840.50/2916a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
1140. Chilean Ambassador discussed with Acheson October 21 matters mentioned in your telegram of October 19 regarding relief and rehabilitation. He was told that it is impracticable to hold any intergovernmental conference on the text of the agreement before signature. Emphasis was placed again upon the safeguards in Articles V and VI, the limited powers of the Central Committee, the rivalries and other difficulties which would arise from any move to enlarge the composition of the Central Committee, and this Government’s assurances that the structure of UNRRA is not being set forth as a pattern for other United Nations organizations.
The Ambassador was assured also that under the terms of Article III, paragraph 1 the Council will have full authority to establish its own method of voting, including the majorities to be required for decisions on various subjects. This could be done without any amendment of the agreement. The Council can of course amend provisions of the agreement under the terms of Article VIII.