22

was $7,682,637. The full budget is contained in Conference Document 2C/125 ; it is sufficiently detailed to ensure adequate control of expenditure. ADMINISTRATION AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMISSION A. Administration Much of the work of this Commission was of a detailed and domestic nature, and, though it was of great importance to the efficient running of the Organization, it would not be of interest if given at great length here. Staff Matters There was first of ail a group of problems connected with staff matters. Some concern was expressed at the unequal geographical distribution of the staff, of whom a disproportionate number came from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Resolutions were passed urging the Director-General to secure a more equitable representation of other countries and cultures. The New Zealand delegate initiated a lengthy debate on the uneven balance of staffing as between different sections of the programme, and also as between programme activities on the one hand and general administration on the other. The Commission was insistent that there should be the greatest possible concentration of funds and personnel on actual programme work. The Director-General was instructed to make, before 31st March, a complete review of the experience, qualifications, achievements, and salaries of present staff members, with a view to replacing any who do not measure up to the desirable high standard. It was the Commission's opinion that there should be no great expansion of staff during 1948. The Staff Regulations were reviewed by the Commission, special attention being paid to scales of salaries and allowances. Financial Matters Lengthy consideration was given to the report of the Executive Board on the financial administration of the Organization, and to the attached auditors' reports. It appeared that the financial administration of the Preparatory Commission (which went out of existence in December, 1946) was anything but satisfactory, but that steps had been taken during 1947 to give every assurance of orderly administration of the Organization. Amendments were made to the Financial Regulations designed to improve internal control. The Secretariat was commended for the greatly improved financial statements presented in 1947.