SECOND COMMITTEE, 1095th GENERAL MEETING ASSEMBLY Thursday, 8 December 1966, at 3.20 p.m. TWENTY-FIRST SESSION Official Records • NEW YORK CONTENTS was undoubtedly a link between literacy and develop­ Page ment. As stated in UNESCO's report on the imple­ Agenda item 47: mentation of General Assembly resolution 2043 (XX),!/ World campaign for universal literacy (con- pilot projects were the best approach, because they tinued) • . . . . • • • • • . • . . • . . . . . • . • • • 419 made it possible to determine more accurately the con­ tribution of education to development and therefore the Agenda item 49: appropriate level of international finance requiredfor Operational activities for development (con­ that purpose, as opposed to other pressing development cluded): needs. His delegation was gratified that UNESCO was (§) Activities of the United Nations Develop­ using that method. ment Programme; (!1) Activities undertaken by the Secretary­ 3. While generally agreeing with the admirable General objectives of draft resolution A/C.2/L.926, he con­ Adoption of the draft report of the Committee 423 sidered that the amendments proposed by the delegation would improve the text; if they were Agenda item 39: accepted and if operative paragraph 3, in connexion United Nations Development Decade: report with which the United Kingdom had objections of long of the Secretary-General. • . • . . . • • • 423 standing to the establishment of funds dependent on Agenda item 37: voluntary contributions in specialized agencies, were United Nations Conference on Trade and deleted, his delegation could support the draft Development: report of the Trade and resolution. Board (continued) • . . • • . • . . • • • • • . 424 4. Mr. SADI (Jordan) associated himself with the thanks expressed to Princess Ashraf for her Chairman: Mr. Moraiwid M. TELL (Jordan). very meaningful and graceful statement at the previous meeting. He believed that the words "to the conscience of the world" in the draft resolution should be replaced by a more specific expression. AGENDA ITEM 47 5. Mr. HOO (China) associated himself with the World campaign for universal literacy (continued) congratulations addressed to Her Imperial Highness (A/6303 chap. XIII, sect. IV; A/6323, A/6449, Princess Ashraf Pahlavi and paid a tribute to the A/C .2/L. 926) initiative of His Imperial Majesty the Shahinshah of 1. Sir Edward WARNER (United Kingdom) expressed and his contributions to the literacy campaign. his thanks to Her Imperial Highness Princess 6, It was lamentable that there were still hundreds Ashraf Pahlavi for the clear and cogent statement of millions of illiterates in the world, a fact which which she had made at the previous meeting when widened the gap between the rich and poor countries introducing draft resolution A/C.2/L.926, and in and was the major obstacle to the economic and social which she had stressed the full extent and urgency development of developing countries. Redoubled efforts of the problem. should be made to find ways of eradicating illiteracy. 2. The United Kingdom ForeignSecretaryhadpointed That, of course, depended primarily on the efforts out to the General Assembly, on 11 October (1436th made by each country, but international aid and co­ plenary meeting), that 250 million children of school operation could be of great help. Such action must be age throughout the world were receiving no education. continued and intensified, because, in view of population Everything possible should be done to call attention growth, the efforts to promote literacy and education to those and other human wants so that the maximum could not be interrupted or neglected for long without international effort could be stimulated towards im­ endangering a country's future. For that reason, his proving the situation. His delegation welcomed the delegation supported the world campaign for universal generous gesture of the Iranian Government and literacy, as it had in the past, and endorsed Economic His Imperial Majesty the Shahinshah of Iran towards and Social Council resolution 1128 (XLI), which was a UNESCO's literacy programme. The United Kingdom decisive step in that direction. had chosen to contribute to the limit of its current 7. Illiteracy was no longer a serious problem in the resources to the campaign against illiteracy by con­ province of Taiwan, as the proportion of illiterates tributing $228,000 to UNESCO's literacy programme had decreased from 20 per cent in 1950 to less than 8 and about $35 million-twice the amount of its daily expenditure on the armed forces-annually towards Y Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, Forty-first education for the developing world as a whole. There Session, Annexes, agenda item 19, document E/4214.

419 A/C.2/SR.1095 420 General Assembly - Twenty-first Session - Second Committee per cent, whereas population had increased by 80 per 12. The idea of functional literacy defined in that cent. In continental China, on the other hand, the report had the full support of his delegation; literacy closing of schools, the suspension of classes and the programmes should contribute to the achievement of destruction of books had brought about an increase in important economic objectives in many spheres; they the number of illiterates and uneducated people, and should be integrated with vocational training activi­ many school-children and students had joined the ranks ities; they should not be confined to teaching reading of the rampaging Red Guards who, on the pretext of and writing, but should also impart some professional a "cultural revolution", were actually destroying knowledge. It was also wise to recommend incorporat­ culture. That return to savagery, started and encour­ ing literacy into national economic development and aged by the authorities, conflicted with the aim of the education plans. His delegation would therefore vote in world literacy campaign. favour of the draft resolution before the Committee and hoped it would be approved unanimously. 