. Several speakers alsoexpressed the opinion that the secretariat shouldbe fully utilized in the implementation of thetechnical assistance programme. The Commission'sproposal for the establishment of an ECLA centrefor economic development received full support,especially in view of its potential value for thetraining of economists.

The Council also commended the activities ofthe Commission in the industrial field, in partic-ular a first report on "Labour Productivity of theCotton Textile Industry in Five Latin AmericanCountries".

141 See p. 598.


Some representatives, particularly those fromthe under-developed countries, also emphasizedthe value of the Commission's studies on thetrade of Latin American countries with the UnitedStates and with Europe, as well as on intra-regional trade. A number of speakers stressed theusefulness of the study on expansion of trade be-tween Latin America and Europe, prepared jointlyby the secretariats of ECLA, ECE and FAO.

Several representatives, among them those ofPakistan, Peru and Uruguay, felt that the Com-mission had passed from the stage of studies andgeneral research activities to the stage of formu-lating concrete policy recommendations and ini-tiating practical activities, such as its recommen-dation that the economic integration of CentralAmerican countries would be promoted by theestablishment of a committee on economic co-operation composed of Ministers of economicaffairs of the countries concerned or persons ap-pointed by them. The implementation of this rec-ommendation, it was considered, was facilitatedby the establishment of the Mexico Office of theCommission.

The Council also had before it a recommenda-tion (E/L.301) by Chile for the adoption of

Portuguese as a working language, in connexionwith the holding of a session of the Commissionin Rio de Janeiro. In view of the fact that, inadopting the Calendar of Conferences, the Councilhad decided that no regular session of the Com-mission would be held in 1952 but that a Com-mittee of the Whole should meet in Santiago, theCouncil at its 562nd meeting on 21 Septemberdecided to take no action on this proposal.

The Council at its 533rd plenary meeting on3 September adopted the draft resolutions pro-posed by the Commission (E/2021) by 15 votesto none, with 3 abstentions, and by 10 votes tonone, with 8 abstentions, respectively, as its reso-lution 383 (XIII).

In Part A of this resolution, the Council tooknote of the Commission's report. In Part B, itstated that ECLA's work programme, as developedat its fourth session, was of primary importancefor the economic development of Latin America,and that ECLA which was the most recent re-gional economic commission, should be given thesame opportunities for developing its work asother regional economic commissions. It recom-mended that the necessary funds should be madeavailable to implement fully the Commission'swork programme.

L. PROPOSED ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

The question of the establishment of an eco-nomic commission for the Middle East (E/1360)was, in accordance with the decision of the Eco-nomic and Social Council at its tenth session,again on the agenda of the thirteenth session, hav-ing been postponed at previous sessions.142 Thefollowing non-members of the Council had sub-mitted written comunications either requesting apostponement of consideration of the question orits deletion from the Council's agenda: Iraq (E/-L.180), Lebanon (E/C.3/L.12), Syria (E/L.178),and Yemen (E/2118).

The Council discussed the question in con-nexion with its consideration of the report of theAd Hoc Committee on the factors bearing uponthe establishment of an Economic Commission forthe Middle East (E/218).

At its 550th plenary meeting on 13 September1951, the Council unanimously agreed to requestsfrom the Governments of Egypt, Israel and Syria,which were not members of the Council, that theyshould be allowed, under Article 69 of the Char-ter,143 to take part in the debate on the question.

A formal proposal that the Council should post-pone consideration of the matter was made at thesame meeting by the representative of Iran. Heemphasized that requests of that nature which hadbeen made to the Council should not be taken tomean that those countries believed that an eco-nomic commission for the Middle East was un-desirable. The majority of governments in theregion, however, believed that full co-operationbetween all countries in the Middle East was notpossible in the prevailing circumstances. The rep-resentative of Iran added that it was the wish ofall Middle Eastern countries that the economicchanges in the Middle East be fully discussed inthe annual world economic reports prepared bythe Secretary-General. He was assured by the Pres-ident of the Council that the Secretary-General

142 For previous consideration of the question, seeY.U.N., 1948-49, p. 523.

143 Article 69 of the Charter states that the Councilshall invite any Member of the United Nations not amember of the Council to participate without vote in itsdiscussions on matters of particular concern to thatMember.


would doubtless continue to give careful consid-eration to the economic situation in the MiddleEast in these reports, particularly in that the Coun-cil had not yet established an economic commis-sion in that region.

The representative of Egypt concurred with theviews expressed by the representative of Iran. Therepresentative of Israel, however, stressed the viewthat an economic commission for the Middle Eastshould be established at once.

Several representatives, among them those ofChile, France, India, Pakistan, the United King-dom and Uruguay, thought that the questionshould be postponed again, since, in the existing

circumstances, the majority of the prospectivemembers of such a commission did not desire tosee it established at that time.

At its 551st plenary meeting on 14 September,the Council unanimously adopted the Iranian pro-posal. By this decision, the Council agreed to post-pone consideration of the establishment of an eco-nomic commission for the Middle East to a sub-sequent session. It was the Council's understandingthat the Secretary-General would not place thisitem on the provisional agenda of the Councilunless he deemed it appropriate in view of achange of circumstances, or unless a delegationspecifically requested its inclusion.

M. HUMAN RIGHTS

1. Draft International Covenant onHuman Rights and Measures of

Implementation


At its twelfth session, held from 20 February-21 March 1951, the Economic and Social Councilhad before it resolutions 421 (V) and 422 (V)of the General Assembly, embodying certain pol-icy decisions by the Assembly, which were re-quested by the Council at its eleventh session.144

These resolutions145, inter alia, recommended that:(1) the Commission on Human Rights continue to

give priority to the completion of the draft Covenantand measures for its implementation; (2) the firsteighteen articles should amended and certain additionalrights be considered; (3) a federal State article beconsidered; (4) an article on the territorial applicationof the Covenant be included; (5) economic, social andcultural articles also be included and other organs ofthe United Nations and specialized agencies co-operatein consideration of this matter; (6) consideration ofprovisions for examining petitions with respect toalleged violations of the Covenant be continued; (7)the Commission be asked to study ways and means toensure the rights of peoples and nations to self-determin-ation; (8) the Commission report on these matters tothe Council at its thirteenth session; and (9) MemberStates be invited to comment on the draft Covenant asrevised by the Commission at its sixth session.

The Council also had before it replies from theadministrative heads of the specialized agencies(E/1880 & Add.1-7) to the Secretary-General's

communication addressed to them, pursuant toCouncil resolution 303 D (XI),146 inviting themto submit their views regarding possible methodsof co-operation with regard to economic, socialand cultural rights.

The Council discussed the draft Covenant andmeasures of implementation at its 438th to 442nd

plenary meetings, from 21-23 February. Certainrepresentatives, including those of Czechoslovakia,Poland and the USSR, expressed the view that therecommendations of the General Assembly, insome respects, did not go far enough and that theCouncil should not confine its action to a meretransmittal of these resolutions to the Commis-sion on Human Rights, but should consider thedraft Covenant in substance and discuss actualamendments and proposed additions. Others, in-cluding the representatives of Belgium, Chile,France, India, the Philippines, the United King-dom and the United States, felt that it would beimpracticable to enter into a detailed discussion,which would be a repetition of the debates in theAssembly. It was thought by some representatives,among them those of China, Pakistan, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, that the Councilshould concentrate on how the specialized agen-cies might collaborate with the Commission indrafting articles on economic, social and culturalrights, in accordance with Assembly resolution421 E (V). These representatives thought thatthe agreements between the agencies and theUnited Nations were flexible enough to allowfor this co-operation, without special machinery.Others, however, including the representatives ofFrance, India, Mexico and Uruguay, felt that someorgan should be set up to facilitate consultationbetween the Commission and the specialized agen-cies.

The Council considered the following draft res-olutions and amendments:

(1) A draft resolution by the USSR (E/L.137). Itwould have the Council instruct the Commission on

144 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 523.145 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 530-32.146 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 523.


Human Rights to incorporate in the draft Covenantprovisions relating to political, economic, social andcultural rights, details of which were included in thedraft resolution. It provided that the Commission beinstructed to take into account the principle that theCovenant should apply to all States, whether self-govern-ing or non-self-governing, and to all territorial unitsconstituting federal States. It also recommended thedeletion from the draft Covenant of articles 19 to 41,providing for methods of supervising implementation,stating that these would constitute an attempt at inter-ference in the domestic affairs of States.

The Council decided, at its 442nd meeting on 23February, on the proposal of the representative of theUnited States and by 11 votes to 3, with 4 abstentions,not to vote on the USSR draft resolution, in view ofcertain alternative proposals (see below).

(2) A joint draft resolution by Pakistan and Uru-guay (E/L.141). Draft resolutions by Uruguay (E/-L.136) and Pakistan (E/L.138), dealing with theprocedure for the consultations with the specializedagencies, were combined by their sponsors (E/L.139 &Rev.1). An amendment by Chile and India (E/L.140)and oral amendments by Prance and by the Presidentwere incorporated in the joint draft resolution (E/-L.141).

This draft resolution was adopted by the Coun-cil, in a series of paragraph-by-paragraph votesranging from a unanimous vote to 15 votes to 3,and, as a whole, by 14 votes to none, with 4 ab-stentions, at the 442nd plenary meeting on 23February (resolution 349 (XII)).

By this resolution, the Council transmitted As-sembly resolutions 421 (V) and 422 (V) to theCommission on Human Rights for action, invitingit to take into consideration the discussion at theCouncil's twelfth session, and the USSR amend-ments (E/L.137) to the draft Covenant presentedat that session. It invited the specialized agenciesdirectly concerned with economic, social and cul-tural rights to send representatives to the Com-mission to participate in its work relating to suchrights; it asked the Commission to take steps toobtain the fullest co-operation of the agencies andto consider the setting up of one or more jointworking groups, consisting of representatives ofthe Commission and the interested agencies. Fin-ally, the Council requested the Commission toprepare and submit to it, at its thirteenth session,a revised draft Covenant on the lines indicatedby the General Assembly.

b. CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMISSION ONHUMAN RIGHTS AT ITS SEVENTH SESSION

At its seventh session, held from 16 April-19May, the Commission on Human Rights had be-fore it, in addition to those resolutions and theamendments and proposals transmitted by theCouncil, the comments of certain governments147

which the Secretary-General had requested in ac-cordance with Assembly resolution 421 H (V).It also had before it decisions of the Committeeon the Draft Convention on Freedom of Infor-mation relevant to the work on the draft Coven-ant (E/CN.4/532),148 the text of the Conventionfor the Protection of Human Rights and Funda-mental Freedoms signed at Rome on 4 November1950 (E/CN.4/554), and several studies andanalyses prepared by the Secretary-General onmatters relating to the draft Covenant and the de-cisions of the General Assembly and the Council(E/1992).

The Commission completed only the draftingof articles on economic, social and cultural rights,including articles on measures of implementationand a revision of the articles on measures of im-plementation drawn up at its sixth session.

In drawing up the provisions on economic, so-cial and cultural rights, the Commission was as-sisted by representatives of the International La-bour Organisation (ILO) the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) and the World Health Organization(WHO). The ILO delegation included represent-atives of governments, workers and employers, inaddition to the Director-General and his repre-sentatives. Fourteen articles were adopted on theserights, including one which recognized the equalrights of men and women to the enjoyment of allsuch rights and particularly of those set forth inthe draft Covenant, and a general article whichprovided that the States parties would undertaketo take steps "to the maximum of their availableresources with a view to achieving progressivelythe full realization of the rights recognized in thispart of the present Covenant".

In order to implement these provisions, theCommission envisaged a system of reporting byStates, the reports to be submitted in stages inaccordance with a programme to be established bythe Council after consultation with the Statesparties to the Covenant and the specialized agen-cies concerned. The Council would transmit thesereports to the Commission for its study and rec-ommendation and might, from time to time, sub-mit to the General Assembly, with its own report,

147 Australia, Burma, Canada, Chile, Czechoslovakia,Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Israel, Luxembourg,New Zealand, Philippines, Ukrainian SSR, Union ofSouth Africa, the USSR, United Kingdom, and UnitedStates (E/CN.4/515 and Addenda 1-17, E/CN.4/515/-Add.2/Corr.1, E/CN.4/515/Add.6/Corr.1 and E/CN.-4/515/Add.15/Corr.1).

148 See p. 509.


reports summarizing the information made avail-able by the States parties and the specialized agen-cies.

In the course of the work on these articlesdealing with implementation, the question wasraised as to whether they should apply only toeconomic, social and cultural rights or to all therights set forth in the Covenant. The Commissiondid not take a decision on this point, nor did itdecide whether the measures of implementationproviding for the establishment of a "HumanRights Committee" should apply to all the rightsnow defined in the Covenant.

The Commission, in a roll-call vote, rejecteda proposal recommending reconsideration by theAssembly of its decision regarding the inclusionof economic, social and cultural rights in thefirst Convenant.

In reviewing the machinery of implementationproposed at its sixth session, the Commissionretained the ideas as the basis of the proposed"Human Rights Committee", but amended cer-tain articles and made some additions. It proposedto increase the membership of the Committee tonine and that the members be elected, not byStates parties, but by the International Court ofJustice, which would also appoint the secretaryof the committee. It deleted the article providingthat a State party concerned in a case might desig-nate a person to participate in the deliberations ifnone of its nationals was on the committee. Italso proposed to empower the committee, at therequest of a State party, in cases where humanlife was in danger, to deal immediately with thecase, without waiting for the possible settlementof the matter within six months between theStates concerned, as previously provided. It pro-vided that, if a friendly solution of a case werenot reached, the committee would state its con-clusions on the facts and attach thereto the state-ments made by the parties to the case.

Additional articles provided that the proposedhuman rights committee would not deal with amatter for which any competent organ or spe-cialized agency of the United Nations had estab-lished a special procedure by which the Statesconcerned were governed, or with which the In-ternational Court of Justice was seized; that thecommittee might recommend that the Councilrequest the Court to give an advisory opinion onany legal question connected with a case beforeit; that the committee would submit an annualreport of its activities to the General Asembly;and that the States parties to the Covenant would

agree not to submit to the Court, except by spe-cial agreement, any dispute arising out of the in-terpretation or application of the Covenant in amatter within the committee's competence.

The Commission discussed the question of peti-tions from non-governmental organizations andindividuals only in connexion with a proposedarticle which would have allowed the contem-plated human rights committee to initiate anenquiry on receipt of complaints from individuals,groups or non-governmental organizations. Thisproposal was rejected. A separate draft protocol onpetitions emanating from individuals and organi-zations was before the Commission, together withseveral amendments to it, but it was not discussed.

The Commission recognized that, owing to lackof time, it had not completed its agenda or com-plied fully with the instructions of the GeneralAssembly and the Council. It decided, however,to submit the draft Covenant as revised at itsseventh session (E/1992) for the consideration ofthe Council, and it also asked the Secretary-Gen-eral to transmit this draft to Member Governmentsand to the specialized agencies, so that they mightmake their observations for the thirteenth sessionof the Council.

The Commission also included, as annexes toits report:

written comments on the draft Covenant by membersof the Commission; amendments submitted at both thesixth and seventh sessions to the first eighteen articlesof the draft which had not been discussed; all proposalsfor additional articles other than those concerning eco-nomic, social and cultural rights; the draft protocol onpetitions from individuals and non-governmental organ-izations and the amendments thereto; all proposals,amendments and comments on the federal State articleand on the other articles in part VI of the draft Cove-nant; and a proposal for the establishment of an Officeof a United Nations High Commissioner for HumanRights.

c. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS THIRTEENTHSESSION

At its thirteenth session, held from 30 July-21 September 1951, the Economic and SocialCouncil considered the report of the Commissionon Human Rights on its seventh session. TheCouncil also had before it the observations ofcertain Governments (Australia, Denmark, France,Iraq, Norway, the Union of South Africa, theUnited Kingdom, the United States and Yugo-slavia—(E/2059 & Add.1-8) and specializedagencies ILO, UNESCO, WHO, and the Inter-national Telecommunication Union (ITU)


(E/2057 & Add.1-5), as well as a Note from theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(E/2085). The Council discussed the draft Cov-enant and measures for its implementation at its522nd to 525th plenary meetings, from 27-29August. Members of the Council generally notedthat the Commission, at its seventh session, hadconcentrated on drafting economic, social andcultural rights and had consequently not carriedout all the instructions which it had received fromthe Council and the Assembly. It was generallyrecognized that the Covenant in its existing formwas imperfect.

Discussion in the Council centred on two pro-cedural proposals.

The first, submitted by Czechoslovakia (E/-L.231), would have the Council send the draftback to the Commission to be completed and sub-mitted to a later session of the Council. It wassupported by the representatives of Poland and theUSSR, among others, who felt that it was essentialfor the Commission to complete its work beforethe General Assembly could profitably discuss it.They emphasized that the first eighteen articleshad not been revised by the Commission and thatthey did not include several important rights.

The Czechoslovak draft resolution was op-posed on the ground that it was unprofitable torefer the draft Covenant to the Commission asdifferences of opinion, particularly on the imple-mentation of the Covenant, still existed in theCommission, and that a full discussion in theGeneral Assembly might be useful, as it wouldprovide the opportunity for States which weremembers neither of the Council nor the Commis-sion to express their views. This point of view,broadly speaking, was expressed by the sponsorsof the second proposal, a joint draft resolution byBelgium, India the United Kingdom, the UnitedStates and Uruguay (E/L.233 & Add.1). Therepresentatives of Belgium and France were amongthose who stated that although they did not dis-agree with the Czechoslovak draft resolution inprinciple, they nevertheless felt that the joint draftprovided a more comprehensive and more prac-tical means of dealing with the question.

The joint draft resolution contained three parts.It would:

(1) note that the Commission had been unable tocomplete its task at its earlier session and request it toproceed with those tasks assigned to it under Councilresolution 349 (XII) and General Assembly resolu-tions 421 (V) and 422 (V) , in particular the revisionof the first eighteen articles and the examination of thefederal clause.

(2) transmit to the General Assembly for its con-sideration the report of the Commission, the records ofthe discussion in the Council at its thirteenth sessionand the observations of specialized agencies and ofgovernments, and

( 3 ) invite the General Assembly to reconsider itsdecision to include in one covenant articles on economic,social and cultural rights together with civil and politicalrights.

Some representatives, including those of Chile,Iran and Mexico, favoured neither of the two pro-posals before the Council. Others, among themthe representatives of China, France and Peru,supported the joint draft resolution but expressedcertain reservations. Others again, among them therepresentatives of Chile, Mexico, Pakistan and thePhilippines, felt that no advantage was to begained from referring the incomplete draft Cove-nant to the Assembly to ask it to decide on a mat-ter on which it had already expressed an opinion.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR expressed their opposition to a pro-cedure which invited a separation within whatthey regarded as a single covenant, of civil andpolitical rights on the one hand and economic,social and cultural on the other. Opposed to thisview were the representatives of Belgium, Canada,India, the United Kingdom, the United States andUruguay. They felt, generally speaking, that civiland political rights were matters on which legis-lation could be drawn up, but that economic, so-cial and cultural rights should be sought by Statesthrough progressive efforts in creating the condi-tions under which those rights could be ensured.The representative of India expressed the view thatthe difficulties encountered by the Commission inattempting to decide on machinery for implemen-tation provided an argument against having bothgroups of rights included in a single covenant.

An oral amendment introduced by the repre-sentative of Mexico would delete from the jointdraft resolution the invitation to the Assembly toreconsider its decision to include in one covenantarticles concerning both groups of rights and in-vite the Assembly instead to consider the desira-bility of formulating new directives to the Com-mission concerning economic, social and culturalrights and especially their implementation. Thisamendment was rejected by 10 votes to 5, with3 abstentions. The Council then rejected theCzechoslovak draft resolution (E/L.231), by 9votes to 6, with 3 abstentions. On the request ofthe USSR representative, it voted separately byparagraphs and adopted in votes, ranging from17 to none, with 1 abstention, to 11 votes to7, part of the joint draft resolution. It then


adopted as a whole, by 15 votes to 3, the secondpart of the resolution. Part three was adopted ona roll-call vote by 11 votes to 7.

The voting was as follows: In favour: Belgium,Canada, China, France, India, Iran, Peru, Sweden, UnitedKingdom, United States, Uruguay.

Against: Chile, Czechoslovakia, Mexico, Pakistan,Philippines, Poland, USSR.

The resolution as a whole was adopted by 11votes to 5, with 2 abstentions.

The resolution (384(XIII)) read:

''The Economic and Social Council

"1. Takes note of the report of the Commission onHuman Rights (seventh session);

"2. Expresses its appreciation to the Commission forits efforts to formulate basic economic, social and culturalrights and measures relating to their implementation;

"3. Notes that lack of time prevented the Commis-sion from undertaking certain of the tasks assigned itunder Council resolution 349 (XII) in pursuance ofGeneral Assembly resolutions 421 (V) and 422 (V) ;

"4. Requests the Commission on Human Rights, atits next session, to proceed with these tasks, in particularthe revision of the first eighteen articles of the draftCovenant and the preparation of recommendations aimedat securing the maximum extension of the Covenant tothe constituent units of federal States and at meetingthe constitutional problems of those States;

B

"Considering the progress made in pursuance ofGeneral Assembly resolution 421 (V),

"Considering that, though more work will be requiredbefore a Covenant on Human Rights is ready for adop-tion, a stage has been reached where it would be desir-able for governments not represented on the Commissionon Human Rights or on the Council to be given anopportunity to express their views upon the work doneby the Commission, and in particular its proposalsrelating to implementation; to this end

"Transmits to the General Assembly for its considera-tion the report of the Commission on Human Rights(seventh session), the records of the discussions thereonin the Council at its thirteenth session and the observa-tions of specialized agencies and of governments;

"Having noted General Assembly resolution 421 (V)calling upon the Council to request the Commission onHuman Rights to include in the draft Covenant onHuman Rights a clear expression of economic, socialand cultural rights in a manner which relates them tothe civic and political freedoms proclaimed by theprevious draft of the Covenant,

"Noting that the revised draft Covenant, prepared bythe Commission on Human Rights at its seventh sessionin response to this request, contains provisions relating,inter alia, to such rights,

"Considering that these provisions provide for twodifferent methods of implementation, without indicatingwhich method or methods are to apply:

"(a) To political and civic rights,"(b) To economic, social and cultural rights,"Conscious of the difficulties which may flow from

embodying in one covenant two different kinds of rightsand obligations,

"Aware of the importance of formulating, in the spiritof the Charter, the Universal Declaration of HumanRights and General Assembly resolution 421 (V) , eco-nomic, social and cultural rights in the manner mostlikely to assure their effective implementation,

"Invites the General Assembly to reconsider its deci-sion in resolution 421 E ( V ) to include in one covenantarticles on economic, social and cultural rights, togetherwith articles on civic and political rights."

d. CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERALASSEMBLY AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

At its sixth session, the General Assembly de-voted 40 meetings of its Third Committee to thequestion of the draft International Covenant onHuman Rights and measures of implementation(its 358th to 372nd meetings, from 30 Novem-

ber-21 December, and its 387th to 411th, from14-30 January 1952). It discussed the questionfurther at its 374th and 375th plenary meetings,on 4 and 5 February 1952.

The Third Committee had before it a memo-randum by Uruguay (A/C.3/564) on the "basesof the proposal to establish a United NationsAttorney-General for Human Rights", setting outthe reasons for the establishment of such an officeas well as its contemplated functions, powers andorganization. A further memorandum, by Israel(A/C.3/565), was before the Committee; it elab-orated the suggestion made in the general debateby the representative of Israel for a division ofhuman rights into those capable of becoming re-organized through immediate legislative or admin-istrative action and those which could not. Alsobefore the Committee was an historical analysisof the question of the Covenant, prepared by theSecretary-General (A/C.3/559), as well as a listof rights proclaimed in the Universal Declarationof Human Rights and not embodied in the draftCovenant (A/C.3/566).

During the general debate in the Committee,the representative of UNESCO, at the 367th meet-ing on 12 December 1951, stated that his organi-zation, at its General Conference during June-July 1950, had expressed general approval of theproposals of the Commission on Human Rights.UNESCO, he said, was keenly interested in thequestion of cultural rights and when the draftCovenant had been discussed by UNESCO, thehope was expressed that the final text of Part Vof the draft Covenant, dealing with the reportingsystem, would eventually be made less ambiguous.


UNESCO, further, was still in consultation withgovernments with a view to obtaining from themtheir observations on the draft Covenant. The Ex-ecutive Board of UNESCO was, pending the re-ceipt of further information, in favour of theadoption of a single covenant.

The general debate in the Third Committeetook place during the 358th to 372nd meetings,held between 30 November and 21 December1951.

The main questions considered were:( 1 ) whether the decision that there should be a

single covenant, taken by the General Assembly at itsfifth session, should be. reconsidered; (2) the articlesof the draft Covenant concerning economic, social andcultural rights; (3) the right of peoples to self-deter-mination; (4) the question of reservations; (5) meas-ures of implementation; (6) the Spanish term for theexpression "human rights"; (7) the question of holdinga special session of the Economic and Social Council totake action in accordance with the Assembly's decisions.

An account of the Assembly's discussion of thesematters and action taken by it is given below.

(1) Reconsideration of the Decision Regarding aSingle Covenant

The Third Committee devoted considerable at-tention to the Council's suggestion for reconsid-eration of the decision contained in Assemblyresolution 421 E (V) to include in one covenantarticles both on economic, social and culturalrights on the one hand, and civil and politicalrights on the other.

A number of representatives, among them thoseof the Byelorussian SSR, Cuba, Pakistan, Syria, theUSSR and Yugoslavia, questioned the proprietyof the Council's proposal, and felt that a decisionof the General Assembly should not be questioned.The representative of Yugoslavia considered thata reversal of the previous decision would only bejustified if the decision had been legally unsoundor if conditions had changed, which, he said, wasnot so in this case. The representatives of theByelorussian SSR and the USSR said that theCouncil's action had led to a further year's delay.The representative of El Salvador, while disagree-ing with the merits of the Council's proposal toreconsider the Assembly's earlier decision, de-fended the right of the Council to request recon-sideration of a General Assembly resolution if itthought fit. Other representatives, including thoseof Lebanon and New Zealand, stated that theCouncil had a full right to inform the higher or-gan that it had met with serious difficulties, thatthere were adequate grounds for reversing theAssembly's decision, and that due considerationshould be given to the Council's request. Those

who spoke in favour of reaffirming the Assem-bly's decision included the representatives of:Afghanistan, Argentina, the Byelorussian SSR,Chile, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, the Dominican Re-public, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala,Haiti, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Poland, Syria, theUkrainian SSR, the USSR, Uruguay and Yugo-slavia.

The representatives of the USSR and Yugo-slavia stated that division of rights into these twogroups was artificial. It was the view of theserepresentatives and of those of the ByelorussianSSR, Czechoslovakia and Poland that economic,social and cultural rights formed the basis ofother rights, and the the exercise of civil andpolitical rights might become purely nominal, un-der economic conditions which were conducive toeconomic instability and unemployment.

It was claimed by the representatives of Guate-mala and the USSR that economic, social and cul-tural rights were capable of precise definition andthat it was possible to include in one instrumentthe various categories of rights and the measuresof implementation pertaining to them, withoutrobbing the covenant of the necessary clarity andprecision. The representatives of Chile and Mex-ico stated that the measures of implementationcould be mapped out for both types of rights andthat, even if this were not so, the covenant couldcontain provisions on different measures of im-plementation applying to different rights.

Other representatives, however, including thoseof Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Den-mark, Greece, India, Liberia, the Netherlands,New Zealand, the United States and Venezuela,spoke in favour of not inserting in one instrumentprovisions both on political and civil rights andon economic, social and cultural rights. Thesemembers, stated that, while civil and politicalrights could be protected by appropriate legisla-tive or administrative measures, the realization ofeconomic, social and cultural rights could onlybe achieved progressively, because their protectiondepended on economic and social conditions.

The measures which could be drafted to applyto the two different groups of rights were thusnecessarily different; the safeguarding of civil andpolitical rights would require non-intervention by.the State, while the guarantee of economic, socialand cultural rights would require positive action,these representatives held.

The representatives of Australia, Belgium, Can-ada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom feltthat the separation of rights into the two groups


would ensure against the danger of discussionson one group holding up the adoption of provi-sions regarding the other, and would thereforeachieve the greatest and quickest possible prog-ress in the field of human rights.

Some representatives, among them those ofIndia and the Lebanon, considered that the twogroups of rights were not of equal importance,the full enjoyment of economic, social and cul-tural rights being, in their opinion, dependent onthe assurance of civil and political rights.

Several representatives, including those ofFrance, Haiti, Israel, Syria and the United King-dom, maintained, broadly speaking, that the maintask was to make progress in defending, guaran-teeing and protecting fundamental human rights,while the question as to whether one or twocovenants should be drawn up was of secondaryimportance. They felt that the difference betweencivil and political rights on the one hand, andeconomic, social and cultural rights on the other,should not be exaggerated: among the latter therewere many rights susceptible of implementation;the only valid criterion, it was claimed by therepresentative of France, was whether and on whatconditions any economic right could be imple-mented. Even if the General Assembly decidedto draw up two covenants, these covenants andthe contemplated measures of implementationshould retain as many common features as pos-sible.

At the end of the general debate, the Com-mittee had before it a joint draft resolution onthis question, submitted by Chile, Egypt, Pakistanand Yugoslavia (A/C.3/L.182), in accordancewith which the General Assembly would reaffirmits decision that the International Covenant onHuman Rights should include economic, socialand cultural rights. A number of amendments andsub-amendments to this joint draft resolution weresubmitted:

(1) Joint amendments by Belgium, India, Lebanonand the United States (A/C3/L.185/Rev.1). The firstjoint amendment, which proposed to insert in thepreamble a paragraph stating that the Assembly hadreconsidered its decision, was adopted by 29 votes to22, with 4 abstentions.

The second joint amendment sought to request theCouncil to ask the Commission to draft two covenantson human rights, to be submitted to the Assembly at itsseventh session, one containing civil and political rightsand the other containing economic, social and culturalrights, so that the General Assembly could approve themsimultaneously and open them at the same time forsignature. This second joint amendment was adopted bythe Committee, on roll-call vote, by 30 votes to 24,with 4 abstentions, after the Committee had consideredtwo sub-amendments.

(a) A sub-amendment by Syria (A/C.3/L.219),would add that if the Commission considered the prep-aration and ratification of the covenant on economic,social and cultural rights might delay needlessly theratification of the covenant on civil and political rights,then both groups should be incorporated in a singlecovenant. The representative of Syria later withdrew thissub-amendment.

(b) A sub-amendment by France (A/C.3/L.192/-Rev.2), was voted in two parts. The first, which statedthat the two covenants should contain as many similarprovisions as possible, was adopted on a roll-call vote,by 28 votes to 22, with 7 abstentions. The second,which would provide that this applied particularly toreports to be submitted by States on the implementationof the rights, was adopted by roll-call vote by 26 votesto 24, with 8 abstentions. The French sub-amendment asa whole was then adopted, also by roll-call vote, by26 votes to 24, with 8 abstentions.

The joint amendments by Belgium, India, Lebanonand the United States (A/C.3/L.185/Rev.1), as amend-ed by France, were adopted by 28 votes to 23, with7 abstentions.

(2) An amendment by the United Kingdom (A/-C.3/L.188) to the joint draft resolution by Chile,Egypt, Pakistan and Yugoslavia (A/C.3/L.182) wouldhave the Assembly, in addition, ask Member States andappropriate specialized agencies to submit their viewson the proposed covenant on economic, social and cul-tural rights.

This amendment was adopted by 26 votes to 13, with4 abstentions.

The Third Committee then adopted by roll-callvote the joint draft resolution by Chile, Egypt,Pakistan and Yugoslavia, as amended, by 29 votesto 21, with 6 abstentions.

At the 389th meeting of the Third Committeea number of representatives, including those ofChile, Egypt, Pakistan and Yugoslavia, the spon-sors of the joint draft resolution (A/C.3/L.182),objected to the joint amendments of Belgium,India, Lebanon and the United States (A/C.3/-L.185/Rev.1) on the ground that they did notmodify part of the joint draft resolution buttended to nullify the whole; that they constituteda new proposal, which should be put to the voteafter the vote on the joint draft resolution. TheChairman, however, ruled that the joint amend-ments were genuine amendments. At the 395thmeeting it was again proposed that the jointdraft resolution should be voted on first, butthe Chairman again ruled against this proposal.

At the 374th plenary meeting of the Genera]Assembly on 4 February 1952, however, anamendment to the draft resolution recommendedby the Third Committee (A/2112) was sub-mitted by Chile (A/2115). The Chilean amend-ment sought to delete that part of the resolu-tion which would recommend the drafting oftwo covenants and to replace it with a para-


graph in which the General Assembly wouldreaffirm its directive in resolution 421 E (V),to the effect that it "decides to include in theCovenant on Human Rights economic, social andcultural rights".

Arguments adduced in the Third Committeewere again put forward in the plenary meetings.The Chilean amendment was supported by therepresentatives of Afghanistan, Mexico, SaudiArabia, the USSR and Yugoslavia and opposedby the representatives of Belgium, Denmark,France, India and the United States. At the 375thplenary meeting on 5 February, the amendmentwas rejected by a roll-call vote of 29 votes to25, with 4 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Afghanistan, Argentina, Burma, Byelo-russian SSR, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Czechoslovakia,Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia,Iran, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, SaudiArabia, Ukrainian SSR, USSR, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against: Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada,China, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Greece, Honduras,Iceland, India, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Nether-lands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay,Peru, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom,United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Abstaining: Dominican Republic, Panama, Philip-pines, Syria.

The Assembly adopted the draft resolutionrecommended by the Committee (A/2112), by27 votes to 20, with 3 abstentions, as resolution543(VI). It read:

"Whereas the Economic and Social Council, by reso-lution 303 I (XI) of 9 August 1950, requested theGeneral Assembly to make a policy decision concerningthe inclusion of economic, social and cultural rights inthe Covenant on Human Rights,

"Whereas the General Assembly affirmed, in its reso-lution 421 E (V) of 4 December 1950, that "the enjoy-ment of civic and political freedoms and of economic,social and cultural rights are interconnected and inter-dependent" and that "when deprived of economic, socialand cultural rights, man does not represent the humanperson whom the Universal Declaration regards as theideal of the free man",

"Whereas the General Assembly, after a thorough andall-round discussion, confirmed in the aforementionedresolution the principle that economic, social and cul-tural rights should be included in the Covenant onHuman Rights,

"Whereas the General Assembly, at the request of theEconomic and Social Council in resolution 384 (XIII)of 29 August 1951, reconsidered this matter at its sixthsession,

"The General Assembly"1. Requests the Economic and Social Council to ask

the Commission on Human Rights to draft two Cove-nants on Human Rights, to be submitted simultaneouslyfor the consideration of the General Assembly at itsseventh session, one to contain civil and political rights

and the other to contain economic, social and culturalrights, in order that the General Assembly may approvethe two Covenants simultaneously and open them at thesame time for signature, the two Covenants to contain,in order to emphasize the unity of the aim in view andto ensure respect for and observance of human rights,as many similar provisions as possible, particularly in sofar as the reports to be submitted by States on theimplementation of those rights are concerned;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General to ask MemberStates and appropriate specialized agencies to submitdrafts or memoranda containing their views on theform and contents of the proposed Covenant on eco-nomic, social and cultural rights, together with theirobservations thereon, to reach the Secretary-Generalbefore 1 March 1952, for the information and guidanceof the Commission on Human Rights at its forthcomingsession."

(2) Articles Concerning Economic, Social andCultural Rights

While the Third Committee did not under-take an article-by-article examination of the sub-stance of the provisions concerning economic,social and cultural rights drafted by the Com-mission, several speakers commented on theseduring the general debate.

The need for revising the form and contentsof these articles was stressed by a number ofrepresentatives, including those of Chile, China,the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Iraq, Liberia,Peru, Syria, the USSR and the United Kingdom.The representatives of Syria and the United King-dom felt it was necessary to have more specificdefinition of the obligations to be undertaken byStates parties to the Covenant. The representativesof Chile, the Dominican Republic, Liberia andSyria felt that some provisions were not sufficientlyimperative; that the draft set forth some of therights in very general terms and others in greatdetail; and that some aspects of the right to anadequate standard of living were specified andothers were not. The representatives of Guatemalaand Iraq described article 19 of the draft (thefirst of the articles dealing with economic andsocial rights and outlining the general scope ofthese articles) as a second preamble in the bodyof the draft itself, and the representative of theUSSR criticized its insertion as a manoeuvre mani-festing the intention to split the Covenant in two.

At its 396th meeting, the Committee considereda resolution by Ecuador and Guatemala (A/C.3/-L.189, see below). It was adopted by the Com-mittee by 44 votes to none, with 8 abstentions(A/2112), and by the Assembly, at its 375thplenary meeting on 5 February 1952, by 52 votesto none, with 1 abstention, as resolution 544(VI).It read:


"The General Assembly,"Considering that the Commission on Human Rights

has, by virtue of General Assembly resolution 421 E(V) of 4 December 1950, prepared various articles oneconomic, social and cultural rights,

"Considering that the wording of those articles, whichhave been examined during the present session of theGeneral Assembly, should be improved in order to pro-tect more effectively the rights to which they refer,

"Calls upon the Economic and Social Council torequest the Commission on Human Rights to take intoconsideration, when revising the relevant articles of thedraft Covenant, the views expressed during the discus-sion of the draft Covenant, and also such views as thegovernments of Member States, the specialized agenciesand non-governmental organizations may think fit toadvance."

(3) The Rights of Peoples to Self-DeterminationA number of representatives expressed regret

that the Commission on Human Rights at its1951 session had not been able to comply withthe Assembly's directive to study ways and meansto ensure the right of peoples to self-determina-tion and to prepare recommendations for consid-eration by the Assembly at its sixth session.Among these representatives were those of Af-ghanistan, Burma, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran,Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, SaudiArabia, Syria and Yemen. They proposed thatthe General Assembly should, at the current ses-sion, insert in the draft Covenant an article onthe right of peoples to self-determination.

These representatives emphasized that this rightwas set forth in the Charter as a principle, thatthe Universal Declaration of Human Rights hadproclaimed it, and that world public opinionwould not understand its omission from the Cov-enant. Its inclusion would give moral and legalsupport to peoples aspiring to political and socialindependence and would be a valuable contribu-tion to international peace and security. No basichuman rights could be ensured unless this rightwere ensured, they considered.

Though no representatives in the Third Com-mittee opposed the principle of self-determinationset forth in the United Nations Charter, a num-ber of technical, methodological and legal con-siderations were advanced against the proposalthat such an article should be inserted in theCovenant. Those who raised considerations ofthis nature included the representatives of Aus-tralia, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Liberia,the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden and Tur-key. Broadly speaking, they pointed out that therewas no need for such action as the principlewas already enshrined in the Charter, and thata great number of technical problems had to besolved before such a clause could be inserted.

It would also be necessary, these representativesstated, to establish machinery to decide on thegranting of such a right. The right had manypolitical and judicial connotations and it wasdoubtful whether the Third Committee of theGeneral Assembly and the Commission werecompetent to deal with this aspect of the prob-lem. In any case, the Covenant was not thedocument in which this right should be stated;the proper place would be the Declaration ofRights and Duties of States. From the method-ological point of view, they observed that itwas not indispensible to have all the rightsembodied in a single covenant. They also pointedto the difficulties in drafting measures of imple-mentation for the Covenant, as a whole, if itcontained this right.

Some representatives, including those of Af-ghanistan, Ecuador, the Philippines, Syria andthe USSR, stated that the right of peoples toself-determination was both a political and a socialright and, when the Third Committee decided torecommend that two covenants be drafted (seeabove), they proposed that the article on theright of self-determination should be inserted inboth covenants. The representative of the UnitedStates expressed the view that the decision whetherthe article should be included in one or bothcovenants should be left to the Commission onHuman Rights.

The Third Committee had before it a jointdraft resolution by Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt,India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan,the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen(A/C.3/L.186 & Add.1), which proposed thatthe General Assembly would decide to include inthe Covenant the following article: "All peoplesshall have the right to self-determination." A totalof ten amendments and sub-amendments to thejoint draft resolution were submitted: by Afghan-istan (A/C.3/L.209/Rev.1); by Greece (A/C3/-L.205/Rev.1); by Iraq (A/C.3/L217/Rev.1);by Syria (A/C.3/L.221); by the USSR (A/C.3/-L.206 & A/C.3/L.216); by the United States(A/C.3/L.222, A/C.3/L.204/Rev.1 & A/C.3/-L.224); and jointly by the Byelorussian SSR andthe USSR (A/C.3/L.225). The Committee sub-jected these proposals149 to a series of sixteen

149 No vote was taken on the amendment by the USSR(A/C.3/L.206) and the United States amendment

(A/C.3/L.222), as these were superseded by the Com-mittee's adoption of the United States sub-amendment(A/C.3/L.224) and the joint Byelorussian and USSRsub-amendment (A/C.3/L.225). For the substance ofthe remaining amendments, all of which were adoptedby the Committee, see below.


separate votes, six of which were by roll call, be-fore adopting as a whole, in a roll-call vote, thejoint draft resolution, as amended, by 33 votes to9, with 10 abstentions.

The resolution as adopted by the Committee(A/2112) would state in its first operative para-graph that the General Assembly had decided toinclude in the international Covenant150 or Cov-enants an article on the right151 of all152 peoplesand nations to self-determination in151 reaffirma-tion of the principle enunciated in the Charter ofthe United Nations150 and drafted in the followingterms153: "All peoples shall have the right ofself-determination".

The resolution would also have the GeneralAssembly declare that the article should stipulatethat all States152, including those154 having respon-sibility for the administration of Non-Self-Govern-ing and Trust Territories, should promote therealization of this right, in conformity with thepurposes and principles of United Nations152,and that States having responsibility for theadministration of Non-Self-Governing Territoriesshould promote the realization of that right inrelation to the peoples of such Territories.155

In its second operative paragraph, it would re-quest the Commission to prepare recommendationsconcerning international respect for the self-de-termination of peoples and to submit these to theGeneral Assembly at its seventh session.156 Suchrecommendations, the draft resolution went on tostate, should include an invitation to States Mem-bers, responsible under the United Nations Char-ter and the Universal Declaration of HumanRights for the safeguarding of this principle, toavoid recourse to manoeuvres calculated to frus-trate the principle of the right of peoples to self-determination.157

When the Committee's report (A/2112) camebefore the Assembly in plenary session at the374th plenary meeting, the representatives ofFrance and the United States said that this draftresolution gave no latitude to the Commission onHuman Rights in drafting provisions on self-determination, but provided the exact text of anarticle and, in effect, instructed the Commissionto insert that text in one or both Covenants.

The first operative paragraph was voted on inparts in the plenary meeting. The clause contain-ing the terms in which the article should bedrafted was adopted by a roll-call vote of 36 to 11,with 12 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, ByelorussianSSR, Chile, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Greece, Guate-mala, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon,Liberia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay,Peru, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Thailand,Ukrainian SSR, USSR, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark,France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, UnitedKingdom, United States.

Abstaining: Argentina, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Sweden, Turkey,Uruguay, Venezuela.

The clause "to stipulate that all States, includingthose having responsibility for the administrationof Non-Self-Governing Territories, should promotethe realization of that right, in conformity withthe purposes and principles of the United Nations"was adopted by 37 votes to 6, with 7 abstentions.The remainder of the paragraph, referring toStates responsible for administering Non-Self-Governing Territories, was adopted by 33 votesto 10, with 12 abstentions.

The request to the Commission to prepare rec-ommendations concerning international respectfor the self-determination of peoples and to submitthem to the General Assembly at its seventhsession, contained in the second operative para-graph of the resolution adopted by the Committee,was adopted by the Assembly by 37 votes to 5,with 7 abstentions. The Assembly, however, re-jected, by 21 votes to 19, with 9 abstentions, thelatter part of this paragraph, which stipulateddetails which the recommendations should include.A series of 12 separate votes in all, ranging from44 to none, with 4 abstentions, to 33 to 10, with12 abstentions, were taken on individual para-graphs.

The draft resolution, as amended, was adoptedas a whole by the General Assembly, at its 375thplenary meeting on 5 February 1952, by 42 votesto 7, with 5 abstentions, as resolution 545(VI).It read:

"Whereas the General Assembly at its fifth sessionrecognized the right of peoples and nations to self-deter-mination as a fundamental human right (resolution 421D (V) of 4 December 1950),

"Whereas the Economic and Social Council and theCommission on Human Rights, owing to lack of time,were unable to carry out the request of the General

150 United States amendment (A/C.3/L.204/Rev.1).151 Afghanistan amendment (A/C.3/L.209/Rev.1).152 USSR amendment (A/C.3/L.216).153 Iraqi amendment (A/C.3/L.217/Rev.1).154 United States amendment (A/C.3/L.224).155 Byelorussian and USSR amendment (A/C.3/-

L.225).156 Greek amendment (A/C.3/L.205/Rev.1).157 Syrian amendment (A/C.3/L.221).


Assembly to study ways and means which would ensurethe above-mentioned right to peoples and nations,

"Whereas the violation of this right has resulted inbloodshed and war in the past and is considered a con-tinuous threat to peace,

"The General Assembly"(i) To save the present and succeeding generations

from the scourge of war,"(ii) To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights,

and"(iii) To take due account of the political aspirations

of all peoples and thus to further internationalpeace and security, and to develop friendlyrelations among nations based on respect forthe principle of equal rights and self-deter-mination of peoples,

"1. Decides to include in the International Covenantor Covenants on Human Rights an article on the rightof all peoples and nations to self-determination inre-affirmation of the principle enunciated in the Charterof the United Nations. This article shall be drafted inthe following terms: "All peoples shall have the rightof self-determination", and shall stipulate that all States,including those having responsibility for the administra-tion of Non-Self-Governing Territories, should promotethe realization of that right, in conformity with thePurposes and Principles of the United Nations, and thatStates having responsibility for the administration ofNon-Self-Governing Territories should promote therealization of that right in relation to the peoples ofsuch Territories;

"2. Requests the Commission on Human Rights toprepare recommendations concerning international respectfor the self-determination of peoples and to submit theserecommendations to the General Assembly at its seventh

(4) The Question of Reservations

In conformity with the work of the Internation-al Law Commission in this field and following ageneral recommendation made by the Assemblyin resolution 598(VI) of 12 January 1952158

—that organs of the United Nations, specializedagencies and States should, in the course of pre-paring multilateral conventions, consider the in-sertion of clauses relating to the admissibilityof reservations—observations were made in theThird Committee on the question of reservations.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia and theUSSR, among others, questioned the competenceof the Third Committee and the Economic andSocial Council to deal with this matter, which,they held, fell within the jurisdiction of eachState. The representative of Czechoslovakia saidthat it would be the duty of every State signatoryto the Covenant to give effect to the fundamentalhuman rights and that no reservations it formu-lated could be permitted to relieve it of that duty.On the other hand, the principle of the nationalsovereignty of the State conferred the right on

every State to formulate reservations to any inter-national covenant. Therefore, it was not the func-tion of an international body to rule on the ad-missibility of reservations.

The representative of Canada felt that the draftCovenant should embody a provision admittingreservations. The representatives of Mexico andSyria considered that reservations if permissible atall should be admissible only as regards measuresof implementation. The representative of Mexicostated further that such measures should be em-bodied in a separate instrument. The representativeof Syria thought that if reservations were to bepermitted as regards rights and freedoms, theyshould be based on three conditions: (1) theprovisional nature of reservations should bestressed; (2) all reservations should be justified;and (3) reservations should in no case apply tocivil and political rights.

Opposition to permitting reservations was ex-pressed by the representatives of Ethiopia andMexico, on the ground that it was not compatiblewith the object of the Covenant. The representa-tive of Chile considered that the draft Covenantcould not be compared with other multilateralconventions, such as a commercial treaty, to whichreservations would be appropriate. The representa-tive of Iraq considered that to accept reservationsto an International Covenant on Human Rightswould be tantamount to a compromise of theinternational conscience.

The Committee had before it a revised draftresolution by Guatemala (A/C.3/L.190/Rev.1),the operative paragraph of which would have theAssembly recommend to the Council that it in-struct the Commission to prepare for inclusion inthe two Covenants on human rights clauses relat-ing to the admissibility or non-admissibility ofreservations. An oral drafting amendment by theNetherlands was accepted by Guatemala and in-corporated (A/C.3/L.190/Rev.1). The Commit-tee adopted the revised draft resolution by a roll-call vote of 28 to 5, with 13 abstentions.

The draft resolution recommended by the Com-mittee (A/2112) was adopted by the GeneralAssembly at its 375th plenary meeting on 5February 1952, by 32 votes to 5, with 11 absten-tions, as resolution 546(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Considering that it is desirable that the two Inter-

national Covenants on Human Rights should includeprovisions relating to the admissibility or non-admis-sibility of reservations and to the effect to be attributed

158 See under Reservations to Multilateral Conventions.


to them, in particular with regard to the validity of theCovenants between the reserving State and other Statesratifying the Covenant,

"Considering that the General Assembly in its resolu-tion 598 (VI) of 12 January 1952 has recommendedthat organs of the United Nations, specialized agenciesand States should, in the course of preparing multilateralconventions, consider the insertion therein of provisionsrelating to the admissibility or non-admissibility ofreservations and to the effect to be attributed to them,

"Decides to recommend to the Economic and SocialCouncil that it should instruct the Commission onHuman Rights to prepare, for inclusion in the twodraft International Covenants on Human Rights, one ormore clauses relating to the admissibility or non-admis-sibility of reservations and to the effect to be attributedto them."

(5) Measures of Implementation

The General Assembly at its fifth session hadconfirmed that the Covenant should provide meas-ures of implementation and many representativesat the sixth session stressed the importance of asystem of international implementation for theeffective protection of human rights. Some repre-sentatives, however, among them those of theByelorussian SSR, Czechoslovakia, Poland and theUSSR, repeated that the only method of imple-menting the Covenant was by national legislationand that the methods proposed by the Commission,in particular the establishment of a human rightscommittee, would amount to intervention in thedomestic affairs of States.

A number of representatives commented on theorganization of the proposed human rights com-mittee. The representative of Guatemala felt thatits members should not, as proposed by the Com-mission at its seventh session, be appointedby the International Court of Justice, butbe elected by the States parties to the Cove-nant, as it had proposed at its sixth session.The representative of Iraq wondered whethera committee of nine members was sufficientlylarge. The representative of Haiti advocated thedeletion of article 59 of the draft Covenant, bywhich States parties would agree not to submit tothe International Court of Justice any disputesarising out of the interpretation or implementationof the Covenant which came within the compe-tence of the human rights committee.

Criticism of one feature of the draft Covenant—that States only should have the right to ap-proach the human rights committee—was madeby many representatives, including those of Bel-gium, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, Israel and Uruguay: asystem of State-to-State complaints, it was ob-served, held dangers to international peace and

understanding. The representatives of Cuba, Ecua-dor, Greece and Venezuela pointed out, further,that such a system would make it difficult forcitizens to secure the assistance of a foreign gov-ernment for the submission of a petition againsttheir own government.

To avoid all these deficiencies and dangers,some representatives recommended the enlargingof the right of access to the human rights commit-tee and several ways of so doing were proposed.The representatives of Brazil, Egypt, El Salvador,Guatemala, Haiti and Syria expressed themselvesunconditionally for the recognition of the rightof individuals, groups and non-governmental or-ganizations to petition the international organ.Others, among them the representatives of Aus-tralia, Chile, Cuba, France, Iraq, Israel, Mexicoand New Zealand, advocating a more carefulapproach, made the following alternative sugges-tions: (1) that consideration of the right ofpetition should be postponed; (2) that it shouldnot be granted to individuals but only to non-governmental organizations; (3) that provisionfor the right of petition might be made in separ-ate protocols; and (4) that the right of petition,in any case, should be admissible only after theexhaustion of the domestic remedies and underguarantees of absolute impartiality of the organto deal with petitions. Those representatives whohad maintained that international measures ofimplementation, as distinct from implementationthrough national legislation, were contrary tothe Charter, also opposed the establishment of asystem of petitions. Among these representativeswere those of the Byelorussian SSR, Czechoslo-vakia, Poland, the Ukrainian SSR and the USSR.

A second solution for the problem raisedthrough the restriction to States of the right ofaccess to the human rights committee found thesupport of the representatives of Belgium, Cuba,France, Guatemala, Syria and Uruguay. This wasa proposal for the establishment of an office of aUnited Nations Attorney-General, whose dutieswould be to receive charges from any source, toenquire into their merit, to approach the Statesinvolved with a view to a friendly settlement, and,if necessary, to institute proceedings before thehuman rights committee.

Those who opposed this solution, including therepresentatives of France, Iraq, Mexico and theUnited States, held that it was not appropriate tovest so great an authority in one person and thatit would be preferable to give authority for ini-tiating consideration of complaints to a group of


persons representative of different areas and differ-ent judicial systems throughout the world.

A third solution proposed by some representa-tives, among them those of Belgium, France, Gua-temala, Haiti and Uruguay, was that the humanrights committee itself should have the right toinitiate proceedings when any case where violationof human rights serious enough to require inter-national action came to its attention. Others, in-cluding the representatives of Mexico and NewZealand, accepted this idea in principle, butwished to restrict its application to cases in whichStates had recognized this competence of thecommittee by ratification of the respective cove-nant or protocol.

The representative of Syria suggested the possi-bility of including measures for internationalinvestigations in the field, adequate guaranteesbeing provided of good faith and impartiality.This proposal was supported by the representa-tives of Belgium and Greece; the representativesof Ecuador and France felt that it was worthy ofthorough consideration; the representative of Is-rael spoke of the need for clarification of itsterms, because some Member States would signthe Covenant and others would not, thus makingit difficult for the United Nations, as an organiza-tion composed of signatories and non-signatoriesof the Covenant, to appoint the suggested missionsof enquiry. The Representatives of the ByelorussianSSR, Czechoslovakia, the Ukrainian SSR and theUSSR said that if this proposal were extended tofields other than Trusteeship all sovereign Stateswould find themselves in the position of Non-Self-Governing Territories or Trust Territories.Other representatives, among them those of Aus-tralia, Ecuador, France and New Zealand, whilenot opposed to the principle of enquiries andinvestigations, insisted that they should be carriedout, if at all, in all States.

Several representatives discussed the questionwhether the two systems of implementation con-templated respectively in Part IV and Part V ofthe draft Covenant (namely, the establishment ofa human rights committee and the institution ofa reporting system), should be applied to thewhole or to part only of the Covenant. The repre-sentatives of Belgium, Guatemala, Uruguay andVenezuela spoke of the need for distinguishingbetween the measures to be formulated for theimplementation of civil and political rights andthose for the implementation of economic, socialand cultural rights. The representatives of Haiti,Poland, the USSR and Yugoslavia suggested that

the procedure of the human rights committeeshould apply to both groups of rights. Most speak-ers, however, were in favour of restricting thejurisdiction of the human rights committee tocivil and political rights; among them were therepresentatives of Australia, Canada, Denmark,France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, NewZealand, the Philippines, Syria, the United King-dom and the United States. In this connexion, therepresentatives of Liberia and Saudi Arabia em-phasized the need to avoid encroachment on thedomestic jurisdiction of States and considered thatthe Commission should examine this question withcare.

As far as the reporting system was concerned,it was felt by some representatives, including thoseof Australia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Honduras,New Zealand, the Philippines, Syria and theUnited Kingdom, that the system should applyto economic, social and cultural rights only. Otherrepresentatives, among them those of Ethiopia,France, Haiti, Iraq, Israel, the United States andYugoslavia, suggested that the reporting systemshould apply equally to both, regardless of whetherone or two covenants would be drafted.

At its 406th, 407th and 408th meetings on 26and 28 January 1952, the Committee had beforeit the following draft resolutions and revisionsconcerning proposed measures for implementa-tation:

(1) A draft resolution by Syria (A/C3/L.191/-Rev.2), requesting consideration of the possibility ofinternational enquiries and investigations in the field asmeasures of implementation; and a revised draft resolu-tion by Syria (A/C.3/L.191/Rev.3), requesting con-sideration of the possibility of international enquiriesand sending of missions of investigation to the Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories as measures ofimplementation.

(2) A draft resolution by Israel (A/C.3/L.193),proposing that the international procedure of implement-ation be different for rights capable of effectively be-coming a reality through legislative or administrativeaction and rights which cannot effectively come intoexistence until after the execution of economic and socialprogrammes; that States signatories decide how therights are, in effect, to be allocated as between thesetwo categories in their countries; and that the Commis-sion on Human Rights be requested to undertake a newstudy of the text with regard to the definition of thevarious human rights and their implementation accord-ing to these principles.

(3) A draft resolution by Guatemala, Haiti andUruguay (A/C.3/L.195), recommending the revision ofarticle 52 of the draft Covenant, dealing with procedurefor complaints, so that it should recognize: (a) theright of States parties to the Covenant, of groups and ofindividuals to apply to the appropriate organ; and(b) the right of the organ to institute proceedings when


informed of serious violations of human tights; and arevised draft resolution by Guatemala, Haiti and Uru-guay (A/C.3/L.195/Rev.2), recommending the revisionof article 52 of the draft Covenant so that the provisionsof the Covenant relating to political and civil rightsshould recognize the competence of such organ as maybe established to receive communications from States,non-governmental organizations, groups and individualsrelating to the non-fulfilment by a State party to theCovenant of such provisions, provided that such Stateshave recognized the competence by ratification of therespective covenant or protocol, and that proceedingsshould be instituted in the case of serious charges sup-ported by evidence.

(4) A draft resolution by Guatemala and Uruguay(A/C.3/L.196), recommending the inclusion in theCovenant of provisions for the establishment of animpartial and politically independent body to receivecharges, verify their seriousness, attempt to reach asolution by friendly means, and, if necessary, refer thematter to the United Nations organ responsible for theinvestigation of violations; and a revised draft resolutionby Guatemala and Uruguay (A/C.3/L.196/Rev.2),recommending the inclusion in the Covenant on Civiland Political Rights of provisions for the establishmentof an impartial, politically independent and highlyresponsible body to: (a) receive charges; (b) pronounceon their merit and substance; (c) request the Stateinvolved to submit the necessary information; (d) verifythe facts; (e) lend its good offices for a friendly settle-ment based on respect for human rights; and (f) ifnecessary, take other appropriate measures.

After a brief discussion on some of these draftresolutions, the Committee had before it a draftprocedural resolution and two amendments:

Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden sub-mitted a draft procedural resolution (A/C.3/L.229)whereby the Syrian draft resolution (A/C3/L.191/-Rev.2), both joint draft resolutions of Guatemala, Haitiand Uruguay (A/C.3/L.195 and Rev.2) and the reviseddraft resolution of Guatemala and Uruguay (A/C.3/-L.196/Rev.2) would be forwarded to the Commissionon Human Rights as additional basic working papers,and the Commission would also be asked to take intoconsideration the discussions of the General Assemblyon these draft resolutions and submit recommendationsthereon. The words "as additional basic working papers"were added at the suggestion of the representative ofAfghanistan and the reference to the original draftresolution of Guatemala, Haiti and Uruguay at the sug-gestion of the representative of Lebanon.

A USSR amendment (A/C.3/L.230) to this jointdraft procedural resolution proposed that the considera-tion of the various draft resolutions on measures ofimplementation should be deferred until a complete textof the draft Covenant had been submitted to theAssembly.

This part of the USSR amendment was rejected by aroll-call vote of 33 to 5, with 11 abstentions.

The second part of the USSR amendment proposedthat the Israel draft resolution (A/C.3/L.193) shouldbe added to the list of draft resolutions, the considerationof which it proposed to defer. At the request of therepresentative of Israel, the sponsors of the joint draftprocedural resolution amended it to include a referenceto the Israel draft.

A Chilean amendment (A/C.3/L.231) proposed todelete from the joint draft procedural resolution areference to the two draft resolutions proposed byGuatemala, Haiti and Uruguay (A/C.3/L.195 andRev.2), so that they might be discussed by the Com-mittee at once.

This was rejected by a roll-call vote of 24 to 12, with13 abstentions.

Before voting began, the representative of Syriaannounced that, in view of the criticisms of hisdraft resolution (A/C.3/L.191/Rev.2) he wouldreplace it by a revised text (AC.3/L.191/Rev.3).The sponsors of the joint draft procedural resolu-tion agreed that the withdrawn draft resolutionshould go forward as a document and not as aSyrian draft resolution. On the other hand, theydid not agree to the addition of the latest revisedtext of the Syrian draft resolution (A/C.3/L.191/-Rev.3) to the list contained in their proposal. Therepresentative of the USSR then proposed orallythat a reference to this revised draft be added tothe list. This was adopted by 17 votes to 13, with18 abstentions.

The Committee also adopted, by 29 votes tonone, with 17 abstentions, a Uruguayan oral pro-posal that the original Uruguayan-Guatemalandraft resolution also be added to the list.

By varying votes, the Committee decided toinclude references to the other draft resolutionsmentioned in the joint draft procedural resolution,and after adopting this resolution as amended inparts, it adopted it as a whole by 28 votes to none,with 22 abstentions.

The text of this resolution was later amended,when the Committee, by 30 votes to 7, with 7abstentions, decided to include a reference to a Le-banese draft (A/C.3/L.198/Rev.2) recommending:

(a) the inclusion in the Covenant on civil andpolitical rights, inter alia, of provisions relating to therights at present appearing in the third part of the draftinternational Covenant on human rights and capable ofimplementation by immediate legislative or administra-tive action, independent of the social or economic con-ditions of the country; and (b) the strengthening andrendering more explicit, in the draft Covenant on eco-nomic, social and cultural rights, of the obligation toachieve the full realization of the rights recognizedtherein.

This joint draft procedural resolution as amend-ed and as adopted by the Committee (A/2112)was adopted in turn by the General Assembly atits 375th plenary meeting on 5 February 1952,by 36 votes to 5, with 9 abstentions, as resolution547(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly"Decides to request the Economic and Social Council

to forward the following documents on measures forthe implementation of the International Covenants on


Human Rights: A/C.3/L.191/Rev.3 (Syria), A/C.3/-L.193 (Israel), A/C.3/L.195 and A/C.3/L.195/Rev.2(Guatemala, Haiti and Uruguay), A/C.3/L.196 andA/C.3/L.196/Rev.2 (Guatemala and Uruguay), A/C-3/L.198/Rev.2 (Lebanon) and document A/C.3/L.-191/Rev.2, to the Commission on Human Rights asadditional basic working papers on the subjects withwhich they deal, for its consideration in connexion withthe drafting of provisions on implementation in theCovenants on Human Rights. The said Commissionshould also take into consideration the discussion of theGeneral Assembly concerning these documents and sub-mit its recommendations to the General Assembly at itsseventh session."

