BUDGET FOR U.N.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 11

BUDGET FOR U.N.

U Thant’s Comment

(N.Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, Aug. 22. The United Nations Secre-tary-General (U Thant) today presented an 86.650.000-dollar budget to meet the United Nation’s operating expenses in 1963 and allow “reasonable growth” in the Secretariat’s resources.

U Thant, conceding that the world organisation's financial position was a matter of “grave concern” to member States, said the United Nation’s ability to continue an effective role in furthering international co-operation was of equal concern. “In a world of fast-moving and sometimes momentous events, the United Nations must maintain a forward look," U Thant said. “It must continue as a growing and dynamic organisation to which the smaller nations, and in particular those that are newly independent, can confidently turn for desperately-needed assistance and support." He said the 1963 budget estimates were bigger than those of 1962 by more than 4,500,000 dollars and represented “a realistic indication of the requirement* needed to carry out effectively the programmes called for by member States." He hoped members shared his desire “to achieve these essential results.”

The detailed budget estimate* will be considered by the General Assembly at the session opening on September 18.