8. His delegation would support draft resolution A/C.2/L.926 and any amendments to improve it and 13. Mr. DJOUDI (Algeria) expressed his deep grat­ hoped that it would be approved unanimously. itude to Princess Ashraf Pahlavi for the honour she had done to the Committee by coming to introduce 9. Mr. M'BAYE (Guinea) thanked Her Imperial the draft resolution in person-a specially meaningful Highness Princess Ashraf Pahlavi whose statement gesture, since it came from a country which was at the preceding meeting would further the campaign taking an active part in the fight to eliminate illiteracy. against illiteracy. It was also symbolic of the dynamic role played by the Iranian woman and women generally. 10. Guinea had begun to take vigorous steps in that direction even before UNESCO had launched its 14. Ever since the World Congress of Ministers of campaign, in the light of its own experience. The fight Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy, held at against ignorance and under-development was his Teheran in 1965, literacy had been recognized to be country's main preoccupation and it intended to give a factor of economic and social development and, as its population not only a general education but, more such, within the jurisdiction of the United Nations important, specialized training. It wished to change Development Programme (UNDP), which had already radically a mentality deformed by colonialism. The financed functional literacy projects of concern to a whole people of Guinea was taking part in the literacy number of countries. As Princess Ashraf Pahlavi had campaign following the example of the Cuban people, said, illiteracy was not merely the denial of a funda­ which had obtained remarkable results in a short mental right, it was also an obstacle to economic period. His delegation warmly welcomed UNESCO's development and a threat to peace. In a spirit of action and would vote in favour of the draft resolu­ human solidarity the peoples to whose conscience the tion, which it wished to co-sponsor. draft resolution appealed must provide the funds required for the literacy campaign. To know was 11. Mr. MURGESCU (Romania) congratulated the to understand, and knowledge created mutual under­ Iranian delegation on the initiative taken by its standing among peoples and thus prepared the way to Government and paid a tribute to Princess Ashraf peace. He referred to the statement, made by the Pahlavi for her brilliant statement at the previous Director-General of UNESCO at the summer session meeting. The draft resolution was a sequel to Iran's of 1966 of the Economic and Social Council (1425th generous gesture for the elimination of illiteracy. meeting), in which he had defined the under-develop­ The action taken in that connexion was one of the most ment of a community as the fact that it had not really noble enterprises of the United Nations. The human attained, in its mind and customs, the scientific and factor was of capital importance in the process of technological civilization which was now the form economic and social development, and the elimination and motive force of human progress. A country was of illiteracy was the first prerequisite for the develop­ developed when the science and technology it produced ment of human resources and the achievement of had ceased to be imported magic and were an integral economic and social progress. The sponsors defined in and living part of its culture. the draft resolution the stages by which illiteracy 15. His delegation would support the draft resolution. would be eliminated throughout the world and the part which international co-operation could play in that 16. Mr. VENEGAS (Colombia) expressed his admira­ respect. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and tion and that of his country for the announcement made Cultural Organization occupied a special place in that by Her Imperial Highness Princess Ashraf Pahlavi process and its role was endorsed by Economic and which constituted an example worthy of imitation. It Social Council resolution 1128 (XLI). It was in that was indeed stimulating that a country should devote same spirit that his Government was striving to to the UNESCO literacy campaign the equivalent of eliminate the illiteracy it had inherited from the past, its military expenditure for one day. organizing vocational training and encouraging the 17. The problem of illiteracy was so vast that it spread of science and culture among all strata of the should be given at least the same priority as economic population. His delegation was gratfied to find that development itself; literacy was undoubtedly at the spirit reflected in a United Nations document which very root of social progress. sought to intensify both national and international efforts, chiefly through UNESCO, in an area so vital 18. Aware of the priority that literacy deserved, for development. In its report to the Economic and Colombia was spending almost 20 per cent of its Social Council, UNESCO demonstrated how concerned annual budget on education, although under the Con­ it was to develop guidelines and define methods for stitution it was required to devote only 10 per cent overcoming illiteracy. to the training of teachers, the construction and recon- 1095th meeting- 8 December 1966 421 struction of schools, and to the speedier fulfilment of the experience acquired by certain developing coun­ the national aim of bringing the benefits of literacy tries which, although possessing only limited re,;. to as many people as possible. Sometimes the struggle sources, had succeeded in achieving remarkable was unequal: for each teacher who was