HC Deb 11 June 1947 vol 438 cc1050-1
14. Mr. Derek Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what machinery exists, or is to be brought into existence, to elect a Director-General of the International Refugee Organisation; and how the duties of this organisation are discharged pending such an election.

Mr. Bevin

According to the constitution of the International Refugee Organisation, the Director-General is to be nominated by the Executive Committee of the Organisation and appointed by the General Council. Pending the establishment of the Organisation, the Preparatory Commission, which met in Lausanne between 1st and 21st May last, has decided to assume operational responsibility as from 1st July in order that there should be no gap in the continuity of refugee work after the demise of U.N.R.R.A. and the Intergovernmental Committee on Refugees, and has authorised the Executive Secretary of the Commission to exercise the powers of the Director-General.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to make any forecast as to when the nomination is likely to be made?

Mr. Bevin

I should like notice of that question.