(6) Spanish Term for "Human Rights"

At its 409th meeting on 29 January 1952, theCommittee discussed a draft resolution by Mexico(A/C.3/L.194) concerning the adoption in Span-ish of the terms "derechos humanos" instead of"derechos del hombre". The representative of Mex-ico stated that the title of the draft Covenant inSpanish, "Derechos del hombre", was not in con-formity with the operative provisions of theCharter of the United Nations, which used thewords "derechos humanos".

General support for the Mexican draft resolu-tion was expressed in the Committee by therepresentatives of Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil,Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Indo-nesia, Iran, Lebanon, Mexico, Saudi Arabia andthe USSR, though some modifications of the termsof the resolution were suggested during the courseof the discussion. Broadly speaking, those repre-sentatives supporting the Mexican draft resolutionstated that while the words "derechos del hombre"reflected somewhat obsolete individualistic ideas,the words "derechos humanos" were more in con-formity with the spirit and meaning of the Uni-versal Declaration of Human Rights which, ac-cording to this theory, was based on the conceptof solidarity and collective responsibility and theequality in rights of women and children and oldpeople. The representative of France, however,felt that the expression "derechos del hombre"exactly because of its individualistic meaning,expressed better the principles of the UniversalDeclaration.

The representative of Mexico accepted two oraldrafting changes by Lebanon and the USSR, andthe Committee adopted the Mexican draft resolu-tion as a whole, as amended, by a roll-call vote of36 to none, with 9 abstentions.

The resolution recommended by the Committee(A/2112) was adopted by the Assembly at its375th plenary meeting by 45 votes to none, with10 abstentions, as resolution 548(VI). It read:

"Whereas in the Spanish text of the United NationsCharter, Articles 1, 13, 55, 62, 68 and 76 refer to"derechos humanos" and not to "derechos del hombre",

Whereas the content and purpose of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights and of the draft Covenanthave a wide significance which is not covered in Spanishby the term "derechos del hombre",

"Taking into account the fact that, in the general dis-cussion on this matter in the Third Committee duringthe sixth session of the General Assembly, prominentrepresentatives of Spanish-American countries expressedtheir preference for the term employed in the Charter,

"The General Assembly"Decides that, in future, in all United Nations work-

ing documents and publications in Spanish, and in theUniversal Declaration and draft Covenant, the words"derechos humanos" shall be used instead of the words"derechos del hombre", used at present."

(7) The Question of a Special Session of theEconomic and Social Council

At its 410th meeting on 29 January 1952, theThird Committee discussed a proposal by Chilewhich, in its revised form (A/C.3/L.218/Rev.2),would request the Council to hold a special sessionbefore the eighth session of the Commission onHuman Rights, in order to take action necessaryto enable the Commission to complete work onthe Covenants before the end of the Council'sfourteenth session, and so that the Council mightsubmit the drafts together with its recommenda-tions to the seventh regular session of the GeneralAssembly. The representative of Afghanistanmoved an amendment (A/C.3/L.223) requestingthat the Commission give priority to the questionof the right of peoples to self-determination.

The representatives of Chile, Cuba and thePhilippines stressed the need for a special sessionbecause the Council had decided to hold in 1952only one session, beginning 13 May 1952, whichwould be after the opening of the scheduled eighthsession of the Commission. They pointed out thatthe Committee was about to adopt and approvedraft resolutions concerning the draft Covenantson which action by the Council was necessary.Others, including the representatives of Franceand the USSR, doubted whether a special sessionof the Council was necessary or opportune, andstated that the Secretary-General could be re-quested to bring the decisions of the Assemblyto the Commission's attention.

The Committee adopted the Afghanistan amend-ment as the first operative paragraph of the draftresolution, by 26 votes to 7, with 4 abstentions.The operative paragraph proposed by Chile wasadopted by 20 votes to 6, with 5 abstentions. Therevised draft as a whole, as amended, was adopted

Yearbook of the United Nations

by 23 votes to 1, with 18 abstentions, by theCommittee.

It was adopted by the General Assembly, onthe Committee's recommendation (A/2112), atthe 375th plenary meeting on 5 February 1952, by37 votes to 1, with 16 abstentions, as resolution549(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Bearing in mind the resolutions adopted at its pres-

ent session which relate to the draft InternationalCovenants on Human Rights and measures of implem-entation,

"1. Requests the Economic and Social Council toinstruct the Commission on Human Rights to give pri-ority to the question of the right of peoples to self-determination which the Commission was forced to deferat its seventh session owing to lack of time;

"2. Requests the Council, in accordance with its rulesof procedure, to hold a special session, to precede theeighth session of the Commission on Human Rights, atwhich it shall take the necessary action to enable theCommission to complete the work entrusted to it inconnexion with the said draft International Covenantson Human Rights and measures of implementationbefore the end of the Council's fourteenth session, sothat the Council may submit the drafts to the GeneralAssembly at its seventh regular session together withits recommendations."

(8) Other Matters Considered by theGeneral Assembly

During its discussion of the draft Covenant andmeasures of implementation, the General Assem-bly also discussed two other questions, arising outof draft resolutions submitted under this agendaitem. One, submitted jointly by Chile, China andColombia (A/C.3/L.197), concerned the observ-ance of human rights; the other, submitted byPoland (A/C.3/L.203/Rev.1), the arraignmentof persons in connexion with a strike in Barcelona.

(a) JOINT DRAFT RESOLUTION BY CHILE, CHINAAND COLOMBIA

A joint draft resolution by Chile, China andColombia (A/C.3/L.197), proposed during thediscussion by the Third Committee of the draftCovenant, recommended that Members of theUnited Nations should redouble their efforts toend infringements of human rights. The joint draftresolution would also state that the recommenda-tion was made because of the frequent denials ofcertain human rights, especially the right to life,which had occurred since the promulgation of theDeclaration of Human Rights, and that it was theresponsibility of States Members, individually andcollectively, to see that those rights and freedomswere observed.

The Third Committee decided, however, toconsider this question under another agenda item,and the joint draft resolution was accordinglydiscussed by the Committee at its 410th to 412thmeetings, on 29 and 30 January 1952, while re-viewing the report of the Economic and SocialCouncil. The Committee's recommendations inthis respect were discussed at the 373rd and 374thplenary meetings of the General Assembly, on 4February 1952.

Submitting the joint draft resolution, its spon-sors stated that it was not directed against anyparticular State, but constituted an affirmation ofa universally accepted moral principle. They addedthat it was the Assembly's duty to take a stand onthe observance of human rights, by drawing theattention of public opinion to the alarming fact,indicated by the President of the Economic andSocial Council in his introduction to the Council'sannual report, that the world had made no ap-preciable progress in recent years in respect offundamental human rights. The duty of eachMember of the United Nations to see that suchrights were observed derived directly from theCharter, they stated, and should be reaffirmedwithout awaiting the final drafting of the Cove-nant on Human Rights.

Support for the principle underlying the jointdraft resolution was expressed by a number ofrepresentatives, among them those of Afghanistan,Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Denmark, France, India,Iraq, Lebanon, New Zealand, the Philippines,Saudi Arabia, Syria and Venezuela. Some repre-sentatives, however, criticized the language of thedraft. The representatives of Mexico, Poland andthe USSR, among others, considered it too vague.The USSR representative felt that it would notlead to the enhanced protection of human rightsand that its ambiguity would offer an excuse forinterference in the domestic affairs of States. Therepresentatives of Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia andVenezuela considered the language over-elaborate.The representatives of France, Venezuela andYugoslavia maintained that express reference tothe report of the Economic and Social Councilwas necessary in order to stress the Committee'scompetence to discuss the draft resolution.

Oral amendments were submitted by Afghanis-tan and France, and formal amendments by SaudiArabia (A/C.3/L.235) and New Zealand (A/-C.3/L.236). The proposals of Afghanistan, Franceand New Zealand, together with part of the SaudiArabian amendments, were incorporated in two re-visions of the joint draft (A/C.3/L.234), of which


France then became co-sponsor (A/C.3/L.234-Rev.1). This revised draft referred to the reportof the Economic and Social Council and to theother United Nations documents which indicatedthat human rights had been too often violatedand added, to the operative part, a reference tothe spirit of the Universal Declaration of HumanRights.

Those parts of the Saudi Arabian amendmentwhich were not incorporated in the revised draftresolution proposed: (1) the deletion of allega-tions of denials of human rights; and (2) therecommendation that Member States intensifytheir efforts for the observance of human rightsand freedoms. The first was rejected, in a roll-callvote, by 22 votes to 22, with 8 abstentions, and thesecond adopted, also by roll-call vote, by 33 votesto 12, with 7 abstentions.

An amendment by the USSR to the SaudiArabian amendment (A/C.3/L.235) proposed anextension of the recommendation. It would urgeStates Members to intensify their efforts "in theirown territories as well as in Non-Self-Governingor Trust Territories". This amendment was ruledout of order by the Chairman, on the ground thatit had been submitted after closure of the debate.An appeal against this ruling was rejected by 20votes to 6, with 23 abstentions. The USSR repre-sentative formally protested against the ruling.He also asked for separate votes on two parts ofthe revised joint draft resolution, which wouldstate that the Assembly considered it the respon-sibility of Members of the United Nations(1) "individually and collectively" to see thathuman rights and freedoms should be enhanced(2) "throughout the world". One country, hestated, could not possibly assume the responsibilityfor the denial of human rights in another, norcould there be intervention in the domestic affairsof States on the pretext of implementing thisrecommendation. In separate votes, the Committeeadopted the two phrases by 25 votes to 9, with14 abstentions, and by 29 votes to 6, with 15abstentions, respectively. A series of 9 separatevotes in all, ranging from 37 to 5, with 9 absten-tions, to 18 to 13, with 19 abstentions, were takenon individual paragraphs. The Committee adoptedthe joint draft resolution as a whole, as amended,by 38 votes to 5, with 9 abstentions.

The arguments advanced in the Committee wererepeated by the USSR representative when theresolution adopted by the Committee (A/2111)came before the General Assembly at its 373rdand 374th plenary meetings on 4 February 1952.

He submitted an amendment (A/2116) to deletefrom the draft resolution the phrases "individuallyand collectively" and "throughout the world". Thiswas rejected by 29 votes to 11, with 9 abstentions.The second part of the USSR amendment, how-ever, which would recommend to Members tointensify their efforts "in their own territories andin the Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories",was adopted at the 374th plenary meeting on 4February 1952, by 21 votes to 18, with 8 absten-tions.

The Assembly had before it a further amend-ment by Ecuador and Mexico (A/2118), whichwould state that the Assembly considered that,notwithstanding the proclamation of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights, violations of humanrights had continued to occur. This amendmentwas supported in plenary meeting by the rep-resentatives of China and India, and was adoptedby 44 votes to none, with 10 abstentions.

The Assembly adopted the draft resolution as awhole, as amended, at its 374th plenary meeting,by 41 votes to none, with 12 abstentions, asresolution 540(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Considering that, notwithstanding the proclamation

of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, viola-tions of human rights have continued to occur,

"Considering that it is the responsibility of the Mem-bers of the United Nations, individually and collectively,to see that human rights and freedoms shall be enhancedthroughout the world,

"Recommends that Members of the United Nationsintensify their efforts for the observance of human rightsand freedoms in their own territories and in the Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories."

(b) DRAFT RESOLUTION BY POLAND

On a proposal by the representative of Mexico,the Third Committee decided, at its 387th meetingon 14 January 1952, by roll-call vote of 30 votesto 12, with 11 abstentions, to postpone considera-tion of a Polish draft resolution (A/C.3/L.203/-Rev.1) for 48 hours to enable the Committee toobtain factual information. The draft resolutionwould have the Committee:

(1) state its concern over violation of human rightsin Spain; (2) note that 24 inhabitants of Barcelona,among them Gregorio Lopez Raimundo, had beenarraigned before a military court for participation in astrike in Barcelona and that they were under threat ofthe death penalty; and (3) request the President of theGeneral Assembly to take steps to secure their immediaterelease.

When the Committee resumed discussion of thedraft resolution at its 391st meeting on 17 January,it had before it an eleven-Power procedural motion


by Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, theNetherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Peru, theUnited Kingdom, the United States and Venezuela(A/C.3/L.220). In terms of this draft resolution,the rapporteur would include in the report a state-ment that the Committee, without consideringthe substance of the Polish draft resolution,decided that the matter was not within the scopeof the item under discussion (draft InternationalCovenant of Human Rights and measures of im-plementation) and that the Committee was notauthorized, on its own initiative, to introduce thedraft resolution as a new item. The Committeewould also note that the subject matter of thedraft resolution had not been placed on its agenda.At the same meeting, the Committee decided thatthe vote on this motion should be taken imme-diately.

To this eleven-Power procedural motion, aprocedural amendment was moved by the repre-sentative of the USSR, at the 392nd meeting on17 January. This amendment would delete refer-ence to the application of the Committee's rules,and would transmit the Polish draft resolutionand the records of the Committee's discussion tothe President of the General Assembly to decideunder which item of the agenda the questionshould be discussed.

As the Committee had decided to vote imme-diately on the eleven-Power procedural motion,the Chairman ruled the USSR amendment out oforder. The Committee, accordingly, voted on theeleven-Power procedural motion, and adopted itas a whole, in a roll-call vote, by 28 votes to 13,with 13 abstentions.

2. Communications Concerning

At its seventh session, held from 16 April to19 May 1951, the Commission on Human Rightsreceived in private meeting the confidential list ofcommunications prepared by the Secretary-Generalin accordance with resolution 75 (V) of the Eco-nomic and Social Council, as amended by resolu-tion 275 B (X).160

Nine replies from governments to communica-tions brought to their attention under paragraph( e ) of resolution 75 (V), as amended, were alsodistributed in accordance with resolution 192 A(VIII) of the Council. Under this amended provi-sion, the Secretary-General was to furnish eachMember State concerned, without divulging the

identity of the author, with a copy of any com-munication concerning human rights which refer-red explicitely to such State or to territory underits jurisdiction.

A non-confidential list (E/CN.4/CR.20), con-taining summaries of communications dealingwith the principles involved in the promotion ofuniversal respect for and observance of humanrights, was also circulated as an unrestricteddocument.

The Commission took note of the two lists(E/1992) and called the attention of the Council,in its consideration of the question of petitions,to the fact that it had been receiving communica-tions concerning human rights since its estab-lishment.

No action regarding this resolution of theCommission was taken by the Council at its thir-teenth session, other than taking note of theCommission's report as a whole in resolution 384A (XIII), adopted at the 525th plenary meetingof the Council on 29 August 1951.

At its fourth session in October 1951, the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discriminationand Protection of Minorities adopted a resolution(E/CN.4/358)161 in which it observed with deepconcern that no adequate procedure had yet beenadopted by the United Nations for dealing withcomplaints of current violations of human rights,in spite of the fact that a considerable number ofcommunications had been received since the es-tablishment of the United Nations. The Sub-Commission had, at its second session, adopted adraft resolution concerning the handling of peti-tions, but the Commission on Human Rights, atits sixth session, stated that it considered this draftresolution premature.162

The General Assembly considered the questionof communications concerning human rights atthe 417th meeting of its Third Committee on2 February, and at its 374th plenary meeting on4 February 1952.

The Committee had before it an Egyptian draftresolution (A/C.3/L.240), which would have theGeneral Assembly note that the Council had takenno action with respect to the resolutions of theCommission on Human Rights on communica-tions, and invite the Council to give the Com-

159 For communications concerning the status of womensee pp. 519-20.

160 See Y.U.N. 1950, p. 534.161 See pp. 496-97.162 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 534.

Human Rights 159


mission, for its ninth session, instructions withregard to such communications requesting it toformulate its recommendations on them.

The representative of Egypt stated that thepurpose of this draft resolution was to put an endto the current situation, whereby the mass of com-munications addressed to the Commission onHuman Rights were being left to accumulate. Thedraft resolution suggested the ninth session of theCommission in order to give the Council time todraw up instructions for the Commission and en-able the General Assembly to examine thoseinstructions at its seventh session.

The representative of the USSR proposed orallythat the Egyptian draft resolution be referred tothe Commission, in the same way as draft resolu-tions on the implementation of the Covenant onHuman Rights. This proposal, however, was notaccepted by the representative of Egypt.

The representative of the United Kingdomasked that that part of the draft which wouldrequest the Commission to formulate its recom-mendations on these instructions be put to thevote separately, on the ground that the Councilshould be invited to give instructions to the Com-mission but not be told what instructions to give.The Committee adopted this part of the resolutionby 18 votes to 12, with 13 abstentions. The draftresolution as a whole was adopted by the Com-mittee by 20 votes to 6, with 17 abstentions.

It was adopted by the General Assembly, at its347th plenary meeting on 4 February 1952, with-out discussion, by 35 votes to 5, with 12 absten-tions, as resolution 542(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Noting that the Economic and Social Council has

taken no action with respect to the resolution of theCommission on Human Rights on communications con-cerning human rights,

"Decides to invite the Economic and Social Councilto give the Commission on Human Rights instructionsfor its ninth session with regard to such communicationsand to request the Commission to formulate its recom-mendations on them."

3. Yearbook on Human Rights

At its seventh session, the Commission onHuman Rights had before it the plan for theYearbook on Human Rights prepared by theSecretary-General (E/CN.4/522), as requested bythe Council in resolution 303 H (XI).163

In this plan, the Secretary-General indicated, forthe years 1951 to 1955, which right or group ofrights set forth in the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights might, in his opinion, be treatedin the Yearbook. In making his selection, theSecretary-General gave priority to rights, or groupsof rights, with the implementation or examinationof which one or more organs of the UnitedNations were concerned. He prepared two lists:one enumerating personal and political rights; theother, economic, social and cultural rights. Hesuggested that the Commission might wish toassign priority to one or other list, or possiblycombine the two so as to indicate a scheme ofwork for ten-year period 1951-1960. The Commis-sion, however, did not have time to consider thisquestion at its seventh session.

The Yearbook on Human Rights for 1949,published in 1951, introduced a new part on"Basic Law on Human Rights in Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories," in response to resolu-tion 275 C (X) of the Economic and SocialCouncil.164

Part I contains all new constitutional provisionson human rights promulgated throughout theworld and legislative texts enacted during 1949,with explanatory notes. A total of 64 States(among them 48 Member States) are representedamong 254 texts (or summaries of texts) on per-sonal and political as well as economic, social andcultural rights. Part II includes basic laws andnotes referring to human rights in Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories and corresponding textswith respect to the former Italian colonies. PartIII contains agreements concluded under the aus-pices of specialized agencies or intergovernmentalorganizations, regional and other multilateraltreaties and agreements, including the GenevaConventions of 1949, and bilateral treaties. PartIV records the programme of the United Nationsin a wide range of human rights activities: theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights, the Cove-nant on Human Rights and measures of imple-mentation, as well as, inter alia, freedom ofinformation, the status of women, trade unionrights, forced labour, refugees and stateless per-sons, and questions of human rights in Trust andNon-Self-Governing Territories as well as in cer-tain other territories which were the subject ofdiscussion and action by United Nations bodies.

163 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 533.164 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 532.


4. Prevention of Discrimination andProtection of Minorities

The Sub-Commission on Prevention of Dis-crimination and Protection of Minorities held itsfourth session in New York from 1-16 October1951 (E/CN.4/461). In reviewing the organiza-tion and operation of the Council and its commis-sions, the Economic and Social Council haddecided (414 B.I (XIII)) to discontinue the Sub-Commission until 31 December 1954 and that itswork should be carried on in the future by theCommission on Human Rights, the Secretary-General or ad hoc bodies as appropriate. TheAssembly subsequently invited (532 B (VI)) theCouncil to authorize the Sub-Commission to con-tinue its work of making a thorough study of theproblem of minorities, and especially to convenea session in 1952.165

The Sub-Commission at its fourth session wasmainly concerned with outlining the future tasksin its field.

Proposed Action on Behalf of Minorities—Inreviewing the confidential list of communicationsreceived by the United Nations, the Sub-Commis-sion observed with "deep concern" that no ade-quate procedure had yet been adopted for dealingwith complaints of current violations of humanrights. To protect minorities which, at present,cannot put their case before the United Nationsexcept through a foreign government, the Sub-Commission recommended the establishment ofinternational machinery directly accessible to min-orities, as part of the general implementation ofthe proposed International Covenant on HumanRights.

It defined the term "minority", from the stand-point of measures of protection which the UnitedNations might wish to take, as including onlythose non-dominant groups in a population whichpossess and wish to preserve stable ethnic, religiousor linguistic traditions or characteristics markedlydifferent from those of the rest of the population.

Such minorities, it considered, should properlyinclude a number of persons sufficient by them-selves to preserve such traditions or characteristicsand they must be loyal to the State of which theyare nationals.

The Sub-Commission thought considerationwould have to be given to certain complex situa-tions affecting minorities, such as the undesirabilityof imposing unwarranted distinction on groupsnot wishing it, of interfering with spontaneousrapid racial, social, cultural or language evolutions

caused by a new environment, or of protectingpractices inconsistent with proclaimed humanrights. Also to be taken into account was the riskof taking measures which might be used by thoseinterested in fomenting disloyalty among minoritygroups, and the difficulties raised by claims tominority status of groups so small that specialtreatment would disproportionately burden theState's resources. The Sub-Commission pointed outthat it must be remembered that there were amongminority groups those which did not requireprotection.

As an interim measure, the Sub-Commissionproposed that the General Assembly recommendto Member Governments that they should provideadequate facilities for the use of the languages ofminority groups in judicial procedures where aminority group does not speak or understand thelanguage ordinarily used, and in the teaching instate-supported schools when that group requestsit. It was also suggested that the Council arrangefor the preparation of an international conventionfor the protection of minorities.

Proposed Additions to Draft Covenant onHuman Rights—The Sub-Commission suggestedthat the Covenant should prohibit: (a) discrimin-ation against persons born out of wedlock;(b) "any advocacy of national, racial or religioushostility that constitutes an incitement to vio-lence . . ."; and (c) discrimination in regard toeconomic, social and cultural rights.

The Sub-Commission also recommended that,as part of the general implementation of theCovenant, an appropriate body for securing pre-vention of discrimination and protection of minor-ities should be established.

Proposed Action for Governments—The Sub-Commission proposed that the Council recom-mend that Member Governments review theirnational legislation and administrative practiceswith a view to abolishing all discriminatory meas-ures and providing protective ones. It also sug-gested that governments should be encouraged toestablish national and local committees, composedof highly qualified persons, to: (a) study andsurvey the extent to which measures of discrimina-tion on grounds of race, nationality, religion orlanguage exist in law or in fact within territoriesunder their jurisdiction and (b) recommend legal,educational and other appropriate means to theirgovernments whereby they might eliminate suchdiscrimination and prevent it occurring in thefuture.

165 See pp. 62-63.


Studies—The Sub-Commission recommendedthat the Commission on Human Rights undertakea study of the problem of injuries suffered bygroups through total or partial destruction of theirmedia of culture and their historical monumentsand a study of a definition of protection of poli-tical groups.

It recommended that the Secretary-General studythe possibility of formulating standard provisionson non-discrimination which might be used whenconstitutional provisions are to be elaborated,particularly in the case of new States, by theUnited Nations or under its auspices.

Genocide Convention—Through the intermedi-ary of the Commission on Human Rights and theCouncil, the Sub-Commission recommended thatthe General Assembly reiterate its appeal to gov-ernments to accelerate their ratifications of andadherence to the Convention on Genocide. It alsoasked the Assembly to assure the widest possiblediffusion of information concerning the nature,contents and purposes of the Convention, and, inparticular, to make known the list of States whichhad voted for, signed, ratified or adhered to theConvention.

In this connexion, the Sub-Commission recom-mended that the Assembly, when it examined thereport of the Committee on International Crim-inal Jurisdiction at its 1952 session, give effect tothis Committee's wish to draw up, together withthe instrument establishing the international penaltribunal, a protocol empowering that tribunal todeal with the crime of genocide.

5. Trade Union Rights


At its twelfth session, in February-March 1951,the Economic and Social Council had before itseveral communications (E/1882, Add.1 & 2,E/1922 and Add.1) alleging that trade unionrights were being infringed in various countries(see below). They were circulated in accordancewith resolution 277 (X)166 of the Council, bywhich the Secretary-General was requested tobring any such allegations by governments or tradeunion or employers' organizations to its attentionand by which it decided to accept, on behalf ofthe United Nations, the services of the Interna-tional Labour Office and the Fact-Finding andConciliation Commission on Freedom of Associa-tion established by that organization.

The Council decided by 11 votes to 3, with 3abstentions, at its 441st plenary meeting on 22February 1951, to consider these allegations in thefollowing groups:

(1) those concerning States which were members ofboth the United Nations and the International LabourOrganisation (ILO); (2) those concerning States mem-bers of ILO only; (3) those concerning States Membersof the United Nations only; and (4) those concerningStates which belonged to neither the United Nationsnor to ILO.

The Secretary-General then prepared and cir-culated a classified table of the allegations (E/-L.142), which formed the basis of the Council'sfurther examination of this question at its 442ndto 448th plenary meetings, from 23-28 February1951.

During its general debate, the Council heardstatements from the representatives of the Inter-national Confederation of Free Trade Unions(ICFTU) and the World Federation of TradeUnions (WFTU). The representative of ICFTUdiscussed the communications from that organiza-tion to the Council and stated that ICFTU sup-ported the proposal that impartial investigationshould be conducted in all countries where tradeunion rights were not respected. The representa-tive of WFTU also discussed the communicationsfrom his organization and added to the informa-tion supplied concerning alleged violations oftrade union rights.

A communication from WFTU (E/1992 andAdd.1) which protested against the closing of theheadquarters of that organization and other com-munications (E/1882/Add.2), from the Confede-ración de Trabajadores de Cuba (Havana), theAll Union Central Council of Trade Unions(VCSPS) (Moscow), and L'Union internationaledes Syndicats des transports terrestres et aériens(Bucharest), relating to the same question, camebefore the Council, but in resolution 351 (XII)the Council took no action on the closing ofWFTU headquarters.

Much of the debate concerned individual allega-tions, and a number of charges and counter-chargeswere made by representatives during the generaldebate. Discussion, however, centred in the pro-cedure which should be adopted by the Councilin examining the allegations brought before it.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR wanted the Council itself to exam-ine the cases involving individual allegations andto pass judgment on them. Other representatives,

166 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 539-40.


among them those of Belgium, Sweden, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, were in favour ofsending them for examination to another body,such as the ILO Fact-Finding and ConciliationCommission on Freedom of Association (seeabove).

The Council had before it two draft resolutions:( 1 ) By Czechoslovakia (E/L.143 & Corr.1 & Corr.2),

which would have the Council: (a) note that in anumber of countries, particularly Argentina, Bolivia,Brazil, Cuba, France, Greece, Japan, the United Statesand the United Kingdom, trade union rights were con-tinuously infringed; (b) recommend to these countriesthat they should repeal measures taken against tradeunions; and (c) declare that it considered States Mem-bers should ensure the effective application of a numberof rights, which the resolution enumerated.

The Council did not vote on this draft resolu-tion as it was considered to concern certain allega-tions which the Council had decided to discuss atits next session.

(2 ) By Belgium and Sweden (E/L.144). This jointdraft resolution contained five main proposals concerningthe procedure to be adopted by the Council in dealingwith the allegations, to which a number of amendmentswere proposed. The proposals and suggested amendmentsare given below.

(a) The joint draft resolution would first take noteof the allegations regarding the infringements of tradeunion rights (E/1882, and Add. 1&2).

This part of the resolution was adopted by the Councilby 14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention.

(b) It would then refer to allegations concerningStates which were members of both the United Nationsand ILO. It proposed that the Council forward to theGoverning Body of ILO, for referral to the Fact-Findingand Conciliation Commission on Freedom of Associa-tion, those communications received from: (i) DeMetaal, concerning the Netherlands (E/1882,11); (ii)from the Pancyprian Federation of Labour, concerningIsrael (E/1882,VIII); (iii) from the InternationalConfederation of Free Trade Unions, concerning Czecho-slovakia (E/1882/Add.1); (iv) from the InternationalConfederation of Free Trade Unions, concerning Hun-gary (E/1882/Add.1); (v) from the Union interna-tionale des Syndicats des transports terrestres et aériensof Bucharest, concerning Argentina (E/1882/Add.2,III).

An oral amendment by Poland, which would deletefrom this list the communications from the InternationalConfederation of Free Trade Unions concerning Czecho-slovakia and concerning Hungary, was rejected by theCouncil at its 448th meeting by 14 votes to 3, with1 abstention.

An amendment by the Philippines which would askthe Governing Body of ILO to consider these documentsfirst with a view to referral (E/L.146) was accepted bythe sponsors.

An amendment by Pakistan (E/L.147), which wouldrequest ILO to report what action it had taken in thisconnexion to the thirteenth session of the Economic andSocial Council, was withdrawn.

This part of the resolution, as amended, was adoptedby 14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention.

(c) With regard to allegations concerning violationsof trade union rights in the Soviet Union, which is nota member of the ILO, the joint draft resolution wouldhave the Council request the Government of the USSRto reply, not later than the next session of the Council,to the request addressed to it by the Secretary-Generalwith reference to the communication from ICFTU.

An oral proposal by Poland would delete this part ofthe draft resolution, but this proposal was rejected bythe Council at its 448th meeting, by 14 votes to 3, with1 abstention.

A Pakistan amendment (E/L.147), which would addto the joint draft resolution a request to the Secretary-General to report, to the thirteenth session of theCouncil, the reply received from the Government of theUSSR, was adopted at the 488th meeting of the Councilby 14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention.

The Council then adopted this part of the resolution,as amended, by the same vote.

(d) The joint draft resolution then dealt with pro-posals in respect of allegations concerning violations oftrade union rights in the territory of States which weremembers neither of the United Nations nor the Inter-national Labour Organisation. Such allegations had beenreceived from: ( i ) the Unión General de Trabajadoresde España en el exilio (E/1882,1) with respect to Spain;(ii) from the Confédération genérale du travail (E/-1882,VI), with respect to Japan; and (iii) from theInternational Confederation of Free Trade Unions (E/-1882/Add.1), with respect to Romania.

The draft resolution would have the Council requestthe Secretary-General to bring these allegations to theattention of the Government of Spain, the competentauthorities in Japan and the Government of Romania.It would also request the Secretary-General to bring totheir attention the provisions of resolution 277(X)—under which allegations regarding the infringementsof trade union rights may be referred for examinationto the Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission onFreedom of Association—and to invite the replies ofthose Governments and authorities. It would furtherinvite the Secretary-General to report to the Council onthe circumstances in which the procedure laid downin resolution 277(X) would be applicable to theabove-mentioned communications, having regard to thereplies of the Governments of Spain and Romania andthe competent authorities of Japan.

An oral proposal by Poland would have this part ofthe joint draft resolution amended by the deletion of thecommunication in respect of Romania from the list,but this was rejected by the Council at its 448th plenarymeeting, by 13 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions.

An amendment by Peru (E/L.148), which proposeda re-wording of the joint draft resolution in respect ofthese three States was adopted by the Council at its448th meeting, by 8 votes to 3, with 7 abstentions, andthe proposals in respect of the three States were adoptedby 13 votes to 4, with 1 abstention, respectively.

This part of the resolution was adopted, as amended,by 12 votes to 4, with 2 abstentions.

(e) The joint draft resolution would then have theCouncil note that the communication from the Uniondes Syndicats confederes du Cameroun concerning allega-tions of violation of trade union rights in the Cameroonsunder French Administration (E/1882) was already


before the Trusteeship Council and that the appropriateprocedure was therefore being followed in respect ofthat communication.

A Philippine amendment (E/L.146) to this part ofthe joint draft resolution, which would delete theacknowledgment by the Council that the appropriateprocedure was being followed and which would replaceit with a request to the Secretary General to report tothe Economic and Social Council the action taken by theTrusteeship Council with respect to the specific allega-tion of infringement, was adopted by the Council at its448th meeting, by 7 votes to 2, with 9 abstentions.

This part of the resolution, as amended, was adoptedby 12 votes to none, with 6 abstentions.

The joint draft resolution then requested the Secretary-General in future to transmit to the Council only suchcommunications from non-governmental organizationsin category A regarding infringements of trade unionrights as reached him not less than seven weeks beforethe date of the first meeting of the session.

An amendment by the United States (E/L.145),which would replace the reference to non-governmentalorganizations in category A with one to "Governments,or trade unions or employers' organizations", was ac-cepted by the sponsors.

An amendment by the Philippines (E/L.146), whichwould add to the list of communications referred to thewords "except in urgent and important cases", was with-drawn.

This part of the resolution, as amended, was adoptedby 12 votes to 5, with 1 abstention.

The draft resolution, as a whole, as amended,was adopted by the Council at its 448th plenarymeeting on 28 February 1951, by 14 votes to 3,with 1 abstention, as resolution 351 (XII). Itread:

"The Economic and Social Council."Having taken note of the allegations regarding in-

fringements of trade-union rights transmitted by theSecretary-General and contained in documents E/1882,E/1882/Add.1, E/1882/Add.2,III, and

Pursuant to Council resolution 277 (X) on trade-union rights (freedom of association),

"1. Decides to forward to the Governing Body of theInternational Labour Office, for its consideration as toreferral to the Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commis-sion on Freedom of Association:

"(a) The communication received from De Metaalconcerning the Netherlands (E/1882,II);

"(b) The communication from the Pancyprian Feder-ation of Labour concerning Israel (E/1882.VIII);

"(c) The communication from the International Con-federation of Free Trade Unions concerning Czechoslo-vakia (E/1882/Add.1, page 3);

"(d) The communication from the International Con-federation of Free Trade Unions concerning Hungary(E/1882/Add.1, page 5);

"(e) The communication from the Union internatio-nale des Syndicats des transports terrestres et aériens ofBucharest concerning Argentina (E/1882/Add.2,III);

"2. Requests the Government of the Union of SovietSocialist Republics to reply, not later than the nextsession of the Council, to the request addressed to it

by the Secretary-General under the terms of resolution277 ( X ) (sub-paragraph (c) of the second operativeparagraph) with reference to the communication fromthe International Confederation of Free Trade Unions(E/1882,IV); and

"3. Invites the Secretary-General to report to thethirteenth session of the Council concerning the replyreceived from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;

"4. Requests the Secretary-General, in consequence ofthe communication from the Union general de traba-jadores de España en el exilio (1/1882,I), to bring tothe attention of the Government of Spain the allegationsregarding infringement of trade-union freedom in Spain,as well as the provisions of resolution 277(X) underwhich allegations regarding infringements of trade-unionrights may be referred for examination to the Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission on Freedom ofAssociation, and to invite that Government to submit itsobservations on the matter; and

"5. Invites the Secretary-General to report to theCouncil on the conditions under which the procedurelaid down in resolution 2 7 7 ( X ) is applicable to thatcommunication, having regard to the reply receivedfrom the Government of Spain;

"6. Requests the Secretary-General, in consequenceof the communications from the World Federationof Trade Unions (E/1882,III), the Confédérationgénérale du travail (E/1882,V) and the Eenheidsvakcen-trale (E/1882,VI), to bring to the attention of thecompetent authorities of Japan the allegations regardinginfringement of trade-union freedom in Japan, as wellas the provisions of resolution 277(X) under whichallegations regarding infringements of trade-union rightsmay be referred for examination to the Fact-Findingand Conciliation Commission on Freedom of Associa-tion, and to invite those authorities to submit theirobservations on the matter; and

"7. Invites the Secretary-General to report to theCouncil on the conditions under which the procedurelaid down in resolution 277(X) is applicable to theabove communications, having regard to the reply re-ceived from the competent authorities of Japan;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General, in consequence ofthe communication from the International Confederationof Free Trade Unions (E/1882/Add.1, paragraph 1), tobring to the attention of the Government of Romaniathe allegations regarding infringements of trade-unionfreedom in Romania, as well as the provisions of resolu-tion 277(X) under which allegations regarding infrin-gements of trade-union rights may be referred forexamination to the Fact-Finding and Conciliation Com-mission on Freedom of Association, and to invite thatGovernment to submit its observations on the matter;and

"9. Invites the Secretary-General to report to theCouncil on the conditions under which the procedurelaid down in resolution 277(X) is applicable to thatcommunication, having regard to the reply of theGovernment of Romania;

"10. Notes that the communication from the Uniondes Syndicats confédérés du Cameroun concerning France(E/1882,VII) is already before the Trusteeship Counciland therefore requests the Secretary-General to report


to the Economic and Social Council the action takenthereon by the Trusteeship Council with respect to thespecific allegation regarding the infringement of trade-union rights in the Trust Territory of the Cameroonsunder French administration; and

"11. Requests the Secretary-General in future totransmit to the Council only such communications fromgovernments or trade-union or employers' organizationsregarding infringements of trade-union rights as reachhim not less than seven weeks before the date of thefirst meeting of the session."

b. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS THIRTEENTHSESSION

At its thirteenth session, in July-September1951, the Economic and Social Council again con-sidered the question of allegations concerningtrade union rights.

At its 482nd plenary meeting, on 30 July 1951,the Council had before it a note by the Secretary-General (E/2025 and Add.1) on the various mat-ters on which he had been requested to report inresolution 351(XII). The Secretary-Generalstated that, as yet, he had received no replies tothe communications sent to the Governments ofthe USSR, Spain and Romania and the competentauthorities of Japan.

With regard to the allegation that trade unionrights had ben violated in the Cameroons underFrench Administration, the Secretary-General re-ported that, on 26 July 1951, the TrusteeshipCouncil had drawn the attention of the petitionersto the statement of the special representative ofthe Administering Authority that the article ofthe draft Labour Code for Overseas France, againstwhich they had complained, had already beenamended by the French National Assembly andthat the allegations they had made were not just-ified, "since none of the cases cited could be re-garded as obstructing trade union rights". TheTrusteeship Council decided that, in those circum-stances, it was not called upon to take any furtheraction on this question.167

The Economic and Social Council also had be-fore it a number of new communications alleginginfringements of trade union rights in variouscountries (E/1990 and Add.1 to 22), in additionto several which had not been considered at itsprevious session (E/1882/Add.3, 4, and 5, andE/1964). The matter came before the Councilwhen it considered the report of its Agenda Com-mittee on the provisional agenda and an oral pro-posal was made by the representative of theUnited States, that the item should be referred,

without preliminary discussion by the Council, toILO. Some representatives, among them those ofChile, Czechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, op-posed this proposal on the ground that infringe-ment of trade union rights was a most seriousissue falling within the province of the Councilitself. Others, however, including the representa-tives of China, Pakistan, Peru and the UnitedStates, argued that it would be more expedient torefer the matter to ILO and pointed out that theCouncil itself would take cognizance of any actiontaken by ILO in considering the latter's report tothe Council. By 13 votes to 4, with 1 abstention,the Council adopted, at its 482nd plenary meet-ing on 30 July 1951, the United States proposal,by which it decided to refer the item directly toILO.

The question of trade union rights and the ILOFact-Finding and Conciliation Commission onFreedom of Asociation was raised again duringthe thirteenth session of the Council when theannual report of ILO (E/2050) was considered.168

The Council discussed the report at its 510th and512th plenary meetings on 20 and 21 August.

When presenting the report to the Council theDirector-General of ILO pointed out that beforea case involving an allegation concerning the in-fringement of trade union rights could go beforethe Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission itwas necessary to secure the consent of the govern-ment concerned. All cases had, accordingly, beenreferred to the governments concerned but no gov-ernment had yet given its consent. He added,however, that some progress had been made to-ward settling certain cases by agreement withoutreference to the Commission.

The Governing Body of ILO, he said, wasaware that the procedure adopted for the pre-liminary investigation of allegations could be im-proved and strengthened in the light of experi-ence, and had consequently instructed him tosubmit appropriate proposals to it at its nextsession. ILO would welcome any action by mem-bers of the Council which would ensure that theCommission was given an opportunity of exam-ining impartially allegations concerning theircountries. He coupled this appeal to governmentswith an appeal to those which submitted allega-tions: if such allegations included a full and fairstatement of the facts on which they were based,governments would be far more likely to agreethat they be referred to the Commission.

167 See also pp. 728-29.168 See pp. 589-90.


During the general debate on the report, therepresentatives of Czechoslovakia, Poland and theUSSR alleged that the policy of ILO and theCommission was not aimed at protecting the in-terests of the workers. These representatives,broadly speaking, maintained that ILO was ig-noring innumerable cases of the violation ofworkers' rights, that Conventions it had adoptedhad failed to provide the workers with any as-surance that their basic rights would be respectedand that it was serving the interests of employersrather than employees.

Other representatives, among them those ofChile, the United States and Uruguay, regrettedthat the action taken by ILO on the allegationsof infringements of trade union rights had so farbeen slow. They expressed their appreciation, how-ever, of the difficulty pointed out by the Director-General and welcomed his statement that the pos-sibility of improving the procedure relating to thetreatment of such allegations was being investi-gated. The representatives of Mexico and theUnited Kingdom complimented the Commissionon having achieved excellent results, the lattercommending ILO on its responsible approach tothe question. The Council took no action in thisrespect, except to take note of the report of ILOat its 512th plenary meeting on 21 August 1951(resolution 404(XIII)).

6. Forced Labour

At its twelfth session, in February-March1951, the Economic and Social Council resumedits debate on the question of forced labour, whichhad been adjourned at its eleventh session so thatits members could consider further a joint draftresolution by the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates (E/L.104), containing a proposal for theestablishment of an ad hoc committee of notmore than five members on forced labour.169

Two communications from the Director-Gen-eral of the International Labour Office (E/1671and E/1884) outlining the discussions of theGoverning Body of the International Labour Officeheld on the question of forced labour at its111th and 113th sessions were again169 beforethe Council. The Council also had before ita report by the Secretary-General outlining thehistory of the action taken by the United Nationson this problem and analysing the replies of gov-ernments, pursuant to Council resolutions 195(VIII) and 237(IX) regarding their willingness

to co-operate in an impartial enquiry into theextent of forced labour in their countries.

The Council discussed the question at its 469th-476th plenary meetings, from 14-19 March 1951.Charges and counter-charges of the existence offorced labour in various countries, made at previ-ous sessions, were repeated during the Council'stwelfth session.

The representative of the USSR, supported bythe representatives of Czechoslovakia and Poland,submitted a proposal (E/L.165) for the creationof a large international commission, composed ofrepresentatives of manual and intellectual workersunited in all existing trade unions. This commis-sion would:

(1) pay particular attention to the study of thesituation of unemployed and semi-employed persons;(2) investigate the actual working conditions of menand women workers and their children in colonies anddependent territories; (3) collect as complete and objec-tive information as possible on these questions; and(4) draw up a report and recommendations for submis-sion to the Council.

A number of representatives, including those ofBelgium, Canada, Chile, China, France, Mexico,Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, the United King-dom, the United States and Uruguay, opposed theUSSR draft resolution on the ground that thelarger commission suggested in this proposal wastoo cumbersome to be effective and that the reso-lution did not refer in precise terms to forced la-bour.

The representative of France submitted anamendment (E/L.167) to the joint draft resolu-tion by the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates (E/L.104) which would:

(1) have the Council state that it was deeply movedby evidence of the existence of systems of forced labourunder which a large proportion of the populations ofcertain States were subjected to a penitentiary regime;(2) stipulate that members of the small committee,proposed in the joint draft resolution, should be inde-pendent, competent and impartial, and (3) amend theterms of reference so that the committee would (a) studythe legislative provisions of all States with a view todetermining whether they permitted forced labour and(b) to take, if the committee thought fit, additionalevidence into consideration.

The points made in this amendment were ac-cepted by the sponsors of the joint draft resolu-tion and the draft was revised accordingly (E/-L.172/Rev.2).

During the discussion, the Council also heardstatements from representatives of the Interna-tional Confederation of Free Trade Unions,

169 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 540-41.


(ICFTU) and the World Federation of TradeUnions (WFTU). The former submitted addi-tional information to show the existence of forcedlabour and welcomed a proposal to have an im-partial investigation carried out in all countrieswhere forced labour was allegedly practised. Thelatter spoke in support of the proposal whichhad been made by his organization for a commit-tee of enquiry to study forced labour and allegeddiscriminatory practices in colonial and dependentterritories.

At its 476th plenary meeting on 19 March,the Council, at the request of the representativeof Uruguay, voted first on that part of the jointdraft resolution which stated that the Council wasdeeply moved by evidence of systems of forcedlabour. It was adopted by 13 votes to 3, with 2abstentions. The remainder of the draft resolutionwas adopted, by 15 votes to 3, and the draft reso-lution as a whole by the same vote (resolution350(XII)). The Council rejected, by 15 votes to3, the USSR draft resolution.

Resolution 350(XII) read:"The Economic and Social Council,"Recalling its previous resolutions on the subject of

forced labour and measures for its abolition,"Considering the replies furnished by Member States

to the communications addressed to them by the Secre-tary-General in accordance with resolutions 195(VIII)and 237(IX),

"Taking note of the communications from the Inter-national Labour Organisation setting forth the discus-sions on the question of forced labour at the 111th and113th sessions of the Governing Body,

''Considering the rules and principles laid down inInternational Labour Convention 29,

"Recalling the principles of the Charter relating torespect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, andthe principles of the Universal Declaration of HumanRights,

"Deeply moved by the documents and evidencebrought to its knowledge and revealing in law and infact the existence in the world of systems of forcedlabour under which a large proportion of the populationsof certain States are subjected to a penitentiary régime,

"1. Decides to invite the International Labour Organ-isation to co-operate with the Council in the earliestpossible establishment of an ad hoc committee on forcedlabour of not more than five independent members,qualified by their competence and impartiality, to beappointed jointly by the Secretary-General of the UnitedNations and the Director-General of the InternationalLabour Office with the following terms of reference:

"(a) To study the nature and extent of the problemraised by the existence in the world of systems of forcedor "corrective" labour, which are employed as a meansof political coercion or punishment for holding or ex-pressing political views, and which are on such a scaleas to constitute an important element in the economy ofa given country, by examining the texts of laws and

regulations and their application in the light of theprinciples referred to above, and, if the Committeethinks fit, by taking additional evidence into considera-tion;

"(b) To report the results of its studies and progressthereon to the Council and to the Governing Body ofthe International Labour Office; and

"2. Requests the Secretary-General and the Director-General to supply the professional and clerical assistancenecessary to ensure the earliest initiation and effectivedischarge of the ad hoc committee's work."

The Ad Hoc Committee appointed in accord-ance with this resolution met at Geneva from8-27 October 1951 and on 30 October made itsfirst progress report (E/2153). The Committee,which decided at its first meeting that it wouldmeet in closed session, presented a single draftresolution to the Economic and Social Council,which would have the Council formally take noteof its progress report. It decided to invite non-governmental organizations to submit statementsor documentary evidence on forced labour for theCommittee's consideration. It also decided to sub-mit a questionnaire to governments, which wouldask, inter alia, for laws and regulations relatingto forced labour, together with information re-garding their application.

7. The Problem of Slavery

The Ad Hoc Committee on Slavery was ap-pointed by the Secretary-General in accordancewith Council resolution 238(IX) and held itsfirst session in February-March 1950.170 The taskswhich the Council had given the Committee wereto survey the field of slavery and other institu-tions or customs resembling slavery; to assess thenature and extent of these problems at the presenttime; to suggest methods of attacking them; andto suggest an appropriate division of responsibilityamong the various competent bodies within theframework of the United Nations.

The Committee had before it at its second ses-sion, held from 2-27 April 1951, the replies of64 Governments171 to the questionnaire on slaveryand servitude circulated under Council resolution276(X).172 It also had before it various state-ments and reports submitted by non-governmentalorganizations, research institutions, missionary andchurch organizations and private individuals, on

170 See Y.U.N., 1948-49, pp. 547-48.171 Additional replies from seven Governments (E/-

AC.33/10/Add.64-72) were received too late to be con-sidered by the Committee at that session. For repliesconsidered, see E/AC.33/10 and Add.1-63.

172 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 542-43.


their own initiative or in response to requestsfrom the Committee.

In the light of this information, the Committeefirst attempted to define slavery and other similarinstitutions or customs, excluding, however, forcedlabour, in view of the action taken by the Councilon this question, particularly in resolution 350(XII).173 It decided that the definition containedin article I174 of the International Slavery Con-vention of 1926 adequately covered slavery andthe slave trade in terms of present-day conditions.It observed, however, that this definition did notembrace all types of servile status, which it be-lieved the United Nations should strive to abolish.In attempting to define other forms of servitude,the Committee found that confusion resulted fromthe fact that different names were applied to thesame practices in different countries. It decided,therefore, not to define these forms of servitudein precise terms, but to describe their specialcharacteristics. It turned its attention particularlyto practices such as debt bondage, bride-price,sham adoption of children and serfdom.

When it tried to evaluate the nature and ex-tent of these practices at the present time, theCommittee found that, in some cases, the informa-tion furnished by governments conflicted with thatreceived from unofficial sources. As the informa-tion from such sources could not be verified, theCommittee felt that it could not put it forwardas its own. It decided, therefore, that it could gono further with the survey than to submit to theCouncil the replies from governments to the ques-tionnaire, together with its comments thereon. Inthis connexion, it made the following suggestions:that the Council request the few Member Govern-ments which had not already done so to replyto the questionnaire; that it ask governmentswhich had replied only on the legal position re-garding slavery in their territories to furnish in-formation on the application of laws enacted andon actual practices; that it ask governments whichhad not done so to submit information concerningtheir Metropolitan as well as Non-Self-GoverningTerritories; that it ask governments which had sub-mitted information in ambiguous terms to givemore detailed informative replies; and that it asknon-governmental organizations with consultativestatus, especially those interested in labour condi-tions, to reply to the questionnaire as soon aspossible.

Although the Committee did not make a surveyof slavery, it adopted what it considered to bethe most effective and useful method of dealing

with the data available within the prescribedtime limit. Each of its members prepared a reportsummarizing his conclusions regarding the exist-ence of slavery or other forms of servitude in aparticular region of the world which was wellknown to him. The Committee itself did not con-sider these reports (E/AC.33/SR.11-14) in detail,but decided to draw the attention of the Councilto them without assuming any collective responsi-bility for their contents.

As a result of its work, the Committee reachedthe unanimous conclusion that slavery, even in itscrudest form, is still present in the world andshould continue to be a concern of the interna-tional community. It recognized that existingforms of servitude cannot be abolished by legis-lation alone, but that positive measures of inter-national assistance in eliminating the underlyingeconomic and social causes of such practices arenecessary. It put forward, for the consideration ofthe Council, various recommendations which itsmembers adopted unanimously and which, theybelieved, represented a sound basis for future in-ternational action for the abolition of slavery andother forms of servitude.

The first of these proposed that the definitioncontained in article I of the 1926 Conventionshould continue to be accepted as an accurate andadequate international definition of slavery andthe slave trade. The Committee prepared a draftprotocol to the 1926 Convention under which theUnited Nations would assume the functions andpowers formerly exercized by the League of Na-tions under that Convention and recommendedthat States be invited to adhere to the Protocol orto the Convention as amended thereby. The Com-mittee further recommended that the Council setup a drafting committee to prepare a new supple-mentary convention on slavery and other formsof servitude embodying certain principles which

173 See pp. 501-2.174 Article 1 of the Convention states:"For the purpose of the present Convention, the

following definitions are agreed upon:"(1) Slavery is the status or condition of a person

over whom any or all of the powers attaching to theright of ownership are exercised.

"(2) The slave trade includes all acts involved in thecapture, acquisition or disposal of a person with intentto reduce him to slavery; all acts involved in theacquisition of a slave with a view to selling or exchang-ing him; all acts of disposal by sale or exchange of aslave acquired with a view to being sold or exchanged,and, in general, every act of trade or transport in s laves."

p. 263.) (League of Nations Treaty Series, 1927, Vol. LX,


it described in some detail. It drafted recommen-dations which might be made to governmentsregarding legislative and administrative measuresfor the abolition of slavery and similar customs.It proposed that a standing body of experts of theUnited Nations should be established to studyand report to the Council on measures taken toeliminate slavery. It further recommended that theSecretary-General and the governments concerned,with the assistance of local and foreign experts,organize, within the framework of the UnitedNations, regional conferences and seminars, amongpeople of common cultural background living inareas where slavery or other forms of servitudeare reported to exist, to discuss and review theirvarious problems. Finally, the Committee recom-mended that the International Labour Organisa-tion be invited to study the implications of con-tracts of service coming within the category of"hard bargains" with particular reference to thecreation or continuance of servile status.

At its thirteenth session, the Economic and So-cial Council discussed the report of the Ad HocCommittee on Slavery (E/1988) at the 205th and208th meetings of the Social Committee, on 30and 31 August, and at the 544th plenary meetingof the Council on 10 September 1951.

Representatives were unanimous in deploringthe existence of slavery in the twentieth century.All recognized, however, that the problem was adifficult one to solve. There was a diversity ofopinion, however, on the report of the Ad HocCommittee and the course the Council should takein seeking a solution to the problem.

Some representatives, including those of Czecho-slovakia, Poland and the USSR, criticized therecommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee asbeing too timid. The representatives of Chile, Iran,Peru and Sweden pointed out the magnitude ofthe task entrusted to the Ad Hoc Committee andemphasized the time obstacle the Committee hadfaced in preparing its report. Other representa-tives, including those of Chile, Mexico, Pakistanand the Philippines, felt that the report had madea praiseworthy contribution to the study of theproblem; but the representatives of the UnitedKingdom and the United States made reservationsin their praise of the Committee's work. Thesetwo representatives, as well as the representativesof China, France, Iran, Peru, Poland and Sweden,among others, felt that the available material wasnot at present in such a form as to allow theCouncil to act

The need for immediate action by the Councilwas emphasized by the representatives of Canada,Chile, Czechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR,among others, and three methods of procedurewere suggested.

(1) That a committee of governmental representa-tives should be set up to study the report of the Ad HocCommittee and the reports of both the General Assemblyand the Council on the subject and prepare for theCouncil recommendations designed to achieve the earlyabolition of the slave trade and slavery in every form.

A draft resolution to this effect was submitted in theSocial Committee by Poland (E/AC.7/L.108), sup-ported by the representatives of Czechoslovakia and theUSSR. The Committee rejected this proposal at its 208thmeeting on 31 August by 10 votes to 4, with 4 absten-tions. When a similar proposal was introduced by Poland(E/L.263) at the 544th plenary meeting of the Councilon 10 September 1951, it was rejected by 9 votes to 3,with 6 abstentions.

(2) That a special rapporteur be appointed to submita report based on the documentation made available bythe Ad Hoc Committee, with proposals for action bythe United Nations toward the elimination of slavery.

This proposal was submitted to the Social Committeeas a joint draft resolution by Belgium, Chile, Franceand the United States (E/AC.7/L.107), and was sup-ported by the representatives of Canada, China, Peru andthe United Kingdom. The representatives of both Franceand China were among those who felt that the appoint-ment of a rapporteur would serve to strengthen andassist the Secretariat in performing a difficult task whichmight have political implications.

(3) That the Secretary-General should obtain thenecessary supplementary information and prepare areport of this nature.

This proposal was made by the representative ofSweden (E/AC.7/L.110) and presented to the SocialCommittee as an amendment to the joint draft resolutionby Belgium, Chile, France and the United States. Therepresentatives of Canada and Iran expressed supportfor this amendment, stating that the Secretariat was themost appropriate organ to co-ordinate the availablematerial and collect additional data. The representativeof Pakistan, however, felt that this proposal, as well asthe proposal to appoint a rapporteur, would result onlyin a reproduction of the material already available andwould not lead to concrete and speedy action. Theamendment was adopted by the Committee by 8 votesto 6, with 4 abstentions.

A number of drafting changes proposed by therepresentative of the United Kingdom (E/AC.7/-L.111) were adopted by the Committee and thejoint draft resolution, as amended, was adoptedas a whole by 10 votes to 1, with 1 abstention,at the 208th meeting of the Social Committee.

When the joint draft resolution came beforethe Council at the 544th plenary meeting on 10September 1951, two further amendments wereintroduced: one by Poland (E/L.263–see above),the other by the United Kingdom (E/L.264). The


United Kingdom amendment would, inter alia,have the Council decide to appoint a specialrapporteur to examine the possibility of separatetreatment of the several problems studied by theAd Hoc Committee and to present, to the four-teenth session of the Council, proposals for asystematic programme of action. The representa-tive of the United Kingdom said that the purposeof the amendment was to provide the Councilwith the possibility of speedy action in dealingwith the question of the abolition of slavery. TheCouncil rejected the amendment by 12 votes to6, and endorsed the resolution adopted by the So-cial Committee, with some drafting changes pro-posed by the United Kingdom.

The joint draft resolution, as amended, wasadopted by 12 votes to none, with 6 abstentions,as resolution 388(XIII).

In this resolution, the Council asked the Secre-tary-General:

to obtain such information, including informationfrom governments, as was necessary in order tosupplement the material presented by the Committee;to examine the Committee's report and recommendationsin the light of that information, of the documentationalready assembled by the Committee, and of the Council'sdiscussions at its thirteenth session; and to report thereonas soon as practicable, indicating what action the UnitedNations and specialized agencies could most appropri-ately take in order to achieve the elimination of slavery,the slave trade, and forms of servitude resembling slaveryin their effects.

8. Plight of Survivors of ConcentrationCamps

At its twelfth session, in February-March 1951,the Economic and Social Council had before it apreliminary report prepared by the Secretary-Gen-eral (E/1915), in accordance with resolution 305(XI),175 by which he was requested to consideras soon as possible, with the competent authori-ties and institutions, means for alleviating theplight of victims of so-called scientific experi-ments in concentration camps under the Naziregime.

The report was concerned with the number andwhereabouts of these victims, their position un-der German legislation, the availability of interna-tional funds or services to assist them, and tenta-tive suggestions for action by the Council. Thereport suggested that the Council might invite theappropriate German authorities to consider thepossibility of enacting new legislation whichwould provide adequate compensation for the vic-tims; that it might request the International Re-

fugee Organization (IRO) and any authoritywhich might succeed it in the administration ofthe Reparation Fund, and voluntary agencies dis-tributing these funds, to assist in the alleviationof the plight of the refugees; and that it mightask the World Health Organization (WHO) toassist in the health aspects of the problem. Men-tion was also made of the possibility of fundsbeing obtained either through voluntary contri-butions by governments or private organizationsand individuals, or through both, and of securingthe support of charitable institutions.

The Council discussed the question at the 178thand 181st meetings of its Social Committee, on1 and 15 March, and at its 476th plenary meetingon 19 March 1951.

In the course of the debate, certain representa-tives, among them those of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR, said that the unfortunate victimsof medical experiments should be cared for bythe governments of the States where they werenow living. Others, however, felt that the UnitedNations should continue to interest itself in thematter and emphasized the need for prompt ac-tion. Among those who expressed this view werethe representatives of Belgium, France, India,Iran, Pakistan, Peru, Sweden, the United King-dom, the United States and Uruguay.

At the 178th meeting of the Social Commit-tee on 1 March, the representative of Francesubmitted a proposal (E/AC.7/L.184), whichsuggested a number of measures designed to meetthe problem. This proposal was adopted by theSocial Committee at its 181st meeting on 15March, in a roll-call vote, by 14 votes to none,with 3 abstentions. The draft resolution was, inturn, adopted by the Council by 15 votes to none,with 3 abstentions, at its 476th plenary meetingon 19 March as resolution 353(XII).

By this resolution, the Council appealed to thecompetent German authorities to consider makingthe fullest possible reparations for the injuriessuffered under the Nazi regime by persons sub-jected to so-called scientific experiments in con-centration camps. It adopted the Secretary-Gen-eral's suggestions regarding the role of IRO andWHO and requested him to study the possibilityof securing such voluntary support and contribu-tions as might appear necessary to supplementthe reparations measures proposed, if they provedinadequate. It also asked him to keep himselfinformed of all the measures which might be

175 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 564.


taken, to seek to ensure that they provided fullreparation, and to report to the thirteenth sessionof the Council on the results of the action takenunder the resolution.

At the 181st meeting of the Social Committeeon 15 March, the representative of WHO madea statement, declaring that should governmentswhich had responsibilities toward the survivors ofconcentration camps wish to request the assistanceof WHO concerning health problems relating totheir care, such requests would be considered bythe organization within the framework of its ap-proved programmes.

The Commission on the Status of Women,which had initiated the study of this question bythe Council, also considered the Secretary-General'sreport at its fifth session, held from 30 April-14May 1951. Several of its members paid tribute tothe progress which had been made, though othersregretted that nothing more positive had yet beenaccomplished for the victims. The Commissiontook note of the report and the majority of itsmembers expressed appreciation of the initiativetaken by the Council.

At its thirteenth session, the Council had be-fore it a second report by the Secretary-General(E/2087) indicating the progress made in im-plementing resolution 353(XII). It described theconsultations with the competent German authori-ties, with IRO and with WHO, and the stepswhich the Secretary-General had taken to locatesurvivors and ascertain their condition and means.He reported that, with the assistance of WHO, theWorld Medical Association and the InternationalTracing Service, the Secretariat now possessedthe names and, in most cases, the addresses of 237persons believed to be the survivors of so-calledscientific experiments.

The Government of the Federal Republic ofGermany, in a letter dated 30 July 1951 (E/2087,Annex H) communicated the text of a decisionwhich it had adopted to the effect that it wasprepared, in special cases of need, to afford prac-tical assistance to such surviving victims perse-cuted on grounds of race, religion, opinions orpolitical convictions as were ineligible for repara-tion under the compensation laws in force,whether because they lacked residential qualifica-tions or because the time-limit for submission ofapplications had expired. That Government alsostated that victims of experiments who were in-eligible for reparation on other grounds shouldnot be denied assistance if their health had beenpermanently impaired through gross disregard of

human rights. The Government of the FederalRepublic of Germany was prepared, on humani-tarian grounds, to provide assistance in all casesin which it was required and appeared justified.

