specific ulterior purposes -against China in 1989, and against Iraq in 1990. In his judgement that was a subjective observation; Mr. Yimer seemed to be trying to read other members' minds. 15. Another issue had been raised by Mrs. Palley. When she had first explained her reasoning to him, he had disagreed with her. Since then, however, he had studied the entire advisory opinion handed down by the International Court of Justice in the Mazilu case and the very competent brief prepared by Mrs. Palley. By putting the two together, he had come to the conclusion that it had been intended that the Sub-Commission was free to resort to a secret ballot and that there was no need to suspend the rules of procedure. Other members, nevertheless, might not share that view. He therefore wished to make it absolutely clear that, in submitting the draft resolution with Mr. van Boven, he was not affirming that, in his view, the Sub-Commission was not empowered to vote by secret ballot. Indeed, the Economic and Social Council might find that the Sub-Commission was already empowered to do so and that no further action was required. Alternatively, the Economic and Social Council might do absolutely nothing. However, there was some uncertainty regarding the legal aspects of voting by secret ballot. In his view, the opinion given by the United Nations Legal Counsel was advisory in nature and not binding on the Sub-Commission, which was capable of interpreting.its rules of procedure. Moreover, in the light of Mrs. Palley's E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/SR.24 page 4 brief, the Legal Counsel's opinion was not very clear. If anything, it indicated that the Sub-Commission was already empowered to vote by secr,et ballot. Nevertheless, when the Sub-Commission had voted on Mr. Joinet '.s motion, some members had done so on the understanding that a vote would 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a legal and procedural issue within the United Nations Sub-Commission, specifically regarding the voting process and the interpretation of rules of procedure. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a focus on international law and governance.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief