Current Events Review

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Part of Current Events Review

Title: Current Events Review
Issue Date: Vol. V (No. 4) October 1949
Year: 1949
Language: English
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extracted text: CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW A newsmagazine that completes and makes up-to-date the studv of historv and other social science subjects. • · DIOSDADO G. CAPINO Editor VENANCIO NEBRIDA Circulation Manager D.R.MANLAPAZ Publisher In this issue Why will UN Plan P<event Atomic \Veapons Race? What Lessons Does India Offer to .tlie \Vorld? .... Why is the Military Assislance Program SigniFicant? 97 99 104 What Progress has Been Made Towards a More Peaceful \Vorld? 105 Is Russia's Ballmn Empire Fading? . . . 108 V\'ill the Council of Europe Become the Parliament for Europe? 11 I Why is the New \Vestern German Federal Republic Significant? 114 Why is International Co~peration Growing in Ef£ectiveness? . . 117 MacArthur Reviews Japan's Post-war Progress ............... , 118 UNESCO Job Defined as Mobilization of \Vorld Peace Sentiment 119 The Philippines and the World . . . . . I 20 Significp.nt World News Roundup ....... . Published monthly e,;cept May and June by MANLAPAZ PUBLISHING CO. 123-126 Reten, Sampaloc, Manila Subscription: ra.oo a year, Pl.50 a semester, 30 centavos per COJ>~ 122 When changing address give old as well as new address. Address all communications to the Current Events Review. Copyright, 1949 by D. R. Manlapaz and D. G. Capino. · All rights reserved. Entered as second-class mail matter January 9, 1947 at the Manila post-office. Why Will UN Plan Prevent Atomic · Weapons Race? Specific objectives: 1. To wtderstand the majority plan for the control of atomic ~nergy 2. To wtderstand the Russian plan 3. To know why the UN plan is effective In announcing the evidence of 14 an atomic explosion" in the Soviet Union, President Trwnan focused attention on the plan supported by a majority of United Nations members for an effective world control system for atomic energy development. "This recent development emphasizes once again, if indeed such emphasis were needed, the necessity for that truly effective and enforceable iri.ternationa1 control of atomic energy which this government and the large majority of the membern of the United Nations support," the President 'said. This plan, developed during the past three years but opposed by the Soviet Union, has the firm backing of the Unit.ed States, Great Britain and Canada-the nations which developed ·the atomic bomb during the war. What is the UN plan for control of Atomic energy? The atomic projects of the United States and all other nations, under this plan, would be placed under an international authority with inspection powers to assure against clandestine work on atomic weapons. An essential point in this plan is the proviso that controls must be established before anyi convention to outlaw atomic weapons can , be effective. Otherwise, the majority holds, there could be no World Problems true security and' no guarantee that all nations would comply with such~a convention. A corollary point is that the majority plan, by the nature of the technical problems involved, could not be put into effect usimultaneously" with a conveation banning atomic weapons. The plan therefore, would go into operation in agreed stages, reaching full effect when it was determined that all nations were cooperating. Once in effect, the international control agency advocated by the majority would not be subject to the veto in its day-to-day operations and would have sole authority to license atomic research and development for beneficial purposes. • Why is Russia opposed to the ' UN plan? This plan is opposed by the Soviet Union on the grounds that it would violate traditional national rights, would open the way for "spys" in Soviet territory, and would mean U.S. domination in the ~tomic field. Because of this opposition, the majority plan remains unimplemented since Soviet participation ·in the proposed control syst.em is deemed' eesential. The U.N. assembly in Paris last November was unconvinced by the Soviet arguments. By a vote of 40 to six, the Soviet block opposing, the assembly approved the findings and recommendations of the U.N. Atomic Energy CommisSioD "as constituting the necessary basis for establishing an effective system of international control of atomic energy to ensure its use only for peaceful purposes and for the elimination from national armaments of atomic weapons." *97 The assembly also called for continued work by the atomic commission, of which the Soviet Union is a dissenting member, and for consultations among the five major powers and Canada in an effort to arrive at a baois f.or agreement. The resumed negotfations 'in the commission failed to resolve the stalemate and the six-power consultations, still uncompleted, have produced no change in the Soviet stand. The result is that there' is a· plan for the international control of atomic energy, endorsed by the U.N. majority, but the plan cannot be put into effect so long as the Soviet attitude remains unchanged. Through the three years of work in the U.N. Atomic Energy Commission, and in the assembly itself, full consideration has been given to Soviet atomic proposals and they have been found inadequate. Statement of American position The U.S. position was set forth concisely by Secretary of State Acheson in his addreso before the