In this report, the Secretary-General also madesuggestions on the action which the Council mighttake:

(1) an appeal to the Government of the FederalRepublic of Germany to render assistance on the mostgenerous scale possible; (2) an invitation to all govern-ments to assist in investigating individual cases, in par-ticular when the victims resided in their territory;(3) an invitation to the occupying authorities and theGerman authorities concerned to facilitate the transfer offunds to victims now residing outside Germany; (4) arequest to IRO and WHO to continue to assist in theirappropriate capacities and (5) a request to the Secretary-General (a) to make available to the Government ofthe Federal Republic of Germany the information col-lected concerning the number and nature of the variouscases, ( b ) to co-operate in the investigation of individualcases in order to establish the nature of the damageinflicted and the kind of help to which victims mightbe entitled and might need, and, (c) without prejudiceto these reparation measures, to seek voluntary supportand contributions to supplement these measures.

The report was discussed at the 212th and213th meetings of the Social Committee on 8 and10 September, and at the 553rd plenary meetingon 15 September 1951.

Also before the Council were: (1) a shortreport by the Secretary-General on the situationas of 16 July 1951 (E/2051), and (2) a draftresolution by France and the United States (E/-L.262).

Discussion in both the Social Committee andthe Council centred in this draft resolution. Thefollowing were among the points of view ex-pressed:

(1) The urgency of the need for bringinghelp to the victims was stressed by the representa-tives of France and the United States, amongothers, who also felt that although acceptance ofresponsibility by the Government of the FederalRepublic of Germany represented an importantstep forward, compensation should be paidpromptly and on as generous a scale as possible.

(2) The representatives of Belgium and theUnited Kingdom were among those who empha-sized that the victims might not necessarily beonly those who had been persecuted on groundsof race, religion, opinions or political convictions,and that it would therefore be a mistake to selectparticular categories of victims at the expense ofothers.

(3) The representative of China, supported bythe representatives of Belgium, Canada and the


United Kingdom, proposed an oral amendment tothe joint draft resolution, to have the Secretary-General invite the Government of the FederalRepublic of Germany to inform him of the actiontaken on the various aspects of the problem. Thisamendment was accepted by the sponsors of thedraft resolution and incorporated.

(4) Though responsibility rested primarilywith the Federal Government, the United Nationsnevertheless had a moral responsibility to ensurethat active measures were taken for the solutionof this humanitarian problem. This point of viewwas expressed by a number of representatives,among them those of Canada, France, Iran andthe United States.

(5) Governments in whose territories the vic-tims actually resided should themselves assist thosepersons; compensation for injuries sustained wasa matter to be dealt with in a peace treaty withGermany, according to the representatives ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR.

The French-United States draft resolution (E/-L.262) was adopted by the Social Committee, by12 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, at its 213thmeeting on 10 September.

It was adopted by the Council, by 14 votes tonone, with 3 abstentions, at its 553rd plenarymeeting on 15 September 1951 as resolution 386(XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council"1. Notes the report of the Secretary-General con-

cerning the plight of survivors of concentration campswho were the victims of so-called scientific experimentsunder the Nazi regime;

"2. Welcomes the decision taken by the Governmentof the Federal Republic of Germany in assuming res-ponsibility for this problem and appeals to that Govern-ment to render on the most generous scale possible theassistance which it is undertaking;

"3. Requests the Soviet Control Commission forGermany to reply to the communication from the Secre-tary-General concerning this problem;

"4. Invites the governments of States Members andnon-members of the United Nations, the specializedagencies concerned and voluntary agencies to assist theGovernment of the Federal Republic of Germany ininvestigating individual cases of victims of so-calledscientific experiments no residing within its territory;

"5. Invites the occupying authorities, through theAllied High Commission for Germany and the Germanauthorities concerned, to give sympathetic considerationto applications for the remittance of funds to victimswho are now residents outside Germany;

"6. Requests those agencies responsible for the admi-nistration and distribution of reparation funds to con-tinue their efforts to alleviate the plight of victims;

"7. Asks the World Health Organization to continueis valuable assistance in meeting this problem;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General:"(a) To make available to the Government of the

Federal Republic of Germany, as requested in its com-munication of 30 July 1951, the information collectedto date by the Secretary-General concerning the numberand nature of the various cases, and to keep that Govern-ment supplied with new information as it is received;

"(b) To inform the Government of the FederalRepublic of Germany that, in the view of the Council,the investigation and certification of individual claimsagainst that Government is a matter of primary respon-sibility for that Government;

"(c) To invite the Government of the Federal Repu-blic of Germany to inform him of the action taken withregard to the various aspects of this problem; and

"9. Reminds the Secretary-General and the variousgovernments, agencies and organizations concerned ofthe need for prompt action and positive measures inmeeting this problem."

9. Prisoners of War

The General Assembly at its fifth session (reso-lution 427(V)) established an Ad Hoc Commis-sion on Prisoners of War to seek a settlement ofthe question of prisoners taken in the SecondWorld War and not yet repatriated or accountedfor.

In accordance with this resolution, the Secre-tary-General addressed a note, dated 23 February1951, to governments, requesting information fromthose still having control over prisoners of war.He called on them to act in conformity with therecognized standards of international conduct andwith international agreements and conventions re-quiring that upon the cessation of active hostilitiesall prisoners be given, with the least possible de-lay, unrestricted opportunity of repatriation. Tothat end, he requested governments to publish andtransmit the names of prisoners still held by them,the reasons for and places of detention, as wellas the names of prisoners who had died, togetherwith details of their death and burial.

Also in terms of the resolution, the Secretary-General on 4 January 1951 addressed letters tothe President of the International Committee ofthe Red Cross and the Secretary-General of theLeague of Red Cross Societies, requesting thoseorganizations to proceed jointly in choosing thethree members of the Ad Hoc Commission onPrisoners of War. In a reply dated 12 January1951, the President of the International Commit-tee of the Red Cross stated that while the Com-mittee had done and was doing all in its powerto assist in the repatriation of the prisoners of war,


it had at all times to maintain its strictly neutraland impartial position and act only with the fullagreement of all of the States concerned. As anumber of Member States had opposed the reso-lution to establish the Commission, the Commit-tee was unable to participate in choosing its mem-bers. The Secretary-General, therefore, under thealternative terms of the resolution, named as mem-bers of the Commission: Countess Bernadotte,widow of the late United Nations Mediator inPalestine; Mr. J. G. Guerrero, Vice-President ofthe International Court of Justice; and Mr. AungKhine, Judge of the High Court of Burma. TheCommission held its first session in New Yorkfrom 30 July-15 August 1951. In view of thespecial character of the work entrusted to it, it de-cided to hold its sessions in private (A/AC.46/5).

At its first session, the Commission conducteda preliminary examination of the replies of 48governments (A/AC.46/1Add.1-7)176 to the Sec-retary-General's request for information and de-cided to request him to ask certain governmentsfor supplementary information. The Governmentsof Germany and Japan invited the Commissionto visit those countries for additional information,but the Commission decided it was preferable topostpone consideration of the invitations untilafter its second session and after the receipt offurther information.

The Commission decided that its essential taskwas to examine the question of prisoners of warfrom a purely humanitarian point of view and inclose collaboration with the governments directlyinterested. The Chairman was instructed by theCommission to acquaint all Members and non-members of the United Nations with its concep-tion of the basic character of its task and to in-vite all governments to co-operate fully with theCommission. The Chairman's letter of 8 August1951177 contained suggestions concerning theform of collaboration which might be developedbetween governments and the Commission. Thesesuggestions included: (a) transmission of any in-formation requested by the Commission from thegovernments concerned, to help the Commissionaccomplish its task; (b) transmission to the Com-mission of any suggestion within the frameworkof its mission; and (c) the establishment of directcontact with the governments concerned.

The Commission further decided to invite thegovernments concerned to establish contact withthe Ad Hoc Commission with a view to studyingjointly what solutions might be adopted and toinform them of the importance it attached to theirrepresentation at the second part of its session.The Commission adopted its report, (A/AC.46/-5) on 15 August. Its second session was fixedfor 21 January 1952.

N. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

1. Draft Convention on Freedom ofInformation

At its fifth session, the General Assembly, inresolution 426(V),178 appointed a committee offifteen members179 to prepare a draft Conventionon Freedom of Information, taking into considera-tion the various existing texts and the observa-tions contained in the summary records of themeetings of the Third Committee which haddealt with this question. The texts referred tothe Committee on the Draft Convention on Free-dom of Information were: the draft Convention onFreedom of Information approved by the UnitedNations Conference on Freedom of Information180;the text of the draft Convention on the Interna-tional Transmission of News and the Right ofCorrection adopted during the second part of thethird session of the General Assembly181 andarticle 14 of the provisional text of the draft firstInternational Covenant on Human Rights (E/-1371).

The Committee was asked to report to theCouncil at its thirteenth session and to submitrecommendations, in particular with regard to theadvisability of convening a conference of pleni-potentiaries with a view to the framing and signa-ture of a Convention on Freedom of Information.The Secretary-General was requested to submitto governments for their consideration the reportof the Committee and the draft Convention pre-pared by it. The General Assembly also recom-mended that the Economic and Social Council con-sider the Committee's recommendations and theobservations of governments at its thirteenth ses-sion and, if it thought fit, that it convene a con-

176 For subsequent replies received during 1951, seeA/AC.46/1/Add.8-28.

177 For text and replies received as of 14 December1951, see A/AC.46/7.

178 See Y.U.N. 1950, pp. 546-47.179 For Members, see pp. 36-37.180 For text, see Y.U.N., 1947-48, pp. 593-95.181 See Y.U.N., 1948-49, pp. 564-67.


ference of plenipotentiaries to complete and signthe convention.

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE ONTHE DRAFT CONVENTION

The Committee met from 15 January-7 Febru-ary 1951, and adopted a preamble and nineteenarticles of a draft Convention on Freedom ofInformation (A/AC.42/7), which was transmit-ted by the Secretary-General to governments fortheir comments, and, in particular, for their viewsregarding the convening of a conference of pleni-potentiaries. The Committee recommended to theCouncil that if, as it was to be hoped, the com-ments of governments allowed of it, a conferenceshould be convened with a view to the framingand opening for signature of a Convention onFreedom of Information.

In the course of its work, the Committee foundparticular difficulty in reaching an agreed text forarticle 2 of the draft Convention (containing alist of permissible limitations). It considered,inter alia, two amendments (A/AC.42/L.18/-Rev.1 & A//AC.42/L.22) which it believed raisedserious problems deserving thorough study in theinterests of good international relations. It real-ized, nevertheless, that the manner in which theamendments had been drafted made it impossibleto insert them in the draft Convention withoutopening the door to possible abuse. It thereforerequested the Secretary-General to prepare a re-port on the legal problems raised by the twoamendments, with a view to suggesting wordingconsistent with the form and spirit of the draftConvention. It asked him to transmit this reportto the Council at its thirteenth session and to theconference of plenipotentiaries.

While considering the draft Convention, theCommittee also adopted a resolution relating toan international code of ethics for informationpersonnel. It considered that those engaged inthe profession of information should design sucha code aimed at establishing standards of profes-sional conduct for all engaged in the gathering,transmission and dissemination of information andopinions. It further considered that the discussionhad made it evident that such a code of ethicswould promote the implementation of both theConvention on Freedom of Information and theConvention on the International Transmission ofNews and the Right of Correction. In view ofthe fact that, in accordance with Council resolu-tion 306 E (XI),182 a draft code had been com-municated to information enterprises and national

and professional associations for comment andsuggestions, and that many of them had indicatedtheir interest in it, the Committee strongly urgedthe Council to request the Sub-Commission onFreedom of Information and of the Press to com-plete its work on the draft international code ofethics at the earliest possible date, with a view toits being submitted to an international profes-sional conference for final formulation and accept-ance.

b, CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS THIRTEENTHSESSION

The report of the Committee on the DraftConvention (A/AC.42/7) was considered by theCouncil at its thirteenth session, at the 199th to204th meetings of its Social Committee, from 13—16 August, and at the Council's 531st plenarymeeting on 1 September 1951. Observations byeighteen Governments (E/2031 and Add.1-10)183

were before the Council, in addition to the legalstudy concerning the amendments to article 2 ofthe draft Convention (E/2046 and Add.1), whichthe Committee on the Draft Convention had re-quested the Secretary-General to prepare (seeabove).

The Council did not examine the draft Con-vention article by article, but discussed at somelength the question of convening a conference ofplenipotentiaries to revise and open for signaturethe draft Convention prepared by the Committee.

Some representatives, among them those ofCanada, China, Peru and the United Kingdom,expressed the view that the time for a conven-tion on freedom of information had not yet comeand that the conference should be called only ifits success could be assured. Others, including therepresentatives of Chile, France, India, Mexicoand the Philippines, argued that a large measureof agreement existed; it was also urged by theserepresentatives, as well as by those of Iran andUruguay, that failure to adopt the Conventionwould jeopardize the coming into force of theConvention on the International Transmission ofNews and the Right of Correction, that the adop-tion of a convention would have great moral force

1 8 2 See Y.U.N. 1950, p. 554.1 8 3 Australia, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burma, Ceylon, Den-

mark, Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan, India, Indo-nesia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,Sweden, USSR, United Kingdom, United States, Yugo-slavia.


and that it could serve as a weapon for those whowere struggling in defence of freedom of informa-tion. On the other hand, it was argued by therepresentatives of Belgium, Canada, Peru, theUnited Kingdom and the United States, amongothers, that the Convention, as drafted by theCommittee, was unsatisfactory and tended to re-strict rather than promote freedom of information.Special objections were raised by several repre-sentatives, including those of Belgium, Canada,Chile, Pakistan, the United States and Uruguay,regarding article 2, which contained a list of per-missible limitations, on the ground that it mightlead to abuse and restrictions. Another criticism,raised by the representatives of Czechoslovakia,Poland and the USSR, was that the Conventiondid not contain provisions designed to promotethe maintenance and strengthening of interna-tional peace and security or for counteractingNazi and fascist propaganda or combating thespread of false and distorted reports. It was alsoargued by the representative of Belgium, amongothers, that the Convention proclaimed principlesof freedom of information which were inferiorto actual conditions prevailing in several coun-tries. The representative of Canada suggested thatagreement should first be reached on the basicprinciples, which should be incorporated in theappropriate article of the Covenant on HumanRights.

Two possible programmes of action in the fieldof information which the, United Nations and thespecialized agencies, and the United Nations Ed-ucational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) in particular, might take, were putforward: one, by the representative of the UnitedStates at the 200th meeting of the Social Commit-tee, on 14 August, the other by the representativeof France at the 203rd meeting of the Committeeon 15 August (E/AC.7/L.104). These, however,were not examined in detail. Further, because theSocial Committee had decided not to discuss theConvention article by article, two proposals whichsought to amend the draft Convention, by Pakis-tan (E/AC.7/L.102) and by Uruguay (E/AC.7/-L.106), were not acted upon by the Committee.

The Social Committee, however, took actionon three other proposals:

The first, a draft resolution by the United States(E/AC.7/L.103), would have the Council appealto governments to safeguard the rights of foreigncorrespondents to gather and transmit news.

During the debate on the draft Convention,representatives made charges and counter-charges

that certain countries were violating the principleof freedom of information. The proposal con-tained in the United States draft resolution wascriticized by some representatives, including thoseof Czechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, on thegrounds that it would serve no useful purpose,as governments would not expel or punish cor-respondents who carried out their duties properly.Other representatives, including those of Belgium,Canada, Chile, France, India, Iran, Mexico, Peru,the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom andUruguay, supported the draft resolution on theground that it was desirable to reaffirm the prin-ciple of freedom of information. The draft reso-lution, with some drafting changes, was adopted,by the Social Committee, by a roll-call vote of13 to 3. It was adopted by the Council at its531st plenary meeting on 1 September 1951, by14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention, as resolution 387B (XIII) It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Recognizing freedom of information as one of the

fundamental freedoms referred to in the Charter, andthe high importance accorded in the Universal Declara-tion of Human Rights to the right to seek, receive andimpart information and ideas through any medium,regardless of frontiers,

"Desiring to implement the right of all peoples to befully informed,

"Conscious of the need of continually stressing thevital importance of safeguarding and developing thisessential freedom in order that all peoples may, by freelyexchanging information and ideas, come to understandone another, develop friendly relations among themselvesand achieve true international co-operation in solvingproblems of vital concern to all nations,

"1. Views with extreme concern all governmentalaction aimed at the systematic exclusion of bona fidecorrespondents, the imposition of arbitrary personalrestraints and the infliction of punishments upon suchcorrespondents solely because of their attempts faith-fully to perform their duties in gathering and transmit-ting news;

"2. Urges strongly that personal restraints be removedand sentences imposing arbitrary punishments berevoked; and

"3. Appeals to governments to do all within theirpower to safeguard the right of correspondents freelyand faithfully to gather and transmit news."

The second proposal on which the Council tookaction, a joint draft resolution by Canada, Peruand the United Kingdom (E/AC.7/L.105), wouldhave the Council decide not to convene a confer-ence of plenipotentiaries, as recommended by theCommittee on the Draft Convention, and wouldinform the General Assembly of this decision.

The joint draft resolution would state, in the pre-amble, that this action was being taken because theexistence of a wide divergence of views concerning the


restrictions and limitations which might legitimately beimposed on freedom of information rendered impossible,for the time being, the conclusion of a generally accept-able convention based on the draft prepared by theCommittee on the Draft Convention and on the observa-tions of governments.

The Social Committee rejected, by roll-call voteof 9 votes to 7, with 1 abstention, a French oralamendment, which would add that the decisionby the Council not to convene a plenipotentiaryconference was being conveyed to the GeneralAssembly "for such action as the General Assem-bly may deem necessary". A similiar proposal wasintroduced at the 531st plenary meeting of theCouncil on 1 September 1951, as a joint amend-ment by Chile, France, India and Mexico (E/-L.220), but this was later withdrawn by thesponsors.

The joint draft resolution by Canada, Peru andthe United Kingdom was adopted by the Com-mittee after some oral drafting changes by 11votes to none, with 6 abstentions.

It was adopted by the Council, at its 531stplenary meeting on 1 September 1951, by 10votes to 1, with 7 abstentions, as resolution 387 A(XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Having studied the report of the ad hoc Committee

appointed by the General Assembly at its fifth session toprepare a draft convention on freedom of information,and the observations of governments thereon,

"Considering the existence of a wide divergence ofviews on this subject,

"Having decided not to convene a plenipotentiaryconference,

"Transmits this decision to the General Assemblytogether with the records of the discussion which tookplace at the thirteenth session of the Council on thereport of the Committee on the Draft Convention onFreedom of Information."

The third proposal, a joint draft resolution byFrance, India and Mexico (E/AC.7/L.101), wouldrequest the Secretary-General, in pursuance of therecommendation of the Committee on the DraftConvention on Freedom of Information, to con-vene a conference of plenipotentiaries with aview to framing and opening for signature of aConvention on Freedom of Information. The jointdraft resolution was rejected by the Social Com-mittee, on a roll-call vote, by 10 votes to 7.

c. CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERALASSEMBLY AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

At its sixth session, the General Assembly con-sidered the question during its discussion of Chap-ter V (Human Rights) of the report of the Eco-nomic and Social Council (A/1884), at the 412thto 417th meetings of its Third Committee, from

30 January-2 February, and at its 373rd and 374thplenary meetings on 4 February 1952. The Assem-bly considered the Council's decision regardingthe future of the Sub-Commission on Freedom ofInformation and of the Press (see below) as wellas the question of the draft Convention.

The Third Committee had before it a jointdraft resolution submitted by Chile, Egypt, France,India, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines and Yu-goslavia (A/C.3/L.227/Rev.1) suggesting thatthe General Assembly, after expressing regret athaving been unable at the sixth session to arrangefor a detailed discussion of the problems of free-dom of information and especially for a study ofthe draft Convention, should decide to place theconsideration of those problems on the agendafor its seventh session, and to give it priority.

The draft resolution was introduced by the rep-resentative of France, who stressed the urgency ofquestions connected with freedom of informationand suggested that a small group of eminent in-ternational authorities should be asked to studythe situation with regard to the application offreedom of information throughout the world.

The representatives of Afghanistan, Brazil, Can-ada, Denmark, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Norway,Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates indicated their support of the draft resolu-tion, while expressing regret that the Third Com-mittee had been unable, for lack of time, to havean exhaustive discussion at the sixth session ofthe General Assembly. It was stated by the repre-sentative of the Philippines that, if the GeneralAssembly did not take appropriate action at itsseventh session, there would be no hope of achiev-ing a convention.

The representatives of Afghanistan, Australia,India, Iraq and Peru, among others, warned againstexcessive optimism as to the effects of a conven-tion, which, alone, could not provide a solutionfor the problem of freedom of information. Theyalso pointed to the need for limitations on theexercise of that right. Some representatives, in-cluding those of the Byelorussian SSR, Czecho-slovakia, Poland, Syria, the Ukrainian SSR, theUSSR and Uruguay considered that the draft res-olution was unacceptable and that the Committeeshould request the Council to convene the con-ference of plenipotentiaries and so carry throughthe task which had been assigned to it.

Several representatives, including those of Bra-zil, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, the United States andYugoslavia, referred to Council resolution 387 B(XIII), concerning the status of foreign corres-


pendents and strongly supported its recommenda-tion and appeal. Cases of violation of the free-dom of the Press were mentioned in that con-nexion.

The representatives of Australia, Belgium, Can-ada, China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdomand United States were among those who citedas an example, among others, the case of theAmerican journalist, William Oatis, who, afterbeing accused of espionage, had been imprisonedand sentenced by the Czechoslovak authorities.They maintained that William Oatis had merelybeen engaged in the normal exercise of his pro-fession of journalist and that his case constituteda flagrant violation of the right of freedom ofthe Press.

The representative of Czechoslovakia, supportedby the representative of the Byelorussian SSR, Po-land, the Ukrainian SSR and the USSR, statedthat, in the Oatis case, the laws in force in Czecho-slovakia had been applied in the regular way;that sentence had been pronounced in strict appli-cation of those laws; that the crime of espionagehad been amply proved; and that, furthermore,the charges brought against his country constitutedgross interference in the domestic affairs of aState Member of the United Nations.

At the end of the general discussion in theThird Committee, the Committee had before itthe following amendments to the joint draft reso-lution (A/C.3/L.227/Rev.1):

(1) An amendment by Ecuador and Uruguay (A/-C.3/L.239), to insert a reaffirmation of the Assembly'swish that the exercise of the right of freedom of opinionand expression of thought should be strengthened in allcountries.

(2) An amendment by Afghanistan (A/C.3/L.242/-Rev.1) to the amendment of Ecuador and Uruguay, toadd a reference to the encouragement and observance ofthe principle of the right of reply and correction.

(3) An amendment by the USSR (A/C.3/L.243)to the amendment of Ecuador and Uruguay, for theaddition of a proviso that freedom of speech and ofthe Press should not be exploited for war propaganda,for the incitement of hatred among the peoples, forracial discrimination and for the dissemination of slan-derous rumours.

(4) A joint amendment by Aghanistan, Indonesia,Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen (A/-C.3/L.244) to the amendment of Ecuador and Uruguay,to add at the end of the text a reference to Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories.

The Committee also had before it:A joint draft procedural resolution by the Dominican

Republic, Egypt, India, Mexico, the Philippines, theUnited States and Venezuela (A/C.3/L.245), to post-pone until the seventh session of the Assembly consider-ation of the points raised in the amendment by Afghanis-tan (A/C.3/L.242/Rev.1) and in the amendment by

the USSR (A/C.3/L.243), both of which had beenproposed as amendments to the amendment by Ecuadorand Uruguay (A/C.3/L.239).

The representative of Afghanistan pointed outthat, in the form in which it had been presented,the joint draft procedural resolution did not con-tain a statement of reasons. A revised text (A/-C.3/L.245/Rev.1) was submitted, containing apreamble to the effect that, owing to lack of time,the amendments by Afghanistan and by the USSRcould not be given the consideration that theydeserved at the sixth session of the Assembly.

The representative of the USSR questioned whytwo of the amendments submitted to the Com-mittee were mentioned in this text while otherswere not. The representatives of the DominicanRepublic, Egypt, India, Mexico, the Philippines,the United States and Venezuela, however, feltthat the joint amendments of Ecuador and Uru-guay (A/C.3/L.239) and of Afghanistan, Indo-nesia, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria andYemen (A/C.3/L.244) contained only statementsof generally accepted principles, and could there-fore be adopted by the Committee without anyneed for a long debate. They considered that onlythe amendments by Afghanistan and by the USSRshould be mentioned in the joint draft proceduralresolution (A/C.3/L.245/Rev.1).

The representative of Mexico, however, one ofthe co-sponsors of the joint draft procedural reso-lution (A/C.3/L.245/Rev.1), supported by therepresentative of Egypt, proposed that referenceshould be made in it to all amendments whichhad been submitted to the original draft resolution(A/C.3/L.227/Rev.1). A vote was taken by roll-call on the mention of each amendment in thejoint draft procedural resolution. Voting was asfollows:

(1) Inclusion of a reference to the amendmentby Ecuador and Uruguay (A/C.3/L.239) —adopted by 29 votes to 12, with 9 abstentions.

(2) Inclusion of a reference to the jointamendment by Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Pak-istan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen (A/C.3/-L.244)—adopted by 35 votes to 1, with 14 ab-stentions.

(3) Inclusion of a reference to the amend-ment by Afghanistan (A/C.3/L.242/Rev.1) to theamendment of Ecuador and Uruguay—adopted by38 votes to none, with 2 abstentions.

(4) Inclusion of a reference to the amendmentby the USSR (A/C.3/L.243) to the amendmentby Ecuador and Uruguay—adopted by 36 votesto none, with 14 abstentions.


The joint draft procedural resolution, thusamended (A/C.3/L.245/Rev.1), was approved bythe Committee by 37 votes to 1, with 13 absten-tions.

By the adoption of this resolution, the Commit-tee decided to refer to the seventh session of theGeneral Assembly the various amendments to thejoint draft resolution by Chile, Egypt, France,India, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines and Yu-goslavia (A/C.3/L.227/Rev.1).

The Committee then adopted, after a series ofvotes on parts ranging from 45 to none, with 5abstentions, to 26 to 11, with 12 abstentions, thejoint draft resolution as a whole by 38 votes to 5,with 5 abstentions.

At the 373rd plenary meeting of the GeneralAssembly on 4 February, the representatives ofEcuador, Syria and Uruguay opposed postponingconsideration of questions of freedom of infor-mation as recommended by the Committee.

At its 374th plenary meeting on 4 February1952, the General Assembly, by 38 votes to 2,with 12 abstentions, and by 44 votes to none, with9 abstentions, respectively, adopted, as resolution541 A and B (VI), the two resolutions recom-mended by the Committee (A/2111 and Corr.1).They read:

A

"The General Assembly,"Recognizing that the consideration that they deserve

cannot be given at the sixth regular session to thecontents of documents A/C.3/L.239, A/C.3/L.244, A/-C.3/L.242/Rev.1 and A/C.3/L.243,

"Decides to postpone until its seventh regular sessionconsideration of the points raised in those documentsrelating to questions of freedom of information.

B

"The General Assembly,"Regretting that the progress of the proceedings at

its sixth regular session does not allow it to devote adetailed discussion to the problems of freedom ofinformation, and especially to the study of the draftconvention on freedom of information,

"Decides to place consideration of all these problemson the provisional agenda of its seventh regular sessionfor early discussion."

2. Sub-Commission on Freedom ofInformation and of the Press

The Council also considered the future of theSub-Commission on Freedom of Information andof the Press. At its twelfth session, at the 466thplenary meeting on 13 March 1951, it decidedto defer until its thirteenth session the questionof holding a session of the Sub-Commission in1951.

At its thirteenth session, in reviewing the organ-ization and operation of the Council and its Com-missions, the Council, at its 557th plenary meetingon 18 September, decided, inter alia, (resolution414 B I (XIII)) to continue the Sub-Commissionon Freedom of Information and of the Press inorder to enable it, at a final session convened forthis purpose when the Secretary-General was inpossession of all the necessary documentation, tocomplete its work on the draft international codeof ethics for journalists.

The Third Committee of the General Assemblyalso considered this question but made no specificrecommendation in this connexion to the Assem-bly.184

O. STATUS OF WOMEN

The Commission on the Status of Women, atits fifth session, held from 30 April-14 May 1951,discussed, among other things, the political rightsof women; the nationality of married women; thestatus of women in public law; the status ofwomen in private law; educational opportunitiesfor women; equal pay for equal work for menand women workers; the status of nurses; theproblem, of Greek mothers whose children havenot been repatriated; the report of the Secretary-General on the plight of survivors of Nazi con-centration camps; the participation of women inthe work of the United Nations; the report ofthe Inter-American Commission of Women on its

achievements during the year (E/CN.6/171);communications concerning the status of women;and the programme of future work of the Com-mission.

The report of the Commission (E/1997 &Corr.1) was discussed by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its thirteenth session, at the 192nd to197th meetings of its Social Committee, from 6-8August, and at the 522nd plenary meeting on 27August 1951. The action of the Commission andthe Council on the above items is given below.

184 See pp. 63-64.


1. Political Rights of Women

The Commission discussed the question of thepolitical rights of women under five headings:

(1) the report of the Secretary-General relating tothe political rights of women (A/1342); (2) consider-ation of a draft convention on the political rights ofwomen; (3) study of information on programmes ofpolitical education for women; (4) advisory servicesfor the improvement of the status of women; and (5)information concerning the status of women in TrustTerritories.

The Commission had before it the Secretary-General's annual report on constitutions, electorallaws and other legal instruments relating to thefranchise of women and their eligibility to publicoffices and functions (A/1342). The Commissionwas also informed that since its fourth sessionthe women of Greece had participated in largenumbers in the recent municipal elections; andthat the new Constitution of Haiti recognized theprinciple of full political rights for women andprovided for the exercise of such rights by womenwithin three years after the next general municipalelections. The Commission expressed appreciationof further progress made in the field of politicalrights for women but made no recommendationon this point.

The Commission also had before it a draft Con-vention on the political rights of women (E/-CN.6/160), prepared by the Secretary-General asrequested by the Commission at its fourth ses-sion.185 Several members of the Commissionthought that a convention on political rights forwomen drawn up under the auspices of the UnitedNations would constitute the most effectivemethod of promoting those rights in countrieswhich still do not extend full political rights towomen. They noted the opinions expressed bymembers of the Council during its eleventh ses-sion,186 but felt that the Commission should main-tain its previous decision on the need for a con-vention. They emphasized that to obtain satisfac-tory results it was necessary to utilize all meansto promote equality in the enjoyment of politicalrights.

The Commission proposed that the Counciladopt a resolution recommending that a conven-tion on the political rights of women be openedfor signature and ratification by Member Statesand such other States as would be invited by theGeneral Assembly, and proposed a draft Conven-tion to that effect (E/1997). It contained threearticles providing that:

(1) women shall be entitled to vote in all electionson the same conditions as men; (2) women shall be

eligible for election to all publicly elected bodies estab-lished by national law, on the same conditions as men;(3) women shall be entitled to hold public office andto exercise all public functions established by nationallaw, on the same conditions as men.

The Council discussed this recommendation atthe 192nd to 194th meetings of its Social Com-mittee on 6 and 7 August and at its 522nd plenarymeeting on 27 August 1951. Most representativeswere in favour of the principle of a convention.During the discussion, however, an amendmentwas introduced by the United States (E/AC.7/-L.92 & Rev.1) which sought to have the text ofthe Convention, as drafted by the Commission,referred first to Member States to allow them anopportunity of expressing their views. Broadlyspeaking, the United States amendment was sup-ported by the representatives of Belgium, Canada,China, France, India, Peru, Sweden, the UnitedKingdom and Uruguay. The representatives ofChile, Pakistan and the Philippines, however, feltthat, in order to expedite the matter, the draftConvention should be presented directly to theGeneral Assembly at its sixth session. The repre-sentatives of Czechoslovakia, Poland and theUSSR opposed both suggestions and felt that thedraft Convention was neither adequate nor serveda useful purpose.

A further amendment by Pakistan (E/AC.7/-L.97 & Rev.1) sought to redraft the United Statesamendment and the representative of the UnitedStates withdrew his text in favour of that of Pak-istan. This text was adopted by the Social Com-mittee (E/2072), at its 194th meeting on 7 Aug-ust, and by the Council, at its 522nd plenarymeeting on 27 August, by 11 votes to 1, with 5abstentions.

This resolution, 385 B (XIII), after noting therecommendation of the Commission that a con-vention on the political rights of women beopened for signature by interested States, and de-siring to expedite by every appropriate means, inaccordance with General Assembly resolution 56(I),187 the extension to women in all countries ofequal political rights with men, requested theSecretary-General to circulate to Member Govern-ments the text of the draft Convention for com-ments and suggestions as to the best manner ofgiving effect to the principles underlying it. Theresolution further requested that such commentsand suggestions be sent to the Secretary-Generalby 1 January 1952, to be made available to the

185 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 557.186 See Y.U.N., 1950. p. 558.

187 See Y.U.N., 1946-47, p. 179.


Commission on the Status of Women for consid-eration at its sixth session.

The Commission also had before it a draftpamphlet on the political education of women(E/CN.6/168) prepared by the Secretary-Generalin pursuance of Council resolution 304 C(XI).188 Several members of the Commissioncommended the draft pamphlet, while othersdoubted whether, as drafted, it fulfilled the pur-pose the Commission had envisaged. A draft reso-lution proposed by the Commission (E/1997),with the addition of a French oral amendment,was adopted by the Council's Social Committee(E/2072) by 13 votes to none with 4 abstentions.The amendment, which was adopted by the Com-mittee by 13 votes to none, with 4 abstentions,provided that the Secretary-General should consultwith UNESCO in amending the draft. Theamended resolution was adopted by the Councilat its 522nd plenary meeting on 27 August, with-out discussion, by 14 votes to none, with 3 ab-stentions.

In its resolution (385 C (XIII)), the Councilinvited the Secretary-General to amend the draftin consultation with UNESCO, taking into ac-count observations made by members of the Com-mission, to circulate the revised draft to thosemembers, and, having received their comments, toprepare a final text for dissemination on a widebasis. The resolution also suggested to UNESCOthat it take this pamphlet into account in prepa-ration of further publications to serve as educa-tional and cultural instruments in preparingwomen for the proper exercise of their politicalrights. The pamphlet, as revised, was published in1951 (ST/SOA/6).189

In discussing the question of advisory services,members of the Commission emphasized thatactivities designed to improve the status of womenshould be included in the United Nations advisoryservices and training programmes, so that govern-ments might take advantage of experience gainedin other countries in the planning of their owncampaigns to eliminate discrimination againstwomen. The Commission's recommendation to thiseffect was adopted unanimously and without dis-cussion by both the Council's Social Committee,at its 193rd meeting on 6 August, and by theCouncil, at its 522nd plenary meeting on 27August, (resolution 385 D (XIII)).

It noted that advisory services rendered by theUnited Nations to governments, on request, mightinclude assistance in the field of human rights with-out distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,

and that the Secretary-General, in his memoran-dum (E/1900), had suggested that advisory ser-vices in this field might be made available to assistin improving the status of women. It also drewthe attention of governments to the provisions forthe advisory services programmes so that theymight avail themselves of these services for theabove purpose.

In considering the status of women in TrustTerritories, the Commission had before it a reportprepared by the Secretary-General (E/CN.6/163)on the basis of the annual reports submitted by theAdministering Authorities. It was agreed by theCommission that the status of women in TrustTerritories was generally lower than that of men,and that it might promote the improvement ofthis situation if women were appointed as mem-bers of the Visiting Missions to such Territories.The Commission therefore requested the Councilto adopt a resolution inviting Member States tonominate, and the Trusteeship Council to appoint,women to serve as members of Visiting Missions(E/1997).

The Social Committee, at its 193rd meeting on6 August, by 16 votes to none with 1 abstention,and the Council, at its 522nd plenary meeting on27 August, unanimously adopted this resolutionas resolution 385 E (XIII) with a drafting amend-ment by the Philippines to provide that the Trust-eeship Council be invited to "consider appointing"women to such missions.

2. Nationality of Married Women

The Commission, at its fourth session, hadrecommended that an international convention onthe nationality of married women, embodying cer-tain principles which it had outlined, be draftedas soon as possible. It also recalled that the Council,at its eleventh session, had endorsed this recom-mendation in resolution 304 D (XI)190 and hadproposed to the International Law Commissionthat it undertake as soon as possible the draftingof a convention embodying these principles. TheInternational Law Commission had stated that itwould undertake this work as soon as possible inconnexion with the subject of nationality includingstatelessness (E/1786).

At its fifth session, the Commission on theStatus of Women noted that the drafting of the

1 8 8 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 558.1 8 9 Political Education of Women: U.N.P., Sales No.:1951. IV. 8.1 9 0 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 559.

516 Yearbook of the United

proposed convention had not been included in theprovisional agenda of the 1951 session of theInternational Law Commission. In view of thehardships which conflicting nationality laws cre-ated for married women, members felt that anearly solution of this problem was desirable andit recommended that the Council ask the Inter-national Law Commission to undertake to draftthis convention in 1952.

The Commission's draft resolution to this effectwas considered by the Social Committee at its193rd and 194th meetings on 6 and 7 August.During the discussion, the Committee was inform-ed that the International Law Commission haddecided to put the question of nationality on its1952 agenda and that a special rapporteur hadbeen appointed to present a report, including thequestion of the nationality of married women, atthe next session of the Commission, to be heldin May 1952.

Following consideration of the form of the draftresolution and drafting amendments, the Commit-tee adopted, at its 194th meeting by 14 votes tonone, with 3 abstentions, a resolution which was,in turn, adopted by the Council, without discus-sion, by 14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, at its522nd plenary meeting on 27 August.

This resolution (385 F (XIII)) noted withappreciation the fact that the International LawCommission had decided to put the question onits agenda for 1952, and expressed the hope thanit would endeavour to complete the drafting ofthe convention as soon as practicable.

3. Status of Women in Public LawThe Secretary-General submitted to the Com-

mission reports on women in public services andfunctions (including civil service, jury, militaryand labour service) in independent countries andin Non-Self-Governing Territories; reports on civilliberties for women; and reports on fiscal laws asthey affect women (E/CN.6/156-159).

Discussion in the Commission centred mainlyon the subject of women in public services andfunctions. It was noted that legislation in manycountries still discriminated against women—married women in particular—with respect totheir employment in the civil service, often debar-ring them from such employment, or permittingit on a temporary basis only. Some members statedthat certain information on which the reportswere based was now out of date owing to newlaws passed since governments had submitted their

replies to the Questionnaire on the Legal Statusand Treatment of Women. A draft resolutionrecommended by the Commission (see below)would, among other things, have the Council ex-press the hope that those Member States whichdiscriminated against married women with respectto employment in the public services would takesteps to remove such discrimination.

The question was discussed by the Council atthe 194th meeting of the Social Committee on7 August and at the 522nd plenary meeting ofthe Council on 27 August 1951.

In the Social Committee, the representative ofIndia, expressing his support for the draft resolu-tion, proposed an oral amendment. He said that,since it was possible to visualize a situation inwhich practical difficulties would make it impos-sible to remove all discrimination in connexionwith the employment of married women in publicservices, the Council should express the hope thatMember States would take steps "as far as pos-sible" to remove discrimination. The Indianamendment was adopted without further discus-sion by 6 votes to 2, with 8 abstentions, but, atthe request of the representative of Chile, a separ-ate vote was taken on the paragraph as amended.The paragraph as amended was adopted by 13votes to 1, with 3 abstentions, by the Committee,which then adopted the amended draft resolutionas a whole by 13 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.At its 522nd plenary meeting on 27 August, theCouncil adopted the resolution by 16 votes tonone, with 1 abstention, as its resolution 385 G(XIII).

In this resolution the Council invited MemberStates to forward to the Secretary-General addi-tional information with respect to women inpublic services and functions, and to civil libertiesfor women. It also requested the Secretary-Generalto prepare a supplementary, report for the sixthsession of the Commission. The resolution alsoexpressed the hope that the obstacles to theappointment of women to public services andfunctions which still exist in some countries wouldbe eliminated as soon as possible; and that thoseMember States which discriminated against mar-ried women with respect to employment in thepublic services would, as far as possible, take stepsto remove such discrimination.

4. Status of Women in Private Law

When it considered the status of women inprivate law, the Commission had before it pre-


liminary reports submitted by the Secretary-Gen-eral on family law and on property rights and areport on the status of women in Non-Self-Gov-erning Territories (E/CN.6/159, 165 & 166).

Members of the Commission expressed the opi-nion that these reports showed that discriminationagainst women continued to exist in the field ofprivate law. They felt, however, that further studiesbased on replies of Member Governments to partsIII and II of the Questionnaire (due by 31December 1951 and 30 June 1952 respectively)were necessary. The opinion was also expressedthat non-governmental organizations should beconsulted. Accordingly, the Commission asked theSecretary-General (E/1997) to circulate to non-governmental organizations a list of questions con-cerning family law and property rights, requestingtheir advice as to the changes which they con-sidered desirable in existing legislation in order toeliminate discrimination against women. He wasasked to circulate the replies to members of theCommission at least two months before the sixthsession; to prepare for that session a report, basedon the replies of Governments to part III (Familylaw) of the Questionnaire on the Legal Status andTreatment of Women and supplementary inform-ation from other sources; and to prepare a com-parative analysis of the information obtained withrespect to the matters covered under section I(Personal Relation of Spouses) and section II(Relations between Parents and Children) ofChapter III of the preliminary report of theSecretary-General on the Status of Women inFamily Law (E/CN.6/165).

5. Educational Opportunities forWomen

The Commission had before it a report preparedby UNESCO (E/CN.6/170), which outlinedUNESCO's activities and plans with regard to theeducation of women, and contained statistical datasupplementing that presented to the Commissionat its fourth session (E/CN.6/146 & 155). TheCommission also heard a statement by the repre-sentative of UNESCO, on the programme of workprepared for the UNESCO General Conference inconnexion with this subject, including plans for aconference on public education dealing mainlywith educational opportunities for women, and aseminar on advancing human rights through edu-cation. A statement was also made by the repre-sentative of the International Labour Organisationon vocational training for women.

The Commission adopted a resolution expres-sing its appreciation to UNESCO for its continuedassistance in the study of educational opportunitiesfor women and girls. It also noted that UNESCOwould include, in its long-term programme onbehalf of free and compulsory education, a specialstudy of educational opportunities for women; andthat, in its programme of fundamental education,it was making use of techniques designed to over-come the obstacles and prejudices which retardwomen's education. The Commission then request-ed the Secretary-General to continue collaborationwith the Director-General of UNESCO on thosequestions and to report to the next session of theCommission on the progress of the UNESCOprogrammes in so far as they are related to thework of the Commission (E/1997).

6. Equal Pay for Equal Work forMen and Women Workers

The Commission had before it a report pre-pared by the Secretary-General (E/CN.6/169)summarizing the proceedings of and the actiontaken by the International Labour Conference atits 33rd session on the question of equal pay forequal work. It also heard the representative ofthe International Labour Organisation (ILO), whodescribed the action already taken and outlinedthe further action planned by ILO in this field.

The Commission adopted a resolution regrettingthat women workers in the majority of countriesstill suffered discrimination in regard to equal payfor equal work; it noted the valuable work thatILO had already accomplished and its plan to takefinal action at its 1951 Conference on proposals toimplement the principle of equal pay for equalwork; and expressed the hope that all elements inthe delegations of member States to the Interna-tional Labour Conference would co-operate so asto give effect to the principle of equal pay forequal work.

The Commission recommended that the Counciladopt a resolution which, after recalling the prin-ciple of equal rights for men and women em-bodied in the Charter of the United Nations andin the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,and the terms of Council resolution 121 (VI),191

noted that States members of ILO had undertakento act promptly on the decisions of the ILOConference, and urged Member States which arenot members of ILO also to take such measures as

191 See Y.U.N., 1947-48, p. 606.


might be required to give effect to the principle ofequal pay for equal work.

The Council considered this question at the194th to 196th meetings of its Social Committeeon 7 and 8 August and at its 522nd plenary meet-ing on 27 August 1951. It was informed by therepresentative of ILO of the adoption by theInternational Labour Conference, at its 34th ses-sion in June 1951, of a Convention calling ingeneral terms for the implementation of the prin-ciple of equal remuneration for men and womenworkers engaged on work of equal value, and ofa supplementary recommendation covering me-thods of application.

During the discussion, the majority of repre-sentatives expressed support for the recommenda-tion of the Commission although they also madecertain reservations. The representatives of Polandand the USSR, among others, while expressingtheir support of the Commission's recommenda-tion, felt that the resolution did not go far enoughand that there was a need to prosecute with fargreater vigour the introduction of measures forthe universal realization of the principle of equalpay for equal work. Representatives discussed atlength the terminology used in the Commission'srecommendation and a number of drafting amend-ments were suggested.

The Social Committee voted on only one ofthese amendments, an amendment by Belgium(E/AC.7/L.99), which would have the Councilnote the action taken by ILO and especially itsadoption of a convention on equal pay for equalwork, and would urge Member States to take or"to promote such legislative or other measures" aswere necessary to give effect to this principle. Insubmitting this amendment, which was supportedby the representative of Chile, the representativeof Belgium expressed the view that governmentscould not, by legislative measures, make the prin-ciple of equal pay obligatory, but that they couldbe asked to promote such a principle. This amend-ment was opposed by the representatives ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, amongothers, on the ground that the principle should beunequivocally stated and that the proposed changeof terminology weakened the draft resolution. TheCommittee, however, adopted the amendment by14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, and theamended draft resolution as a whole by 12 votesto none, with 5 abstentions, at its 196th meetingon 8 August. It was adopted in turn by theCouncil, at its 522nd plenary meeting on 27

August 1951, by 12 votes to none, with 5 absten-tions as resolution 385 H (XIII).

By this resolution, the Council recalled that theprinciple of equal rights for men and women isembodied in the Charter and the Universal Declar-ation of Human Rights; that the principle ofequal pay for equal work is laid down in theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights; that theCouncil adopted resolution 121 (VI) of 10 March1948 approving "the principle of equal remunera-tion for work of equal value for men and womenworkers".

In the resolution the Council also noted theaction taken by ILO, especially the adoption, at its34th session, of a Convention to give effect to theprinciple of equal pay for equal work, and notedalso that the States members of ILO had under-taken to act promptly on decisions of the Inter-national Labour Conference.

The Council urged Member States which arenot members of ILO to take or promote suchlegislative or other measures as may be required togive effect to the principle of equal pay for equalwork.

7. Status of Nurses

This item was placed on the agenda of the fifthsession of the Commission on the Status ofWomen at the request of the World HealthOrganization (WHO), in accordance with article3 of the Agreement between the United Nationsand WHO. The Commission had before it thereport of the first session of WHO's Expert Com-mittee on Nursing (E/CN.6/162). The repre-sentative of WHO emphasized the importance ofraising the status of the nursing profession as ameans of improving the status of women generallyand stated that WHO was now working on prob-lems in connexion with the recruitment and train-ing of nurses.

The Commission adopted a resolution expres-sing its thanks to WHO and to its Expert Com-mittee on Nursing for transmitting the report ofnurses which it hoped would be given the widestpossible publicity. The resolution recorded thebelief of the Commission that measures to improvethe status of nurses would improve the status ofwomen generally, and it requested the Secretary-General to draw the attention of Member States tothe importance of ensuring wider recognition ofthe professional status of nurses and legal protec-tion for this status. It also recommended to non-


governmental organizations that they give theirco-operation to governments and professional asso-ciations of nurses for these purposes.

The Council noted the requests and recommen-dation of the Commission (E/2072) at the 195thmeeting of the Social Committee on 7 August1951 and adopted a United Kingdom proposalthat it be placed on record that the Council hadno objection to the action proposed in the Com-mission's resolution.

8. Participation of Women in theWork of the United Nations

The Commission had before it a report by theSecretary-General on the nature and proportion ofpositions occupied by women and the conditionsof employment of women in the United NationsSecretariat (E/CN.6/167).

In the course of the discussion it was observedthat the Commission had dealt with the questionat previous sessions and that account had beengenerally taken of the recommendations of theCommission. Discrimination in allowances towomen members of the Secretariat, as comparedwith allowances to men, had been eliminated asa result of new staff rules adopted since the fourthsession of the Commission. It was felt, however,that the number of women in policy-making posi-tions in the Secretariat was still too low.

The Commission unanimously adopted a resolu-tion urging the Secretary-General to continue toappoint women to senior positions in the Secre-tariat of the United Nations as envisaged inArticle 8192 of the Charter and to bring his reportup to date for the next session of the Commission.It also requested the Secretary-General to invitethe specialized agencies to co-operate by supplyinginformation on the number and proportion ofwomen employed in their secretariats and onqualifications required for professional positions,this information to be presented to the Commis-sion at its next session.

This resolution of the Commission was discus-sed by the Social Committee of the Economic andSocial Council at its 195th meeting on 7 August1951. Several representatives, among them thoseof Canada, Sweden and the United States, expres-sed concern as to the wording of the resolutionwhich they felt might be construed as interferencewith the discretion of the Secretary-General who,as the chief executive officer of the United Nations,should be free to appoint the best persons avail-

able. This view was not shared by the representa-tive of Chile, who felt that it was the duty of theCouncil to meet the problem of the participationof women in the Secretariat. The representative ofSweden, who was supported by the representativesof Belgium and France, submitted an oral pro-posal that the Committee take no action on thedraft resolution and this proposal was adopted bythe Committee by 9 votes to 5, with 4 abstentions.

9. Problem of Greek Mothers WhoseChildren Have Not Been Repatriated

A resolution adopted by the Commission at itsfourth session on the problem of Greek motherswhose children have not been repatriated wastransmitted to the General Assembly by Councilresolution 304 H (XI).193 The question was notplaced on the provisional agenda for the fifth ses-sion of the Commission, but was included in theagenda as adopted because members of the Com-mission wished to be informed of the currentposition in order to take further action if theythought fit.

The steps which the Secretary-General had takenin implementation of the Commission's resolution,including consultation with the International RedCross on ways of settling the problem, wereoutlined.

The Commission adopted a resolution in whichit expressed its grave concern for the continuanceof the situation and its deep sympathy with theGreek mothers who had been deprived of theirchildren more than three years ago. It affirmed itsconfidence that the Secretary-General and theStanding Committee established by General As-sembly resolution 382 C (V) 1 9 4 would submit tothe General Assembly the urgent necessity forfinding more effective ways for the early return ofthe Greek children (E/1997).

10. Communications Concerning theStatus of Women

In accordance with Council resolution 76 (V)as amended by resolution 304 I (XI)195 to bringthe procedure for dealing with communications

192 Article 8 provides that "the United Nations shallplace no restrictions on the eligibility of men and womento participate in any capacity and under conditions ofequality in its principal and subsidiary organs."

193

194 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 381.195 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 562-3.

See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 562.


concerning the status of women into line withthat governing communications concerning humanrights, two lists of such communications, a non-confidential (E/CN.4/CR.4) and a confidentiallist, were prepared by the Secretary-General. TheCommission took note of both lists.

11. Other Matters Considered by theEconomic and Social Council

The Council also had before it a draft resolutionby the USSR (E/AC.7/L.196) that the Commis-sion should consider, at its next session, the pro-posal made at the Commission's fifth session bythe Women's International Democratic Federation,with a view to preparing recommendations on theaction to be taken by the bodies of the UnitedNations to facilitate the active participation ofwomen in the struggle for peace.

Support for the USSR draft resolution was ex-pressed by the representatives of Czechoslovakiaand Poland. Other representatives, including thoseof Belgium, Chile, China, France, Pakistan, thePhilippines, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates, opposed the resolution, and charges andcounter-charges were made during the discussion.At the 197th meeting on 8 August, a proposal by

the United States that the Council take no actionin respect of the matter was adopted by 14 votesto 3. At the 522nd plenary meeting of the Councilon 27 August, however, the representative of theUSSR again introduced the draft resolution (E/-L.209), when representatives repeated the standthey had taken in the Social Committee. TheCouncil adopted, by roll-call vote of 15 to 3, aproposal by the United Kingdom that no action betaken in the matter. The voting was as follows:

In favour: Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France,India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Sweden,United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

Against: Czechoslovakia, Poland, USSR.

At the same meeting the Council also unanim-ously adopted resolution 385 A (XIII), in whichit formally took note of the report of the Com-mission.

The Council, by resolution 414 B.I.(g) (XIII)decided that sessions of the Commission should beheld once every two years, unless special circum-stances should lead the Secretary-General to makeother proposals in this respect, providing theseproposals were approved by the Council. TheGeneral Assembly, however, in resolution 532(VI) requested the Council to reconsider thisresolution with a view to continuing to convenethe Commission for one session every year.196

P. REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS

1. Status of Refugees and StatelessPersons

a. CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUSOF REFUGEES

In accordance with General Assembly resolution429(V) of 14 December 1950, a Conference ofPlenipotentiaries met in Geneva from 2-25 July1951 to consider the draft Convention relating tothe Status of Refugees and the draft Protocolrelating to the Status of Stateless Persons. TheConference was attended by representatives of thefollowing 26 States: Australia, Austria, Belgium,Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, France,the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, theHoly See, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco,the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland(the Swiss delegation also represented Liechten-stein), Turkey, the United Kingdom, the UnitedStates, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. Cuba and Iranwere represented by observers.

The Conference used as the basis of its discus-sions the draft Convention relating to the Statusof Refugees and the draft Protocol relating to theStatus of Stateless Persons prepared by the AdHoc Committee on Refugees and Stateless Personsat its second session in August 1950, with theexception of the preamble and article 1 of thedraft Convention. The text of the preamble beforethe Conference was that which was adopted bythe Economic and Social Council on 11 August1950 (319 B II(XI)) . The text of article 1,which defines the term "refugee", was that recom-mended by the General Assembly on 14 Decemberand annexed to resolution 429(V).197

The final text of the Convention (A/CONF.2/-108),198 adopted by 24 votes to none, with noabstentions, on 25 July 1951, follows the text of thedraft Convention, although certain amendmentswere introduced.

196 See p. 65.197 For these texts, see Y.U.N.. 1950, pp. 369 ff.

198 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951.IV.4.


New articles introduced included one providingthat refugees will enjoy a treatment at least asfavourable as nationals in regard to freedom topractise their religion; another regarding the spe-cial position of refugee seamen; and a clause con-cerning the application of the Convention infederal States. Certain other articles were amendedin order to give governments greater freedom inthe application of the Convention to cases whereconsiderations of public order and security areinvolved. Article 1, dealing with the definition ofthe term "refugee", was also amended, and, inorder to facilitate States becoming parties to theConvention, it was provided that reservationsshould be allowed with certain specified excep-tions.

Article 1, on which the Convention is based,reads as follows:

ARTICLE 1Definition of the Term "Refugee''

A. For the purposes of the present Convention, the term"refugee" shall apply to any person who:

(1) Has been considered a refugee under theArrangements of 12 May 1926 and 30 June 1928or under the Conventions of 28 October 1933 and 10February 1938, the Protocol of 14 September 1939or the Constitution of the International Refugee Or-ganization;

Decisions of non-eligibility taken by the Interna-tional Refugee Organization during the period of itsactivities shall not prevent the status of refugee beingaccorded to persons who fulfil the conditions ofparagraph 2 of this section;

(2) As a result of events occurring before 1 Jan-uary 1951 and owing to well-founded fear of beingpersecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality,membership of a particular social group or politicalopinion, is outside the country of his nationality andis unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to availhimself of the protection of that country; or who, nothaving a nationality and being outside the countryof his former habitual residence as a result of suchevents, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling toreturn to it.In the case of a person who has more than one

nationality, the term "the country of his nationality"shall" mean each of the countries of which he is anational, and a person shall not be deemed to belacking the protection of the country of his nationalityif, without any valid reason based on well-founded fear,he has not availed himself of the protection of one ofthe countries of which he is a national.B. (1) For the purposes of this Convention, the words"events occurring before 1 January 1951" in article 1,section A, shall be understood to mean either

(a) "events occurring in Europe before 1 January1951"; or

(b) "events occurring in Europe or elsewherebefore 1 January 1951";

and each Contracting State shall make a declaration atthe time of signature, ratification or accession, specifying

which of these meanings it applies for the purpose ofits obligations under this Convention.

(2) Any Contracting State which has adopted al-ternative (a) may at any time extend its obligations byadopting alternative (b) by means of a notificationaddressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.C. This Convention shall cease to apply to any personfalling under the terms of section A if:

(1) He has voluntarily re-availed himself of theprotection of the country of his nationality; or

(2) Having lost his nationality, he voluntarilyreacquired it; or

(3) He has acquired a new nationality, and enjoysthe protection of the country of his new nationality; or

(4) He has voluntarily re-established himself inthe country which he left or outside which he re-mained owing to fear of persecution; or

(5) He can no longer, because the circumstancesin connexion with which he has been recognized as arefugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse toavail himself of the protection of the country of hisnationality;

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to arefugee falling under section A(1) of this article whois able to invoke compelling reasons arising out ofprevious persecution for refusing to avail himself ofthe protection of the country of nationality;

(6) Being a person who has no nationality he is,because the circumstances in connexion with which hehas been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist,able to return to the country of his former habitualresidence;

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to arefugee falling under section A(1) of this article whois able to invoke compelling reasons arising out ofprevious persecution for refusing to return to thecountry of his former habitual residence.

D. This Convention shall not apply to persons who areat present receiving from organs or agencies of theUnited Nations other than the United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees protection or assistance.

When such protection or assistance has ceased for anyreason, without the position of such persons beingdefinitively settled in accordance with the relevant reso-lutions adopted by the General Assembly of the UnitedNations, these persons shall ipso facto be entitled to thebenefits of this Convention.E. This Convention shall not apply to a person who isrecognized by the competent authorities of the countryin which he has taken residence as having the rights andobligations which are attached to the possession of thenationality of that country.F. The provisions of this Convention shall not apply toany person with respect to whom there are seriousreasons for considering that:

(a) he has committed a crime against peace, a warcrime, or a crime against humanity, as defined inthe international instruments drawn up to makeprovision in respect of such crimes;

(b) he has committed a serious non-political crimeoutside the country of refuge prior to his ad-mission to that country as a refugee;

(c) he has been guilty of acts contrary to the pur-poses and principles of the United Nations.


In addition to article 1, chapter I (articles 1-11)deals with general provisions and provides for:

non-discrimination as to race, religion or country oforigin; religious freedom, at least to the extent grantedto nationals; safeguarding of rights apart from theConvention; equal treatment with aliens unless theConvention contains more favourable provisions, andexemption from legislative reciprocity after three yearsresidence; exemption from exceptional measures whichmight be taken against the person, property or interestsof nationals of a foreign State solely on account of suchnationality; recognition of continuity of residence; andsympathetic consideration of the position of refugeeseamen. It is further provided that nothing in theConvention shall prevent a contracting State in time ofwar or other grave and exceptional circumstances fromtaking provisional measures, in the case of a particularperson, essential to the interests of national security.Every refugee, the Convention states, has duties to thecountry in which he finds himself, which require inparticular that he conform to its laws and regulations aswell as to measures taken for the maintenance of publicorder.

Chapter II (articles 12 to 16) pertains to thejuridical status of the refugee. It provides, interalia:

that personal status shall be governed by the lawof the country of domicile or, if he has no domicile, ofthe country of residence and that rights previously ac-quired and dependent on personal status, more particu-larly rights attaching to marriage, shall be respected;that treatment, as regards the acquisition of movable andimmovable property and other rights pertaining theretoand of leases and other contracts relating to such prop-erty, shall be at least as favourable as that accorded toaliens generally in the same circumstances; that withrespect to artistic rights and industrial property therefugee shall be accorded, in the country in which hehas his habitual residence, the same protection as na-tionals and that other contracting States shall accordhim the same protection as the nationals of the country;that the most favourable treatment accorded to nationalsof a foreign country, in the same circumstances, shallbe accorded to the refugee as regards non-political andnon-profitmaking associations and trade unions; andthat he shall have free access to the courts of law inthe territory of all contracting States. In the State ofhis habitual residence, he shall further enjoy the sametreatment, in this respect, as nationals.

Chapter III (articles 17 to 19) concerns therights to gainful employment. It provides for:

most favourable treatment with respect to rightsgiven to nationals of a foreign country regarding wage-earning employment and the lifting of any restrictivemeasures imposed on aliens for the protection of thenational labour market if the refugee has completedthree years' residence in the country, has a spouse orone or more children possessing the nationality of thecountry; at least equal treatment with aliens generallywith regard to the right to engage on his own accountin agriculture, industry, handicrafts and commerce andto establish commercial and industrial companies; andat least equal treatment with aliens generally in practis-ing a liberal profession.

Chapter IV (articles 20 to 24) concerns thewelfare of the refugee and provides for:

equal treatment with nationals with respect to ration-ing systems; public elementary education; public reliefand under certain conditions, with respect to labourlegislation and social security; at least equal treatmentwith aliens generally with respect to housing and publiceducation, other than elementary, and particularly asregards access to studies, the recognition of foreignschool certificates, diplomas and degrees, the remissionof fees and charges and the award of scholarships.

Chapter V (articles 25 to 34) deals with admin-istrative measures.

In addition to articles concerning administrative as-sistance, freedom of movement, identity papers, fiscalcharges, transfer of assets and naturalization, article 28provides for the issuance of travel documents; article 31makes provision for freedom from penalties on accountof illegal entry or presence, when coming directly froma country where the refugee's life or freedom wasthreatened, provided the authorities are informed im-mediately; article 32 sets up safeguards against expul-sion or deportation save on the grounds of nationalsecurity or public order and only pursuant to a decisionreached in accordance with due process of law; andarticle 33 prohibits expulsion or forceable return to thefrontiers of territories where the refugee's life or freedomwould be threatened.

Chapter VI (articles 35-37) concerns executoryand transitory provisions.

Article 35 in this Chapter provides for co-operationof the national authorities of the contracting States withthe United Nations, including co-operation in thesupervision of the application of the provisions of theConvention by the Office of the High Commissioner forRefugees or any other United Nations agency whichmight succeed it. Chapter VI also deals with informationon national legislation; and the relation of the Conven-tion to previous conventions.

Chapter VII (articles 38 to 46) contains thefinal clauses.

They concern settlement of disputes; signature, ratifi-cation and accession; territorial application clause; federalclause; reservations; entry into force; denunciation; re-vision; and notifications by the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations.

The Convention was opened for signature on28 July 1951. It will come into force on the 90thday following the day of deposit of the sixthinstrument of ratification or accession. At the endof 1951 the Convention had been signed by:Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, the FederalRepublic of Germany, Israel, Liechtenstein, Luxem-bourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzer-land, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Yugo-slavia. No instruments of ratification or accessionhad, at that time, been deposited.