trained and results in a very short time. for each school that was built, the number of school­ 25. Byelorussia herself, three quarters of whose age children eager for education increased still population had been illiterate in 1917, had succeeded further under the impact of the demographic explosion. in wiping out illiteracy by 1936, in spite of the 19. So great was the thirst for knowledge in his difficulties caused by the occupation and the war. country that a private non-profit-making association The profound economic and social changes that had had recently been established for the purpose of taken pla0e and the participation of the whole population publishing free primary-school textbooks. Perhaps in the campaign had enabled Byelorussia to solve that UNESCO could take that example into account and serious problem rapidly and completely. Today, study the possibility -of devoting part of its resources school children excepted, almost one third of the for the world literacy campaign to the publication of population of Byelorussia were engaged in studies of free primary-school textbooks. Of course, that would one kind or another. In 1965-1966, 1,782,000 persons be done on a world-wide scale and efforts could be out of a total population of B. 7 million had received made to ensure that the basic task was shared, a general education and 226,000 a higher or specialized according to the different legal systems, between education. There were a considerable number of Governments and private and philanthropic organiza­ specialized courses and training-schools. tions wishing to take part in such a crusade for knowledge. 26. In its resolution 1128 (XLI), the Economic and Social Council had stressed that the promotion of 20. Finally, Colombia wished to be included among the literacy was linked to economic and social progress. sponsors of draft resolution A/C.2/L.926, In many developing countries programmes for the 21. Mr. AYOUB (Tunisia) thanked Princess Ashraf eradication of illiteracy formed an integral part of Pahlavi and recalled the links of friendship and national development plans. In order .to give more co-operation existing between Tunisia and Iran. effectiveness to the world campaign, their example should be followed. 22. The draft resolution was fully in conformity with the principles upheld by the Tunisian GovernMent, 27. His delegation supported draft resolution A/C.2/ which devoted 25 per cent of its budget to national L.926 but thought it would be useful if the sponsors education and was waging a vigorous campaign against took into account certain suggestions for improving illiteracy. However, his delegation was disappointed the text. at the refusal to discuss certain prohibited topics; he hoped it would be possible to tackle them in other 28. Mr. AHMED (Pakistan) expressedappreciationof forums in a positive spirit and that at least part of the the noble gesture of Princess Ashraf Pahlavi whose sums wasted on the manufacture of armaments could presence at the preceding meeting augured well for be used for the literacy campaign. the discussions of the Second Committee. 23. Mr. PESHKOV (Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic) thanked Her Imperial Highness Princess 29. No one could deny the urgent need to eliminate Ashraf Pahlavi for the statement she had made at the the scourge of illiteracy by intensifying both national preceding meeting. and international efforts. The initiative of UNESCO and General Assembly resolutions 1937 (XVIII) and 24. Both national and international measures for the 2043 (XX) had been favourably received by all Member eradication of illiteracy had been discussed in detail States. The Ecnomic and Social Council had adopted at the twentieth session of the General Assembly, the important resolution 112 8 (XLI); however, as the UNESCO and a number of international and regional Secretary-General had said in his Note which was meetings, in particular at the World Congress of before the Committee (A/6449), some timewouldhave Ministers of Education held at Teheran. In the various to elapse before its results could be judged. In the recommendations and resolutions; emphasis had been Economic and Social Council and at the UNESCO laid on the importance of the cultural and socio­ General Conference, Pakistan had always supported economic development of the developing countries literacy programmes and he expressed his admiration which often encountered obstacles and difficulties for the action of the Director-General of UNESCO in resulting from illiteracy and from the lack of qualified expanding UNESCO programmes in that field. He was personnel, for populations frequently very la1ge. The also glad to note the participation of F AO in the cam­ campaign against illiteracy represented a major paign. The developing countries had a particular effort by the developing countries to eliminate the problem in that respect: whereas their resources vestiges of colonialism. The vigorous measures taken were limited, their needs were immense. It was not by the Governments of those countries were a basic always possible to allocate all the necessary resources means of strengthening their economic and social to the various development sectors. There were progress. Literacy produced new human and technical competing demands for such resources and countries resources which contributed to the solution of many were compelled to establish a certain balance and problems in the spheres of industrialization, agricul­ an order of priorities. Of course, the developing ture and the training of national cadres. Owing to the countries must intensify their struggle against n..: limited resources available and the enormity of the literacy but even so the success of the campaign task, the most effective means must be employed in would finally depend on the resources which the the world campaign. It was also necessary to uf'!e international community was ready to provide. 