U.N. assembly. The atomic impasse, Acheson pointed out, is due to the fact that the Soviet Union "refuses either to accept this United Nations plan or put forth any other effective plan of control and prohibition ... ber, 1945, and a meeting of Preaident Truman with the prime ministers of Britain .and Canada, This meeting, com· ing a few months after announcement of the first atomic blast, resulted in a call for action through the United N"'" tions to control this new discovery and develop its peacetime possibilities. The following January, the U.N. Atomic Commission was established by the general assembly with the task of working out atomic controls. Why U.S. proposals are revolutionary In June, 1946, the United Stat.ea came forward with a revolutionary proposal for an atomic control authorityt cutting across national lines, with specific powers to control all fissionable materials from the mine to the finished product. To this international agency, the United States offered to turn over it.II vast atomic plant, its atomic bomb &tockpile, and its store of technical knowledge. In return, the United States stipulated that the control system should provide guarantees against violations, machi:li.ery for detecting illeglll activities, and be applicable to all countries. The U.S. proposals were summarily rejected by the Soviet Union. First destroy all atomic bomb&, the Soviet said, then we can talk about .a control system. This control system, however, the Soviet delegate warned, must not infringe on national rights and must include the major power veto which exists in the U.N. Security Council. Basically, the situation has changed little since the initial exchange of pro1posals. The coinmission majority went ahead and developed the U.S. proposals, meanwhile seeking to obtain Soviet cooperation. About the only change in the Soviet position was a proposal for "simultaneous" conventions-one for the desThe origin of the majority atomic plan tru.ction of atomic weapons and the other "We stand ready to dis~uss any prOposal advanced in good faith for effective prohibition, But we must state in all candor, that unless and until the Soviet Union demonstrates a willingness to cooperate in the world community and, in the field of atomic energy, gives evidence of such a willingness by ag'reeing to a truly effective, enforceable system of international control and prohibition, there is no hOp~ that .a basis for agreement c~n be found." Origin of majority plan goes back nearly four years, to Novem- (Please turn to page 125) 98 * Current Events Review Vol. Y, No. 4 What Lessons Does India Offer to the World? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the importance of moral Talues 2. To get acquainted with the lesSQn from India's revolution 3. Td know India's foreign policy 4. To get acquainted with the causes of war 5; To know what India offers to the world Following is the text of the address delivered by Indian Prime Minister Nehru at a special convocation at Colum~ bia University, where he received an honorary degree of doctor of laws: MR. PRESIDENT (Dwight D. Eisenhower): I am deeply gra~ul to this great university and to you, .Sir, for the honor you have done me in inviting me today and in conferring the honorary degree of ·doctor of laws. It is an honour to be associated with this university and with the many men of learning arid seekers after truth of this university and I shall treasure it. To have that signal honour conferred upon me by one who has played such a distinguished part in both war and peace adds to its value. I have come to )llOU not so much in my capacity as a prime minister of a great country or a politician, but rather as a humble seeker after truth and as one wh9 has continu"ously struggled to find the way, not always with success, to fit action to the objectives and ideals that I have held. That process is always difficult but it becomes increasingly so in thie world of conflict and passion today. Politicians have to deal with dayto-day problems and they seek immediate remedies: Philosophers think of World Problems ultimate objectives and are apt to lose touch with the day-to-day world and its problems. Neither approach appears to be adequate by itself. Is it possible to combine those two approaches and function after the manner of Plato's philosopher-kings? You, Sir, who have, had the experience of a role of a great man of action as also that of a philosopher as head of this university, should be able to help us to answer this question. Importance of objectives and values In this world of incessant and feverish activity men have little time to think, much lees to consider ideals and objectives. Yet how are we to ·act even in the present unless we know which way ".Ve are going and what our objectives are. It is only in the peaceful atmosphere of a university that these basic problems can be adequately considered. It is only when the young men and women who are in the university today, and on whom the burden of life's problems will fall tomorrow, learn to have clear objectives and standarde of values that there is hope for the next generation. The past generation produced some great men but as a generation it led the world repeatedly to disaster. Two world wars are the price that has been paid for the lack of wisdom on man's part in this generation. It is a terrible price and the tragedy of it i"s that, everi after that price was paid, we have not purchased real peace Of a cessation ·of conflict, and an even