The Conference unanimously adopted a seriesof recommendations to governments. These con-cerned:


the issuance and recognition of travel documents;measures for the protection of the refugee's family,especially with a view to maintaining it as a unit andto protecting minors; encouragement and assistance ofproperly qualified organizations aiding refugees; andcontinued admittance of refugees still in need of asylumor or resettlement.

The Conference expressed the hope that theConvention would serve as an example and that allnations would use it, as far as possible, as a guidein their treatment of refugees who did not fallwithin its scope. As regards the draft Protocolrelating to the Status of Stateless Persons, theConference, considering that the subject stillrequired further study, decided not to take a deci-sion on the subject and referred it back to theappropriate United Nations organs for furtherstudy.

b. STATELESSNESS AND RELATED PROBLEMS(1) Consideration by the Economic and Social-

Council at its Twelfth Session

In accordance with the Council's resolution 319B III (XI), the Secretary-General asked for inform-ation from States concerning the Council's recom-mendations that States should:

(1) include in the arrangements for changes of terri-torial sovereignty provisions for the avoidance of state-lessness; and (2) examine sympathetically applicationsfor naturalization from stateless persons habitually resi-dent in their territory and, if necessary, re-examine theirnationality laws with a view to reducing as far aspossible the number of cases of statelessness.

Information received from the following wasplaced before the Council at its twelfth session:Canada, Chile, Ceylon, the Supreme Commanderfor the Allied Powers in Japan, New Zealand,Ecuador, Greece, Belgium, India, Sweden, Switzer-land, Israel, the United States, Pakistan and theUnited Kingdom (E/1869 and Add.1-14). Replieswere later received from: the Union of SouthAfrica, the Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan,Ireland, Denmark and Argentina (E/1869/Add.-15-19). The Secretary-General stated (E/1901)that a full report would be submitted to a later ses-sion when adequate information had been received.

The Council discussed the question briefly atthe 177th and 178th meetings of its Social Com-mittee on 1 March and at its 467th plenary meet-ing on 13 March 1951. Since only a limitednumber of governments had replied the Councildecided not to enter into a full discussion of theproblem.

On the basis of a United States proposal (E/-AC.7/L.82), the Social Committee, at its 178thmeeting by 14 votes to 3, with no abstentions,

adopted a resolution (E/1953) which was subse-quently adopted by the Council at its 467thplenary meeting by 15 votes to 3, with noabstentions.

By this resolution (352(XII)), the Councildeferred further discussion of this subject to itsfourteenth session in 1952. It requested the Secre-tary-General to address another communication togovernments, inviting them to submit their obser-vations by 1 November 1951. They were asked toinclude in their replies not only an analysis of thelegal and administrative texts and regulations, butalso an analysis of the practical application ofthese laws and regulations. The Secretary-Generalwas further asked to transmit a consolidated reporton the basis of these replies to the Council and tothe International Law Commission, which haddecided to initiate work on the subject of"nationality, including statelessness".199


The General Assembly, at the 417th meeting ofits Third Committee on 2 February 1952, hadbefore it a memorandum by the Secretary-General(A/1913) transmitting a resolution adopted bythe United Nations Conference of Plenipotenti-aries on the Status of Refugees and StatelessPersons. By this resolution, the Conference hadreferred the draft Protocol Relating to the Statusof Stateless Persons back to the appropriate organsof the United Nations for further study.

The United Kingdom representative, introduc-ing a joint draft resolution (A/C.3/L.241) byBrazil, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and theUnited States, pointed out that the question in-volved was complex. Although the Conventionrelating to the Status of Refugees had beenadopted, it would be difficult for some countriesto extend the provisions of the Convention tostateless persons who were not covered by thedefinition of the term "refugee" contained therein.He therefore hoped that the governments of theStates concerned would meet and draft practicalproposals for submission to the Assembly.

The Third Committee, at its 417th meeting on2 February 1952, adopted (A/2110) the proposedjoint draft resolution by 39 votes to none, with6 abstentions.

The Assembly at its 373rd meeting on 4 Feb-ruary, by 50 votes to none, with 6 abstentions,adopted the proposal (resolution 539(VI)). Itread:

199 See under International Law Commission.


"The General Assembly,"Considering that the progress of proceedings at its

sixth regular session does not allow it time to devoteadequate attention to item 58 of its agenda, entitled"Draft Protocol relating to the Status of Stateless Per-sons,

"Decides to defer consideration of this item until itsseventh regular session."

2. Problems of Assistance to Refugees

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS THIRTEENTHSESSION

(1) Report of the International RefugeeOrganization

The Council considered the Third AnnualReport of IRO (E/2005) and heard an oral state-ment from the Director-General at its 526thplenary meeting on 29 August 1951. In view ofthe impending termination of the activities ofIRO,200 the Council gave particular attention toits report and reviewed the work of the organiza-tion throughout the whole period of its operations.

Certain major factors were emphasized in thereport and in the statement made by the Director-General. From 1 July 1947 to 31 December 1950,IRO had given assistance of one kind or anotherto 1,525,643 refugees. It had repatriated 71,695 totheir countries of origin, resettled 879,403 to newhomes in many parts of the world, and had maderapid progress toward the satisfactory local settle-ment of a large number of others in countries ofasylum.

During 1950, a total of 191,119 persons hadbeen resettled, and the Director-General estimatedthat another 142,000 refugees would be resettledduring 1951. The relaxation of immigration res-trictions affecting refugees and the liberalizationof selection criteria in Western countries were themajor factors in the attainment of the latter twofigures.

The year 1950 had been marked by the firstmajor success in resolving the most difficult prob-lem facing IRO—that of finding resettlementopportunities and making suitable permanentarrangements for handicapped, sick and agedrefugees in need of institutional care. By the endof 1950, arrangements had been made for morethan two thirds of the entire institutional groupof some 35,000 persons, and it was anticipatedthat the remainder of the problem would be solvedby the end of the operations of IRO. Some ofthese refugees had been established in countriesof resettlement, while for others suitable per-

manent arrangements had been made in the coun-tries of their residence.

Only 2,917 refugees had chosen to return homein 1950, and 607 of these were overseas Chinese.Repatriation was reported to be a decreasing factorin the organization's work, since most personsdesiring to do so had returned to their owncountries before IRO had come into existence.

As the work of IRO developed, it had becomeapparent that, for a certain number of refugeeswho had valid objections against repatriation andfor whom no resettlement opportunities could befound within the lifetime of IRO, the only solu-tion would be local settlement in countries ofasylum, under the best possible conditions obtain-able. On 1 July 1950, responsibility for the careand maintenance of more than 111,000 refugeesin countries of Western Europe, in the FederalRepublic of Germany and in Austria had beentransferred to local authorities. Most of those whowere in the countries of Western Europe haddesired to remain where they were, whereas thosein the Federal Republic of Germany and Austriahad desired resettlement. Efforts toward that endhad been continued concurrently with attempts toachieve the most satisfactory conditions of localsettlement.

During 1950, IRO had continued to rendervarious other services to the refugees within itsmandate. Legal and political protection had beencontinued both on the general plane and in respectof individual refugees. Care and maintenance hadbeen provided to all refugees in process of resettle-ment, to those in the institutional "hard core"group, and to unaccompanied children. Healthservices had been extended to those in IRO campsand on board ships carrying them to countries ofresettlement. Throughout the year, the Interna-tional Tracing Service had continued its endeav-ours to establish the fate of millions of persons,mostly non-German nationals, who had disap-peared during the Second World War.

Throughout 1950, IRO had continued to receiveactive support from voluntary organizations work-ing on behalf of refugees, as well as from thegovernments of resettlement countries and coun-tries of residence, both members and non-membersof the organization.

At the end of the year, only a small balance ofcontributions due from member governments had

200 IRO officially terminated its activities on 31 January1952. For its activities from 1 January 1951-31 Janu-ary 1952, see under Part Two, The Specialized Agencies.


been outstanding. The General Council had au-thorized the Director-General to continue theapproved operational programmes so long as exist-ing resources permitted and any refugees whorequired assistance in resettlement and for whomresettlement opportunities could be found wereleft within the mandate of the organization.

In view of the unique experience acquired bythe organization in the processing for resettlementand transportation of refugees, the General Coun-cil of IRO, at its sixth session in October 1950,had instructed the Director-General to prepare acomprehensive memorandum describing this ex-perience for use by governments when consideringthe establishment of machinery to deal with theproblem of migration. Member governments ofthe organization had also used the machinery ofIRO, on a reimbursable basis, for the processingand transportation of migrants not eligible forIRO assistance.

The majority of members of the Council expres-sed appreciation of the work done by IRO inaccomplishing the substantial completion of thetask. It was suggested by the representatives ofBelgium and Mexico that the experience of thespecialized staff and the transportation facilities ofIRO might profitably be put at the disposal ofwhatever body would deal with migration ofworkers from Europe. Some representatives, amongthem those of Chile and France, paid specialtribute to the success of the organization inmaking suitable arrangements for the permanentcare of refugees in the institutional "hard core"group.

On the other hand, the representatives ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR felt thatIRO had not carried out its assigned task ofrepatriating displaced persons to their countries oforigin. They complained that IRO itself and theOccupation Authorities of the Western Zones ofGermany and Austria had prevented repatriationand had conducted a campaign of recruitment ofrefugees and displaced persons for cheap labourand armed services in Western capitalist countries.They criticized conditions in camps as well as thetreatment accorded by IRO to refugees in the so-called "hard core" category and to unaccompaniedchildren.

The representative of the USSR introduced adraft resolution (E/L.237) to recommend thatMembers of the United Nations, and in particularthe Governments of the United States, the UnitedKingdom and France, should remove all obstaclesto the repatriation of refugees and displaced per-

sons, and should complete such repatriation in1952. It would further recommend that govern-ments having refugees and displaced persons ontheir territories, or under their control, shouldprovide the Secretary-General of the United Na-tions by 1 January 1952 with full informationconcerning such persons. Finally, it would instructthe Secretary-General to report to the Council atits fourteenth session on the implementation ofthe "resolution by Members of the United Nations.

The Council rejected this draft resolution by15 votes to 3 and adopted a draft resolution(E/L.235), proposed by the United States.

Resolution 411 (XIII), adopted by 15 votesto 3, at the Council's 526th plenary meeting on29 August, recognized the great contribution madeby IRO to the alleviation of human suffering, com-mended IRO upon the substantial completion ofits task, and expressed appreciation of the mannerin which it had carried out its assigned duties.

(2) Report of the United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees

The Council at its thirteenth session also hadbefore it the report of the United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees to the General Assem-bly (E/2036 and Corr.1 and Add.1) and com-ments by the High Commissioner (E/2040) onthe question of the establishment of an advisorycommittee on refugees (see below). It also hearda supplementary statement by the High Commis-sioner at the 209th meeting of its Social Com-mittee on 3 September.

The Council considered the High Commis-sioner's report at the 209th to 211th meetings ofits Social Committee on 3-5 September and at its544th plenary meeting on 10 September 1951.

The report by the High Commissioner con-tained an account of the activities undertaken bythe High Commissioner's Office during the firstfive months, an appraisal of the task to be done,and a note on the Convention relating to theStatus of Refugees. It drew attention to the factthat although IRO had settled over a millionpersons, the problem was by no means solved.

For example, in Western Germany, apart fromthe nine million expelled persons who were out-side the mandate of the High Commissioner, therewas a residual group of at least 100,000 displacedpersons and refugees together with a further oneand a half million refugees from the Eastern Zoneof Germany. In Austria, in addition to the 25,000displaced persons and refugees, there were withinthe mandate of the High Commissioner another


300,000 expelled persons, about 50,000 of whomwere living in camps. In France, asylum had beengiven to 300,000 refugees and in other Europeancountries there were residual groups amounting tobetween 20,000 and 80,000 persons. Furthermore,the assimilation of tens of thousands of refugeeswho had been transported to other countries hadnot yet reached its final stage.

The situation was further complicated, it wasstated, by the fact that new refugees were cons-tantly appearing in the countries of first asylumand that the residual groups from IRO, for themost part, fell into the category of difficult casesand failed to meet the criteria of immigrationcountries. They therefore needed more care andhad to be treated on a more-or-less individualbasis.

The High Commissioner stated in his reportthat, although he had no direct mandate to engagein repatriation and resettlement without the As-sembly's approval, he considered it his duty tolook for any possibilities of voluntary repatriationor resettlement which would provide a solution forrefugees within this mandate. Should this fail,his chief task then must be to assist, where feasible,the local settlement of those refugees within thecompetence of his Office for whom there were nochances for resettlement, and to promote the com-plete assimilation of all the refugees who hadbeen resettled.

He estimated that the essential machinery forcarrying out the task entrusted to him wouldconsist of a headquarters office at Geneva andeleven field offices situated in the countries whereimportant numbers of refugees were resident.During the period under review, he reported thatno funds, public or private, had been given oroffered to the High Commissioner's Office. Henoted, however, the grant of $100,000 given bythe Rockefeller Foundation to carry out an inde-pendent analytical survey of the problems andconditions of refugees under his mandate.

The High Commissioner also referred to theConvention relating to the Status of Refugeesadopted by the Conference of Plenipotentiariesheld in Geneva in July 1951. Under the Statuteof his Office, the High Commissioner was entrust-ed with the duty of supervising the application ofinternational conventions for the protection ofrefugees within his mandate. He noted that article35 of the Convention confirmed this function inrespect of the Convention.

In the course of the Council's debate, as wellas in his report, the High Commissioner drewattention to the connexion between the problem of

the residual groups of IRO refugees and, in parti-cular, the German refugee problem.

Large numbers of refugees outside the mandateof his Office still existed in countries in CentralEurope, he pointed out. As a result, in thesecountries the prospects of final assimilation of therefugees transferred by IRO were unfavourable.

He referred specifically to the situation inGermany and Austria and to the complicationsarising out of the problem of the Volksdeutscherefugees. In Austria these refugees were within hismandate and within the scope of the Convention.In Germany, on the other hand, they were not,because they were regarded by the competentauthorities as having the rights and obligationsattaching to the possession of nationality.

Western Germany, which, before the SecondWorld War, had had a population of 39 million,had now, due to the influx of expelled persons andof refugees from the Eastern Zone of Germany, apopulation of 47.5 million.

In this connexion, the High Commissionerreferred to the report of the United States-GermanTechnical Assistance Commission on the Integra-tion of Refugees in the Federal Republic ofGermany, which, he stated, showed that economicassimilation of non-German refugees was notfeasible unless the problem of assimilating Germanrefugees was tackled at the same time. Theproblem, he felt, was so serious that the UnitedNations could not afford to ignore it. It was notmerely a refugee problem; it was the problem ofthe social and economic stability of Central Europe,and, if not settled soon, could develop into athreat to international peace and security.

Most members of the Council expressed appre-ciation for the report and the oral supplementarystatement. They felt that the points raised by theHigh Commissioner were of great interest andimportance but required further study. Therefore,full discussion of them at this time would notserve any purpose. Some representatives, amongthem those of Poland and the USSR, stated theirintention of voting against the report, as theyconsidered the refugee problem had been artifici-ally created.

On the basis of a proposal by the United States,the Social Committee (E/2114), at its 209thmeeting on 3 September, by 12 votes to 3, with1 abstention, and the Council, at its 544th plenarymeeting on 10 September 1951, by the same vote,adopted a resolution (393 A (XIII)) taking noteof the report and commending the High Commis-sioner on the progress made in organizing hisOffice.


( 3 ) Establishment of an Advisory Committeeon Refugees

In discussing the question of the establishmentof an advisory committee, at the 209th to 211thmeetings of its Social Committee from 3-5 Sep-tember and at its 544th plenary meeting on 10September, the Council considered the commentsby the High Commissioner (E/2040), drawingattention to the relevant articles of the Statute ofhis Office. He referred to the statements madeduring the debate in the Third Committee at thefifth session of the General Assembly, and statedthat his experience confirmed the reasons thenadvanced in favour of the establishment of anadvisory committee. He therefore recommendedthat the Council appoint a committee to advisethe High Commissioner, consisting of representa-tives of States, both Members and non-membersof the United Nations, within whose territoriesconsiderable numbers of refugees under his man-date were resident, and which had shown particulardevotion to the cause of refugees. He furtherrecommended that the committee should beempowered: (1) to co-opt as a member withequal status a representative of any State whichhad signed or acceded to the Convention and hadexpressed a desire to collaborate; and (2) to inviteto its meetings the representative of any otherState if matters particularly affecting its interestswere discussed.

The Social Committee at its 209th to 211thmeetings on 3-5 September had before it, in addi-tion, a statement by the Secretary-General (E/-2040/Add.1) on the financial implications of theproposal. Should the Council establish the com-mittee, the Secretary-General stated, no costs otherthan those for printing the Committee's reportwould be incurred by the United Nations andthese would be covered in the consolidated appro-priation voted by the Assembly for all the officialrecords of the United Nations.

The discussion was primarily concerned withdetails of the size and composition of the com-mittee. A number of representatives, among themthose of Canada and the United States, disagreedwith the High Commissioner's request for powersto co-opt additional members, since they felt thatthe right to invite countries to be represented onthe committee should remain with the Council.The Canadian representative also stressed theadvisory character of the committee. The repre-sentative of France thought that the establishmentof the committee should be postponed, but with-drew a proposal to that effect, when it becameevident that the majority did not agree. The repre-

sentatives of the USSR and Czechoslovakia op-posed any proposal to establish the committee, onthe basis that all activities of the High Commis-sioner's Office were contrary to earlier decisions ofthe Assembly and were detrimental to boththe refugees and their countries of origin.

A Belgian proposal (E/L.245/Rev.1), callingfor the immediate establishment of the committee,was subsequently withdrawn in favour of one sub-mitted jointly by the United States and Canada(E/AC7/L.112), which differed only in that itaimed at simplifying the definition of the advisorycommittee's terms of reference.

The Committee, at its 211th meeting on 5September, adopted (E/2113) the United States-Canadian text by 8 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions.

The Council, at its 544th plenary meeting on10 September 1951, adopted it by 11 votes to 3,with 3 abstentions, as resolution 393 B (XIII). Bythis resolution the Council established the UnitedNations High Commissioner's Advisory Commit-tee on Refugees to advise the High Commissionerat his request in the exercise of his functions. Itfurther decided that the Committee should bemade up of fifteen States, Members and non-members of the United Nations.

At its 562nd plenary meeting on 21 September1951 the Council designated the following asmembers of the Committee; Australia, Austria,Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, the Federal Republicof Germany, France, the Holy See, Israel, Italy,Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, theUnited States and Venezuela.201

b. CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERALASSEMBLY AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

The General Assembly considered the questionof refugees and assistance to them at the 373rdto 386th meetings of its Third Committee from2-14 January, and at its 371st plenary meeting on2 February 1952.

The Assembly had before it the report of theHigh Commissioner for Refugees (A/2011, alsoissued previously as E/2036 and Corr.1 and Add.1)which, in addition, included further observationson problems of assistance (E/2036/Add.2 andCorr.1 and 2 ) ; a report (A/1948) from the Inter-national Refugee Organization (IRO); and a noteby the Secretary-General (A/C.3/563) concerning

201 To the list of representatives appearing on p. 36,the names of the following representatives who servedon the Committee should be added: United Kingdom—J. G. S. Beith, United States—Donald Blaisdell (Rap-porteur) and Venezuela—Otmaro Silva.


a resolution adopted on 6 December 1951 by theUnited Nations High Commissioner's AdvisoryCommittee on Refugees. This resolution, in gen-eral, expressed the Committee's agreement withthe High Commissioner's proposals for action(see below).

( 1 ) Report of the United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees

The High Commissioner, in his observations onproblems of assistance (A/2011)202 emphasizedthat unless countries of immigration approachedthe problems of refugees in a new manner, therewas very little chance that a continuation of inter-national machinery for resettlement or migrationcould solve the difficulties of the residual groupsof IRO refugees. Two distinct problems existed:an emergency relief problem affecting refugees inareas where political or economic conditions madeit impossible for them to rely on public relieffunds or to engage in any economic activity whichwould permit them to support themselves; anda long-term problem connected with the assimila-tion of refugees in certain areas.

The emergency relief problem, he stated, wasmost serious in the Far East where the situation ofrefugees in Shanghai and in Samar (Philippines)appeared to be hopeless, unless some governmentwas willing to accept full responsibility for themor unless a fund was made available to help themuntil a permanent solution could be found.

With regard to the long-term assimilationproblem, which was particularly difficult in themain areas in Central Europe, a definite program-me would have to be initiated if the refugeeswithin the mandate of IRO were to be absorbedinto the local economies. The transfer in CentralEurope in July 1950 of care and maintenance fromIRO to the governments concerned was in thenature of an administrative transfer and providedno firm basis for the integration of refugees intothe economic life of the countries.

In conclusion, the High Commissioner, in hisreport, recommended three lines of action withrespect to assisting the refugees:

(a) A limited relief fund should be established whichwould provide for the basic needs of certain refugeegroups, such as those in the Far and Middle East, whoseconditions would be desperate after the cessation of IROemergency relief. The High Commissioner's Office shouldbe able to administer the fund which should also providefor assistance in temporary emergency situations whichmight arise from the influx of refugees in countries offirst asylum.

(b) Long-term plans should be made and methodsevolved for financing and implementing economic re-

construction measures calculated to afford to residualgroups in some areas possibilities of a normal livelihood.Accordingly, governments and appropriate specializedagencies should be urged to work out in close collabora-tion with his Office all suitable plans toward that end.

(c) Those States willing to make a further interna-tional effort to promote migration should consider thepossibility of taking the necessary measures to ensurethat refugees within the mandate of his Office wouldreceive a fair share in any opportunities for migrationprovided.

(2) Report of the International RefugeeOrganization

In its report to the Assembly (A/1948), IROstated that at the eighth session of its GeneralCouncil (October 1951) it had determined thatit had sufficient funds available to continue oper-ations until 1 January 1952 and that, if additionalassets were realized out of its operations, it mightprove possible to assist and to re-establish severalthousand more refugees in January and February1952. The communication stated that the organiza-tion had already repatriated and resettled morethan a million refugees, and, by the end of 1951,would have made reasonably satisfactory provisionfor approximately 47,000 refugees and theirdependents who, because of age or infirmity,required permanent institutional or other forms ofcare. However, there would remain a limitednumber in various areas for whom the problemwould not have been satisfactorily resolved: Ger-many—80,000; Austria—24,000; Italy—24,000;Trieste—7,000, of whom 900 were seriously ill;Greece—4,500; Turkey—300; Spain—500; Port-ugal—100; Middle East—250; China—5,000 ofEuropean Origin; and the Philippines—150.

IRO pointed out that the prospects for theserefugees were doubtful either because of the levelof economic activity in the countries of theirasylum, or because local measures for their reliefor care were unavailable or inadequate, or becausethe refugees were unwelcome on political groundsbut were unable to depart.

IRO further estimated that between 1,000 and1,500 refugees were each month entering Ger-many, Austria, Turkey, Greece, Trieste and Italyfrom Eastern European countries, and that theimpact of this influx was felt also in nearly, everycountry in Western Europe, where political asylumwas an established tradition. This continuousinflux, in the opinion of IRO, emphasized thepermanent character of the refugee problem. More-over, the report concluded, the situation of refu-

202 For summary of other aspects covered in the report,see pp. 525-26.


gees coming within the mandate of IRO wasrendered precarious by the large numbers ofrefugees or other persons entering these areas,who, while outside the scope of the competenceof IRO, at the same time reduced considerably theopportunities of housing and employment avail-able to refugees under the protection of theorganization.

( 3 ) Consideration by the Third Committee

During the general debate at the Committee's373rd to 380th meetings from 2-9 January 1952,the majority expressed approval of the work al-ready done by the High Commissioner and felt heshould be given every assistance. The representa-tives of the Byelorussian SSR, Czechoslovakia,Poland, the Ukrainian SSR and the USSR, how-ever, opposed in principle the functions and activi-ties vested in the High Commissioner's Office,which they alleged, was averse to the executionof repatriation programmes. This was in conflictwith the spirit of earlier Assembly resolutionswhich had stated that the main task concerningdisplaced persons was to encourage and assist inevery possible way their early return to their coun-tries of origin and that no obstacles were to beplaced in the way of the early fulfilment of thistask. They again stressed repatriation as the onlysolution of the refugee problem. The representa-tive of Yugoslavia, while not in complete agree-ment with this point of view, felt that more atten-tion should have been paid to repatriation andsuggested that the High Commissioner shouldconsult with the governments of the refugees'countries of origin with a view to studying thecircumstances in which the refugees would be ableto return to their countries. He stressed that hewas not advocating enforced repatriation.

Concerning the establishment of field offices,which the High Commissioner had visualized aspart of the necessary machinery of his Office,203

the majority agreed that they were necessary toenable him to maintain direct contact with thegovernments of the refugees' countries of resi-dence, and that it should be left to him to deter-mine the number and size of such offices withinthe limits of his budget. While recognizing thatany discussion of the budget was a matter for theFifth Committee, the representatives of Canada,Lebanon, Sweden and the United Kingdom, amongothers, urged that the number and size of the fieldoffices should be kept as low as possible. Therepresentatives of Denmark and the United King-dom observed that the principle of the establish-

ment of such offices did not require the ThirdCommittee's approval, inasmuch as it arose fromthe High Commissioner's Statute.

The majority of the Committee also endorsedthe High Commissioner's request for authorizationto launch an appeal for voluntary contributionsfor a fund to cope with temporary emergencysituations. They stressed, however, that thisendorsement did not necessarily constitute a com-mitment from their governments. The representa-tives of France and Canada expressed regret thatthe High Commissioner had not prepared a con-crete programme in this respect. The Canadianrepresentative also stated that he could not supportthe principle of an international programme, inthis connexion, without the assurance that nationalassistance programmes did not and would notsuffice. The representative of Yugoslavia stressedthat the High Commissioner should accept onlyvoluntary contributions to which no conditionswere attached.

The Committee agreed that the refugee problemcould not be solved by assistance alone, and thatit was necessary also for the United Nations todraw up long-term programmes for the integrationof refugees in the economic life of the countrieswhere they reside and to collaborate with Statesin assuring refugees a place in overseas migrationand resettlement plans. The representatives ofAustralia, Israel and the Netherlands emphasizedthat it should be remembered that migration alonewould not solve the problem either. The Australianrepresentative, in this connexion, pointed out thatwhere the admission of refugees to the receivingcountries was concerned, due regard must be paidboth to the domestic legislation of such countriesand to their economic development. The repre-sentative of France, on the other hand, cautionedagainst concluding that local assimilation was theonly solution and thought that migration must bean important consideration. Any attempt to linkasylum with naturalization would only create bar-riers to further immigration in States which hadgiven asylum to large numbers of refugees.

General support was expressed for the Conven-tion relating to the Status of Refugees as repre-senting a decisive step towards the legal protectionof refugees.

At the end of the general debate, the ThirdCommittee at its 381st meeting on 9 January hadbefore it three draft resolutions: (1) by Colombia,the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Uruguay

203 See p. 526.


and Yugoslavia (A/C.3/L.199); (2) by Colom-bia, Denmark, Lebanon, the Netherlands, NewZealand, the United Kingdom and Uruguay (A/-C.3/L.200); and (3) by the Byelorussian SSR(A/C.3/L201).

It was decided by a vote of 14 to 10, with 17abstentions, that the Byelorussian proposal shouldbe discussed and voted on first.

(1) The Byelorussian SSR draft resolution (A/C.3/-L.201) would: (a) note the failure of the Governmentsof the United States, France, the United Kingdom andother countries to implement General Assembly resolu-tion 8(I) of 12 February 1946204 which sought toencourage and assist repatriation; (b) condemn thepolicy of IRO and the High Commissioner, as designedto substitute for repatriation the forced resettlement ofdisplaced persons in other countries; (c) condemn asincompatible with the principles of the Charter and theaccepted practice of international law the alleged at-tempts by certain Member States, and primarily theUnited States, to recruit displaced persons for subversiveand diversionary activities; (d) recommend the govern-ments of those countries and the governments of therefugees' countries of residence to take steps to imple-ment General Assembly resolution 8(I), so as tocomplete the repatriation of the refugees during 1952;and (e) propose to Member Governments in whoseterritories there are refugees and displaced persons tosubmit to the United Nations Secretariat full informa-tion regarding the refugees and displaced persons.

The views embodied in the draft resolutionwere also expressed by the representatives ofCzechoslovakia, Poland, the Ukrainian SSR andthe USSR, who supported the Byelorussian SSRdraft resolution.

A Syrian amendment to the draft resolution (A/C.3/-L.202) proposed to: (a) delete the references toparticular governments; (b) add a paragraph notingthat the governments of some of the refugees' countriesof origin opposed their repatriation or failed to providethem with all the desirable guarantees for their safety;(c) delete the reference to attempts to recruit refugeesfor subversive activities; (d) replace the reference to1952 as the time limit for repatriation by the words"within a short time"; and (e) insert an additionalparagraph before the final paragraph of the resolution,calling upon the governments of the refugees' countriesof origin to facilitate the repatriation of persons whoexpress the desire therefor.

The representative of the Byelorussian SSR saidthat he could not accept the Syrian amendments,because they weakened the text and representedan attempt to conceal the names of the delinquentStates; the amendments were subsequently with-drawn. A number of representatives, among themthose of Norway and Sweden, stated that such aresolution was not likely to contribute to a solu-tion of the problem. They and the representativesof the Philippines, Yugoslavia and the UnitedStates, among others, felt that the draft resolution

contained expressions of unwarranted censure ofIRO and the High Commissioner, and of theStates referred to by name, and was designedprimarily for propaganda purposes. The repre-sentatives of the States alluded to affirmed thattheir Governments had strictly conformed withthe Assembly resolution. The representative ofSweden pointed out that Assembly resolution 8(I)had specifically provided that there should be noenforced repatriation; he stated that it would beinhuman for the governments of countries ofresidence to supply full information regardingrefugees, since it would deeply frighten those whothought such information could hurt their relativesstill living in the countries from which they hadcome.

In paragraph-by-paragraph votes ranging from38 to 5, with 4 abstentions, to 25 to 8, with 11abstentions, the draft resolution was rejected at theCommittee's 381st meeting on 9 January.

(2) The joint draft resolution by Colombia, theNetherlands, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and Yugo-slavia (A/C.3/L.199) would (a) note the High Com-missioner's report; (b) express satisfaction at the con-clusion of the Convention relating to the Status ofRefugees; (c) invite States to become parties to theConvention as soon as possible; and (d) call upongovernments to co-operate with the High Commissioner.

During the discussion which followed, themajority expressed their confidence in the HighCommissioner and their intention to co-operatewith him in carrying out his work. Several repre-sentatives, among them the representatives ofDenmark and Belgium, stated that their govern-ments had signed or were about to sign theConvention and were taking the necessary steps tosecure its ratification. Others, among them therepresentatives of Australia, Canada, India, thePhilippines and Syria, said that they could notinvite other States to become parties to the Con-vention since their own governments had not asyet signed it. The representatives of Czecho-slovakia, Poland and the USSR stated their inten-tion of voting against the draft resolution since itendorsed the policy followed by the High Com-missioner, which they were not prepared to do.

Following a paragraph-by-paragraph vote, rang-ing from 35 votes to 5, with 6 abstentions, to 18votes to 5, with 22 abstentions, the draft resolutionwas adopted, as a whole, by the Third Committee(A/2084(A)) at its 382nd meeting on 10 Janu-ary by 25 votes to 5, with 15 abstentions (seebelow).

204 For text of resolution 8(I), see Y.U.N., 1946-47,pp. 74-5.


(3) The draft resolution by Colombia, Denmark,Lebanon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UnitedKingdom and Uruguay (A/C.3/L.200) would: (a)authorize the High Commissioner to issue an appeal forfunds to enable emergency aid to be given to theneediest refugees; (b) recommend that the States, spe-cialized agencies and other intergovernmental agenciesconcerned pay special attention to the refugee problemwhen drawing up and executing programmes of eco-nomic reconstruction and development and request theHigh Commissioner to promote activities in that field;and (c) appeal to States interested in migration to giverefugees within the High Commissioner's mandate everypossible opportunity to participate in and benefit fromprojects to promote migration.

The majority of the Committee supported thedraft resolution as a whole. They also stated theircomplete agreement with the High Commissioner'swish for authority to issue an appeal for voluntarycontributions. The representative of France, inthis connexion, warned against any undue optim-ism as to the results of such an appeal and sug-gested that it would be useful to have moredetailed information on the ultimate use of anyfunds collected. Those supporting the appeal againstressed that they were doing so on the expressunderstanding that they were in no way commit-ting their governments to contribute to the fund.

The representatives of Canada, the Philippinesand the United States were opposed to the appealon the grounds that there had been already toomany appeals to Members for worthy causes andgovernments would not be able to contribute.

Amendments by Syria (A/C.3/L.207/Rev.3) whichwould safeguard the principle of repatriation as one ofthe solutions were accepted by the sponsors. In a separ-ate vote on the specific paragraph, thus amended, aFrench oral proposal to urge repatriation rather than toplace it on equal footing with other solutions was re-jected by 21 votes to 17, with 12 abstentions.

Following a paragraph-by-paragraph vote, rang-ing from 46 to none, with 4 abstentions, to 21 to17, with 12 abstentions, the draft resolution,incorporating the Syrian amendments, was adopt-ed, as a whole, by 39 votes to 5, with 6 abstentions,at the Committee's 383rd meeting on 10 January1952 (A/2084(B)) (see below).

(4) Resolution Adopted by theGeneral Assembly

The General Assembly at its 371st plenarymeeting on 2 February rejected by 34 votes to 5,with 15 abstentions, the Byelorussian SSR draftresolution which was resubmitted (A/2101) inplenary session. It adopted resolutions A and B asproposed by the Committee (A/2084 and Corr.1)by 28 votes to 5, with 21 abstentions, and by 38votes to 5, with 2 abstentions, respectively, asresolution 538 (VI). It read:

"The General Assembly"1. Takes note of part I and part II of the annual

report of the United Nations High Commissioner forRefugees submitted through the Economic and SocialCouncil to the General Assembly in accordance withparagraph 11 of the Statute of his office;

"2. Expresses its satisfaction at the conclusion of theConvention relating to the Status of Refugees;

"3. Invites Member States and non-member Stateswhich have demonstrated their interest in the solutionof the refugee problem to become parties to that Con-vention as soon as possible;

"4. Reiterates its call upon governments to co-operatewith the High Commissioner as recommended in itsresolution 428(V) of 14 December 1950.

B

"The General Assembly,"Taking note of the communication of the General

Council of the International Refugee Organization onresidual refugee problems and the observations of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees con-tained in his report on the problem of assistance sub-mitted in accordance with resolution 430(V) of 14December 1950,

"Having noted the serious unsolved problems whichin certain areas will face refugees who will not havebeen repatriated or resettled by the end of the operationsof the International Refugee Organization,

"Bearing in mind the urgency of finding solutions forthe refugee problem, including the repatriation to theircountries of origin of refugees who express the desireto return there,

"1. Authorizes the High Commissioner, under para-graph 10 of the Statute of his Office, to issue an appealfor funds for the purpose of enabling emergency aid tobe given to the most needy groups among refugeeswithin his mandate;

"2. Recommends all States directly affected by therefugee problem, as well as the appropriate specializedagencies and other inter-governmental agencies con-cerned, to pay special attention to this problem whendrawing up and executing programmes of economic re-construction and development; and requests the HighCommissioner to contribute to the promotion of activi-ties in this field, paying due regard to the desirabilityof repatriating to their countries of origin refugees whoexpress the desire to return there;

"3. Appeals to States interested in migration to giveto refugees within the mandate of the High Commis-sioner every possible opportunity to participate in andbenefit from projects to promote migration."

(5) Question of "The Refugee in thePost-War World"

The Third Committee, at its 378th to 380th,and 383rd to 386th meetings from 7-9, and 10-14January 1952, discussed the book The Refugee inthe Post-War World (A/AC.36/6), which hadbeen compiled by a private group of researchersfinanced by the Rockefeller Foundation and pub-


lished by the United Nations under an officialdocument symbol.

Several members of the Committee were of theopinion that the book was inaccurate. The repre-sentatives of Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Iraq,Poland, Syria, and the USSR, among others, feltit was biased. The USSR representative, moreover,thought that it was of a fascist nature and shouldbe condemned. He, as well as the representative ofPoland, held that it contained allusions incom-patible with the Charter.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia and theUSSR, among others, considered that the HighCommissioner was responsible for the publicationand that, by permitting it to be published undera United Nations symbol, his Office had sanctionedit. Moreover, the representative of the USSRstated, the High Commissioner had exceeded histerms of reference by arranging for and approvingthe book. The representative of Denmark thoughtthat the problem was one of misunderstandingand that the good faith of the High Commissionershould not be questioned. The representatives ofChina and Saudi Arabia thought that the UnitedNations Secretariat, not the High Commissioner,was chiefly responsible for the error.

It was pointed out during the discussion by theSecretary of the Committee that a United Nationssymbol did not necessarily imply that the UnitedNations was responsible for the contents. Thepurpose of a symbol was merely to ensure distribu-tion through official channels. The present volumehad been issued to the members of the Committeefor information purposes only.

That steps had to be taken to stop the publica-tion was stressed by the representatives of Czecho-slovakia, Egypt, Haiti, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia,Turkey and the USSR. The representatives ofSyria and Saudi Arabia also considered that theharm done should be repaired and enquiry made toestablish responsibility for it.

The representative of Sweden stated that, inhis opinion, the book was a valuable contributionto the study of the subject.

The representatives of Australia and Israelstressed that any action taken should concern onlythe book's apparent connexion with the UnitedNations, resulting from the form in which it hadbeen published and the circumstances in which ithad been circulated by the United Nations.

The Committee had before it three draft resolu-tions introduced by: (1) Egypt (A/C.3/L.210);(2) Saudi Arabia (A/C.3/L.212) and (3)Czechoslovakia (A/C.3/L.213).

(1) The Egyptian draft resolution (A/C.3/L.210)proposed that the Third Committee should: (a) notethe Secretariat's statement that the work did not consti-tute a United Nations document; (b) invite the Secre-tariat to embody its statement in a Press release to whichit should give the widest possible dissemination, and tocease all circulation of the work through the UnitedNations; and (c) consider the incident closed so faras the Third Committee was concerned.

An amendment by Pakistan (A/C.3/L.211) to theEgyptian draft resolution proposed to add a paragraphrequesting the Secretariat to insert prominently, in suchpublications for which the United Nations accepted noresponsibility, a notice to that effect. During the debatethat amendment was withdrawn by its sponsor, but wastaken up again by the representative of Afghanistan.

(2) The Saudi Arabian draft resolution (A/C.3/-L.212) proposed that the Third Committee, consideringthat the book entitled The Refugee in the Post-WarWorld and bearing the imprint and a symbol of theUnited Nations was published without the authorizationof the General Assembly or any Member of the UnitedNations, and contained serious inaccuracies and mis-representations to which many Members of the UnitedNations had strongly objected, should decide: (a) thatthe book should be withdrawn from circulation at onceby the Secretariat and the Office of the High Commis-sioner; (b) that the cover, the flyleaf, the introductionby the High Commissioner and the preface by Mr.Jacques Vernant should be removed from any copiesstill in the possession of the Secretariat or the HighCommissioner for Refugees; (c) that the number ofthe remaining copies of the book should be accuratelycounted and disclosed to the Third Committee and thatsuch copies should be impounded after the provisionsof sub-paragraph (b) had been carried out; and (d)that a full enquiry should be held and the report thereofbe given to the Third Committee as to how the Secre-tariat came to authorize the publication of the bookunder the imprint and symbol of the United Nationswithout the authorization of the General Assembly orof a Member of the United Nations.

(3) The Czechoslovak draft resolution (A/C.3/-L.213) proposed that whereas, in accordance witharticle 2 of the Statute of the office of the High Com-missioner, the work of the High Commissioner wasto be of an exclusively humanitarian and social characterand the High Commissioner was to follow recommenda-tions and instructions given him by the General Assem-bly or the Economic and Social Council, the ThirdCommittee, having noted the report entitled The Refu-gee in the Post-War World, prepared at the request ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugeesand published in book form at Geneva in December1951 on behalf of the United Nations under the symbolA/AC.36/6, should: (a) note that many delegationshad criticized the contents of the book and the state-ments contained therein, which did not reflect the viewsof the General Assembly or the Economic and SocialCouncil; (b) draw the attention of the President ofthe General Assembly to the book and to the activitiesof the High Commissioner; and (c) request the Presi-dent of the General Assembly to take the necessarysteps for the immediate withdrawal of the book fromcirculation.

The High Commissioner made a statement tothe effect that the book was the work of an inde-


pendent survey group formed at his request byMr. Jacques Vernant, Secretary-General of theCentre d'études de politique étrangère in Paris,that it was merely a preliminary report, and thatit was clear both from his own introduction tothe book and from Mr. Vernant's preface, thatMr. Vernant and his colleagues accepted soleresponsibility for the book's contents. He hadnever asked that it be given a United Nationssymbol but he understood that for distributionpurposes any document had to be so numbered.He further stressed that all distribution and print-ing costs had been borne by the RockefellerFoundation.

The High Commissioner added that he was pre-pared to issue a Press release stating that the bookdid not constitute a United Nations document andthat neither he nor the Secretary-General was res-ponsible for its contents; that a notice to thateffect would be inserted in the copies of the bookstill available to the Secretariat and the HighCommissioner; that, moreover, he would see to itthat the final version of the report would bepublished and distributed independently of theUnited Nations; and, lastly, that, when preparingthe final version, the survey group would be happyto receive and take into consideration any com-ments or corrections submitted by governments.

Referring to the High Commissioner's state-ment, the Executive Assistant to the Secretary-General confirmed that the book, for the contentsof which neither the High Commissioner nor theSecretariat assumed any responsibility whatever,was not an official document. It had been publishedas the result of a survey carried out at the HighCommissioner's request by independent expertswho were alone responsible for it and it wasdesigned to assist governments by clarifying avast and very complex problem. He added that aPress release to that effect would be issued. Heregretted that the work contained passages whichhad been criticized by certain governments as lack-ing in objectivity, and said that circulation of thework through the Secretariat would cease imme-diately.

After these explanatory statements, several repre-sentatives expressed the view that it would not beexpedient to put the draft resolutions before theCommittee to the vote and that it would be betterto settle the incident amicably by accepting theassurances given to the Committee that therewould be no further connexion between the workand the United Nations.

After a further exchange of views, Haiti andLebanon submitted a procedural motion (A/C.3/-L.214) inviting the Rapporteur:

(a) to include in the Third Committee's reportdealing with the refugee question, the undertakingassumed by the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General to take the following action: (1) issue of aPress release stating categorically that the book TheRefugee in the Post-War World did not constitute aUnited Nations document and that neither the Secre-tariat nor the High Commissioner was in any wayresponsible for its contents; (2) removal of the UnitedNations seal and symbol from all copies still in thehands of the United Nations; (3) immediate cessationof all circulation of the work through the Secretariat orthe High Commissioner; (4) insertion of a notice inthe copies of the work still available to the effect thatthe authors thereof were alone responsible for the ideasand opinions expressed therein; and

(b) to indicate that the Committee expressed itselfsatisfied with the assurances given by the High Commis-sioner and the Secretary-General and considered theincident closed so far as the Committee was concerned.

In submitting this proposal, the Lebanese repre-sentative pointed out that the undertaking assumedby the representative of the Secretary-General tocease circulation of the book through the UnitedNations implied the removal of the UnitedNations seal (the words "Published by the UnitedNations") and symbol from the remaining copies.He also made it clear that the Press release was tobe issued by the Secretary-General of the UnitedNations, while the High Commissioner would seeto the insertion of the notice in the book.

The procedural motion was adopted at the386th meeting of the Third Committee on 14January by 22 votes to 10, with 12 abstentions.By a vote of 20 to 13, with 22 abstentions, theCommittee decided that, in consequence, it wouldnot vote on the draft resolutions.

The General Assembly, in plenary session, tookno further action on this section of the Commit-tee's report.

(6) Budgeting Provisions for the HighCommissioner's Office

The Fifth Committee discussed the question ofthe budget estimates for the Office of the HighCommissioner for Refugees at its 311th, 318th,328th and 329th meetings on 13 and 18 Decem-ber 1951 and 17 January 1952.

At its 311th meeting on 13 December 1951,the Fifth Committee undertook a provisional exa-mination of the budget estimates for the Office ofthe High Commissioner for Refugees. The Secre-tary-General had included in his original estimates(A/1812 and Corr.1) a sum of $727,100 to cover


the costs of the headquarters of the High Com-missioner in Geneva and the branch offices itwas proposed to open during the course of 1951and 1952.

The Advisory Committee had recommended areduction of $227,100 in this figure. (For totalestimates, including common staff and services andcontractual printing costs, see below). In its sec-ond report of 1951 (A/1853), it had pointed outthe need for a clear definition of the term "admin-istrative expenses" which, under the Statute of theOffice of the High Commissioner, were to beborne on the budget of the United Nations, aswell as the need to ensure that the activities ofbranch offices did not extend beyond what waspermitted in the Statute and thus become dis-similar in nature from those performed at theheadquarters office in Geneva.

Following a general discussion, a provisionalestimate of $500,000 was recommended for ap-proval (A/2022), on the understanding that theestimates would be discussed in detail at a laterstage, in the light of any observations on theactivities of the High Commissioner's Office whichthe Third Committee might wish to make.

At its 328th and 329th meetings on 17 January1952, the Fifth Committee re-examined the budgetestimates for the Office of the High Commissionerfor Refugees, on the basis of the views expressedin the report (A/2084 and Corr.1) of the ThirdCommittee to the General Assembly (see above).

The High Commissioner emphasized that since1952 would be the first full year of operation ofthe Office, it would seem unreasonable to expectthe stabilization of the budget on the 1951 figureof $254,000. The estimates for 1951 had notbeen based on a full year's operation and, further-more, took account in some measure of the exist-ence of the International Refugee Organization.He concluded his statement by declaring that, ina spirit of compromise, he would reduce his esti-mate from a total figure of $803,000 (includingcommon staff costs, common services and con-tractual printing at the Office's headquarters—A/-C.5/L.125) to $751,000. The Advisory Committeehad recommended a total reduction of $247,100,$20,000 of this relating to common staff costs,common services and contractual printing.

During the discussion on the estimates, the needfor a definition of administrative and operationalexpenses in the field of assistance to refugees wasemphasized in view of the attitude of some gov-ernments that activities of an operational natureshould be financed solely on the basis of voluntary

contributions, and also bearing in mind the textof paragraph 20 of the Statute of the Office ofthe High Commissioner.205

This problem of definition had already arisen inconnexion with the preliminary discussion of theestimates, and it was agreed that, in accordancewith the request already included in the FifthCommittee's first report to the General Assemblyon the 1952 budget estimates (A/2022), theAdvisory Committee on Administrative and Budg-etary Questions would report on a possible defini-tion at a subsequent session of the General As-sembly.

The representatives of Australia and Canadaquestioned the number and staffing pattern ofbranch offices, particularly in view of the existenceof agencies already dealing with the problem invarious countries supported by appropriate na-tional legislation. The High Commissioner ex-plained to the Committee that the justification forbranch offices lay primarily in the need for dailycontact with various judicial, local, social andother authorities. Branch offices would be engagedin assisting governments, and not in any activitiesat variance with the policy of those governments.

The opinion that the Office of the High Com-missioner for Refugees should be discontinuedwas shared by the representatives of Poland andthe USSR, who stated the opposition of theirdelegations to any appropriation of funds.

The representative of Canada proposed thatthe appropriation for the Office of the HighCommissioner for Refugees should be established,for the financial year 1952, at $639,100. The eco-nomies, he felt, could be made by reductions inthe number of staff in branch offices and in com-mon staff costs, hospitality, temporary assistanceand overtime. This proposal, he stated, presupposedan increase in common staff costs (Geneva Office)of $20,000 as recommended by the AdvisoryCommittee. The High Commissioner, while ex-pressing the view that the figure proposed wouldinvolve further sacrifices, accepted it in the hopethat his agreement might be followed by a voteof encouragement, demonstrating the desire ofthe United Nations to support the refugees whoplaced their hopes in the Organization.

205 The Statute provides that, "The Office of the HighCommissioner shall be financed under the budget of the

United Nations. Unless the General Assembly subse-quently decides otherwise, no expenditure, other thanadministrative expenditures relating to the functioningof the Office of the High Commissioner, shall be borneon the budget of the United Nations, and all other ex-penditures relating to the activities of the High Com-missioner shall be financed by voluntary contributions".


The Fifth Committee at its 329th meeting on17 January 1952 approved, by 35 votes to 5, with5 abstentions, an appropriation of $639,100 forthe Office of the High Commissioner for Refu-gees and an increase by $20,000 to a total of$57,500 in respect of common staff costs for theOffice under the section on the United NationsGeneva Office.

The General Assembly at its 357th plenarymeeting on 21 December 1951, in approving theUnited Nations budget for 1952 (resolution 583-

(VI) on the basis of the first report of the FifthCommittee (A/2022), appropriated an amountof $500,000 for the Office of the High Commis-sioner for Refugees. It considered the supplemen-tary report of the Fifth Committee (A/2022/-Add.1) at its 373rd plenary meeting on 4 Febru-ary. In approving supplementary amounts for the1952 budget of the United Nations (resolution592(VI)), it approved an additional amount of$139,100 for, the High Commissioner's Office andan additional $20,000 for the United NationsGeneva Office.

Q. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

1. Planning, Organization andAdministration for Social Welfare

a. TRAINING OF SOCIAL WELFAREPERSONNEL

The Economic and Social Council, in resolution43 (IV), had requested the Secretary-General tostudy how a long-term welfare training pro-gramme of assistance to governments might bedeveloped, and to submit a report to the SocialCommission and the Council.

At its seventh session from 19 March-13 April1951 the Social Commission, therefore, had beforeit the Secretary-General's report entitled Trainingfor Social Work: An International Survey (E/-CN.5/196/Rev.1),206 which provided a detaileddescription and analysis of the methods of formaltraining evolved by 46 countries for the profes-sional education of social workers. The Commis-sion also considered the suggestions of govern-ments regarding future national and internationalaction in this field (E/CN.5/227, Corr.1 andAdd.1 and 2) and the recommendations of theSecretary-General (E/CN.5/228/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Corr.1) thereon.

The Commission emphasized the need for pro-viding adequate facilities for training personnelfor social work, since, without qualified person-nel, programmes could not be effectively imple-mented. It was generally agreed by members of theCommission that, in principle, those engaged insocial work should have formal professional train-ing, though it was pointed out that this was notpractical in all types of social welfare activity.The importance of the training being of a generalcharacter was also emphasized.

The Commission recommended (E/1982) thefollowing principles:

(1) that social work should be a professional func-tion performed by men and women who have beenadequately prepared through professional training insocial work, both theory and practice, in an appropriateeducational institution; (2) that such training, shouldbe of the highest possible quality and should be suffi-ciently comprehensive to do justice to both the varietyand the unity of social work; and (3) that, in order toaugment the supply of trained social workers, publicauthorities should encourage professional training insocial work by creating or helping to create permanenteducational facilities; by making grants to schools ofsocial work and other appropriate institutions; by pro-moting scholarships, paid educational leave and op-portunities for study and observation; and by creatingpositions for social workers within the public services.

The Commission also recommended that public au-thorities and voluntary organizations, in filling vacancies,should give social workers with recognized qualificationspreference over other candidates, remuneration com-mensurate with their responsibilities, and an officialstatus indicative of the value of their work.

As regards international action, the Commis-sion noted that the various types of technicalassistance recommended in the Secretary-General'sreport were already available to governments, butrecommended that the Secretary-General shouldbe asked to undertake certain additional projects(see below).


The Commission's recommendations were con-sidered by the Council at the 184th meeting ofits Social Committee on 31 July and at its 494thplenary meeting on 9 August 1951. During thediscussion the majority supported these recom-mendations, though the representatives of India

206 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1950, IV. 11.


and Pakistan thought that more emphasis shouldhave been placed on the social work required inrural areas. The representative of Canada ex-plained that he would have to abstain from votingon the Commission's draft resolution, since, underthe Canadian Constitution, the question fell with-in the exclusive competence of the Provinces. TheUnited Kingdom representative called attentionto the fact that, while the growth of the conceptof a proper professional status for social workerswas gratifying, there also existed, as in his owncountry, a strong tradition of unpaid communitywelfare service.

The draft resolution proposed by the SocialCommission was adopted by the Social Commit-tee (E/2065) by 16 votes to none, with 1 ab-stention, and by the Council by 17 votes to none,with 1 abstention.

In this resolution (390 B (XIII)) , the Coun-cil recommended that Members give due attentionto the principles adopted by the Social Commis-sion and asked the Secretary-General:

"(a) To formulate, in co-operation with the inter-governmental organizations concerned, and in consulta-tion with the competent non-governmental organizations,minimum standards for the training of social workers,and to report thereon to the Social Commission;

"(b) To compile a glossary of social welfare termsand produce an international bibliography on social wel-fare training, in consultation with the inter-govern-mental organizations and the non-governmental organi-zations concerned; and

"(c) To submit to the Social Commission every fouryears a report indicating significant developments insocial work training and a revised directory of schoolsof social work."

During the General Assembly's discussion inits Third Committee of Chapter IV (Social Ques-tions) of the Council's report (A/1884), therepresentative of Czechoslovakia stressed thattraining for social work must be placed on asound economic basis. Generally speaking, hestated, unless a country's social policy was an in-tegral part of its general economic policy, it ranthe risk of merely being a charity run by theState. The representatives of Belgium and Francestressed the need of establishing an official titlemore precise than "Social Worker" and of ac-cording that title legal protection.

By the end of 1951, a study of in-service train-ing of social welfare personnel had been preparedfor the Commission's consideration at its nextsession; a study of training of social welfare per-sonnel for under-developed areas was being pre-pared; and plans for the formulation of standardsfor the training of social workers were under way.

b. METHODS OF SOCIAL WELFAREADMINISTRATION

The Council, in resolution 43 (IV), had alsorequested a study of methods of social welfareadministration in the various countries, the aim ofwhich was to provide governments and UnitedNations experts and fellows with useful documen-tation on the subject.

The Commission had before it the Secretary-General's report on this subject (E/CN.5/224)207

which contained monographs on the administra-tive organization of social welfare in 30 countriesand general conclusions emerging from thesemonographs. The Secretary-General also submit-ted recommendations (E/CN.5/229) as to whichquestions, in his opinion, required action by theCommission.

The Commission considered that the Secretary-General, when conducting technical studies andwhen furnishing experts to countries, shouldplace special emphasis on adequate administrativeorganization, since such organization was essen-tial to the implementation of social policy. TheUnited Nations, it stated, should also aim to pro-mote the continued training of social welfareadministrators and civil servants.

The draft resolution proposed by the SocialCommission (E/1982) was unanimously adoptedwithout change by the Council at the 184th meet-ing of its Social Committee (E/2065) on 31July and at its 494th plenary meeting on 9 Aug-ust 1951.

Resolution 390 C (XIII) requested the Secre-tary-General:

(1) to submit to the Commission every four yearsa periodic summary of developments in planning, or-ganization and administration of social services; (2) togive due attention to questions of organization, financingand staffing when conducting studies of a technicalnature; and (3) to instruct consultants to consider theadministrative and organizational structure of the coun-try to which assistance is rendered.

c. COMMUNITY WELFARE CENTRES

The Commission, at its seventh session, hadbefore it two papers, submitted by the UnitedStates (E/CN.5/L.118) and by the Secretariat(E/CN.5/244), on the use of community welfarecentres as effective instruments in the promotionof economic and social progress.

There was some difference of opinion in theCommission as to whether enough information

207 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1950. IV. 10.


was currently available on which to base generalprinciples and prepare a plan of action to assistin the development of community welfare centres.It was agreed, however, that the experience gainedin various countries showed that it would be usefulto have full information on such centres.

The draft resolution proposed by the Commis-sion (E/1982) was unanimously adopted, withminor drafting changes, by the Council at the184th meeting of its Social Committee (E/2056)on 31 July and at its 494th plenary meeting on9 August 1951.

By resolution 390 D (XIII), the Council recog-nized that the experience gained in several coun-tries indicated the value of both urban and ruralcommunity welfare centres and that it would bean advantage to have full information on thisexperience assembled and made available to Mem-ber States asking for it. It asked the Secretary-General, in co-operation with the specialized agen-cies and non-governmental organizations, andwith the assistance of governments on whoseterritories such experience has been gained, tocompile full documentation on the varying ob-jectives and scope of such centres, the methodsused in establishing and operating them and thesuccess achieved and difficulties encountered. Thisdocumentation was to be put at the disposal ofgovernments requesting it.

The Secretary-General was also asked to indicateto governments the various kinds of technicalassistance open to them through such sources asthe Technical Assistance Board, the projects ofthe specialized agencies, and the provisions ofGeneral Assembly resolution 418(V)208. He wasasked to submit a full report to the Social Com-mission so that it might determine some generalprinciples underlying successful techniques, andto ask the Technical Assistance Board, meanwhile,to consider sympathetically applications from gov-ernments in this field.

Finally, the Council recommended that thespecialized agencies co-operate with the UnitedNations and other organizations concerned in thedevelopment of such centres.

The Secretary-General, in a letter to MemberGovernments on 8 November 1951, outlined thekind of material needed for the preparation of hisreport and invited them to submit the informationbefore 31 March 1952. Similar letters were sentto twenty non-member States, twelve intergovern-mental organizations and 55 international non-governmental organizations.

An informal meeting was held with the repre-sentatives of some of the specialized agencies inGeneva on 14 August 1951 to achieve closer co-operation. Further individual consultations wereheld with the agencies during the last quarter of1951.

The first field survey to examine welfare centreswas planned for the summer of 1952 in the Carib-bean region and Mexico. Similar field investiga-tions were planned for a selected number ofcountries in the Near East in 1953 and later inSouth-East Asia.

An inter-departmental Working Party on Com-munity Organization and Development was estab-lished in the Secretariat in the summer of 1951,to evaluate requests for technical assistance in thisfield; prepare programmes, seminars and trainingcourses; select experts and fellows; and review theprogress of the project.

The Secretariat has prepared a "Sample listof Community Welfare Centres and CommunityDevelopment Projects". This provides a brief de-scription of the work of 79 centres in 41 countriesor territories.

Preparations were also being made to hold aseries of seminars and training courses in 1952and 1953.

2. Social Defence

a. PREVENTION OF CRIME AND TREATMENTOF OFFENDERS

(1) Probation and Related Measures

The Commission, at its seventh session in March-April 1951, had before it the comprehensive sur-vey, Probation and Related Measures (E/CN.5/-230)209 requested in Council resolution 155 B(VII); the report of the second session of theInternational Group of Experts on the Preventionof Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (E/-CN.5/231 and Corr.1), convened by the Secre-tary-General in December 1950 in accordancewith Council resolution 243 F (IX); and the rec-ommendations of the Secretary-General with re-gard to the future action of the United Nationsin this field (E/CN.5/232).

The scope of the survey on Probation and Re-lated Measures was confined to:

(1) an attempt to define the characteristic andessential features of the probation system and measures

2 0 8 This resolution provided for advisory social welfareservices to governments requesting them.209 U.N.P., Sales No.: 1951. IV. 2.


related to it; (2 ) an analysis of the historical origins,development, and geographical diffusion of probationand related measures; (3) an exposition of probationlegislation and practice in six selected countries; and (4)a comparative and critical analysis of probation legisla-tion and practice.

The Group of Experts, at its second session,considered three studies prepared by the Secretar-iat on probation and related measures (E/CN.5/-AC.4/L.2), on criminal statistics (E/CN.5/AC.4/-L.3)210 and on detention of adults prior to sen-tence (E/CN.5/AC.4/L.11), and submitted rec-ommendations for United Nations action on thesematters.

With respect to probation and related measures,the Experts considered (E/CN.5/231):

(1) that the United Nations should promote andencourage the adoption and development of probationas a humane and effective method for the treatment ofoffenders and as a method by which the prevalent abuseof prison sentences, in particular short-term imprison-ment, can be effectively avoided; (2) that it was notexpedient to propose standard minimum rules withrespect to probation and therefore certain principles,which the Experts recommended might be adhered to;(3) that technical assistance with respect to probation(seminars, technical consultants, fellowships) was highlydesirable; (4) that the comprehensive study, Probationand Related Measures, and an abridged version of itshould be published, as well as a short pamphlet forgeneral information and propaganda purposes; and (5)that complementary studies might be undertaken onexperimental projects in the field of probation, on themethods and practical results of probation, and on thefinancial aspects of the organization of the system.

With respect to the detention of adults prior tosentence, the Group of Experts recommended (E/-CN.5/231) that modifications should be made inthe relevant articles of the draft InternationalConvention on Human Rights,211 inter alia:

(1) to emphasize more clearly the necessity of pro-hibiting the use of inhuman methods of examinationduring criminal proceedings; (2) to make arrest im-possible unless by order of a judicial authority; (3) toensure that the accused shall not remain in police cus-tody before trial and that anyone held for trial shall bepresumed innocent until proved guilty according tolaw; (4) to ensure that the accused may challenge allcharges and examine all evidence; and (5) to ensurethe separation of persons held for trial from convictedpersons.

The Experts recommended, moreover, that theUnited Nations, in collaboration with the Inter-national Penal and Penitentiary Commission(IPPC)212 should further elaborate the draft rulesbeing prepared by the IPPC concerning the treat-ment of adult offenders accused or held for trial.It should also undertake, with the assistance ofinternational and national organizations, a generaland objective study of the concrete problems

raised by the practical application of the presentsystem for the detention of adults prior to sen-tence"

During the Commission's discussions, the im-portance and advantages of probation as a methodfor the prevention of crime and the treatment ofoffenders were stressed. Some representatives feltthat the success achieved in this field justified arecommendation to governments to study theprobation system with a view to its adoption andurged the need for furnishing governments withprecise information on methods of procedure andresults obtained in various countries. This infor-mation, they considered, was particularly desirablesince probation was often considered as a signof weakness. Several members of the Commissionfelt that the success of the probation system largelydepended on the type of officers applying it. Theattention of governments, they considered, shouldbe drawn to the various types of technical assist-ance available from the United Nations, with aview to developing the probation system.

The representative of the International Associ-ation of Criminal Law and the International Bur-eau for the Unification of Criminal Law statedthat criminologists recommended probation as amethod of treatment of offenders and that theorganizations he represented were ready to col-laborate in studying the system and ways andmeans of applying it.

