1. In accordance with Article 19 of the Statute of the Council of Europe, the Committee of Ministers has the honour to present its Eighth Report to the Consultative Assembly on the occasion of its Ninth Ordinary Session.

2. This Report forms a sequel to the Supplementary Report (Doc. 543) transmitted to the Assembly in October 1956, and covers the period from 15th October 1956—opening date of the second part of the Assembly's Eighth Ordinary Session—to 28th April 1957.

3. At meetings held during the period under review, the Ministers' Deputies examined among other matters the decisions taken by the Assembly during the second and third parts of its Eighth Session.

4. The Committee of Ministers held its 19th Session in Paris on 15th and 16th December 1956. The Joint Committee met on 20th November and 16th December 1956, and on 8th February and 25th March 1957.

5. At the 19th Session of the Committee of Ministers the Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of University Study was signed. The number of Council of Europe conventions and agreements signed now totals twelve.

6. The present Report is arranged as follows : Section I deals with facts of a general nature, Section II with steps taken to achieve the aims of the Council of Europe in the various spheres of its competence, Section III with the machinery of the Council of Europe, and Section IV with relations with international and supranational organisations.

2 SECTION I - General

2.1 CHAPTER I - Role and working methods of the Council of Europe

7. The Committee of Ministers has studied the various points of Assembly Recommendation 99 (1956) on the " Role and working methods of the Council of Europe.

8. As regards Point 1 of the Recommendation (partial agreements), the Committee of Ministers considered that an agreement could not be concluded in the framework of the Council of Europe without the consent of all its Members, including those not able to sign the agreement; the Committee accordingly decided to maintain the preliminary unanimous vote required by the provisions of Resolution (51) 62 on partial agreements.

9. The Committee of Ministers would point out, incidentally, that up to now this unanimous vote had never created any difficulties.

10. As regards Point 2 of the Recommendation (consultation of the Assembly), the Committee of Ministers was unable to share the views of the Assembly and decided to adhere to its reply to Assembly Opinion No. 13 (Doc. 481).

11. As regards Point 3 (prior opinion of the Assembly on the Agenda of meetings of world organisations), the Committee of Ministers has not had a practical opportunity of giving effect to the Assembly's proposal.

12. As regards Point 4 (relations between the Assembly and governmental experts), the Committee of Ministers proposed the following procedure to the Assembly during the meeting of the Joint Committee on 25th March 1957 :

13. When the Assembly Representatives wish to explain a recommendation, they should normally do so in the Joint Committee, expert parliamentary representatives being brought in as advisers on the Assembly side. The Deputies, at their discretion, could equally bring in the Chairman and/or Rapporteur of their own expert committee as their adviser (s). These experts would then be able to hear the explanations of the Assembly Representatives at first hand. They would speak only if invited to do so by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers.

14. Lastly, as regards Point 5 (informing of the Assembly and Statutory Report), the Committee of Ministers decided that, when it was unable to give effect to Assembly proposals, such explanations as were deemed necessary concerning the Committee's views might be made in the Joint Committee.

2.2 CHAPTER II - Reorganisation of European institutions

2.2.1 Council of Europe and O.E.E.C.

15. On 16th December 1956, during the 19th Session of the Committee of Ministers, the Acting Secretary-General presented a report on the work of the first meeting, held on 27th November 1956, of the Consultative Committee of Secretaries-General set up to examine instances of duplication of work among European organisations (Doc. 543, para. 5).

16. Resolution (56) 24 adopted by the Committee of Ministers, together with this report by the Acting Secretary-General, were communicated to the Assembly Representatives at the meeting of the Joint Committee on 16th December 1956.

17. The text of the Resolution is as follows : " The Committee of Ministers, Reciprocating the view of the Assembly that overlapping in the competence and work of European organisations should be avoided as far as possible in the interest of efficiency; Taking note of the results of the preliminary meeting of the Secretaries-General of international organisations having their seat in Europe, convened to examine overlapping in the day-to-day activities of the organisations in question; Considering that a comprehensive study should in due course be made of the institutional structure of European collaboration, As an introduction to this study, instructs the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe to approach the Secretary-General of O.E.E.C. with a view to preparing and submitting to the Committee of Ministers at their next meeting a report on the respective competence of the organisations mentioned, on their present working relations, and on the measures which might be taken to introduce more effective collaboration between them."

18. The report drawn up by the Acting Secretary-General is now under consideration by the Committee of Ministers, in pursuance of the Resolution cited above.

2.2.2 Rationalisation of European parliamentary activities

19. The Committee of Ministers examined Assembly Recommendation 101 (1956) on " the problem of European integration and parliamentary institutions " at the same time as Recommendation 117 (1957) on " the rationalisation of parliamentary activities. "

20. This latter Recommendation, as well as Resolution 122 (1957) adopted by the Standing Committee on behalf of the Assembly on 18th March 1957, was discussed at the Joint Committee meeting on 25th March 1957.

21. The Committee of Ministers considers that at the present stage it is not in a position to express an opinion on these problems, which are still under consideration. Nevertheless, the Member Governments of Euratom and the Common Market have borne in mind the Assembly Recommendation designed to avoid the creation of a fourth European Assembly. Moreover, the permanent Council of W. E. U., which is now studying ways and means of achieving closer association and a possible merger of European Assemblies, will be bringing this question before the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in due course.

22. Lastly, in reply to the telegram sent by the President of the Consultative Assembly to the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers on 2nd February 1957, the Committee agreed to give the President an assurance that the Assembly will be consulted, when the time comes, on any projects likely to affect its competence and organisation.

3 SECTION II - Steps to achieve the aims of the Council of Europe

3.1 CHAPTER I - Political Questions

3.1.1 Policy of the Council of Europe

23. After examining Recommendation 105 (1956), adopted by the Assembly on 26th October 1956, concerning " the policy of the Council of Europe in the light of recent developments in the international situation, and, in particular, a common European policy towards the East, " the Committee of Ministers adopted on 15th December 1956 Resolution (56) 23, which reads as follows :

" Th e Committee of Ministers, Having considered Recommendation 105 (1956) of the Consultative Assembly; Convinced that the international situation makes it increasingly urgent for Member States to formulate and apply a common policy on all questions of vital concern to Europe; Recalling its Resolution (54) 16 which sets out a procedure for consultation among European delegations to international organisations, Invites Member Governments to take into consideration the principles set forth in Recommendation 105, with a view to elaborating a common policy; Recommends that the following principles should form the basis of the policy to be applied to certain of the most urgent problems facing Europe today.

A. Eastern Europe

1. All peace-loving peoples should support the right of the nations of Eastern Europe, like all other peoples, to choose their own freely elected Governments;

2. The political regime in the countries of Eastern Europe should be decided by the peoples themselves, with full respect of human rights and uninfluenced by pressure from outside

B. Hungary

Full support for the Resolution of 12th December 1956 of the United Nations General Assembly calling once again upon the Soviet Union to begin an immediate withdrawal, under United Nations observation, of their armed forces from Hungary and to permit the re-establishment of the political independence of Hungary.

C. The Middle East

1. Full support of the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt, with a view to preventing further hostilities in the area ;

2. Establishment of a permanent and secure system of operation of the Suez Canal, which is of vital economic concern to all Member States : this system to guarantee international rights under the 1888 Convention in accordance with the six principles adopted unanimously by the Security Council last October;

3. The achievement of a just and permanent peace settlement between Israel and the Arab States, which will enable the urgent economic problems of the area to be tackled more effectively and thus lead to a rise in the general standard of living, which will itself contribute directly to the mutual prosperity and security of Europe and the Middle East."

24. The Assembly Representatives were informed of this text at the Joint Committee meeting on 16th December 1956.

25. The Committee of Ministers has taken note of Recommendation 132 (1957) on the situation in Hungary and the Middle East. This Recommendation, adopted on 11th January 1957, does not call for any modification or development on its part of the position defined in Resolution (56) 23. In particular, it considers that Section C of this Resolution concerning the Middle East still remains valid.

3.1.2 Expression of feelings of solidarity with the Hungarian nation

26. On 6th November 1956 the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution (56) 18, which reads as follows :

" The Committee of Ministers,

Profoundly distressed by the tragic fate inflicted on the Hungarian people;

Aware of the bonds which bind this heroic people to the family of European nations;

Considering that the aggression of the Soviet armed forces has as its deliberate purpose to crush the will of the Hungarian people for independence and to prevent the realisation of their national aspirations through the free choice of their institutions,

Expresses its indignation at the oppression to which this people is being subjected;

Insists on the urgent need for human rights and fundamental freedoms to be restored and respected in Hungary;

Affirms its feelings of solidarity with the Hungarian nation and expresses its deep sympathy with all those in Hungary who suffer and have given their lives for the cause of liberty and independence.

