XLII THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



a beginning in such form as to insure the active co-operation 

 and loyalty of all the national scientific associations of the Allies. 



The final draft of the constitution was submitted by the special 

 committee and unanimously adopted at Brussels. It was largely 

 on the lines originally proposed by Dr. Hale. 



The purpose of this International Research Council is, to quote 

 from the statutes of convention: — 



"1. To co-ordinate international efforts in the different branches 

 of science and its applications. 



"2. To initiate the formation of international associations or 

 unions deemed to be useful to the progress of science. 



"3. To direct international scientific activity in subjects which 

 do not fall within the purview of any existing international associations. 



"4. To enter, through the proper channels, into relation with the 

 governments of the countries adhering to the International Research 

 Council, in order to promote investigations falling within the com- 

 petence of the Council." 



The International Research Council, organized at the Brussels 

 convention, came into existence on January 1, 1920, nearly all the 

 signatories of the peace treaty and some of the neutral countries having 

 signified their adhesion. It will remain in existence until December 

 31, 1931, and then, with the assent of the adhering countries, be 

 continued for a further period of twelve years. 



The complete statutes of the Brussels convention have just been 

 published. While dealing largely with questions of administration 

 and finance, they include some agreements of general interest, which 

 may be itemized briefly. 



The legal domicile of the Council will be at Brussels, where the 

 general assemblies will be held every three years. 



The list of countries which may participate in the foundation of 

 the Council, or of any scientific union connected with it, is composed 

 of those who were signatories of the Treaty of Peace. 



A country may join the Council either through its principal 

 academy, its national research council or its government. 



The affairs of the Council are in charge of an executive committee, 

 consisting of the president, two vice-presidents and the permanent 

 secretary, during the interval between assemblies. The executive 

 committee carry out the resolutions of the assembly and may nominate 

 committees for the discussion or study of any question falling within 

 the purview of the International Research Council. 



