ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 19, 23 January 1946, Page 5

ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

SECURITY COMMITTEE OF U NO. SUPPORTS ITS FORMATION

Reed. 11.30 p.m. London, Jan. 21. The United Nations Political and Security Committee adopted by 46 votes to one a resolution for the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission. The decision followed a two-hour debate, in which representatives of some small Powers questioned whether there should not be clarification of some points in the resolution emanating from the Moscow Conference.

1 M. El Khoury (Syria) proposed the appointment of a sub-committee to study the resolution, but M. Gromyko (Russia' pressed for the adoption of the resolution and received support from Mr. Bex in (Britain) and Mr. Connally (U.S.A.) Mr. Bevin said: “The commission has a job to do, let it get to work. It is a vital matter, and those who sponsored this effort and are in possession of these great secrets have set an example by promoting peace and understanding. No greater responsibility ever rested on a body than will rest on the commission, and the Security Council, which will have to supervise its work.” M. E! Khoury thereupon withdrew the N. REQUESTS AN ADJOURNMENT There was a further request for an adjournment when Mr. J. V. Wilson (New Zealand) asked for a postponement on the ground that New Zealand's chief delegate was In the chair at another committee meeting. He knew Mr Fraser wanted to contribute to th'- discussion, especially on points of the Security Council’s right to issue directions to the commission. Pressing for more information and clarification. Sfnor Uis Nervo (Mexi'o) moved that the committee adjourn to enable such a course to be pursued. The motion was rejected by 18 votes to 8.

Mr. Bevin again appealed to the committee to vote on the resolution for the establishment of the commission He saiir the world would be upset if they delayed corsing to a conclusion.

The terms of the resolution adopted are as follow:

“Firstly the commission shall submit reports and recommendations to the Seeuritv Council. Such reports •hall be published, unless the council, in the interests of peace and security, otherwise directs. The council in appropriate cases should transmit reports to the General Assemblv and members of the U.N.0.. as well as to the Economic and Social Council, in view of its primarv responsibility for the maintenance of neace and security. shall issue directions to the commission in matters affecting security.

“Secondly, the commission shall be comnosed of one representative from each country represented on the Security Council, plus Canada when Canada is not already a memb“r of the council. Each member of the commi'sim may have such assistance as ho dr’ires.

“Thirdly, the commission shall have ’whatever staff it may deem necessary, and make recommendations for rules and procedure to the Security Council. which shall approve them as procedural matter. lULL INVESTIGATION "Fourthly, the commission shall proceed with the utmost dispatch to inquire into all phases of problems raised by the discovery of atomic energy, and make such recommendations as it finds possible. The commission particularly shall make specific proposals for extending among all nations an exchange of basic information for peaceful ends, for the control of atomic energy to the extent necessary to ensure its use only for peaceful purposes, for the elimination f rom n. ,nal armaments of atomic weapons and all other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction, and for effective safeguards by way of inspection and other means to protect complying States against the hazards of violations and evasions.

“Fifthly, the commissions work shall proceed by separate stages, the successful completion of which will develop the necessary confidence of the world before the next stage is undertaken. •

“Sixthly, the commission shall not infringe upon the responsibility of any U.N.O. organ, but should present recommendations for those organs’ consideration in performance of their tasks under the terms of the U.N.O.’s Charter."