Evening star., 1943-03-21

CnlS country would
share new duties and responsibilities is
war aim of the United States And until
some light is thrown on that funda-
mental issue neither this country nor
any of its allies can outline their indi-
vidual or collective war detectives with
any precision.
The issue is fundamental because the
territorial and other features of the
peace settlement will inevitably depend
on the existence or non-existence of
permanent association of nations pledged
to concerted action in the event of any
further attempts at unjustified aggres-
sion. With such an association the
terms of eventual peace would be very
different from those to be anticipated
If there is no such association.
U. S. Aid Would Reassure.
If Great Britain and Russia can rely
on automatic American assistance, in
the event Of actions threatening third
world war, these countries may we'll be
| content with peace which takes some
chances from the viewpoint of their re-
| spective national interests. But without
the objectives of these and other ma
tions, particularly in regard to the treat
ment OF Germany, will inevitably be
based primarily on military considera-
tions.
1t is the more important that the
United States should commit itself in
advance this time because during the
last war we planned League of Ma
tions and then failed to follow through
on the development. Additionally, 1t is
probable that in the world as 1t will be
weakened by present hostilities, no
league worthy of the name will this time
even be attempted unless there is prior
certainty of American cooperation.
So, introduction of the Ball resolution,
in the middle of the fourth year of the
current World War, can scarcely be
called premature.
People Have Right to Know.
Before the fighting drags on much
longer the people of this and other coun-
tries have right to know whether our
Senate in principle favors or opposes the
development Of permanent system OF
international cooperation. On that is
sue the Ball resolution calls for a straw
vote far more authoritative than any
public opinion poll could ever be.
1t does not follow, however, that the
resolution will have smooth sailing. And
1t is probable that the measure will pro-
duce some unexpected line-ups in public
opinion.
Many who opposed American partici-
patton in this war, believing that after
the failure of the League the United
States could do most for eventual world
peace by remaining at peace itself, will
be found in favor of the current effort to
align the Senate behind the principle of
collective security.
Differences Arise.
Conversely, many who favored war
with Germany, or Japan, or both, may
now be found hesitant about supporting
Senator Ball. There were many inter-
ventionists who are not internationalists.
There are many Who think 1t appropriate
for the United States to police other
peoples, but who will not want to take
any chance on other nations policing the
United States.
Such reciprocal possibilities must, of
course, be envisaged in any international
association which is more than an alli-
ance of conquerors designed to keep the
conquered in permanent subjection. Sem
ator Balls resolution does not eauivo-
cate on this. 1t calls for approval in prin-
ciple OF an international organization
which shall, in certain vital particulars,
be superior to any national sovereignty.
That means, in the long run, subordi-
nation OF the sovereignty Of the United
States. as well as that OF other nations, to
the concept of a world community with
interests superior to those OF any single
government.