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representatives of France, Panama, and the Soviet Union all suggested that the word " political " might be removed. The Committee eventually adopted the first part of the resolution 1 unanimously, but the second part was withdrawn as the Political and Security Committee had by then completed its discussions on the question of the admission of new members and it was felt that the Danish proposal might lead to duplication of that discussion. It may well have been that, had the discussion not been so prolonged, the second part would also have been adopted. Unanimous support was given to a Philippine resolution instructing the Economic and Social Council to undertake the convocation of a conference to formulate views concerning the rights, obligations, and practices which should be included in the concept of freedom of information in view of the fact that understanding and co-operation among nations is impossible without an alert and sound world opinion, which is in turn wholly dependent on freedom of information. It is specified in the resolution 2 as adopted that delegations to the Conference should include persons actually engaged or experienced in media for the dissemination of information and that the Conference shall be held before the end of 1947 to enable the Council to report to the next regular session of the Assembly. This resolution was a revision of one which had been submitted by the Philippine delegation to the first half of the session at London, and deferred. At that time it was limited to freedom of the press. Those who took part in the debate on the new proposal were mainly concerned with suggestions as to what such a conference should do, and who should be represented there. It was generally recognized that the present obstacles to freedom of information are chiefly of a political and economic nature, which only the United Nations is competent to solve. The Indian delegation felt that it would be more practical for the General-Assembly to decide the matter, but moved no amendment, and others were content that the United Nations should act through the Economic and Social Council. A special sub-committee, on which New Zealand was represented, was formed to consider — (i) The report and recommendations of the Secretary-General on the assumption by the United Nations of the advisory social welfare functions of UNRRA ; and (ii) The Secretary-General's draft resolution on the establishment of an International Children's Emergency Fund to be used for the benefit of children and adolescents of countries which were the victims of aggression. On the first matter the general debate showed the sub-committee to be in complete agreement that these activities (including child welfare, training of welfare personnel, rehabilitation of the physically
1 Document A/220. 2 Document A/229.
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