deeper tragedy is that mankind doee not profit by its experience and continues to go the same way which led previously to disaster. * 99 We have had wars and we have had victory and we have celebrated that victory, yet what is victory and how do we measure it! A war is fought presumably to gain certain objectives. The defeat of the enemy is not bY' itself an objective but rather the removal of an obstruction towards the attainment of the objective. If that objective is not attained, then that victory over the enemy brings only negative relief and indeed is no real victory, We have seen, however, that the aim in wars is almost entirely to defeat the enemy and the other and real objective is often forgotten. The result has been that the victory attained by defeating the enemy has only been a very partial one and has not solved the real problem, or if it has solved the immediate problem, it has at the SQJ11e time given rise to many other and sometimes worse problems, Therefore it becomes necessary to have the real objectives clear in our minds at all times, whether in war or in peace, and always to aim at achieving that objective. Relation of means and ends I think also that there is alway& a close and intimate relationship between the end we aim at and the means adopted to attain it. Even if the end is right, but the means are wrong, that will vitiate the end or divert us into a wrong direction. Means and ends are thus intimately and inextricably connected and cannot be separated. That indeed has been the lesoon of old taught us by many great~men in the past, but unfortunfitely it is ~eldom remembered. Importance of moral values whose inspiration and sheltering care I grew up, always laid stress on moral values and warned us never to subordinate m~ans to ends. We· were not worthy of him and yet to the best of our ability we tried to follow his teaching. Even the limited extent to which we could follow his teaching yielded rich results. After a generation of intense struggle with a great and powerful nation, we achieved success, and perhaps the most significant part of that achievement, for which credit is due to both parties, was the manner of it. History hardly .affords a parallel to a solution of such a conflict in a peaceful way, followed by friendly and co0iperative relations. It is !IStonishing how rapidly bitterness and ill-will between the two nations have faded away giving place to cooperation, and we in India have decided of our own free will to continue this cooperation as an independent nation, Lesson of India's revolution I would not presume to offer advice to other and more experienced nations in any way. But may I suggest for your consideration that there is some lesson in India's peaceful revolution which might be applied to the larger problems before the world today? That revolution demonstrated to us that physical force need not necessarily be the arbiter of man's destiny and that the method of waging a struggle and the way of its termination are of paramount importance. Past history shows us the important part that physical force has played. But it also shows us that no such force can ultimately ignore the moral forces of the world, and if it attempts to do so, it does so at its peril. I am venturing to place some of these Today this problem faces us in all its ideas before you, not because they are intensity because the weapons that phynovel but because they haVe impressed sical force has at its disposal are terthemselves upon me in the course of my rible to contemplate. Must the twentieth life which has been spent in alternating century differ from primitive barbarism periods of incessant activity and conflict1 only in the destructive efficacy of the and enforced leisure. The great leader weapons that man's ingenuity has inof my country, Mahatma Gandhi1 under vented for man's destruG.tion? I do be100 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 lieve, in accordance with my master's teaching, that there is another way to meet this situation and solve the problem that faces us. I realize that a statesman or a man who has to deal vdth public affairs cannot ignore realities and cannot act - in terms of abstract truth. His activity is always limited by the degree of the truth by his fellow men. Nevertheless the basic truth remains truth and is always to be kept in view and so far as possible, it should guide our actions. Otherwise we get caught up in a vicious circle of evil when one evil action leads to another. India's foreign policy India is a very old· coWltry with a great past. But it is a new country also , with new urges and desires. Since AuguSt, 1947, she has been in a position to pur9Ue her foreign policy. She was limited by the realities of the situation which we could not ignore or overcome. But even so she could not forget the lesson of her great leader. She has tried to adapt, howsoever imperfectlyt, theory to reality insofar as she could. In the family of nations she was a new-comer and could not influence them greatly to begin with. But she had a certain ad-vantage. She has great potential resources which no doubt would increase her power and influ.ence. A greater advantage lay in the fact that she was not fettered by the past, by old enmities or old ties, by historic claims or traditional rivalries. Even against her former rulers there was no bitternes left. Thus, India came into the family of nations with no prejudices or enmities, ready to welcome and be welcomed. IneVitably she had to