Evening star., 1947-10-28

mankind
Much of the evidence indicates that our pres
ent superstitions and emotions are the direct
result of mankind's thousands OF years OF tedi-
GUS and painful struggle to promote and carry
on what we proudly refer to as civilization
In truth, it is impossible for superstitions and
emotions to arise from following the natural
or real.
Furthermore, cannot agree with the idea
that prejudice, revenge, hate. greed ETC., are
inherently transmitted in people. If did agree
with such an idea, I should have to disagree
with that greatest of all students OF mankind
who said: Suffer little children, and forbid
them not, to come unto me: for of such Is the
kingdom of heaven" j. ]. SPERRY.
Lack of international Law Emphasized
To the Editor of The Star:
The MARSHALL -Vishinsky- -McNeill debate Is
illustrative of the strength and weakness OF
the u N-strength in the frank expression OF
conflicting views; weakness in revealing the
lack of any basis to resolve these confllcting
views except by the bargaining and trading
which Is called political expediency.
Political expediency generally accounts for
the inconsistent attitudes OF many governments
1t rarely approximates justice and rarely enects
permanent settlements. It not only generates
mistrust and fear, but 1t just hasn't worked
None of the great powers appear willing to
let a handful of men in a council or a court
decide important issues unless they feel GER
tain that they can count on majority OF them
for at least sympathetic understanding OF
their views That Is why the unanimity rule
and veto exist. Moreover that Is why ma
1ority rule, In and of itself, Is not always the
rule of the just. Such are the deficiencies OF
the u NJ, operating on the basis OF political
expediency
If the old basis doesn't work, the U. N.
should adopt = new one. Why not, 1or tne
first time, try to agree upon the kind OF an
orderly society we wish and the kind of law
and lawful procedures to make it effective?
Not an agreement upon nebulous principles,
but upon methods and actions to be recognized
~ international crimes wrongs, remedies and
penalties.
Five wears ago the International Bill of Rights
Committee issued a draft OF such an agreement
which undertook to describe the limits of any
nations legitimate interest in the affairs OF any
other nation. While 1t was called an Inter-
national Bill OF Rights, its principal feature
was in reality an International Bill OF Duties,
defining as precisely as we could the obliga-
tions of nations to each other to prohibit and
be responsible for specified international wrong
full acts of their nationals.
The most important single fact every person
should understand is that there Is no inter-
national law worthy Of the name which limits
any ma ions legitimate interest in the affairs OF
any other nation. And If we want an enduring
peace based on law and order, is 1t not time
that we began to refine out of the ideals and
principles of global population an agreement
to prohibit and penaize those actions OF indi-
viduals which in the past have disturbed inter-
national peace and tranquility? This need not
mean an international jurisdiction that can
reach below the level of the state to apply to
the individual Nor is 1t to be confused with
an International Bill of Human Rights, laud-
able as its objectives may be.
Our permanent war aims, then, would be
enforcement OF existing law, designed alike for
friend or foe. Nations which would not par
ticipate would know what we considered wrong
and what we and others had agreed to do
about it.
Every one should be interested enough to
learn about the lack of law in international
affairs It concerns all Of us. 1t Is not job
for experts or lawyers alone. Neither Mr.. Stet-
tinius nor Secretary Marshall are lawyers. Our
Bill of Rights was written by layman. 1t is
your Job and my job. For, Is 1t not true that
we, AZ well as the Russians, are perplexed
about what to do next?
IRVING A. ISAACS, Chairman.
International Bill of Rights Committee