Rusk Urges Small Nations To Disarm

Press, Volume C, Issue 29469, 22 March 1961, Page 15

Rusk Urges Small Nations To Disarm

BERKELEY (California), March 20. The United States Secretary of State (Mr Rusk) today urged the world’s" small nations to reduce their arms to the level needed only for internal security.

He said that in this way they could avoid being drawn into "the larger arms race” of the big powers. Mr Rusk said: "While the so-called great Powers are exploring the possibilities of major arms reductions, other nations may find that they, too, can review their situations and make a useful contribution. . . .

"There may be other nations. at some distance from the great-■centres of military power, who may find it to their advantage to undertake agreements among themselves to limit their arms to internal security purposes.” The Secretary of State said that such agreements would help to prevent a diversion of resources sorely needed for economic and social development Mr Rusk said: "The burden of arms is staggering and the very nature of modern weapons adds to general tension. .... “We must try again, with imagination, prudence and persistence, to move from endless discussion to practical steps—small steps if neees; sary. large steps if possible, he said. __ Mr Rusk said: “The path toward disarmament istortuous and full of There are risks along that path, but there are more

frightful risks if we do not try once more, with the combination of deep purpose and clear thought we shall require." CONGO SITUATION

The Secretary of State also dealt with the Congo situation. He said the success or failure of the United Nations effort in the Congo was a test of whether the world was moving ahead or slipping behind in its efforts to forge the international instruments it must have to resolve conflicts and make co-operation more effective. "Experience in the Congo suggests that we must turn once more to the possibility of constituting a permanent United Nations force, specifically trained and equipped, held in readiness for immediate use.” Mr Rusk said. The United Nations Secre-tary-General (Mr Hammarskjold) had faced problems in getting troops for the United Nations force in the Congo speedily. And the national Contingents which were supolied were subject to the desires of their home Governments, including sudden recall. he said. He said the Congo situation emphasised the need for considering the formation of a permanent United Nations force.