Draft Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Report of the Working Group Appointed to Study Section E of Article I of the Draft Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees

1.     Following a preliminary discussion of Section E of Article 1, in the twenty-fourth meeting, the Conference approved the suggestion of the President that a Working Group should be appointed consisting of the delegates of France, the federal Republic of Germany, Israel and the United Kingdom. The High Commissioner for Refugees was also invited to participate in the working Group's discussions. The terms of reference of the working Group were: "To discuss the text in question and the proposed amendments thereto (A/CONF.2/74 and 76) and to submit an approved draft to the Conference for its consideration."

2.     The Committee held two meetings on July 17 and 19 under the Chairmanship of the President.

3.     After an exchange of views, the representative of the United Kingdom proposed that (a) of Section E should be amended to read as follows:

" (a) he has committed a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity, as defined in the international instruments drawn up to make provision in respect of such crimes."

The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany has accepted this wording. The representative of Israel reserved the position of his delegation.

4.     The Working Group was not in a position to take action on point (b) of Section E.