The fifth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Manila will undertake a detailed review of the progress in the implementation of the Integrated Programme for Commodities. I. S. Chadha attempts such a review from the point of view of UNCTAD for our readers.

Origins and formation -- From results to process -- Organization, leadership, and funding -- Commission membership and the transition in the US foreign policy elite -- The report program, or, How to formulate policy -- Access to and relationship with decision-makers -- Informal diplomacy --...