Office of the Historian

501.BB/10–1747: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State

priority
New York, October 17, 1947—11:41 a.m.

1040. Following is text of UK proposal on establishment of GA Interim Committee introduced first committee (A/C.1/215, October 16):

“The GA

Conscious of the responsibility conferred upon it by the Charter in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security (Articles 11 and 35) the peaceful adjustment of any situation likely to impair the general welfare or friendly relations among nations (Article 14);

Believing that the effective performance of these functions necessitates the establishment of an interim Committee for the study, enquiry and discussion of such matters on its behalf during the period between the adjournment of the present session and the convening of the next regular session of the GA;

Recognizing fully the primary responsibility of the SC for prompt and effective action for the maintenance of international peace and security (Article 24);

Resolves as follows:

1.
There shall be established an interim committee, composed of one representative of each member of the UN, for the period between the closing of the present session and the convening of the next regular session of the GA.
2.
The functions of the Interim Committee shall be
(a)
To consider such matters as may be referred to it by the present session of the GA and to report thereon to the GA;
(b)
To consider any dispute or any situation which may be placed on the agenda of the next regular session of the GA by any member acting in virtue of Articles 11(2), 14, or 35 of the Charter provided always that the committee previously determines by a two-thirds majority any matter so discussed to be both urgent and important;
(c)
To consider whether occasion may require the summoning of a special session of the GA and if it deems that such session is required so to advise the Secretary-General in order that he may obtain the views of members thereon;
(d)
To conduct investigations and appoint commissions of enquiry within the scope of its functions provided that the decision to take such action is approved by two-thirds of the members of the committee and if the investigations or enquiry are to take place elsewhere than at the headquarters of the UN, the state or states in whose territory they are to take place consent thereto;
(e)
To report to the next regular session of the GA on the advisability of establishing a permanent committee of the GA to perform [Page 212] the duties and functions of the Interim Committee with any changes considered desirable in the light of experience.
3.
The Interim Committee shall not discuss any matter which is on the agenda of the SC.
4.
Subject to paragraphs 2(b) and 2(d) above, the provisional rules of procedure of the GA shall, so far as they are applicable, govern the proceedings of the Interim Committee and such subcommittees and commissions as it may set up.
5.
The Interim Committee shall be convened by the Secretary-General within fifteen days following the close of the second regular session of the GA. It shall meet as and when it deems necessary for the conduct of its business.
6.
The Secretary-General shall provide the necessary facilities and assign appropriate staff as required for the work of the Interim Committee, its subcommittees and commissions of enquiry.”

Marshall