The majority of the Commission endorsed theview expressed by the representative of the UnitedStates that the abridged version of the compre-hensive survey and the short pamphlet suggestedby the Experts should be combined in one publi-cation.

At the request of the representative of theUSSR, who maintained that probation was solelywithin the competence of the State concerned, thedraft resolution proposed by the Secretary-General(E/CN.5/232) was formally put to vote. It wasadopted by 16 votes to 2.

By this resolution the Commission (E/1982)called upon the Secretary-General:

(1) to proceed with the formulation of recommen-dations of principle in the field of probation, givingdue regard to the recommendations of principle formu-

210 For recommendations on criminal statistics, seebelow.

211 Articles 4, 6, 7 and 10.212 By resolution 415(V), the General Assembly ap-

proved the integration of the IPPC within the frameworkof the United Nations. See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 654-56.See also p. 540.


lated by the Experts; (2) to give special attention tothe wide dissemination of authoritative information withrespect to probation and related measures; (3) to takethe necessary steps to ensure the most extensive andmost effective utilization of the United Nations technicalassistance programme towards the development of na-tional probation and related services; and (4) to pro-ceed with study and research on the subject.

The Chairman noted that, since the recommen-dations of the Experts relating to the detention ofadults prior to sentence were addressed to theSecretary-General, the Social Commission was notcalled upon to deal with them at its seventhsession.

The Commission also submitted to the Councila draft resolution (E/1982) which was adoptedat the Council's thirteenth session by 13 votes tonone, with 4 abstentions, at the 184th meeting ofits Social Committee (E/2065) on 31 July, andby 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentions, at its494th plenary meeting on 9 August 1951.

By this resolution (390 E (XIII)) , the Councilexpressed its belief that probation was a humaneand effective method for the treatment of offend-ers, as well as a method by means of which termsof imprisonment, and in particular, short-termimprisonment, could be effectively avoided. Iturged all governments to give favourable consider-ation to the adoption and development of proba-tion as a major instrument of policy, and, callingthe attention of governments to the wide rangeof existing United Nations facilities for technicalassistance, urged their maximum utilization.

(2) Criminal Statistics213

The Commission had before it at its seventhsession three documents on the subject of criminalstatistics: a "Statistical Report on the State ofCrime" covering 37 countries, for the period1937-1946 (E/CN.5/204), prepared by the Sec-retary-General in accordance with Council resolu-tion 155 B (VII) on the Social Commission's workprogramme; the report of the International Groupof Experts (E/CN.5/231); and a further reportby the Secretary-General on this question (E/-CN.5/233).

The Group of Experts recommended (E/CN.5-231) that the United Nations should:

(1) collect and publish criminal statistics; (2) pre-pare a standard classification of offences; and (3) under-take a survey of national criminal statistics and thepreparation of a manual or handbook which wouldsuggest minimum standards for the collection, analysisand presentation of criminal statistics at various stages.

The Secretary-General in his report (E/CN.5/-233) summarized the work accomplished. The

compilation of the statistical report on the stateof crime had shown the need to develop improvedprocedures for compiling and publishing criminalstatistics, with a view both to attaining interna-tional comparability and to assisting Membercountries in evaluating their programmes andpolicy for dealing with crime. The topic, he con-sidered, had changed from a social study employ-ing statistical procedures to a question of establish-ing improved statistical standards and services inthis field. Accordingly, he suggested that the Sta-tistical Commission be asked to assume primaryresponsibility for further action on this subject,with the assistance of the Social Commission inregard to any technical criminological questions.

Various members of the Commission felt thatthe Social Commission, rather than the StatisticalCommission, as proposed by the Secretary-General,should retain the main responsibility for work inthis field.

The Commission adopted a resolution in whichit concurred in the analysis made by the Expertsthat there were three major aspects of the prob-lem, for example, survey of national criminalstatistics and preparation of a manual; standardclassification of offences; and criminal statistics tobe published by the United Nations. It agreed thatthe formulation of a standard classification ofoffences and the standardization of criminal sta-tistics was a task for experts and that such a taskwould inevitably occupy considerable time. TheCommission also recommended a draft resolu-tion,214 which was adopted by the Council by 14votes to 3 at the 184th meeting of its Social Com-mittee (E/2065) on 31 July, and by 15 votes to3 at its 494th plenary meeting on 9 August.

In this resolution (390 F (XIII)), the Councilasked the Secretary-General, with the assistance ofavailable expert advice, to undertake the followingstudy and to report periodically to the Statisticaland Social Commissions on this study:

"(a) As a first step, to undertake a survey and analysisof national statistics on crime with a view to the pre-paration of a manual which would suggest minimumstandards for the collection, analysis and presentation ofcriminal statistics, to assist governments in the improve-ment of their national statistics. Such a survey shouldconcentrate on three kinds of data:

"(i) Statistics which can be used to measure theincidence and the trend of criminality in a givenjurisdiction,

213 See also p. 450.214 The Statistical Commission at its sixth session

(E/1994) approved this resolution and stated its will-ingness to co-operate with the Social Commission inthis work.


" ( i i ) Statistics which would give the number andtypes of offenders dealt with by the judicial authori-ties, and

"( i i i ) Statistics on the types of treatment or pun-ishments employed by different countries;"(b) To explore the possibility of achieving an

agreed definition of the three following offences, in orderto determine the practicability of an ultimate compilationof comparable international criminal statistics:

"( i) Criminal homicide,"(ii) Aggravated assault,"(iii) Robbery and burglary."

(3) Transfer to the United Nations of theFunctions of the International Penal and

Penitentiary Commission

Following the General Assembly's resolution415(V)215 providing for the transfer to theUnited Nations of the functions of the IPPC, theEconomic and Social Council at its twelfth session(resolution 357(XII ) ) invited Members of theUnited Nations and States not Members of theUnited Nations but members of the IPPC toappoint expert representatives to exercise thefunctions provided in the plan of transfer.

The Council's resolution was adopted at the178th meeting of its Social Committee (E/1934)by 14 votes to 3, and at its 467th plenary meetingon 13 March 1951 by 15 votes to 3. The Secretary-General transmitted the invitation to governmentson 31 May 1951.

During 1951, the Secretary-General, in consul-tation with the Secretary-General of the IPPC,made arrangements for the transfer of the func-tions of the IPPC and of its library and archives.This was carried out in stages during the yearand was completed by 31 December 1951. TheUnited Nations Library in Geneva recorded andclassified the works received from Berne and thearchives were deposited at United Nations Head-quarters in New York. In order to avoid anybreak in continuity between the work of the IPPCand of the United Nations, a member of theSecretariat attended part of the last session of theIPPC in July 1951 and arrangements were madeto ensure that unfinished IPPC studies should becontinued by the United Nations.

( 4 ) Activities Undertaken during 1951

A comprehensive study on the practical resultsof probation and the financial aspects of its organ-ization was begun in 1951, and plans were madeto hold a seminar in London in 1952, to examinethese matters.

Work was begun on a preliminary survey ofnational statistics on crime. All the statistics avail-able to the Secretariat were examined and 20

countries selected for a more detailed study oftheir national statistics.

In July 1951, at its last meeting, the IPPCadopted draft standard minimum rules for thetreatment of prisoners. The draft was submittedfor comments to governments, competent organi-zations and the various United Nations servicesconcerned.

Work was begun on studies concerning (1)detention of adults prior to sentence; (2 ) paroleand after care; and (3) the indeterminate sen-tence and other measures designed for adaptingthe duration of treatment in correctional or penalinstitutions to the needs of the individual offenderand to the protection of society. Studies begun bythe IPPC on open penal and correctional institu-tions and on habitual delinquents and recidivistswere, as a result of the transfer, taken over bythe United Nations. Detailed monographs on thetreatment of juvenile delinquents in specific coun-tries were completed. Based on these monographsand on replies of governments to a questionnaireon juvenile delinquency, regional studies werebegun to compare the systems and methods cur-rently in use in the principal regions of the world.

On the invitation of the Government of Bel-gium, and in collaboration with the World HealthOrganization, a European seminar was held inBrussels from 3-15 December 1951 to discuss themedical, psychiatric and social examination ofoffenders. Some 83 representatives from 18 coun-tries took part. Reports from each of the partici-pating governments on the methods employed inthe respective countries for dealing with thescientific examination of offenders were circulated.During the seminar, five visits were made to penalinstitutions and particularly to anthropologicalprison services.

The first issue of the International Review onthe Prevention of Crime and the Treatment ofOffenders was prepared for publication in 1952.It was concerned primarily with international ac-tivities relating to the prevention of crime andtreatment of offenders and contained a biblio-graphy of periodical literature.

b. TRAFFIC IN PERSONS

(1) Invitations to Non-Member States to BecomeParties to the Convention for the Suppression of theTraffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the

Prostitution of Others

This Convention, designed to supersede theearlier instruments concluded in this field, was

215 See Y.U.N.. 1950, pp. 655-56.


approved by the General Assembly on 2 December1949 in resolution 317(IV)216 and entered intoforce on 25 July 1951.

Article 23 of the Convention provides that itshall be open for signature or accession on behalfof any Member of the United Nations and alsoon behalf of any other State to which an invitationhas been addressed by the Economic and SocialCouncil.

The Council, at its thirteenth session at its 513thplenary meeting on 22 August 1951, had beforeit a draft resolution by the Secretary-General (E/-2009) on the question of invitations to non-member States to become parties to this Conven-tion. The Council unanimously adopted this draftresolution, with a slight amendment, as resolution392(XIII).

By it, the Council requested the Secretary-Gen-eral to despatch invitations to each non-memberState which is, or hereafter becomes, a member ofone or more of the specialized agencies of theUnited Nations or which is, or hereafter becomes,a party to the Statute of the International Courtof Justice.

(2) Questionnaire Relating to the Suppression ofthe Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation

of the Prostitution of Others

The Social Commission, at its seventh sessionin March-April 1951, gave detailed considerationto a draft questionnaire (E/CN.5/234) preparedby the Secretary-General with the help of inter-ested governments, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations. The draft was a re-vised version of the questionnaire, which had beenadopted by the League of Nations in 1938. Itsrevision was considered necessary in the light ofpost-war developments in social and economicconditions and in order that it should conformmore closely with the terms of the Conventionfor the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons andof the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.

Various comments and suggestions were madeon the draft questionnaire by members of theCommission and a revised draft (E/CN.5/L.150)was prepared by a sub-committee, composed ofthe representatives of Bolivia, France, Israel andthe United Kingdom. It was adopted by the Com-mission with minor drafting amendments (E/-1982/Annex II).

The representatives of the Byelorussian SSRand the USSR explained that they had abstainedbecause no traffic in persons or prostitution existedin their countries.

The questionnaire contained questions relatingto increases or decreases in the traffic in personsand prostitution during the period under reviewand the reasons for such changes, as well as thesocial origin and background of victims; licensedor recognized brothels; registration; unlicensed andunrecognized prostitution; abolition of licensedrecognized or registered prostitution; measures re-lating to venereal diseases; the extent to whichwomen police and public services are engaged inthe prevention of prostitution and in assisting itsvictims; collaboration between public authoritiesand private organizations; convictions; cases ofinternational traffic; exclusion, repatriation, ex-tradition, expulsion or deportation; communica-tions between central authorities; new measures;and observations and suggestions on special prob-lems and on the contents of the questionnaire.

By the end of 1951 the revised questionnairehad been transmitted to all Member States and tonon-member States parties to the Convention inforce. A preliminary study of the existing situationwith regard to traffic in persons and to the ex-ploitation of others was begun, with a view todrawing up a programme of action.

3. Housing and Town and CountryPlanning

a. MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS ENFORCE-ABLE UNDER PENALTY

The Social Commission had before it at itsseventh session in March-April 1951 a report,which had been requested at its third session in1948, on minimum housing standards enforceableunder penalty. The report (E/CN.5/207 andAdd.1, 2 & 3) contained information supplied bygovernments on legislation and related to 29countries and territories. The Commission alsohad before it a note by the Secretary-General (E/-CN.5/207/Add.4) regarding the final form ofthe report and its publication.

The Commission concluded (E/1982) that thedata obtained should be published, as soon aspossible, in the form of a synthesis bringing outthe essential principles governing legislation andstressing the relationship of these provisions toactual conditions in the countries concerned. Itwas considered that the report, conceived as apractical guide, would be very useful in establish-ing standards, especially for under-developed areasand in particular for urban districts in those areas.

216 See Y.U.N., 1948-49, pp. 613-16.


h. REPORT OF THE MISSION EXPERTS ONTROPICAL HOUSING

Following earlier decisions of the Social Com-mission and the Economic and Social Council,this Mission, composed of four experts, visitedIndia, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaya andSingapore between 21 November 1950 and 22January 1951. The Mission's terms of referencewere to collect information relevant to the prob-lems of housing; to examine problems of low-costrural housing in the humid tropical areas; to advisethe host Governments; and to prepare a reportsetting out its findings and recommendations.

The Mission's principal recommendations, asset forth in the Secretary-General's report (E/-CN.5/251) to the seventh session of the Commis-sion, included the suggestion that a programme ofinternational co-operation in the field of housingand town and country planning should be de-veloped by the United Nations, in consultationwith interested governments in the ECAFE re-gion,217 specialized agencies and professional in-ternational organizations. Specifically, the Missionrecommended that this work programme shouldinclude:

(1) arrangements in the Asian region for the stimu-lation of research and experimentation and for thedissemination of the results; (2) greater emphasis onthe special studies which are most needed in the Asianregion, particularly financing, methods of formulatingnational policies and programmes for housing and com-munity development, and urban land policies; (3)preparation and publication of a complete authoritativesurvey on tropical housing; and (4) arrangements toassist in technical education and training of techniciansand workers for housing and community development.

The Secretary-General, on the basis of the Mis-sion's report, submitted a number of suggestions(E/CN.5/251) which were approved by theCommission (E/1982). He emphasized, amongother things, that housing and community develop-ment must be planned as part of an over-all na-tional policy of social and economic development.He considered it desirable that the world-widestudies in the general work programme should bemore effectively related to the needs of particularcountries and regions and be of assistance to theoperational activities in these regions. He stressedthe need for co-ordination on the action level ofthe work in this field undertaken by the UnitedNations and its various organs and specializedagencies, and for the co-ordination of research.

The Secretary-General also suggested:(1) that priority be given to studies on the financing

of housing, on methods for preparing housing pro-grammes, and on urban land policies; (2) that the

Survey of Problems of Low Cost Rural Housing inTropical Areas be completed and published in the formof a handbook on tropical housing; (3) that the 1952work programme include the urgent problem of educa-tion of planners; (4) that problems of housing andurban and regional physical development be included intechnical assistance programmes; (5) that one or moretraining projects or centres in South and South-EastAsia be established under the technical assistance pro-gramme; (6) that courses in simple building techniquesfor the improvement of housing be included as partof the programmes for fundamental education andcommunity development inaugurated by the United Na-tions and the specialized agencies; and (7) that regionalactivity be initiated in the fields of housing and townand country planning. The Secretary-General stated thathe proposed to consult ECAFE on the desirability ofholding a conference on low-cost housing in an appro-priate tropical area.

c. GENERAL PROGRAMME OF WORK

(1) Consideration by the Social Commission atits Seventh Session

The Social Commission (E/1982) consideredthat priority should be given to the problem ofhousing in under-developed and tropical areas,with particular emphasis on practical methodsin keeping with the economic potential of suchareas and a more extensive use of local materialsand labour available.

The Commission emphasized the need to pro-mote training of specialized personnel for plan-ning, production and administration in the sphereof building, housing and town and country plan-ning, particularly under the technical assistanceprogramme.

The Commission likewise noted that: (1) underthe auspices of the Economic Commission forEurope foundations had been laid for co-operationin the exchange of technical information and inresearch on housing and building; and (2) centresfor such research and experimental stations, some-times associated with training centres, were alreadyin operation or being set up in various parts ofthe world.

The Commission recommended (E/1982) that:(a) governments create, where this was not already

so, a housing and town and country planning unit inthe national government, having as objective the de-velopment of adequate housing and community facilities;

(b) activities in building, housing and town andcountry planning—carried out by the United Nations,the specialized agencies and international organizations—be so conducted as to be more effectively related toneeds of particular countries and regions as well asto technical assistance provided to governments;

(c) technical assistance programmes of the UnitedNations and the specialized agencies include activities

217 For countries in the ECAFE union, see p. 51.


pertaining to building, housing and town and countryplanning, and also include corresponding training ofpersonnel for various phases of planning, productionand administration in these fields.

It requested the Secretary-General to:(1) assist in co-ordinating the work concerning build-

ing, housing and town and country planning under-taken by the United Nations, the regional economiccommissions, the Technical Assistance Board and thespecialized agencies;

(2) initiate and develop regional activities whereappropriate;

(3) facilitate active participation of non-govern-mental organizations in such work; and

(4) keep the Social Commission informed of theprogress made.


During the discussions in the Third Committeeof Chapter IV (Social Questions) of the Council'sreport (A/1884), the question of housing andtown and country planning was considered at the356th and 357th meetings on 28 and 29 Novem-ber, as well as during the Committee's generaldebate at its 348th to 352nd meetings from 19-22November 1951.

The representatives of Greece, Pakistan andPeru, among others, considered that priority shouldbe given to the study of housing problems. Therepresentative of Greece, in introducing a draftresolution on the subject (A/C.3/L.161/Rev.2),stated that housing was the key to the solution ofthe refugee, immigration and population move-ment problems and even to that of increased pro-ductivity, since meeting workers' housing needswas an important factor in productivity.

Under the Greek draft resolution, the GeneralAssembly would request the Economic and SocialCouncil to give urgent attention to practicalmeasures to assist governments in increasing avail-able housing facilities for people in the lowestincome groups, including, inter alia:

(1) intensification of activities to provide informationto governments on the techniques of the building in-dustry;

(2) advice to governments on the development ofhousing programmes;

(3) assistance to governments in developing practi-cal methods of financing housing programmes, withparticular reference to: domestic measures such as taxadjustments, subsidies, and the provision of incentivesto private investors, co-operative arrangements, andcommunity development plans; and to external sourcessuch as the International Bank for Reconstruction andDevelopment and other institutions;

(4) utilization of the machinery of the Social Com-mission, the Technical Assistance Board, the regionaleconomic commissions, the specialized agencies and

appropriate non-governmental organizations in the ac-complishment of these tasks.

The Committee was in general agreement withthe principles on which the draft resolution wasbased, but there was a divergence of views regard-ing the approach to the problem.

The representative of Greece accepted a Chileanamendment (A/C.3/L174/Rev.1) to substitutefor the paragraph listing the organs to be used toaccomplish the aims of the draft resolution aprovision to enable the Council itself to determinethose organs.

Other representatives objected to a paragraphof the draft resolution which listed some of themethods, domestic or external, for financing housingprogrammes. They preferred a more general recom-mendation, and amendments to that effect wereproposed by Chile (A/C.3/L.174/Rev.1), Syria(A/C.3/L.176/Rev.1, paragraph 3), Saudi Arabia(A/C.3/L177) and Australia (A/C.3/L.179).The representatives of these countries subsequentlyagreed on a joint text, to replace their amend-ments, worded as follows: "Assistance to govern-ments in developing practical methods of financinghousing programmes from domestic and externalsources . . ." The Committee adopted the text by19 votes to 9, with 16 abstentions.

Certain of the amendments (A/C.3/L.176/-Rev.1) proposed by Syria also referred to specificmeasures to increase productivity and to reducecosts in the building industry. The Committeeadopted these amendments by votes varying from42 to none, with 8 abstentions, to 18 to 17, with15 abstentions.

The Committee, at its 357th meeting on 29 No-vember, approved (A/2009/Rev.1.) the Greekdraft resolution, as amended, by 37 votes to none,with 11 abstentions.

The General Assembly at its 371st plenary meet-ing on 2 February 1952 adopted it, without change,by 45 votes to none, with 6 abstentions, as resolu-tion 537(VI). It read:

The General Assembly,Considering that lack of adequate housing constitutes

one of the most serious deficiencies in the standard ofliving of large sections of the population of the world,

Considering that serious social problems originate inor are aggravated by the shortage of housing,

Requests the Economic and Social Council, enlistingfor the purpose the services of the appropriate subsidi-ary bodies, including where suitable regional bodies,and in collaboration with the competent specializedagencies and the non-governmental organizations con-cerned, to give urgent attention to practical measuresto assist governments in increasing available housing


facilities for people in the lowest income groups, in-cluding, inter alia:

(a) Intensification of activities to provide informa-tion to governments on techniques of production andbuilding to increase the productivity of the building in-dustry, to utilize local construction materials more eco-nomically and to reduce the cost of housing by loweringthe cost of materials and equipment through standardi-zation and prefabrication;

( b ) Advice to governments on the development ofhousing programmes and their relation to over-all plansfor economic development and to developments in par-ticular areas, both urban and rural;

(c) Grants, within the framework of the technicalassistance programme, and in accord with the specializedagencies and the services of the United Nations, offellowships for study and training to experts fromcountries affected by the housing shortage, particularlycountries where the building industry is still at thepurely artisan stage;

(d) Invitations to the governments countries supply-ing building materials to give some priority to ordersconnected with the construction of economical housingfor low-income groups;

( e ) Assistance to governments in developing prac-tical methods of financing housing programmes fromdomestic or external sources.

d. ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING 1951

Work to co-ordinate research in housing andtown and country planning, in general, and build-ing research, in particular, was undertaken in co-operation with the Technical Assistance Adminis-tration, the regional economic commissions andinterested international professional organizations.The ECE's Building Research Organizing Com-mittee (BROC), which was established follow-ing recommendations of the Building ResearchConference held in Geneva (November1950), finalized, in 1951, arrangements concern-ing collaboration among existing national and in-ternational organizations on a number of specificresearch projects with a view to expanding suchco-operation to include also non-European regions.

A list of 200 technical publications in the fieldsof housing, town and country planning and build-ing was compiled for distribution under theUnited Nations technical assistance programme. Atotal of 114 requests for these publications weremade by 31 countries by the end of 1951. Techni-cal pamphlets on various subjects were preparedin connexion with work on tropical housing.

A demonstration and training project in sta-bilized earth construction was established in col-laboration with the Government of Israel. Othergroup training projects were under consideration.

During 1951 outlines and preliminary consul-tant reports were completed and work was inprogress on studies dealing with:

(1) available housing and present and future housingneeds; (2) methods of preparing programmes of hous-ing and public construction; (3) financing of housing;(4) methods of increasing productivity in constructionof housing; (5) social, economic and technologicalproblems of planning and development in urban andrural communities; (6) neighbourhood units; and (7)the education of planners. A preliminary paper oncurrent information on urban land policies was circu-lated. The Housing Sub-Committee of the EconomicCommission for Europe co-operated in the studies listedunder (1), (2) and (3) above with regard to Europe.

In the project dealing with tropical housing,begun prior to 1951, a revised edition of thereport by the Mission of Experts on Low-CostHousing in Tropical Areas (ST/SOA/3/Rev.1)(see above) was published. Technical pamphletswere prepared on earth construction, sanitationproblems of rural areas, and fish farming, as partof the preparation of a Handbook on TropicalHousing, to be issued in 1953.

During 1951 the Reference Centre on Build-ing, Housing and Town and Country Planningcontinued to service the documentary requirementsof special projects and supplied information atthe requests of governments and United Nationsorgans. It compiled bibliographical references, ab-stracts, indexes, lists of periodicals and glossariesof terms related to subject-studies. Arrangementswere made for exchange of documentation withmembers of the International Council for Build-ing Documentation (CIDB). An English editionof a directory of building research and develop-ment organizations in 22 European countries wasissued (ST/SOA/SER.H./4) in 1951, jointlywith the Housing Sub-Committee of the ECE,and a directory providing information on twelveinternational organizations and on governmentaland non-governmental research institutions in 46countries was prepared for issuance in 1952.

Two issues of the Housing and Town andCountry Planning Bulletin were completed in1951. Bulletin No. 5 dealt with community fa-cilities and services in large scale housing develop-ments in the USSR. Bulletin No. 6 dealt withtropical housing (design, construction, sanitation,economics, and aided self-help methods).

4. Social Rehabilitation of thePhysically Handicapped

The Social Commission, at its seventh sessionhad before it a report by the Secretary-General(E/CN.5/238) on the progress made in developing the programme of social rehabilitation of thephysically handicapped.


The report, which the Council had requestedin order that the Commission might advise itfurther with regard to steps to be taken in imple-menting an international programme in that field,described the measures taken by the Secretary-General and noted that the Administrative Com-mittee on Co-ordination had set up a workinggroup to study the problem. The report (E/-CN.5/238/Add.1) relating to the work of thisgroup was also before the Commission.

One of the questions raised in the course ofthe Commission's discussions was that of the linesalong which the work of the United Nations inthat field should be carried out. Several membersconsidered that priority should be given to thephysically handicapped capable of being ren-dered self-supporting and of resuming their placein normal life, through an appropriate process ofadaptation or rehabilitation.

The Commission emphasized the desirability of:(1) improving and expediting preventive action; (2)

dealing with the problem of adaptation or rehabilitationas a whole, taking due account of all its aspects, medical,psychological, pedagogical, social and economic; (3)seeking the adaptation of such persons to normal life,with a view to making them useful members of society;and (4) training staff for all aspects of rehabilitationwork.

The Commission stressed the desirability of non-governmental organizations participating in thepreparation and execution of the international pro-gramme for the rehabilitation of the physicallyhandicapped, and of governments taking the req-uisite measures to promote the rehabilitation ofthe physically handicapped and setting up appro-priate government services for that purpose.

The Commission approved (E/1982) the ini-tial steps taken, and requested the Secretary-Gen-eral and the competent specialized agencies toask ECE to attempt to find ways of facilitatingthe exchange of scarce raw materials needed forthe manufacture of prosthetic appliances. It alsoexpressed the wish that similar attempts be madefor other areas.

During March and April 1951, rehabilitationworkers from seven European countries attendeda group training course in London, at which vari-ous aspects of the rehabilitation of physicallyhandicapped children were studied.

During the General Assembly's discussion inthe Third Committee of Chapter IV (Social Ques-tions) of the Council's report (A/1884), the rep-resentative of Uruguay stated the opinion that thefunction of the United Nations was to help de-velop the technical training of special staff for

rehabilitation of the physically handicapped andto act as an information centre to which countrieswanting such staff could apply.

5. Advisory Social Welfare Services

a. CONSIDERATION OF THE PROGRAMME

In his report on the United Nations programmeof technical assistance (E/1893)218 submitted tothe Council at its twelfth session, the Secretary-General described the progress of the advisorysocial welfare services authorized by General As-sembly resolutions 58(I) and 418(V).219 He in-formed the Council that, during 1950, requestsfrom 25 governments for expert advice, technicalliterature and films in the field of social welfarehad been implemented or were under negotiation;that 184 fellowships had been awarded; that asecond social welfare seminar had been held inthe Middle East for Arab States; and that a region-al Far Eastern conference had been organized forthe care of physically handicapped children. TheSecretary-General pointed out that a more com-prehensive report on the advisory social welfareservices would be submitted to the Social Com-mission at its. seventh session, and suggested thatthe Council might wish to take the Commission'scomments into account.

During the Council's review of the Secretary-General's report at its 449th, 450th and 465thplenary meetings on 1 and 10 March 1951220 itwas suggested that, before reaching conclusions onthe advisory social welfare services programme,the Council should await the comments of theSocial Commission on the more detailed report.

The Secretary-General's report (E/CN.5/239)to the Social Commission at its seventh session inMarch-April 1951 described measures taken toimplement the programme of advisory social wel-fare services under resolution 418(V). They in-cluded recommendations concerning and stepstaken to (1) relate international programmes forsocial development to the expanded programme oftechnical assistance; (2) integrate internationalactivities into regional and national activities; (3)set up demonstration centres; and (4) integrateprogrammes at the international level. They alsoincluded recommendations concerning observationfellowships and scholarships. The Secretary-Gen-eral also referred to the Commission, for informa-

218 See p. 392.219 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 591, 596.220 See pp. 392-93.


tion, the section of his report on the technical as-sistance programme dealing with the advisory so-cial welfare services (E/1893, chapter II), and thesecond report of the Technical Assistance Board tothe Technical Assistance Committee (E/1911).221

The Commission noted (E/1982) that respon-sibility for the implementation of the advisory so-cial welfare services programme had been trans-ferred to the Technical Assistance Administrationand expressed satisfaction with the measureswhich had been taken to ensure effective co-ordi-nation between the various bodies concerned withthe execution of the technical assistance pro-gramme. It expressed the wish, however, that theadvisory social welfare services programme, whileforming one of the elements of the whole techni-cal assistance programme, should preserve its ownspecial characteristics in the new administrativeorganization. The Commission, moreover, consi-dered that part of its duty was to furnish advice,not only on the programme of advisory socialwelfare services, but also on the social aspects ofUnited Nations technical assistance activities as awhole. The three main features of the programmeunder resolution 418(V) to which the Commis-sion attached the highest importance were itsuniversality, the systematic use in successive stagesand the permanent character of the services whichit provided, and the fact that it derived supportfrom the regular United Nations budget.

The Commission stressed the fact that interna-tional technical assistance could bear full fruit onlyif the governments which applied for it integratedthe assistance obtained into their national plansfor social and economic development.

It stressed the important part which regionaloffices could play in the provision of United Na-tions social welfare services by ensuring that thecharacteristics and special needs of the countriesin their respective regions were taken into account.In particular, the Commission approved of themethods of regional action (special types of re-gional seminars, national conferences organizedwith the help of United Nations experts, ex-changes of experts and social workers) introducedby the European Office with a view to facilitatingto the highest possible degree the exchange ofideas and techniques. It advocated the intensifica-tion of these methods in Europe and their exten-sion, as appropriate, to other regions, and askedthe Secretary-General to report on the matter.

It also stressed the importance of emphasizingthe international character of the technical assist-ance programme by making use of personnel re-

cruited in the various countries of the world. Spe-cialists should be highly qualified, and their ex-perience and culture should be related to those ofthe country to which they were sent; whenevercircumstances permitted, those knowing the lan-guage of that country should be selected.

The Commission considered that fellowshipsconstituted one of the most effective means ofachieving the objectives of technical assistance.Where possible, governments, it was suggested,might request that they be allowed to send teamsof fellows to study the various aspects of a singleproblem.

The Commission expressed interest in the eval-uation which the Secretary-General proposed toundertake of the advisory social welfare servicesrendered to governments from 1947 to 1951. Theresults of this study, it was felt, would afford asound basis for consideration of any desirablemodifications in policy or techniques. The Com-mission considered that the study should be givenpriority at the eighth session. While not recom-mending any revision of policy, the Commissionadvocated increasing application of the pro-gramme and urged that account be taken of thesuggestions made at its seventh session.

The Secretary-General's report to the thirteenthsession of the Council on the United Nations pro-grammes of technical assistance (E/2001 andCorr.1 and 2) was drawn up on a country-by-country basis and did not attempt to describe theprogress of the advisory social welfare services assuch. The Council was, however, informed in an-nexes to the report that, during the period 1 June1950-31 May 1951, 42 social welfare experts rep-resenting 20 nationalities had advised 19 govern-ments under resolutions 58(I) and 418 (V),while during the first five months of 1951, some353 nominations for social welfare fellowships hadbeen submitted by governments and 192 fellow-ships recommended for award.

In reviewing the report of the Social Commis-sion (E/1982) at the 183rd to 186th meetingsof its Social Committee from 31 July-1 Aug-ust and at its 494th plenary meeting on 9 August1951, the Council did not make specific recom-mendations concerning the provision of advisorysocial welfare services. At the conclusion of itsdiscussion of the United Nations technical assist-ance activities considered as a whole, the Counciladopted resolution 399(XIII) in which it notedwith appreciation the work accomplished under

221 See pp. 395-96.


the United Nations programmes of technical as-sistance. The Council further recommended to theGeneral Assembly the adoption of a resolutionwhich, inter alia, would note with approval thatthe Secretary-General had included in the UnitedNations budget for the year 1952 the sameamount as was appropriated by the General As-sembly in 1951 for activities under resolution 418(V). It would recommend that additional techni-

cal assistance activities undertaken for the benefitof under-developed countries in the field of socialwelfare should be considered under the expandedprogramme, in cases where such additional pro-grammes could not be financed from the UnitedNations budget. The resolution was approved bythe Assembly on 12 January 1952 (518(VI)).222

At the Assembly's sixth session, during theThird Committee's discussion of Chapter IV (So-cial Questions) of the Council's report (A/1884),the representatives of China and Yugoslaviapraised the programme of advisory social welfareservices, in general, as one of the most effectivein the social field. The latter expressed his agree-ment with the principle that the programmeshould retain its own characteristics and should re-main within the regular United Nations budget.The representatives of China and Ecuador sup-ported the Council's recommendation that thesame allocation for this programme should bemade in 1952 as in 1951, with the additional rec-ommendation that technical assistance, in con-nexion with social activities, should, if necessary,be included in the expanded programme of tech-nical assistance. The representative of Iran thoughtit might be useful to give scholarships to teamsfrom the same country in order that they mightbe able to help one another use the knowledgethey had acquired. The representative of Burmafelt that better results might be obtained if expertsand personnel were able to familiarize themselveswith local conditions in countries they were sur-veying.

b. SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES FURNISHEDDURING 1951

During 1951, under the programme of advisorysocial welfare services, 176 fellows from 52 coun-tries were awarded fellowships for study in 23host countries. This figure includes fourteen fel-lowships awarded under the expanded programmeof technical assistance, and scholarships to four-teen participants of a course on physically handi-capped children, held in London, and one partici-pant of a workshop in Puerto Rico. Awards to

regions other than Europe, amounted to 46%,of which 19% were for the Far East and 10%for the Near and Middle East. Fields of studyincluded comunity, family and child welfare; so-cial welfare organization and administration; re-habilitation services for the handicapped; socialdefence; and housing and town and country plan-ning.

In addition to five experts appointed prior to1951 and still serving, seventeen experts, repre-senting eight nationalities, were sent during theyear to eleven countries in the Far East, Near andMiddle East, Latin America and Africa and onewas sent to Europe. Their fields of assignmentincluded: social welfare administration; social se-curity; community, family and child welfare; so-cial defence; rehabilitation of the physically han-dicapped; housing and town and country planning;rural welfare services; labour problems; standardsof living; social development; and public admin-istration.

The following seminars, as well as those alreadymentioned under specific sections, were held dur-ing 1951.

(1) On the invitation of the Indian Government,and in co-operation with the Governments of Burma,Ceylon, Indonesia and the United Kingdom Territoriesof South-East Asia, a seminar was held at Simla (India),from 1-21 November to consider youth welfare. Twenty-four official representatives from these countries, expertsfrom the United Nations, the International LabourOrganisation, the Food and Agriculture Organization,the United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization, the World Health Organization (WHO)and the Economic Commission for Asia and the FarEast and 23 observers took part.

(2) Under the European Exchange Programme, aseminar on the techniques of case work was held inWoudschoten (Netherlands), from 19 August—1 Sep-tember, and another on the training and functions ofthe French polyvalent social worker was held in Sèvres(France), from 12-19 November. Both were concernedwith training and were in the nature of normal coursesfor professional personnel. Sixty persons from fourteencountries participated at Woudschoten and 28 fromeleven countries at Sevres. Representatives from theUnited Nations and WHO also took party in the seminarat Woudschoten.

(3) A meeting on alcoholism was held in April inCopenhagen under the auspices of WHO and in col-laboration with the United Nations. It was attended by64 persons from eleven countries.

6. National Committees and NationalWorking Groups

Following the recommendation of the SocialCommission at its fifth and sixth sessions, ap-

222 For details on action taken in the Council and inAssembly, see p. 394.


proved by the Council in its resolution 309 G(XI) , the Commission, at its seventh session, hadbefore it a note (E/CN.5/225) and reports (E/-CN.5/242 and Corr.1, and E/CN.5/243) by theSecretary-General on national committees andworking groups which had been set up to preparematerial for the work of the Social Commissionand to bring that work to the knowledge of thepublic.

The Commission noted (E/1982) with satis-faction that, at the national level, several coun-tries had set up committees and working groupsconsisting of representatives of the different gov-ernment departments and, in some cases, inter-ested non-governmental organizations.

The working papers and the course of the dis-cussions showed that there were variations in thestructure of existing national committees andworking groups, and also variations in practiceas to the purposes for which, and the extent towhich, non-governmental groups were associatedwith the national committees. The Commissionwas convinced that the question of the establish-ment of national committees and national workinggroups should receive the continuous attention ofgovernments and expressed the hope that suchorganizations would be created in every country.The Commission stated that it would, in the fu-ture, indicate the questions which it recommendedfor their attention.

At its thirteenth session, the Council's SocialCommittee at its 185th meeting on 1 August,drew attention to the paragraph in the Commis-sion's report which urged that documents, espe-cially working papers, should be sent to govern-ments well in advance of each session in orderto facilitate the work of national committees andworking groups in their examination of the ques-tions on the agenda of the various sessions of theCommission.

7. Family, Youth and Child Welfare

A draft report on children homeless in theirnative countries (E/CN.5/237) was submitted tothe Commission's seventh session. The Commis-sion deferred consideration of it and suggestedthat the draft report should be sent to govern-ments for their comments and that a final reportshould be prepared for the Commission's eighthsession. Studies on adoption and on standards ofinstitutional care were begun during the year.

The principal recommendations of a WorkingGroup on Long-Range Activities for Children, es-tablished in May 1951 by the Administrative

Committee on Co-ordination (ACC), were, itwas agreed by the ACC, to be forwarded to theCommission at that session.

Plans were prepared for: (1) promotion ofthe training of auxiliary personnel; and (2) anoutline designed to serve as a guide to govern-ments undertaking a study of their existing servi-ces for children, as well as of plans to develop acomprehensive service with appropriate interna-tional help.

The third and last volume of the former seriesof Annual Reports on Child and Youth Welfare,covering for the most part activities and develop-ments in this field during 1948, was published inJanuary 1951. Contributions were received fromthirty Member Governments.

The first "Biennial Report on Community,Family and Child Welfare", covering the years1949 and 1950, was scheduled for publicationin the middle of 1952. With this in mind, a newoutline form was therefore sent to all MemberGovernments. In accordance with the Council'srecommendations, the scope of this report wasextended to include also the community and fam-ily aspects of child and youth welfare.

By the end of 1951 the "Survey of Legislativeand Administrative Regulations providing forEconomic Measures in favour of the Family" wascompleted. It covers the legislation and admin-istrative regulations, in force on 30 June 1949, inthe following 24 countries: Argentina, Australia,Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czechoslovakia,Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Greece,Honduras, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Sweden,Syria, Turkey, Union of South Africa, USSR,United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

On the basis of the documentary material madeavailable by the Governments of the 24 countries,the Secretariat prepared draft summaries of thelegislative and administrative texts providing dif-ferential economic advantages for the family.These summaries were communicated to the gov-ernments concerned for review and completion.

The summaries of laws and administrative reg-ulations were grouped by subject in the documen-tary part of the Survey in three main chapters:the first dealing with measures relating to theprovision of family income increments; the secondwith measures relating to the various elements offamily consumption and expenditure; the thirdwith measures which do not clearly belong toeither of the above categories (for example, pri-ority admission to employment and exemptionsfrom military service).


8. General Work Programme

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE SOCIAL COMMIS-SION AT ITS SEVENTH SESSION

The Commission, at its sixth session, had de-cided that work programme then adopted223

should be reviewed during 1951 with a view tomaking the necessary amendments for 1952 andto preparing a programme for 1953. Thus, at itsseventh session in March-April 1951, the Com-mission had before it two reports by the Secre-tary-General—one on the implementation of thework programme in 1950 and the other contain-ing a draft work programme for the years 1951to 1953 (E/CN.5/240 and Add.1).

In the general discussion on the planning of theCommission's programme of work, the argumentwas advanced that the Commission had neglectedmajor problems in order to study questions ofsecondary importance. To correct this situation, adraft resolution was put forward by the represent-ative of the USSR providing for the incorporationin the 1952-53 programme, as matters of firstpriority, the study of and preparation of recom-mendations on the following problems:

(a) unemployment insurance and the care of thefamilies of the unemployed; (b) the extension ofmeasures relating to maternity, infant and child care;(CT) the availability of education to, and the introduc-tion of free compulsory elementary instruction for, allwithout distinction as to race, sex, language, means orsocial origin; (d) the availability of medical attentionto all without distinction as to race, sex, language, meansor social origin; (e) social insurance against sickness,old age, disability, etc.

The representative of Yugoslavia proposed theaddition of two further points: protection of workin the factories; and the conditions of life of agri-cultural workers and the protection of their work.

The Commission agreed that the questions men-tioned in the draft resolution were very import-ant and should be included in an international so-cial welfare programme. It decided to includeitem (b) concerning the extension of measuresrelating to maternity, infant and child care, in the1952-53 programme. The remainder of the resolu-tion was rejected on the grounds that the problemsto which it referred lay in the fields of, and weremainly being dealt with by, the specialized agen-cies.

With regard to priorities, the Commission real-ized that, while it had not, and would not wishto, divest itself of the responsibility of examiningand making recommendations concerning the pro-gramme as a whole, under the existing conditions

the programme could not be executed to the fullin strict compliance with the proposed time table.It was willing therefore that the Secretary-Generalshould assume a measure of responsibility betweenthe annual sessions of the Commission to makeadjustments in priority of execution of individualprojects.

The Commission, while retaining the generaloutline of the programme for 1951-52 establishedat its sixth session (E/1678), made certainchanges:

(1) It requested the Secretary-General to submit toits eighth session a report evaluating the results of thefirst five years of implementation of the programme inpursuance of resolutions 58 (I) and 418 (V) concern-ing advisory social welfare services.

(2) It approved the continued publication of theMigration Bulletin and took note of the fact that, toavoid any duplication, the Secretariat would enter intoconsultation with the International Labour Office whenthe latter began publication of its International Migra-tion Review.

(3) It recommended publication of summaries of themain works and articles dealing with social welfareservices and the inclusion in its work programme of theco-ordination of research pertaining to building, housingand town and country planning, on the understandingthat such research would be mainly carried out by theregional economic commissions and professional organ-izations.

The Commission made various changes inthe specific projects in its 1951-52 work pro-gramme, omitting some projects and adding oth-ers, advancing some to an earlier date and post-poning others.224

The Commission also made various recommen-dations concerning the provisional work pro-gramme for 1953.


In its review of the general work programmethe Council, at the 185th and 186th meetings ofits Social Committee on 1 August and at its 494thplenary meeting on 9 August 1951, consideredsimilar draft resolutions (E/AC.7/L.88/Rev.1 andE/L.184) by the USSR, providing for inclusionin the work programme of those subjects listedabove under (a), (c), (d) and (e) which theSocial Commission had rejected.225

223 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 589-611.224 For list of projects, see E/1982.225 The representative of the USSR presented the

resolution again in the General Assembly as an amend-ment to the Assembly's Third Committee's draft resolu-tion on development and concentration of efforts in thesocial field. See p. 551.


The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR contended that these problemsneeded to be solved first of all since they affectedmillions of human beings, that until they weresolved nothing could be done to deal with otherless important social problems, and that, althoughthe fundamental importance of those questionswas generally recognized, the Social Commissionhad failed to deal with them. On the other hand,while the majority agreed that the questions re-ferred to were very important and should neces-sarily be included in an international social wel-fare programme, they again emphasized that manyaspects of those problems were already coveredby the specialized agencies and therefore couldnot properly form part of the Commission's ownprogramme.

With a view to reconciling the different opin-ions expressed, an amendment was submitted bythe representative of Pakistan (E/AC.7/L.90),proposing that the Social Commission should re-view the work of the specialized agencies in re-lation to the subjects referred to and make appro-priate recommendations. This amendment was,however, withdrawn and the draft resolutionswere rejected in the Social Committee (E/2065)by 14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention, and in plenarysession by 15 votes to 3. Nevertheless, it wasagreed that the Council might proceed as theSocial Commission had done and recommend thatthe Secretary-General give favourable considera-tion to the Social Commission's suggestion that hesubmit to the next session of the Council infor-mation on the activities of specialized agencies inthe field of social welfare, and especially in thefield of social security, and furnish the Councilwith information regarding the questions dealtwith in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) , (c) and (d)of the Soviet Union draft resolution.

9. Development and Concentration ofthe Efforts of the United Nations and

Specialized Agencies in the Social Field

The General Assembly considered Chapter IV(Social Questions)226 of the report of the Eco-nomic and Social Council (A/1884) at the 348thto 357th meetings of its Third Committee from19-29 November 1951 and at its 371st plenarymeeting on 2 February 1952.

During the general debate at the 348th to352nd meetings of the Committee the representa-tives of Australia, Burma, China, the DominicanRepublic, Egypt, Iran, Israel, the Netherlands, New

Zealand and the United States, among others, con-sidered that progress had been made.

The United States representative thought thatthe establishment of guides and standards was oneof the most useful forms of assistance. She cited,in this connexion, the work done in populationstatistics, improvement of maternal and child wel-fare programmes and of training of social work-ers, as well as the project undertaken to establishstandard minimum rules for the treatment ofprisoners. Greater emphasis, she held, should belaid on types of activity that would reach massesof people and help them to improve their ownproductivity and living conditions. Higher prior-ity should therefore be given to educational pro-jects, to the training of teachers, and to the or-ganization of communities and local groups forself-help purposes.

The representative of the United Kingdomstressed that two dangers to be avoided were dis-sipation of resources over too wide a field andtop-heavy administration.

The representative of France thought there wasa tendency to allow economic questions to over-shadow social questions. All efforts in the eco-nomic field would be fruitless unless accompaniedby parallel efforts in the social field. The workprogramme of the Social Commission should bebroadened.

The need for closer co-ordination was empha-sized by the representatives of China and Ecuador,among others.

Certain representatives considered that the workof the United Nations in the social field was toorestricted. The representatives of Pakistan andYugoslavia thought that the work of the SocialCommission had been too theoretical. The repre-sentative of Pakistan stressed the need for thestudy of environment in the training of socialworkers and recommended that a model trainingcentre should be established for social workers inunder-developed areas.

The representative of Yugoslavia consideredthat the Social Commission's work was directedtoo much towards study projects. The Netherlandsrepresentative, while agreeing that practical actionwas the ultimate purpose, pointed out that studieswere frequently indispensable to such action. Therepresentative of Saudi Arabia thought that thestudies undertaken were too narrow and technicalto provide solutions for the main social problems.

226 For comments on specific items, see under respectiveheadings above.


Various representatives considered that the solu-tion of social problems was made more difficultby the prevailing political tension.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia and theUSSR thought that the Council had ignored themost urgent problems. In particular, the repre-sentative of Czechoslovakia noted, no reference hadbeen made to the obstacles to social progress con-stituted by unproductive expenditure on prepara-tion for war. The representative of Poland con-sidered that the Council's approach had beenmerely philanthropic.

At the 350th meeting of the Committee on 21November, France submitted a draft resolution(A/C.3/L.154) on the development and concen-tration of resources in the social field. Amend-ments to the draft resolution were submitted byYugoslavia (A/C.3/L.157), Pakistan (A/C.3/-L.158), the United Kingdom (A/C.3/L.159) andthe USSR (A/C.3/L.160).

The draft resolution was designed to consoli-date and extend the work of the Social Commis-sion. The Yugoslav amendment aimed at empha-sizing more clearly what direction the United Na-tions and the specialized agencies should take. ThePakistani amendment would call on the Council todraw up, within the framework of a long-termprogramme, a five-year programme based on con-clusions from the study on the world social situa-tion.227 The United Kingdom amendments wouldstress the interdependence of social and economicquestions, give the work of the Council a morepractical basis, and relate the resolution to theAssembly resolution (413(V)) on concentrationof efforts and resources. The USSR amendmentwould include specific topics in the work pro-grammes of the Council and the Social Commis-sion and refer to the promotion of social progressin under-developed areas (see below).

The representatives of France, Pakistan, theUnited Kingdom and Yugoslavia replaced theiroriginal proposals by a joint draft resolution (A/-C.3/L.162) which incorporated the points cov-ered in the French, Pakistani and Yugoslav pro-posals and, in part, in the United Kingdomamendments. The USSR amendment (A/C.3/-L.160) remained as an amendment to the newtext.

In the preamble of the joint draft resolutionstress was laid on the fact that the United Nationsand the specialized agencies should take immedi-ate and practical action in fields where such ac-tion was likely to produce early and concrete re-sults, particularly in the under-developed coun-

tries. The operative part would have the GeneralAssembly call upon the Economic and SocialCouncil to examine in detail the social activitiesof the United Nations and to take the necessarysteps to ensure that efforts and resources wereeffectively concentrated upon urgent social prob-lems. It would also have the Assembly draw theCouncil's attention to the report on the worldsocial situation to be submitted to the Social Com-mission at its next session and request the Coun-cil, in taking due account of the findings in thatreport, to draw up a programme of practical ac-tion for the United Nations in the social field, tobe implemented in co-operation with the special-ized agencies, and to submit it to the GeneralAssembly for consideration at its seventh session.

The Committee considered the following amend-ments to the joint draft resolution:

(1) A joint amendment by Afghanistan and Lebanon(A/C.3/L.172). This combined an Afghanistan amend-ment (A/C.3/L.165) which would place greater em-phasis on the under-developed countries in the operativepart of the resolution, and a Lebanese amendment(A/C.3/L.164) to widen the field of activities to beexamined by the Council to encompass all socialquestions.

The joint amendment was accepted by thesponsors and incorporated in a revised text of thejoint draft resolution (A/C.3/L.162/Rev.1).

(2) A USSR amendment (A/C.3/L.160). Thisamendment had first been proposed to the originalFrench draft resolution. It would have the Assembly notethat the Council and its Social Commission had ignoredimportant social problems, and would include in thework programme of the Council and the Commissionspecific projects relating to: unemployment insurance, thedevelopment of maternity and child welfare services, theavailability of education and the provision of free andcompulsory education, free medical assistance, and socialinsurance. The amendment stressed the desirability ofstudying measures which could be adopted forthwith topromote social progress in under-developed countries. Italso proposed the deletion of the paragraph in the jointdraft resolution referring to the report on the worldsocial situation.

A number of representatives, among them thoseof Australia, Belgium, France and Yugoslavia,noted, with reference to that amendment, that thesame proposal had been made by the USSR to theSocial Commission and to the Council. On bothoccasions it had been decided to include the de-velopment of maternity and child welfare servicesin the programme, but the other proposals hadbeen rejected on the ground that they were al-ready largely provided for in the programmes ofthe specialized agencies. Attention was also drawnto the recommendations, contained in the Coun-

227 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 609-10.


cil's report, requesting the Secretary-General tofurnish to the Social Commission the informationavailable to him on those questions.

The Committee at its 355th meeting rejectedthe USSR proposals in paragraph-by-paragraphvotes. The first paragraph was rejected by 40 votesto 5, with 8 abstentions. The provisions to includespecific subjects in the work programme of theCouncil and its Social Commission were rejectedby roll-call votes, as follows: (a) unemploymentinsurance—23 votes to 7, with 23 abstentions;(b) maternity, child and youth welfare services—16 votes to 15, with 21 abstentions; (c) educa-tion—22 votes to 13, with 18 abstentions; (d)medical assistance—20 votes to 11, with 23 absten-tions; (e) social insurance—23 votes to 10, with20 abstentions. The paragraph referring to socialprogress in under-developed countries was rejectedby a roll-call vote of 21 to 9, with 23 abstentions.

(3) A United Kingdom amendment (A/C.3/L.163).This re-introduced those parts of the original UnitedKingdom amendments (A/C.3/L.159) not embodied inthe revised joint draft resolution. They proposed that theCouncil's programme of action should be planned:(a) in the light of available resources; and (b) witha view to avoiding duplication of the activities of thespecialized agencies and other organizations in the socialfield. It was also proposed that the programme of actionshould be submitted to the General Assembly "as soonas practicable" rather than "at its seventh session", incase it might not be possible to prepare the programmefor the seventh session. The United Kingdom lateragreed to the insertion, instead, of the words "ifpossible".

During the discussion of the United Kingdomamendment, many representatives expressed thefear that the phrase "in the light of resourcesavailable" might be interpreted as restricting theCouncil's initiative and preventing it from plan-ning the type of social programme required. Somerepresentatives, among them those of Australia,India and the Netherlands, on the other hand,considered that the word "resources" should beconstrued as referring to such factors as the avail-ability of experts and facilities as well as to purelyfinancial resources, and noted that realistic plan-ning should take those factors into account.

The Committee rejected the part of the amend-ment referring to available resources by a roll-callvote of 32 to 16, with 14 abstentions, and acceptedthe words "if possible" by 22 votes to 7, with 19abstentions. The United Kingdom withdrew thepart of the amendment relating to duplication ofactivities in view of the adoption of a UnitedStates amendment (see below).

(4) A Syrian amendment (A/C.3/L.171). This pro-posed to include in the preamble a reference to "both

self-governing and non-self-governing", as well as tounder-developed countries, and to provide that the sug-gestions submitted by the countries directly concernedwould also be taken into account in preparing theprogrammes.

The Committee approved the first part by a roll-callvote of 41 to none, with 12 abstentions, and the secondpart by 23 votes to 3, with 23 abstentions. A furtherprovision in the amendment to insert a reference in thepreamble to the effect that the functional commissionsand the Council were jointly responsible for the develop-ment of social policy was rejected by 27 votes to 7, with16 abstentions.

(5) A Saudi Arabian amendment (A/C.3/L.169),the wording of which was amended to conform to theSyrian amendment already adopted. It provided that theCouncil ensure that efforts and resources of the UnitedNations and the specialized agencies be used for theearly solution of social problems, particularly in under-developed countries.

It was adopted by 44 votes to none, with 5 abstentions.(6) A United States amendment (A/C.3/L.166/-

Rev.1). It proposed to insert a reference to the activitiesof the specialized agencies in the paragraph referring toexamination by the Council of the social activities of theUnited Nations. It was adopted by 31 votes to 12, with 6 abstentions.

The draft resolution, as a whole, as amended,was adopted (A/2009/Rev.1) by 43 votes to 5,with 3 abstentions, at the 355th meeting of theCommittee on 27 November.

The General Assembly at its 371st plenarymeeting on 2 February 1952 rejected in para-graph votes ranging from 26 to 11, with 13 ab-stentions, to 32 to 8, with 6 abstentions, a USSRamendment (A/2008) which was substantiallythe same as that proposed in the Committee (seeabove). By 44 votes to none, with 6 abstentions,it adopted the draft resolution proposed by theThird Committee as resolution 535(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Conscious of the functions devolving under the

Charter on the Economic and Social Council in thematter of defining the social policy of the UnitedNations and promoting social progress and better stand-ards of life in larger freedom,

"Considering that action to promote social develop-ment and technical assistance in social matters shouldgo hand in hand with action to promote economic de-velopment and technical assistance in economic matters,

"Considering that, within the framework of long-term programmes for social progress, the United Nationsand the specialized agencies should take immediate andpractical action in those fields where such action islikely to produce early and positive results, particularlyin the under-developed countries, both self-governingand non-self-governing,

"1. Calls upon the Economic and Social Council toexamine in detail, and in the light of these considera-tions, the social activities undertaken by the UnitedNations together with the pertinent activities of the


specialized agencies, in order to fulfil the various socialtasks assigned to it by the Charter, and to take thenecessary action to ensure that efforts and resources areeffectively concentrated upon those social problems theearly solution of which can be promoted through inter-national action, especially in the under-developed coun-tries, both self-governing and non-self-governing;

"2. Draws the attention of the Economic and SocialCouncil to the report on the world social situation tobe submitted to the Social Commission at its next ses-sion, and requests the Council, in taking due accountof the findings in that report and of the suggestionssubmitted by the countries directly concerned, to drawup a programme of practical action for the UnitedNations in the social field to be implemented in co-operation with the specialized agencies, and to submitit to the General Assembly for consideration at itsseventh session if possible."

10. Assistance to Flood Victims inNorthern Italy

The General Assembly, at the 349th and 350thmeetings of its Third Committee on 21 Novem-ber 1951, considered a draft resolution submittedby Uruguay (A/C.3/L.156) concerning assistancewhich should be given by the United Nations andthe specialized agencies to the victims of thefloods in northern Italy. The Committee agreedthat the need was urgent and that the United Na-tions should do what it could to alleviate the suf-fering.

Following a revision of the draft resolution bythe representative of Uruguay to stress the im-portance of the technical assistance required, the

Third Committee at its 350th meeting unani-mously adopted the following resolution:

"The Third Committee of the General Assembly,"Taking into account the extent and seriousness of the

damage to life and property suffered by the people ofnorthern Italy as a result of the floods which are stillcontinuing,

"Considering the need to come to the aid of thosepeople and the urgency of such aid, particularly inregard to the feeding, clothing, housing and medicalservices needed by children and women in the presentcircumstances,

"Resolves to request the Chairman of the Third Com-mittee, in consultation with the President of the GeneralAssembly and the Secretary-General, to take steps to callthe attention of all the United Nations organs concernedwith social welfare to this situation and urge them tofurnish immediate assistance to the people of Italysuffering from the present floods."

In response to this appeal the representative inItaly of the United Nations International Chil-dren's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) conferredwith the Italian Government on 22 November.At the Government's request the UNICEF admin-istration authorized the temporary diversion of100 tons of skim milk powder, which had beenstocked for UNICEF school feeding projects insouthern Italy, for distribution to children andwomen among the flood refugees. The ExecutiveBoard of UNICEF subsequently allocated $155,-000, of which $110,000 was to be used for dryskim milk for a four months' supply for 70,000children. The remainder of the allocation was tobe used for clothing for some 25,000 boys andgirls.

R. UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S EMERGENCYFUND (UNICEF)

The Executive Board of UNICEF, reconsti-tuted in accordance with General Assembly reso-lution 417(V),228 held its first session from 9-13February 1951. The Assembly's resolution hadspecified that the Board should consist of eighteengovernments of States represented in the SocialCommission and of governments of States notnecessarily United Nations Members, designatedby the Economic and Social Council, due regardbeing paid to geographical distribution and to therepresentation of the major contributing and re-cipient countries.229

The new Board elected its officers and estab-lished a Programme Committee for 1951. It alsoestablished a Committee on Administrative Bud-get and an ad hoc Committee on Rules of Procedure.

On the basis of the latter Committee's recommen-dations, revised rules of procedure were adoptedat the Board's May 1951 session (E/ICEF/177).The Board agreed to continue the Joint UNICEF-World Health Organization (WHO) Commit-tee on Health Policy and appointed five membersto represent it on this Committee. It also set upa working party to examine the question of cre-ating a General Advisory Fund-Raising Commit-tee.

The Board, at its May 1951 session, drew up atarget budget and programme for the year 1 July1951-30 June 1952 at $30 million, divided ac-

228 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 621.229 For members of the Executive Board and subsidiary

bodies of UNICEF, see p. 80.


cording to area and programme. The programmeand budget were adopted by the Board at its No-vember meeting, when it was agreed that it shouldserve as a guide, subject to changes by the Boardon the basis of new information and experience.

1. Principles and Policies

At its May 1951 session, the new ExecutiveBoard examined existing principles and policiesso as to bring the operation of the Fund morenearly into line with the new purposes defined inAssembly resolution 417(V). This resolution hadrecognized the necessity "for continued action torelieve the sufferings of children, particularly inunder-developed countries and countries that havebeen subjected to the devastation of war and toother calamities". It approved the Board's policyto devote a greater share of the Fund's resourcesto the development of programmes outside Europeand directed it to allocate the Fund's resources tomeet "emergency and long-range needs of chil-dren and their continuing needs particularly inunder-developed countries. . . . "

The Board agreed that it would endeavour tolimit its activities to a small number of types ofprojects, concentrating so far as possible on:

(1) assistance to countries for general maternal andchild welfare purposes, including (a) the building andexpansion of their basic services for children andmothers; (b) training of child welfare personnel formanning these services; and (c) mass campaigns againstdisease particularly affecting large numbers of children,such as tuberculosis, malaria, venereal disease, trachoma,yaws, whooping cough and diphtheria; and (2) assist-ance to countries for child feeding programmes andrelated undertakings, for example, conservation of localmilk supplies for the benefit of children.

The Board agreed that in many cases it wouldbe desirable to meet children's needs by helpingincrease local production of antibiotics, insecti-cides and vaccines to ensure continued supplies.

The Fund's assistance for training, it decided,would emphasize: the training of auxiliary per-sonnel responsible for maternal and child healthcare; provision of equipment and supplies todevelop national training facilities (such as train-ing schools and hospitals, maternal and childhealth centres, and clinics) for midwives, publichealth nurses, nurses' aides, sanitarians and com-munity workers; and the establishment and sup-port of regional training centres, such as the In-ternational Children's Centre in Paris and theMaternal and Child Health Department of theAll India Institute of Hygiene and Public Healthat Calcutta.

The Board decided that in dealing with appli-cations for assistance it would bear in mind thefollowing:

(1) the extent to which there exist in the countryserious problems of child or maternal health, malnutri-tion, or welfare;

(2 ) the capacity of a country to meet its needs out ofcurrently available resources;

(3) the extent to which international assistance isrequired by the country to carry out its plans fordevelopment;

(4) the extent to which a country can effectivelymake use of the assistance being sought and the extentto which such assistance complements plans within thatcountry;

(5) the extent to which international assistance fromother sources is available for the same or similarpurposes;

(6) the extent to which children have sufferedthrough war or other calamity.

The Board also agreed on a number of othercriteria to be taken into account in assessing rela-tive needs as between areas and countries and indetermining priorities.

2. Resources of the Fund

The Fund's resources from cumulative contri-butions and pledges by governments, the UnitedNations Appeal for Children (UNAC), residualassets of UNRRA and other income, as of 31December 1951, totalled approximately $164.5million. Of this amount, approximately $162.5million had been allocated by the Executive Boardof UNICEF to aid in child-care programmes inover 60 countries and territories and for admin-istrative expenses and freight. During 1951 theincome of the Fund amounted to $11,432,000 ofwhich $10,315,000 was contributed by govern-ments, $236,000 was from private contributionsincluding contributions to UNAC, and $245,000came from UNRRA residual funds.

Altogether, 35 Governments and three coun-tries, Belgium, Italy and San Marino, contributedand made pledges to contribute to UNICEF in1951. The 35 Governments were:

Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma,Canada, Ceylon, Chile, China (Taiwan), Colombia,Costa Rica, Egypt, Finland, France, Guatemala, Haiti,Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan,Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru,Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom,United States, Yugoslavia.