consider her foreign policy in terms of enlightened self-interest, but at the same time she brought to it a td'uch of her idealism. Thus she has tried to combine idealism with national interest. The main objec"tives of that policy are: the pursuit of peace, not through alignWorld Problems ment with any major power or group of powers, but through an independent approach to each controversial or disputed issue; the liberation of subject peoples; the maintenance of freedom, both national and individual; the diminution of racial discrimination; and-the elimination of want, disease and ignorance which afflict the great part of the world's population. Why does India refuse to take sides? I am asked frequently why India does not align herself with a particular nation or a group of nations, and told that· because we have refrained from doing so, we are sitting on the fence. The question and the comment are easily understandable because in times of crisis it is not unnatural for those who are involved in it deeply to regard calm objectively in others as irrational, shortsighted, negative, unreal or even unmanly. But I should like to make it clear that the policy India has sought to pursue is not a negative and neutral policy. It is a positive ,and a vital policy which flows from our struggle for freedom and from the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi. Peace is not only an absolute necessity for us in India in order to progress and develop, but is also of paramount importance to the world. How can that peace be preserved? Not by surrendering to aggression, not by compromising with evil or injustice, but also not by talking and preparing foi war. Aggression has to be met, for that endangers peace. At the same time the lesson of the last two wars has to be remembered and it seems to me astonishing that in spite of that lesson we go the same way. The• very process of a marshalling of the world into two hostile camps precipitates the conflict which it has sought to avoid. It produces a sense of terrible fear and that fear darkens men's minds and leads them into wrong courses. There is perhaps nothing so bad and so * 101 dangerous in life as fear, As a great President of the United States said: there is nothing really to fear except fear itaelf. Our problem, therefore, becomes one of lessening and ultimately putting an end to this fear, That will not happen if all the world takes sides and talks of war. War becomes almost certain then. Why does India believe in economic democracy? Domination as a cause of war U we seek to ensure peace, we must attack ·the root causes of wa.r and not merely the symptoms. What are the underlying causes of war in the modern world? · One of the basic causes is the domination or the attempt to dominat.e one country by another. Larger parts of Asia were ruled till recently by foreign and chiefly European powers, We ourselves were part of the British empire, as wePe -also Pakistan, Ceyilon and Burma. France, Holland, Portugal still have territories over which they rule. But the rising tide of nationalism and the love Of independence have submerged most of the Western empires in Asi~ In Indonesia I. hope that there will soon be an independent sovereign state. We hope aloo that French Indo-China will achieve freedom and peace before lorig under a government of its own choice. Mucn- of Africa, however, is subject to foreign powers, some of whom still at-tempt .to enlarge their dominions. It is clear that all remaining vestiges of imperialism and colonialism will have to disappear. We are a member of the family of nations ahd we have no wish to shirk any of the obligt\tions and burdens of that membership. We have accepted fully the obligations of membership of the United Nations and intend to abide by them. We wish to make our full contribution to the common store and to render our full measure of service. But that· can only be done effectively in our own wayi and of our own choice. We believe passionately in the democratic method and we seek to enlarge the bounds of democracy both on the political and the economic plane, fo1" no democracy can exist for long in the midst of want and poverty and inequality. Our immediate needs are for economic better- Racial discrimination as a ment and raising the standards of our people. The more we succeed in this, cause of war the more we can serve the cause of Secondly, there is the problem of racial peace in the world. We are fully aware relations. The progress of some races in of our weaknesses and failings and claim knowledge or in invention, their success no superior virtue, but we do not wish in war and conquest, has tempted them to forfeit the advantage that our pre- to believe that they are racially superior' sent detachment gives us and we believe and has led them to treat other nations that the maintenance of that detachment with contempt. A recent example of thi• is not only in our interest but also in was the horrible attempt, so largely sucthe interest of world peace and freedom. cessful, to exterminate the Jews. In That detachment is neither isolationisn Asia and Africa, racial superiority h~ nor indifference, nor neutrality when been most widely and most insolently peace or freedom is threatened. When exllibited. It is forgotten that nearly all man's liberty or peace is in danger we the great religions of mankind arose in cannot and shall not be neutral; neutral- the East and that wonderful civilizations ity, then will b~ a betrayal of what we grew up there when Europe and America have fought for and stand for. were still unknown to history. The West 102 • Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 bas too often despised the Asian and the African and still, in many places, denies them not only equality of rights but even common humanity and kindliness. This is one. of the great dang"er points of our modern world; and ·now that Asia and Africa are shaking off their torpor and arousing themselves, out of this evil may come a conflagration of which no man can see the range of consequences. One of your greatest men said that this country cannot exist half <>lave and half free. The world cannot long maintain peace if half of it is enslaved and despised. The problem is not always simple nor can it be solved by a resolution or ?