422 General Assembly - Twenty-first Session - Second Committee 30. He thanked the Shahinshah of Iran for his generous had already been doing so for some Asian and African initiative and for his contribution to the campaign countries. India whole-heartedly supported UNESCO's against illiteracy. He was glad that Iran's example programme and all initiatives of United Nations had been followed by Mali, Morocco and Tunisia. bodies. 31. Mr. MIRGHANI (Sudan) associated himself with 38. Miss BENNATON (Honduras) thanked Princess all the other delegations in thanking Princess Ashraf Ashraf Pahlavi for her very interesting statement. Pahlavi for having drawn the attention of the world Literacy was a particularly serious problem for the to the grave problem of ignorance and illiteracy. He developing countries, where it was one of the causes hoped that the great Powers, which had the necessary of poverty, hunger and general under-development. resources, would follow the example given by Iran, 39. In some Latin American countries, the. problem Mali, Morocco and Tunisia and would contribute was complicated by an outmoded educational system generously to the world campaign for universal and a lack of qualified teachers, and by rapid popula­ literacy until it had achieved its objectives. tion increase, particularly among the underprivileged 32. His delegation interpreted operative paragraph 2 classes. In many developing countries, the situation of the draft resolution before the Committee as was alarming and illiteracy was spreading rather meaning that the assistance of non-governmental than decreasing. However, the need to bring literacy organizations and private bodies would be provided to the masses was recognized by all, because education, only at the request of the interested governments. which had formerly been a luxury reserved for the He hoped that the draft resolution would be adopted privileged classes, was now a necessity in the life unanimously and that the world campaign for universal of every human being. literacy could achieve its goals. 40. The problem, therefore, was how to ensure 33. Mr. Mohamed AL-A TRASH (Syria) said that his the spread of literacy and, in particular, how to delegation was pleased to be among the sponsors finance a world campaign. Because the Governments of draft resolution A/C.2/L.926 and paid a tribute of developing countries usually had inadequate financial to Princess Ashraf Pahlavi, who had introduced it. resources at their disposal, religious orders and various private institutions sometimes took action 34. Education enriched life and enabled those who on their own; in Honduras, for example, a rural received it to take part in development efforts. In education campaign had been launched with the help Syria education had been free since 1951, a fact of the Church and voluntary teachers. However, such which had led t0 the spread of literacy and a reduction action did not guarantee the continuity which was in the number of illiterates. A growing share of the needed for final success, and every effort must State budget was earmarked for national education. therefore be made to obtain the necessary resources, not only from Governments, international institutions, 35. He endorsed the comments of the representative foundations and similar bodies, but also from the of Sudan and stated that his delegation, too, inter­ private sector. As appeal to the conscience of the preted operative paragraph 2 to mean that non­ world through the Press might be a way of mobilizing governmental and private organizations wouldprovide the resources required. Trade unions could also financial support only at the request of the Govern­ help workers obtain education, and private firms ments concerned. could earmark part of their annual profits for the 36. Mr. KAUL (India) expressed his thanks to financing of literacy and educational programmes, as Princess Ashraf Pahlavi. Although it would be going they did in Venezuela by contributing a voluntary too far to say, as Socrates had done, that the dif­ dividend to the community. In those various ways ference between an educated and uneducated man much could be done through international co-operation was the same as the difference between the living to ensure that the masses were taught to read and and the dead, it was nevertheless undeniable that write-the first step towards collective development without education a human being was unable fully to or, in other words, towards progress. realize his potentialities. Illiteracy slowed down 41. Mr. CAMEJO ARGUDIN (Cuba), explaining his progress. For the developing countries, it was of the vote in advance, said that the Cuban Government had greatest urgency, and the development of human succeeded, in the space of two years and despite the resources was their most important concern. difficulties which it had faced as a result of the eco­ 37. India, which had considerable illiteracy problems nomic blockade imposed by United States imperialism, because of its very large population, had made a in completely eradicating illiteracy, which had been a special effort over the past fifteen years to expand real scourge to Cuba up to 1959. Cuba's efforts in primary and adult education; the number of pupils that connexion had aroused the interest of UNESCO receiving primary education had increased from 19 and the International Bureau of Education at . million to 52 million, and many adults had learned 42. The Cuban delegation supported the draft resolu­ to read and write. Today, India's literacy rate was tion before the Committee and would vote for it, if about 30 per cent. However, the shortage of resources the sponsors took into account the comments made by was a