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4 procedure. The Commission thus emphasized that it likewise wished to leave it to the Security Council to decide whether or not such commentaries would be necessary, especially since Mr. Blaisdell, Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Executive Committee, has compiled some explanatory notes. These appear in the Report of the Preparatory Commission.

We have, moreover, added rule 17, to the effect that the Security Council may consult competent persons on any question.

I think I have dealt exhaustively with the purpose of my report. I would like to add, however, that throughout its work the Preparatory Commission was mindful of the important role of the Security Council as an organ of the United Nations, bearing as it does the full weight of responsibility for the maintenance of international peace. Proof of this awareness was demonstrated, first and foremost, by the atmosphere which always prevailed whenever matters concerning the Security Council were raised in the Preparatory Commission.

Further proof was provided by the spirit of whole-hearted goodwill which inspired all the representatives to assist in reaching solutions best calculated to render our task easier. All we should do, I think, is to proceed in the same conciliatory spirit with the work initiated by the Preparatory Commission, and to seek the means most likely to guarantee peace and security.

4. Adoption of rule 9 of the provisional rules of procedure providing a method for selecting the President


 * I take it that you would wish to have the consideration of the Report deferred until some later time? If that is your wish, then we shall proceed to the consideration of item 3.

I submit to the Council the adoption of rule 9 of the provisional rules of procedure, providing a method of selecting the President. If there are no objections, it is adopted.

Rule 9 was adopted.

5. Selection of the President of the Security Council

The representative of Australia, Mr. N. J. O. Makin, Minister of the Navy, assumed the presidential chair.


 * I find great difficulty in knowing how I can adequately express my sense of the great honour and distinction accorded to my country, and to me personally as leader of the Australian delegation, in taking up my duties as President of the Security Council at its first