The Government and U.N.O.
The future of the United Nations is a question of such importance, and at the same time of such uncertainty, that every serious con- tribution to the study of the question demands attention. Few men speak with more knowledge, discernment and objectivity than Mr. L. B. Pearson, Under-Secretary for External Affairs in Canada. In an address in Toronto on Monday he sketched the three courses which, in the face of difficulties too well known to need description, appear to lie before the Organisation. It can carry on, or drift on, in the hope that the general atmosphere may gradually improve. It can determine to amend the Charter, and if that is frustrated by use of the veto, can disband itself and form a new organisation on a better basis, open to all States that would give it their support. Alternatively, the present Charter can be retained, and within it, and in full consonance with its provisions, those States which desire can form a collective system for mutual defence. It is clear that Article Sr of the Charter authorises the conclusion of such collective agreements for purely defensive purposes, and while Mr. Pearson, as reported, does not appear to have indicated his own Preferences as between the three courses he outlined, the general inference is that the third would commend itself to him most. There are mani- fest objections to it. It is tantamount to a declaration by a number, probably a majority, of the members of U.N.O. that U.N.O. has failed in one of the main purposes of its existence. But since that is demonstrably true, thanks to factious opposition and the irresponsible use of the veto, it is wise to recognise the truth Sand face its conse- quences. Such_a step would produce a less provocative cleavage than the disbandment of U.N.O. and its reconstrudion on a far from universal basis. The necessity for it is manifestly regrettable, but Russia's eastern alliances, whose conformity with the Charter needs some examination, have already created a new situation within the United Nations. The rest of the world will do well to consider what its own policy should be in the light of that fait accompli. Russia, at least, can make no complaint if her example is followed in Western Europe and elsewhere.
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