CROWDING AT U.N.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30275, 30 October 1963, Page 11

CROWDING AT U.N.

V Thant Seeks Expansion

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, Oct. 28. A 2,984,000-dollar expansion and remodelling programme

for the United Nations headquarters was recommended

today -by the SecretaryGeneral, U Thant. The work would begin in January and be completed before the opening of the 1964 General Assembly session in September.

In a report to the General Assembly, U Thant said the minimum programme would cover an expansion of seating facilities in the plenary hall and four of the conference rooms to accommodate an eventual membership of 126 countries, and installation of an intermediate floor in the basement to provide more space for offices and television facilities.

U Thant made no specific recommendation on a proposal to install electronic voting equipment in one conference room, but said it would cost an additional 40.700 dollars plus an annual rental and maintenance cost of 38,000 dollars. He asked the Assembly’s guidance. The Assembly is expected to approve installation of the equipment as an experiment for one year in one room. U Thant said that unless more office space was provided by using the basement, the United Nations would have to rent ouside premises by 1966.