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it and that the problems it involved had accordingly to be faced realistically. He agreed that the facts Amust be faced, but felt bound to point out that while non-metropolitan territories existed there. also existed a desire on the part of the international community that the powers responsible for non- metropolitan territories should help those territories to achieve full independence and sovereignty. This desire was embodied in the Charter of the United Nats and in the Declaration of Human Rights and
he highest aspiration of mankind today. The International Labour Organisation, as the oldest international organisation, could not, without neglecting its responsibilities, lag behind the other agencies which had already dealt with the question of the representation of non-metropolitan territories. It was not merely a question of teaching the peoples of the non-metropolitan territories to read and write or of providing them with medical aid, and therefore the problem could not be dealt with merely in relation to UN.E.S.C.O. and the World Health Organisation; it must be studied urgently and seriously within the I.L.O.
Both Sir Guildhaume and Mr. Roberts in their admirable speeches had referred to the political aspect of the question and to the danger of the infiltration of totalitarian agents into non-metro- politan territories to undermine democratic institu- tions. But poverty, neglect of the basic needs of men and disregard of their desire for freedom created the most fertile ground for the growth of totalitarianism, and when the masses felt themselves abandoned, desperate and without prospects for the future they were an easy prey for demagogues and for totalitarian agents. He did not believe that increased participation of the non-metropolitan territories in deciding the destinies of their people would com- plicate relations within the International Labour Organisation; on the contrary, it would, as the representative of the Brazilian Government had pointed out, strengthen the universality of the Organisation which was generally desired. Certain powers which had hitherto held aloof had recently shown a desire to participate in the work of the Organisation, and he wondered whether it would not be wiser to deal with the problem of non-metropolitan territories at once rather than wait until other powers, setting themselves up as champions of this cause, tried to show the I.L.O. how to lead them along the path of freedom, which was in fact the objective assigned by the United Nations to those countries which bore the heavy responsibility of administering non-metropolitan territories.
He had the greatest respect for the arguments put forward by Sir Guildhaume and had appreciated in the Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations the conscientious manner in which the United Kingdom Government fulfilled its international obligations in respect of the applica- tion of I.L.O. instruments to non-metropolitan territories; but the United Kingdom was only one of the several colonial powers. It was not his intention to make charges against any other power, but simply to emphasise that the problem called for immediate action. It was the desire of all govern- ments to follow a consistent policy in the United Nations and in the various other specialised agencies. The proposals of the Workers' group were therefore acceptable to the Mexican Government, which would give them its support.
Mr. Roberts said that the Workers' group had heid a consultation during the adjournment and had come to the conclusion that in view of all the cir- cumstances it would be undesirable to press the proposals to a vote in the short time available. The Workers therefore suggested that the first part of their proposal, which was non-controversial, should be accepted, and that the second part should. be postponed for discussion as a substantive propo- sition at the next session of the Governing Body. If this suggestion were accepted, the approval of the paper and of the recommendations contained therein would not be affected.
Mr. García Oldini congratulated the Workers group on this proposal, which he believed would be acceptable to the Governing Body. He suggested in addition that the Governing Body might ask the Director-General, in the light of the discussion and of the views expressed, to prepare a supplement. to the report which he had submitted to the present session.
Workers' group were adjourned to the next session Mr. Aftab Ali specified thaat if the proposals of the the general discussion should also be reopened at that time since there was still much to be said, particularly with reference to Sir Goldbaume's
remarks.
Mr. Sen said that he had no objection to deferring the question if there was general agreement to that effect, but expressed his regrret that this important subject had not been taken up earlier in the session. He supported Mr. García Oldini's suggestion that the Director-General might wish to elaborate his report in the light of the discussion. He also expressed his concern at the introduction into the discussion of arguments of a ppolitical nature.
Sir Richard Snedden supported the suggestions made on behalf of the Workers' group, om the clear understanding that the only action taken would be that proposed by Mr. Robertts. He did not think that it would be reasonable to ask the Director- General to prepare a paper on tthe basis of a discussion in which many members of the Governing Body had not had an opportunity off taking part. With reference to Mr. Sen's remarks, he did not think it was possible to keep political issues entirely outside a discussion of that kind.
Mr. Fernandes supported Sir Richard's remarks and agreed that it would be undesirable to ask the Director-General to submit a further report on the basis of the views that had been expressed by only a minority, however important, of members of the Governing Body.
Mr. Roberts suggested that the difficulty might be met by asking the Director-General to place the minutes of the discussion before the Governing Body at the next session together with the proposals of the Workers' group.
Sir Guildhaume Myrddin-Elas said that he was happy to accept Mr. Roberts' proposal and expressed his gratitude to the Workers' ggroup for the considera- tion it had shown in this mattter.
Mr. Sen supported the ggestion made by Mr. Roberts. He suggested and that the Director- General might consider the possibility of preparing
The sitting was suspended at 12.20 p.m. and Mr. Roberts. He suggested resumed at 12.40 p.m.