The participants in the 1964 United Nations Training Programme for Foreign Service Officers from newly independent countries have completed the Geneva phase of their work, conducted at the European Office of the United Nations, and have arrived in New York to continue and complete this year's programme. The programme, directed by Dragoslav Protitch, Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs, is designed to provide an opportunity for the participants, who are officers in the foreign service of their respective countries, to study the practical aspects of foreign service administration and the techniques and skills of diplomacy. While in New York, the group will have an opportunity to follow the work of the United Nations, including first-hand observation of the proceedings of the General Assembly and other organs.

Secretary-General U Thant, welcomes the participants as he opens the final phase of the programme today. At the table (background) are (l. to r.): Mr. Victor Hoo, Commissioner for Technical Assistance; Mr. C.V. Narasimhan, Under-Secretary for General Assembly Affairs and Chef de Cabinet, U Thant, and Mr. D. Protitch.