In the spring of 1951 the Executive Board ap-proved an invitation to the governments of allcountries to consider encouraging the holding ofspecial collections for the benefit of children in


connexion with the observance of United NationsDay (24 October 1951), proceeds to be contributedas far as possible to UNICEF, or, alternately, inthe case of receiving countries, to be used to sup-plement or extend UNICEF-assisted programmesfor children in those countries.

In response to this invitation, eight countries—Brazil, Chile, Israel, Italy, Pakistan, the Philippines,Thailand and Yugoslavia—decided to hold UnitedNations Day collections. In addition, Japan,through its Community Chest Drive, contributed$10,000 to UNICEF. United Nations Day collec-tions realized £(I)1,953 in Israel, 900,000 pesosin the Philippines and 1,417,223 dinars in Yugo-slavia, the proceeds of which were used for UN-ICEF-assisted programmes for children in thesecountries. In Thailand, about 1,300,000 Baht werecollected, 30 per cent of which went to UNICEFand 70 per cent was used locally. Italy allocated50 million lire of the proceeds of its collection toUNICEF. In addition, the members of the UnitedNations Secretariat contributed the sum of $13,-000 to UNICEF in 1951.

3. UNICEF Assistance to CountryProgrammes in 1951

In 1951 UNICEF approved assistance for pro-grammes in individual countries totalled $10,966,-000. Its distribution on a regional basis230 was asfollows:Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,309,000Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa . . 2,826,000Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,166,000Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,665,000

$10,966,000

Maternal and Child Health and Welfare Train-ing and Services—To strengthen these basic servi-ces, UNICEF assistance amounting to $874,000was approved for six countries and territories inAsia (Afghanistan, Burma, Hong Kong, India,Pakistan and Thailand); four in Eastern Mediter-ranean and North Africa (Israel, Lebanon, Libyaand Syria); two in Europe (Bulgaria and Greece);and four in Latin America (Brazil, Honduras,Nicaragua and Peru). This type of assistanceincludes: (1) equipment and supplies for urbanand rural health centres, clinics, laboratories, child-ren's hospitals and wards, children's institutionsand other units of maternal and child welfareservices; and (2) training of local child carepersonnel, including supplies and equipment forthe development of training centres.

Tuberculosis Control and BCG Vaccination —During 1951, aid in tuberculosis control and BCGvaccination totalling $1,467,000 was given toeight countries and territories in Asia (Burma,China (Taiwan), India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Phil-ippines, United Kingdom Territories (Brunei andSarawak)); six in Eastern Mediterranean andNorth Africa (Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Turkeyand the United Kingdom Colony of Aden); andeight in Latin America (Costa Rica, Ecuador, ElSalvador, Jamaica, Peru, Trinidad, Paraguay andUruguay). The major part of this assistance wasfor BCG vaccination, and was used to providevehicles, medical supplies and equipment, tuber-culin and BCG vaccine, educational materials,x-ray equipment, fluoroscopic units, laboratoryequipment, and to finance the BCG technical per-sonnel of WHO and a limited number of BCGobservers.

The BCG programme started in March 1948 asa "Joint Enterprise" with the Danish Red Crossand its Scandinavian associates. Since June 1951the BCG programmes have been carried on byUNICEF with the technical responsibility vestedin WHO.

Anti-Malaria and Other Insect-Control Mea-sures—To reduce infant mortality, UNICEF in1951 approved assistance totalling $1,217,000 foranti-malaria and insect control to three countriesin Asia (Ceylon, India and Pakistan), and fivecountries in Latin America (El Salvador, Co-lombia, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua). Inthe countries of Latin America, UNICEF sup-plies, sprayers and DDT are being used to destroydisease-carrying insects, particularly mosquitoes. InCeylon, India and Pakistan, UNICEF assistancehas been mainly in the form of DDT, which isused solely for anti-malaria work.

Anti-Syphilis and Anti-Bejel Programmes—In1951 UNICEF assistance for these programmestotalled $231,000. In the Philippines, UNICEFassistance is being used to provide diagnosticequipment and penicillin for the control of ma-ternal syphilis in urban and suburban areas. InSyria, UNICEF supplies, laboratory equipment,transport, and penicillin will be used for an anti-bejel-syphilis campaign. In Yugoslavia, additionalassistance in the form of penicillin and a smallamount of additional essential laboratory supplies

230 During the period, returns from various allocationsto general resources were as follows: Asia $924,000;Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa $228,000;Europe $671,000; and Latin America $151,000. Forfurther details of these programmes see E/ICEF/164,E/ICEF/I78/Rev.1 and E/ICEF/184/Rev.1.


was approved by UNICEF for the extension of thecampaign against endemic syphilis.

Local Production Project — Besides providingdirect assistance to these various medical pro-grammes, the Fund also aided countries in estab-lishing their own supply sources of, for example,insecticides, antibiotics and vaccine, toxoids andserum. In 1951, UNICEF approved a small amountof assistance to Yugoslavia for the expansion andmodernization of the antibiotic plant which wasfurnished by UNRRA in 1946. Three countriesin Asia (Ceylon, India and Pakistan) and one inthe Middle East (Egypt) received assistance fromUNICEF in 1951 for equipment for establishingplants for the production of DDT. The insecti-cides produced are to be used for child welfarepurposes such as the control of malaria and otherdisease-carrying insects. UNICEF aid under thisheading amounted to $897,000.

Milk Conservation Programme—To help coun-tries to improve local supplies of milk for thebenefit of children, UNICEF during 1951 ap-proved aid totalling $945,000 to Ecuador, Brazil,Iran, Nicaragua, Italy and Yugoslavia. UNICEFassistance was used for the purchase of plantequipment such as pasteurizers, cooling units andbottling machines.

Training — In 1951 UNICEF further approvedassistance totalling $330,000 to the InternationalChildren's Centre in Paris for training and re-search in fields of social pediatrics, rehabilitationof crippled children, treatment of trachoma, vac-cination and other children's diseases. This broughtthe total UNICEF assistance to the Centre to$1,330,000, plus $16,000 which was allocated forthe Centre's BCG pilot station. In addition, UN-ICEF gave financial assistance for a training coursefor the care of handicapped children which washeld in March and April 1951 in the UnitedKingdom. The course was attended by 50 spe-cialists, who were orthopaedic surgeons or pedi-atricians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,teachers, social workers, vocational training in-structors and surgical appliances technicians.

Raw Materials and Housing—Under this pro-gramme, UNICEF gave assistance to Germany andKorea. It voted $200,000 for wool to be manu-factured into clothing for German children, and$453,000 for cloth which was processed in Japanand shipped to Korea. In addition, prefabricatedhousing, contributed by the Yugoslav Government,was allocated to Korean children.

Feeding Programmes—In 1951, assistance forsupplementary and demonstration child-feeding

programmes totalled $2,239,000. This assistancewas in the form of rice, dried skim milk, wholemilk, salted fish and some diet supplements. Itwas given to four countries in Asia (China (Tai-wan), India, Korea and the Philippines); two inthe Eastern Mediterranean area (Israel and Tur-key); and five in Europe (Bulgaria, Germany,Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia). Most of the aidwas given to meet emergency situations such asfamine in India, drought in Brazil and Yugo-slavia, and flood relief in Italy. For British Hon-duras, El Salvador and Panama, the assistance wasfor demonstration feeding programmes which areintended to stimulate the Governments of thesecountries to establish permanent feeding pro-grammes.

UNICEF Assistance to Palestine Refugees —UNICEF assistance in 1951 to the Palestine refu-gee mothers arid children totalled $1,419,000. Byfar the greater part of this assistance went forskim milk to help the United Nations Relief andWorks Agency for Palestine Refugees in the NearEast (UNRWAPRNE) to feed approximately400,000 refugee mothers and children. UNICEFassistance to the Palestine refugees, as of 31 De-cember 1951, totalled $12,002,000.231

4. Co-operation with Other UnitedNations Agencies and

Non-Governmental Organizations

In resolution 417(V), the General Assemblyrequested the Executive Board of UNICEF to en-sure close collaboration between the Administra-tion of the Fund and the specialized agencies.

The relationship which has developed betweenUNICEF, the United Nations and the specializedagencies has been based upon the recognition thatthe predominant function of the Fund is to pro-vide essential supplies and equipment to govern-ments to assist in child care projects. The relevanttechnical departments of the United Nations Sec-retariat and the specialized agencies are to providegovernments with technical advice and servicesrequired in connexion with projects for whichUNICEF furnishes supplies. Further, they are toprovide UNICEF with advice on the technicalsoundness of the plans made in individual coun-tries for the use of UNICEF aid.

Hitherto, the limited budgets of the agenciesgenerally precluded their assuming the financialresponsibility for technical advice to governments

231 See also pp. 309ff.


required in connexion with the UNICEF-assistedprojects. As a consequence, the UNICEF ExecutiveBoard approved financing for the required tech-nical assistance, taking the general position, how-ever, that, whenever possible, this type of expendi-ture should preferably be assumed by the agencieswhich had been created for the purpose. During1951, as a result of the expanded technical assist-ance programme, this goal was generally achieved.For example, WHO was able during the year toassume substantial financial responsibility for anumber of international personnel helping govern-ments implement UNICEF-assisted projects. WHOwas able to provide and finance international per-sonnel for: maternal and child welfare services andtraining programmes in Afghanistan, Burma,China (Taiwan), Greece, Honduras, India, Leb-anon, Pakistan, Syria and Thailand; anti-malaria,insect, and DDT production programmes in Cey-lon, Colombia, Egypt, India and Pakistan; andanti-bejel and syphilis programmes in Syria andYugoslavia.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)participated in the survey of needs and in develop-ing operational plans in connexion with milk-conservation projects. FAO consultants made ana-lyses of the milk powder produced in test runs andsuggested methods of overcoming certain deficien-cies. In addition, FAO made available to the GreekGovernment the services of a qualified dairyengineer to assist with the installation and oper-ation of the milk-conservation projects. In thespring of 1951, a joint FAO-UNICEF survey wasmade in five countries in the Near and MiddleEast on the possibilities of a better use of localmilk supplies for the benefit of children.

In addition to the provision by specializedagencies of international personnel to assist inimplementing country programmes, experts andadvisers were also provided to UNICEF's regionaland area offices to advise in the development ofprogrammes. The United Nations Secretariat sec-onded a child welfare consultant to the UNICEFRegional Office for Asia, and the Area Officefor Central America and the Caribbean. UnitedNations social welfare advisers were advising onUNICEF activities in the Near and Middle East.

A number of non-governmental organizations232

in consultative relationship with the Economicand Social Council rendered valuable assistance tothe UNICEF Administration in advising on fund-raising and other matters. A committee with repre-sentatives of these organizations was granted con-sultative status by the Executive Board of UNICEFin May 1951.233

5. Consideration of the Board's Reports

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE SOCIAL COMMIS-SION AT ITS SEVENTH SESSION

The final report of the First Executive Board ofUNICEF (E/1908)234 was presented to the SocialCommission at its seventh session, held from 19March-13 April 1951. Members of the Commis-sion paid tribute to the administrators of the Fundfor the work accomplished during its first fouryears. The Commission noted that principles hadbeen established by the Fund in accordance withAssembly resolution 417(V). It also noted thatthe UNICEF Board, in addition to meeting emer-gency needs, was helping governments strengthentheir programmes for children, taking into accountcontinuing needs in under-developed countries.The Commission felt that it should review futurereports of the Fund's activities so as to be able torecommend general principles as called for, and toformulate, in 1953, its advice on the future ofthe Fund.

The Commission attached considerable impor-tance to effective co-ordination between its workand that of the Fund. Noting that all governmentsrepresented on the Commission were representedon the Executive Board of UNICEF, although bydifferent persons, it expressed the hope that therepresentatives of each country on the Commissionwould keep in close touch with their oppositenumbers on the Board, and that governmentswould also co-ordinate through national commit-tees, where appropriate, the policies which theypursued on the Board and on the Commission. TheCommission also noted that General Assemblyresolution 417(V) had authorized UNICEF toturn its attention to long-term problems in childwelfare and that the need for closer co-ordinationbetween the Administration of the Fund and theDepartment of Social Affairs had become self-evident.

The Commission then took note of the Board'sreport. It hoped that the Fund would receive

232 Consultative Council of Jewish Organizations,Friends World Committee, International Alliance forWomen, International Conference for Social Work,International Council for Women, International Federa-tion of Business and Professional Women, InternationalSociety for the Welfare of Cripples, International Unionfor Child Welfare, Women's International League forPeace and Freedom, World Federation of United NationsAssociations, World Jewish Congress, World's YoungWomen's Christian Association.

233 For further details see E/ICEF/178/Rev.1 andE/ICEF/184/Rev.1.

234 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 611-12.


adequate financial support to enable it to continueits operations successfully.

resolution (391(XIII)) in which it noted withsatisfaction the report of the Board.

b. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS TWELFTH ANDTHIRTEENTH SESSIONS

Both the final report of the first ExecutiveBoard of UNICEF (E/1908) and the report ofthe first session of the newly reconstituted Board(E/1940) in February 1951 were before theEconomic and Social Council at its twelfth session.They were considered at the 182nd meeting of theSocial Committee on 19 March, and at the 478thplenary meeting on 20 March 1951, when it waspointed out that the Executive Board and theProgramme Committee of the Board had decided,in the light of General Assembly resolution 417(V), not to discuss in detail the question ofgeneral policy until its May 1951 session. TheSocial Committee (E/1962) and the Council, by15 votes to 3, accordingly adopted a resolution(354(XII)) which took note with interest ofthe two reports submitted.

At its thirteenth session the Council had beforeit the report of the Executive Board (E/2013),following its session in May 1951. The report wasdiscussed at the 198th meeting of the Social Com-mittee on 13 August and at the 507th plenary meet-ing of the Council on 17 August 1951. The Councilnoted that the Board had formulated a number ofprinciples and policies (see above) which weredesigned to bring the Fund's operation moreclosely into line with the new purposes laid downfor the Fund by Assembly resolution 417(V).These new policies were generally approved bythe representatives of Belgium, Canada, Chile,China, France, India, Iran, Pakistan, Peru, thePhilippines, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates, some of whom described UNICEF as oneof the most successful achievements of the UnitedNations, declaring it had given a great impetusto various national programmes for aiding childrenand was continuing to make a tangible contribu-tion to the social stability of the world. Therepresentative of the USSR, however, during thedebate in both the Committee and the Council,criticized the "regrettable nature" of certain actiontaken by the Executive Board, in particular itsrefusal to allocate to Albania credits earmarkedfor that country and to authorize further creditsfor the peoples' democracies. The Committee, by14 votes to 1, with 1 abstention, and the Council,by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, adopted a


The General Assembly, at its sixth session, hadbefore it the report of the Council (A/1884)which included a report of UNICEF activities. Italso had before it the financial report and accountsof UNICEF for the financial year ended 31 De-cember 1950 and the certificate of the Board ofAuditors.

The work of the Fund was reviewed by theThird Committee, and reference to the activitiesof UNICEF was made during the Committee'sconsideration of Chapter IV (Social Questions)of the report of the Economic and Social Council,at its 348th to 352nd and 356th meetings, from19-28 November 1951.

At its 356th meeting on 28 November, theThird Committee considered a joint draft resolu-tion submitted by Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil,New Zealand, Uruguay and Yugoslavia (A/C.3/-L.155), to which an amendment (A/C.3/L.175)was submitted by Lebanon.

The joint draft resolution, in its operative part,would have the Assembly call attention to theneed for providing the Fund with the means tocontinue its work and appeal to governments andprivate persons to contribute to it during 1952.A paragraph of the preamble would state that thisaction was recommended in the light of the factthat the Assembly, at its fifth session, confirmedthe necessity for continued action to relieve thesufferings of children, particularly in under-devel-oped countries and countries subjected to thedevastation of war and to other calamities.

The Lebanese amendment (A/C.3/L.175)would replace this by a paragraph stating that theAssembly had decided that UNICEF "should takeall necessary steps to meet emergency and long-range needs of children and their continuingneeds, particularly in under-developed countries".The representative of Lebanon withdrew thisamendment, after the sponsors of the joint drafthad accepted a rewording of the paragraph pro-posed orally by him (see below). The sponsorsalso accepted drafting changes submitted orallyby Pakistan.

Three main points were stressed by speakersduring the general debate: (1) The representa-tives of Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador,India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Pakistan, Uruguay


and Yugoslavia were among those who expressedappreciation of the work of UNICEF during theyear. (2) The representatives of Afghanistan,Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Egypt, India, In-donesia, Israel, Pakistan, Uruguay and Yugoslavia,in addition, commended the long-term aims of theFund and the progress it had made towards meet-ing the continuing needs of children. (3) Therepresentatives of Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador,Indonesia, Israel, Pakistan and Yugoslavia alsospoke of the need of the Fund for adequatefinances to meet the demands made upon it.

Support for the joint draft resolution was ex-pressed by the representatives of Afghanistan,Belgium, Brazil, India, New Zealand, the Philip-pines and Yugoslavia, among others, and the draftresolution, as amended, was adopted by the Com-mittee by 51 votes to none, with 2 abstentions.

It was adopted by the General Assembly, with-out discussion, at its 371st plenary meeting on 2February 1952, by 51 votes to none, with 1abstention (resolution 536(VI)). It read:

Whereas, by resolution 417 (V) of 1 December 1950,the General Assembly confirmed the necessity for con-tinued action to relieve the sufferings of children, par-ticularly in under-developed countries and countries thathave been subjected to the devastation of war and toother calamities,

Whereas the aid of the United Nations InternationalChildren's Emergency Fund is now being afforded toprojects which, if completed, will benefit 42 millionchildren,

Considering that justified requests are coming beforethe Fund requiring small amounts of international aidin relation to the great alleviation of the sufferings ofchildren which they make possible,

The General Assembly

1. Calls attention to the urgent necessity of provid-ing the United Nations International Children's Emer-gency Fund with the means necessary to continue with-out interruption its work in the service of childrenthroughout the world;

2. Appeals most earnestly to governments and privatepersons to contribute to the Fund as generously aspossible during 1952 for assistance to humanitarianactivities in favour of the children of the world.

S. NARCOTIC DRUGS

1. Implementation of the InternationalTreaties on Narcotics

a. SUMMARIES OF ANNUAL REPORTS OFGOVERNMENTS, AND OF LAWS AND REGU-LATIONS RELATING TO NARCOTIC DRUGS

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs, at its sixthsession from 10 April-24 May 1951, decided (E/-1998) to postpone consideration of these items inview of its heavy agenda and the fact that thepertinent documents were not yet available infinal form.

b. ILLICIT TRAFFIC

(1) General

The Commission examined documents E/-CN.7/223 and addendum 1, containing chapter V(Illicit Traffic) of the Annual Reports of Govern-ments on the Traffic in Opium and other Danger-ous Drugs for the year 1950. It had before it asurvey (E/CN.7/226) by the International Crim-inal Police Commission (ICPC) on illicit traffic,covering the period 1 January 1949-1 July 1950,which the ICPC had agreed to furnish to the Unit-ed Nations as a result of arrangements made atthe fifth session of the Commission on NarcoticDrugs.235

The Commission expressed its appreciation ofthe report and considered that co-operation be-tween United Nations organs and the ICPC mightbe satisfactorily developed. It stressed that careshould be taken to avoid duplication in the workundertaken.

The Commission also had before it a Memoran-dum on the Illicit Traffic during 1950 (E/CN.7/-224) and noted the continued high level of theillicit traffic in raw opium throughout the world.

Following a brief examination of the questionof opium seized in Thailand, the Commissionasked the Secretary-General to draw the attentionof the Government of that country to the factthat although it had reported a large number ofnarcotics seizures during 1950, the number ofarrests of traffickers had been very small and thesentences imposed on offenders had not usuallyexceeded three months. In this connexion, theSecretary-General was to request the Governmentto include in its future seizure reports results ofjudicial proceedings.

With reference to seizures of pethidine men-tioned in the Memorandum on the Illicit Traffic,the representative of France drew attention tothe increasing licit manufacture and consumption

235 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 627.


of that drug, as shown in the last annual reportof the Permanent Central Opium Board (E/OB/-6) (see below). He expressed concern about thissituation and said that the Board's findings shouldbe regarded as an alarm signal. Illicit traffic andconsumption generally grew as licit manufactureand consumption of a drug increased even inFrance where, though very stringent measureshad been taken to limit and control the manufac-ture and use of synthetic drugs, addiction toPethidine already constituted 7.5 per cent of allcases of drug addiction. The representative of theUnited States agreed that addiction to syntheticdrugs was becoming an increasingly importantproblem, and said that there was a noticeable trendamong morphine addicts to turn to syntheticdrugs because they were easier to obtain. Manyaddicts forged prescriptions for them as they haddone for morphine, and, in the United States,doctors had been warned on many occasions toavoid any over-prescription of such drugs.

At the request of the USSR representative, theCommission examined the statement in the Mem-orandum that the army stocks of the USSR werea source from which narcotics were diverted intothe illicit traffic. The statement, it was indicated,had been based on information in a seizure reportforwarded by the United Kingdom in respect ofthe British Zone in Germany, included in one ofthe Summaries of Illicit Transactions and Seizures(E/NS.1950/Summary 3). The representative ofthe United Kingdom explained that the case inquestion referred to a naturalized German ofDutch origin who had gained some non-profes-sional medical experience in the German armyand had succeeded subsequently in posing as adoctor. Presumably he had thus had access toUSSR army stocks. The paragraph, he considered,created a false impression, since the USSR armystocks could not be regarded as a source of illicittraffic on such a basis. The Commission, therefore,unanimously decided to delete the paragraph inquestion from the Memorandum.

( 2 ) Illicit Traffic in Diacetylmorphine

The representative of the United States in-formed the Commission at its sixth session thatthe illicit traffic in diacetylmorphine was a veryserious problem in the United States. The drug,he stated, was smuggled into the country mainlyfrom Italy, Turkey, Greece and China. In Italy,the traffic in diacetylmorphine was due to diver-sion from legitimate factories, and he asked, there-fore, that the Italian authorities prohibit the manu-

facture of diacetylmorphine. He also expressedthe hope that the Government of Turkey wouldplace more severe restrictions on the internaldistribution of opium.

As far as China was concerned, it appeared thatthe heroin factories in Tientsin and Manchuria hadresumed operations and that the produce wasfinding its way into the United States and othercountries by way of Japan.

The representative of the United States con-sidered that the action already taken by the Gov-ernments of Italy, Turkey, and Greece had pro-duced a decrease in that traffic in the United States,and that the trend would probably continue if theGovernments concerned continued to tighten theircontrol measures and if the authorities in Chinatook steps to close the diacetylmorphine factories.At the request of the Commission, the Secretary-General was to bring the discussions in the Com-mission to the attention of the Italian Govern-ment, informing it that the Commission appre-ciated the action which it had already taken andinviting it to study the possibility of takingmeasures: (1) to ensure that existing stocks ofdiacetylmorphine were safeguarded against diver-sion; and (2) to prosecute all persons implicatedin the large diversion of this drug during the pastfive years. The Commission congratulated theGovernment of Greece on the efforts it had al-ready made to suppress illicit traffic in diacetyl-morphine, and asked that it increase its vigilance.

(3 ) Burmese Proposal for the Co-ordination ofEfforts to Suppress Poppy Cultivation and

Smuggling of Opium

The representative of Burma informed theCommission that in some areas along the frontierbetween Burma and Yunnan, Indochina, andThailand, opium was still produced. His Govern-ment considered that the measures thus far takenby the respective national authorities for thesuppression of this production were not sufficientand that the existing co-operation between themin this respect was not satisfactory. He thereforeproposed (E/CN.7/222) that the United Nationsset up a co-ordinating committee to which hisGovernment was ready to give all assistance.

In a further elaboration of the proposal, theBurmese representative stated that his Governmentsaw the function of such a committee in the firstinstance as that of a commission of enquirycharged with the task of collecting informationand giving advice to the governments concerned.The committee might be succeeded at a later stage


by a permanent or semi-permanent supervisoryorgan, which need not necessarily be a UnitedNations body.

The view was expressed, on behalf of themembers of the French Union concerned, that thecreation of the proposed committee was unneces-sary and that the work suggested for it would bebetter done by national authorities who shouldestablish an effective liaison for that purpose be-tween the competent police organs in the variouscountries. The representative of France insisted onthe importance of national control and advocatedmeasures to prevent the import of opium such asthose adopted by the United Kingdom in Singa-pore (see E/CN.7/219/Add.3) as the best solu-tion to the problem. Such measures, he considered,should, indeed, be taken in all territories facingsimilar problems, although the essential conditionfor the success of any enforcement policy was thestabilization of political conditions which alonemade social progress possible. The Commission onNarcotic Drugs might also advise the govern-ments concerned on the line to be followed intheir policies of suppression. The French Union,he stated, would combat the illicit traffic in all itsterritories, but it would not participate in the pro-posed committee, nor allow it to make enquirieswithin the Union's borders.

Other members of the Commission shared theview that it would be inadvisable to set up aspecial committee, but considered that an expert,such as a police expert with special knowledge ofillicit traffic, who might perhaps be designated bythe ICPC, should be appointed to give advice tothe governments concerned.

The representative of the Secretary-General,commenting on the view of the representative ofBurma that a United Nations committee wouldprovide the only satisfactory means of attackingthe problem, drew the Commission's attention tothe fact that even as far back as 1909 it had beenclearly established that national measures alonewere not enough to ensure an efficient control ofnarcotic drugs. In any event, it would hardly beappropriate for the Commission to reject theBurmese proposal outright, and he suggested thatthe Commission might desire to ask the govern-ments concerned to communicate their views onit and study them at a later date.

The Commission was not in favour of theBurmese proposal, as formulated, but agreed thatthe approach suggested by the Secretary-Generalwas desirable (E/1998).

(4 ) Establishment by the Arab League of aPermanent Office for Narcotics

Drawing the Commission's attention to infor-mation contained in chapter V of the Governmentof Egypt's Annual Report for 1950 on the Trafficin Opium and other Dangerous Drugs (E/CN.7/-223), the representative of Egypt stated that theincrease in the number of seizures in Egypt in1950 as compared with previous years was due toa stricter application of control measures ratherthan to an increased illicit demand. The intensifiedcampaign against narcotics had resulted also in anincrease in the illicit prices and was contributingto a reduction in the number of addicts.

In spite of all the efforts of the authorities, how-ever, Egypt, because of its geographical position,was having considerable difficulties in preventingthe smuggling of narcotics into the countrythrough the desert near Suez and on board smallcoastal vessels. Other Arab States had experiencedsimilar difficulties in combating the illicit trafficand, accordingly, while the Commission was hold-ing its sixth session, the Arab League had set upa Permanent Office for Narcotics, the proposedcreation of which had been reported to the Com-mission during its fifth session. The representativeof Egypt undertook to transmit to the Secretary-General as soon as possible full details of theorganization and programme of this new agency,for communication to the Commission.

c. APPLICATION OF ARTICLE 2 OF THE 1948PROTOCOL236

The representative of the United States re-minded the Commission at its sixth session that,on 17 October 1950, his Government had notifiedthe Secretary-General, in accordance with the 1948Protocol, that it considered that fourteen syntheticdrugs, all of which were or might be used formedical and scientific purposes, were liable to thesame kind of abuse and productive of the samekind of harmful effects as the drugs specified inarticle 1, paragraph 2 of the 1931 Convention, andhad requested that they be put under internationalcontrol.

The Secretary-General had transmitted the noti-fication to the World Health Organization(WHO), which had promulgated its decision on

236 This Protocol set up a procedure for bringing under

international control new synthetic drugs outside thescope of the 1931 Convention limiting the manufactureand regulating the distribution of narcotic drugs, asamended by the 1946 Protocol.


twelve of the drugs referred to; ten were nowsubject to the regime of international control laiddown for the drugs specified in article 1, para-graph 2, Group I of the 1931 Convention and twowere subject to the regime laid down for those inGroup II. The Government of the United Statesappreciated the very prompt action of WHO onthe twelve drugs and had been gratified to learnthat the organization's Expert Committee onDrugs Liable to Produce Addiction would considerat its next session the liability to produce addictionof the remaining two drugs, namely NU-1932 andNU-2206.

In view, however, of the dangerous nature ofthese drugs, as had been emphasized in the UnitedStates notification, the Commission, following abrief discussion, unanimously decided, in keepingwith article 2 of the 1948 Protocol that, pendinga final decision by WHO, the measures for inter-national control applicable to drugs specified inarticle 1, paragraph 2, Group I of the 1931 Con-vention would provisionally apply to these twodrugs.

Accordingly, the Secretary-General, on 30 April1951, notified all parties to the Protocol of theCommission's decision; on receipt of this notifica-tion, these States came under an obligation toapply appropriate measures of international controlprovisionally to the two drugs in question.

2. Draft Single Convention onNarcotic Drugs

At its fifth session in December 1950, the Com-mission (E/1889) had considered the first draft(E/CN.7/AC.3/3 and Corr.1) of the proposedsingle convention on narcotic drugs, the purposeof which was to unify and replace the existingtreaties, simplify and strengthen the internationalcontrol of narcotics, and, for the first time, bringthe production of narcotic raw materials undersuch control.237 It had decided that it wished togive further study to the draft before takingadvantage of the Council's authorization to arrangefor the transmission of the draft to governmentsfor comment. The members of the Commissionaccordingly undertook to arrange for observationsof their governments to be available to the Com-mission during its sixth session.

The Council discussed the question at the 174thand 175th meetings of its Social Committee on24 and 26 February and at its 446th plenarymeeting on 27 February 1951. The majority

favoured the Commission's proposal that theCouncil approve its plans for further study andelaboration of the draft single convention. Anamendment submitted by France (E/AC.7/L.80),which would have emphasized the Council's ap-proval of the Commission's plan for further dis-cussion of the draft single convention at its sixthsession, was rejected at the 175th meeting of theCommittee by 6 votes to 2, with 10 abstentions.Those opposing it, among them the representativesof India, Pakistan and the United States, thoughtthat the amendment was unnecessary and wouldonly obscure the issue. The Commission had madeit clear that the main business at the sixth sessionwould be the elaboration of the proposed interimagreement to limit the production of opium tomedical and scientific needs, and that the Com-mission would not have much time to devote tothe single convention.

The Social Committee, on 26 February, adopted(E/1930) the resolution, as proposed by the Com-mission (E/1889), by 6 votes to 2, with 10abstentions. It was subsequently adopted by theCouncil at its 446th plenary meeting on 27 Feb-ruary by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions.

This resolution (355 B (XII)) approved theCommission's plans for further elaboration of thesingle convention on narcotic drugs and reaffirmedits authorization to the Commission to transmitthe draft instruments, with possible amendments,to governments for their comments.

When the Commission discussed briefly thedraft single convention during its sixth session inApril-May 1951 (E/1998), it considered the pos-sibility of simplifying the text of the draft treaty;the form which the future policy-making organ forthe international control of narcotic drugs mightassume; and the elimination or modification ofthe international clearing-house system. Observa-tions were again requested from governmentsrepresented on the Commission, and also from thePermanent Central Opium Board and SupervisoryBody. The Secretary-General was requested to pre-pare an annotated compilation of all observationsreceived by 1 November 1951, for considerationby the Commission at its seventh session.

3. Report of the Commission of Enquiryon the Coca Leaf

At its twelfth session in February-March 1951,the Council had before it the report of the United

237 See Y.17.N., 1950, pp. 628-29.


Nations Commission of Enquiry on the Coca Leaf(E/1666). The Commission of Enquiry had visit-ed Bolivia and Peru in the latter half of 1949 atthe request of the Governments of these countriesto make a field study in the areas where the habitof chewing the coca leaf is most prevalent. Thatreport was presented in two main parts, one con-taining medical observations on the effects of thehabit, and the other dealing with its economic andsocial aspects. The report had been the subject ofa preliminary examination by the Commission onNarcotic Drugs during its fifth session.238

The Council, without discussion, at the 175thmeeting of its Social Committee on 26 Februaryand at its 446th plenary meeting on 27 February1951, deferred further action to its thirteenthsession when additional observations by the mem-bers of the Commission (E/1666/Add.1/Rev.1and E/1666/Add.3) were placed before theCouncil.

The Council considered the report and the addi-tional observations at the 187th and 191st meet-ings of its Social Committee on 2 and 4 Augustand at its 494th plenary meeting on 9 August1951. It expressed its appreciation of the workaccomplished by the Commission of Enquiry anddecided to ask the Governments of Bolivia andPeru to forward their comments on the report aswell as their comments on the additional observa-tions to the Secretary-General by 1 December1951, so that the question might be examined bythe Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its seventhsession in 1952. This resolution (395 D (XIII))was adopted by the Council at the 191st meetingof its Social Committee on 4 August, by 14 votesto none (E/2069), and at its 494th plenary meet-ing on 9 August, by 14 votes to none, with3 abstentions.

In the meantime, as the Commission on Nar-cotic Drugs at its sixth session had reported to theCouncil, the Secretary-General had, at the requestof the Government of Peru, arranged for anexchange of views with competent Peruvian offi-cials on the coca-leaf problem. The Peruvianauthorities had shown great willingness to co-operate with the United Nations in overcomingthe difficulties, at the international level, to whichcoca-leaf production gave rise. They had not, how-ever, proposed to suppress the habit of chewinguntil after they had obtained precise scientificproof of its effects. The authorities had, never-theless, received sympathetically a suggestion thatit would not be necessary to await such proofbefore starting more detailed pilot studies, in a

few selected communities, of the many factorsleading to the habit of chewing the coca leaf. Anattempt could then be made to improve thestandards of living of the inhabitants with a viewto securing a voluntary renunciation of the habit.

4. International Limitation of OpiumProduction

a. PROPOSED INTERIM AGREEMENT TO LIMITTHE PRODUCTION OF OPIUM TO MEDICALAND SCIENTIFIC NEEDS

(1) Consideration by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its Twelfth Session

Following a brief general discussion at its 174thto 177th meetings, the Social Committee, by 14votes to 3, with 1 abstention, on 27 February, andthe Council at its 446th plenary meeting on 27February 1951, by 14 votes to 3, adopted a draftresolution proposed by China (E/AC.7/L.77)concerning the interim agreement to limit theproduction of opium to medical and scientificneeds.

By this resolution (355 C (XII)) the Councilrequested the Commission to make every possibleeffort to find a basis acceptable to the governmentsprincipally concerned on which an internationalagreement to limit the production of opium tomedical and scientific needs could be formulated.

( 2 ) Consideration by the Commission on NarcoticDrugs at its Sixth Session

The Commission, accordingly, at its sixth ses-sion in April-May 1951 considered the draftinterim agreement for the limitation of the pro-duction of opium to medical and scientific needs,and, in particular, the problems connected withthe establishment, under the terms of the interimagreement, of an international opium monopoly.

The Commission was, however, unable to reachagreement on any of the four main questions con-cerning the establishment of the internationalopium monopoly which had remained unsolved atthe end of its fifth session.239 These were:

(1) the price at which the international opium mon-opoly should conduct its opium transactions; (2) meas-ures required to meet competition from opium alkaloidsmade from poppy straw; (3) the problem of competi-tion facing drug-manufacturing countries from exportsof opium alkaloids by opium-producing countries; and(4) the precise form international inspection shouldtake.

238 For detailed discussion of report, see Y.U.N., 1950,

p. 633.239

See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 629-30.


The Commission considered what the next stepshould be, and, in the discussion of the situation,the view was expressed that an international opiummonopoly was not the only, and not even neces-sarily the best, way of securing the aim of thelimitation of opium production to medical andscientific needs. Most of the members, however,expressed the view that an international opiummonopoly was the best method for solving theproblems involved but recognized that furtherprogress could not be made for the time being.

The Commission then discussed a plan, outlinedby the representative of France, for adapting the1931 Convention for Limiting the Manufactureand Regulating the Distribution of NarcoticDrugs to the production of and trade in opium,and considered a draft protocol, also introducedby France. A sub-committee was set up to con-sider this plan. The sub-committee, and later theCommission, considered that extensive changeswould need to be made to make the provisions ofthe 1931 Convention applicable to opium produc-tion and trade; in particular, since opium produc-tion was an agricultural process not completelycontrollable, international control could not be asrigid as that applied to the industrial manufactureof drugs. The Commission advised that the mostpracticable form of international control of opiumproduction would be to limit the stock of opiumthat any country might hold under the proposedtreaty. It recommended (E/1998) that the opi-nions of governments be requested on the princi-ples of the proposed protocol.

These principles provided, inter alia, that:(1) consumption of opium should be limited ex-

clusively to medical and scientific needs;(2) only opium originating from opium-producing

countries which were parties to the protocol and whichexported opium in 1950 should be the subject of licittrade between parties;

(3) any kind of international cartels (as distinctfrom domestic cartels), whether of purchasers or ofsellers of opium should be prohibited, and in cases ofviolation of this provision a party should be able toobtain redress by complaint to an international organ;

(4) the protocol should provide for annual estimatesof parties and non-parties of their opium requirementson the general lines on which such estimates are requiredby the 1931 Convention in respect of manufactureddrugs;

(5) the limitation of production of opium should beachieved by the indirect method of limiting the stocksof opium each party would be entitled to maintain, withdifferent maxima for opium-producing and drug-manu-facturing countries and countries which are neither;

(6) the provisions relating to the statistical returnsshould be substantially the same as those prescribed inrespect of opium by article 22 of the 1925 Convention;

( 7 ) all countries permitting the production of opiumshould be required to establish "national opium mon-opolies" having the right to license cultivators, whoshould alone be permitted to produce opium in design-ated areas and should be bound to deliver their totalcrops to their respective national monopolies, eachnational monopoly having the exclusive right of whole-sale and foreign trade in opium; and

(8) the protocol should provide that in the event ofa country not complying with the provisions relating tostatistics, estimates or maximum stocks or becoming animportant source of illicit traffic in opium by failure tocomply with any provision of the protocol, the Per-manent Central Opium Board might take certain meas-ures, including the imposition of an export or importembargo on opium, the Board also being permitted toapply sanctions to non-parties.

( 3 ) Consideration by the Economic and SocialCouncil at its Thirteenth Session,

The Council discussed the question at the 189thto 191st meetings of its Social Committee on 3and 4 August and at its 494th plenary meetingon 9 August 1951.

The representative of France explained that theidea of the draft protocol had received wide sup-port in the Commission because many membershad been convinced that it would produce verysubstantial results even if final agreement on allaspects of the problem were not reached.

The representative of the USSR, who said hewas unable to support the proposal, consideredthat the adoption of the proposed protocol wouldmean the maintenance of the complicated systemat present in force, with all the anomalies oforganization it entailed.

The representative of China criticized the prin-ciples of the draft protocol in that it did notprovide for international inspection, which, inthis instance, he considered was essential. Therepresentatives of Belgium, Chile, China, India andthe Philippines, among others, supported the prin-ciples of an international opium monopoly. Therepresentatives of China and the Philippines feltthat the objections to international inspection hadbeen over-emphasized. The representative of Bel-gium stressed that an international opium mon-opoly should include all the producing countries.

The Acting Assistant Secretary-General incharge of the Department of Social Affairs saidthat the problem of international inspection wasof a political nature, since it was linked to thequestion of national sovereignty. He pointed outthat it was necessary to have an internationalinspection system where the control of raw mate-rials was concerned, whereas such a system wasnot essential under the 1931 Convention which


limited the manufacture and regulated the distri-bution of narcotic drugs, operations which wereeasier to control.

A number of representatives, including those ofBelgium, China, France, Peru, the Philippines andthe United States, thought that both the proposedinterim agreement as well as the proposed protocolshould be sent to governments for their comments,and a draft resolution (E/AC.7/L.93) to thiseffect was submitted jointly by Belgium, Chileand China.

This draft resolution was adopted by the SocialCommittee (E/2068C) at its 191st meeting by15 votes to 2 with 1 abstention, as amended byFrance (E/AC.7/L.95). The amendment, whichwas adopted by 14 votes to none, with 4 absten-tions, provided for the transmission to govern-ments of the Commission's records as well as thoseof the Council. The Council at its 494th plenarymeeting adopted the revised resolution 395C(XIII) (see below) by 13 votes to 3, with 1abstention.

The Social Committee also considered the draftresolution proposed by the Commission (E/1998)concerning the draft protocol and, at its 191stmeeting on 4 August, adopted it (E/2068B, seebelow) by 14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention, afteradopting some oral drafting changes and thefollowing amendments:

(a) by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, a UnitedStates amendment (E/AC.7/L.94) which would havethe Council note rather than adopt in general the princi-ples of the protocol;

( b ) by 15 votes to 3, a United States amendment(E/AC.7/L.94) which would call on the Secretary-General to submit the principles of the protocol togovernments for their replies by 1 November 1951 inorder that an annotated compendium of the observationscould be prepared and the protocol drafted in legal formby the Secretary-General in time for the Council's con-sideration in 1952. The Commission's proposal merelyprovided for the preparation of the compendium for theCouncil's next session.

The Council, at its 494th plenary meeting on9 August, adopted the revised draft resolution, by14 votes to 3 (395 B (XIII)).

The two resolutions adopted by the Councilread:

B"The Economic and Social Council."Conscious of the importance of international efforts

for the prevention of the development of drug addiction,"Considering -that for this purpose effective measures

should be taken to further the progress made under the1925 and 1931 Conventions, in particular by seeking tolimit the production of opium to medical and scientificneeds,

"Considering that present circumstances make theestablishment of an international opium monopoly diffi-cult for the time being,

"Considering that it is nevertheless desirable to takesuch measures to further the aim of limiting the produc-tion of opium to medical and scientific needs as arepracticable at the present time,

"1. Notes the principles of the protocol relating tolimitation of the production of opium drafted by theCommission on Narcotic Drugs during its sixth session;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General to submit theseprinciples to the States Members of the United Nationsand to non-member States Parties to the internationaltreaties on narcotics for the communication of theirobservations thereon before 1 November 1951, in orderthat an annotated compendium of those observationscan be prepared and that the protocol can be draftedin legal form by the Secretary-General and presented tothe Council in time for its consideration in 1952; and

"3. Decides to study in 1952, in the light of theobservations made and of the draft protocol presented,the possibility of convening an international conferenceentrusted with the task of preparing and adopting aprotocol relating to the limitation of the production ofopium."

"The Economic and Social Council,"Reaffirming its determination to continue, by all

practical means, its efforts to perfect measures designedto bring under fully effective controls the production,distribution and use of narcotics,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General to transmit thedraft of the proposed interim agreement to limit theproduction of opium to medical and scientific needs,together with the summary records of the debates in theCommission on Narcotic Drugs at its sixth session, andthe Council at its thirteenth session, on the question ofthe limitation of opium production, to the Membersof the United Nations and to non-member States Partiesto the international treaties on narcotics for their observ-ations on this proposed interim agreement, including itspracticability; and

"2. Asks the Secretary-General to prepare an annot-ated compendium of these observations, this compendiumto be considered by the Council at the same time as itconsiders the observations of governments on the pro-posed protocol relating to the limitation of the produc-tion of opium."

b. OFFER FOR SALE AT HONG KONG OF500 TONS OF OPIUM

The Council was informed by the Commissionon Narcotic Drugs in its report on its fifth sessionin December 1950240 that an offer had been madeto a British firm at Hong Kong of 500 tons ofopium in China, where, since 1934, the productionof opium had been prohibited. This quantity wasapproximately equal to the annual needs of theentire world for medical and scientific purposes.

240 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 632-33.


The Council, at the 174th and 175th meetingsof its Social Committee on 24 and 26 February,considered a draft resolution proposed by the Com-mission (E/1889) on the subject. At the requestof the United Kingdom representative, the lastparagraph was voted on separately and rejected by7 votes to 3, with 8 abstentions. This paragraphwould have had the Council express the opinionthat a return to the production of opium incountries in which, traditionally, it represented asocial danger and which had decided to discon-tinue its production and had promulgated laws tothis effect, was incompatible with the UnitedNations policy of limiting the production ofopium to medical and scientific needs.

The draft resolution, as amended, was adoptedat the 175th meeting of the Social Committee by13 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions (E/1930), andat the 446th plenary meeting of the Council on27 February 1951, by 14 votes to 3, with 1abstention, as resolution 355 D (XII).

By this resolution, the Council stated its con-cern over the offer and requested the organsentrusted under the international treaties with thecontrol of narcotic substances to ascertain, if pos-sible, the origin of this opium, the period inwhich it was collected, the total stocks of opiumcurrently in China and whether the cultivation ofthe opium poppy and the export of opium werestill prohibited in China.

5. General Questions

a. DRUG ADDICTION

(1) Definition of Addiction-Producing andHabit-Forming Drugs

The Commission, at its sixth session, was re-minded by the representative of WHO of somecriticism expressed during its fifth session241 of thedefinitions of addiction-producing and habit-form-ing drugs formulated by WHO's Expert Commit-tee on Drugs Liable to Produce Addiction.

The Expert Committee's report had been sentto pharmacologists throughout the world and nodissenting opinions had been expressed to theorganization, he said.

(2) Education and Propaganda Against the Useof Narcotic Drugs

The Commission at its sixth session also dis-cussed the advisability of education and propa-ganda against the use of narcotic drugs. Therepresentative of the Secretary-General gave the

Commission an account of the work done by theLeague of Nations on the problem, with specialreference to the resolution adopted by the AdvisoryCommittee on Traffic in Opium and Other Dan-gerous Drugs on 2 June 1936 in which it wasstated ". . . that propaganda in schools and otherdirect propaganda should only be practised incertain countries where addiction is a substantialproblem. In other countries where addiction is, onthe contrary, sporadic, such propaganda would beevidently dangerous . . ." (League of Nationsdocument C.290.M.176.1936.XI). The Commis-sion recommended (E/1998) that the Councilconsider it advisable to restate the principle adopt-ed by the League of Nations and draw the atten-tion of governments to it.

The Council, however, at the 191st meeting ofits Social Committee on 4 August and at its494th plenary meeting on 9 August 1951 unani-mously agreed that no action should be taken onthe Commission's draft resolution. The majorityfelt that in countries where drug-addiction did notexist, education and propaganda might draw undueattention to it.

b. ABOLITION OF OPIUM SMOKING IN THEFAR EAST

During the Commission's examination of re-ports forwarded to the Secretary-General pursuantto Economic and Social Council resolution 159 IIB (VII) concerning the abolition of opium smok-ing in the Far East, regret was expressed at thepaucity and in some cases the incompleteness ofthe material sent by some governments.

The Commission was informed of the decidedprogress that had been made by the French author-ities towards the final abolition of opium smokingin the Associated States which had formerly con-stituted French Indochina, where the amount ofopium smoked had dropped from 120 tons in1904 to some 20 tons in 1950. The decree abolish-ing the system of registering smokers had beenput into effect, it was reported, and, in the viewof the representative of France, the social dangerthat opium smoking had once represented had bynow disappeared. The efforts of the authoritiesfinally to stamp out the practice were, however,greatly hampered by the lack of communications,particularly in the northern parts of the territory,and by the existing situation in that part of theworld, which made it very difficult for the author-ities to exercise the necessary control.

241 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 631-32.


c. OPIUM RESEARCH

During 1951, progress was made in the pro-gramme of research into the methods of deter-mining the origin of opium by chemical andphysical means undertaken pursuant to Councilresolution 246 F (IX). Collaborating scientistsreported on microscopical and chemical methodsfor submitting opium samples to certain com-parative tests which might be useful in determin-ing the origin of seized opium. The UnitedNations Division of Narcotic Drugs itself studiedthe relationship between the porphyroxine-mecon-idine content of opium and its origin. Certaincodeine analyses undertaken by the Divisionshowed how the codeine and porphyroxine valuesof an opium sample could be considered togetheras an aid to determining the origin of that sample.In accordance with the decision of the Commissionat its fifth session,242 the Division gave specialattention to research into methods for determiningthe morphine and codeine in opium, and opiumsamples, contributed to the United Nations underthe international research programme, were analy-zed for their codeine content. Studies were alsoundertaken to perfect the United Nations methodof assaying the morphine content of opium togive accurate and reproducible results on all typesof opium. Collaborating scientists also gave specialattention to the subject of opium assay for mor-phine, and chemists of the United States InternalRevenue Bureau carried out experiments com-paring the opium assay method of the UnitedStates Pharmocopoeia with that of the UnitedNations.

6. Permanent Central Opium Board

At its twelfth session in February-March 1951,the Economic and Social Council examined thereport of the Permanent Central Opium Board(E/OB/6) at the 175th meeting of its SocialCommittee on 1 March and at its 446th plenarymeeting on 27 February 1951. The report coveredthe work of the Board for 1950 and includedsynoptic tables which showed the principal phasesin the licit movement of narcotic drugs, from theproduction of the raw material to the consumptionof the finished product, during the years 1936,1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949. It also included alist of the countries and territories which had sentin their returns for 1949 and a list of the missingquarterly and annual statistics for 1949. Apartfrom routine questions relating to administration,

the state of the control, and certain special cases,the report contained passages on the use of diace-tylmorphine and on synthetic drugs, and an analy-sis of trends in the movement of narcotic drugsduring 1949.

The Board concluded that it lacked for 1949certain statistics of sufficient importance to makeit impossible to calculate world production duringthat year of any one of the narcotic drugs subjectto international control. The same difficulty existedwith regard to other items, such as consumption.The Board expressed deep regret that it wasobliged to report this state of affairs 21 years afterthe entry into force of the 1925 Convention.

In spite of the absence of some important statis-tics, the Board observed the following trends. Theproduction of morphine, codeine and dionine hadcontinued to increase in 1949, and had reached arecord figure during that year. However, the quan-tity of morphine produced for use as such hadslightly decreased during recent years. The Boardpointed out that allowance had to be made for thefact that pethidine (dolantin, demerol, dolosal,etc.), a synthetic drug of almost world-wide useas a substitute for morphine since the end of theSecond World War, was being turned out inquantities superior to the amount of morphineproduced for use as such. At the time of the report(15 November 1950), pethidine had not yet beenbrought under the control established by the inter-national Conventions on narcotic drugs.

The production of a group of drugs comprisingdihydrohydroxycodeinone, dihydrocodeinone, dihy-dromorphinone, acetyldihydrocodeinone and me-thyldihydromorphinone, had continued at therecord level it had attained in 1949. The produc-tion of diacetylmorphine and of cocaine was lowerthan it had been generally before the war in 1939.

The Social Committee expressed regret that 26States had failed to send in 152 of the statisticalreports for 1949 which were required by theBoard. Following the acceptance of several draft-ing amendments, the Committee by 14 votes tonone, with 4 abstentions, adopted a United Statesproposal (E/AC.7/L.81) which, inter alia, notedthat failure of any one government to observe itsobligations under such Conventions adverselyaffects every other government; recognized thatcomplete and accurate statistics were essential tothe work of the Board; and asked the governmentsconcerned to make every effort to collect statisticsand present them to the Board in the quarterly and

242

See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 631.


annual reports required under the Conventions towhich they were parties. The Council, at its 446thplenary meeting on 27 February, adopted thedraft resolution proposed by the Committee (E/-1931) by 15 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, asresolution 356 B (XII). As decided by the SocialCommittee, without vote, the Council, by 15 votesto none, with 3 abstentions took note (resolution356 A (XII)) of the report of the PermanentCentral Opium Board on statistics of narcotics for1949 and the work of the Board in 1950.

At the sixth session of the Commission on

Narcotic Drugs in April-May 1951 the Presidentof the Permanent Central Opium Board drew theCommission's attention to the Council's resolutionand stated that, although the Board had not metsince the Council's resolution had been adopted, itwould undoubtedly receive the resolution withappreciation. It would also hope that the Ministriesof Foreign Affairs throughout the world would inthe future take a more active interest in ensuringthat their respective countries sent to the Boardaccurate and complete statistics, without which itcould not work.

T. POPULATION QUESTIONS243

The report of the Population Commission onthe work at its sixth session (1/1989), held from23 April-4 May 1951, came before the Economicand Social Council at its thirteenth session andwas discussed by the Council's Social Committeeat its 187th and 188th meetings on 2 August1951, and at the 494th plenary meeting of theCouncil on 9 August 1941.

The report drew attention to demographicanalysis and research relating to the operations ofthe United Nations and the specialized agencies,with particular reference to the development ofunder-developed areas and to the raising of theliving standards of the peoples of the world.

At its 494th plenary meeting, the Counciladopted a three-part resolution (389(XIII)); inpart A, adopted, without discussion, by 11 votes tonone, with 3 abstentions, the Council took noteof the report; in parts B and C, the Councilrequested the Secretary-General to undertake spe-cific studies and activities. The main features ofthe report and the recommendations by the Coun-cil are given below.

1. Relationships between PopulationTrends and Economic and Social Factors

At earlier sessions, the Population Commissionhad emphasized the importance of the relation-ships between population trends and economicand social factors, and the demographic aspects oftechnical assistance and economic developmentprogrammes. The Commission, at its sixth session,considered a revised and expanded version (E/-CN.9/67, /71, /73, /77, /79, /82, /84, /85,/86) of the report which the Secretary-General, atthe Commission's request, had submitted at its

fifth session,244 entitled "Findings of studies onthe relationships between population trends andeconomic and social factors" (E/CN.9/55 andAdd.1 and 2) . The study in its revised formcovered matters such as: economic and socialfactors affecting human fertility and mortality;determinants of the geographical distribution ofpopulation; effects of population trends on eco-nomic output and social welfare; population andlabour supply; population and consumption; worldpopulation and resources; implications of popula-tion trends in highly industrialized countries; andpopulation problems in under-developed countries.The Commission requested that this report besubmitted to qualified experts for considerationand criticism, and be revised in the light of theirreplies; it also requested that a brief non-technicalsummary be prepared.

At its fourth session, the Commission hadrecommended that the Secretary-General shouldexplore the possibilities of undertaking studies inindividual under-developed countries. Accordingly,at the sixth session of the Commission, the Secre-tary-General presented two reports (E/CN.9/76and Corr.1, E/CN.9/L.14) on the progress ofplans for a field study to be carried out in aselected area of India, in co-operation with theIndian Government, for the purpose of obtainingnew information on the relationships betweenpopulation trends and economic and social condi-tions in the Orient. The Commission recognizedthat, together with the Secretary-General, it shoulddevote continuing attention to the study of thoserelationships. Accordingly, it requested the Secre-tary-General to continue to co-operate with the

243 For demographic aspeas of migration, see below

under Migration.244

See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 623.


Government of India in completing those projectsas quickly as possible and to explore the possibili-ties of undertaking similar studies in other under-developed areas at the request of Member Statesand in collaboration with the governments con-cerned and with the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),the World Health Organization (WHO) andother specialized agencies and international orga-nizations. The Commission reaffirmed the prin-ciple that Member States should be responsiblefor deciding what questions should be asked incollecting information in such studies.

The Commission noted that some under-dev-eloped Member States had recently taken a popula-tion census for the first time and had not hadprevious experience in utilizing the results of sucha census. Accordingly, the Commission requestedthe Secretary-General to consider the possibility ofmaking, in co-operation with the government ofone of these countries, a pilot analysis of its censusdata with a view to obtaining as much informationas possible regarding the interrelationships ofdemographic, economic and social factors, for usein examining the demographic aspects of develop-mental problems.

2. Studies of Mortality and Fertility

The Commission asked the Secretary-General:(1) to complete the studies of pre-natal, infantand early childhood mortality currently beingundertaken; and (2) to explore the possibility ofstudying, in a limited number of countries, incollaboration with WHO and Member States, theinfluence of economic and social factors on mor-tality, with special reference to economically under-developed areas with high death rates. Interestwas expressed in the efforts being made to improvethe measurement of infant mortality. The Secre-tary-General was requested to continue this work,in collaboration with WHO and other interestedagencies and experts.

The Commission reaffirmed its interest in andthe importance of a study of the birth statistics ofthose countries where the birth rate has risen inrecent years, so as to determine whether or notthis rise represents an increase in fertility and inthe number of children per family. The Secretary-General was requested to obtain, as far as possible,the assistance of interested organizations in pre-paring such studies, to give priority to his ownstudies in this field when other projects in handhad been completed, and to prepare a report.

3. Demographic Aspects of theProblem of Retired and Aged Persons

The Commission recognized the increasing im-portance of the problems attending an aging popu-lation both in economically advanced and in lessdeveloped countries. The Secretary-General wasrequested, within the limits of the resources avail-able, to undertake a study, in connexion with thatrecommended by the Social Commission (E/-1982) and in co-operation or consultation withMember States, interested international agenciesand other organizations, of the demographic prob-lems of an aging population, with particular ref-erence to the employment of older persons, thefactors relating to the aging of population, andthe differential rates of aging in various countriesand in different ethnic, social and economic groups.

4. Regional Seminars on PopulationProblems

The Commission emphasized its interest in andsupport of training-seminars, and particularly oftraining-courses and internships on demographictechniques and the analysis of population prob-lems. Attention was called to the special needfor these activities in countries where for thefirst time, population statistics are becomingavailable. In cases where requests for technicalassistance are received from Member States, theSecretary-General was requested, within the limitsof the resources available, to explore with theappropriate specialized agencies and internationalorganizations: (1) the possibility of arrangingbrief training courses on these subjects in under-developed countries in conjunction with technicalassistance missions which include demographicexperts; and (2) the possibility of including train-ing on demographic matters in seminars, coursesof instruction, internships, and other training ac-tivities on closely related subjects. High prioritywas assigned by the Commission to the prepara-tion of a detailed pilot programme along thoselines (E/1989). A selected and annotated biblio-graphy of recent materials on demography anda manual on methods used in making estimatesof current and future population were also re-quested.

5. Demographic Aspects of theProgramme of Regional Commissions

Mindful of the advantages of close co-operationwith the regional economic commissions in the


consideration of demographic data and problems,especially in their social and economic implica-tions, the Commission requested the Secretary-General:

(1) to transmit to the appropriate regional commis-sions abstracts of materials in the report of the Com-mission which were relevant to their work; and (2) tocontinue to give consideration in the economic reportsto population changes and problems, including inter-continental and intra-continental migration.

6. Demographic Statistics

Several problems relating to the type of dataneeded for purposes of demographic analysis werediscussed by the Commission. The views expressedwere brought to the attention of the StatisticalCommission with the request that they should beconsidered where they were relevant to actiontaken by that Commission. The Commission againemphasized that it was important for countriesto collect information necessary for three princi-pal classifications of the economically active popu-lation (occupation, industry and status), and toprovide tabulations showing these classificationsin relation to each other. It also called attentionto the desirability of further study of the relation-ships between the occupation and status classifica-tions, and of adding certain categories to the listpreviously recommended245 as a minimum foruse in the censuses taken in and around 1950.

The Commission also considered a memoran-dum entitled "Proposed Standards for Vital Rec-ords and Statistics" (E/CN.3/12.3-E/CN.9/65),prepared by the Secretary-General in response toa request by the Statistical Commission at itsfifth session, endorsed by the Population Com-mission. The report recommended certain stand-ards for the information of governments and otherinterested bodies which might be used as guidingprinciples. The Commission considered the reportfrom the standpoint of its implications for popu-lation analysis. It noted that the standards referredprimarily to procedures and practices which wouldbe applicable to countries at the stage of develop-ment where they would contemplate the modifi-cation or adoption of the conventional system ofvital statistics. The Commission, expressing itsinterest in methods of improving population dataand statistics, requested the Secretary-General toprepare a revised draft, in consultation with WHOand other appropriate international agencies, andto submit it for comment to members of theStatistical and Population Commissions, to govern-ments, and, as far as possible, to appropriateexperts.

The Commission also took note of the progressmade in the second issue of the DemographicYearbook 1949-50 toward giving adequate indica-tions of the technical limitations of the demo-graphic data included and toward developingobjective methods for appraising the validity ofsuch data. The Demographic Yearbook containeda comprehensive collection of population, migra-tion and vital statistics relating to every countryand geographic unit of the world for which suchstatistics were available. It showed, in respect ofworld population trends, that the increase overthe estimated total for 1920 represented an aver-age of slightly less than one per cent per year,and that Latin America appeared to have the fast-est-growing population. The Commission rec-ommended that the work of the DemographicYearbook be developed further by the Secretary-General in co-operation with governments, theappropriate specialized agencies and other organi-zations.

The Commission considered the interim reporton the improvement of migration statistics pre-pared by the Secretary-General (E/CN.9/L.11),together with the Secretary-General's analysis (E/-CN.9/47/Add.2, E/CN.3/135) of observationsreceived from governments since the fifth sessionof the Commission on the draft recommendationsfor the improvement of migration statistics madeby the Commission at its fourth session (E/1313,annex III). The Commission requested the Secre-tary-General to complete, in continuing co-opera-tion with ILO, the consultation with governmentspreviously suggested and to present to the Com-mission at its next session a draft of revisedrecommendations on the improvement of migra-tion statistics. It also requested that in preparingthem consideration be given to the desirability,from the point of view of migration studies, ofincluding in the statistical questionnaires ques-tions on reasons for emigration or immigrationand on the status (as employer, employee, etc.)of the migrant.

7. World Population Conference

At its fourth session, the Commission haddecided that it would be inappropriate to hold aworld population conference until the principalresults of the various censuses to be taken in oraround 1950 were available (E/1313). Since thefirst results of these censuses were being releasedin 1951 and many of them would be published

245

See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 624.


by the end of 1952, the Commission decided at itssixth session that the question of holding sucha conference should be re-examined. Accordingly,it considered the proposal of the InternationalUnion for the Scientific Study of Population thata world population conference be called by theUnited Nations (E/CN.9/NGO/2). It was point-ed out that, since the last conference of this naturewas held (in 1937), important changes in thestructure of population had taken place and thatthere were several population problems which" ap-peared to merit international consideration at thistime. Having in mind the interest in populationproblems which has been shown by several of thespecialized agencies, notably by UNESCO, theInternational Labour Organisation (ILO) and theFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) andcertain non-governmental scientific organizations,especially the International Union for the Scienti-fic Study of Population, the Commission expressedthe belief that the United Nations should seektheir collaboration on the widest possible basisin any world population conference which mightbe planned. It also concluded that the conferenceshould be composed of experts.

