Evening star., 1947-09-17
Text of Marshall Address Assonq Soviet in United Nations

must be given to the international
agency, there will necessarily be
limitations on the extent to which
the remaining aspects of the prob
lem can be worked out in detail.
If the minority persists in refusing
to join with the majority, the
Atomic Energy Commission may
soon be faced with the conclusion
that it is unable to complete the
task assigned it under its terms
Of reference laid down In the Gener-
al Assembly resolution of January
"a, 1s46.
The United States also recognizes
the Importance of regulating con-
ventional armaments. We regret
that much more progress has not
been made in this field. From this
rostrum it is very easy to pay lip
service to the sincere aspirations OF
all peoples for the limitation and
reduction of armed forces. This is
a serious matter which should not
be the subject of demagogic appeals
and irresponsible propaganda.
say frankly to the General Assembly
that it is the conviction of my Gov
ernment that a workable system for
the regulation of ornaments cannot
be put into operation" until condi-
tions Of international confidence
prevail. We have consistently and
repeatedly made it clear that the
regulation of ornaments presup-
poses enough international under
standing to make possible the settle
ment of peace terms with Germany
and Japan, the implementation of
agreements putting military forces
and facilities at the disposal of the
Security Council, and an interna-
tional arrangement for the control
of atomic energy.
Nevertheless, we believe 1t is i'm
portant not to delay the formula
ton of a system of arms regulation
for implementation when conditions
permit. The Security Council has
accepted a logical plan of work for
the commission for conventional
armaments. We believe that the
commission should proceed vigor-
ously to develop a system for the
regulation of ornaments in the
businesslike manner outlined In its
plan Of work.
Veto Bears on Success.
The effective operation of the
United Nations Security Council is
one of the crucial conditions for the
maintenance of international Sc
curity. The exercise of the veto
power in the Security Council has
the closest bearing on the success
and the vitality of the United
Nations.
In the past the United States has
been reluctant to encourage pro-
posals for changes in the system OF
voting in the Security Council.
Having accepted the Charter provi-
sions on this subject and having
joined with other permanent men,
bers at San Francisco in state
ment of general attitude toward the
question of permanent member
unanimity, we wished to permit full
opportunity for practical testing
We were always fully aware that
the successful operation Of the rule
of unanimity would require the ex-
ercise of restraint by the permanent
members, and we SO expressed our
selves at San Francisco.
1t is our hope that, despite our
experience to date, such restraint
will be practiced in the future by
the permanent members. The abuse
of the right of unanimity has pre-
vented the Security Council from
fulfilling its true functions. That
has been especially true in cases
arising under Chapter vi and in the
admission of new members.
The Government OF the United
States has come to the conclusion
that the only practicable method
for improving this situation Is q
liberalization of the voting pro-
cedure in the Council. ~
The United States would be
willing to accept, by whatever means
may be appropriate, the elimination
Of the unanimity requirement with
respect to matters arising under
Chapter vi of the Charter, and such
matters as applications for member
ship.
Study to Be Proposed.
We recognize that this Is a mat
ter Of significance and complexity
for the United Nations. We consider
that the problem of how to achieve
the objective of liberalization of the
Security Council voting procedure
deserves careful study. Conse-
quently, we shall propose that this
matter be referred to a special COM
mittee for study and report to the
next session of the Assembly. Meas
ures should be pressed concurrently
in the Security Council to bring
about improvement within the ex-
isting provisions Of the Charter,
through amendments to the rules of
procedure, or other feasible means.
The scope and complexity of the
problems on the agenda of this
Assembly have given rise to the
question whether the General As
sembly can adequately discharge its
responsibilities in its regular, annual
sessions. There is a limit to the
number of items which can receive
thorough consideration during the
few weeks in which this body meets.
There would seem to be definite
need for constant attention to the
work Of the Assembly in order to
deal with continuing problems. Oc-
casional special sessions are not
enough. The General Assembly has
a definite and continuing RESPONSE
bility, under Articles II and IA Of