Economic and Social Council

Economic and Social CouncilSource: International Organization, Vol. 12, No. 3 (Summer, 1958), pp. 347-363Published by: University of Wisconsin PressStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2704990 .

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Economic and Social Council Resumed Twenty-fourth Session

The resumed 24th session of the Eco- nomic and Social Council (ECOSOC) was held on December io and I3, I957, under the presidency of Mr. Mohammad Mir Khan (Pakistan).' The C'ouncil elected as members of the Council Committee on Non-Governmental Organization, Birazil, China, France, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Council also elected Morocco to membership on the Technical Assistance Committee to replace the Sudan, which had been elected to ECOSOC, there- by becoming ineligible for TAC as a non- member of the Council. The appointment of a number of members of ECOSOC commissions was subsequently confirmed by the Council.

After referring the agenda item concerning -the carriage of narcotic drugs in first- aid kits of aircraft engaged in international flight to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, ECOSOC decided to approve the draft program for I958 prepared by the Secretary-General.2 Regarding resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly listed in a note by the Secretary-General3 the Council, inter alia, transmitted to the Commission on the Status of Women the resolution concerning seminars on the status of women, transmitted to the Commission on Human Rights the resolution regarding the draft convention on freedom of information, and decided upon a number of items to be included in the draft agenda for its 26th session.

Twenty-fifth Session The 25th session of ECOSOC was held

at UN headquarters from April i8 to May 2, 1958. Mr. Davidson (Canada) was elected president at the opening meeting.

1 For a summary of the 24th session, see Interna- tional Organization, Winter I958 (Vol. I2, No. I), p. II8-I29.

2 Document E/L.776.

Reports of the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank, and the In- ternational Finance Corporation: The Council had before it the reports of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Fi- nance Corporation (IFC). Following a brief review of the activities of IMF presented by its Managing Director, Mr. Ja- cobsson, the Council discussed the Fund's report,4 in connection with which delegates commended IMF for its work in restoring confidence in currencies during a period of international crises and expressed particular appreciation for IMF assistance to underdeveloped countries and for the Fund's technical assistance activities. The Mexican delegate, whose views were endorsed by a number of other representatives, drew the aittention of the Council to the difficulties arising from the decline in raw material prices and the inflationary ten- dencies in primary producing countries. He stressed the necessity of countries in a strong surplus position weighing the international consequences of their policies. Delegates from Greece, the Sudan, Chile, and Brazil were among those who emphasized the need to review the adequacy of IMF reserves with a view to a possible increase in the quotas of surplus countries.

The reports of the International Bank5 and of IFC6 were presented by the Bank's president, Mr. Black. Delegates for the most part noted with satisfaction the growing volume of Bank loans, the increasing role of the Bank in the economic development of underdeveloped countries, the Bank's technical assistance program, and the activities of IFC in general.

The Council took note of the three reports.

3 Document E/L.777. 4 Document E/3o6o and Add.i. 5 Document E/3059 and Add.i. 6 Document E/3o6I and Add.i.

347



348 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL

Economic Commission for Africa: From i'ts Ioo4th to its ioogth meetings the C"ouncil discussed the establishment of an economic commission for Africa. In considering the question, ECOSOC had before it two proposals for the terms of reference of the proposed commission, one presented by the United Kingdom7 and the other by Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Morocco, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, and the United Arab Re- public.8 Representatives of the latter, as well as of Spain, Italy, and Portugal, par- ticipated in the Council's discussion. Pre- senting the draft of the African group, the representative of the Sudan asserted that one of the commission's stated objectives should be the promotion of social as well as economic development. Drawing the Council's attention to differences between his draft and that of the United Kingdom, the Sudanese delegate noted in particular the African draft's provision for including in the commission the Soviet Union and the United States, who had no direct interest in Africa, as well as non-African countries with direct responsibilities in Africa. The United Kingdom representative, in presenting his delegation's draft, maintained that the terms of reference should not specifically mention social affairs and observed that the omission of social obligations in the terms of reference of other regional commissions had not prevented them from dealing with economic activities with social implications. He also stated that countries with no direct responsibilities in Africa should not be called upon to join the commission, since a list of such countries would be difficult to compile. In addition, the United Kingdoom delegate, referring to the African draft's provision that non-African members of the c-ommis- sion should refrain from voting in opposi- tion to proposals predominantly concerning the region if supported by a majority of the African members, stressed that no distinction should be made between Afri-

"Document E/3095. 8 Document E/3093.

can countries and countries having responsibilities in Africa.

During the discussion ECOSOC members were in general agreement concerning the desirability of establishing an economic commission for Africa, but differed primarily in their views concerning the commission's stated sphere of activities and its composition. Delegates from Mexico, In- donesia, Yugoslavia, and Brazil, among others, maintained that the extensive inter- relationship between social and economic develolpment made desirable specific mention of the commission's social obligations in its terms of reference. The United States delegate agreed with the United Kingdom representative, however, that social objectives should be considered by the Com- mission but that other agencies of the UN already provided machinery to deal specifically with this sphere of activities. In connection with the commission's composition delegates from Greece, Poland, and the Soviet Union were among those who believed that the United States and the Soviet Union should be represented, in view of the technological and industrial knowledge and development of the two countries. Representatives from Canada, Costa Rica, Liberia, and the United States, however, expressed their feeling that repre- sentation on the commission should be limited to African countries or countries with direct interest in the continent, in order to avoid the introduction of elements of political and economic controversy in the commission's activities.

At its ioi7th meeting ECOSOC received a draft resolution9 which had been prepared by the Sudanese delegation and revised in the light of the Council's discussion and of a number of various proposed amendments. The Council also considered a Polish amendment,10 modified by its sponsor during the discussion, providing for liaison between the proposed economic commission for Africa and other regional commissions. Taking a separate vote on

"Document E/L.78o/Rev.I. 10 Document E/L.784.



