Evening star., 1946-10-03

Au1lAul4oDAOQl VA tAtU SOAAoSAV ~iA
sequence Of the transition stages,
although 4 memorandum covering
this point has been promised for
submission at the appropriate time.
The delegation has felt 1t futile to
make detailed proposals on this
point until there Is some reason
able prospect Of basic agreement
on the broad principles Of the plan
control through an international
authority responsible for the oper-
alton Of all dangerous activities
and supervision Of other activities
In the field Of atomic energy. sup
plemented by a system Of inspec-
ton and machinery for swift pun
ishment Of violations. It is hardly
possible to discuss the details OF
the transition until general agree
ment is in sight on the nature of
the goal toward which the transi-
ton is to lead.
It has always been recognized
that the precise content, sequence
and timing Of the transition stages
would be the subject Of detailed
negotiation since the process OF
transition involves a shift from the
present position Of the United States
to a position Of equality in the field
Of atomic energy among all nations
participating In the plan.
It should be obvious that in any
treaty which might be negotiated,
the same obligations would be as
sumed by all countries alike. We
have not asked others to refrain
from research on the military use
of atomic energy and would not ask
this unless We were prepared to
cease such research ourselves. We
have not asked others to disclose
their own material resources and
would not do so unless we were
prepared to disclose our own.
;. Modification Of the Great Power
Veto.
"a, Secretary wallaces state
ments.
Secretary wallace's letter states
that:
"The veto issue is completely ir-
relevant, because the proposal to
abolish the veto which means
something In the general activities
of the Security Council has no
meaning with respect to q treaty on
atomic energy. II We sign a treaty
with other nations, we will all have
agreed to do certain things. Until
We arrive ut such q treaty, we as
well as the other major powers will
have the power to veto. Once the
treaty Is ratified, however. the ques-
ton Of veto becomes meaningless.
II any nation violates the treaty
provision, say Of permitting inspec-
ton of suspected illegal bomb
making activities, what action is
there that can be vetoed? As in
the case Of any other treaty viola
tions, the remaining signatory ma
tionS are free to take what action
they feel is necessary, including the
ultimate step Of declaring war"
(B) The Facts.
The statement on the question Of
the veto in my opening address to
the commission on June II was as
follows:
"It would be deception, to which
I am unwilling to lend myself, were
I not to say to you and to our
peoples. that the matter Of punish
ment lies at the very heart Of our
present security system. It might
as well be admitted, here and now,
that the subject goes straight to the
veto power contained in the charter
of the United Nations 80 far as 1t
relates to the field of atomic energy.
The charter permits penalization
only by concurrence of each Of the
five great powers-the Soviet Union,
the United Kingdom, China. France
and the United States.
II want to make very plain that
am concerned here with the veto
power only as 1t Affects this particu-
lar problem. There must be no veto
to protect those who violate their
solemn agreements not to develop
or use atomic energy for destructive
purposes"
This statement vax elaforafAd in