- decree, but, unless there is a firm and sincere determination to solve it, there will be no peace. Economic inequality as a cause of war The third reason for war and revolution is the the misery and want of millions of persons in many ~ountries and, in particular, in Asia and Africa. In the West, though the war has brought much misery and many difficulties, the common man generally lives in. some measure Of comfort-he has food, clothes, shelter to some extent. The basic problem of the East, therefore, ie to obtain these necessaries of life. If they are lacking, then there is the apathy of despair or the destructive rage of the revolutionary. Political subjection, racial inequality, economic inequality and misery-these are the evils which we have to remove if we would ensure peace. If we can offer .no remedy, then other cries and slogans m~ke an appeal to the minds pf. the people. What India offers to the worid Many of the countries of Asia have entered the family of nations; others we h0ipe will soon find a place in this cjrcle, We have the same hopes for the countries of Africa. This process World Problems should proceed rapidly, and America and Europe should use their great influence and power to facilitate it. We -see before us vast changes taking place not only in the political and economic spheres, but even more so in the minds of men. Asia jg becoming dynamic again a:Dd is passionately eager to pro-: gress and raise the e~onomic standards of her vast masses. This awakening of a giant continent is of the gi.reatest importance to the future of mankind and requires imaginative statesmanship of a high order. The problems of this awakening will not be solved by looking at it with fear or in a spirit of isolationism by any of uso It requires a fl!iendly and understanding approach, ' clear objectives, and a common effort to realize them. The colossal expenditure of energy and resources on armaments, that is an outstanding feature of many national budgets today, does not solve the problem of world peace. P~rhaps even a fraction of that outlay in other ways and for other purposes, will provide a more enduring basis for peace and happiness. That is India's view, offered in all friendliness to all thinking men and women, to all persons of goodwill, in the name of Our common humanitf. That view is not based on wishful thinking, but on a deep consideration of the problems that afflict us all, and on its merits I venture to place it before you. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why must we have clear objectives and values? 2. Why is moral force important? 3. Do you believe in the soundness of India's foreign policy? Why? 4. Why does India refuse to align herself with foreign powers? 5. Why does •India believe in economic democracy? 6. What are t}te causes of wars? 7. What do you think is Asia's role in the world? * 103 Why· is the Military Assistance Program Significant? A bold decision Congress has done well in finalfy agreeing on the Senate version of the history-maTdng assistance program. Although Russia's reported "atomic explosion" probably helped to persuade the House to accept the higher figure of $1,314,010,000 other events, other facts, other realities constituted, from the start of debate, an almost unanswerable argument in favor of the kind of measure. For in the words used by the Secretary when he testified for it in July, this program has been drawn up in accord with the ''inexorable logic of the facts of life in the world as it is." The chief fact of all is that the free countries of Western Europe are inadequately equipped to defend themselves against ihternal or external aggression, whereas the Soviet Union is maintaining what Mr. Acheson has called the largest peacetime military force in recorded history. This lack of balance between the two sides---exploited at every opportunity by the Kremlin-has left ·the West highly vulnerable to attack Coming soonboth f-rom within and without. Do-nothingism in face of such a danger would have been an open invitation to··the Russians to take over the whole continenta development that would gravely imperil our own land. Hence the M;nshall Plan for economic recovery, and the North Atlantic Treaty for common security, and now the arms-aid undertaking to strengthen the defensive position of our friends. Safety of a free world is vital In other words, as in the case of the Marshall Plan and the Atlantic Pact, Congress has acted in keeping with the compelling logic of events in approving the military assistance program. With or without the Russian atomic development, such action would have been needed for the safety of the free world. Now that it has been taken, and that the President has signed the Act, all of Western Europe has reason to be encouraged by this additional evidence of American oneness with it. Needless to say too, tbe Kremlin has something s0r bering to think about. A TEAC:HER'S MANUAL to accompany AtingWika _Volumes I and II General Indices, Graded and Classified Materials of Instruction, School Calendar Items, Objectives, General Teaching Guides, Methods of Teaching. 