New Zealand's Opposition To Veto In U.N.O.

Wanganui Chronicle, 16 April 1949, Page 5

New Zealand's Opposition To Veto In U.N.O.

NEW YORK, April 14 (Recd 8 pm).—Sir Carl Berendsen (New Zealand) speaking on Mr. Gramyko's attack on veto in the United Nations General Assembly, warned that while the veto existed In any form there could neve r be a permanently effective system of collective security. Recalling the fight against the veto at San Francisco by Dr. Evatt (Australia) he said: “Is it suggested that Australia played no part in the Great War? My own Prime Minister, Mr. Peter Fraser*also had a significant part in the fight against the veto. Don't the war graves of New Zealanders throughout the world provide

undying evidence that my own small country does not confine the support of its principles to words alone?” Sir Carl Berendsen said New Zealand had always opposed the veto and would continue to do so. Referring to the Atlantic Pact Sir Carl said he did not think there was anybody outside a mental hospital who retained the view that peace could be kept by words alone. He added: “I don’t want to be misunderstood, because I would give my right hand for the success of the United Nations.”

After an exhaustive debate the General Assembly ruled that the Great Powers should confine their use of the veto to certain items of paramount importance.