Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 May 2009
Early last summer the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations took a decision which in the course of years is likely to have a very considerable and, in my opinion, a very damaging effect on its work and its efficiency. After a lengthy discussion it resolved by a majority vote that all its advisory commissions should be composed of government representatives — of persons, therefore, acting on government instructions — rather than of persons acting in their individual capacity.
1 I omit the Narcotics Commission which has its origin in certain conventions and is not exactly comparable with the others.
2 The Secretary-General was instructed, however, in order to secure a balanced representation in the various fields covered by the commissions, to consult with governments, so elected before the representatives were finally nominated by these governments and confirmed by the Council.