Evening star., 1946-02-17
Soviet Uses Veto
For First Time
On u. 5. Motion
Levunt Settlement
Plan Killed; Case
Taken From Council
ARGENTINA PROPOSES to submit
case to UNO or Americas.
Page Al
BY the Assoeiatsd Pres,


LONDON. Feb. 16-Russia in
voked its veto for the first time
tonight in the United Nations
Security Council, overruling an
American proposal for negotia-
ton of the demand by Syria and
Lebanon that French and British
troops be withdrawn immedi-
ately from the Levant.
The Soviet veto took the Levan-
tine dispute out of the Councils
hands, but British Foreign Secre-
tary Ernest Bevin pledged that
Britain and France would carry out
the American plan.
Today's action cleared the last
major political item from the Coun-
CHS agenda. The Council adjourned
until Marcn 81, when it will convene
In New York City-unless convoked
earlier by c. Freitas-Valle of Brazil.
who succeeds N. j. o. Maxim of
Australia as Council president.
Veto Right Is Upheld.
Seven members of the Council
a majority-had voted for the
American proposal submitted by Ed
ward r. Stettinis, jr. 1t would
have permitted direct negotiations
among Britain, France and the
Levant for withdrawal of British
and French troops from Syria and
Lebanon.
Soviet Foreign Vice Commissar
Andrei Vishinsky then invoked the
veto. Mr.. Bevin and the French
Foreign Minister, Georges Bidault,
who had voluntarily abstained from
voting. upheld the Russians con-
tention that under provisions of
the world charter he had a right
to use the veto. Both said, how
ever. they agreed with the Ameri-
can proposal.
Then Mr.. Bevin explained that
"as party to this dispute we will
operate the decision of the majority
of the Security Council Thus he
pledged that the British, in con-
cert with France, would carry out
the provisions of the American pro-
posal even though it was vetoed by
Russia.
The. veto power is held only by
the Big Five powers-the United
States, Great Britain, Russia.
France and China. Granting the
powerful right to the Big Five was
a major issue when the United Ma
tions Organization charter was set
up In San Francisco, meeting Bit
ter opposition from some OF the
smaller nations.
Demand Held Justified.
The proposal submitted by Mr..
Stettinius provided:
That the Security Council takes
note of the statements made by the
four parties and by the other mem
bers of the Council; expresses its
confidence that the foreign troops
in Syria and Lebanon will be with
drawn as soon as practicable; that
negotiations to that end will be
undertaken by the parties without
delay, and requests the parties to
inform the Security Council as to
the result of the negotiations.
In explaining the proposal, Mr..
Stettinius said the United States
regards the Syrian and Lebanese
desire for withdrawal as fully JUS
titled"
A majority Of the members, in
cluding Britain, lined up in favor
of direct negotiations for fixing a
specific date for early withdrawal
OF the troops. Russia, Poland and
Egypt held out in opposition, argu-
ing that France and Britain should
agree now.
Mr.. Stettinius appealed to Coun-
Gil members to accept his proposal
and demonstrate to the world that
where we are unanimous in prin-
ciple, the Security Council will not
allow itself to be divided for lack
of mutual confidence and trust"
Need for Negotiations Denied.
Mr.. Vishinsky argued that the
American proposal was not clear,
and insisted there was no need for
Mr.. Bevin said the point at issue
was simple-"it's just that with
drawal isn't definite in the Anglo
French accord"
Hamid Bey Frangie of Lebanon
said his government was willing to
enter into direct negotiations, but
asked the Council to establish
basis for them. Faris AL Khoury of
Syria objected on the ground that
there is no need for negotiations
1Coo IrAII I.-- A . \