104 * Current Events Review Vol. V, N0- 4 United Nations Series No. 39 What Progress has Been Made Towards a More Peaceful World? Specific objectives: 1. To get acquainted with the progress made towards buildin,g a more peaceful world. 2. To appreciate the difficulties under which the United Nations is working. Man's last hope in solving the peace problems of the world is the United Nations. Twice in a generation the world was in.V'?lved ~ useless ware,. Twice in the saffie period the world has formed two interrJational bodies sup~ posed to settle disputes among nations. The first was the League of Nations, the second, the United Nations. What progress has been accomplished by the United Nations in the year between July 1, 1948 to June 30 1949? What difficulties are being met by the United Nations? Cause of grave anxiety The important accomplishment$ of the United Nations during the last ~x months of 1948 and the first six months of 1949 were presented by Secretary-General Trygve Lie to the Genera] Assembly. The annual report, a masterly work, enno.merated the var· ious steps taken towards building a peaceful world. It discussed the methods of strengthening the United Nations. Pertinent parts of the annual report follows: - It is true that the world has had its full share of crises and alarms. The rival claims in an ideological conflict have been pressed as though they were the only issue of our times, while the relative positions before the situation is brought nearer to stability by the World Affairs conclusioni of peace treaties. Although ov~rshadowed by the great Power differences, movements of national independence and social' upheavals in many parts of the world have unavoidably contributed to international tensions. These conditiomi, which have persisted since the war ended, continlie to cause widespread anxiety among peoples of the world as to · the prospects for world peace and the ability of the United Nations to prevent a third world war. Because of the great Power differences, no progress has been made during the year towards) providing the Security Council with armed forces to enable it· to enforce its decisions, and there has been little progress towards agreement on the control of atomic energy, of other weapons of mass destruction, and of conventional armaments. Decrease in the fear of war Nevertheless, the fear of war has decreased since the ' last report was made. The breaking of the Berlin deadlock has been a main factor in achieving this result. The world has reason to be thankful for the constructive statesmanship of the great Powers that made possible the agreement t·eached by the United Nations representatives after ~veral months of United Nations efforts at conciliations. This agreement has resulted in a promising renewal of negotiations on Germany and Austria. Reassertion of UN strength United Nations action in other parta of the world has . also contributed to * 105 the progress made towards a more peaceful world by either preventing or ending wars invoiving 500 milHon people. This action-in Palestine, in Kashmir and in Indonesia-did not involve the use of military force; indeed the Security Council h~s no such police force at its disposal: The only force used by the United Nations has been its moral force and its power of persuation towards rea-sonable .compromise aiid peaceful settlement. In each case setbacks have been experienced from time to time, but the influence of the United Nations through the process of · mediatiol\ and conciliation has always reasserted itself and has, thus far, pre1'ailed. An epic event The establishment of the State of Israel in Palestine without a major war is one of the epic events of history, coming as it does, at the end not merely of thirty years, but of 2,000 years of accumulated sorrows, bitterness and conflict. For Christian Jew and Moslem alike, Palestine symbolizes historic forces beside which the present ideological conflict appears to be a transitory phenomenon. · Prevention of communal warfare When India and Pakistan agreed to a United Nationa ceasefire 10rd~r in the State of Kashmir, the 400,000,000 people of these two great oountries, both newly independent, were spared the worst of all disasters-religious and communal warfare. Unusual success In Indonesia, the United Nations has played a decisive part in efforts to secure a peaceful settlement of the con. flict between the Netherlands and Indonesia, and a peaceful transition to na· tional independeni:e e>f 70,000,000 Indonesians. More people live in these countries than in some countries of Europe, the continent on which such concentrated attention has been directed since the war- ended. Power for conciliation and mediation In these disputes, as in the great Power conflict itself, the United Nations has demonstrated that it can exert powerful influence for conciliation and mediation. Nothiilg better illustrates this than comparison of the relationships between the great Powers before and after the Berlin, disputes was brought to the United Nations as being a threat to world peace. When three of the great