I have the honour to inform you of the decisions of the World Meteorological Congress regarding the international exchange of meteorological and related data and products, including relationships in commercial meteorological activities.
As you are aware, one of the purposes of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is to facilitate world-wide co-operation in the establishment of networks of stations for the making of meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations related to meteorology, and to promote the establishment and maintenance of centres charged with the provision of meteorological and related services. The Twelfth World Meteorological Congress in June 1995, recognizing the increasing requirement for the global exchange of all types of environmental data and the basic responsibility of WMO Members and their national Meteorological Services in support of safety, security and economic benefits of their countries, adopted the following policy on the international exchange of meteorological and related data and products:
As a fundamental principle of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and in consonance with the expanding requirements for its scientific and technical expertise, WMO commits itself to broadening and enhancing the free and unrestricted international exchange of meteorological and related data and products.
The Congress also adopted a new practice designed to strengthen the exchange of meteorological and related data and products, and urged Members to increase the volume of data and products exchanged.
A copy of Resolution 40 adopted by the Twelfth WMO Congress in this regard is attached to this letter for your information.
A copy of this letter with its annex is being sent to the Permanent Representative of your country with the WMO and the Permanent Mission of your country in Geneva, if established.
Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.