TWENTY-FIFTH SESSION 349

the paragraph of the draft resolution concerning the composition of the commission, the Council rejected by a vote of I2 to 5, with i abstention, the provision that the Soviet Union and the United States be included in the membership of the commission. The Polish amendment was adopted by i i votes to 2, with 5 abstentions, and the draft resolution as a whole, establishing the Economic Commission for Africa and setting forth its terms of reference, was adopted unanimously. Addis Ababa, Ethi- opia, was elected as headquarters of the commission at ECOSOC's Io2ISt meeting.

Economic development of underdeveloped countries: At its ioogth meeting ECOSOC took up the question of industrialization in underdeveloped countries in connection with which it received the Sec- retary-General's reports on implementation of the program on industrialization and productivity"1 and on organizational and administrative machinery,"2 and the first issue of the Bulletin on Industrialization and Productivity.'3 Members of the Council commended the reports and proceeded to discuss the role of industrialization in economic development. A draft resolution prepared by the Economic Committee was taken up by ECOSOC at its Io2oth meeting and adopted unanimously."+ Under the terms of Part A of the resolution ECOSOC, inter alia, emphasized the need to accelerate the work on industrialization and productivity, requested the Secretary-General to encourage the organization of seminars, consultations, and training centers to facilitate the application of the program, wel- comed the information that cooperation with the specialized agencies concerned had been developed and would continue, emphasized the desirability of strengthening the substantive servicing of the UN technical assistance operations in the field of industrialization and of maintaining close relationships with the Expanded Program 11 Document E/3078. 12 Document E/3079. 13 Document E/305I. 14 Document E/3II2. 15 Document E/3058.

and the Special Fund, recognized the work being done by the regional economic commissions in industrialization and productivity, and invited the Secretary-General to establish a committee of experts to review and make recommendations concerning the program of work in industrialization and productivity. Part B of the resolution, recognizing that indusitrialization coluld not be undertaken on the desired scale without continuing imports of the equipment required and that the latter had to be paid for by exports of the underdeveloped countries, and recognizing the importance at- tached to the relationship between the prices of the raw materials exported by the underdeveloped countries and of the manufactured goods exported by the industrialized countries for the industrial and general economic advancement of the underdeveloped countries, looked fo,rward to the further exploration of commodity problems in the light of the desirability of achieving a sound international economic balance.

At its ioi4th meeting ECOSOC opened its discussion oif the development of water resources in underdeveloped countries, using as the basis of its debate four studies: Water for Industrial Use,"5 Integrated River Basin Development,"6 a report on international cooperation with respect to water resource development,'7 and another on existing hydrolotgic services.18 Members of the Council commenited briefly on the four studies and subsequently referred the matter to the Economic Committee which prepared a draft resolution on the matter."9 The resolution as unanimously adopted by ECOSOC, inter alia, i) commended the panel olf experts for the report on integrated river basin development and noted with interest the efforts being made to formulate legal principles applicable to users of international rivers; 2) commended the Secretary-General and the World MeteoTrological Organization (WMO) for

16 Document E/3o66. 17 Document E/307I. 18 Document E/3070. 19 Document E/3II4.




the report on existing hydrologic services and noted the recommendations concerning the functions of WMO in hydrology; 3) commended the Secretary-General for the report !on water for industrial use and called special attention to the importance of water pollution abatement in industrialized countries and of preventing water pollution in countries in the early sitages of industrialization; and 4) noted the report of the Secretary-General on international cooperation with respect to water resources development, commended the Secretary- General and the specialized agencies for their cooperation in carrying forward consultations on water resources problems, requested the Secretary-General to take measures to establish within the Secretariat a center to promo-te coordinated efforts for the development of water resources, requested the Secretary-General to give proper consideration to applications by governments for assistance in the development of river basins, including the joint development of international rivers, and requested the Secretary-General and the specialized agencies to develop a program of studies relating to problems of water resources and to integrate river basin development.

United Nations Children's Fund: The Council at its ioioth meeting received reports concerning meetings of the Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).20 In considering the reports members of ECOSOC stated their approval of UNICEF's activities, particularly in malaria eradication, maternal and child welfare, and nutrition. It was suggested that UNICEF's activities be coordinated with programs of national governments, the specialized agencies, and the UN Bureau of Social Affairs and that financial support for UNICEF from governments and private sources be increased. A draft resolution,21 submitted by Brazil, France, Greece, Sudan, and Yugoslavia, amended

N Documents E/2977, E/305o, and E/3o83 and Corr. i.

21 Document E/L.785. 22 Document E/L.787.

during the debate and adopted unanimously by the Council, took note of the reports and expressed the hope that countries would consider ways and means to increase their effective support to UNICEF.

At its Io2oth meeting ECOSOC elected ten members to the UNICEF Executive Board.

Other Matters: At its ioi9th mecting the Council had before it a United States and Netherlands joint draft resolution concerning General Assembly Resolution i i66 (XII) on the establishment of an executive committee of the program of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.22 A separate vote on the paragraph regarding the terms of reference of the proposed committee was requested by the Soviet delegate, who claimed that the draft resolution had been prompted by political motives, gave undue importance to the refugee problem, and enlarged the scope of the General As- sembly resolution concerned. The paragraph was adopted by I5 votes to 2, with i abstention. The Council adopted the draft resolution as a whole by I5 votes to none, with 3 abstentions, and subsequently elected 24 members to the committee.

