Security Council Thwarts Russian Move To Unseat Secretary-General Of U.N.O.

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1950, Page 5

Security Council Thwarts Russian Move To Unseat Secretary-General Of U.N.O.

NEW YORK, Out 31 (Recd 6 pm).— A Russian move to thwart Mr. Trygve Lie’s reappointment as United Nations secretary-general was defeated by the General Assembly today. Fourteen nations had proposed that Mr Lie should continue in office for three years after his term expires in February. The Soviet delegate, Mr. Jacob Malik, declared il. illegal and contrary to the United Nations Charter for a veto-free Assembly to consider the question without recommendation from the Security Council. He formally moved to postpone further discussion until a later date. The Soviet resolution ww.s rejected by 45 voles to five. Nine Security Council members had approved an extension of Mr. Lie’s term, but this was vetoed by the Soviet. Union, and the council has since been deadlocked on (he issue. The Uniled States delegate. Warren Austin, told the Assembly: “This issue is part of 1 ho struggle for peace. Russia used the veto Io puivsh Mr. Lie

in carrying out faithfully the Security Council's decisions to resist, aggression in K( tea. Whatever any of us may feel about, his views on particular issues from (Imo to time, we know, from experience, that Mr. Trygve Lie will perform his duty independently and courageously.” N.Z.\ OPINION. Sir Carl Berendsen (New Zealand) described (he Russian opposition 1o Mr Lie as a “sinister Soviet manoeuvre to punish him for his stand against North Korean aggression.” Sir Carl said he did not always agree with Mr. Lie’s actions, but he asked the Assembly not to condone “the attempt at political assassination of a man because he did his duty.' The Vyshinsky (Russia) denounced the 14 nation resolution. lie said others suggested for the appoint mon* were Mr. Carlos Romulo, of the Philippines, Sir Benegal Rail, of India, Mr. Padilla Nervo, of Mexico and Doctor Charles Malik, of Lebanon.

All except Sir Benegal favoured the American aggression” in Korea, but the Soviet had supported their nominations. Mr. Vyshinsky declared that it was ludicrous to say Russia was trying to punish Mr. Lie. He was sure one of the four mentioned would have received the n -**.sary seven votes in the Security Council. If Mr. Austin had not threatened to use the veto in order to influence the council. Mr. Vyshinsky said Mr. Lie had ranged himseli on the side of one power against another. lie played a “two-faced role and served as an anchor of United Slates policy.” The Soviet Government would not deal with Mr. Lie if he were reappointed. The Soviet Union resolution proposing that (he question of the appointment of Secretary-General be referred back to the Security Council was rejected by 45 votes to five.

Other Soviet bloc delegales announced that they would refuse to recognise Mr. Lie . The General Assembly adjourned until tomorrow.