Agreement on Resolution 93(IV) at Nairobi was the beginning of a process of international deliberations on the institution of the elements of the Integrated Programme for Commodities. The Resolution endeavoured to expedite matters by setting a timetable for the completion of negotiations, but this has not proved an altogether effective device. The United Nations Negotiating Conference on a Common Fund, held in March 1977 in keeping with the schedule, took place against a background of persisting disagreement on fundamental issues, to which a series of three preparatory meetings and the Conference itself provided no resolution.