Right and justice will eventually triumph over brute force. "

27. In accordance with the instructions of the Committee of Ministers this Resolution was immediately made public.

28. The representative of Austria was not present at the meeting at which the Resolution was adopted.

29. An exchange of views concerning the Resolution took place at the meeting of the Joint Committee on 16th December 1956.

3.1.3 Aid to Hungarian refugees

30. The interest taken by the Committee of Ministers in the question of assisting the Hungarian refugees was demonstrated in a letter, dated 14th November 1956, from the Chairman-in-office of the Ministers' Deputies to the President of the Consultative Assembly.

31. In this connection, the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution (56) 20 in which it decided that " a grant of 100 million French francs should be made to the Austrian Government as a contribution towards the measures taken to assist the Hungarian refugees. "

32. The Resolution was transmitted to the Assembly in a letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Assembly dated 12th December 1956.

33. Measures taken by individual Member Governments to assist Hungarian refugees, as well as Assembly Recommendation 106 (1956) and Resolution 113 (1956), were discussed by the Joint Committee on 16th December 1956.

34. Furthermore, at the Joint Committee meeting on 25th March 1957, the Assembly Representatives were informed of the decision of the Committee of Ministers to instruct the Secretary-General to write to Member Governments asking them to provide the Secretariat with full information on the position as on 1st March 1957 concerning aid already granted to Hungarian refugees by Member States individually, in particular measures taken for their resettlement in those countries.

35. The information received by the Secretariat has been communicated to the Assembly in Doc. 642.

36. After examining Assembly Recommendation 114 (1957) on aid to refugees, the Committee of Ministers adopted, on 26th January 1957, Resolution (57) 2 which reads as follows :

" Th e Committee of Ministers,

Considering that further measures are needed for the assistance of Hungarian refugees;

Being of the opinion that help should be given to the Austrian Government, which is having to meet an increasingly difficult situation in view of the influx of these refugees into its territory,

Resolves to invite each of the Member Governments to examine the possibility of complying with the wishes expressed by the Assembly in its Recommendation 114 adopted on 8th January 1957."

37. As suggested in paragraph 1 of Assembly Recommendation 123 (1957) on assistance for Hungarian refugee students, the Committee of Ministers has also instructed the Acting Secretary-General to approach the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in order to find out what is being done for Hungarian refugee students in the Member States of the Council of Europe.

3.1.4 Second " Conference of Strasbourg "

38. The Committee of Ministers has approved, in principle, the holding of a second " Conference of Strasbourg" composed of representatives of the Canadian Parliament, the United States Congress and the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.

3.2 CHAPTER II - Economic Questions

3.2.1 European Atomic Energy Organisation and - Creation of a General Common Market

39. The Committee of Ministers considers that Assembly Resolutions 90 (1955), 101 (1956) and 120 (1957) have now been overtaken by events and that, moreover, the principles proclaimed in these Resolutions were widely accepted at the Brussels Conference.

40. Furthermore, the Committee of Ministers has noted Assembly Resolution 119 (1957) and has observed that the two suggestions put forward in Section I have been taken into consideration in the Treaty signed in Rome on 25th March 1957.

41. With regard to the first suggestion, a Study Group comprising the six Signatories of the Euratom Treaty together with Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland has been set up and is considering the possibility of constructing an isotope separation plant, possibly in the form of a joint concern.

42. With regard to the second suggestion, a special chapter of the Euratom Treaty gives the European Commission extensive powers with a view to ensuring strict control of the use of fissile materials, ores and raw materials.

43. So far as Section II of the Resolution is concerned the Committee points out that :

a The European Commission provided for by Euratom will be endowed with independent authority and joint responsibility;

b Motions of censure on the Commission's administration may be tabled in the Assembly. Should such a motion be adopted, the members of the Commission will be required to resign in a body; Furthermore, the Commission will refer preliminary draft Budgets to the Council and will be consulted by the Council whenever the latter intends to deviate therefrom. If the Assembly puts forward amendments to a draft Budget, the amended text will be transmitted to the Council which will discuss it with the Commission;

c The Treaty provides for an Economic and Social Committee of an advisory character, composed of representatives of various categories of economic and social life. This Committee may be divided into specialised sections. Moreover, it may set up sub-committees which will prepare draft opinions on specific questions;

d Article 230 of the Treaty provides for co-operation with the Council of Europe. In a Resolution adopted at the time of signature of the Treaty, the Interim Committee was instructed to define the form this co-operation should take.

44. This question will be kept under review by the Governments.

45. The Committee of Ministers has further decided to transmit to O.E.E.C. for information Assembly Recommendation 130 (1957) on the establishment of an European General Common Market.

3.2.2 Economic development of Southern Europe

46. The Committee of Ministers has decided to transmit officially to O.E.E.C. for an opinion Recommendation 95 (1956) of the Assembly and Resolution (56) 15 of the Committee of Ministers.

47. On 19th February 1957, the Chairman and the Rapporteur of the Committee on Economic Questions addressed the Council of O.E.E.C. on the subject of the Recommendation mentioned above.

3.2.3 European economic integration

48. The Committee of Ministers has noted Assembly Resolution 115 (1957) concerning " the O.E.E.C.'s comments with regard to Recommendation 77 (1955) on the economic integration of Western Europe", and has decided to communicate this Resolution to O.E.E.C.

3.2.4 Reduction of customs tariffs

49. In its last Statutory Report the Committee of Ministers had already informed the Assembly of the action taken on Recommendation 82, which was transmitted to O.E.E.C. and G. A. T. T. for an opinion. (Doc. 543, paras. 7 to 9).

50. These two organisations have duly sent replies, which have already been brought to the notice of the Assembly by means of the Seventh Report of O.E.E.C. and, in the case of G. A. T. T;, by an information document of the Secretariat-General communicated to the Committee on Economic Questions.

51. Having regard to these opinions, the Committee of Ministers considers that in view of the progress being made towards a system of gradual tariff reduction, as evidenced by the replies received both from O.E.E.C. and G. A. T. T., and by the current agreement on progressive tariff reductions amongst those countries negotiating a Customs Union in Brussels and similar proposals put forward in paragraphs 19-23 of the report of Working Party No. 17, Sections (a) and (b) of Recommendation 82 can now be considered as overtaken by events.

52. As regards Section (c), although negotiations for the Customs Union and the Free Trade Area have so far been conducted by the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels and O.E.E.C. respectively, it is clear that the agreements reached will be submitted to G. A. T. T.

3.2.5 Increased use of fertilisers

53. The Committee of Ministers has decided to transmit Recommendation 122 (1957) to O.E.E.C. for an opinion.

54. The Committee of Ministers considers that members of the Assembly might comment on the Recommendation at a special session of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees.

3.2.6 European co-operation in postal and telecommunications services

55. After having examined Assembly Recommendation 102 (1956), the Committee of Ministers consdered that there was no reason to set up a European Conference of Ministers of Postal and Telecommunications Services within the framework of the Council of Europe in view of the work being carried out by other international institutions, more particularly the Working Party which met at Frankfurt in February 1957 and which, as it is, includes eight Member States of the Council of Europe, to which others may be added.

56. The Committee of Ministers felt that this Working Party was competent to take action on the matters dealt with in the Assembly Recommendation.

57. As regards Point 5 of the Recommendation, the representative of France stated that his Government saw no objection to the Assembly's suggestion.

58. As regards Points 6 and 7, the Committee of Ministers agreed to leave it to each individual Government to take such action as it thought fit on the Assembly's proposals.

59. The Assembly was informed of these views at the Joint Committee meeting on 25th March 1957.

3.3 CHAPTER III - Social Questions

3.3.1 Public health

60. The Committee of Ministers has examined the Report of the 5th session (November 1956) of the Committee of Experts on Public Health.

61. It approved the experts' proposal that the direct contacts established between the national health services of Member Governments and Switzerland should be extended to Finland.

62. It also approved the experts' recommendation to transmit the Report on the inter-availability of climatic facilities, hospitals and special treatments as between member countries to the Committee of Experts on Social Security, for consideration of its financial aspects within the framework of the social security systems of Member States and for the preparation of a memorandum on these points.