serious handicap. For that reason, India had certain delegations, in particular those ofthe socialist always been closely associated with UNESCO's efforts countries. and hoped that it would also be able to receive assistance from UNDP. There was, however, another 43. Finally, he associated himself with those who side to the question of literacy: over the past few had expressed their thanks to Pi'incess Ashraf Pahlavi. years, India had gained valuable experience which 44. Mr. VARELA (Panama), explaining his vote in it would be glad to offer to developing countries. It advance, said that he was very conscious of the honour 1095th meeting- 8 December 1966 423 which Princess Ashraf Pahlavi had done the Committee visions of the draft resolution could in no way interfere in introducing in person draftresolutionA/C.2/L.926, with the principles adopted by the United Nations which the Panamanian delegation fully supported. He Conference on Trade and Development (UNCT AD). In would be glad to vote for it if certain amendments the first place, they did not infringe upon UNCTAD's were made in the Spanish text before it was included in area of jurisdiction, and they provided that the the Committee's report. Secretary-General of the United Nations should consult the Secretary-General of UNCT AD as well as the 45, The CHAIRMAN said that the Secretariat would Executive Director the United Nations Industrial take the Panamanian representative's comments into Development Organization (UNIDO). In the second account. place, the scope of the survey requested of the Secretary-General was much wider than trade and AGENDA ITEM 49 development, for it was to comprise the principles Operational activities for development (concluded): of FAO on the disposal of agricultural surpluses, the (g) Activities of the United Nations Development charter for development contemplated by the Third Programme; Committee, the rules of behaviour of peoples and ()2) Activities undertaken by the Secretary-General nations in the field of permanent sovereignty over natural resources, the Declaration of the principles ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT REPORT OF THE COM­ on international cultural co-operation just adopted by MITTEE (A/C.2/L.929) the General Conference of UNESCO, and many other 46, Mr. REISCH (Austria), Rapporteur, presented the principles and directives adopted by Member States Committee's draft report on item 49. with regard to developmental problems and policies. Anxieties concerning the relationship between the draft The draft report (A/C.2/L.929) was adopted. resolution and the principles of UNCTAD had been expressed by the protagonists of those principles, AGENDA ITEM 39 who had feared that they might be weakened, as well as by the adversaries of the principles, who had United Nations Development Decade: report of the feared that they might be prematurely activated, That Secretary-General (A/6303, chap. II; A/6426, E/ situation in itself proved that the sponsors had taken 4196 and Add.l-3, A/C.2/L.931 and Corr.l) the right kind of initiative, for while the draft resolu­ 47. Mr. LUBBERS (), introducing draft tion left UNCTAD's responsibilities fully untouched, resolution A/C.2/L.931 and Corr.l, stated that it might in the long run very well contribute to a better , Niger, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda and understanding of the principles in question. Turi;:ey should be added to the list of sponsors. The sponsors believed that the experience of the first 50. Contrary to the doubts expressed by some delega­ United Nations Development Decade showed that any tions that nothing more was involved than a theoretical future action of the United Nations family of organiza­ effort, he would point out that the task entrusted to the tions in the field of development should be thoroughly Secretary-General was a purely practical one and could and systematically prepared in advance. The disap­ not but be conducive to a spirit of unanimity which pointingly slow progress achieved during the first would be more favourable for the elaborating of future Development Decade, which was noted in the second development policies than any crystallizing of ma­ preambular paragraph, could only be prevented in jorities versus minorities would be. future if Member States took the steps prescribed in 51. The sponsors therefore hoped that the draft the third preambular paragraph without delay. resolution would be adopted unanimously, particularly 48, Recalling the words of the Netherlands Minister as they had assured themselves that the financial in charge of development aid in his general statement implications were minimal. to the Second Committee (1036th meeting), he stressed 52. Mr. VARELA (Panama) said that the provisions the need for Gove:t·nments and public opinion in both of the draft resolution (A/C.2/L.931 and Corr.l) developed and developing countries to have a clear aptly complemented those of Economic and Social picture of the policies which would serve as a basis Council resolution 1152 (XLI), in which the Economic for efficient programmes of action in the field of and Social Council requested the Secretary-General development. The multitude of guidelines, directives to consider what preparations were required in order and principles in numerous documents of various to further and to facilitate planning for concerted United Nations bodies made it difficult to establish a international action for the period after the United coherent and concerted policy, and it was therefore Nations Development Decade. The survey which the urgent to take stock of the situation. That was the aim Secretary-General would carry out in pursuance of the of the draft resolution before the Committee; the draft resolution would eliminate any need to search sponsors believed that the Committee