2. On the basis that an increase in the contributions over those pledged for 1952 was necessary, in order to leave room for reasonable enlargement of the Expanded Programme, the Economic and Social Council has urged governments to make contributions to the Programme for the year 1953 toward the goal of $25 million and has recommended that the General Assembly make arrangements for soliciting and receiving pledges from governments. This total represents an increase of $5 million or 20 per cent over the target set for last year.

3. I understand that the United States Delegation has been authorized to pledge, at the meeting of the Negotiating Committee which is to take place during the present session of the General Assembly, the amount of $14.7 million provided this amount does not exceed 60 per cent of the total of the contributions pledged for 1953. This represents an increase of $2.7 million or 23.5 per cent over the limit of $12 million which the U.S. Delegation was authorized to pledge last year, subject to a similar proviso.

4. Canada was represented on the working party of the Economic and Social Council which formulated the recommendations about the operation of the Programme for the year 1953. The Programme is overcoming its earlier operational difficulties and is proving its effectiveness. It is one of the most worthwhile activities of the United Nations to which Canada is a contributor both in the promotion of international good will and in its concrete results. In the circumstances it would be reasonable to continue participating in the Programme on the same scale as last year.

5. I recommend, therefore, that the Canadian Delegation to the General Assembly be authorized to pledge an amount up to $850,000 as the Canadian contribution to the United Nations Programme for the year 1953. The precise amount of the Canadian contribution should depend this year, as in the past, upon the total amount pledged by other countries.

BROOKE CLAXTON
Acting Secretary of State
for External Affairs