63. The Committee of Ministers further approved the principle of extending the " excepted areas " created within the framework of W. E. U. to all member countries of the Council of Europe. This question will be re-examined as soon as W. E. U. has supplied certain technical information.

64. It was decided that these arrangements should only be extended to one country at a time.

65. The Committee of Ministers agreed that the question of the problems confronting the health services as a result of the development of automation in the field of public and mental health should be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting of the Committee of Experts.

66. The question of inviting observers from non-member countries to attend the experts' meetings has also been placed on the Agenda for the next meeting of the experts, to be held in July 1957.

67. The Committee of Ministers examined a request to place on the same Agenda the question of the harmonisation in member countries of training courses for public health nurses; the Committee considered, however, that this question was already being dealt with by W. H. G. and saw no need, therefore, to accede to the request of the Committee of Experts.

3.3.2 Medical fellowships

68. As regards medical fellowships, the principle of which had already been accepted by the Committee of Ministers (Doc. 485, paragraph 18), a credit of 9 million francs was included for this purpose in the 1957 Budget.

69. The Committee of Ministers has decided that the administration of the fellowships should be entrusted to the Council of Europe, which will co-operate closely with the Regional Office for Europe of W. H. 0.

70. The fellowship programme is designed to enable members of the medical and paramedical professions and of the health services :

i to become conversant with new techniques practised in European countries;

ii to participate in studies and research of common European interest.

71. The meeting of the Selection Committee to award the fellowships has been fixed for May 1957.

3.3.3 European Code of Social Security

72. The Committee of Ministers has examined the Report of the 10th session (October 1956) of the Committee of Experts on Social Security.

73. In pursuance of Resolution (54) 13 of the Committee of Ministers, the experts considered the advisability of adding a Protocol to the European Code of Social Security, embodying standards higher than those of the draft European Code.

74. The experts defined the new standards, but were unable to reach agreement on the method of embodying these standards in a European instrument—whether in the form of a single Code or a Protocol to the Code.

75. The Committee of Ministers decided to maintain the draft Code in its present form and instructed the Committee of Experts to draw up a Protocol.

76. After making certain amendments to the text drawn up by the experts, the Committee of Ministers decided to transmit the draft European Code thus provisionally adopted to the Assembly for an opinion.

3.3.4 Social Charter

77. During its 4th session held in Strasbourg from 29th January to 1st February 1957, the Social Committee continued its examination of the draft European Social Charter in pursuance of Resolution (56) 25 of the Committee of Ministers and in the light of Assembly Recommendation 104 (1956).

78. The Social Committee held a special meeting at the beginning of its session to enable a representative of the International Federation of Christian Trade Unions to explain the Federation's views on the Social Charter. The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, which had also been invited, was not able to send a representative to this meeting.

79. In accordance with Resolution (56) 25, the Social Committee decided to consult also the International Association of Employers on this subject.

80. The Social Committee also studied the desirability of including in the Charter certain rights not hitherto covered by its work. It decided to transmit to the Governments a questionnaire prepared by the Committee of Experts on Public Health concerning certain rights relating to health.

81. The Social Committee further decided to consult Governments on the inclusion of the following rights

adequate standard of living;
food, clothing, housing;
social services.

82. In order to hasten the conclusion of its work on the Social Charter, the Social Committee set up a working group, which met from 9th to 12th April 1957, to draft the texts of all the Articles of the Charter which the experts had already examined.

83. The Committee of Ministers has also authorised a joint meeting of members of the Social Committee and of the Assembly Committee on Social Questions. The meeting will be held in July 1957.

84. The 5th session of the Social Committee will be held from 16th to 19th July 1957.

3.3.5 International Labour Convention on Migrant Workers and the O.E.E.C.'s Decision on Foreign Labour

85. The Committee of Ministers has examined Assembly Recommendation 112 (1957).

86. With regard to the first part of the Recommendation—the ratification by Member Governments of the Council of Europe of International Labour Convention No. 97 on Migration for Employment (1949)—the Committee of Ministers would point out that it has dealt with this question on earlier occasions. At its First Session, the Assembly recommended the speedy ratification of the Convention in question. The Committee of Ministers, at its Second Session, approved this Recommendation and decided to transmit it to the Governments.

87. Recommendation 47 (1953) on the ratification of International Labour Conventions advocated the speedy ratification of eight different conventions listed in the Recommendation, including Convention No. 97 on Migration for Employment.

88. The Committee of Ministers approved this Recommendation and invited Member Governments to let the Secretary-General know which of the Conventions specified by the Assembly had been ratified, indicating, if possible, their position with regard to the others. This information is contained in the Fifth Report from the Committee of Ministers to the Assembly (Doe. 237). The Committee further informed the Assembly that this information would be transmitted to the Social Committee, so that discussions might be held on the conventions in question. This question therefore appears on the Agenda of the Social Committee, which may be expected to consider it as soon as it has been able to complete the drafting of the European Social Charter.

89. The Convention in question has been ratified by Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom. The ratifications of France and Norway have been effected since the Fifth Report of the Committee of Ministers was transmitted to the Assembly.

90. With regard to the second part of Recommendation 112, the Committee of Ministers recalls that the Council of O.E.E.C, in December 1956, adopted a revised text of the Decision concerning the employment of foreign workers. This text is more favourable to foreign workers than the original Decision of October 1953.

91. The majority of Member Governments are applying a manpower policy corresponding thereto. The Members of the Council of Europe, being also Members of O.E.E.C, follow the action of O.E.E.C. in this field.

92. In these circumstances, the Committee of Ministers considers that at the present stage no further action is called for in connection with the second part of Recommendation 112.

3.3.6 Co-ordination of social and manpower policies of Member States of the Council of Europe

93. The Committee of Ministers has made a preliminary examination of Assembly Recommendation 113 (1957) and decided to instruct the Secretary-General to ask O.E.E.C. for information on developments in the work it has undertaken in the field covered by this Recommendation.

94. The Committee of Ministers will re-examine this question on the basis of the information received.

3.3.7 Travel facilities for war-disabled when abroad

95. The Committee of Ministers will shortly examine Assembly Recommendation 118 (1957) on " the conclusion of an Agreement concerning reciprocal travel facilities for the war-disabled when travelling abroad by railway. "

96. It will study in particular the possibility of concluding a partial agreement on the subject.

3.3.8 European solidarity in cases of natural disaster

97. With regard to Assembly Recommendation 119 (1957) on " action to foster European solidarity in cases of natural disaster, " the Committee of Ministers considers that whenever a European country had been overtaken by natural disaster, individual assistance from Member States has always been forthcoming and that this has enabled action to be taken more promptly and effectively than would collective assistance.

98. With regard to Point 5 of the Recommendation, the Committee of Ministers feels that the measures already taken individually by Member Governments represent a considerable effort.

3.3.9 Agreement on the Exchange of War Cripples with a View to Medical Treatment

99. Italy deposited its instrument of ratification of this Agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe on 17th January 1957.

100. Member States which have so far ratified the Agreement or have signed it without need for ratification are : France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

3.4 CHAPTER IV - Refugees and Over-population

3.4.1 Report of the Special Representative

101. During its 19th Session the Committee of Ministers heard a statement by M. Pierre Schneiter on his activities as Special Representative for National Refugees and Overpopulation, and on the operation of the Resettlement Fund.

102. The Committee of Ministers expressed the hope that, with the Special Representative's active support, the efforts of the Governments would gradually lead to concrete measures for solving the problems created by surplus manpower in certain Member States of the Council of Europe.

103. The Committee of Ministers has taken note of Assembly Resolution 114 (1957) in reply to the progress report which the Special Representative presented to the Assembly during the second part of its 8th Session

104. The Committee of Ministers has also noted Assembly Resolution 117 (1957) in reply to the Fifth Report on the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

3.4.2 Moral re-adaptation of young refugees from Eastern Europe

105. On 6th April 1957 the Committee of Ministers adopted the following Resolution (57) 7 :

" The Committee of Ministers,

Having considered Assembly Recommendation 92 concerning the moral re-adaptation of young refugees from Eastern Europe, as well as the information submitted by the Secretary-General on the 'European Education Community';

Recognising the importance, from the European point of view, of the moral re-adaptation of young refugees who have been received in Member States of the Council of Europe,

Expresses the wish that Member Governments should give their support, according to their possibilities, to the official or private charitable organisations concerned with the moral re-adaptation of these young refugees."