The report of the Council Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations on applications for hearings was adopted by ECOSOC at its Ioo4th meeting with no discussion.23 The committee's report on applications and re-applications for consultative status was taken up by ECOSOC at its ioigth meeting.24 The discussion focussed on two amendments to the committee's draft resolution, one submitted by the Soviet Union proposing that the Women's Inter- national Democratic Federation be granted category B consultative status,' and a second by Costa Rica and Mexico proposing that the American Coffee Federation be placed on the register.26 The Council rejected the Soviet amendment by ii votes to 3, with 4 abstentions, rejected the Costa Rican and

23 Document E/3IOO. 24 Document E/3073. 25 Document E/L.788. 26 Document E/L.789.



COMMISSIONS 35'

Mexican amendment by 8 votes to 5, with 5 abstentions, and adopted by I4 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions, the draft resolution, which granted the request of the Associated Countrywomen of the World for reclassification from the register to category B, requested the Secretary-General to place the International Bureau of Motor-Cycle Man- ufacturers on the register of nongovern- mental organizations, and deferred consideration of the applications of the Inter- American Planning Society and the In- ternational Confederation of Senior Public Servants for category B consultative status until 1959.

At its Io2oth meeting the Council proceeded to the elections for two functional commissions. Members elected to the Com- mission on Human Rights included France, Iraq, India, the Philippines, the Soviet Union, and the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Those elected to the Commis- siion on the Status of Women were the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Greece, and Israel. Members elected to the Technical Assistance Committee were the Federal Re- public of Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the United Arab Republic.

Commissions Economic Commission for Europe: The

thirteenth session of the Economic Com- mission for Europe (ECE) was held from April 9 to 24, 1958, under the chairmanship of Oscar Lange (Poland).27 Review- ing the activities of ECE's committees and groups of experts, representatives were unanimous in stressing the value of the work of the Commission and its committees and reaffirmed the desire of their respective governments to continue in ac- tive cooperation with ECE. They also expressed their satisfaction at the practical and flexible measures taken by ECE with respect to procedure and methods for the exchange of technical and scientific information and at the contacts established be-

27 UN Press Release No. ECE/GEN/435, May 2, I958. For a summary of the twelfth session, see In-

tween experts, particularly through the organization of study tours.

Discussing the report of the special meeting of government experts on energy problems held in Geneva in March I958, some delegations stressed the importance of the studies proposed by the special meeting. Others expressed doubt as to the usefulness of the joint undertaking of such studies, pointing out that the coverage of energy needs depended largely upon national economic policies. Discussing European collaboration in the energy field, representatives of Hungary, the Soviet Union, and Czechoslovakia, favored special periodic meeting of energy experts, while others, such as the United Kingdom and Nether- lands delegates, opposed such a procedure. A number of delegations urged the impos- sibility of discussing energy problems without reference to the impact upon them of nuclear energy.

Regarding a Soviet proposal for the study on a regional basis of peaceful uses of atomic energy, a number of delegations stated their view that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was the competent body for conducting such studies, that the number of available experts on nuclear energy was limited, and that the establishment of a special body within the Commission for the study of such problems might result in duplication of effort.

Turning to the activities of the Com- mittee on the Development of Trade, the Commission emphasized the importance of its work, particularly in the light of the slackening in the growth of intra-European trade. Representaitives of certain countries referred to the increases in east-west trade during the previous year, while others stated that the rate of increase in their trade had been recently reduced. The Soviet delegate urged that the committee should more actively pursue its efforts to eliminate obstacles to trade and that the level and intensity of the work should be increased. Delegations of Bulgaria, Hungary, ternational Organization, Summer I957 (Vol. II, No. 3), p. 505-507.




and Poland suggested that the committee at its next session could prepare the work of a conference of ministers to deal with trade questions, as proposed by the Soviet delegation. The United Kingdom delegate expressed the view that the committee could explore the question of reducing trade restrictions, but that eastern European coiun- tries would have to offer on a reciprocal basis an adequate counterpart to tariff re- ductions and the elimination of quantita- tive restrictions. In regard to the committee's impending discussion concerning the European Economic Community, the delegate of France proposed that the committee should also study the effects upon Euro- pean trade of other efforts to achieve economic integration on a sub-regional basis in Europe. The United States representative stated his belief that the common market would lead to expanded world trade, whereas other delegates emphasized their feeling that the common market would have harmful effects upon the development of intra-European trade and particularly upon trade between east and west.

In discussing the economic situation in Europe the Commission had before it the Economic Survey of Europe in 195828 prepared by the Secretariat. A number of delegates emphasized in this connection the value of the increasing volume of statistics from the countries of eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Many representatives in reporting on economic conditions in their respective countries stressed the role that ECE could play in the expansion and improvement of economic cooperation between eastern and western Europe.

The Commission adopted for the following year its program of work which provided that its committees and groups of experts would continue the study of Euro- pean problems in the fields of agriculture, coal and gas, electric power, housing, inland transport, steel, timber, development of trade and industry, and materials. It also adopted resolutions concerning the development of the exchange of economic,

28 Document E/ECE/3I7.

technical, and scientific documentation among ECE members; promotion of the study of energy problems in Europe by subsidiary bodies of the Commission; further development of contacts between members of ECE, particularly by study tours of experts of different countries and by further facilities for business visitors and tourists; promotion of economic relations and cooperation among countries participating in the Commission's work; cooperation among regional commissions to enhance the expansion of mutually beneficial commercial and other economic relations between countries participating in their work; the study of water pollution control problems in Europe and of the economic problems concerning plastics and artificial and synthetic fibres; and the Commission's program of work for I958-I959. Other resolutions adopted during the thirteenth session i) invited ECE's committees and other organs to continue to devote attention to aspects of productivity related to the points included in their respective programs of work; 2) requested the Executive Secretary to inform the Com- mission at its next session of progress on regional cooperation in 'the economic aspects of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; 3) called upon member states, to use on a commercial basis opportunities available for developing the exchange of experience regarding consumer goods, particularly with respect to production techniques; 4) requested the Economic and Social Council to take account of requests of certain European countries interested in receiving aid under the Expanded Techni- cal Assistance Program; and 5) recommended European countries to submit to the Committee on the Development of Trade any suggestions they might have for the further development among ECE members of mutually advantageous trade and other economic relations on a commercial basis.

Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East: The fourteenth session of the



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Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Federation of Malaya, from March 5 to I5, I958, under the chairmanship of Dato Abdul Razak bin Dato Hussein (Fed- eration of Malaya).29 In reviewing the economic situation in Asia the Commission discussed in particular measures, such as diversification of production and price stabilization measures, which could be undertaken to continue development effort in the region while maintaining economic stability; it considered also international com- modiity agreements for regulation of the volume or prices of exports of tea, sugar, and tin, the need for maintenance of high and stable levels of employment, income, and demand in industrial countries to se- cure steady and growing markets for the products of primary exporting countries in the region, ithe heavy strain on the limited fluctuating foreign exchange reserves of the countries in the region resulting in part from their need to finance imports for development purposes, and, in that connection, the desirability of an increased flow of external capital into the area and the need to intensify the mobilization of domestic savings as the basis for economic growth, the importance of attracting private foreign investment and the technical knowledge associated therewith, and the need for an increase in the production of food in view of the high rate of population growth.

Studying the report of the working party on economic development and planning, the Commission suggested that problems of shortage of trained personnel, inadequacy of techniques of production, and frequent lack of essential statis;tics might be partly overcome by increased exchange of tem- porary solutions reached by the various countries. Regarding stabilization of prices of major agricultural products, the Com- mission recommended increased attention on the immediate problems of storage of food grains and on agricultural priLce and income support po.licies.

29 Economic and Social Council Official Records (26th session), Supplement No. 2. For a summary of

Turning to trade matters, the Commis- sion examined the report of the Committee on Trade, in connection with which it urged that continued attentioln be paid to the problem of stability of primary commodity prices, stressed the importance of steps taken by countries of the region to simplify the formalities or eliminate un- necessary restrictions in import and export licensing procedures, and approved the committee's recommendation that a study be undertaken on trade in minerals and mineral products of the region. The Com- mission discussed extensively the po-ssible repercussions of the European Economic Community (EEC) on ECAFE countries. Pointing out their obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, representatives of EEC explained to ECAFE members that the legitimate trade of third countries would be safeguarded in accord- ance with the terms of the Rome Treaty. The Commission endorsed the suggestions that ECAFE member governments should prepare studies on the possible repercussions of EEC on their principal export products and asked the secretariat to prepare and circulate to the Committee on Trade analytical reviews of important studies undertaken by other international agencies. The Commission took up the proposal to convene intraregional trade promotion talks and adopted a resolution which, considering it desirable to expand further trade between the countries of the region, decided to hold the proposed talks on an experimental basis within the framework of UN resolutions and requested the Executive Secretary to arrange for the hold- ing of the talks as early as practicable.

Regarding the report of the Committee on Industry and Natural Resources the Commission discussed, in p;articular, industrialization in the region, the exchange of information concerning small-scale industries, the preparation of regional geological and mineral maps, studies on mineral resources development, steps toward the de- the thirteenth session, see International Organization, Spring 1957 (Vol. ii, No. 2), p. 374-375.




velopmen't of the iron and steel industries, plans foir harnessing hydroelectric power and for rural electrification, and developments in the economic applications of atomic energy. The Commission also, discussed reports of the Inland Transport Committee, the Bureau of Flood Control and Water Resources Develolpment, the Third Regional Technical Conference on Water Resources Development, and the Committee for Co-ordination of Investiga- tions of the Lower Mekong Basin. In considering the latter, the Commission adopted a resolution commending the extent of international cooperation already achieved and the concerted action taken by the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and the Republic of Viet-Nam for the development of the lower Mekong basin, expressing the belief that development of the basin would contribute to the improvement of economic development and human welfare in the area, noting with appreciation the offer of assistance by several UN Mem- bers for the implementation of the program of studies and investigations of the basin, urging the UN to give the highest priority to the project when the special projects fund was set up, and requesting the Executive Secretary to aid the Commit- tee for 'Co-ordination in facilitating implementation of the program of investigations.

Other repo'rts considered by the Commis- sion included those on the first session of the Conference of Asian Statisticians, the Second WoTrkshop on Problems olf Budget Reclassification and Management, a coordinated policy regarding family levels of living, agricultural development in the region, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ILO, and UNESCO activities of interest to ECAFE, and UN technical assistance in Asia and the Far East in 1957. The Commission also passed a resolution which recommended to ithe Economic and Social Council that Iran be admitted as a member of ECAFE and decided further

30 Economic and Social Council Official Records (24th session), Supplement No. 8. For a summary

to hold its fifteenth session in Australia in I959.

Economic Commission for Latin Amer- ica: The seventh session of the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) was held at La Paz, Bolivia, from May I5 to 29, I957, under the chairmanship of Mr. Hugo Moreno Cordova (Bolivia).'3 The Commission first considered trade questions, stressing the need for greater multilateralism and for closer integration of the Latin American economies and fo- cussing its attention on the problem of payments in compensatory trading accounts, the project for the creation of a regional market, the possible repercussions of the establishment of a commoin European market, and the study of commodity trade. Under the terms of the resolutions which it adopted in connection with these matters the Commission i) noted the reports of the first sessions of the Trade Committee and of the Central Banks Working Group on a Multilateral Payments System, noted that the Latin American clearing-accounts countries were prepared to explore the possibility of initiating a study of the agreements in force for each pair of contracting parties in Latin America, and requested that its secretariat, in carrying out this study, cooperate at the technical and secretariat levels with the group of countries concerned and that it transmit to the Trade Committee the observations formulated on the draft standard payments agreement and procedures prepared by the Central Banks Working Group; 2) decided that the secretariat should transmit to the secretariat of the Inter-American Economic and Social Council of the Organization of American States a report on studies carried out, under way, or scheduled in relation to the problem of payments and the possibility of cre- ating a regional market in Latin America, in order to prevent the duplication of the activities of the two organizations; 3) recommended to the secretariat the desirability

of the sixth session, see International Or-ganization May x956 (Vol. io, No. 2), p. 294-296.