should have no through a mass of widely dispersed documentation in difficulty in approving it, since its operative para­ order to find the suggestions, recommendations and graphs were confined to requesting the Secretary­ appeals made by the various United Nations bodies in General to undertake a preparatory survey, and in no their endeavour to promote the kind of effective way prejudged any decision which the General international co-operation that would expedite develop­ Assembly would take at its next session, when it would ment. Because of the need for energetic efforts to have before it the interim report referred to in the realize indispensable objectives, the time had come draft resolution. to draw up a sort of concise and meaningful statement 49, In reply to numerous questions which had been of beliefs concerning development; such a "creed" addressed to him, he wished to point out that the pro- might help to implant a desire for action on the part 424 General Assembly- Twenty-first Session- Second Committee

of the national and international leaders who had still 56. In the first preambular paragraph, the sponsors not taken any steps to ensure a higher standard of had deleted the words "Annual Report of the Inter­ living for the great majority of mankind, The report national Monetary Fund for 1966 (E/4282)". As that requested of the Secretary-General in Council resolu­ report had not yet been submitted to the Economic tion 1152 (XLI) would be facilitated by a survey of and Social Council, it would be somewhat premature the work already carried out with regard to objectives to take note of it, In the second preambular paragraph, and the methods of achieving them. It was to be hoped an error had been corrected by inserting the word that such a "primer" of international action on behalf "responsive" to replace the word "responsible". In of development would help to bring down the barriers the third preambular paragraph, the word "Welcoming" separating two separate worlds, to introduce flexibility had been replaced by "Noting", and the word "informal" into the rigid economic structure of the developing had been inserted before the word "meetings". The countries and to lighten the burden which traditional changes in that paragraph had been made because the economics imposed on the terms of trade of those talks at Washington between the Executive Directors countries. It was to be hoped, in short, that it would of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the make all men aware of the need for ensuring the Group of Ten were not in the nature of formal discus­ welfare of their fellow-men under conditions that sions, so that the General Assembly could do nothing would be reasonable and fair, more than note them. In operative paragraph 1, the words "which so desire" had been inserted after the Mr. Reisch (Austria), Rapporteur, took the Chair, words "developing countries", because in the opinion 53. Mr. FILALI (Morocco), noting that his delegation of the sponsors, participation in the discussions had often expressed its concern over the inadequate referred to in that paragraph could only be voluntary. results of the United Nations Development Decade, said On the proposal of the representative of France, the that he fully endorsed the provisions of the draft words "including those" had been inserted after the resolution. One of the causes of the present economic words "international monetary reform arrangements". stagnation in the developing countries seemed, after With regard to operative paragraph 2, the sponsors all, to be the lack of a concise and systematic survey had regarded the expression "to keep in touch" as which might help delegations to formulate specific somewhat weak and had therefore replaced it by the and coherent proposals. The manyvaluabledocuments expression "to consult". He expressed his thanks to which already existed were too widely dispersed to be Mr. Kaul for his assistance to the sponsors during effectively used, and the sponsors of the draft resolu­ the negotiations which had preceded the submission of tion were to be commended on their proposals for the revised draft. measures to remedy that situation so that the next 57. Mr. KAUL (India) said thatdespitethecomplexity decade might be approached with abundant prospects of the subject being dealt with, the revised ctraft had for success. met with a rather large measure of agreement. The 54, His delegation would like to join the sponsors of few changes which had been made were motivated by the draft resolution if they would agree to insert in a desire to make the draft resolution a more balanced operative paragraph 1 the words "the regional eco­ instrument. nomic commissions and the United Nations Economic Mr. Tell (Jordan) resumed the Chair. and Social Office in Beirut" after the words "United Nations Industrial Development Organization". It made 58. Mr. BLAU (United States of America) said that, that request because of its belief that the special for the United States which had always felt that the familiarity of those bodies with regional problems debate on monetary problems should be expanded so enabled them to make a positive contribution to the as to take the needs of the developing countries into task entrusted to the Secretary-General. account, the revised draft resolution was a step backward from the original version as contained AGENDA ITEM 37 in document A/C.2/L.925. His delegation would find it more difficult to support the revised draft, and that United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: was particularly regrettable because his country had report of the Trade and Development Board {continued)* always been in the front rank of those which in IMF (A/6303/Add.l, chap. I; A/6315, A/6501,A/C.2/L.925 and the Group of Ten had defended the view that