At its 494th plenary meeting on 9 August1951, the Council adopted, without discussion, by14 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, resolution389 C (XII), which requested the Secretary-Gen-eral:

(1) To consult with various specialized agencies andnon-governmental organizations as to the sponsorship,scope, emphasis, size and possible financing of such aconference; (2) to address an enquiry to governments toascertain their views with respect to the holding of sucha conference, and its date, agenda and composition, ifit were to be held; (3) to estimate the possible cost ofsuch a conference to the United Nations, with dueregard to alternative kinds of sponsorship and to thepossible financial participation of various interested agen-cies and organizations; and (4) to prepare a report onthe results of the enquiry for consideration by theCouncil as a basis for action.

8. Views Expressed on PopulationQuestions during the General Assembly's

Sixth SessionStatements by representatives on certain aspects

of demographic problems were made in the Gener-al Assembly during its discussion of Chapter IV(Social Questions) of the report of the Economicand Social Council (A/1884). The report in-cluded, inter alia, an outline of the Council's actionand recommendations in connexion with thissubject. No specific recommendations in respectof population problems, however, were made bythe General Assembly.

The General Assembly's Third Committee dis-cussed Chapter IV of the Council's report at its348th to 357th meetings, from 19-29 November1951.

During the discussion, the representative ofSweden congratulated the Population Commissionon its work and stressed the importance: of de-veloping demographic techniques; of collectingfacts about population trends, fertility, mortalityand migration, of examining the interrelationshipsof demographic, economic and social factors; andof analysing population problems in different partsof the world. He thought that the work shouldbe continued and intensified along those lines,but also transferred from the realm of registeringand analysing figures to positive action. Therepresentative of Sweden added that some wayhad to be sought to solve the problem of reducingthe death rate without increasing the populationtoo much, as the possibilities of population transferwere limited. The only solution of the problem,he said, was to reduce the birth rate—despite thecomplexity of the problem—as children shouldnot be doomed to a life of misery and starvationbecause they were too numerous.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR, on the other hand, said that theydid not think it true that the economic resourcesof the world left no room for an increase in theworld's population. They were opposed to theidea that emigration was necessary and thoughtthat the population problem could be solved byefficient economic organization and the scientificutilization of resources.

The necessity for studies in the application ofthe science of demography was stressed by therepresentative of the Netherlands, especially withregard to the demographic aspects of migration,mortality and fertility rates, and the interdepen-dence of demographic trends and economic andsocial factors. It was obvious that solutions ofserious demographic problems might be based onsuch studies, although the problems varied greatlyfrom one country to another and any action takenwould have to be regional and specialized. Therepresentative of India said that the section ofthe report of the Economic and Social Councildealing with population was of "vital interest" toIndia.

9. Future Activities

The Population Commission at its sixth sessionreviewed its 1952 programme, using the criteria


set forth in Council resolution 324(XI) and pay-ing particular attention to the importance attachedto the work of the United Nations in the economicdevelopment of under-developed areas. The Com-mission recommended that the Secretary-Generalfirst of all complete projects which were nearcompletion (E/1989, Annex I). It further recom-mended that the Secretary-General give priority to

the following additional items in the programmeof work in the field of population questions:

(1) The preparation of a plan for a detailed pilotprogramme for national training courses, seminars andinternships, in demographic techniques and analysis;(2) improvement of methods of measuring infant mort-ality; (3) a study of recent trends in the birth rate;and ( 4 ) certain studies and reports relating to migra-tion.

U. MIGRATION

The Economic and Social Council consideredthe demographic aspects of migration when itconsidered at its thirteenth session the report ofthe Population Commission on its sixth session(E/1989) held from 23 April-4 May 1951. Itconsidered other questions relating to migrationwhen it discussed, at the same session, the reportof the Social Commission (E/1982) on its seventhsession, held from 19 March-13 April.

1. Demographic Aspects of Migration

At its sixth session, the Population Commissionhad before it a report by the Secretary-General onstudies undertaken at the international level re-garding the demographic aspects of migrationand relationships between demographic, economicand social factors in migration (E/CN.9/78).The report brought up to date earlier informationpresented to the Commission and described themeans through which research and studies wereco-ordinated at the international level. It statedthat the major development in the field of migra-tion was the increasing interest in emigrationfrom Europe to economically under-developedareas and in the contributions which immigrationcould make to the development of economicactivity in Latin America. The report stated thatthe Commission might wish to emphasize theimportance of demographic factors and their re-lation with economic and social factors in thedetermination of cases where emigration wasparticularly desirable and where immigration hada chance to succeed. It also stated that theCommission might feel it undesirable to makespecific recommendations for further studies untilthose in progress were near completion.

The Commission also had before it a workingpaper on European migration (E/CN.9/L.12),which stated, inter alia, that the analysis of emi-gration potentials in various parts of Europe waslinked closely to the immigration policies of thereceiving countries and their capacity to absorb

immigrants from Europe. It added, however, thatit seemed possible to treat separately the twoprincipal determinants of the probable course offuture European emigration, namely the emigra-tion potentials considered from the point of viewof the emigration countries, and the numbers ofEuropeans which immigration countries werelikely to receive and absorb.

In view of the need to obtain, as rapidly aspossible, concrete results in the field of migration,the Commission requested the Secretary-General,in collaboration with the specialized agencies, par-ticularly the International Labour Organisation(ILO), and the non-governmental organizations,to concentrate on the completion of four projectsalready begun:

(1) compilation of basic data on sex and age dis-tribution and economic characteristics of migrants, since1918; (2 ) revision of draft recommendations for theimprovement of migration statistics; (3) study of pre-requisites to immigration; (4) study of relationshipsbetween economic development and immigration inLatin America, currently in preparation at the requestof the Economic Commission for Latin America.

The Commission requested, further, that fullaccount be taken of the importance of:

(1) specific causes of immigration and emigration invarious countries; (2) the social and economic condi-tions of migrants in countries of destination; and(3) studies of the barriers to international migration,including problems of financing European migration,being undertaken by ILO in co-operation with theUnited Nations.

The Secretary-General was also requested tokeep the Commission informed of all studies onmigration being undertaken by the United Na-tions and the specialized agencies, paying specialattention to the concentration of efforts and re-sources within this field.

The Commission prepared for the Council'sconsideration a draft resolution under which theCouncil would:

(1) recall its allocation of responsibilities to thePopulation Commission made in resolution 156 A (VII)


of 10 August 1948; (2) recall its desire to promoteefficiency; (3) concur with the Commission's recom-mendations on the co-ordination of international studiesand research in the field of migration; and (4) requestthe Secretary-General to prepare from time to time, forsubmission to the Commission, a summary of the resultsof the various studies and research activities on migrationmade by the United Nations and the specialized agencies.

During the discussion at the 187th and 188thmeetings of the Social Committee and at the494th plenary meeting of the Council, the USSRproposed an amendment (E/AC.7/L.91 and E/-L.185) to replace that part of the preamble to thedraft resolution proposed by the Population Com-mission which would state that the Council con-curred with these recommendations by the state-ment that the Council took note of the recommen-dations. In the final paragraph of the draft, theamendment would also include in the studies, theresults of which the Secretary-General was askedto summarize, studies on the causes of migrationand the social and economic living conditions ofimmigrants in the countries into which they hadimmigrated.

In the Social Committee, the first part of theamendment was rejected by 7 votes to 4, with 5abstentions; the latter part by 9 votes to 3, with 4abstentions. The Social Committee then adoptedthe draft resolution proposed by the PopulationCommission by 13 votes to none, with 3 absten-tions. When the amendment was again put for-ward in the plenary session of the Council, therepresentatives of Czechoslovakia and Polandspoke in its favour; but, on being put to the vote,the first part of the amendment was rejected bythe Council, by 10 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions,the second part by 11 votes to 3, with 3 absten-tions. The Council then adopted, by 13 votes tonone, with 3 abstentions, the resolution proposedby the Social Committee (389 B (XIII)).

In this resolution the Council recalled its requestto the Population Commission contained in itsresolution 156 A (VII) to arrange for studies ofand to advise the Council on: (1) the demograph-ic aspects of migration; (2) the relationshipsbetween demographic, economic and social factorsin migration; and (3) the over-all co-ordinationof international research and study in this fieldby the United Nations and the specialized agencies.It requested the Secretary-General to prepare fromtime to time, for submission to the Commission,a summary of the results of the various studies andresearch activities on migration made by theUnited Nations and the specialized agencies.

2. Social Aspects of Migration

a. ASSISTANCE TO INDIGENT ALIENS

At its seventh session, the Social Commissionexamined a second report on this subject by theSecretary-General (E/CN.5/235 and Add.1, 2 &3) containing the results of the enquiries made andthe comments of governments, appropriate spe-cialized agencies and non-governmental organiza-tions on the problem of the suggested conventionon assistance to indigent aliens.246 The secondreport by the Secretary-General contained a pro-posal that the Commission should ask the Councilto recommend, inter alia, that governments:

(1) accord to aliens lawfully in their territory thesame measures of public assistance as those accorded totheir nationals; (2) do not expel aliens for the solereason of their indigency or their becoming publiccharges; (3) whenever they repatriate aliens, they doso with the primary consideration of the interest of thepersons involved; (4) enter into agreements with othergovernments on these matters; (5 ) utilize technicalassistance of the United Nations to achieve these objects;(6) make use of the services of competent voluntaryorganizations in this respect; and (7) keep the Secretary-General informed of their practices and agreements.

The Social Commission noted that assistance toindigent aliens was only one aspect of a broaderquestion relating more particularly to the protec-tion of the rights of alien workers and theiradmission to employment and to social securitybenefits. The Commission was of the opinion thatthe framing of a draft convention for assistanceto indigent aliens was premature, but that it wasnevertheless essential to continue the study ofsuch a convention.

The Second Conference of Non-GovernmentalOrganizations interested in Migration was heldin Geneva from 16-21 March 1951, under theauspices of the International Labour Organisationand the United Nations and the report of thatConference was in the hands of members of theSocial Commission. The report stressed the needfor rapid improvement of the legal status of aliens.

The Commission submitted to the Council at itsthirteenth session a draft resolution, reaffirmingthe recommendation that governments do notexpel indigent aliens from their territories for thesole reason of their indigency or of their becomingpublic charges and that they accord to aliens law-fully in their territory the same measures of publicassistance as those given their nationals. It wouldalso invite governments to give effect, so far as

246

See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 626.


practicable and reasonable, to the Secretary-Gen-eral's recommendations.

The matter was discussed by the Social Commit-tee at its 184th meeting on 31 July, when therepresentatives of Belgium and Canada, on theground of domestic constitutional reasons, re-quested a separate vote on that part of the draftresolution which asked the Council to affirm itsrecommendation to governments. The Committeeadopted that paragraph by 13 votes to none, with4 abstentions.

On the suggestion of the representative of theUnited States the Committee decided, by 14 votesto none, with 3 abstentions, to delete that part ofthe Social Commission's draft resolution whichsought to have governments keep the Secretary-General informed of action taken by them inpursuance of the resolution. The resolution as awhole, as amended, was adopted by the Committeeby 13 votes to none, with 4 abstentions, and bythe Council, at its 494th plenary meeting on 9August, by 14 votes to none, with 4 abstentionsas resolution 390 G (XIII). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council"1. Draws the attention of all governments to the

report on assistance to indigent aliens prepared by theSecretary-General at its request;

"2. Reaffirms its recommendation that governmentsdo not expel, deport or otherwise remove from theirterritories aliens for the sole reason of their indigencyor of their becoming public charges;

"3. Further recommends that governments accord toaliens lawfully in their territory the same measures ofpublic assistance as those accorded to their nationals;and

"4. Invites governments, in enacting any necessarylegislation or taking any necessary administrative actionin pursuance of these recommendations, to study and,so far as practicable and reasonable, to give effect to theprinciples enunciated in the report of the Secretary-General, using as may be appropriate the services ofnon-governmental organizations."

b. RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT ABROADOF MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS

At its sixth session, the Social Commission ex-pressed the hope that a report on the enforcementabroad of maintenance obligations would be re-ferred to governments in time for their commentsto be considered at the seventh session. The Secre-tary-General had already requested the Interna-tional Institute for the Unification of Private Lawto resume a study it had begun before the warat the suggestion of the League of Nations. Thatstudy had led to the preparation of a draft Con-

vention, which the Secretary-General submitted tothe Social Commission at its seventh session (E/-CN.5/236 and Add.1, 2 and 3).

The draft Convention contained seventeen ar-ticles and a preamble which recognized that theenforcement abroad of judgments relating tomaintenance obligations was a pressing need, andthat the achievement of this humanitarian aimjustified the establishment of a special system. Itspurpose, as stated in the draft Convention, was tosecure the reciprocal recognition and enforcementby the signatories of judicial decisions awardingmaintenance.

The Secretary-General of the Institute took partin the Social Commission's discussions and gave adetailed account of the nature of the problem, thepossible legal remedies and the principles on whichthe Institute had based its work. Several membersof the Social Commission and representatives ofnon-governmental organizations stressed the needfor solving the problem by means or internationalinstruments which would guarantee to desertedpersons the right to free or inexpensive proceed-ings of as simple and expeditious a character aspossible.

The Social Committee considered the draftresolution proposed by the Social Commission atits 184th and 185th meetings on 31 July and1 August.

The Commission recommended, inter alia, thatthe Council request the Secretary-General:

"(1) To take into consideration the draft conventionssubmitted to the Social Commission at its seventh ses-sion, the comments received from governments, special-ized agencies, and non-governmental organizations, thesuggested principles submitted to the Social Commission,as well as the discussions before the Social Commissionand the Council, and to prepare a working draft of amodel convention or of a model reciprocal law, or both;and

"(2) To convene a committee of experts, to be com-posed of not less than five nor more than nine membersselected by the Secretary-General in consultation withthe governments of . . . and including a representativeof the International Institute for the Unification ofPrivate Law, with a view to formulating, on the basis ofthe working draft or drafts prepared by the Secretary-General, the text of a model Convention, or modelreciprocal law, or both, to be submitted to the Economicand Social Council not later than at its sixteenth sessionfor its consideration and recommendations to govern-ments".

During the discussions in the Committee, someopposition to the second paragraph of the draftresolution was voiced by the representatives ofChile and the United States, among others. Therepresentative of Chile proposed the deletion of


the paragraph, maintaining that any internationalconvention was bound to come into conflict withthe national laws of some countries. The UnitedStates representative, who said that he did notbelieve that the governments to be consulted bythe Secretary-General should be chosen by theCommittee, proposed an amendment (E/AC.7/-L.89) to have the Council request the Secretary-General to convene a committee of experts todraft the text of a model Convention, or a modelreciprocal law, on the basis of the working draftmentioned in the earlier part of the resolution,and to submit it to the Council not later than itssixteenth session. An oral amendment proposedby Uruguay would have the reference to reciprocallaw deleted from the draft resolution.

At its 185th meeting on 1 August, the Com-mittee rejected the Chilean proposal by 10 votesto 5, with 3 abstentions. It also rejected, by 12votes to none, with 6 abstentions, the oral amend-ment by Uruguay, and adopted, by 13 votes to1, with 4 abstentions, the United States amend-ment (E/AC.7/L.89). The resolution as a whole,as amended, was adopted by 13 votes to none, with5 abstentions.

The Council, at its 494th plenary meeting on9 August 1951 adopted, by 14 votes to none, with4 abstentions the draft resolution as resolution390 H (XIII).

By this resolution, the Council expressed itsappreciation of the valuable work done by theInstitute in connexion with its preliminary study,and requested the Secretary-General:

(1) to prepare a working draft of a model Conven-tion or of a model reciprocal law, or both, taking intoconsideration the draft Convention submitted to theSocial Commission, the comments received from govern-ments, specialized agencies and non-governmental organ-izations, as well as the discussions which had taken placein the Social Commission and Council; and (2) toconvene a committee of experts to draft the text of amodel Convention or a model reciprocal law on thebasis of the above-mentioned working draft, and tosubmit it to the Council not later than its sixteenthsession.

In connexion with this resolution, it was agreedthat the following clarifications should be includedin the report of the Social Committee (E/2065)to the Council.

" . . . The Secretary-General shall select the committeein consultation with Governments and it shall includea representative of the International Institute for theUnification of Private Law and at least one representativefrom each of the principal legal systems of the world,as well as a representative from a country having afederal-state form of government, and representativesfrom countries of immigration and emigration.

"It is understood that the governments consulted willbe chosen from those which have signed bi-lateral andmulti-lateral agreements with regard to this question."

3. Economic Aspects of Migration

METHODS OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCING OFEUROPEAN EMIGRATION

In response to the last part of its resolution 308C (XI),247 the Council, at its thirteenth session,had before it a report of the Secretary-General(E/2019) prepared in consultation with ILO,the International Refugee Organization (IRO)and other interested specialized agencies on meth-ods of international financing of European emi-gration. The Council also heard a statement bythe Director-General of the International LabourOffice.

The report summed up recent experience, na-tional and international, in meeting the cost ofEuropean emigration, presented estimates of fi-nancial aid required by potential migrants to fa-cilitate desired migration, and indicated the extentto which the costs involved could appropriately bemet by international financing. The report empha-sized that international financing of migrationcould not be dealt with as an isolated problem, butshould be considered within a broad frameworkof economic development and manpower pro-grammes. It also pointed to the need for technicalas well as financial aid to carry out such pro-grammes. The report presented a series of recom-mendations as to the national, bilateral and inter-national action needed to supplement existingmethods of, financing migration, and concludedthat new international resources were needed tofinance certain expenditures which could not bemet by present methods. The report proposed thatinternational measures concerning migrationshould be co-ordinated by a single internationalagency, which should also be responsible for stimu-lating the adequate financing of socially and eco-nomically desirable migration projects without,however, taking over any general responsibilities inthe promotion of economic development. It sug-gested that such an agency should be equipped toassume responsibility for the international meas-ures required for the financing of certain expendi-tures involved in migration, including the estab-lishment of a special international fund.

The Council discussed the report at its 513th,515th and 520th plenary meetings from 21-25August 1951.

247 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 625-26.


Some representatives, including those of Chile,Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, felt that the time wasripe for the Council to take more positive actionthan simply referring the problem of internationalfinancing of European emigration for considera-tion by the Migration Conference, convened byILO at Naples on 2 October 1951.248 It was theirview that the Council should approve the recom-mendation contained in the Secretary-General'sreport to the effect that international measuresconcerning migration should be co-ordinated bya single international organization which shouldalso be responsible for taking such action as maybe necessary, in collaboration with the countriesdirectly concerned, to supplement the resourcesavailable, and thus to ensure that economicallyand socially desirable migration projects can becarried through.

Other representatives, including those of Can-ada, France, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sweden,the United Kingdom and the United States, feltthat the Council could not and should not actwhen the points of view of governments directlyconcerned with international migration were notknown, but should wait until these governmentswere ready, perhaps at the time of or after theMigration Conference. They further believed thatthe special experience of IRO in the movement ofrefugees should be taken into account in theconsideration of the problem.

The opinion was also expressed by some repre-sentatives, among them those of China, France,India, Mexico, Pakistan and the Philippines, thatthe interest of the United Nations in problems ofmigration should not be restricted to Europeanmigration, thus by-passing the urgent migrationproblems of other continents, particularly of Asia.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR, on the other hand, contended thatthe Secretary-General's report did not pay atten-tion to the economic and social conditions whichdetermine emigration and to the conditions await-ing the migrants in the receiving countries. Thesame representatives maintained that the solution

of the problem of finding useful work for theunemployed and under-employed in many coun-tries did not lie in migration, and that interna-tional action should not concentrate on promotingmigration, but that peaceful economic develop-ment alone could and would create the conditionsnecessary to raise the living standards in countriesnow suffering from unemployment and under-employment.

At the conclusion of the general debate, theCouncil had before it three proposals:

(1) Draft resolution by Chile, Mexico and Peru(E/L.223), which would have the Council approve therecommendation of the Secretary-General (E/2019) thatthe international measures concerning migration shouldbe co-ordinated by a single organization, which wouldcollaborate with governments on migration projects. Thedraft resolution would also urge that the Council'sreports be made available to the forthcoming MigrationConference at Naples.

(2) Draft resolution by the United States (E/L.222),which would request ILO to formulate its comments andrecommendations in the light of the views expressed atthe Naples Conference.

(3) Draft resolution by the United Kingdom (E/-L.224) which would have the Council, after taking noteof the report of the Secretary-General, and bearing theMigration Conference in mind, invite ILO to bring theSecretary-General's report, together with the records ofthe Council's discussion on the question, to the attentionof the Conference. The draft resolution would alsorequest all international organizations concerned withany aspect of the migration problem to make their viewsand experiences available to that Conference. In parti-cular, it would request IRO to make available to theConference its views on the Secretary-General's reportand its special experience in the resettlement of refugees.It would further request ILO to report to the Councilat its next session the action by ILO taken or contem-plated in the recommendations of the Conference.

The joint draft resolution by Chile, Mexico andPeru (E/L.223) was first put to the vote andrejected by 10 votes to 4, with 4 abstentions. Thedraft resolution by the United Kingdom (E/-L.224) was then adopted by the Council, by 8votes to 7, with 3 abstentions, as resolution 396(XIII), at its 520th plenary meeting on 25August 1951.

V. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

1. United Nations ResearchLaboratories

In accordance with resolution 318 B (XI),249

the Council had before it at its thirteenth sessiona report (E/2004 and Add.1) by the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Sci-

entific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),containing a detailed plan for the setting up ofan international computation centre as the first

248 See also Part Two, The Specialized Agencies: Inter-national Labour Organisation.

249 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 638.


of the United Nations research laboratories. TheCouncil considered this report at its 517th and518th plenary meetings on 24 August 1951 at thesame time as it examined the annual report ofUNESCO.250

The report pointed out that the General Con-ference of UNESCO had agreed that the centrewould be of the greatest value. The functions ofthe centre, as described in the report, would be:

(1) to provide a computation service, establishingand maintaining one or more laboratories equipped withvarious types of calculating machines, and to maintainan advisory service dealing with queries; (2) to organ-ize and develop a programme of training of researchworkers in mechanical computation; and (3) to carryout scientific research on questions relating to computa-tion devices, to establish in co-operation with scientificorganizations concerned a programme of pure scienceproblems to be studied on the international level, topublish and circulate the results of its research and topromote collaboration and co-ordination among com-puting institutes throughout the world.

During the discussion, the majority of memberssupported the plan. The representative of theUnited Kingdom pointed out that, although thecentre would have the status of a United Nationsinternational institute, it would, in practice, tendto function as a regional centre, since its opera-tion and its financing would be mainly controlledby those countries which felt the need for activeparticipation in its work. The United States repre-sentative was of the opinion that the centre shouldbe set up on a self-supporting basis, receivingcontributions from interested governments and in-stitutes. While not wholly opposed to an initialsubsidy from UNESCO, he doubted the wisdomof a large initial loan because of difficulties ofrepayment. He also stressed that the centre mightco-ordinate its work with the several nationalcomputation centres, functioning as a clearing-house, advising scholars, institutions and govern-ments as to where and at what cost they couldobtain the services they needed. The representativeof the USSR considered that the establishment ofan international computation centre was not with-in the terms of the UNESCO Constitution, andhe disapproved of the plan and especially of thepossible subsidy by the United Nations.

The Council at its 518th plenary meeting on 24August, by 15 votes to 3, adopted a joint draftresolution submitted by the United States, France,Iran and Mexico (E/L.299), as resolution 394(XIII). By this resolution, the Council took notewith appreciation of the above plan, and in par-ticular of the resolution adopted by the sixth Gen-eral Conference of UNESCO requesting the Di-

rector-General to convene in November 1951 aconference of representatives of interested States,the United Nations and the specialized agencies,to set up such a centre if adequate financial back-ing was assured.

2. Teaching about the United Nationsand the Specialized Agencies in Schoolsand Other Educational Institutions of

Member States

The Economic and Social Council in resolution314(XI)251 stated that teaching about the UnitedNations should be undertaken in schools, as wellas in adult education programmes in all countriesand territories and requested Member States ac-tively to encourage the dissemination of informa-tion about the purposes and principles and thestructure and activities of the United Nationsthrough all appropriate media.

In 1951, accordingly, the activities and servicesof the United Nations and the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) were extended and co-ordinated intoa joint programme conforming to policy require-ments.

Through its Information Centres,252 the UnitedNations extended its direct contacts with educa-tional authorities in Member States. Together witha large number of non-governmental organiza-tions, the Centres distributed basic source materialon the United Nations and the specialized agen-cies for adaptation and translation into the locallanguage for use in education and through Press,radio and visual information services. Much ofthis information was channelled to teachers' col-leges, and universities, and much of it was usedin expanding programmes for the observance ofUnited Nations Day and Human Rights Day. Inaddition, a large network of volunteer helpers, co-operating with the United Nations through Vol-unteer Educational Centres and Voluntary Corres-pondent Speakers Units, acted as liaison betweeneducational agencies and the United Nations. Atthe end of the year there were 414 such Centres.

UNESCO developed still further during 1951its policy of organizing seminars and held an In-ternational Seminar in France on the Teaching ofHistory. Under contract with UNESCO also, theWorld Federation of United Nations Associations(WFUNA) held seminars and courses on teach-

250 See p. 590.251 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 636-37.252 For list of Centres, see p. 113.


ings about the United Nations, in Lebanon andIndia. UNESCO also encouraged and assistedMember States in their own national and regionalseminars, emphasizing the development of aworld outlook through studies of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights, collective securityand the scientific facts about race. UNESCO alsopaid particular attention to the preparation ofmaterials on collective security.

Towards the close of 1951, in preparation forthe joint report of the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations and the Director-General ofUNESCO to the fourteenth session of the Councilin 1952,253 a number of official reports on prog-ress in teaching about the United Nations weresupplied by Member Governments (E/2184/-Add.1-4). These revealed that many MemberStates were developing their programmes in ac-cordance with the Council's recommendations. Par-ticularly in the secondary schools, Member Statesextended their programmes and, either in specialcourses or in appropriate school subjects, intro-duced direct teaching about the United Nations.

Non-governmental organizations continued toplay an active role in promoting teaching aboutthe United Nations. The United Nations essaycontest for younger members of non-governmentalorganizations, for example, continued to stimulatestudy of the United Nations and the specializedagencies. The observance of United Nations andHuman Rights Days was considerably widenedboth in schools, and at the community level, andcelebrations were held in 1951 in 50 MemberStates.

There was some development of programmescalculated to create support for the United Na-

tions and to foster a world outlook in colleges anduniversities, and several successful programmes ofadult education on this topic were pioneered.Some States set up special machinery in their ed-ucational systems to enable them to use more fullythe services of the United Nations and UNESCO.

During 1951, the rapid increase in the pro-grammes of technical assistance increased interestin many parts of the world in the United Na-tions. To meet the problem of teaching about theUnited Nations in economically under-developedcountries, briefings on the United Nations and thespecialized agencies for experts going on techni-cal assistance missions and for Fellows from Mem-ber States studying in areas where organs of theUnited Nations or specialized agencies are operat-ing, were organized.

3. Cartographic ServicesArrangements were made during the year for

the transfer to the United Nations Cartographic.Office of the work of the Central Bureau of theInternational Map of the World on the MillionthScale.254

The first issue of the periodical bulletin, WorldCartography, Vol. 1, 1951, was published in June1951. The purpose of the bulletin is to reportupon activities, progress and plans in the field ofcartography throughout the world. The first vol-ume, divided into four sections, contained:

(1) a general article on cartography as related toresource development; (2) technical notes and studiesprepared by scientists; (3) reports, prepared by inter-national and national agencies, on cartographic activitiesin the Americas, Brazil, Canada, and the United States;and (4) a bibliography.

W. QUESTIONS OF CO-ORDINATION AND RELATIONS WITHSPECIALIZED AGENCIES

1. Concentration of Effort andResources and Administrative Budgets of

the Specialized Agencies

In resolution 413(V)255 the General Assemblyrequested the Economic and Social Council to re-view during 1951 the 1952 programmes of theUnited Nations and the specialized agencies, usingthe criteria for priorities previously establishedin Council resolution 324(XI)256 and asking theassistance of the Advisory Committee on Admin-istrative and Budgetary Questions on the admin-istrative and financial aspects of the matter.


At its twelfth session, the Council discussed thequestion of concentration of effort and resourcesat its 466th and 467th plenary meetings on 13March 1951. It had before it a note by the Secre-tary-General (E/1887) which stated, inter alia,that the Secretariat was reviewing all uncompleted

253 This report (E/2184) was submitted on 2 May

1952.254 See p. 592.255 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 653-54.256

Ibid., pp. 640-42.


projects to assist in the implementation of As-sembly resolution 413(V). The eighth report ofthe Administrative Committee on Co-ordination(ACC) (E/1865, see also below) also touchedon questions concerning the concentration of ef-fort and resources. It stated that prior consulta-tions were being held before the adoption of pro-posals for surveys, meetings and programmes con-cerning more than one organization.

The Council also had before it two draft reso-lutions, by Chile (E/L.151) and by the UnitedStates (E/L.157), which were later amalgamatedand formed the basis of a resolution adopted bythe Council (see below).

General support for the draft resolutions wasexpressed by the representatives of France, Peru,the USSR and the United Kingdom. The repre-sentative of the USSR, however, opposed that partwhich made reference to the Secretary-General'sTwenty-year Programme257 and which would havethe Council state its conviction that an intensifi-cation of its efforts to promote the purposes ofArticles 55 and 56 of the Charter was indis-pensable to the achievement of economic andsocial progress.

The first part of a joint amendment by Franceand the United Kingdom (E/L.163), whichsought to delete a request to the specialized agen-cies to review their budgets for the coming yearwas adopted by the Council by 7 votes to 4, with6 abstentions; the Council rejected, by 6 votes to5, with 6 abstentions, the second part of the jointamendment, which would have the Advisory Com-mittee submit to the Assembly any observationon the 1952 budgets of the specialized agencieswhich might be useful in the preparation of their1953 budgets. The Council then unanimouslyadopted the new combined text of the draft reso-lutions, as amended by France and the UnitedKingdom, at its 467th plenary meeting on 13March. The resolution (362 B (XII)) read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Having considered resolution 413 (V) of the Gen-

eral Assembly regarding the need for the concentrationof the effort and resources of the United Nations andthe specialized agencies devoted to economic and socialwork,

"Cognizant of the need to avoid all unnecessary andwasteful expenditures and to direct the resources of theUnited Nations toward the most fruitful undertakings,

"1. Affirms its intention to continue to examine allnew projects to ensure that every economy compatiblewith its responsibilities is effected and that the economicand social work with which it is entrusted is carriedon most effectively;

"2. Requests the commissions of the Council:"(a) To review during 1951 their 1952 programmes,

using the criteria set forth in Council resolution 324(XI); and

"(b) To indicate, when new projects are recom-mended, which current projects might be deferred,modified, or eliminated to ensure that the economic andsocial work of the United Nations will be carried onmost effectively;

"3. Requests the specialized agencies to submit to thethirteenth session of the Council their 1952 programmesas reviewed by them in accordance with General Assem-bly resolution 413 (V), paragraph 1;

"4. Invites the specialized agencies, within the frame-work of their respective constitutions, to take any stepsthey consider necessary in order to enable them to co-operate fully with the General Assembly and the Councilin achieving the objectives of General Assembly resolu-tion 413 (V);

"5. Invites the Advisory Committee on Administra-tive and Budgetary Questions to submit to the thirteenthsession of the Council such observations on administra-tive and financial aspects of the 1952 programmes ofthe United Nations and the specialized agencies aswould assist the Council in reviewing the programmes;

"6. Desires to bring to the attention of the GeneralAssembly the following considerations affecting the workof the Council:

"(a) That the question of the economic developmentof under-developed countries in all its aspects is byvirtue of Articles 55 and 56 of the Charter a problemto which the Council must continue to give most urgentattention because it recognizes that "a more rapid eco-nomic development of under-developed countries, inparticular an increase of their production, is essentialfor raising the level of productive employment and theliving standards of their populations, for the growth ofthe world economy as a whole and for the maintenanceof international peace and security" (General Assemblyresolution 400 (V)) ;

"(b) That the promotion of economic stability andof the maintenance of full employment is a responsibilityof the Council and that "under Articles 55 and 56 ofthe Charter, the United Nations is under an obligationto use all the means at its disposal to ensure thesteady growth of the world economy and to prevent theemergence of those factors of economic disequilibriumwhich impair general economic stability and disturbthe economic development of the under-developed coun-tries" (General Assembly resolution 406 ( V ) ) ;

"(c) That, in conjunction with the effort necessaryfor the economic development of the under-developedcountries, "by Articles 55 and 60 of the Charter of theUnited Nations the Economic and Social Council, underthe authority of the General Assembly, is charged withthe responsibility for promoting higher standards ofliving and conditions of social progress and develop-ment" (General Assembly resolution 418 ( V ) ) , andaccordingly for promoting measures to increase the wel-fare of the peoples concerned and to improve conditionsof health, education, employment, housing, social secur-ity and respect for human rights;

" ( d ) That the Council's work in respect of interna-tional economic and social co-operation, of which the

257

See pp. 189ff.


foregoing examples are aspects at present of majorsignificance, constitutes, together with the programmesof the specialized agencies also engaged in these fields,an unprecedented international effort which is alreadyproving to be of benefit to the world;

"7. Recalls that, in its resolution on uniting forpeace, the General Assembly at its fifth session expressedthe view that enduring peace will not be secured solelyby collective security arrangements against breaches ofinternational peace but "depends also upon the observ-ance of all the Principles and Purposes established in theCharter of the United Nations . . . and especially uponrespect for and observance of human rights and funda-mental freedoms for all and on the establishment andmaintenance of conditions of economic and social well-being in all countries"; and that the General Assemblyaccordingly urged Member States "to respect fully, andto intensify, joint action, in co-operation with the UnitedNations, to develop and stimulate universal respect forand observance of human rights and fundamental free-doms, and to intensify individual and collective effortsto achieve conditions of economic stability and socialprogress, particularly through the development of under-developed countries and areas" (General Assembly reso-lution 377 E ( V ) ) ;

"8. States its conviction that an intensification of theCouncil's efforts to promote the purposes of Articles 55and 56 of the Charter is indispensable if the requiredrate of economic and social progress and developmentis to be achieved; and

"9. Urges most earnestly that the governments, whennext reviewing the work of the United Nations in theGeneral Assembly, give full weight in their budgetaryconsideration of the work of the United Nations to thecontribution which the promotion of "social progressand better standards of life in larger freedom" is makingand can make towards the achievement of the objectivesof the Charter."

At its twelfth session, the Council also consid-ered the question of co-ordination of activities ofthe United Nations and UNESCO relating tofreedom of information, at the 179th to 180thmeetings of its Social Committee on 6 and 9March, and at its 467th plenary meeting on 13March 1951.

The Council had before it a report of the Sec-retary-General prepared in collaboration with theDirector-General of UNESCO outlining the activ-ities of the two organizations in this respect (E/-1891).

The Council, on the recommendation of theSocial Committee (E/1944), adopted, by 9 votesto 3, with 6 abstentions, at its 467th plenary meet-ing on 13 March, a resolution (362 C (XII)),in terms of which it noted that the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of UNESCO had sought to avoid dupli-cation of work, but stated that it considered thatthe report nevertheless disclosed a need for clearerdelimitation of the activities of the two organiza-

tions in this field. The Council further requestedthe Ad Hoc Committee on the Organization andOperation of the Council and its Commissions toundertake the delimitation of these activities andtaking into account the constitution and pro-gramme of UNESCO, to make appropriate rec-ommendations. In addition, the Council decidedto transmit to the Ad Hoc Committee for its con-sideration the records of the discussion of thisquestion at the Council's twelfth session, togetherwith the relevant documentation.258


At its thirteenth session, the Council consid-ered the question of co-ordination among theUnited Nations and the specialized agencies atthe 75th to 78th and 80th to 88th meetings ofits Co-ordination Committee, from 6 August-8September, and at its 554th plenary meeting on17 September 1951.

The Committee had before it, inter alia, thereport of the ACC (E/199 & Add.1) as well asthe annual reports of the specialized agencies259

and the reports of the commissions of the Coun-cil, on which the Committee on Co-ordination hadbased its review of the development of co-ordina-tion (E/2121 & Corr.1).

As regards the concentration of effort and re-sources, the Committee on Co-ordination felt thatcontinued progress had been registered in the co-ordination of current activities and it made rec-ommendations (E/2121 & Corr.1) concerning thereview of 1952 programmes of the commissionsof the Council, of the specialized agencies andother bodies. It made further recommendations inrespect of the review of programmes for 1953and subsequent years, the adoption of United Na-tions priority programmes and proposals for bud-getary control of programmes.

The Council, at its 554th plenary meeting on17 September 1951, adopted three draft resolu-tions (402 B I, II & III (XIII)) dealing withthe concentration of effort and resources, whichhad been recommended by the Co-ordinationCommittee in its report (E/2121 & Corr.1). Thefirst two resolutions were adopted in the Commit-tee and in the Council by 12 votes to none, with5 abstentions; the third resolution was adopted in

258 For further consideration of this question by theAd Hoc Committee and by the Council at its thirteenthsession, see p. 63.

259 See pp. 589-91.


the Committee and the Council by 11 votes to 5,with 1 abstention. In adopting resolution 402 B I(XIII), the Council approved the specific recom-mendations and suggestions contained in the re-port of the Co-ordination Committee, which itannexed to its resolutions.260

In resolution 402 B II (XIII), the Councilnoted the actions taken by the commissions andthe specialized agencies to comply with its previ-ous recommendations and those of the GeneralAssembly. It transmitted the report of the Co-ordination Committee on the review of 1952 pro-grammes of the United Nations and the special-ized agencies to the Administrative Committee onCo-ordination and to the Advisory Committee forinformation and action. It also transmitted thereport to its regional and functional commissions,to the specialized agencies and to all the otherUnited Nations bodies whose activities fall withinthe Council's sphere of interest with the requestthat they take into account the recommendationscontained in that report when reviewing their1953 programmes and when communicating in-formation thereon to the Council.

The Council also decided to place on the pro-visional agenda of its second regular session in1952 the item: "Adoption of United Nationspriority programmes in the economic and socialfields".

In resolution 402 B III (XIII), the Councilexpressed the view that in order to achieve thegreatest possible economy and reasonable stabilitywhile endeavouring to avoid the application ofbudgetary ceilings to the activities of the UnitedNations and the specialized agencies in the eco-nomic and social fields, the Council, its subsidiarybodies and the specialized agencies should en-deavour, in undertaking periodic reviews of theirprogrammes, to establish priorities and eliminateor defer less urgent projects.

Among the specific recommendations and sug-gestions contained in the report of the Co-ordina-tion Committee (E/2121 & Corr.1) approved bythe Council were:

(1) A recommended procedure for establishing pro-gramme priorities, to be applied by the commissions.

(2) That the specialized agencies should include intheir reports to the United Nations a summary of themajor shifts in emphasis in their programmes and oftheir major priorities for the following year.

(3) That no change should be made in the criteriafor priorities established by Council resolution 324(XI) until they had been given a fair trial. The Councilnoted that the ACC had considered that these criteriahad been helpful and that no modifications were recom-

mended. It noted also that several commissions hadshown in their reports that they had been able to makegood use of these criteria when examining their pro-grammes of work.

(4) That the Advisory Committee should be invitedto provide the Council, at each summer session, withgeneral observations on administrative and budgetaryco-ordination between the United Nations and thespecialized agencies. The Council took this action intaking note of the summary of principles and proceduresgoverning administrative and budgetary co-ordinationwhich had been submitted by the Advisory Committee(E/2053) in response to Council resolution 362 (XII).

(5) That proposals for budgetary control of program-mes, which had been submitted by Australia and Brazil,should be transmitted to the Advisory Committee.

During the general debate in plenary session,the representative of the USSR said that, whilehe was not opposed to measures for the elimina-tion of duplication of effort among the variousbodies of the United Nations, a number of pro-posals in the report tended to fuse certain of thefunctions and administrative services of the UnitedNations with those of the specialized agencies, adevelopment which he could not accept.

The representative of the United States, on theother hand, stated that the Council was payingmore and more attention to co-ordination in itsattempt to render the work of the subsidiarybodies of the specialized agencies more effective.The report before the Council marked a step for-ward in that it outlined procedures designed tohelp the Council's subsidiary bodies and the spe-cialized agencies in the presentation of their pro-grammes with special reference to priorities andmajor fields of emphasis; and also because it pro-posed that the Council itself should establishover-all priorities.


At the Assembly's sixth session, the Joint Sec-ond and Third Committee and the Fifth Commit-tee, meeting jointly, considered the questions ofconcentration of effort and resources and the ad-ministrative budgets of the specialized agenciesat six meetings (59th to 64th meetings of theJoint Committee and 312th, 315th, 321st and331st meetings of the Fifth Committee), heldbetween 13 December 1951 and 21 January 1952.The Committees devoted their first three meetingsto a general debate in which twenty representativestook part.

260 For text, see Official Records of the United Nations,

Economic and Social Council: Sixth Year, ThirteenthSession, Supplement No. 1, pp. 59-63.


The Committees had before them, inter alia,the Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 1952(A/1812 & Add.1), the report of the Economicand Social Council (A/1884), the fifth andseventh reports of 1951 of the Advisory Commit-tee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions(A/1956 & A/1971), and reports by the Secre-tary-General on administrative and budgetary co-ordination (A/C.2 & 3/100) and on the co-ordi-nation of conference and general services inGeneva (A/C.2/ & 3/103).

(1) General Discussion in the Joint Committees

The representatives of Canada and France ex-pressed the opinion that, since a large number ofresolutions had already been adopted at previoussessions of the General Assembly and of the Eco-nomic and Social Council relating to the ques-tions of co-ordination and concentration of effortand resources, time should now be allowed forthose texts to prove their worth and no attemptshould be made in the meantime to modify themsubstantially. It was felt in particular that theCommittees should refrain from proposing theestablishment of new co-ordinating machinery.

Several representatives, among them those ofAustralia, Canada, China and Norway, noted withsatisfaction the progress made in the course ofthe last year as a result of the work of the Coun-cil and of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination. Appreciation was expressed of the re-ports before the Assembly and the co-operationshown by the specialized agencies was com-mended.

As regards the question of selection of priori-ties, some representatives, including those ofChile, China, France and the Philippines, ex-pressed satisfaction with the fact that the Councilhad on its agenda for 1952 an item entitled"Adoption of United Nations priority programmesin the economic and social fields", since they feltthat the establishment of such priority prog-rammes would further the concentration of effortsand the elimination of secondary and wastefulprojects. The crucial importance of the co-ordina-tion of the actions of governments themselves inthe organs of the various specialized agencies wasemphasized by the representatives of Australia,Canada, Mexico and New Zealand, among others,and it was suggested that delegations to the annualconferences of specialized agencies should take theinitiative in proposing deferment or eliminationof less urgent or important projects.

The representatives of Australia, Brazil andIndia felt that it had become necessary to stabilize

budgets. While urging economy, the representa-tive of the Philippines argued that financial restric-tions which would hamper the implementation ofobligations under the Charter would be undesir-able. The representative of Chile felt that care inthe selection of priorities would itself result inbudget stabilization. It was stated by the repre-sentative of Australia that it might become neces-sary to place a ceiling on United Nations ex-penditure on economic and social matters in or-der to put an end to the constant increase in thescope of activities which threatened to outrunadministrative resources and might ultimately re-sult in an increase in the number of States in ar-rears of contributions. He felt, however, that themore indirect methods so far employed by theSecretary-General appeared to have been moresatisfactory than had been anticipated.

A number of representatives, among them thoseof China, France, Indonesia, Mexico and Uruguay,firmly opposed the principle of imposing strictbudgetary ceilings on the activities of the UnitedNations and the specialized agencies. The repre-sentatives of China, Lebanon and Pakistan wereamong those representatives who criticized a par-agraph of the fifth report of the Advisory Com-mittee (A/1956), according to which the Gen-eral Assembly would request the Secretary-Generalto prepare budget estimates not exceeding a givenfigure and to indicate, when submitting those esti-mates, which projects would need to be eliminatedor deferred in order to keep within the ceilingfigure.

At the conclusion of the general discussion, theCommittees had before them several specific pro-posals and amendments.

(2 ) Consideration of Draft Resolutions

(a) CONCENTRATION OF EFFORT AND RESOURCES

Two draft resolutions specifically on this sub-ject were presented: one by the Philippines (A/-C.2 & 3/L.42-A/C.5/L.133) and one by Australia(A/C.2 & 3/L.44-A/C.5/L.135).

The Philippine draft resolution would have the Assem-bly express the hope that further development by theCouncil of procedures adopted in the current year mightlead to the most effective intensification of the economicand social activities of the United Nations and thespecialized agencies. It would invite the attention ofspecialized agencies to the report of the Council dealingwith concentration of effort and resources and thereports of the Advisory Committee dealing with theadministrative budgets of the specialized agencies.

In the course of the discussion, the representa-tive of the United States stressed the necessity forthe specialized agencies and commissions of the


Council to assign priorities to projects at the timeof their adoption. She felt, however, that the Phil-ippine draft resolution went too far at this stagein expressing satisfaction with the action taken bythe Council, its regional and functional commis-sions, and the specialized agencies to implementresolution 413(V). The representatives of China,"France and India spoke in favour of the draftresolution.

A number of oral amendments to the Philip-pine draft resolution were presented by the Neth-erlands, Australia and India. The representativeof the Philippines accepted these amendmentswith the exception of part of the Indian amend-ment which would invite the attention of theSecretary-General and the Council, as well as ofthe specialized agencies as in the original draft,to the views expressed by representatives duringthe sixth session. Also, instead of inviting atten-tion to the reports of the Council and the Advis-ory Committee, it would invite attention to theviews of representatives on the basis of thesereports. The Committee approved the originalwording of this part of the Philippine draft reso-lution by 21 votes to 2, with 20 abstentions. Itadopted the Philippine draft resolution, asamended, by 37 votes to none, with 8 abstentions.

The Australian draft resolution proposed that theAssembly request the Secretary-General, having regard tonormal financial procedure, to make suggestions to theCouncil and its commissions concerning priorities andco-ordination of programmes. It would request the Coun-cil and its commissions, in considering the implementa-tion of General Assembly resolution 413 (V) of1 December 1950, to focus attention upon resultsachieved in relation to expenditure for economic andsocial activities and to ensure that no short-term activitybecame a continuing or permanent activity without athorough examination of the size, efficiency and otherrelevant factors of the service concerned. It would com-mend to the consideration of specialized agencies theadoption of similar procedures.

The representative of Australia agreed to in-corporate the substance of a United States amend-ment (A/C.2 & 3/L50-A/C.5/L.141), providingfor the setting of time-limits to authorization ofexpenditure, in a joint Australian-United Statesdraft resolution (A/C.2 & 3/L.53-A/C.5/L.153).He then withdrew his original text.

Some representatives, including those of Chile,Egypt, and Lebanon, feared that the adoption ofthe joint draft resolution would give the Secretary-General excessively wide powers in matters which,in their opinion, should remain within the com-petence of governments; they did not feel thatthe Council should delegate its statutory respon-sibility for assigning priorities for future pro-

grammes. The representative of Australia consid-ered that initiatives for proposing the deferment,elimination or modification of projects could prop-erly come from the Secretary-General. Support forthe joint draft resolution was expressed by therepresentatives of Brazil, Canada and Cuba.

After a series of votes on parts of the jointdraft resolution ranging from 20 votes to 3, with16 abstentions, to 17 votes to 9, with 14 absten-tions, the Committees adopted it as a whole by18 votes to 6, with 15 abstentions.

The Assembly, at its 373rd plenary meetingon 4 February 1952, without discussion, adopted,by 48 votes to none, with 2 abstentions, and by45 votes to 5, with 2 abstentions, respectively, thetwo resolutions on concentration of effort and re-

2107), as resolutions 533 A & B (VI). They read:

"The General Assembly,"Reaffirming the need for unremitting efforts by the

United Nations and the specialized agencies to ensurethat the international resources devoted to economic andsocial work should be concentrated on tasks of primaryimportance,

"Cognizant of the scope and urgency of the task ofthe United Nations and the specialized agencies in pro-moting higher standards of living and conditions ofeconomic and social progress and development,

"1. Notes the action taken by the Economic andSocial Council at its twelfth and thirteenth sessions, byits regional and functional commissions and by the spe-cialized agencies, to implement General Assembly reso-lution 413 (V) of 1 December 1950, in particular byreviewing their 1952 programmes, using the criteriarecommended by the Economic and Social Council;

"2. Expresses the hope that further development bythe Council of procedures adopted in the current yearmay increase the efficiency of the economic and socialactivities of the United Nations and the specializedagencies, through measures of economy and concentra-tion of effort;

"3. Takes note with satisfaction of the relevant sec-tions of the report of the Economic and Social Council

for 1951 dealing with "concentration of effort and re-sources" and the reports of the Advisory Committee onAdministrative and Budgetary Questions dealing withthe administrative budgets of the specialized agencies;

"4. Invites the attention of the Secretary-General, ofthe Economic and Social Council and of the specializedagencies to these reports as well as to the views expressedby Members during the sixth session of the GeneralAssembly."

B"The General Assembly,"Recalling its resolution 413 (V) of 1 December

1950 in which it requested the Economic and SocialCouncil to indicate, when new projects are adopted,which current projects may be deferred, modified or

sources recommended by the Committees (A/-

A


eliminated to ensure that the economic and social workof the United Nations and the specialized agencies willbe carried on most effectively,

"Recalling that the Economic and Social Council inresolution 402 B (XIII) of 17 September 1951 decidedto place on the provisional agenda of its fifteenth sessionan item entitled "Adoption of United Nations priorityprogrammes in the economic and social fields",

"1. Requests the Secretary-General, with due regardto normal financial procedures, to continue to assist theEconomic and Social Council to discharge its obligationsunder General Assembly resolution 413 (V) and Coun-cil resolution 402 B (XIII) by making to the Counciland to its functional and regional commissions suitablesuggestions as regards priorities and the co-ordinationof programmes;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General, when presentingestimates of the financial implications of a project inaccordance with rule 33 of the rules of procedure ofthe Economic and Social Council, to give an estimateof the time required to complete the project;

"3. Requests the Economic and Social Council andits functional and regional commissions, in consideringthe implementation of General Assembly resolution 413(V), to focus attention upon the results achieved inrelation to expenditure for economic and social activitiesand to indicate the duration of its authorization of eachproject so as to ensure that no short-term activitybecomes a continuing or permanent activity without athorough examination of the size, efficiency and otherrelevant factors of the service concerned;

"4. Commends to the consideration of the specializedagencies, so far as their constitutional processes willpermit, the adoption of similar procedures."

(b) BUDGETARY CO-ORDINATION

With regard to the question of the budgets ofthe specialized agencies, the Committees consid-ered a Norwegian proposal (A/C.2 & 3/L48/-A/C.5/L.131) calling for consideration of theconstitutional and practical problems in con-nexion with the adoption of a consolidated bud-get for the United Nations and the specializedagencies.

During the discussion of this draft resolution,the representatives of Australia, Belgium, Canada,France, India, the Philippines, Sweden and theUSSR, among others, drew attention to the diffi-culties entailed in its implementation. The Com-mittees agreed that, while study of the subjectmight be in some ways desirable, the time wasnot yet ripe for action. They considered that,while continuing their efforts toward improvedbudgetary co-ordination, the Secretary-General andthe Advisory Committee should, at an appropriatetime, give attention to the question and place itbefore a future session of the General Assembly.The representative of Norway withdrew his pro-posal.

(c) CO-ORDINATION OF CONFERENCE PROGRAMMES

A joint draft resolution (A/C.2 & 3/L.43/-Rev.1-A/C.5/L.134/Rev.1) was presented by Aus-tralia, Belgium, Denmark, France and the UnitedStates to have the Assembly request the Secretary-General, after consultation with the executiveheads of the specialized agencies and the principalorgans of the United Nations concerned, to pre-pare a basic annual pattern of United Nationsconference activities in Geneva for submission tothe seventh regular session of the General As-sembly.

The sponsors of the resolution accepted aUnited Kingdom amendment (A/C.2 & 3/L.52-A/C.5/L.152) to refer to the effective utilizationof the available facilities at Geneva "and Head-quarters". The sponsors also accepted an oral draft-ing amendment by India.

The joint draft resolution, as amended, wasadopted by the Committees by 37 votes to none,with 1 abstention, and by the Assembly, at its373rd plenary meeting on 4 February 1952, with-out discussion, by 54 votes to none as resolution534(VI). It read:

"The General Assembly,"Mindful of its co-ordinating responsibilities set forth

in Articles 58, 60 and 63 of the Charter,"Having received with appreciation the report of the

Secretary-General on co-ordination of services in Geneva,"Having noted in particular the importance of fixing

a basic pattern of United Nations conference activityin Geneva which would lead to the most effective utiliza-tion of the available facilities at Geneva and Head-quarters and, possibly, to saving on the total expenditureof the United Nations and the specialized agencies,

"Requests the Secretary-General, after consultation,with the executive heads of the specialized agencies andthe principal organs of the United Nations concerned,to prepare such an annual conference pattern for sub-mission to the next regular session of the GeneralAssembly."

(d) ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF OPERATIONALPROGRAMMES FINANCED BY VOLUNTARY CON-TRIBUTIONS

The Committees considered a Brazilian draftresolution (A/C.2 & 3/L.45-A/C.5/L.136) towhich amendments were submitted by the UnitedStates (A/C.2 & 3/L.51-A/C.5/L.142), intended,the United States representative explained, to makea clear distinction between two types of pro-grammes undertaken by the United Nations.

Several representatives, including those of Aus-tralia, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France, India,Pakistan, the Philippines, Uruguay and Yugoslavia,while not necessarily disagreeing with the sub-stance of the Brazilian proposal, felt that it in-


volved difficulties of a constitutional nature andsuggested postponing action.

The representative of Brazil later presented arevised text of his original proposal (A/C.2 &3/L.45/Rev.1-A/C.5/L.136/Rev.1). He recalledthat the Fifth Committee had adopted for sub-mission to the Assembly a resolution on the opera-tive programmes under the responsibility of theUnited Nations (A/2022/Add.1),261 and statedthat his draft resolution referred to co-ordinationbetween the United Nations and the specializedagencies in respect of the administrative part ofthe operational programmes.

It was agreed to include in the Committees'reports the substance of the operative paragraphsof the Brazilian draft. These paragraphs wouldprovide that the administrative parts of the opera-tional programmes financed out of voluntary fundsshould be subject to co-ordination. They wouldrequest the Council to propose to the Assembly'snext session appropriate measures for effectingsuch co-ordination, on a continuing basis, so thatthe Assembly, when discussing administrative andbudgetary co-ordination, might receive informa-tion and recommendations concerning the admin-istration of such voluntary programmes.

The representative of Australia suggested thatthose specialized agencies which had not alreadydone so, in compliance with General Assemblyresolution 411(V) of 1 December 1950,262 shouldbe requested to set up machinery for controllingthe administrative parts of the portions of theexpanded programme of technical assistance whichwere under their control.

The representative of Canada drew attentionto the fact that the Assembly had already adoptedcertain resolutions relating to technical assistancewhich requested the specialized agencies to devotespecial attention to controlling and scrutinizingtheir programmes, bearing in mind the distinctionbetween operational and administrative funds.

(e) ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL PROCEDURESFOR EXAMINING PRIORITIES AND FINANCIALIMPLICATIONS OF NEW PROJECTS

In this connexion, the representative of theUnited Kingdom suggested certain specificchanges which he felt should be made in the prep-aration by the Council of estimates of expendi-ture and in the procedure followed in examiningthem. The Committee considered a United King-dom draft resolution (A/C.2 & 3/L.49-A/C.5/-L.140) and a background paper (A/C.2 & 3/-L.47-A/C.5/L.138) on this subject. The UnitedKingdom representative expressed the opinion

that the Council's economic and social pro-grammes and their financial implications shouldbe viewed as a whole and dealt with by the Gen-eral Assembly as a single item.

Support for the United Kingdom draft resolu-tion was expressed by the representatives of Aus-tralia, Brazil and Uruguay, among others. Somerepresentatives, however, including those of Bel-gium, Burma, France, India, the USSR and Yugo-slavia, thought that the adoption of the draftresolution would only increase the number of res-olutions relating to co-ordination and might evendelay action on economic and social projects un-der way. The representative of the United King-dom accepted certain minor oral amendments tothe draft resolution and the draft resolution asa whole, as amended, was adopted by the Commit-tees, on a roll-call vote, by 19 to 4, with 9 ab-stentions, and by the General Assembly, at its373rd plenary meeting on 4 February 1952, with-out discussion, by 45 votes to none, with 9 ab-stentions as resolution 533 C (VI). It read:

''The General Assembly,

"Taking note of Economic and Social Council resolu-tion 402 B (XIII) of 17 September 1951 concerningthe concentration of effort and resources of the UnitedNations in the economic and social fields,

"Recognizing that the formulation of policy and thefinancial and budgetary processes must be closely co-ordinated if effective concentration of effort and re-sources is to be achieved,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General to prepare as anannex to his annual budget estimates an analysis, byfields of activity and by budget sections, of the esti-mated cost during that year of the economic and socialactivities of the United Nations; and to circulate thisanalysis to the Economic and Social Council at thebeginning of its regular session immediately precedingthe next regular session of the General Assembly;

"2. Invites the Economic and Social Council, in con-sultation with the Secretary-General, to review its pro-cedures for examining the relative priorities and financialimplications of new projects under consideration, in sucha way that the Council may consider such projects notonly in their substance but also in their relationship toexisting activities in the field concerned, thereby pro-moting establishment of a balanced and realistic workprogramme for the future and facilitating subsequentconsideration by the General Assembly of the relatedbudgetary appropriations;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General, as soon as pos-sible after the regular session of the Economic and SocialCouncil immediately preceeding the next regular sessionof the General Assembly, to submit to that session ofthe General Assembly such supplementary information

261 See pp. 155-56.262 This resolution referred to the administrative bud-

gets of the specialized agencies. For text see Y.U.N.,1950, pp. 652-53.


relating to the decisions of the Council and to thepriorities which it may have established as will facilitateconsideration by the General Assembly of the relatedbudgetary appropriations;

"4. Recommends that the General Assembly deferconsideration of the sections of the budget estimatesrelating to economic and social activities until the sup-plementary information concerning the decisions of theEconomic and Social Council has been submitted to itand reported upon by the Advisory Committee on Ad-ministrative and Budgetary Questions."

2. Other Questions Reported on by theAdministrative Committee on

Co-ordination


At its twelfth session, the Council consideredthe eighth report of the Administrative Commit-tee in Co-ordination (ACC) (E/1865), at its466th plenary meeting on 13 March 1951.

The report summarized the proceedings andrecommendations of the tenth session of the ACC,held on 17 October 1950, and formed a progressreport of work in hand, including questions re-lated to co-operation between the United Nationsand the specialized agencies in Korean relief,migration questions and problems relating tothe social rehabilitation of the physically handi-capped.263

The report stated that the Committee had givenurgent attention to the problem of co-ordinatingassistance to the civil population of Korea andthat it had reviewed the development of technicalassistance in under-developed areas with specialreference to the expanded programme.264 The re-port stressed the need for effective co-ordination ofthe expanded programme with the regional andother programmes of technical assistance and placedparticular emphasis on the need for strengtheningand developing national administrations respon-sible for economic and social matters.

General appreciation of the work of the ACCwas expressed during the Council's discussions.The United States representative, however, con-sidered that there should be more consultationprior to a decision by the United Nations andthe specialized agencies on the location of regionaland branch offices. The Council, in resolution 362A (XII), took note of the report of the ACC.


At its thirteenth session, at the 76th to 78thmeetings of its Co-ordination Committee on 7-8

August and at its 554th plenary meeting on 17September, the Council considered the ninth re-port of the ACC (E/1991 and Add.1). The ACCreported on the results of its discussion on the ac-tion which could be taken by the agencies inresponse to General Assembly resolution 377(V)on "Uniting for peace", (see below) and theprogress achieved in the co-ordination of the ac-tivities of the United Nations and the specializedagencies relating to the relief and rehabilitationof Korea, technical assistance, migration, long-range activities for children, rehabilitation of thephysically-handicapped, fundamental education,full employment, land reform, arid zones, waterutilization and other matters.265

The report stated that mutual assistance andconsultation among the United Nations and thespecialized agencies had been increasing in effec-tiveness, but pointed out, once again, that goodover-all planning and use of international re-sources could not be achieved unless consistentpositions were taken by the representatives ofindividual governments in different internationalorgans and agencies. The ACC also made sug-gestions designed to assist the Council in discharg-ing its responsibilities under General Assemblyresolution 413(V) on "Concentration of effortand resources" and Council resolutions 324(XI)and 362(XII) (see above).

In resolution 402 B I (XIII),266 the Councilnoted with appreciation the measure of successachieved by the Secretary-General and the ACCin the co-ordination of the activities of the UnitedNations and the specialized agencies at the Secre-tariat level. In approving the recommendations ofits Co-ordination Committee the Council, by thesame resolution, adopted that Committee's recom-mendations in the report of the ACC.267

Thus, after considering a report by the Secre-tary-General on regional co-ordination of pro-grammes of the United Nations and the special-ized agencies (E/1991/Add.1), the Council notedthat in certain fields, such as migration and ref-ugees, there was a growing need for co-ordinationof the activities of the United Nations and thespecialized agencies with the activities of non-United Nations regional inter-governmental or-ganizations. It felt that continuing attention should

263 See under separate headings.264 See pp. 394-403.265 See under separate headings.266 See pp. 580-81.267 For text, see Economic and Social Council, Official

Records, Sixth Year, Thirteenth Session, SupplementNo. 1, pp. 61-63.


be paid to the question of regional co-ordinationas a whole.

The Council considered that progress had beenmade in the co-ordination of administrative andbudgetary matters of common concern, but recom-mended that the Secretary-General, in consultationwith the agencies, should give special attention tothe building-up of an international civil service.

In noting with satisfaction the continued ef-forts made by the specialized agencies to improvethe scheduling of meetings in order to minimizeoverlapping, the Council stressed the importanceof fixing firm dates for sessions of the Counciland the General Assembly, because these datesare nodal points in a balanced calendar aroundwhich the meetings of the specialized agenciesmay be planned.

The Council had before it the comments madeby Member States (E/2049 and Add.1) and by theACC on the form, presentation and usefulness ofthe Catalogue of Economic and Social Projects.After considering these comments, the Councildecided that the Catalogue should be continuedas an annual publication with certain modifica-tions in its form and content.