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of expediting the work and studies bearing upon the establishment of a regional market; 4) requested ECLA to continue to ob- serve the economic integration of Europe and other areas and decided that studies should be carried out on world market prospects for Latin American primary commodities, taking into consideration in particular the consequences that might arise from the European common market, from the possible establishment of a free trade zone in Europe, and from other similar projects; 5) recommended that ECLA member governments grant the greatest possible facilities to the expansion of the international trade of the landlocked countries; and 6) recommended to the secretariat that it intensify its studies on inter- Latin American trade, principally with a view to suggesting measures whereby the structural disequilibria in the balance-of- payments situation of some Latin American countries might be remedied and to ex- panding trade within and outside Latin America at increasingly high levels, calculated to expedite the transition towards greater liberalization of trade and a multilateral payments system.

In dealing with economic development, industry, and energy, the Commission devoted attention to economic development problems and policy, discussing external vulnerability of the Latin American countries and remedial measures, disequilibrium between agricultural and irndustrial development and its implications for government policy, problems arising from the growth of the labor force in relation to changes in the economic structure, foreign capital and transmission of technology, and the technique of analysis and projections in the programming of economic development. The Commission recommended to the secretariat that besides continuing its methodological studies on the analysis and projection of development on the basis of the experience of the Latin American countries, it devote attention to the specific problems relating to programming by sectors and by regions and to the preparation, pre-

sentation, and evaluation of individual projects. Regarding the economic integration of Central America, the Commission congratulated the Economic Co-operation Committee on its progress, took note of the importance of the committee's agreement on the signing by Costa Rica, el Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, in the near future, of a Central American multilateral free trade and economic integration treaty and of an agreement on Central American integration industries, and recommended to members of ECIA that they study the procedures and progress of the Central American economic integration program as constituting an experiment of great significance for the evaluation of other possible similar projects in Latin America, especially those relating to the Latin American regional market.

With respect to other aspects of economic development the Commission i) recommended the continuation of studies by the secretariat of the social aspects of economic development, the extension of knowledge in the socio-economic field, and social welfare in close relation to economic development; 2) expressed interest in the continu- ance of the experiment in decentralizing technical assistance in Latin America and recommended that the secretariat collabo- ate with the Technical Assistance Admin- istration in preparing and keeping up to date a register of Latin American experts in the various fields of economic activity and of the region's institutes of technological research whose technical assistance might be useful to member governments; 3) recommended that the secretariat continue studies in the field of the iron and steel making and transforming industries, that the work of the Pulp and Paper Ad- visory Group be continued in the countries that so requested, that ECLA members study the possibilities of utilizing nuclear energy and consider the desirability of placing such studies in the hands of public and private entities responsible for the various aspects of energy supply, that the secretariat keep in touch with the Latin




American governments to ensure that the utilization of rivers and lakes was effected on the basis of adequate planning by international technical commissions, and that the secretariat, in cooperation with TAA, sponsor a special meeting on the mining industry in Latin America.

The Commission discussed the agricultural situation in Latin America, pointing out, inter alia, that the increment in total production was unsatisfactory in relation to the growth of population and income. Showing its concern for the low productivity of agricultural labor and the slow rate of improvement, the Commission recommended to ECLA members that in their programs of research on the agricultural economy of their countries they attach special importance to the study and improvement of the productivity of labor, land, capital, and in inputs, and recommended to the secretariat that it continue its studies on productivity, furnish governments with the methodology necessary for the undertaking of country studies in this field, and that at the request of governments it advise and assist countries on the improvement of productivity. Other resolutions adopted by the Commission in the agricultural sphere concerned a request for collaboration of the secretariat with the Food and Agricul- ture Organization regarding a detailed study of the trends and prospects for the production and consumption oif timber and forest products in Latin America, the provision of ECLA assistance and the exchange of information among governments on the problem of uneconomic farms, and the provision of ECLA guidance in conducting studies on the efficiency and prospects of coffee growing and processing.

Statistical Commission: The tenth session of the Statistical Commission was held at UN Headquarters from April 28 to May I5, I958, under the chairmanship of George E. Wood (New Zealand)."' The Commission discussed the development of

31 UN Press Release STAT/243, May I5, I958. For a summary of the ninth session, see International Organization, August I956 (Vol. Io, No. 3), p. 436-438.

statistical standards by the UN and the specialized agencies during the previous two years on the basis of a report prepared by the UN Secretariat.82 The Commission stressed the value of publications of the UN Statistical Office and drew to the attention of ECOSOC and ithe General Assem- bly the merit, particularly to underdeveloped countries, of publications dealing with statistical methods. The Commission agreed that although the quality of statistics was primarily the responsibility of the national statistical offices, there was need for guidance by the Statistical Office and the specialized agencies. The Commission noted with gratification that, due to the decision of the General Assembly to set up a special fund for economic development, it would be possible to initiate training programs in statistics.

Noting the work done in preparation for the i960 world population census program, the Commission recommended that the Secretariat continue to develop a program of technical assistance, training, and expert advice for the preparation and conduct of national censuses. After noting the usefulness of the methodological studies and technical manuals prepared by the Secretariat, the Commission expressed the hope that the Secretariat would be able to continue assembling, analyzing, and disseminating technical information based on the experience of the new series of censuses and in particular on the extent to which international recommendations had been useful or required modifications. With regard to a draft concerning principles and recommendations for national censuses, it was pointed out that the document represented a compromise of methods and viewpoints among many countries and that the value of the recommendations could be deter- mined only after application. In this connection the Commission adopted a resolution generally endorsing the principles contained in the draft, recommending that the

32 Document E/CN.3/249.



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Commission's comments be taken into account during the preparation of the final version, and recommending that the principles, as revised, and the handbook of census methods be issued as soon as possible.