the and Rev.l.) developing countries should have an opportunity to 55, Mr. WIJESINGHE (Ceylon) said, in introducing make known their views. draft resolution A/C.2/L.925/Rev .1, that in the few 59. It was argued that a document issued under a days available to them the sponsors had consulted United Nations symbol could not, for procedural the various groups concerned, Some delegations had reasons, he mentioned in the preamble of the draft asked for time to consult their Governments, and resolution because it had not yet been considered certain of them had, he was pleased to say, informed by the Economic and Social Council. However, if the him that they would support the revised draft. There Committee wished to take a balanced view of the seemed to be no point in repeating the arguments in matter, it must take account of the fact that IMF, favour of the draft in its original form (A/C.2/L.907, like other specialized agencies, had dealt with the part C) which had been put forward by his own country problem under consideration. The initial draft had as well as by Iran and Syria. However, that version no more than taken note of that document in the same had given rise to some differences of opinion whereas way that the Committee had recently agreed to take a satisfactory understanding seemed to have been note of a recommendation of OA U which was not even reached on the revised draft. before the Committee. If it was not possible to "take *Resumed from the 1093rd meeting. note of" the document, it could at least be mentioned 1095th meeting - 8 December 1966 425 in a preambular paragraph beginning with the words: Report of IMF for 1966 from the first preambular "Bearing in mind". To fail to mention the body in paragraph had been made for purely legal reasons which the developing countries participated in the and implied no mistrust of the Fund. That document discussion of the problems at issue was a procedure was to come before the Economic and Social Council that could not be accepted. on 19 December 1966. Nevertheless, his delegation was prepared to accept the United States repre­ 60. With regard to the third preambular paragraph, sentative's suggestion that the original paragraph he noted that not only had his delegation's proposal been transformed into nothing more than a preambular should be retained, with the words "Taking note" paragraph but that the expression "Welcoming" had being replaced by "Bearing in mind". been discarded. A step of that kind seemed to be lack­ 65. Mr. CARANICAS (Greece) said that he, too, had ing in seriousness. Important negotiations in which expected the revised draft resolution to be an improve­ both the developing and the advanced countries were ment on the original. He endorsed the objections taking part were in progress. They were proceeding formulated by the United States representative. satisfactorily and would undoubtedly be successful. It Regarding the first preambular paragraph, it should was to be wondered why the General Assembly could be kept in mind that IMF played a foremost role in not welcome an initiative of that kind. the matter. Legal considerations should not be an obstacle, and the substance of the question should be 61, The phrase "which so desire" added to operative examined. As the Fund's report contained all the paragraph 1 wa.s not without its problems. There information that was currently available, anydecision could be no question, of course, of compelling a country to disregard it would be unrealistic. The reference to take part in the discussions; however, being party to the report could be preceded by the words to an international monetary arrangement entailed not "Bearing in mind". The second preambularparagraph only benefits but also obligations. It was not for the of the revised draft resolution seemed to imply that Committee to condone those who refused such obliga­ the objective of the monetary reform was the transfer tions. Most of the countries had in fact accepted the of resources from one group of countries to another. obligations before claiming the right to participate in The purpose of the international monetary reform was the discussions. His delegation opposed the replace­ to alleviate international payments difficulties. Such ment in operative paragraph 2 of the words "keep in reform was not a panacea for bringing about an touch with" by the words "consult with". The Secretary­ increase in the liquidity reserves of developing coun­ General of UNCT AD would have no occasion to consult tries. The expression "economic growth" seemed to with the Managing Director of IMF on the progress of suggest that the reform of the international monetary activity relating to international monetary reform. It system could resolve the problems of development. The was natural that he should be asked to keep in touch draft resolution would come closer to the facts if with the Managing Director, and that could be done those words were replaced by the expression "orderly through the customary relationship by agreement growth of international trade". between the United Nations and IMF. 66. The changes made in operative paragraph 1 were 62, Unlike the other draft resolutions concerning unnecessary, for no country could be compelled to UNCTAD, the submission of the present one had been take part in any discussions or decisions against its preceded, not by negotiations across the table, but by will. In operative paragraph 2 it was unclear why the a· series of bilaterr.l encounters. The misunderstand­ Secretary-General of UNCT AD should consult with the ings to which it had given rise were perhaps the result Managing Director of IMF; he should, of course, keep of that procedure. His delegation for its part was fully in touch with the progress of activity relating to prepared to do its utmost towards the achievement