GLOOM ON EVE OF U.N. SESSION: FIREWORKS LOOM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22914, 5 April 1949, Page 5

GLOOM ON EVE OF U.N. SESSION: FIREWORKS LOOM

(10 a.m.) NEW YORK, April 4. United Nations delegates assembling here for the session that begins on Tuesday arc in a mood of depression and despondency, says the New York Times today

“Their gloom arises from these factors:—

1. The Atlantic Pact is a manifestation of great deterioration in relations between U.S.A. and Russia —Powers

that were supposed to be the main pillars of the United Nations. ’2. The fact that the pact was drawn up is taken as melancholy proof of the United Nations’ weakness as an

instrument to keep peace. ‘3. There is concern that the United Nations may be taken less and less seriously—except as a forum in which to wage a propaganda war.

“The disagreements between East and West have now reached an unprecedented intensity and there is not much chance that this session will tic much to reduce it."

The session is expected to last four to six weeks.

On the agenda are several hang-overs from the Paris session as well as a few headaches that have cropped up since. Mapor items includd the future of Italian colonies, the problem of limiting the big Power veto in the Security Council, the international status of Spain, India’s protest against the treatment of Indians in South Africa, the Cardinal Mindszenty case, Indonesia and the question of human rights in Communist countries of Eastern Europe. The Atlantic Pact is not yet on the agenda but it is thought certain to crop up in some form and it is then that the session’s brightest fireworks will probably be ignited. Israeli’s application for membership is so certain to be approved that workmen are already erecting an additional flagpole to the 58 now standing before the huge building at Flushing Meadows where the session will be held.