15

advanced than others, there might be a possibility of convening " district" conferences which would pave the way for major conferences later. 56. The principle of holding periodical conferences was eventually agreed to after considerable discussion, although some delegations felt that the proposed Conference method was premature since, in some cases, cultural development had not yet prepared the Native people for participation in such a Conference. 57. It was pointed out, however, that the proposed Conference was essentially a practical proposal to bring together people with a practical knowledge of their own affairs, that the conference was a form of consultation with no executive authority, and that it represented a move in conformity with the general development of world opinion in regard to the problems of dependent peoples. 58. The principle having been approved, it remained to devise an acceptable formula with regard to the method of selecting delegates to the conferences, and the general organization of the body. 59. General approval was given to the desirability of convening a conference before the end of 1949, and a provision was accordingly recommended to the effect that a session of the South Pacific Conference should be convoked within two years of the coming into force of the Agreement. This Conference, as well as the succeeding conferences (meeting at intervals not exceeding three years), are to be held at a place within the territorial scope of the Commission. 60. All delegations agreed that the Conference should be empowered to discuss matters within the terms of reference of the Commission, and to make recommendations to the Commission on these matters. The Conference Agenda should be approved by the Commission, which may accept the inclusion of specific items recommended by the Conference. 61. Some difficulty was experienced with regard to the question of what territories should be entitled to send delegates to the Conference, and as to the number of delegates the territorial administrations should be permitted to send. The Committee finally recommended that it should be left to the Commission itself to determine which territories should send delegates, that such territories should endeavour to send at least two delegates (together with as many advisers as are considered necessary), and that delegates shall be appointed