of the reform. Consultations were proceeding within the satisfactory results. framework of IMF, in which almost all developing 63. Mr. BOIKO (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic) countries were represented. He announced that he considered that the sponsors of the revised draft would ask for a vote by division on that paragraph. resolution had succeeded in improving their text, and 67. Mr. GALLARDO MORENO (Mexico) considered he would have no difficulty in accepting it in its new that the vote on draft resolution A/C.2/L.925/Rev.1 form. Draft resolution A/C.2/L.925/Rev.1 was a re­ should be deferred in view of the importance and working of part C of draft resolutionA/C.2/L.907. His complexity of the question. delegation, which had commented on the latter text (1084th meeting), was glad to see that the revised 68, Mr. Mohamed AL-A TRASH (Syria) observed that draft resolution clearly defined the role UNCTAD could the developing countries' shortage of international play in the implementation of an international monetary liquidity was a well-known fact, recently confirmed reform. It enabled all the countries that were members by the Managing Director of IMF. The shortage was of UNCT AD to participate in the consideration of further aggravated by the fluctuations in those coun­ measures relating to such a reform. Such participa­ tries' exports earnings. tion was all t:1e more appropriateasoneof UNCTAD's tasks was to improve international trade relations. It 69. Regarding the comments of the representative of would be difficult for UNCT AD and its Board to stand Greece on the second preambular paragraph, the aloof from the preparation of measures so closely increase in international liquidity envisaged in that connected with the development of international trade paragraph did not necessarily imply an initial transfer as an international monetary reform. of resources, There were schemes to increase inter­ national liquidity such as the creation of reserves 64. Mr. MARTIN WITKOWSKI (France) observed that which was part of the scheme worked out by the the proposal to delete the reference to the Annual UNCTAD Group of Experts on International Monetary 426 General Assembly - Twenty-first Session - Second Committee ______" ______lssues,Y which did not entail an initial transfer of ments to Borrow constituted an official group which resources, His delegation would have readily accepted had been recognized by IMF; representatives of IMF the deletion of the third preambular paragraph. It had taken part in some of the deliberations of the believed, however, that the wcrding had been improved Group of Ten. by indicating the informal nature of the Group of Ten, 73. The CHAIRMAN said that he did not intend to He recalled in that connexion that during the considera­ precipitate the vote on draft resolution A/C.2/L.925/ tion of draft resolution A/C.2/L.923, theUnitedStates Rev.l and expressed the hope thatfurthernegotiations delegation, at the 1090th meeting, had opposed the would make agreement possible, Indian proposal, describing the Group of Seventy-seven Developing Countries as informal. The Syrian delega­ 74, Mr. Mohamed AL-ATRASH (Syria), speaking in tion had felt thaL the expression "keep in touch with" the exercise of his right of reply, said that the IMF did not mean much and had urged a stronger wording, decision creating the General Arrangements to Borrow was taken in 1962 to which ten industrial countries 70. Sir Edward \VARNER (United Kingdom) supported adhered, In 1964 Switzerland adhered to that decision. the Mexican representative's proposal. The Group of Ten, or Eleven, could not be considered 71. Mr. INGRAM (Australia) said that in his view the as a formal group. He was given to understand that revised draft resolution was actually a new text. It one of the Executive Directors of IMF had declined dealt with extremely complex questions and the to participate in the negotiations at present under way Australian delegation could not vote on it before it had between IMF and the deputy of the Group of Ten, been given thorough consideration. No immediate 75, Mr. FIGUEROA (Chile) suggested that the Rap­ decision should be taken on the date ofthe vote, which porteur should prepare the first part of the Com­ should be preceded either by full debate or informal mittee's report on UNCTAD without awaiting the negotiations outside the Committee, preferably the completion of the item's consideration. It was im­ latter, The Committee must act prudently and avoid portant that the General Assembly should quickly hasty decisions, since the question at issue was an approve the convening of the special session which important one which had been considered at length by the Trade and Development Board was to hold under UNCT AD and its subsidiary organs such as the Com­ the draft resolution adopted by the Committee at mittee on Invisibles and Financing related to Trade, its 1093rd meeting (A/C.2/L.928), so that the which were the competent bodies appointed by the time-table of UNCTAD meetings in 1967 might be General Assembly to examine technical questions of suitably revised. that kind. 76. The CHAIRMAN endorsed that suggestion and 72. Mr. BLAU (United States of America), speaking proposed that the Committee should authorize the in the exercise of his right of reply, said that irrespec­ Rapporteur to submit the first part of his report tive of the validity of the proposals concerning the directly to the Genen..l Assembly without prior Group of Seventy-seven Developing Countries, the approval by the Committee. Governments that were parties to the General Arrange- It was so decided. J:l See International Monetary Issues and the Developing Countries (United Nations publication, Sales No.: 66,II.D.2). The meeting rose at 6.10 p.m.

Litho in U.N. 77201-May 1967-2,200