FREE DISCUSSION

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

FREE DISCUSSION

AMERICA’S ATTITUDE SUPPORT OF PRINCIPLE SAN FRANCISCO, (Rec- 11.30 p.m.) June 8. The New York Times correspondent says the Russian amendments which ended the veto deadlock have not met fthe original American position in its entirety. For example, the Russians still propose, and the other four now approve, that whenever there is a dispute in the Security Council over whether a decision should require unanimity of the five permanent members, a vote on this matter should carry the right of veto; There was, however, really one point at issue among the five major Powers. This •was whether one nation had the right a veto the decision whether a dispute should be brought before the Security Council and discussed. The United States delegation, strongly supported by Britain, France and China, did not waver in support of the principle of free discussion, and the Russian Government has now agreed to accept their view. The New Zealand and Australian delegations are planning for their trip home, feeling that they have made important contributions to liberalising the new world charter, says the New York Times correspondent. They are not completely satisfied, because their opposition t 6 the “ Big Five ” veto of the peaceful settlements of disputes, and also their amendments to the charter, have so far been unsuccessful. but with the backing of New Zealand and other small countries, Australia succeeded to some extent in playing the role of spokesman and leader for the small and middle Powers, which France, now a member of the “Big Five,” played at former conferences. Mr Fraser co-operated closely on the lines of the Canberra Agreement. Outside the • “ Big Five,” no country has been more assiduous than Australia at the conference.

Mr Fraser has been recognised as one of the leading intellectual figures of the conference. He and his delegation came to San Francisco to fight for a pledge against aggression, and also to support territorial integrity. He also desired more power for the assembly and less for the Security Council. He has taken the position that the small nations realise that the “ Big Three ” are the only Powers that can keep the peace, and that it would be ridiculous to submit questions of aggression to a vote of the small Powers.

Mr Fraser made it clear, the correspondent adds, that the nations should build sluice gates to allow the waters of progress to flow smoothly rather than dams to hold them back. One consolation is that, if sluice gates are not provided, no Great Power or group of Powers has ever been able to shackle mankind indefinitely the bonds will burst some day, one way or another.