Colombo, 29 June 1951
233.
At to-day’s meeting it was agreed that there should be no new appointment of President of the Council and that Coomaraswamy1 should remain in office until next meeting.
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Report of Interim Administrator—document D_26 and addendum.2 It was decided with the approval of member Governments that the Council should publish a comprehensive progress report for publicity purposes. This is to be in addition to each of the confidential session reports as previously agreed and an administrative report covering Council activity to the end of the financial year which is being prepared by the Administrative Officer.
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The meeting was informed that Vietnam has now contributed 25,000 rupees as its share of the Administrative expense.
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Progress Reports from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada were tabled and appreciation was expressed by Asian Representatives of progress made. In particular gratitude was voiced for Australian leadership and backing in the Colombo Plan. It was agreed wherever possible reports prepared by visiting experts should be made available to the Council for information for Member Governments. It was understood that both the Government supplying the expert and the Government receiving assistance should approve circulation of such reports.
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Further applications for Technical Assistance are being forwarded by bag.
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The Council representatives have been invited to discuss the Colombo Plan Exhibition with the Ceylon Committee at Ministerial level on Tuesday 3rd. Would appreciate instructions on Australian participation by that date in possible. A number of Governments including the United Kingdom have in mind sharing a pavilion rather than organizing a National Pavilion.
[NAA: A9879, 2202/E1 part 4]