Finding a Role
SIR,—Mr. Nigel Nicolson has made an effective and lucid reply to the article appearing in your edition of January 16 on 'Le Machin.' However, 1 wonder whether it would be possible to go further. Britain's 'losing ari empire and not finding a role' has high- lighted the considerable discussion on whether Britain should join the European Economic Com- munity, strengthen the Commonwealth, become politically neutral and lead the third world, or retire into glorious isolation with memories of an even more glorious part.
Noticeably absent has been discussion on, the role and possibilities of an organisation like the United Nations. Is it not possible to suggest that Britain's place might be in the most international of international organisations? Could not Britain reform the UN and give it the lead for which it has waited in the past? Could not Britain use her invaluable experience to guide the newly emergent and unsteady nations as they struggle to find their political and economic feet? In short, would not Britain's voice be heard, and her influence be felt, if the UN became the centre linchpin of all British foreign policy?
JOHN M. BURLEY
Chairman Cambridge University United Nations Association, 15 Bridge Street, Cambridge
Previous page
