BIG STEP FORWARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 7

BIG STEP FORWARD

(Official News Service) (Rec. 10 p.xn.) SAN FRANCISCO, June 7. The Great Powers’ veto impasse was broken early this evening with a.suddenness that was almost startling, as well as proving a great relief to delegates and observers at the United Nations’ Conference, who have been inclined to take a most pessimistic view of the duration of the deadlock. Russia has withdrawn from her stand bn the right to use the veto power to prevent the. Security Council from even discussing disputes brought before it. The following is an explanation of the voting provisions now accepted by the “ Big Five ” as given by the American Secretary of State, Mr Edward R. Stettinius, first to the Steering Committee and then to the press:— “ The agreement reached preserves the principle of unanimity of the permanent members of the council in all actions taken by the council, while at the same time assuring freedom of hearing and discussion in the council before action is taken. "We believe both are essential to the success of the world organisation. Under .the terms of the agreement, unanimity of the permanent members of the council is required as provided by the Crimea Agreement on all decisions relating to enforcement action, and—except as to the parties to a dispute —-in all decisions for a peaceful settlement. But this requirement of unanimity does not apply to the right of any nation to bring a dispute before the council, and no individual member of the council can alone prevent consideration and discussion by the council of a dispute or situation thus brought to its attention.

“ The successful conclusion of the discussions on this matter among the four sponsoring Powers and France,” Mr Stettinius aaid, “ offers new and heartening proof of the will and ability of the Allied nations which fought side by side in the war to construct, upon the strong foundation of their war-time collaboration a workable, effective and lasting peace in which they will labour together with mutual understanding and common-purpose. The same spirit which has now been so effectively demonstrated by the Powers which have taken part in these conversations will, I feel certain, motivate the entire conference and make possible a speedy and successful conclusion of its task, in which I have always had unswerving faith and confidence.”