Article 3

The Council on General Affairs and Policy (hereafter the Council), composed of all Members, has charge of the operation of the Conference. Meetings of the Council shall, in principle, be held annually.

The Council ensures such operation through a Permanent Bureau the activities of which it directs.

The Council shall examine all proposals intended to be placed on the agenda of the Conference. It shall be free to determine the action to be taken on such proposals.

The Netherlands Standing Government Committee, instituted by Royal Decree of February 20 1897 with a view to promoting the codification of private international law, shall, after consultation with the Members of the Conference, determine the date of the Diplomatic Sessions.

The Standing Government Committee shall address itself to the Government of the Netherlands for the convocation of the Members. The Chair of the Standing Government Committee presides over the Sessions of the Conference.

The Ordinary Sessions of the Conference shall, in principle, be held every four years.

If necessary, the Council may, after consultation with the Standing Government Committee, request the Government of the Netherlands to convene the Conference in Extraordinary Session.

The Council may consult the Standing Government Committee on any other matter relevant to the Conference.