Regarding standards for basic industrial statistics, the Commission considered the draft revisions to the international standards and made several recommendations for their improvement. The Commissio-n also adopted two resolutions, the first of which invited the Secretary-General to continue work on the revised set of standards for use in basic industrial inquiries and to prepare, with the cooperation of member states, a comparative study of the systems of basic industrial statistics in use, and to inform governments of the I963 world program of basic industrial statistics. The second resolution invited ECOSOC to consider the adoption of a resolution recommending that governments compile com- prehensive data for industry for i963 or thereabouts, taking into account the international recommendations designed to improve the comparability of the data.

The Commission requested the Secre- tary-General to revise two reports on national accounts and on capital formation in the light of the opinion that the studies adopted an approach somewhat highly re- fined for immediate purposes. The Com- mission also decided to request the Secre- tary-General to prepare a national accoiunts manual to supplement the two reports. The Secretary-General was also requested to continue, by means of consultation with statistical offices of member states, conferences, and special working groups, the study of existing systems of national accounts. With regard to the problems. and methods of capital formation statistics, particularly in underdeveloped countries, the Commission was of the opinion that the Secretary-General should continue to assess critically the methods and sources em-

33UN Press Release SOC/2470, April 3, I958. For a summary of the thirteenth session, see International

ployed and should assist countries in all possible ways.

Commission on Human Rights: From March io to April 3, 1958, the Commis- sion on Human Rights held its fourteenth session at UN headquarters under the chairmanship of Mr. Gunewardene (Cey- lon) .

In examining the UN program of advisory services in the field of human rights, the Commission adopted two resolutions, one recommending an increase in the program and a second taking note of the recommendation of the seminar on criminal law and procedure held in the Philippines that a seminar on the same subject be held in I962 and inviting the committee on the right of everyone to be free from arbitrary arrest, detention, and exile toatake the dis- cussions of the seminar into consideration.

The Commission had before it a report of the Committee on Freedom of Informa- tion in connection with which it adopted a resolution submitted by Ceylon, India, Iran, and Poland, requesting ECOSOC and UNESCO and other specialized agencies to consider and implement the committee's suggestions concerning assistance to underdeveloped countries in building up adequate media of information and their use for the free flow of accurate and undis- torted news and information. The Com- mission also approved a proposal that the Commission consider at its next session procedures for ensuring constant review of problems of freedom of information. The Commission rejected a proposal seeking to continue the work of the committee.

With respect to the periodic reports on human rights the Commission unanimously adopted a resolution recommending that the Secretary-General, submit to its next session suggestions for a plan to guide governments in preparing future triennial reports on human rights. The Commis- sion noted that only 35 governments had transmitted reports, and expressed the hope

Organization, Summer I957 (Vol. ii, No. 3), p. 507-508.




that other governments would transmit them before the next session of the Com- mission.

On the problem of communications received concerning human rights the Com- mission appointed a seven-member committee to study the question and requested ECOSOC to re-examine its resolutions relating to communications on human rights with a view to establishing a procedure in handling communications which was better calculated to promote respect for and ob- servance of fundamental human rights. The Commission took note of the distribution of the list of communications alleging vio- lation of human rights and the replies by governments.

The Commission received the report of a committee which had been established to deal with the yearbook on human rights. A draft resolution prepared by the committee and adopted by the Commission called for the continuation of the annual publication of the yearbook, restricted the size of the volume, stated the decision to publish statements from governments on specific rights, and recommended to governments that they use the yearbook in preparing their annual reports.

Among its other decisions the Commis- sion i) adopted a resolution stating that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be a required subject of study in all schools and recommending that states take steps giving effect to this decision; 2) recommended that the Commission's sessions be continued on an annual basis; 3) adopted resolutions taking note of the report of the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Mi- norities and endorsing the subcommission's view that a second conference of non-governmental organizations interested in the eradication of prejudice and discrimination should be held in I959; 4) adopted a resolution expressing appreciation to the Inter- national Labor Organization for its work toward eliminating discrimination in em-

34 UN Press Release SOC/2414, February 7, I958. For a summary of the ninth session, see International

ployment and occupation; and 5) discussed and took note of a progress report submitted by the committee for studying the right of everyone 'to be free from arbitrary arrest, detention, and exile.

The tenth session of the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Pro- tection of Minorities was held at UN headquarters from January I3 to February 7, I958, under the chairmanship of Mo- hammed Awad (Egypt).34 The Subcom- mission devoted most of its session to a detailed examination of the draft report prepared by a special rapporteur on the subject of religious rights, particularly regarding unwarranted interference of governments in matters of religion. Based on reports from governments and other sources, the report had concluded that there was an increasing measure of religious toleration in most countries. The Subcom- mission requested the Secretary-General to furnish the rapporteur with the assistance necessary to enable him to complete the final report in time for presentation in I959. The Subcommission also adopted a resolution informing the Secretary-General that it would appreciate publication of reports on conditions in individual countries prepared by the rapporteur with the assistance of the UN Secretariat on the basis of information received from the governments concerned and from other sources.

In approving proposals by its special rapporteur regarding a study of discrimination in political rights, the Subcommission stated its intention to undertake a moire detailed study of the question at its session in I959. The rapporteur informed the Subcommission that the completed study would include, among other topics, material on conditions for participating in elections, eligibility for elective or non- elective public office, and separate represen- tation of distinct groups.

The Subcommission considered a report on discrimination in employment, which had been prepared by the International La- Organization, Spring I957 (Vol. ii, No. 2), p. 378- 379.



COMMISSIONS 359

bor Office, containing texts of a proposed international convention and a proposed recommendation on discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. De- ciding to retain the subject on its agenda in 1959, the Subcommission approved a resolution expressing appreciation of and satisfaction with steps taken by the Inter- national Labor Organization toward the adoption of measures designed to prevent discrimination in employment and occupation.

