Recalling its resolutions 1967 (XVIII) of 16 December 1963 and 2104 (XX) of 20 December 1965 on the question of methods of fact-finding,

Nothing with appreciation the two reports submitted by the Secretary-General in pursuance of the above-mentioned resolutions,/4

Noting the comments submitted by Member States pursuant to paragraph 1 of resolution 1967 (XVIII) and paragraph 2 of resolution 2104 (XX) and the views expressed during its twentieth and twenty-first sessions,

Noting chapter VII of the report of the Special Committee on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States,/5 established under General Assembly resolution 1966 (XVIII) of 16 December 1963,

Reaffirming its belief that an important contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to the prevention of such disputes could be made by providing for impartial fact-finding within the framework of international organizations and in bilateral and multilateral conventions,

Noting that, with regard to methods of fact-finding in international relations, considerable documentation has now been made available by the Secretary-General in his reports on practice in relation to the settlement of disputes and the execution of international agreements, and by the views expressed and the proposals made by Member States,

Recalling its belief that a study of the question might include the feasibility and desirability of establishing a special international body for fact-finding or of entrusting to an existing organization fact-finding responsibilities complementary to existing arrangements and without prejudice to the right of parties to any dispute to seek other peaceful means of settlement, of their own choice,

Having been unable, owing to lack of time, to consider the substance of the question of methods of fact-finding,

1.Invites Member States to submit in writing to the Secretary-General, before 1 August 1967, any views, or further views, they may have on this subject, taking into account the reports of the Secretary-General, the views expressed and the proposals made;

2.Decides to include an item entitled "Question of methods of fact-finding" in the provisional agenda of its twenty-second session, with a view to considering what further action may be appropriate.

1489th plenary meeting
12 December 1966