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implicitly recognizes that no agreement could be reached, a separate Assembly resolution invites the International Law Commission to study the desirability and possibility of establishing an international judicial organ for the trial of persons charged with genocide. At 31 March, 1949, only twenty-one members of the United Nations had signed the Convention and no ratifications had been deposited. (Twenty ratifications or accessions are required to bring the Convention into force.) The leader of the New Zealand delegation indicated, when the Convention was opened for signature in Paris, that he would not be able to sign the Convention until he had had an opportunity to refer the text back to his Government. (c) Reparation for Injuries Suffered in the Service of the United Nations This question was given particular urgency by the deaths in Palestine of the United Nations Mediator, Count Bernadotte, and of members of his staff. The assembly decided to ask for an advisory opinion from the International Court—(i) On the capacity of the organization to bring international claims against Governments for reparation in respect of damage caused to the United Nations or to the victim, (ii) In the event of an affirmative reply to (i), on the possibility of conflict with the rights of the State of which the victim was a national. (d) Permanent Missions The Assembly adopted a resolution which, for the first time, gave official standing to the permanent Missions which have been established by the majority of members at the seat of the organization, and laid down certain requirements in regard to the credentials and duties of permanent representatives. (e) Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations The Secretary-General reported to the General Assembly that twenty-eight States had acceded to the Privileges and Immunities Convention, two of which (Canada and New Zealand) had made reservations in respect of the taxation of United Nations officials. It was hoped that the adoption of a tax equalization plan* would remove the difficulties associated with tax exemption. The representative of the United States, the country most directly affected by the terms of the Convention, said that Congress was expected to ratify it shortly. The Assembly adopted a resolution (which New Zealand supported) urging tardy States to deposit their ratifications as soon as possible.

* See page 68.