WORLD PEACE PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25022, 12 October 1944, Page 5

WORLD PEACE PLAN

BRITISH PRESS COMMENT POINTS YET TO BE SETTLED (Special Correspondent) LONDON, Oct. 10 Newspaper comment on the Dumbarton Oaks plan for world peace is reserved but hopeful. I The Daily Telegraph says the plan is far from complete, but any criticism 'must be dominated by the stark fact that the fates of all nations in the modern world are tied together. None stand, or will ever again stand, secure alone. The old League of Nations, without America and Russia, was only a. league of some nations. The United Nations' organisation now proposed would command the overwhelming potential of military and economic strength against any aggressor. The machinery for bringing that power into action is provided with ample power of enforcement. Yet. it will be asked, what assurance is there that air contingents and other forces will actually be available and that the Security Council will act against an aggressor at the timely moment? What majority should be necessary to order national forces into action for an international purpose which some nations do not approve? The answer remains for "further consideration." The article adds that as long as good will prevails on the Security Council, but only so long, will peace be safe. The Manchester Guardian says the plan is very like the old League in many respects. The actual "charter" has yet to be drafted and will certainly differ from the rather loosely worded proposals, but the outline is there and one can see clearly the shadow of Geneva. Yet this marked resemblance should not blind one to the essential differences both in spirit and organisation. The biggest change and most obvious improvement is in the proposals to enforce the will of the United Nations by collective action against an aggressor. The article says that many points require discussion, but it should not be forgotten that here, as before, we have not a super-State or federation or even a confederation. It is simply an instrument of co-operation between nations, tougher than the League, but more limited and more practical, but less aspiring. The News Chronicle says the plan is bold and simple in outline. There are some serious shortcomings and —at present—one crucial gap. Advocates of federation will note that the new organisation, like the old, is to be based upon the sovereign equality of its members. Nations are not to be asked to surrender one shred of their sovereignty. The central question of voting in the Security Council is still undecided, and uutil this has been settled the whole plan is in. suspense. The Daily Herald says: "On the whole the plan is good. Here is machinery which can be made to function swiftly and _ decisively if the will to peace is insistent. Further study will have to be devoted to the project and the plan at least offers the chance that economic may be allowed to foster a secure political system." FLYING-BOAT CRASHES SYDNEY HARBOUR MISHAP (Eecd. 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 11 Passengers and crew had narrow escapes from death when a north-bound Qantas flving-boat crashed in Harbour this morning. The 17 occupants of the flving-boat were admitted to hospital suffering from injuries which included broken bones, severe abrasions and shock. Four were seriously injured. NO FLYING BOMBS (Reed. G. 30 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 11 No flying bombs wore sent over Britain last night for the first time ior several night®.