Powers brought the Berlin question before the Security Council last September in a complaint against a fourth, many people feared that this ,crisis would break up the United Nations and Eiven lead to a new world war. Neither of these things happened. Instead, mOderating and conciliating forces were set in motion immediately. The non-permanent members of the Security Council, under the leadership of its President, sought to bring about great Power agreement on, a solution of the deadlock. The General Assembly adopted a resolution calling upon the great Powers to renew their efforts to compose their differences, and the President of the General Assembly and the Secretary-General appealed to the great Powers under this resolution to seek once again to reach agreement on the Berlin question.cs A committee of currency experts of the non-p,rmanent members, appointed by the Pres'.ident of the Security Council, in which a representative of the Secretary-General participated, then sought to break the deadlock by means of a plan for a single currency for Berlin. None- of these efforts brought immediate results, but their effect was 106. Current Even'!:s Review Vol. V, No. 4 greatly to moderate the tension, reduce the danger of war, and gain time for other factors tending to a settlement to make themsolves felt. In the end the result was the resumption of great Power negotiations on the peace treaties after seventeen, months of complete stalemate during which the Council of Foreign Ministers did not meet. Leadership of the UN The United Nations has gone right ahead; it has stopped wars in different parts of the world; it has developed internation~l cooperation in almost every field of human activity on a scale never before attempted. The United Nations has been called upon to act in most of the troubled areas of the world. Besides the participation of the Organization in the problems of Berlin, Palestine, Kashmir and indonesia, there is a United Nations Special Committee on duty in the Balkans, and a United Nations Commission on duty in Korea. Because the great Powers failed to settle the future of the Italian colonies, the United Nations has been called upon to decide the matter. The United Nations has proclaimed the first Universal Declaration of Human Rights in history; the historyniaking Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of' the Crime of Genocide has been approved unanimously 11nd Member States have been asked to sign and ratify it. Through the machinery pro,;ded by the Charter, and in particular through the International Trusteeship System, the United Nations is assisting the progress of dependent peoples towards self-government or independenCe. The foundations of a wOrld rule of law are being built by the decisions and advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, by the work of the International Law Commission and by World Affairs the recommendations and conventions adopted by the General Assembly. Through the United Nations procedures o:f regional economic cooperation, effective assistance is being given to the countries , of Europe, of Latin America, of Asia and the Far East towards the reconstruction and development of their economies. A heartening event Through the planning and execution of comprehensive programs, both on the economic an.d in the social fields, the providing of fellowships, the sending of missions and advisers, the organization of regional seminars, the United Nations has began to make an effective contribution to plp.cing the knowledge of the more advanced nations at the disposal of the less advanced. One of the most heartening events of the year was the impetus resulting from the initiative taken by the United States of America for an expanded program of technical assistance for the economic development of the under-developed areas of the world, to be carried out wherever possible through the United Nations. Contribution well-deserved Without the United Nations, most of these activities could not have been undertaken, nor .could the benefits from them be realized. Few of them have been seriously impeded, still less paralyzed, by the conflict between the great Powers. Finally the tensions and other ill effects of that conflict have been greatly alleviated by many of t)tes» United Nations activities. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Show how the work of the United Nations depends upon the cooperation (Please . turn to page 116) * 107 Is Russia's Balkan Empire Fading? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the importance of the Balkans 2. To know why Russia is interested In the Balkans 3. To get acquainted with the recent developments in the Balkans, The recent' news on the continuing dispute between two famous Communist generals has again brought the Balkans into focus in the international affairs. Why is the Balkans important in world affairs? Why is Russia interest. ed in the Balkans? Is Russia losing her control of the Balkans? Geopolitics and the Balkans Geopolitics is a combined and coordinated study of geography, history, and politics. In practice it is an application of these studies for selfish advantage. Geopolitical studies are made use of by one nation to explain and predict the behavior of her neighbor nations towards other nations so that this nation may again control over her neighbors. The importance of the role the Balkans play in world affairs today is enhanced by geopolitics. In the Turkish language, the word Balkan means 0 