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contemplated in the Lebanese proposal. For these reasons it seemed wiser to refer the proposal to the Economic and Social Council, which could determine the work likely to secure the greatest results in this field. When the Australian draft resolution was put to the vote it was defeated by 14 (N.Z.) to 26 with 5 abstentions. At the suggestion of the French delegation, the Lebanese proposal was amended to invite the Economic and Social Council, after consultation with specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations, to report on the possibility of drawing up a report on the world social and cultural situation, and in this form the proposal was adopted by the Committee. In plenary-session the resolution was adopted by 29 (N.Z.) to 4 with 6 abstentions. Refugees and Displaced Persons The debate on this item, which was considered together with the report prepared by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in conjunction with the International Refugee Organization on repatriation, resettlement, and immigration of refugees and displaced persons, was opened by the delegate of Poland (Professor H. Altman). Dr Altman repeated the allegations made by his delegation at former United Nations meetings that the Assembly resolutions of 1946. and 1947 laying down United Nations policy on the settlement of displaced persons had not been carried out by the International Refugee Organization or by member States. The Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States, and France had sabotaged these resolutions by permitting camp officials to disseminate propaganda calculated to dissuade displaced persons from Eastern Europe from returning to their countries of origin. In addition to spreading untrue reports upon the political situation in these countries, officials in the camps portrayed working and living conditions as arduous and poor. Dr Altman alleged that difficulties were placed in the way of repatriation missions from Eastern Europe seeking to enter reception centres, and that displaced persons were encouraged to insult their former countrymen. The Polish delegate then referred to conditions of work and housing experienced by displaced persons who settled in Australia, Belgium, Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela, and other countries. In the United Kingdom particularly, he said, displaced persons were employed on the more dangerous and unpleasant tasks in coal-mines and factories, paid lower wages than British workers, given less rations, and denied medical care or compensation when injured. These remarks were supported by the delegates of the Soviet Union, Byelorussia, and the Ukraine. Most delegations against whose countries allegations had been made said that they were willing to discuss the question of resettlement and repatriation of refugees if any further assistance could be thereby given
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