3.4.3 Resettlement of refugees and surplus agricultural workers

106. The Committee of Ministers has decided to transmit Recommendation 121 (1957) on " the resettlement of refugees and surplus agricultural workers " to O.E.E.C. for an opinion.

107. Assembly Representatives might perhaps comment on this Recommendation at a special session of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees.

3.5 CHAPTER V - Cultural Questions

108. The Committee of Ministers has decided to maintain the sum of 25 million francs as the appropriation for the Council of Europe's cultural activities, and-to leave it to the Secretary- General to apportion this sum among the various items of the programme after obtaining the opinion of the Bureau of the Committee of Cultural Experts.

109. The Committee of Ministers has noted Assembly Recommendations 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 126, 127, 128 and 129 (1957) on various cultural questions and has decided to refer them to the Committee of Cultural Experts for an opinion.

110. The 13th session of the Committee of Cultural Experts will be held in Strasbourg from 9th to 16th May 1957.

3.5.1 Course of European Studies

111. The Sixth Course of European Studies, which in 1956 was reserved for directors and members of the teaching staff of training colleges for primary and secondary school teachers, was held from 15th to 24th October 1956 at the Council of Europe headquarters.

112. Thirty-two nationals of Member States attended the course. The lecturers were :

Mr. Peter Wiles Director of the Course, Fellow of New College, Oxford.

M. Jan de Meyer Professor of Public Law at the University of Lou-vain.

M. Edoardo Vitta Professor of International Law at the University of Bologna

M. Georges Berthoin London Office of the High Authority of E. C. S. C.

3.5.2 European Exhibitions

113. The third European Exhibition was held in Rome from 1st December 1956 to 17th February 1957, on the theme : " The XVIIth Century in Europe : Realism, Classicism and Baroque. " (Doc. 543, para. 57 e).

3.5.3 Meeting of non-governmental youth organisations possessing consultative status

114. A meeting was held in Strasbourg on 12th and 13th April 1957 to enable non-governmental youth organisations possessing consultative status to examine jointly with members of the Youth Sub-committee of the Committee of Cultural Experts ways and means of improving European co-operation in the field of youth. This meeting is the first example of direct co-operation between the Council of Europe and non-governmental cultural organisations possessing consultative status (Doc. 543, para. 54).

3.5.4 European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas leading to Admission to Universities

115. On 9th October 1956 Austria acceded to this Convention, which was signed in Paris on 11th December 1953.

116. On 31st October 1956 Italy deposited its instrument of ratification with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

117. The Convention has now been ratified by all member countries except Sweden and Turkey.

3.5.5 European Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of University Study

118. This Convention was signed in Paris on 15th December 1956, during the 19th Session of the Committee of Ministers.

119. For technical reasons, Austria, Greece, and Turkey have not yet signed the Convention.

120. It was ratified by Ireland on 20th February 1957 and by Norway on 14th March 1957.

121. It will come into force as soon as the third instrument of ratification has been deposited with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

122. The Committee of Ministers has noted Assembly Resolution 118 (1957) in reply to UNESCO's Third Report and has decided to communicate it to the Cultural Experts, reminding them of the decision taken by the Committee of Ministers concerning the examination of the annual report of UNESCO by the Joint Cultural Committee (Reply to Chapter IV of Assembly Opinion No. 13/14, para. 4).

3.6 CHAPTER VI - Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

3.6.1 Ratification of the Protocol by the Federal Republic of Germany

123. On 13th February 1957 the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany deposited with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe its instrument of ratification of the Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights.

124. When depositing this instrument the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany declared that, in its opinion, the second sentence of Article 2 of the Protocol did not impose on the State any obligation to finance or to assist in financing schools of a denominational or philosophical character.

125. In a letter of 28th March 1957 the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany informed the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, on behalf of his Government, that the Protocol was also applicable to Land Berlin as from 13th February 1957.

126. At present the following Member States are bound by the Convention and Protocol : Belgium, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

3.6.2 Revocation of a reservation made by Norway

127. When depositing its instrument of ratification (15th January 1952), the Norwegian Government, in accordance with Article 64 of the Convention, made the following reservation : " Wherea s Article 2 of the Norwegian Constitution of 17th May 1814 contains a provision under which Jesuits are not tolerated, a corresponding reservation is made with regard to the application of Article 9 of the Convention. "

128. In a letter of 4th December 1956, however, M. Halvard Lange, Norwegian Minister for Foreign Affairs, informed the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe that this reservation had been revoked as a result of the abrogation of the constitutional provision in question.

3.6.3 Extension to the Saar of the right of individual application

129. As a result of the incorporation of the Saar in the Federal Republic of Germany (1st January 1957), the right of individual application to the European Commission of Human Rights, already recognised by the Federal Republic of Germany, by virtue of Article 25 of the Convention, for all persons coming within its jurisdiction, was extended to the Saar.

3.6.4 Renewal of two declarations by the Government of Denmark

130. On 7th April 1957, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe received a letter dated 2nd April 1957 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark transmitting two declarations by the Danish Government. These declarations prolong for a further period of five and two years respectively, as from 7th April 1957, the validity of the declarations of 14th March 1955, whereby, for a period of two years as from 7th April 1955, the Danish Government recognised the right of individual application to the European Commission of Human Rights and accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (Articles 25 and 46 of the Convention).

131. To date, seven Contracting Parties (Belgium, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Norway and Sweden) have recognised the right of individual application to the European Commission of Human Rights.

132. As regards the compulsory jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights, five Contracting Parties (Belgium, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands) have so far declared their acceptance. Under the terms of Article 56 of the Convention, the first election of members of the Court shall take place after such declarations have reached a total of eight.

3.6.5 Election of a Member of the European Commission of Human Rights

133. On 28th January 1957 the Committee of Ministers adopted the following Resolution (57) 3 :

" The Committee of Ministers,

Having regard to Articles 19 (a), 20, 21 and 22, paragraph 3, of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms;

Having regard to the list of candidates for the seat on the European Commission of Human Rights left vacant by the resignation of M. H. Jonasson, elected in respect of Iceland on 18th May 1954, which list was transmitted by a letter of the President of the Consultative Assembly dated 25th January 1957;

Having voted on this question,

Declares M. Fridjon Skarphedinsson elected unanimously as a member of the European Commission of Human Rights for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor."

3.6.6 Partial renewal of the membership of the European Commission of Human Rights

134. In accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1 of the Convention, the terms of office of seven members of the European Commission of Human Rights shall expire at the end of three years after the first election, which took place on 18th May 1954. These seven members, who were chosen by lot by the Secretary-General on 21st May 1954, in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 2 of the Convention, were those elected in respect of Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Saar, Sweden and Turkey.

135. However, the term of office of the member elected for the Saar expired on 1st January 1957, since the Saar then ceased to be a Party to the Convention and the Commission may not consist of a greater number of members than there are Parties to the Convention (Article 20 of the Convention). This means that only six seats will fall vacant on 17th May 1957.

136. Being called upon to fill these six seats, the Committee of Ministers adopted on 6th April 1957 Resolution (57) 9 which reads as follows :

" The Committee of Ministers,

Having regard to Articles 19 (a), 20, 21 and 22, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms;

Having regard to the choosing by lot, in pursuance of the aforesaid Article 22, paragraphs 1 and 2, on 21st May 1954, of seven members of the European Commission of Human Rights

Having regard to the expiry on 17th May 1957, in accordance with the aforesaid Article 22, paragraph 1 and Resolution (54) 9 of the Committee of Ministers of 18th May 1954, of the terms of six of the said members, the term of the remaining member, being the member in respect of the Saar, having expired on 1st January 1957;

Having regard to the list of candidates for the seats on the European Commission of Human Rights left vacant by the expiry of the terms of the aforesaid six members, which list was drawn up by the Bureau of the Consultative Assembly and transmitted to the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers by a letter of the President of the Assembly dated 18th March 1957;

Having voted on this question,

Declares the following candidates to be re-elected by an absolute majority of votes in respect of the countries concerned : M. Fridjon Skarphedinsson (Iceland); Mr. James Crosbie (Ireland); M. Francesco Maria Dominedo (Italy); M. Paul Faber (Luxembourg); M. Sture Petren (Sweden). "

137. The Committee of Ministers has decided to elect at a later meeting a member to fill the seat left vacant in respect of Turkey.