In addition, the Subcommission i) approved a resolution recommending that a second conference of non-governmental organizations interested in the eradication of prejudice and discrimination be held in 1959 and suggesting that the Secretary- General consult with the organizations concerned on the agenda and other arrangements; and 2) asked assistance of the Secretary-General in enabling it to carry out studies on a number of important articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which it had not covered. The Subcommission also heard a report on the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on discrimination in education.

Commission on the Status of Women: The twelfth session of the Commission on the Status of Women was held in Geneva, March I7-April 3, 1958, under the chairmanship of Begum Anwar Ahmed (Paki- stan) 35 Discussing political rights of women the Commission stressed the importance not only of recognizing these rights but also of educating women in the use of them. The Commission emphasized the need for equality of women in the access to and in the exercise of all public services and functions and accordingly adopted a resolution deciding to bring up to date its study of this matter. With respect to the access of women to education the Commission focussed its attention on a report prepared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organ-

35 Economic and Social Council Official Records (26th session), Supplement No. 7. For a summary

ization (UNESCO) regarding the access of women to higher education. During their examination of the report, members of the Commission stressed the importance of the role of the highly educated woman in the community, the necessity for providing a sound foundation for higher education at the primary and secondary levels of in- struction, and the desirability of giving adequate vocational guidance to women and girls.

The Commission, dealing with the status of women in private law, discussed, in particular, consent to marriage and age of marriage. In view of its conclusion that further information in this field would help assure protection for women and the family, the Commission recommended that the Economic and Social Council request the Secretary-General to circulate to member governments and to non-governmental organizations in consultative status a ques- tionnaire designed to obtain information on consent to marriage and requirements as to age and registration. The Commission also recommended that the Council consider it appropriate to prescribe desirable standards in this field by means of an international instrument establishing a minimum age of marriage not less than sixteen years, the requirement of the free consent of both parties to the marriage, and the compul- sory registration of marriages. The Com- mission recommended for adoption by ECOSOC another resolution requesting the World Health Organization to undertake an inquiry into the persistence of cus- toms which subjected girls to ritual operations and into the measures adopted or planned for halting such practices.

Concerning economic opportunities for women, the Commission discussed working women, including working mothers, with family responsibilities and recoim- mended in this matter that ECOSOC adopt a resolution drawing the attention of governments to the existing possibilities of using assistance available through the spe- of the eleventh session, see International Organization, Spring 1957 (Vol. ii, No. 2), p.379-38I.




cialized agencies for improving the situation of working women, requested the specialized agencies to give sympathetic consideration to any request submitted to them in this connection, and stressed the importance of the inquiry which was to be undertaken by the International Children's Centre in Paris on creches and day nur- series. After it touched on the right to rest and the right to material security in case of old age, illness, or loss of capacity to work, the Commission took up the matter of age of retirement and right to pension. Centering its debate on the desirability of lower retirement and pensionable ages for women as compared to those of men, the Commission approved a draft resolution for adoption by ECOSOC. Ac- cording to the resolution, the Council urged non-governmental organizations to continue their efforts towards equal rights of women in the age of retirement and in workers' pension and recommended that members of the UN and of the specialized agencies facilitate the equal treatment of men and women workers with respect to pension plans and with respect to the implementation of the principle that the nor- mal retirement age and pensionable age should be the same for men and women.

The Commission took up the matter of equal pay for equal work and examined in this regard a report of the International Labor Organization (ILO) on general developments in this field, a draft pamphlet on the matter prepared by the Secretary- General and the International Labor Of- fice, and a draft convention under consideration by ILO on discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. After deciding that members should forward general comments on the draft pamphlet to the Secretariat and to the International La- bor Office, the Commission adopted a resolution which dealt with the draft convention. The resolution stated that the Com- mission, concerned with the fact that article 6 of the draft convention excluded equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value from the

scope of application of the convention, considered that this article would disrupt the organic unity which should exist between the principles of the convention and would prejudice its future application. The resolution also recommended that ECOSOC request the Secretary-General to appoint a representative to the International Labor Conference in June 1958 to present the position of the Commission during the discussion of the draft convention.

The question of technical assistance and advisory services programs in relation to the status of women was subsequently studied by the Commission, which noted, in particular, the success of the seminar on the civic responsibilities and increased participation of Asian women in public life held at Bangkok in August 1957. The Commission accordingly adopted a resolution which expressed the hope that it would be possible to organize in 1959 a regional seminar on the same subject in either Africa or Latin America, hoped that a regional seminar on the legal status of women in the family and property rights of women would be organized in Asia in I960, hoped also that a regional seminar would be organized in I96I in Africa or Latin America, depending on the location of the I959 seminar, and that a seminar would be organized in Europe at a later date, expressed the hope that governments would extend invitations to hold such seminars in their respective countries, and requested the Secretary-General to consult with interested governments to expedite the organization of these seminars with the understanding that every member state in the region could participate and that any other member could attend as an observer.

In other actions taken at its twelfth session the Commission recommended the continuation of its annual meetings, noted the repoirt of the Inter-American Commis- sion of Women, reviewed communications concerning the status of women, discussed the participation of women in the work of the UN and of the specialized agencies,



COMMISSIONS 36I

and reviewed its program of work and establishment of priorities.

Commission on International Commod- ity Trade: The fifth session of the Com- mission on International Commodity Trade was held in New York, May 6-17, 1957, under the chairmanship of Mr. E. Penteado (Brazil).36 During its review of the current situation of internatio-nal trade in primary commodities, the Commission paid particular attention to the adverse affect of instability in the proceeds of exports of primary commodities on the development programs of underdeveloped countries, difficulties arising from shifts in the terms of trade of primary producing countries, the slow rate of growth in demand for primary products as compared with the rate of growth of output and incomes of industrial countries, the existence of large surplus stocks of certain agricultural products and the effects of measures taken for their disposal, and the significance for international commodity trade of the projected European common market.

