Editorial Note
The Ad Hoc Political Committee began general debate on the question of assistance to Palestinian refugees on November 30. France, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States had submitted a joint draft resolution on the matter on November 29; for the text, see GA, 4th sess., Ad Hoc Political Committee, Annex, volume I, page 53. The representatives of these same nations, on December 1, introduced a revised draft resolution, which proposed that the General Assembly establish a Near East Relief and Works Agency “(a) to carry out in collaboration with local Governments the direct relief and works programmes as recommended by the Economic Survey Mission; [and] (b) to consult with the interested Near Eastern Governments concerning measures to be taken by them preparatory to the time when international assistance for relief and works projects is no longer available.” The text of this measure is printed ibid., page 55. For John G. Ross’ statement giving the support of the United States to the draft resolution, see GA, 4th sess., Ad Hoc Political Committee, page 308.
The Ad Hoc Political Committee continued general debate on the refugee question until December 2, at which time it adopted the joint draft resolution as amended, by a vote of 48 to none, with 6 abstentions. The proceedings of the Committee from November 30 to December 2 are printed ibid., pages 307–330.