3.6.7 Assembly Recommendations 83 (1955) and 103 (1956)

138. The decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers on these two Recommendations, the first relating to individual claims under the Convention and the second to the interpretation of Article 15, paragraph 3 of the Convention, may be found in Document 624.

3.6.8 Privileges and immunities of members of the European Commissioyi of Human Rights

139. The Committee of Ministers had decided that the nature and extent of the privileges and immunities of members of the European Commission of Human Rights, provided for in Article 59 of the Convention, should be laid clown in a new Protocol to the General Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the Council of Europe (Doc. 543 paras. 67-73).

140. This Protocol, the text of which is appended to the present Report, was signed on 15th December 1956 by the following Member States :

without need for ratification : Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

subject to ratification : Belgium, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.

141. In accordance with the provisions of its Article 6, paragraph 1, the Protocol entered into force on the same day for the four Members which signed it without need for ratification.

3.7 CHAPTER VII - Legal and Administrative Questions

3.7.1 Simplification of frontier formalities

142. On 5th December 1956 the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution (56) 22, which was communicated to the Assembly Representatives at the meeting of the Joint Committee on 16th December 1956. The text of this Resolution is as follows :

" The Committee of Ministers,

Having regard to the fact that the simplification and abolition to the greatest extent possible of frontier formalities for travel between European countries is one of the most essential requirements for creating closer economic and cultural relations between the European peoples and a deeper sense of European unity;

Noting that during the past few years considerable progress has been achieved in certain directions, in particular by the abolition of visas between all member countries of the Council of Europe and passports between certain European countries;

that the continuing obstacles to crossing frontiers and, above all, the widely differing attitudes taken by Member Governments towards the application of frontier formalities, prevent tourists from travelling with complete freedom in all European countries;

Convinced that it is time to put into effect, if possible in all member countries, the measures already adopted by certain Member Governments and recommended by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Council of Ministers of O.E.E.C.;

Considering that it is important to coordinate the simplification measures already adopted and to continue the good work with a view to obtaining further progress in this field, particularly by endeavouring to achieve the following aims :

1. Passports shall no longer be compulsory for travel between Member States. Travellers shall merely be required to prove their identity by presenting an identity card or some other official paper duly establishing their identity;

2. Instead of a check on all travellers without exception, the possibility will be considered of introducing a system of spot checks;

3. Instead of carnets de passage and triplyques for motor vehicles, recourse shall be had to a single customs registration card (e. g. " Zollvormerkkarle ") or any other document whereby frontier formalities may be greatly simplified for both motorists and the competent authorities. The final aim shall be to regard the national registration paper as adequate for the temporary importation of a vehicle;

4. Conventions on the abolition of visas should be concluded with as many non-Member States as possible;

5. Other measures should be taken to simplify frontier formalities for refugees,

Resolves :

a to set up a Special Committee to study the measures necessary to put the specific aims set out above into practical effect in the near future, and to the fullest extent possible, in the member countries which are willing to take this action;

b that the Special Committee shall include senior officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other competent Ministries;

c that the Special Committee shall take into account the work of O.E.E.C. and E. C. E. and shall consult these bodies as it may think fit;

d that the Special Committee shall be presided over by a member of the Government of one of the Member States and shall present its conclusions and proposals to the Committee of Ministers;

e that member countries which are not yet prepared to take part in the work of the Special Committee may be represented on it by an observer."

143. In accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Resolution, the Committee of Ministers decided to request Monsieur A. Pin-ton, Secretary of State for Public Works, Transport and Tourism of the French Government, to act as Chairman of the Special Committee set up under the Resolution.

144. M. Pinton was appointed to this office by reason of his personality and experience, particularly as Chairman of the Assembly Sub-committee on Frontier Formalities.

145. In order to avoid any duplication in the field of tourism between the Council of Europe and O.E.E.C, the Committee of Ministers decided to ask M. Pinton to establish, in consultation with the Secretaries-General of both organisations, close liaison between the Special Committee of the Council and the OEEC Tourism Committee. In this connection they expressed the wish that the experts of the latter Committee should form part of the delegations to the Special Committee of the Council of Europe.

146. Furthermore, the Committee of Ministers agreed in principle to invite the Governments of Switzerland and Portugal, which are Members of O.E.E.C, to be represented by observers on the Special Committee.

147. Lastly, the Committee of Ministers decided that the rules of procedure governing meetings of the Committee of Experts should be applied to those of the Special Committee.

148. At the meeting of the Joint Committee on 8th February 1957 the Assembly representatives were informed of M. Pinton's appointment as Chairman of the Special Committee set up under Resolution (56) 22.

149. The Special Committee met on 19th February and again on 16th and 17th April 1957.

3.7.2 European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

150. After examining the proposals made by M. Rolin at the 41st meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (20th to 29th September 1956), the Committee of Ministers decided on the final text of the draft Convention which was transmitted to Member Governments.

151. The Convention will be signed at the 20th session of the Committee of Ministers.

3.7.3 Treatment of legal persons

152. The Committee of Ministers, which had instructed the Committee of Experts to draw up a draft Convention on the treatment of legal persons, asked the experts to examine whether it was advisable to include non-profit-making legal persons in the Convention (Doc. 543, paras. 94 and 95).

153. The next meeting of the Committee of Experts will be held from 20th to 25th May 1957.

3.7.4 Compulsory motor insurance

154. In accordance with Assembly Recommendation 100 (1956), the Committee of Ministers approved the appointment of a Committee of Government Experts to examine the draft European Convention on Compulsory Motor Insurance appended to the Recommendation.

155. The Committee of Experts met from 21st to 25th January and again from 25th March to 4th April 1957.

3.7.5 European Convention on Extradition

156. The Committee of Ministers referred Assembly Recommendation 124 (1957) to the Committee of Experts on Extradition for examination.

157. The Experts met in Strasbourg from 11th to 13th February 1957 and, in the light of the Recommendation, drew up the final text of a model bilateral draft Convention and a draft European Multilateral Convention on Extradition.

158. These texts have been submitted to the Governments for consideration.

3.7.6 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Proceedings

159. The Committee of Experts on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Proceedings met in Strasbourg from 14th to 20th February 1957.

160. It drew up a number of provisions to be incorporated in a draft Convention.

161. The Committee of Experts will meet again from 17th to 27th June 1957.

3.7.7 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil

162. Eight countries, namely Canada, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, freland, Mexico, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, have deposited their instruments of accession to the Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil.

163. Ratification procedure is in preparation in the Netherlands and in progress in Italy.

164. The Convention will come into force twelve months after the date on which not less than ten Governments have become parties to the Convention, including five Governments each with not less than 500,000 gross tons of tanker tonnage. Three such Governments (United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden) have already deposited their instruments of accession.

165. The British Government, in its capacity as depository Government, has recently approached those Governments which have not yet deposited instruments of accession, to ask whether they can state when they will be in a position to accede to the Convention.

166. The Swedish Government, which is very much interested in this question, has also appealed to the Governments concerned to expedite the entry into force of the Convention.

3.7.8 Liability of innkeepers

167. The Committee of Ministers will examine in the near future Assembly Recommendation 125 (1957) on the " conclusion of a European Convention on the liability of innkeepers for loss of or injury to goods brought to inns by guests. "

3.7.9 Convention on the Issue of Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates for Transmission Abroad

168. The Committee of Ministers has taken note of the Report submitted by the Secretary-General of the International Commission on Civil Status.

169. The Representatives of the States signatory to the Convention on the Issue of Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates for Transmission Abroad have expressed the hope that as many Member States of the Council of Europe as possible will accede to the Convention when it has entered into force.

3.7.10 Convention relating to Civil Procedure prepared by The Hague Conference on Private International Law

170. On 27th September 1956 the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution (56) 17, which runs as follows:

" Th e Committee of Ministers,

Having regard to the Agreement between the Council of Europe and The Hague Conference on Private International Law;

Having regard to the Convention relating to Civil Procedure prepared by The Hague Conference on Private International Law, and signed at The Hague on 1st March 1954;

Having regard to the communication of 2nd May 1956 from the Secretary-General of The Hague Conference on Private International Law;

Considering that the purpose of the Convention relating to Civil Procedure is to strengthen intra-European judicial relations and, in so doing, to contribute to the realisation of the aim of the Council of Europe, which is to bring about a closer union between its Members, in particular through the conclusion of agreements in the legal and administrative spheres,

1. Recommends all Member States who have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify or to accede to, the Convention relating to Civil Procedure, signed at The Hague on 1st March 1954; and

2. Invites the Member States concerned to inform the Secretary-General of any action they are able to take on this Recommendation."