Turning to fluctuations in commodity prices and volume of trade, the Commis- sion touched upon two pilot studies which it had initiated in connection with its decision to make an analysis of the nature and extent of long- and short-term fluctuations. The Commission decided to request the Secretary-General to make arrangements with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for as- suring the continuation of the study on fats and oils on the basis of an outline submitted by FAO with some separate attention to the trade of major producing and consuming countries in the individual fats and oils. Regarding the study on non- ferrous metals, the Commission considered a second progress report containing a brief economic survey of five non-ferrous metals industries and presenting a detailed outline of a projected study. While noting that a number of years would be required for

36 Economic and Social Council Official Records (24th session), Supplement No. 7. For a summary of the fourth session, see International Organization, Spring 1957 (Vol. II, No. 2), p. 375-376.

completion of the studies, the Commission expressed the hope that the work would be carried out as expeditiously as possible.

The Commission received a preliminary document by the Secretariat on a study of the principal systems applied to and proposed for the solution of problems con- nected with primary commodity trade. Al- though it expressed its long-term interest in pursuing the study of such systems, the Commission decided not to consider the question at the fifth session but to keep the item on the agenda of future sessions. The Commission also postponed consideration of the establishment of a world food reserve, since the question was being examined in detail by other bodies.

Other matters dealt with by the Com- mission included its future program of work, proposals by governments concerning international commodity problems, organizational and procedural arrangements in the field of international commodity problems and coordination of the Commis- sion's activities within the framework of the UN, and arrangements for the sixth session of the Commission. In addition the Commission recommended to the Eco- nomic and Social Council that the Com- mission hold only one regular session a year.

The Commission held its sixth session, May 5-I6, i958, under the chairmanship of Costa P. Caranicas (Greece)." The majoir part of the Commission's attention was devoted to proposals by Argentina, Bel- gium, and Uruguay to amend the Com- mission's terms of reference. Some representatives supported alteration of the terms of reference because they hoped the membership of the Commission could be bro-ad- ened, while others expressed their belief that there had been insufficient time to consider fully the implications of the suggested changes or that new terms of reference would weaken the Commission's work program. It was decided to refer the matter

37 UN Press Release EC/i835, May i6, I958.




to the Economic and Social Council for consideration at its 26th session.

The Commission decided to include in its report a statement drafted by a special working party reviewing the current commodity situation. Included among the developments cited in the report were the slight increase in the over-all value of exports in less developed countries, the decline in primary commodity prices, the rise in prices of finished goods in the industrial countries, and the weakening of commodity markets. The report concluded that these problems had caused considerable balance-of-payments difficulties in many less developed countries and that because of the declining trend in income from international trade they were facing greater difficulties in implementing their programs of economic development. Since the developments in commodity markets were likely to aggravate the balance-of-payments position in semi-industrialized and other less- developed countries, this in turn would tend to have adverse consequences for exports of manufactured goods by the industrial countries.

The Commission received three governmental submissions on international commodity problems. One from Thailand dealt with tin and rice; the second, from the Philippines, raised the matter of its major exports; and the third, from Chile, concerned the copper market. The Com- mission heard statements by Chile and by a representative of the Philippines and, in *its report, noted that the Secretary-General had initiated consultations with the governments concerned and with the appropriate inter-governmental agencies.

Concerning ways of carrying out studies on short-term and long-term fluctuations, the Commission agreed that the suggestions of Mr. Morales, a consultant appointed by the Secretary-General, should form a general plan of activities and that the available material on commodity trade should be used. The Commission felt that the studies undertaken should be those most likely to lead to concrete action and

that expert groups, governmental consult- ants, and a proposed permanent technical committee could be of use. The Commis- sion also considered a progress report on the study being carried out by FAO on fats and oils and a report by the Secretary- General on developments in non-ferrous metals during I950-56.

In regard to the establishment of a world food reserve the Commission heard a report from the FAO representative, who explained that FAO had assumed the responsibility for informal consultations between interested bodies. An FAO working party had found that plans for food reserves at the international level were im- practicable and had recommended that attention be concentrated on establishing national food reserves. Several delegations supported the objectives of establishing national reserves of foodstuffs, while others referred to the technical problems involved and to the importance of protecting the in- terests of food exporters, especially underdeveloped countries, in programs for surplus disposal of agricultural commodities. References were also made to external aid for less developed countries in building up their food reserves and to the need for coordination of such action.

The Commission received from the Sec- retary-General two reports, on the Inter- national Sugar Agreement and on the proposed international agreement on olive oil. These and other studies were to be examined by the Commission at future sessions.

Conferences United Nations Conference on Interna-

tional Commercial Arbitration: A UN conference of plenipotentiaries met at headquarters in New York from May 20 to June io, i958, under the presidency of C. W. A. Schurmann (Netherlands), for concluding a convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards and considering other possible measures for increasing the effectiveness of arbitration in the settlement of private law dis-



CONFERENCES 363

putes.38 During its deliberations the conference prepared and opened for signature a convention on the basis of the draft convention prepared by the Committee on the Enforcement of International Arbitral Awards. It was decided that, without prejudice to provisions contained in certain articles, no reservations would be admis- sible to the instrument.

In addition the conference adopted a resolution concerning other measures which could contribute to the more effective use

of arbitration. Suggestions contained in the resolution included wider diffusion of information on arbitration laws, practices and facilities; the establishment of new arbitration facilities and the improvement of existing ones; technical assistance in the development of effective arbitral legislation and institutions; regional study groups, seminars, or working parties, convened under the appropriate UN regional commissions; and uniformity of national laws on arbitration.

38 Document E/CONF.26/g/Rev.i.