3. Emergency Action by the Economicand Social Council and Specialized

Agencies to Assist in theMaintenance of International Peace and

Security

At its twelfth session, the Council, at its 468thplenary meeting on 14 March, considered a draftresolution (E/1941), submitted by its Commit-tee on Negotiations with Specialized Agencies,designed to implement General Assembly resolu-tion 377(V) on "Uniting for Peace". The draftresolution would request the Secretary-General toconsult specialized agencies on specific arrange-ments they might make to provide informationand assistance in the maintenance or restorationof international peace and security which mightbe requested by the Security Council or the Gen-eral Assembly.

The opinion was expressed by the representa-tives of the United States that the Council wascompetent to suggest to the specialized agenciesthat they should make suitable arrangements. Cer-tain representatives, among them those of Bel-gium, France, the United Kingdom and Uruguay,felt that the initiative in the adoption of anynecessary modifications in their existing Agree-ments should come from the specialized agencies.

The representative of India felt that the Councilwould be going beyond its terms of reference,especially as General Assembly resolution 377(V) did not request the Council to deal with thequestion. Other representatives, including those ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, consideredthe Assembly resolution a violation of the Char-ter.

Two amendments to the draft resolution wereconsidered by the Council. It rejected, by 5 votesto 2, with 10 abstentions, a United Kingdom oralamendment which would redraft part of the pre-amble to avoid suggesting to the specialized agen-cies that they should make arrangements. Itadopted, however, by 8 votes to 1, with 9 absten-tions, a United States oral amendment whichwould state that "it may be desirable for the spe-cialized agencies to make suitable arrangements".The Council then adopted, by 12 votes to 4, with2 abstentions, the draft resolution as a whole, asamended, (resolution 363(XII)). It read:

"The Economic and Social Council,"Conscious of its responsibility for the promotion of

conditions of stability and well-being which are neces-sary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations,

"Taking note of General Assembly resolution 377(V), "Uniting for peace", which provides that theGeneral Assembly may make recommendations to Mem-bers for collective measures for the maintenance ofinternational peace and security if the Security Councilfails to act,

"Desiring to facilitate co-ordinated action in the eco-nomic, social and related fields which may be requestedby the Security Council or recommended by the GeneralAssembly in the implementation of General Assemblyresolution 377(V),

"Recognizing that, in the light of General Assemblyresolution 377(V), it may be desirable for specializedagencies to make suitable arrangements,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General, in the light of thediscussion on this subject in the Council, to consultwith the specialized agencies as to the specific arrange-ments they might most appropriately make in order toprovide for the furnishing by them of such informationand for the rendering of such assistance in the main-tenance or restoration of international peace and securityas may be requested by the Security Council or theGeneral Assembly, such arrangements to cover action onan emergency basis and within the constitutional andbudgetary limitations of the agencies to meet urgentrequests; and

"2. Invites the specialized agencies to approve ar-rangements to this end as soon as possible."

At its thirteenth session, the Council had be-fore it the report of the ACC (E/1991), whichit discussed at the 76th and 77th meetings of itsCo-ordination Committee on 7 and 8 August, andat its 554th plenary meeting on 17 September


1951. The report pointed out that the Agreementswith most of the specialized agencies specifiedthe Security Council as the source of requests anddecisions in respect of the maintenance of peaceand security, to which they undertook to respond;and, that the problem at this point was one ofdevising suitable measures to bring existing ar-rangements into conformity with the additionalarrangements for maintenance of peace and se-curity adopted by the General Assembly in resolu-tion 377(V). Consultation with the agencies re-quired by resolution 363(XII) had been carriedout in the ACC as a result of which the latterhad recommended two alternative procedures:(1) by amendments or additions to the agencies'Agreements with the United Nations, or (2) bythe adoption of a resolution by the appropriateorgan of the agency concerned (E/1991).

The Council also had before it a report by theSecretary-General (E/2060) containing the reso-lutions already adopted by the International LabourConference, the General Conference of the UnitedNations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Or-ganization (UNESCO), the Fourth World HealthAssembly and the Assembly of the InternationalCivil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and statingthat formal consideration of the matter would beon the agenda of the next sessions of the Confer-ence of the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), and of the Boards of Governors of theInternational Bank for Reconstruction and De-velopment and the International Monetary Fundin the autumn of 1951.

The Co-ordination Committee considered aUnited States draft resolution (E/AC.24/L.25/-Rev.1), which would report to the General As-sembly the action already taken by the agenciesin implementation of resolution 377(V), dealingwith the maintenance of peace, and express thehope that the other specialized agencies whichdid not already have adequate provisions in theirAgreements would take appropriate action as soonas possible.

The representatives of Czechoslovakia, Polandand the USSR felt that resolution 377(V) was incontradiction to the purposes and principles ofthat part of the Charter which provided that theSecurity Council was the appropriate body fordealing with aggression, and considered that thedraft resolution was an attempt to bring pressureon the agencies to assume duties for which theyhad not been designed. The representative of theUnited States, however, considered that oppositionto the terms of the draft resolution constituted,in fact, opposition to the action against aggres-

sion which had been taken by the United Na-tions, and pointed out that the decision to bringthe specialized agencies into this work had beentaken by an overwhelming majority of the Gen-eral Assembly. The representative of the UnitedKingdom drew attention to the fact that, as faras the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the In-ternational Telecommunication Union (ITU) andthe World Meteorological Organization (WMO)were concerned, the agreements with those agen-cies were sufficient themselves to cover any ac-tion which they might be called upon to makeby the United Nations.

The Co-ordination Committee, by 12 votes to3, recommended and the Council, by 14 votes to3, adopted resolution 402 A (XIII), which recog-nized that no action was required by ITU, UPUand WMO; noted that action would be taken byFAO, the Bank and the Fund in the autumn of1951; noted with approval that the InternationalLabour Organisation, UNESCO, WHO and ICAOhad declared themselves willing to co-operatewith the General Assembly, acting in accordancewith the latter's resolution 377(V), and requestedthe Secretary-General to communicate to the Gen-eral Assembly the resolutions adopted or otheraction taken by the specialized agencies. The Sec-retary-General, in a note dated 10 November 1951(A/C.2 & 3/96), reported accordingly the resolu-tions adopted by ILO, UNESCO, WHO, ICAOand the Bank and Fund.

No action on this matter was taken by theAssembly at its sixth session.

4. Applications for Membership inUNESCO

In accordance with the Agreement between theUnited Nations and UNESCO, the applications ofcertain States, which are not Members of theUnited Nations, for membership in UNESCOwere brought to the attention of the Council atits twelfth session. These States were the FederalRepublic of Germany, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodiaand Laos (E/1883, and Add.1 and 2). The Coun-cil considered this question at its 468th plenarymeeting on 14 March 1951.

Most representatives considered that each ofthese five States which, in their opinion, wereindependent in the conduct of their internationalrelations and in the sphere of activity covered bythe specialized agency concerned, met the neces-sary requirements. Moreover, each of these Stateshad already been admitted to membership in oneor more of the specialized agencies other thanUNESCO. Certain other representatives, however,


among them those of Czechoslovakia, Poland andthe USSR, felt that the Federal Republic of Ger-many did not represent the people of Germany,and its existence was contrary to the Potsdamagreements; that the application of Japan wascontrary to the decisions of the Far-Eastern Com-mission as regards the control of foreign affairsand that, until a peace treaty had been signed,Japan was still technically at war with Membersof the United Nations; and that Vietnam, Cam-bodia and Laos were not sovereign States. Therepresentative of the Philippines said that, forreasons which prevented his Government fromrecognizing the Governments of the five appli-cants, he was unable to support their applicationsfor admission to UNESCO or to any of thespecialized agencies.

The Council, in a series of five separate votes,adopted resolution 364(XII), by which it de-cided to inform UNESCO that it had no objec-tion to the admission of these five States to thatorganization. That part of the resolution referringto the German application was adopted by 14votes to 3, with 1 abstention; that referring toJapan by 13 votes to 4 with 1 abstention; andthose referring to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodiaeach by 13 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions.

5. Relations with the WorldMeteorological Organization (WMO)

At its twelfth session, the Council, at its 467thplenary meeting on 13 March, considered thereport of its Committee on Negotiations with Spe-cialized Agencies (E/1939). It adopted the re-port unanimously, without discussion, thereby ap-proving the Committee's decision to request itsChairman to negotiate an agreement on its behalfwith WMO during the WMO Congress in Paris.These negotiations took place on 5 April 1951and the draft Agreement (E/1996/Add.1 & Corr.1) was approved, without change, by the FirstCongress of WMO on 10 April 1951.

At its thirteenth session, the Council consid-ered the draft Agreement at the 79th meeting ofits Co-ordination Committee on 9 August and atthe 513th plenary meeting on 22 August. Both theCommittee and the Council unanimously adopteda draft resolution which had been proposed byIndia (E/AC.24/L.26). By this resolution (403A (XIII)), the Council recommended that thedraft Agreement be approved by the Asembly.It also recommended to WMO (resolution 403 B(XIII)), in accordance with section 35 of theConvention on the Privileges and Immunities of

the Specialized Agencies, a draft annex to thatConvention providing that the standard clauses ofthe Convention shall apply to that organizationwithout modification.

The General Assembly discussed the questionof relations with WMO at the 57th meeting ofits Joint Second and Third Committee on 3 De-cember 1951. In addition to the Council's resolu-tion 403 A (XIII) to which was annexed thetext of the draft Agreement, the Assembly hadbefore it a note by the Secretary-General (A/-1890), reviewing the action taken in this respectup to that time, and a draft resolution by theUnited Kingdom (A/C.2 & 3/L.40), proposingapproval by the General Assembly of the agree-ment entered into by the Council and WMO.

During the discussion in the Committee, repre-sentatives generally welcomed the conclusion ofthe Agreement with WMO, the twelfth Agree-ment to be negotiated with a specialized agency.

The representative of Chile asked for clarifica-tion of the provisions of the Agreement relatingto budgetary and financial arrangements, whichhe considered too indefinite. The representative ofFrance expressed the opinion that the wording ofthe article referred to by the representative ofChile which had been proposed by the Negotiat-ing Committee of the Council, was an improve-ment on the corresponding provisions of previousAgreements with specialized agencies in so far asit provided for the possibility of including thebudget of the agency within the general budgetof the United Nations. The representative ofUruguay stated that, with regard to the part ofthis article concerning the financing of specialservices, his approval would be subject to ratifi-cation by the Uruguayan Parliament.

By 46 votes to none, with no abstentions, theCommittee recommended (A/2005) a draft res-olution which was adopted by the Assembly atits 365th plenary meeting on 20 December 1951,without objection. By this resolution (531(VI)), the Assembly approved the Agreementwith WMO, thereby bringing the Agreement268

into force.

6. Annual Reports of the SpecializedAgencies269

a. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION(ILO)

At its thirteenth session, the Economic andSocial Council considered the annual report of

268 For text of Agreement, see under World Meteorolo-gical Organization.

269 For an account of the work of the specialized agen-cies during 1951, see Part Two of this volume.


the International Labour Organisation (E/2050)and heard supplementary statements by the Di-rector-General of ILO at its 510th and 512thplenary meetings on 20 and 21 August 1951.

Most representatives expressed appreciation ofthe work of ILO during the year, particularly inthe fields of migration, manpower, wage policy,social security, industrial relations, trade unionrights, freedom of association and equal pay forequal work, as well as its co-operation on ques-tions of farm labour, occupational health andcompulsory education. Certain representatives,however, among them those of Czechoslovakia,Poland and the USSR, said that ILO was failingto serve the interests of the workers and ex-pressed dissatisfaction with its work on problemsof unemployment and trade union rights.270 Therepresentatives of Chile and the United Statescriticized an appendix to the report which con-tained a statement from the Governing Body ofILO on the question of concentration of efforts.It lacked, they felt, an explicit statement of priori-ties for future programmes. This view was notshared by other representatives who expressed ap-preciation of the report, and the Council adopted,by 15 votes to 3, a resolution which took notewith appreciation of the report of ILO (resolution404(XII)).

b. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION(FAO)

At its thirteenth session, the Council consid-ered the report of the Food and Agriculture Or-ganization (E/2008/Add.1-3) at its 529th and530th plenary meetings on 31 August. It discussedat the same time the problem of food shortagesand famine.271

General appreciation was expressed of the workdone by FAO during the year. Most representa-tives commended FAO for adjusting its 1951programme to its anticipated income, for takingeffective steps to develop future programme prior-ities and for its co-operation on questions of eco-nomic and statistical data, nutrition and malariacontrol, and agricultural extension and livestockimprovement. It was also commended on its par-ticipation with the Bank in joint missions, andits participation with UNICEF in developing sup-plies of milk and raising the level of nutrition.The working methods used by the FAO-WHOJoint Committee on Nutrition and the FAO-ECETimber Committee were also commended as be-ing good examples of successful co-ordination forother agencies. The Council adopted, by 13 votes

to 3, with 1 abstention, resolution 405(XIII),which took note with satisfaction of the report ofFAO and of the increasing effectiveness of thework of that organization in the field of agri-cultural production.

c. UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIEN-TIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION(UNESCO)

At its thirteenth session, the Council consideredthe annual report of the United Nations Educa-tional, Scientific and Cultural Organization (E/-2048 & Add.1) and heard supplementary state-ments by the Director-General of the organizationat its 517th and 518th plenary meetings on 24August 1951.

Certain representatives, among them those ofCzechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR, stated thatUNESCO had not filled its high purposes as laiddown in its Constitution and that it was servingas an instrument of propaganda. Most represent-atives, however, acknowledged the value of thework of UNESCO toward the promotion of un-derstanding between nations and of peace. Theyfelt that the report submitted by UNESCO wasevidence of its efforts to approach concrete prob-lems in a practical manner. These representativesalso endorsed the priority given by UNESCO tofundamental education, to teaching internationalunderstanding and the meaning of human rights;to spreading knowledge about the action taken bythe United Nations to establish security and cre-ate better economic conditions; and to technicalassistance. The representatives of India, Pakistan,the United Kingdom and the United States wereamong those who emphasized the importance ofnational commissions, established in a number ofcountries to co-operate with UNESCO.

The Council adopted, by 15 votes to 3, resolu-tion 410(XIII), taking note with appreciation ofthe report.

d. INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATIONORGANIZATION (ICAO)

At its thirteenth session, the Council consideredthe annual report of the International Civil Avia-tion Organization (E/2033 & Add.1-3) and hearda supplementary statement by the President of theICAO Council at its 508th plenary meeting on18 August 1951.

General approval of the activities of ICAO intechnical, economic and legal fields was expressed

270 See pp. 497-501.

271 See pp. 431-33.


by representatives. Certain representatives, how-ever, among them those of Belgium, France andIndia, felt that more might have been done byICAO in the economic field, particularly in eco-nomic development. Some, including the repre-sentatives of France and India, indicated that theyhoped a larger proportion of technical assistancefunds could be allocated to ICAO.

The Council adopted by 15 votes to none,with 3 abstentions, resolution 406(XIII), takingnote with satisfaction of the report.

e. INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUC-TION AND DEVELOPMENT272 AND INTER-NATIONAL MONETARY FUND273

The Council, at its twelfth session, consideredthe annual reports of the International Bank forReconstruction and Development (E/1873 & Add.1 and the International Monetary Fund (E/1872& Add.1) and heard statements from the Presi-dent of the Bank and the Managing Director ofthe Fund at its 451st plenary meeting on 2March and its 465th plenary meeting on 10March 1951. It adopted resolutions 343(XII) and344(XII), taking note of the reports of the Bankand Fund respectively, by 15 votes to none, with3 abstentions.

f. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)The Council, at its thirteenth session, consid-

ered the annual report of the World Health Or-ganization (E/2020 & Add.1-7) and heard a sup-plementary statement by the Director-General ofthat organization at its 506th plenary meeting on17 August 1951.

Representatives expressed general approval ofthe work of WHO, particularly in the fields ofepidemiology and international standardization ofnomenclature, and WHO's efforts to co-ordinateits work with the work of the United Nationsand the specialized agencies.

The representatives of France and Iran, speak-ing on the policy of regionalization of WHO,felt that WHO should not lose sight of its world-wide character and its task as Co-ordinator. Therepresentatives of Belgium, Chile, India, Mexico,Pakistan, the Philippines and the United States,however, emphasized that the programmes of spe-cial interest to particular regions benefited froma policy of regionalization, and that these pro-grammes might be financed by regional contri-butions rather than under the regular budgets ofthe organization. The representatives of Peru andthe United Kingdom advocated prudence in anapproach to this problem.

The Council adopted, by 15 votes to none, with3 abstentions, resolution 409(XIII), taking notewith appreciation of the report submitted byWHO.

g. UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (UPU)At its thirteenth session, the Council considered

the report of the Universal Postal Union (E/-2012) at its 501st plenary meeting on 14 August1951.

Representatives expressed satisfaction with theefficiency of the Union on a relatively small bud-get and with progress in the exchange of technicalinformation between States. The representative ofthe United States hoped that future reports ofUPU would refer to action taken in response tospecific recommendations of the Council.

The Council adopted, by 16 votes to none, with1 abstention, resolution 408(XIII), which tooknote with appreciation of the report.

b. INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE ORGANIZATION(IRO)274

i. INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONUNION (ITU)

At its thirteenth session the Council consideredthe annual report of the International Telecom-munication Union (E/2010 and Add.1-2) andheard a supplementary statement by the Secretary-General of that organization at its 499th plenarymeeting on 13 August 1951.

General satisfaction with the work of ITU wasexpressed. The representative of the USSR, how-ever, complained that ITU had failed to publishthe protest of his Government against the useby certain occupation authorities in Germany andAustria of frequencies which belonged to othercountries. The representative of Czechoslovakiasupported the USSR representative.

The Council adopted, by 14 votes to none, with3 abstentions, resolution 407(XIII), expressingits appreciation at the inclusion in the report ofthe items requested by the Council in its resolu-tion 328(XI), and noting with satisfaction thatITU had postponed the holding of certain sched-uled conferences found less urgent; it further in-vited the organization to summarize briefly, in itsfuture annual reports, action taken in responseto recomendations made to it by the Council orby the Assembly.

272 See pp. 376-78.

273 See pp. 367-68.

274 See pp. 524-25.


7. Intergovernmental Organizations

At its thirteenth session, the Council consideredthe List of Inter-Governmental Organizations inthe Economic and Social Fields (E/1999), pre-pared by the Secretary-General in accordance withresolution 262(IX), and the report by the Secre-tary-General on relations with certain inter govern-mental organizations (E/2022), at the 72nd to74th, 76th and 87th meetings of its Co-ordinationCommittee, from 2 August-7 September, and atits 561st plenary meeting on 20 September 1951.It also considered relevant sections of the reportsof FAO (E/2008/Add.1), (E/2008/Add.3), UN-ESCO (E/2048), and WHO (E/2020/Add.2).The Council took action with respect to two or-ganizations—the International Office of Epizooticsand the Central Bureau of the International Mapof the World on the Millionth Scale. It requestedfurther reports on eleven others.

a. INTERNATIONAL OFFICE OF EPIZOOTICS

The Council considered, at the 72nd and 73rdmeetings of its Co-ordination Committee, a jointdraft resolution by the United Kingdom and theUnited States (E/AC.24/L.22) which envisagedthe possibility of a single world-reporting systemon animal diseases. The Committee, by 12 votesto 3 (E/2117), and the Council at its 561stplenary meeting on 20 August, by 13 votes to 3,adopted the joint draft resolution (412 A(XIII)).

In this resolution, the Council:(1) took note of the report of FAO that the next

FAO Conference would consider the question of estab-lishing a single effective international system for thecollection and dissemination of information and for theco-ordination of activities for the control of animaldiseases; (2) urged that every effort be made by allgovernments concerned to find a formula acceptable bothto the International Office of Epizootics and to FAOwhich would be in the interest of their member countriesand would produce efficient control of animal diseasesthe world over; and (3) requested the Secretary-Generalto communicate that resolution to governments membersof both FAO and the International Office of Epizootics.

b. CENTRAL BUREAU OF THE INTERNATIONALMAP OF THE WORLD ON THE MILLIONTHSCALE

The Co-ordination Committee, at its 73rd meet-ing on 2 August 1951, considered a draft resolu-tion by the United States (E/AC.24/L.21) whichsought the transfer to the United Nations Carto-graphic Office, of the work of the Central Bureauof the International Map of the World on the Mil-

lionth Scale, with the assent of governmentssubscribing to the Bureau. The Committee, by 11votes to none with 5 abstentions (E/2117), andthe Council, unanimously and without discussion,at its 561st plenary meeting on 20 September1951, adopted the resolution (412 A II (XIII)).

In this resolution, the Council, considering thatthe Cartographic Office had been established andwas capable, within present budgetary resources,of performing the functions hitherto carried on bythe Central Bureau, requested the Secretary-Gen-eral to invite the President of the Central Bureauto seek the assent of those governments whichhad maintained contact with the Central Bureausince the end of the Second World War to trans-fer the work of the Central Bureau to the UnitedNations. It further called upon the Secretary-Gen-eral, in collaboration with the President of theCentral Bureau, to effect the transfer of the rec-ords, documents, maps and assets of the CentralBureau to the Cartographic Office at the earliestpracticable date, and to report the action takenthereon to an early session of the Council. TheSecretary-General was further requested to submitrecommendations to an early session of the Coun-cil on appropriate means for furthering the com-pletion of the international map of the world onthe millionth scale, taking into account the viewsof such of the consultants on cartographic ques-tions as he might wish to seek.

By the end of 1951, negotiations with the Cen-tral Bureau had been instituted and consultationsbegun with experts on cartographic questions.

c. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

The Council, by its adoption of the report ofits Co-ordination Committee (E/2117), requestedfurther reports on the following organizations:

International Seed-Testing Association: a further reportfrom FAO on its relations with the Association;

International Committee for Colorado Beetle Control:a further report by the Secretary-General concerning theestablishment of a formal intergovernmental plant pro-tection organization in Europe, which is to supersede theInternational Committee;

International Commission for the Scientific Explora-tion of the Mediterranean Sea: a further report fromFAO;

International Central Office for the Control of theLiquor Traffic in Africa: further information from theBelgian Government concerning the results of its con-sultations with the other governments concerned;

International Conference for Technical Uniformity onRailways: a further report from the Economic Commis-sion for Europe, through the Secretary-General, on


progress made in its studies relating to the future statusof this organization;

Danube Commission: a further report from theSecretary-General concerning its status;

International Customs Tariffs Bureau: a further reportfrom the Secretary-General concerning the possible rela-tionships between the Bureau and the parties to theGeneral Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT);

Inter-American Indian Institute, and Inter-AmericanRadio Office: further reports by the Secretary-General onthe status of these two organizations.

Also by the adoption of the Co-ordination Com-mittee's report, the Council decided to include thefollowing organizations in the List of Inter-Gov-ernmental Organizations in the Economic and So-cial Fields:

Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council;

International Institute for the Unification of PrivateLaw;

Council for Technical Co-operation in South andSouth-East Asia.

A proposal that the the Council exclude fromthis List all organizations of which Franco-Spainis a member, until those organizations excludedFranco-Spain from their membership, (E/AC.24/-L.23) was submitted by Poland at the 73rd meet-ing of the Co-ordination Committee on 2 August1951. Support for the draft was expressed by therepresentatives of Czechoslovakia and the USSR.Certain representatives, among them those ofMexico and Uruguay, although they approved thespirit of the draft resolution, felt that intergov-ernmental agencies had been in existence since be-fore the Franco regime and the right to recogni-tion could not be denied them merely becauseSpain was a member. Other representatives, in-cluding those of Chile, China, Sweden, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, opposed thedraft resolution, which was rejected by 9 votes to3, with 2 abstentions, at the Committee's 74thmeeting on 3 August 1951.

X. RELATIONS WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

1. Application of HeadquartersAgreement to Representatives of

Non-Governmental Organizations inConsultative Status with the Council

a. CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL COUNCIL AT ITS TWELFTH ANDTHIRTEENTH SESSIONS

In pursuance of resolution 340 B (XI)275 ofthe Economic and Social Council, the Secretary-General presented to the twelfth session of theCouncil a memorandum (E/1921) on the con-clusion of his negotiations with the United StatesGovernment regarding the application of theHeadquarters Agreement276 concerning the admis-sion to the United Nations Headquarters Districtof representatives of non-governmental organiza-tions enjoying consultative status.

In this memorandum, the Secretary-Generalstated that his representatives and representativesof the United States Government formally con-ferred during January 1951. Throughout the ne-gotiations, the memorandum stated, the view takenby the representatives of the Secretary-Generalwas that Sections 11 (4) and 13 (a) of theHeadquarters Agreement requires that a repre-sentative of a non-governmental organization withconsultative status, who is otherwise entitled toadmission to the Headquarters of the United Na-tions for the purpose of fulfilling his functions,

may not be denied a visa for transit to the Head-quarters District because he desires to observepublic meetings of the General Assembly (dealingwith matters in the economic and social fields)and at a time when the Council itself is not insession. The representatives of the Secretary-Gen-eral expressed the belief that it had never beenexpected, at the time the Headquarters Agreementwas negotiated277 that a narrow interpretationwould be placed on those provisions granting ad-mission to the United States of persons havingbusiness with the United Nations.

The representatives of the United States Gov-ernment, on the other hand, presented the viewthat the special privileges regarding transit andvisas guaranteed by Sections 11 (4) and 13 (a)of the Headquarters Agreements were accordedonly for the purpose of such visits to the Head-quarters District as might be reasonably requiredpursuant to consultation arrangements made bythe Economic and Social Council, acting withinits authority as granted by Article 71 of the Char-ter of the United Nations, concerning consulta-tions with non-governmental organizations. It wasnot, in the view of the United States representa-

275 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 660-61.276 For text, see Y.U.N., 1947-48, pp. 199-204.277 The Agreement was signed on 26 June 1947 by

the Secretary-General of the United Nations and by theSecretary of State of the United States. It came into forceon 21 November 1947.


tives, the purpose of the Headquarters Agreementor the purpose of the Charter to confer a specialprivilege on every non-governmental representa-tive with respect to all meetings of the GeneralAssembly in the interest merely of the generalbackground education of such a representative.Such a purpose, they felt, seemed too far removedfrom the legitimate operating needs of the con-sultative procedures established.

The Secretary-General stated in his memoran-dum that his position and that of the UnitedStates Government continued at variance and thatthe Council might wish to consider the mannerin which the problem could be solved.

The Council considered the question at its476th plenary meeting on 19 March 1951, whenthe representative of France, supported by therepresentative of Peru, proposed that action shouldbe deferred until the next session. This view wasnot shared by the representative of the USSR,who felt that the report by the Secretary-Generalpointed to a situation which called for immedi-ate action by the Council. The Council, however,by 13 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions, adopted theFrench proposal.

The question was considered further by theCouncil at its thirteenth session, at the 561st plen-ary meeting on 20 September 1951.

The Council had before it a joint draft resolu-tion by Chile and France (E/L.282), whichwould invite the General Assembly to examine thequestion at its sixth session.

The representatives of Chile, France and thePhilippines expressed the view that the questionwas a legal one, involving both the interpretationof existing texts and the absence of texts clearlydefining the rights of representatives of non-gov-ernmental organizations. Other representatives,however, including those of Poland and the USSR,maintained that the action of the United Statesshould be condemned by the Council, on theground that it had interfered with the indepen-dence of the United Nations as provided in in-ternational agreements. These representativesstated that, under Article 71 of the Charter, theCouncil had been given a specific authority. Ifthe Council should decide to refer the matter tothe General Assembly it was entitled and compe-tent, before doing so, to state its opinion.

In this connexion, the representative of Polandsubmitted an oral amendment to the joint draftresolution, by which the second paragraph of thepreamble would be replaced by the following:"cases have occurred in which representatives of

non-governmental organizations have been pre-vented from using their consultative status in re-lation to some of the organs of the United Na-tions". The Polish amendment was not acceptedby the sponsors of the joint draft resolution andwas rejected by the Council by 7 votes to 3, with8 abstentions. The Council adopted the joint draftresolution by 14 votes to 3, with 1 abstention(resolution 413 C (XIII)).

In this resolution, the Council recognized thatit is for the General Assembly itself to decide un-der what conditions particular categories of per-sons and, in particular, representatives of non-gov-ernmental organizations may be admitted to itsmeetings. It recognized also that it is importantfor the fulfilment of the purposes for which con-sultative status was established for non-govern-mental organizations that such organizationsshould be able to follow the discussions of theAssembly and its Committees when items of itsagenda concern them and fall within the compe-tence of the Council. It recalled the relevant pro-visions of the Headquarters Agreement and, hav-ing noted the report of the Secretary-General, re-quested the General Assembly "to examine, at itssixth session, the question of the attendance ofnon-governmental organizations at the discussionsof the General Assembly or its Committees onproblems which concern non-governmental organ-izations and which are within the competence ofthe Economic and Social Council, and to makesuch arrangements in that connexion as it maydeem advisable".

b. CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERALASSEMBLY AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

As requested by the Council the General As-sembly considered the question at its sixth session.The Council's resolution and the relevant docu-mentation were called to the Assembly's attentionin a note by the Secretary-General (A/1926).

The matter was considered at the 301st to303rd meetings of the Sixth Committee on 28 and29 January 1952 and at the 369th plenary meet-ing on 1 February.

At the opening of the discussion the repre-sentative of Iran withdrew a draft resolution sub-mitted by his delegation (A/C.6/L.225) in favourof a joint draft resolution submitted by Franceand Iran (A/C.6/L227).

The joint draft resolution provided that theAssembly should authorize the Secretary-General,upon the request of the Economic and SocialCouncil or its Committee on Non-Governmental


Organizations, to make arrangements to enablethe representative designated by any non-govern-mental organization having consultative status toattend public meetings of the General Assemblywhenever economic and social matters were dis-cussed which were within the Council's compe-tence and to the study of which the organizationhad contributed in conformity with its own ob-jects.

Poland proposed an amendment (A/C.6/L.229)to the joint draft resolution to substitute for itsoperative part two paragraphs:

(1) drawing the attention of the United States Gov-ernment to the necessity of taking measures for the strictobservance of the Headquarters Agreement; and (2) re-questing the Secretary-General to continue to give assist-ance to representatives of non-governmental organizationsin facilitating transit to or from sessions of the GeneralAssembly and its Committees.

During the Committee's discussions on thequestion, the representatives of Czechoslovakia, Po-land the Ukrainian SSR and the USSR spoke infavour of the Polish amendment.

In their view, by virtue of Article 71 of theCharter and the terms of the Headquarters Agree-ment and in accordance with the decisions of theEconomic and Social Council and with prior prac-tice in the matter, non-governmental organiza-tions having consultative status had an automaticright to send representatives to the General As-sembly and its Committees whenever they thoughtit appropriate. They considered that all that wasnecessary was to ensure compliance with whatwas in their view the correct interpretation of theHeadquarters Agreement.

This Agreement, they "stated, was an instrumentintended to facilitate the work of the United Na-tions. The purpose of consultation with non-gov-ernmental organizations was to assist the Eco-nomic and Social Council in its work, and it wasfor the Council to decide on the scope of consul-tation and on its manner, place and circumstances.Representatives of organizations could not followthe work of the Council unless they were ableto attend meetings of the General Assembly, theorgan to which it reported. The Council itself hadexpressed the belief that representatives of non-governmental organizations should have the rightto attend Assembly sessions. No special procedureswere necessary, these representatives considered,since the granting of consultative status by theCouncil was, in effect, a permanent invitation.Moreover, representatives of non-governmentalorganizations in consultative status had the rightto consult with the Secretariat whether the Coun-

cil was in session or not; the fact that an As-sembly session was in progress should not placeobstacles in the way of consultation. These repre-sentatives opposed the joint draft resolution asintroducing new restrictive conditions and imply-ing that an organization might be deprived of itsrights of consultation which had hitherto beenrecognized. They emphasized the importance ofthe non-governmental organizations to the workof the United Nations.

The United States, these representatives stated,had no right to interpret unilaterally Article 71of the Charter concerning consultations with non-governmental organizations nor to take advantageof its position as host country by refusing to ad-mit to the United States representatives of non-governmental organizations to attend an Assem-bly session unless specifically invited by the Gen-eral Assembly. They charged that the UnitedStates had failed to carry out the HeadquartersAgreement in refusing to admit Georges Fischer,the representative of the World Federation ofTrade Unions (WFTU), to attend the fifth ses-sion of the General Assembly, Miss Diaz to attendthe fifth session of the Commission on the Statusof Women, and a representative of the WorldPeace Council to consult with the President of theSecurity Council.

The representative of the United States saidthat his Government accepted the French-Iraniandraft resolution as providing a reasonable solutionof the difficulties. The United States was fullyconscious of its special responsibilities as hostcountry to the United Nations. It agreed that arepresentative of a non-governmental organizationhad the right of entry to the Headquarters Dis-trict for purposes of consultation with an organof the United Nations if invited by that organor in the case of consultations with the Secretariatif invited by the Secretary-General, but it did notagree that a non-governmental organization hadthe right to demand such entry unilaterally. Theagreements for consultation adopted by the Coun-cil, in his opinion, applied only to the Council,and it was necessary for the General Assemblyto regularize the position of attendance of repre-sentatives of non-governmental organizations at itsmeetings. This was provided for by the jointdraft resolution.

He opposed the Polish amendment as notsettling the question and as likely to lead to asituation in which all the old controversies wouldbe gone into at every available opportunity. Inregard to the instances which had been raised, hestated that, in the case of Miss Diaz, a visa had


not been requested in time; in the case of the rep-resentative of the World Peace Council, the Se-curity Council had expressed no wish for consul-tation with that body; and in the case of Mr.Fischer, the difficulties could have been avoidedhad the position been regularized, as had ulti-mately been done.

The representatives of France, Iran and theUnited Kingdom also spoke in favour of the jointdraft resolution as providing a reasonable solutionto past difficulties. The representatives of Franceand Iran, as well as the representative of theUnited States, stated that Article 71 of the Char-ter should not be interpreted as giving the Eco-nomic and Social Council the right to decide onthe question of representation at meetings of theGeneral Assembly; the Assembly was master of itsown procedure.

In the opinion of the representative of Yugo-slavia, the Headquarters Agreement provided forfree access of representatives of non-governmentalorganizations to the Headquarters District, pro-vided they did not misuse this privilege. He how-ever, opposed the first part of the Polish amend-ment.

Emphasizing the importance of making properarrangements to enable non-governmental organi-zations to be represented at Assembly sessions sothat they might follow adequately the discussionsof the United Nations on questions in which theywere interested, the Yugoslav representative sug-gested that the Secretary-General should correlatethe list of non-governmental organizations havingconsultative status with the items on the Assem-bly's provisional agenda and decide which or-ganizations were interested. It should not be nec-essary, he thought, to take a separate decision oneach organization; the Assembly should decide thequestion in principle once and for all. The repre-sentatives of France and Iran, however, consideredthat the Council and its Committee on Non-Gov-ernmental Organizations would be in the best po-sition to decide whether an organization was in-terested in an item before the Assembly andwhether it should be invited to send a representa-tive.

The representative of Iraq opposed the firstpart of the Polish amendment. He and the repre-sentative of Syria, however, supported the secondpart of this amendment as an additional guaranteethat proper arrangements concerning non-govern-mental organizations would be made.

The representative of Egypt emphasized thatthe joint draft resolution was aimed at improving

the procedure for access of non-governmental or-ganizations to meetings. Should the revised pro-cedure not produce satisfactory results the Assem-bly could amend it.

The question was raised by the representativeof Chile as to whether under the joint draft reso-lution an organization would be entitled to sendmore than one representative to Assembly meet-ings. He and the representative of Yugoslaviapointed out than an organization might be in-terested in more than one question being dis-cussed at the same time by the Assembly. Therepresentatives of France and Iran considered that,if necessary, an organization would be able to sendmore than one representative, but that this ques-tion could be left to the Council. The UnitedStates representative thought that in principle anorganization should be allowed to send one rep-resentative, but that more than one should be al-lowed if necessary.

In reply to a question by the representative ofYugoslavia, the United States representative statedthat his Government would authorize the entryof those representatives whose organizations hadbeen invited by the Council.

To meet a point raised by the representativeof Syria that the last sentence of the joint draftresolution might be interpreted as having a re-strictive meaning, the sponsors of the joint draftagreed to replace the words "to the study ofwhich the organization has contributed in con-formity with its own objects" by the words "ofthe organization concerned". They also agreed, atthe suggestion of the representative of Iraq, to addto the joint draft the second paragraph of thePolish amendment with the insertion of the word"such" before "non-governmental organizations"(to make it clear that it referred only to the non-governmental organizations covered in the previ-ous paragraphs of the joint draft).

The Polish amendment was voted on in parts.The first paragraph was rejected by 24 votes to6, with 9 abstentions, and the second paragraphby 15 votes to 12, with 13 abstentions.

After adopting in a separate vote by 33 votesto 6, with 1 abstention, the words "upon the re-quest of the Council or its Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations", the Committeeadopted the revised joint draft resolution as awhole by 33 votes to 5, with 2 abstentions.

It was adopted, on the Committee's recommen-dation (A/2093), by the General Assembly at its369th plenary meeting, without discussion, by 40


votes to 5, with 1 abstention (resolution 606( V I ) ) . It read:

"The General Assembly,"Recalling the provisions of Article 71 of the Charter

of the United Nations and of section 11 of the Head-quarters Agreement between the United Nations andthe United States of America, which came into forceon 21 November 1947,

"Taking note of Economic and Social Council resolu-tion 413 C (XIII) of 20 September 1951 in which theCouncil stated that "it is important for the fulfilmentof the purposes for which consultative status was estab-lished for non-governmental organizations that suchorganizations should be able to follow the discussionsof the General Assembly and its Committees on thoseitems of its agenda which concern them and which arewithin the competence of the Economic and SocialCouncil",

"1. Authorizes the Secretary-General, upon the requestof the Economic and Social Council or its Committee onNon-Governmental Organizations, to make arrangementsto enable the representative designated by any non-gov-ernmental organization having consultative status toattend public meetings of the General Assembly when-ever economic and social matters are discussed which arewithin the competence of the Council and of theorganization concerned;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General to continue togive assistance to representatives of such non-govern-mental organizations in facilitating transit to or fromsessions of the General Assembly and its Committees."

2. Granting of Consultative Status

a. ORGANIZATIONS ADMITTED AT THETWELFTH SESSION OF THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

On the basis of a report from the CouncilCommittee on Non-Governmental Organizations(E/1917 and Add.1) on applications for consul-tative relationship submitted by non-governmentalorganizations, the Council, in resolution 365 A(XII), adopted at its 476th plenary meeting on19 March 1951 by 15 votes to 3, decided thatthe following organizations be placed in categoryB:

All-Pakistan Women's AssociationsCaritas Internationalis278

International Catholic Press UnionInternational Council for Building DocumentationInternational Road FederationInternational Union for the Protection of NatureInternational Union of Socialist YouthYoung Christian Workers

By 15 votes to 3, the Council adopted resolu-tion 365 B (XII), in which it requested theSecretary-General to place the following organi-zations on the register of non-governmental or-

ganizations established in accordance with Coun-cil resolution 288 B (X):279

Arab UnionCommittee for Economic Development (U.S.A.)Hansard SocietyInter-American Association of BroadcastersInternational Federation of Free JournalistsInternational Union of Marine Insurance

The Council, by 15 votes to none, with 3 ab-stentions, adopted resolution 365 C (XII), re-questing the Transport and Communications Com-mission to advise it on the application of theInternational Union of Marine Insurance. By thesame resolution, the Council also requested theCouncil Committee on Non-Governmental Organ-izations to reconsider the application of the Inter-American Federation of Automobile Clubs, in thelight of the comments of the Transport and Com-munications Commission (E/1980).

Before voting on the above resolutions tookplace, the representative of the USSR stated thatthe Council's NGO Committee had pursued a con-sistent policy of discrimination against progressivedemocratic organizations and in favour of thosewhich actively promoted fascism. He objected tothe Council's decision at its eleventh session (reso-lution 334 A (XI) )280 depriving the World Fed-eration of Democratic Youth, the InternationalAssociation of Democratic Lawyers, and the Inter-national Organization of Journalists of their cate-gory B consultative status. He submitted a draftresolution (E/L.169) to restore category B statusto these three organizations and opposed the rec-ommendations of the Committee that category Bstatus be granted to the International CatholicPress Union and to the Caritas Internationalis, andthat the International Federation of Free Journa-ists be placed on the register. The representativeof Poland supported the USSR draft resolution.

On the proposal of the representative of India,supported by the representative of Pakistan, theCouncil agreed to defer taking a decision on theUSSR draft resolution until the thirteenth session(see below).

b. ORGANIZATIONS ADMITTED AT THETHIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE ECONOMICAND SOCIAL COUNCIL

On the basis of a report from the CouncilCommittee on Non-Governmental Organizations(E/2055) on applications for consultative rela-

278 Later known as the International Conference of

Catholic Charities.279 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 658-59.280 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 663.


tionship submitted by non-governmental organi-zations, reviewed in the light of a resolution ofthe Transport and Communciations Commissionadopted at its fifth session (E/1980),281 theCouncil, at its 56lst meeting on 20 September1951, adopted resolution 413 (XIII). By this res-olution, which was adopted without discussion by13 votes to none, with 4 abstentions, the Councildecided to place in category B the Inter-AmericanFederation of Automobile Clubs, the InternationalUnion of Marine Insurance, and the South Ameri-can Petroleum Institute. The Council's decisionin respect of the Inter-American Federation ofAutomobile Clubs was subject to the conditionthat it work out arrangements with the Interna-tional Automobile Federation and the Interna-tional Touring Alliance by which they may infuture be consulted jointly by the Council.

At the same meeting, the Council consideredthe draft resolution by the USSR (E/L.169),discussion of which had been deferred from thetwelfth session of the Council. This draft resolu-tion described as "illegal" the Council's decision(resolution 334 A (XI) ) in respect of the WorldFederation of Democratic Youth, the InternationalAssociation of Democratic Lawyers and the In-ternational Organization of Journalists, and soughtto have the Council restore category B consulta-tive status to these three organizations. The repre-sentatives of Czechoslovakia and Poland supportedthe USSR draft resolution, stating that these or-ganizations were directing their efforts toward thefulfilment of the purposes of the United Nations.The representative of Poland submitted an amend-ment (E/L.229) which would have the Councilplace in category A the World Federation of Dem-ocratic Youth.

The representatives of the United Kingdom andthe United States opposed both the USSR draftresolution and the Polish amendment. They statedthat they could not accept the allegation that theCouncil's earlier decision had been illegal. Boththese representatives stressed the impartiality of theCouncil Committee on Non-Governmental Or-ganizations and denied that there had been anydiscrimination. They did not agree, moreover, thatthese three organizations could play a useful rolein the United Nations. The representative ofChile, who stated that he did not approve of thepolitical activity of the three organizations andthat he found unacceptable the description of theCouncil's action as "illegal", said that he couldsupport that part of the USSR draft resolutionwhich would have the Council restore category B

status to the organizations. He was opposed tothe Polish amendment.

The Council rejected the Polish amendment by12 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions. By varying votes(14 votes to 3; 11 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions;and 8 votes to 4, with 5 abstentions) it rejectedall three paragraphs of the USSR draft resolution.

3. Repeal of Council Resolution 214 C(VIII) on International Organizations

Having Members in Spain

At its twelfth session, the Council reconsideredits resolution 214 C (VIII)282 on internationalnon-governmental organizations having membersin Spain, at its 479th plenary meeting on 21March 1951.

The Council had before it a draft resolution byPeru (E/1898). The draft resolution would takenote of General Assembly resolution 386(V)adopted on 4 November 1950283 concerning rela-tions of Member States and specialized agencieswith Spain and would state that the Council con-sidered that the relationships of international non-governmental organizations with the Economic andSocial Council under Article 71 of the Charterare technical and largely non-political in charac-ter. It would then have the Council revoke its de-cision that certain international non-governmentalorganizations which have legally constitutedbranches in Spain should be excluded from rela-tionship under Article 71 of the Charter andwould repeal resolution 214 C (VIII).

Introducing his draft resolution, the representa-tive of Peru said that it was wholly technical andin no way political; it drew the logical conclusionwith respect to non-governmental organizationsfrom the provisions of Assembly resolution 386(V), which destroyed the whole legal foundationof Council resolutions 57 (IV)284 and 214 C(VIII).

The representatives of Canada and the UnitedStates spoke in favour of the Peruvian draft reso-lution, but opposition was expressed by some rep-

281 See p. 443.282 See Y.U.N., 1948-49, p. 710.283 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 344. By resolution 386 (V),

the Assembly resolved to revoke its recommendationscontained in resolution 39(I) of 12 December 1946.These recommendations sought the withdrawal of Am-bassadors and Ministers from Madrid and to debar theFranco Government of Spain from membership ininternational agencies established by or brought intorelationship with the United Nations, until a new andacceptable government was formed in Spain.

284 See Y.U.N., 1946-47, p. 554.


resentatives, including those of Czechoslovakia,Mexico, Poland and the USSR. The representativesof Czechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR expressedthe view that adoption of the draft resolution bythe Council would tend to give moral support tothe Franco regime, thus revoking the United Na-tions condemnation of that regime, and wouldtend to prepare the way for the admission of thatregime into the activities of the United Nations.The representative of Poland orally proposed thatthe Council postpone its discussion of this ques-tion and request the Legal Department of theUnited Nations Secretariat to prepare a reportshowing the legal status of the draft resolutionin the light of the general provision in GeneralAssembly resolution 39(I)2 8 5 recommending thatthe Franco Government be debarred from mem-bership in international agencies established by orbrought into relationship with the United Na-tions and from participation in conferences orother activities arranged by the United Nationsor those agencies. The Polish proposal, however,was rejected by the Council by 9 votes to 3, with6 abstentions. The Council adopted, at its 479thplenary meeting on 21 March 1951, by 11 votesto 5, with 2 abstentions, the Peruvian draft reso-lution (resolution 366 (XII) ). By this resolution,the Council repealed resolution 214 C (VIII) anddecided, accordingly, that international non-gov-ernmental organizations having legally constitutedbranches in Spain would not for that reason beineligible for consultative relationship. Further-more, three organizations, which had previouslybeen granted status subject to their conformingto resolution 214 C (VIII) were, consequent tothe repeal, placed in category B. These organiza-tions were: International Air Transport Associa-tion, International Shipping Federation, Perma-nent International Association of Navigation Con-gresses.

4. Arrangements of Regional EconomicCommissions for Consultation with Non-

Governmental Organizations

During its consideration of the question of theorganization and operation of the Council and itscommissions at its thirteenth session, the Council,at its 557th plenary meeting on 18 September1951, considered certain proposals submitted byits Co-ordination Committee (E/2129 & Corr.1,E/2129/Add.1. & Corr.1 & 2) relating to con-sultation with non-governmental organizations.The Committee, acting on the reports of the AdHoc Committee on the Organization and Opera-

tion of the Council and its Commissions (E/1995& Corr.1 and E/1995/Add.1-4)286 recommendedto the Council that the terms of reference of thecommissions be amended in a number of respects,inter alia, that they make arragements for con-sultation with non-governmental organizationsgranted consultative status by it, in accordancewith the principles contained in Council resolu-tion 288 B (X).287 These recommendations,which were voted on separately, were bothadopted by the Council, without discussion, at its557th plenary meeting on 18 September 1951 by14 votes to 3, with one abstention, and incorpo-rated in Council resolution 414 C.I. (XIII).

At the same meeting and by a similar vote theCouncil also adopted as part of resolution 414C.I. (XIII), a draft resolution recommended bythe Council Committee on Non-GovernmentalOrganizations (E/2127). In terms of this resolu-tion the Council decided to recommend to theregional economic commissions that they examinethe desirability of revising their rules of pro-cedure regarding consultative relations with thenon-governmental organizations in the light of therules established in this connexion by the Councilin part V of resolution 288 (X).

As none of the regional commissions met in1951 after the adoption by the Council of thisresolution, no action was taken by the commis-sions in this connexion during the year.

5. Review of Non-GovernmentalOrganizations in Consultative Status

At its 561st plenary meeting on 20 September1951, the Economic and Social Council adopted,by 13 votes to none, with 4 abstentions, and with-out discussion, a draft resolution submitted by theCouncil Committee on Non-Governmental Organ-izations (E/2055). By this resolution (413 B(XIII) ), the Council, considering that the reviewof organizations in consultative status undertakenat the eleventh session of the Council extendedonly to those non-governmental organizationswhich had been granted status up to and includingthe sixth session of the Council, requested theSecretary-General to include in the provisionalagenda of the fourteenth session of the Councila review of non-governmental organizations ad-mitted to consultative status at its eighth and ninthsessions.

285 See Y.U.N., 1946-47, pp. 129-30.286 See pp. 66-67.287 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 658-59.


6. Yearbook of InternationalOrganizations, 1951-1952

The Secretariat, in accordance with Council res-olution 334 B (XI) of 20 July 1950,288 activelyassisted the Union of International Organizations,Palais d'Egmont, Brussels, in the preparation ofits 1951-1952 Yearbook of International Organi-zations, which was published in November 1951.

7. Agenda Items Proposed by Non-Governmental Organizations

On the proposal of a non-governmental organi-zation in category A, the International Chamberof Commerce, the item "Conclusion of an inter-national convention on customs treatment of sam-ples and advertising material" was placed by theCouncil on its agenda for the twelfth session.289

No items were proposed by non-governmental or-ganizations for consideration by the Council atits thirteenth session.

8. Written Statements from Non-Governmental Organizations in

Consultative StatusDuring 1951, a total of 96 written statements

from 37 non-governmental organizations were cir-culated as documents under the arrangements forconsultation. The majority of these statementswere directed to the commissions of the Council,in particular to the Commission on HumanRights, the Social Commission, the Commissionon the Status of Women and the Transport andCommunications Commission. In accordance withthe recommendation of the Council Committeeon Non-Governmental Organizations, the Secre-tary-General circulated lists of these documents(E/C.2/263/Add.1-3).

9. Hearings of Non-GovernmentalOrganizations

The following organizations were heard, in con-nexion with the subjects shown opposite theirnames, by the Economic and Social Council at itstwelfth session under rule 82 of its rules of pro-cedure.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions:World economic situation; Expanded Programme ofTechnical Assistance: report of the Technical AssistanceCommittee; Forced labour and measures for its abolition;Trade union rights: allegations regarding infringementsof trade union rights.

International Co-operative Alliance: World economicsituation; Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance:report of the Technical Assistance Committee; Financingof economic development of under-developed countries.

International federation of Christian Trade Unions:Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance: reportof the Technical Assistance Committee; Trade unionrights: allegations regarding infringements of tradeunion rights.

World Federation of Trade Unions: World economicsituation; Forced labour and measures for its abolition;Trade union rights: allegations regarding infringementsof trade union rights.

World Federation of United Nations Associations:World economic situation.

The following organizations were heard by the Eco-nomic Committee at the twelfth session under rule 82.

International Chamber of Commerce: Conclusion ofan international convention on customs treatment ofsamples and advertising material.

International Federation of Agricultural Producers:World economic situation.

The following organizations were heard by the CouncilCommittee on Non-Governmental Organizations at thetwelfth session under rules 81 and 82.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions:Draft Covenant on Human Rights and measures forimplementation.

World Federation of Trade Unions: Financing of eco-nomic development of under-developed countries; De-velopment of a twenty-year programme for achievingpeace through the United Nations; Non-Governmentalorganizations: (c) Report by the Secretary-General onapplication of the Headquarters Agreement.

World Federation of United Nations Associations:United Nations programme for technical assistance; Ex-panded Programme of Technical Assistance: report ofthe Technical Assistance Committee; Draft Covenant onHuman Rights and measures for implementation; De-velopment of a twenty-year programme for achievingpeace through the United Nations.

International Council of Women: United Nationsprogramme of technical assistance; Report of the Com-mission on Narcotic Drugs (fifth session).

International Federation of Business and ProfessionalWomen: United Nations programme of technical assist-ance.

International Union for Child Welfare: Refugees andstateless persons; Report of the Executive Board of theUnited Nations International Children's EmergencyFund; Relief and rehabilitation of Korea.

World Jewish Congress: United Nations programmeof technical assistance; Expanded Programme of Techni-cal Assistance: report of the Technical Assistance Com-mittee; Draft Covenant on Human Rights and measuresfor implementation; Refugees and stateless persons.

The following organizations were heard by theEconomic and Social Council at its thirteenthsession under rule 82.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions:Economic development of under-developed countries;Full employment.

288 See Y.U.N., 1950, p. 663.289 For consideration by the Council of this item, see

pp. 430-31.


International Co-operative Alliance: Restrictive busi-ness practices.


World Federation of Trade Unions: Full employment;Economic development of under-developed countries;World economic situation.

The following organization was heard by the SocialCommittee at the thirteenth session under rule 82.

World Federation of Trade Unions: Report of theCommission on the Status of Women (fifth session).

The following organizations were heard by the Coun-cil Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations atthe thirteenth session under rules 80, 81 and 82.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions:World economic situation.

International Co-operative Alliance: Restrictive busi-ness practices.


International Federation of Christian Trade Unions:Report of the Commission on Human Rights.

World Federation of Trade Unions: Implementationof consultative arrangements with the Economic andSocial Council; World economic situation; Economicdevelopment of under-developed countries; Full employ-ment; Report of the Commission on the Status ofWomen (fifth session).

World Federation of United Nations Associations:World economic situation; Report of the Ad hoc Com-mittee on factors bearing upon the establishment of aneconomic commission for the Middle East.

Agudas Israel World Organization: Violation of hu-man rights in Hungary; Growing racialism in Germany;Recent decision of the Munich City Council to banShechita (Jewish slaughter of animals).

Catholic International Union for Social Service: Reportof the Social Commission (seventh session); Report ofthe Population Commission (sixth session).

Consultative Council of Jewish Organizations: De-portations in Hungary.

Co-ordinating Board of Jewish Organizations: Reportof the Commission on Human Rights (seventh session)(two hearings); Refugees and stateless persons.

International Abolitionist Federation: Report of theSocial Commission (seventh session); Invitations tonon-member States to become parties to the Conventionfor the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of theExploitation of the Prostitution of Others.

International Association of Penal Law and Interna-tional Bureau for the Unification of Penal Law: Someproblems in connexion with the international protectionof human rights.

International Federation of Newspaper Publishers(Proprietors) and Editors: Alleged violation of freedomof information in Argentina.

International League for the Rights of Man: Interna-tional protection of human rights (partly in connexionwith report of the Commission on Human Rights—seventh session).

International Union of Catholic Women's Leagues:Report of the Commission on Human Rights (seventhsession).

Pax Romana: Report of the Commission on HumanRights (seventh session); Report of the PopulationCommission (sixth session).

World Jewish Congress: Report of the Commissionon Human Rights (seventh session).

The Council Committee on Non-GovernmentalOrganizations also heard briefly each of the Cate-gory A organizations on each item of the agendaon which they were later heard by the Councilor by the Economic and Social Committees.

Many non-governmental organizations wereheard by the commissions of the Council, in par-ticular by the Commissions on Human Rights andthe Status of Women, the Social Commission andthe Transport and Communications Commission.

10. List of Non-GovernmentalOrganizations in Consultative Status

as of 31 December 1951ORGANIZATIONS IN CATEGORY A CONSULTATIVE STATUS:

International Chamber of CommerceInternational Confederation of Free Trade UnionsInternational Co-operative AllianceInternational Federation of Agricultural ProducersInternational Federation of Christian Trade UnionsInternational Organization of EmployersInter-Parliamentary UnionWorld Federation of Trade UnionsWorld Federation of United Nations Associations

ORGANIZATIONS IN CATEGORY B CONSULTATIVE STATUS:

Agudas Israel World OrganizationAll-India Women's Conference (India)All-Pakistan Women's Association (Pakistan)Anti-Slavery Society (United Kingdom)Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (United

States of America)Catholic International Union for Social ServiceCommission of the Churches on International AffairsConsultative Council of Jewish OrganizationsCo-ordinating Board of Jewish Organizations for Con-

sultation with the Economic and Social Council ofthe United Nations

Friends' World Committee for ConsultationHoward League for Penal Reform (United Kingdom)Indian Council of World Affairs (India)Inter-American Council of Commerce and ProductionInter-American Federation of Automobile Clubs290

International Abolitionist FederationInternational African InstituteInternational Air Transport Association291

290 Consultative status in category B granted on con-

dition that it work out arrangements with the Interna-tional Automobile Federation and the InternationalTouring Alliance, by which they may in future beconsulted jointly by the Council.

291 Admitted to consultative status as a consequence ofthe repeal of Council resolution 214 C (VIII). See pp.598-99.


International Alliance of Women: Equal Rights, EqualResponsibilities

International Association of Independent Enterprises,Trades and Crafts

International Association of Penal Law292

International Automobile Federation293

International Bureau for the Suppression of Traffic inWomen and Children

International Bureau for the Unification of Penal Law284

International Carriage and Van Union295

International Catholic Press UnionInternational Committee of Schools of Social WorkInternational Committee of Scientific ManagementInternational Committee of the Red CrossInternational Conference of Catholic CharitiesInternational Conference of Social WorkInternational Co-operative Women's GuildInternational Council for Building DocumentationInternational Council of WomenInternational Criminal Police CommissionInternational Federation for Housing and Town-planningInternational Federation of Business and Professional

WomenInternational Federation of Friends of Young WomenInternational Federation of Newspaper Publishers (Pro-

prietors) and EditorsInternational Federation of Unions of Employees in

Public and Civil ServicesInternational Federation of University WomenInternational Fiscal AssociationInternational Institute of Administrative SciencesInternational Institute of Public FinanceInternational Institute of Public LawInternational Law AssociationInternational League for the Rights of ManInternational Organization for StandardizationInternational Road FederationInternational Road Transport UnionInternational Shipping Federation291

International Social ServiceInternational Society for the Welfare of CripplesInternational Society of CriminologyInternational Statistical InstituteInternational Temperance UnionInternational Touring Alliance296

International Transport Workers' FederationInternational Union for Child WelfareInternational Union for the Protection of NatureInternational Union for the Scientific Study of PopulationInternational Union of ArchitectsInternational Union of Catholic Women's LeaguesInternational Union of Family OrganizationsInternational Union of Local AuthoritiesInternational Union of Marine InsuranceInternational Union of Official Travel OrganizationsInternational Union of RailwaysInternational Union of Socialist YouthInternational Wagon Union297

Liaison Committee of Women's International Organiza-tions

Lions International—International Association of LionsClubs

National Association of Manufacturers (United States ofAmerica)

Nouvelles équipes internationalesPax Romana—International Catholic Movement for In-

tellectual and Cultural Affairs298

Pax Romana—International Movement of Catholic Stu-dents298

Permanent International Association of Navigation Con-gresses299

Rotary InternationalSalvation ArmySociety of Comparative Legislation (France)South American Petroleum InstituteWomen's International Democratic FederationWomen's International League for Peace and FreedomWorld Assembly of YouthWorld Engineering Conference300

World Jewish CongressWorld Movement of MothersWorld Organization of the Teaching ProfessionWorld Union for Progressive JudaismWorld's Alliance of Young Men's Christian AssociationsWorld's Women's Christian Temperance UnionWorld's Young Women's Christian AssociationYoung Christian Workers

The total number of organizations listed above is101; of these, nine are in category A and 92 in categoryB. All these organizations are international, except theeight which are followed by the name of a State.

A total of 116 additional organizations301 were,on the register for ad hoc consultations, in accord-ance with paragraph 17 of Council resolution 288B (X). All but one of these organizations areinternational.

292 To be jointly represented with the InternationalBureau for the Unification of Penal Law.

293 To be jointly represented with the InternationalTouring Alliance.

294 To be jointly represented with the International As-sociation of Penal Law.

295 To be jointly represented with the InternationalWagon Union.

296 be jointly represented with the InternationalAutomobile Federation.

297 To be jointly represented with the InternationalCarriage and Van Union.

298 Both Pax Romana movements to be jointly repre-sented.

299 Admitted to consultative status as a consequence ofthe repeal of Council resolution 214 C (VIII). Seepp. 598-99.

300 Ceased to exist at the end of 1951.301 For detailed list, see A/1884, para. 1079.

To


Y. IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON ECONOMICAND SOCIAL MATTERS

In accordance with the procedures and time-table established by the Council at its tenth ses-sion (resolution 283(X) )302 for reporting bygovernments on the implementation of recommen-dations made by the General Assembly and theCouncil on economic and social matters, the Sec-retary-General circulated to governments in May1950 a list of such recommendations adopted in1948 and 1949. Governments were invited to stateby October 1951 what they had done to carryout these recommendations. The list included (E/-2165) recommendations concerning: availabilityof DDT insecticides; transfer to the United Na-tions of functions and powers previously exercizedby the League of Nations under the InternationalConvention relating to Economic Statistics; inter-national bill of human rights; genocide; status ofwomen; transfer to the United Nations of func-tions for the suppression of white slave traffic andof the circulation of obscene publications; inter-national provisions for the control of certaindrugs; privileges and immunities of the Perma-nent Central Opium Board; traffic in persons andexploitation of the prostitution of others; rela-tions with non-governmental organizations; andimplementation by the International Civil Avia-tion Organization of the resolutions concerningFranco Spain.

In April 1951, the Secretary-General sent afurther note to governments referring to the pre-vious communication and reminding them thatreplies would be expected by October 1951. Inthis note he called attention to General Assemblyresolution 125(II) which concerned relations with

and co-ordination of specialized agencies and workprogrammes of the United Nations and special-ized agencies. This resolution, although adoptedin November 1947, earlier than the period underreview, had been called to the attention of theCouncil by the Ad Hoc Committee which hadrecommended the procedures adopted. The resolu-tion had been omitted from the list of recommen-dations circulated in May 1950 because the Coun-cil had decided that its circulation should be de-ferred pending the result of an enquiry conductedjointly by the International Institute of Adminis-trative Sciences and UNESCO. On 27 July 1951,the Secretary-General transmitted to governmentscopies of the report, National Administration andInternational Organization, resulting from the en-quiry, so that they might take it into account inpreparing their replies on steps taken to imple-ment resolution 125 (II).

The Secretary-General also took steps to obtaininformation relating to certain other resolutions(E/2165), apart from the regular two-year pro-cedure.

By the end of 1951, 24 governments had re-plied. At its fourteenth session, in 1952, the Coun-cil was to consider the Secretary-General's reporton implementation and decide what resolutionsadopted during 1950 and 1951 should be circu-lated to governments during the following twoyears. Under the two-year procedure established,the next report will be due in 1954.

302 See Y.U.N., 1950, pp. 668-72.

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