As a result of the Eight Power Resolution⁵⁶ on the problem of the independence of Korea, adopted by the General Assembly on October 7, 1950, the Economic and Social Council was called into emergency session on October 12 to develop plans for the relief and rehabilitation of Korea upon the termination of hostilities.

2. On October 11, 1950, the Canadian delegation to ECOSOC, headed by Mr. John Dickey, M.P., was authorized by Cabinet to participate in the planning of a programme for the relief of the civilian population of Korea and the rebuilding of the Korean economy. The Canadian delegation was also authorized "to agree to any financial arrangements outside the regular U.N. budget which would seem to ensure: (a) an adequate level of total contributions, (b) the widest possible sharing of costs, (c) full employment of local resources, (d) a reasonable Canadian share of the total budget, (e) an opportunity for contributions in kind."

3. The opening meeting of the ECOSOC session was at once faced with a resolution introduced by the Soviet Union proposing the ousting of the Chinese Nationalist delegation. This resolution was defeated by a vote of 11 to 7. Canada voted against the Soviet resolution on the grounds that the question of Chinese representation in all United Nations bodies is to be studied by a committee established by the General Assembly.⁵⁷ It is noteworthy that the United Kingdom voted in favour of the Soviet resolution.

4. The Council is at present considering a set of three draft resolutions introduced by the Australian delegation, concerning the organization to be established to provide relief and rehabilitation for Korea. Some points in these resolutions display features with which some delegations, including the Canadian, are not in agreement. These points of difference revolve around the questions of obtaining a reliable estimate of Korea's needs, the relationship between the Administrator of the programme and the Unification Commission, and the method for financing the programme. It is expected that within a few days agreement will be reached between a number of delegations sufficient to produce a plan which can be agreed to by all.

⁵⁶Voir le document 113./See Document 113.

⁵⁷Voir le document 255./See Document 255.