Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1950. SOVIET POLICY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 150, 11 April 1950, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1950. SOVIET POLICY

Russia’s attitude to the United Nations and its deliberations remain unchanged. Soviet and Polish delegates walked out of the Social Commission which was considering the Chinese representation issue, making the 15th occasion on which the Russians have withdrawn over this one question alone. Withdrawals on other matters ‘bring the total to a very high one. On the face of it it would seem that this policy will continue indefinitely, although some observers hold to the belief that the wave of pessimism which the withdrawals have created will,? subside. The fears for the future of the United Nations which have existed since Ambassador/ Jacob Malik’s dramatic walk-out have created more anxiety outside than within the United Nations itself. The United Nations has known five previous cases of abstention from, or boycott of, its activities by the Soviet Union: the Iranian debate, the Little Assembly, the Trusteeship Council, the Balkan and Korean Commissions. In two of these five cases, United Nations patience won out —in one case by the Soviet withdrawal from Iran and Mr Gromyko’s amiable return to the Security Council; in the second case by the delayed but very active participation of the Soviet Union in the Trusteeship Council. The present temporary withdrawal of the U.S.S.R.; from United Nations bodies fortunately does not involve such explosive situations as existed in Iran, where the peace of the world was threatened, or in the Balkans, where actual fighting which could easily have degenerated into a world conflict —was taking place. In the controversy _ over Chinese recognition there is no threat whatsoever of armed conflict, for no armies are. ready, to dislodge the Communists or bring back the Nationalists. The whole fight is merely a transfer of the cold war to the United Nations halls, with Russia holding the initiative. Russia has actually suffered two defeats in the United Nations, mainly at the instigation of the United States, and the Soviet is awaiting an opportunity to even the score. The Chinese issue looked a likely chance, but this, too, misfired. Russia’s withdrawal policy is not merely useless but is irreconcilable with the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter. Such action merely serves to widen the breach between Last and West, wheicas full decisions on all vital problems would help to solve many differences and so pave the way to better understanding.