3.7.11 European Convention relating to the Formalities required for Patent Applications and European Convention on the International Classification of Patents for Invention

171. Turkey deposited its instruments of ratification of these two Conventions on 22nd October 1956.

172. So far, eight Member States have ratified the first Convention and nine have ratified the second.

3.8 CHAPTER VIII - Information Questions

3.8.1 Methods of promoting the European Idea

173. After examining the financial implications of the proposals contained in Assembly Recommendation 93 (1956), the Committee of Ministers instructed the Secretary-General to make the necessary contacts to set up a Co-ordinating Committee of officials responsible for information questions in the various European institutions.

174. The Committee of Ministers considered that it was not necessary to change the terms of reference of the Information Directorate.

175. The Committee of Ministers was unable to agree to the Assembly's suggestion that a monthly newsletter be published.

176. The Secretariat-General was asked to submit a study on the Assembly's proposals for the production of films for television.

177. The Assembly Representatives were informed of these decisions at the meeting of the Joint Committee on 8th February 1957.

3.8.2 Brussels Exhibition

178. After noting the proposals put forward by the Joint Working Party for the Brussels Universal and International Exhibition of 1958, the Committee of Ministers agreed on the procedure for the selection of the architect for the interior of the Joint CE/OEEC Pavilion and on the form of the message to be presented by the Council of Europe at the Exhibition.

179. In particular, the following decisions were taken :

i The Secretary-General, in his capacity as Commissioner-General, would choose the architect for the interior decoration and arrangement of the Council of Europe Section of the Joint Pavilion. The official appointment of the architect would be reserved for the Committee of Ministers.

ii In his task as Commissioner-General, the Secretary-General would be assisted by a special committee of an advisory character. The Committee of Ministers also emphasised the advisability of associating the Assembly with the presentation of the Council of Europe's message at the Exhibition, and thought it desirable that the Special Committee should consist of an equal number of representatives of the Committee of Ministers and of the Assembly. It was agreed that this body, being strictly advisory, would endeavour to form unanimous opinions without having recourse to formal votes.

180. The Assembly was informed of these decisions by a letter of 4th February 1957 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Assembly.

181. An exchange of views on this subject took place at the Joint Committee meeting on 8th February 1957.

182. The Committee of Ministers is represented on the Special Committee by the permanent Representatives of Belgium, Italy and the United Kingdom.

183. The Special Committee held its first meeting in Paris on 18th March 1957.

184. At this meeting the Special Committee noted the thirteen preliminary plans presented by the competing architects and unanimously expressed its preference for those submitted by the Italian architects, M. C. De Carli and M. Grisotti, particularly since their conception of the structure of a parliamentary assembly hall within the Joint Pavilion seemed to result in a hemicycle of both symbolic and functional significance, which was in closest harmony with the architecture of the building as a whole.

185. The final plans for the arrangement of the Council's contribution to the Exhibition, prepared by the Secretariat-General, are now under consideration.

186. A scale model of the Joint Council of Europe/O.E.E.C. Pavilion has been built under the direction of the architect, M. Schwan-zer, and is exhibited in the Representatives' Hall in the Council of Europe Building.

187. As Commissioner-General for the Brussels Exhibition, the Secretary-General has assigned the duties of Deputy Commissioner-General to M. Paul M. G. Levy, Director of Information, and those of Administrator-General with the rank of Deputy Commissioner-General to M. A. Daussin, Director of Administration.

3.8.3 European Yearbook

188. In this connection the Committee of Ministers adopted the following Resolution (57) 4 :

" The Committee of Ministers,

Having regard to Resolution (53) 26 of 30th June 1953;

Having considered the recommendations of the Editorial Committee contained in Lord Layton's letter of 11th January 1957 (Doc. CM (57) 26),

Resolves :

1. to authorise the continued publication of the European Yearbook in accordance with the policy set out in Resolution (53) 26;

2. to approve the proposal that the Editorial Committee should be enlarged, in order to make it more representative of European institutions. The Secretary-General is instructed to submit proposals for the new members at a future meeting of the Committee;

3. to authorise the Secretary-General to conclude a new contract with N.. V. Martinus Nijhoff's Boekhandel en Uitgeversmaatschappij, The Hague, providing for the continued publication of the Yearbook, in accordance with the present arrangements, such new contract to be of indefinite duration but subject to reasonable notice on either side;

4. to authorise the Secretary-General to continue the existing arrangements with the Director of the Peace Palace Library for editorial assistance in preparation of the Yearbook."

3.8.4 News broadcasts in Russian

189. The Committee of Ministers has noted the contents of Assembly Recommendation 116 (1957) on news broadcasts in Russian.

190. The Member Governments concerned will examine the possibility of implementing the Assembly's proposal and of co-ordinating the preparation of their broadcasting programmes in Russian.

3.8.5 Television

191. In accordance with Resolution (54) 11 (c) of the Committee of Ministers, the Combined International Bureaux for the Protection of Industrial Property and Literary and Artistic Works communicated to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe a number of recommendations concerning the removal of legal impediments to the exchange of television programmes in Europe, in connection with authors' rights.

192. After examining these recommendations, the Committee of Ministers decided to set up a Committee of Government Experts whose terms of reference would be to propose the necessary measures for implementing these recommendations.

193. The date of the meeting of this Committee of Experts will be decided later.

3.9 CHAPTER IX - Participation of Local Authorities in European activities

194. The European Conference of Local Authorities, the holding of which was proposed in Assembly Resolution 76 (1955), took place at the Council of Europe headquarters from 12th to 14th January 1957.

4 SECTION III - Council of Europe machinery and administration

4.1 Permanent Representatives of Governments to the Council of Europe

195. Madame B. Begtrup was appointed Permanent Representative of Denmark on 1st November 1956, in succession to M. J. Knox.

196. M. P. Eggerz was appointed Permanent Representative of Iceland on 3rd November 1956, in succession to M. H. Kroyer.

197. M. K. G. Lagerfelt was appointed Permanent Representative of Sweden on 1st March 1957, in succession to M. S. I. R. Hagglof.

4.2 Succession to the post of Secretary-General

198. In accordance with Article 4 of the Regulations on the appointment of the three senior officials of the Secretariat-General, the Assembly was duly consulted on this subject at the meeting of the Joint Committee on 25th March 1957.

4.3 Taking of the oath by the new Clerk of the Assembly

199. At the 19th Session of the Committee of Ministers, M. G. Schlcosser, Clerk of the Assembly, made the declaration required under Article 36 (e) of the Statute of the Council of Europe

4.4 Procedure for the appointment of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Clerk of the Assembly

200. The Committee of Ministers adopted the regulations agreed upon by the Joint Working Party at its meeting on 19th November 1956.

201. The Assembly was informed of the text of the regulations in a letter of 7th December 1956 from the Chairman-in-office of the Ministers' Deputies to the President of the Assembly.

4.5 Creation of a European Civil Service

202. The second meeting of the Committee on staff structure, recruitment and remuneration was held in Paris on 23rd November with Monsieur A. Daussin, Director of Administration of the Council of Europe, in the Chair.

203. The Committee examined the first interim report on staff structure drawn up by its Rapporteur, Monsieur P. Chatenet, Director of the French Civil Service.

204. The Sub-Committee on pension schemes met in Paris on 24th November with M. Bernier, Director of Administration and Conferences of O.E.E.C, in the Chair. The Sub-committee examined the first interim report on pension schemes drawn up by its Chairman M. Bernier, who also acted as Rapporteur. The Subcommittee met again in Paris on 8th February and examined the second interim report on pension schemes.

205. The plenary Working Party on the European Civil Service will hold its second meeting in Strasbourg in July. It will consider the work of the Committee and Sub-committee and draw up the first reports for transmission to the organisations and Governments.

