The Press MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1969. The U.N.: Mythology And Achievements

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32099, 22 September 1969, Page 14

The Press MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1969. The U.N.: Mythology And Achievements

In a criticism aimed more at the delegates to the General Assembly of the United Nations than at the world at large. Miss Angie Brooks, the new President of the Assembly, spoke of the “ mythology of achieve“ments—the pursuit of resolutions for thein sake “ alone without the possibility of their implemen- “ tation ”. However, fruitless the pursuit, it is understandable. Many a resolution submitted to the United Nations is little more than a propaganda exercise—in a setting in which propaganda victories and loyalty to blocs sometimes seem to be given more importance than loyalty to mankind. Wrangling within the General Assembly and the Security Council is not the only work of the United Nations. Through its various specialised agencies many who were born to hunger no longer are hungry; countries which were backward are being developed; food grows where none grew before; the conditions under which men work have been improved; in areas where disease was once pervasive there are now public health clinics to control it; people understand other peoples better because of United Nations educational programmes; global problems such as overpopulation and pollution are receiving attention on a world-wide scale. The General Assembly, whatever its shortcomings, has its value. Nations are less belligerent, not more belligerent, because of it Although resolutions may be flouted, each nation feels it has to justify its actions before the world community.

The New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake), in his speech to the General Assembly, saw more possibilities for the Assembly to undertake responsibilities, particularly over Vietnam. Mr Holyoake’s other main contention was that the United Nations was the worse off for not including China. At this time, when a war between Russia and China is possible—some say probable—his views should be widely shared. If Russia strikes, its target will be the Chinese nuclear installations; the rest of the world would be powerless to intercede.' The rest of the world, indeed, can only stand aghast at the possibility of nuclear weapons being used. If China, which has about a quarter of the world’s population, were in the United Nations, there would be some chance that the disputants, called on to answer for their acts and to declare their intentions, would fight there instead. Bitter words might be traded, propaganda exchanged, and seemingly empty resolutions passed; but in the end people might weigh words against world-wide radioactive contamination, and the words would not be found wanting.