The United States and the United Nations

The United Nations is in a period of peril. Soviet disruptions threaten to destroy its effectiveness. The West and its friends are not united in their support of it or in their advocacy of policies. Many newly admitted members have yet to demonstrate international political responsibility. The fiscal basis upon which the organization operates is not sound. The United States potentially can help strengthen the United Nations and, at the same time, strengthen her position in it. More seasoned representatives, an enhanced representa tion fund, more adequate housing facilities, and a surer wel come for delegates from newly emerged countries, regardless of race, are basic improvements the United States should stress. The United States can lead in creating a greater spirit of unity and teamwork among the free nations. A China solu tion should be sought while the United States can still act with some grace on that issue. More economic aid might be chan neled to the United Nations, where representatives of the underdeveloped countries can discuss their problems with other representatives as equals. Where principle and alliance con flict, the United States should forewarn her colonialist allies that she will not arouse Asian-African animosity where to do so would also be to violate American principles. Pressures could be exerted in the Middle East to bring a solution to the problem of Palestine refugees. And a general effort, in the General Assembly, with the International Law Commission, through the Secretariat, and elsewhere, should be made to bring closer the rule of law in the world.—Ed.