4.6 Calendar of meetings

206. 1956 16th October 18th special Session of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees (Strasbourg) 23rd October 19th special Session of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees (Strasbourg) 29th-31st October 10th Session of the Committee of Experts on Social Security (Strasbourg) 30th-31st October Budget Committee (Strasbourg) 6th-8th November 5th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Health (Strasbourg) 6th-12th November 42nd meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Strasbourg) 12-14th November Advisory Committee of the Special Representative (Paris) 14th-18th November Sub-commission of the European Commission of Human Rights (Strasbourg) 15th-17th November Governing Body of the Resettlement Fund (Paris) 19th-21st November Administrative Council of the Resettlement Fund (Paris) 19th November Joint Working Party (Paris) 20th November Joint Committee (Paris) 23rd-24th November Working Party on the European Civil Service (Paris) 27th-30th November Social Committee (Strasbourg) 29th-30th November Committee of Experts on Social Security (Strasbourg) 1st December-31st January 1957 Third European Exhibition (Rome) 3rd-6th December 43rd Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Paris) 15th-16th December 19th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Paris) 16th December Joint Committee (Paris) 17th-18th December Meeting of Rapporteurs of the Round Table Study Group (Paris) 18th December Working Party on Regulations Governing the Award of Research Fellowships (Strasbourg) 18th-20th December Sub-commission of the European Commission of Human Rights (Strasbourg) 19th-21st December 44th Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Strasbourg) 20th December Working Party of the Committee of Cultural Experts (Paris) 20th December Bureau of the Conferences on the Revision of History Textbooks (Brunswick) 1957 7th January 20th special session of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees (Strasbourg) 12th-14th January European Conference of Local Authorities (Strasbourg) 14th January Joint Cultural Committee (Paris) 15th-17th January Bureau of the Committee of Cultural Experts (Paris) 18th-19th January Sub-committee on the Equivalence of Diplomas of the Committee of Cultural Experts (Paris) 18th January Group of Three Members of the European Sub-commission of Human Rights (Strasbourg) 21st-25th January Committee of Experts on Compulsory Motor Insurance (Strasbourg) 24th January-lst February 45th Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Strasbourg) 29th January-lst February 4th Session of the Social Committee (Strasbourg) 31st January-2nd February Sub-commission of the European Commission of Human Rights (Strasbourg) 8th February Joint Committee (Paris) 8th-9th February Sub-committee of the Working Party on the European Civil Service (Paris) llth-13th February Administrative Council of the Resettlement Fund (Paris) llth-13th February Committee of Experts on Extradition (Strasbourg) 14th-20th February Committee of Experts on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Proceedings (Strasbourg) 18th February 21st special session of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees (Paris) 19th February Special Committee on the Simplification of Frontier Formalities (Strasbourg) 26th February-lst March 11th session of the Committee of Experts on Social Security (Strasbourg) 4th-9th March European Commission of Human Rights (Strasbourg) 7th-13th March 46th Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Strasbourg) 18th March Special Committee on the Brussels Exhibition (Paris) 25th March 47th Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Paris) 25th March Joint Committee (Paris) 25th March-4th April Committee of Experts on Compulsory Motor Insurance (Strasbourg) 28th-30th March Sub-commission of the European Commission of Human Rights (Strasbourg) 4th-6th April 48th Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Strasbourg) 6th-9th April 49th Meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (Strasbourg) 9th-12th April Working Party of the Social Committee (Strasbourg) 12th-13th April Youth Conference (Strasbourg) 16th-17th April Special Committee on the Simplification of Frontier Formalities (Paris) 29th April 20th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Strasbourg) 29th April Joint Committee (Strasbourg)

5 SECTION IV - Relations with other international organisations

5.1 CHAPTER I - Intergovernmental and supranational organisations

5.1.1 Organisation for European Economic Co-operation

207. The Committee of Ministers has designated the Permanent Representative of Belgium as member of the Council of Europe Liaison Committee with O.E.E.C. to replace M. Menemencioglu, Turkish Ambassador in Paris, who had been appointed Chairman in his personal capacity and had informed the Secretary- General of his resignation in a letter dated 2nd November 1956.

208. It was decided that the Chairman of the Council of Europe Liaison Committee would be the most senior Governmental member of the Committee.

209. The Committee of Ministers has instructed the Secretary-General to discuss the question of a possible revision of the composition and structure of the CE/OEEC Liaison Committees with the Secretary-General of the O.E.E.C. within the framework of the contacts provided for under Resolution (56) 24 of the Committee of Ministers.

210. During the period under review the Liaison Committees held four special sessions which were attended by members of certain Assembly committees and by OEEC experts.

211. 18th special Session, Strasbourg, 16th October, 1956 : Nuclear energy, attended by members of the General Affairs Committee and the Committee on Economic Questions.

212. 19th special Session, Strasbourg, 23rd October 1956 : Work of the OEEC Ministerial Committee for Agriculture and Food, attended by-members of the Assembly's Special Committee on Agriculture.

213. 20th special Session, Strasbourg, 7th January 1957 : Economic consequences of the Suez crisis and possibilities of creating a free trade area in Europe, attended by members of the Committee on Economic Questions.

214. 21st special Session, Paris, 18th February 1957 : Same questions as the previous week, also attended by members of the Committee on Economic Questions.

5.1.2 European Coal and Steel Community

215. The Secretary-General was instructed to transmit to the High Authority, on behalf of the Committee of Ministers, Assembly Resolution 102 (1956) in reply to the Fourth General Report of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community.

5.2 CHAPTER II - Non-governmental Organisations

Consultative status granted to non-governmental organisations

216. In its Resolution (56) 19, the Committee of Ministers decided to grant consultative status, category B, to the Société Belge d'Études et d'Expansion.

217. The Committee of Ministers re-examined the application for consultative status, category C, made by the International Federation of Railwaymen's Free Ticket Associations, which formed the subject of Assembly Recommendation 98 (1956).

218. It decided not to grant this request on the grounds that the activities of the organisation did not justify the granting of consultative status with the Council of Europe.

219. After examining Assembly Recommendation 120 (1957), the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution (57) 5 in which it decided :

a to grant consultative status " A " to the European League for Economic Co-operation ;

b to grant consultative status " B " to the international Union of Socialist Youth;

c to grant consultative status " C " to the International Confederation of Professional and Intellectual Workers;

d not to accede to the request of the Universala Esperanto Associo.

220. The Committee of Ministers also decided, in its Resolution (57) 6, to grant consultative status " B " to the Catholic International Union of Social Service.

Appendix 1 – Second Protocol to the General Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the Council of Europe

Provisions in respect of the members of the European Commission of Human Rights

The Governments signatory hereto, being Members of the Council of Europe,

Considering that, under the terms of Article 59 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, signed at Rome on 4th November 1950, the members of the European Commission of Human Rights (hereinafter referred to as " the Commission ") are entitled, during the discharge of their functions, to the privileges and immunities provided for in Article 40 of the Statute of the Council of Europe and in the Agreements made thereunder;

Considering that it is necessary to specify and define the said privileges and immunities in a Protocol to the General Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the Council of Europe, signed at Paris on 2nd September 1949,

Have agreed as follows :

ARTICLE 1

The members of the Commission shall, while exercising their functions and during their journeys to and from their place of meeting, enjoy the following privileges and immunities :

a immunity from personal arrest or detention and from seizure of their personal baggage, and, in respect of words spoken or written and all acts done by them in their official capacity, immunity from legal process of every kind;

b inviolability for all papers and documents;

c exemption in respect of themselves and their spouses from immigration restrictions or aliens registration in the State which they are visiting or through which they arc passing in the exercise of their functions.

ARTICLE 2

1. No administrative or other restrictions shall be imposed on the free movement of members of the Commission to and from the place of meeting of the Commission.

2. Members of the Commission shall, in the matter of customs and exchange control, be accorded :

a by their own Government, the same facilities as those accorded to senior officials travelling abroad on temporary official duty;

b by the Governments of other Members, the same facilities as those accorded to representatives of foreign Governments on temporary official duty.

ARTICLE 3

In order to secure for the members of the Commission complete freedom of speech and complete independence in the discharge of their duties, the immunity from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts done by them in discharging their duties shall continue to be accorded, notwithstanding that the persons concerned are no longer engaged in the discharge of such duties.

ARTICLE 4

Privileges and immunities are accorded to the members of the Commission, not for the personal benefit of the individuals themselves, but in order to safeguard the independent exercise of their functions. The Commission alone shall be competent to waive the immunity of its members ; it has not only the right, but is under a duty, to waive the immunity of one of its members in any case where, in its opinion, the immunity would impede the course of justice, and where it can be waived without prejudice to the purpose for which the immunity is accorded

ARTICLE 5

This Protocol shall be open to the signature of the Members of the Council of Europe who may become Parties to it either by :

a signature without reservation in respect of ratification; or by

b signature with reservation in respect of ratification followed by ratification.

Instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

ARTICLE 6

1. This Protocol shall enter into force as soon as three Members of the Council of Europe shall, in accordance with Article 5, have signed it without reservation in respect of ratification or shall have ratified it.

2. As regards any Member subsequently signing it without reservation in respect of ratification, or ratifying it, this Protocol shall enter into force at the date of signature or deposit of the instrument of ratification.

ARTICLE 7

The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe shall notify Members of the Council of the date of entry into force of this Protocol and shall give the names of any Members who have signed it without reservation in respect of ratification or who have ratified it.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised to that effect, have signed the present Protocol.

Done at Paris, this 15th day of December 1956, in English and in French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary-General shall send certified copies to each of the signatory Governments.

For the Government of the Republic of Austria :

For the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium :

with reservation in respect of ratification

P.-H. SPAAK

For the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark :

Ernst CHRISTIANSEN

For the Government of the French Republic :

with reservation in respect of ratification

M. FAURE

For the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany :

with reservation in respect of ratification

HALLSTEIN

For the Government of the Kingdom of Greece :

with reservation in respect of ratification

AVEROFF TOSSIZZA

For the Government of the Icelandic Republic :

Gudm. J. GUDMUNDSSON

For the Government of Ireland :

For the Government of the Italian Republic :

with reservation in respect of ratification

G. MARTINO

For the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg :

with reservation in respect of ratification

BECH

For the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands :

For the Government of the Kingdom of Norway :

Haakon NORD

For the Government of the Saar :

For the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden :

R. KUMLIN

For the Government of the Turkish Republic :

with reservation in respect of ratification

For the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland :

with reservation in respect of ratification

W. D. ORMSBY-GORE

Appendix 2 – Committee of Experts of the Council of Europe

1. The Social Committee. Object : to consider questions of outstanding social importance which may be referred to it by the Committee of Ministers, for instance, a European Convention on Social and Economic Rights. This is a Committee of senior Government officials set up in the light of the Ministers Programme of Action adopted in May 1953.

2. The Committee of Experts on Social Security. Object : to draft a European Code of Social Security. When the Code is adopted the Committee will continue in existence to co-ordinate and implement the provisions of the Convention whereby a European Code becomes operative.

3. The Committee of Experts on Public Health. Object : to consider questions relating to public health which may be referred to it by the Committee of Ministers. It was set up as part of the Programme of Action adopted by the Ministers in May 1953.

4. The Committee of Cultural Experts. Sub-committees : Sub-committee on Youth, Sub-committee on the Cultural Identity Card, Sub-committee on the European Cultural Fund, Sub-committee on Council of Europe Fellowships, Sub-committee on courses in the European Idea, Sub-committee for the draft European Convention for the Equivalence of University Qualifications. In addition an annual conference has taken place on the revision of history textbooks. Object : The Committee prepares the Cultural programme of the Council of Europe. In the light of Article 6 of the European Cultural Convention of 19th December 1954, the Committee considers proposals for the application of the provisions of the Convention and questions relating to the interpretation thereof.

5. The Committee of Experts on Extradition. Object : to draft a European Convention on Extradition.

6. The Committee of Experts on legal aid in criminal proceedings. Object : to draft a European agreement on legal aid in criminal proceedings.

7. The Committee of Experts for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Object : to draft a European Convention on the peaceful settlement of disputes.

8. The Committee of Experts on legal and moral persons. Object : to draft a European Convention relating to legal and moral persons, considered desirable in the light of the European Convention on Establishment, signed on 13th December 1955.

9. The Committee of Experts on compulsory motor insurance. Object : to draft a European Convention on compulsory motor insurance in the light of Assembly Recommendation 100.

10. The Committee of Experts on the removal of legal impediments to the exchange of television programmes in Europe. Object : to consider recommendations conveyed to the Council of Europe by the Berne Combined Bureaux for the protection of Industrial Property and Literary and Artistic Works.

11. Special Committee on frontier formalities. Object: to consider specific questions relating to frontier formalities referred to it by the Committee of Ministers by their decision of December 1956.

12. A decision will be taken shortly as to the possible appointment of a Committee of Experts on the liability of innkeepers to consider a draft European Convention in the light of Assembly Recommendation 125.

Eighth report addressed by the Committee of Ministers to the Consultative Assembly under Article 19 of the Statute

Contents

1

2 SECTION I - General

2.1 CHAPTER I - Role and working methods of the Council of Europe

2.2 CHAPTER II - Reorganisation of European institutions

2.2.1 Council of Europe and O.E.E.C.

2.2.2 Rationalisation of European parliamentary activities

3 SECTION II - Steps to achieve the aims of the Council of Europe

3.1 CHAPTER I - Political Questions

3.1.1 Policy of the Council of Europe

3.1.2 Expression of feelings of solidarity with the Hungarian nation

3.1.3 Aid to Hungarian refugees

3.1.4 Second " Conference of Strasbourg "

3.2 CHAPTER II - Economic Questions

3.2.1 European Atomic Energy Organisation and - Creation of a General Common Market

3.2.2 Economic development of Southern Europe

3.2.3 European economic integration

3.2.4 Reduction of customs tariffs

3.2.5 Increased use of fertilisers

3.2.6 European co-operation in postal and telecommunications services

3.3 CHAPTER III - Social Questions

3.3.1 Public health

3.3.2 Medical fellowships

3.3.3 European Code of Social Security

3.3.4 Social Charter

3.3.5 International Labour Convention on Migrant Workers and the O.E.E.C.'s Decision on Foreign Labour

3.3.6 Co-ordination of social and manpower policies of Member States of the Council of Europe

3.3.7 Travel facilities for war-disabled when abroad

3.3.8 European solidarity in cases of natural disaster

3.3.9 Agreement on the Exchange of War Cripples with a View to Medical Treatment

3.4 CHAPTER IV - Refugees and Over-population

3.4.1 Report of the Special Representative

3.4.2 Moral re-adaptation of young refugees from Eastern Europe

3.4.3 Resettlement of refugees and surplus agricultural workers

3.5 CHAPTER V - Cultural Questions

3.5.1 Course of European Studies

3.5.2 European Exhibitions

3.5.3 Meeting of non-governmental youth organisations possessing consultative status

3.5.4 European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas leading to Admission to Universities

3.5.5 European Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of University Study

3.6 CHAPTER VI - Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

3.6.1 Ratification of the Protocol by the Federal Republic of Germany

3.6.2 Revocation of a reservation made by Norway

3.6.3 Extension to the Saar of the right of individual application

3.6.4 Renewal of two declarations by the Government of Denmark

3.6.5 Election of a Member of the European Commission of Human Rights

3.6.6 Partial renewal of the membership of the European Commission of Human Rights

3.6.7 Assembly Recommendations 83 (1955) and 103 (1956)

3.6.8 Privileges and immunities of members of the European Commissioyi of Human Rights

3.7 CHAPTER VII - Legal and Administrative Questions

3.7.1 Simplification of frontier formalities

3.7.2 European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

3.7.3 Treatment of legal persons

3.7.4 Compulsory motor insurance

3.7.5 European Convention on Extradition

3.7.6 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Proceedings

3.7.7 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil

3.7.8 Liability of innkeepers

3.7.9 Convention on the Issue of Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates for Transmission Abroad

3.7.10 Convention relating to Civil Procedure prepared by The Hague Conference on Private International Law

3.7.11 European Convention relating to the Formalities required for Patent Applications and European Convention on the International Classification of Patents for Invention

3.8 CHAPTER VIII - Information Questions

3.8.1 Methods of promoting the European Idea

3.8.2 Brussels Exhibition

3.8.3 European Yearbook

3.8.4 News broadcasts in Russian

3.8.5 Television

3.9 CHAPTER IX - Participation of Local Authorities in European activities

4 SECTION III - Council of Europe machinery and administration

4.1 Permanent Representatives of Governments to the Council of Europe

4.2 Succession to the post of Secretary-General

4.3 Taking of the oath by the new Clerk of the Assembly

4.4 Procedure for the appointment of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Clerk of the Assembly

4.5 Creation of a European Civil Service

4.6 Calendar of meetings

5 SECTION IV - Relations with other international organisations

5.1 CHAPTER I - Intergovernmental and supranational organisations

5.1.1 Organisation for European Economic Co-operation

5.1.2 European Coal and Steel Community