The first direct communication that Canada had from the United Nations concerning the question of human rights was a letter dated 30 September [1946] from the Secretary-General bringing to our attention a resolution adopted at the second session of the Economic and Social Council referring to the establishment of information groups or local human rights committees. The relevant part of the resolution is:

"Members of the United Nations are invited to consider the desirability of establishing information groups or local human rights committees within their respective countries to collaborate with them in furthering the work of the Commission on Human Rights."

This communication was referred to the Deputy Minister of Justice for his comments. He replied in part,

"I have difficulty in conceiving just how the proposed groups or committees would be set up nor am ] able to see any legal aspects of this suggestion on which you might desire the comments of this Department. At the present stage it would appear to be a question of policy only and I do not feel that I should make any comments thereon on behalf of the Department of Justice."

In considering how we might best implement the resolution of the Economic and Social Council it has occurred to us that the best policy to follow in the formation of such information groups or local human rights Committees would be through already existing voluntary organizations rather than by direct government action. There are probably a number of organizations, such as the Civil Liberties Union, which would have an interest in the question of human rights. These organizations might be associated together in the consideration of this question under the guidance say of the United Nations Society. They might then establish local committees made up of representatives of the interested organizations and perhaps under the chairmanship of a representative of the United Nations Society.

I have discussed this matter with Mr. Reid and he agrees in general with these views. It might be useful in view of the probable lively interest that will be shown in the question of human rights during the present session of Parliament if some decision could be reached in the matter of these local committees.

R.G. RIDDELL