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Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities The Conference accepted the standard clauses of the UN convention on privileges and immunities of specialized agencies. The provisions contained in Annex 2, which applies to FAO, do not raise any new or controversial matter. Laissez-passer The conference approved certain amendments to the 1947 agreement between FAO and the United Nations in terms of the new clause to be added as Article XVI of the agreement. This new clause provides that officials of FAO shall have the right to use the laissez-passer of the United Nations in accordance with special arrangements to be negotiated. Membership The application of Saudi Arabia for membership was approved. The application of Israel for membership was held in abeyance pending clarification of the attitude of the General Assembly of the United Nations. In the meantime, Israel was admitted as an observer. The application of the Holy See for a special status of " permanent observer " was approved. Permanent Headquarters of FAO The report submitted by the Council of FAO was before Conference, and it appeared as though the offer from the University adjacent to Washington would be favoured. The position became complicated through receipt during Conference deliberations of a letter from the Secretary-General of UN advising that some accommodation would be available at the permanent site of the UN in New York within a reasonable period. As the area, suitability, and general conditions of this offer were not clear, Conference delayed a decision, but instructed the Council of FAO to further investigate the Washington and New York offers. When in a position to make a firm recommendation to member Governments, the Council is to convene a special Conference of FAO in order that the matter might be finalized.

Vacancies on Council of FAO

Five vacancies on the Council were under consideration by Conference. These vacancies occurred in terms of the Constitution, which provides that five member Governments of the original Council retire after one, two, and three years' service respectively. Any future appointment is for a period of three years. The member Governments retiring at the end of the first year were : Australia ; Denmark ; Egypt; France ; India; Mexico. Although the Constitution does not specify region as