mountain". This is the term that applies to a group of mountainous states iii the Balkan peninsula or in Southeastern Europe. The Balkan states are Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Albania, !).nd Greece. If you look at the map you will notice that the Balkan peninsula is broken up by mountains which cut the various states into isolated regions. The geographical features of the states make it difficult to bring about unity among them. The Balkan peninsula is Tery strategically located. It controls the middle half of the Mediterranean. Greece is vital to the defense of the Eastern Mediterranean. The security of Russia in Eastern Europe· depends much upon her influence over the Balkans. Most of the people in this area are Slavs. The Balkans has rich natural resources. These variOO. factors account f0r the conflicting inter-ests in the Balkans among the different powers. Russia's interest in the Balkans Why is Russia interested in the Balkans? Russian security and: expansion are two cardinal m.oltives in Russia's foreign pQlicy. Russia fears that sooner or later certain "capitalistic" powers would invade her from central Europe. It is necessary that her eastern frontiers be made secure. Russia likewise fears a possible invasion from southern Europe through the strategic Dardanelles, thus her frontiers in these regions must also be made secure. Russia's move in her Balkan project Russia's dream of controlling the Balkans is an old one. When the Balkans w8.s under the control of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, Russia championed the cause of the Slavs. Russia took part in the Crimean War of 1853-1856 against Turkey because she wanted to weaken the Ottoman Empire by extending her influence in the B8.lkan countries and u1timatel1 gain control of Constantinople. ,. She has also supported Greece and, Bulgaria in their fight for freedom.. 108* Current ETents Review Vol. V, No. 4 During World War II, Russia lost no time in preparing the ground for extending her control of the Balkans. Many Balkan Communists were trained in Russia . so that they may spearhead the tide of Communism the moment Hitler and Mussolini lose their control of the Balkans. Russia takes pride in the fact that Russian might was responsible for the liberation of the Balkans from the Nazis and the Italian Fascists. Russia took the initiative in drawing the armistice terms with Rumania, Bulgaria, and Hungary during World War II. She wasted no time in wresting control of the economic, social, and political life of Rumania, Albania, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia. In order to hide her true intention of communizing the Balkans, Russia again championed the doctrine of PanSlavism. What is Pan-Slavism? There are many interpretations to this doctrine. The common one is that all Slav peoples should have as large a measure as possible of political solidarity, During World War II the doetrine was revived because Russia saw in it a powerful weapon to unite and control the Balkan pe~ples. Several congresses to the effect were held in Moscow in 1941, 1942, and 1948. In 1946 a kind of political block of Slav nations under the guidance of Russia took shape. Russian's move in her Balkan project receives a jolt Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia baa his own ideas of a Balkan federation. He believes that all the Slavs' in the Balkans must form a federation. under the leadership of a Balkan nation and free from Russian control. Stalin at once became alarmed at this move of Marshal Tito when the latter suggested World Affairs the organization of a Balkan federation. Ru~sian Balkan satellites were immediately warned n.ot to deviate from Moscow's own doctrine of PanSlavism. The disagreement between Marshal Tito's own plan of Balkan federation and Russia's doctrine of Pan-Slavism in her Balkan project was net clearly understood until after the historic break of relations between the two Marshals fifteen months ago. Tito's political heresy On May 20, 1948, the head of the Russian Communist party wrote a letter to the Central Committee of the Yugoslav Communist party listing a series of charges 'against Marshal J osep Broz Tito. The charges were denied by the Yugoslav Central Committee. The charges were reiterated by the Cominform. Then on June 28, 1948, the Cominform announced their denunciation of Marshal Tito. Tito denied the charges hurled against him. The 3,000-word statement hurled mention the following charges: 1. The leadership of the Yugoslav Communist party was undertaking an entirely wrong policy on the principal questions of foreign and internal policies. This means a retreat from the doctrines taught by Karl Marx and Nicolai Lenin. 2. The Yugoslav Communist party was creating a hateful policy in relation to the Soviet Union and to allCommunist Unions of the Bolshevisks. 3. The Yugoslav Communist party was conducting a slanderous propaganda borrowed from Leon Trotsky, the Russian Communist wJlo defied Josef Stalin. 4. The Yugoslav Communist party was retreating from the position of the worki~ class and parting from the Marxist theory of class and class struggle. According to the tF•achin~ * 109 of Karl Mark and Nicolai Lenin the jjploretariat," or working Class is the only class which should run society. 5. The Yugoslav Communist party was not striving to make the Communist party as the only party in Yugoslavia. The government was charged of giving support to the People's Front, another p~litical party. Marshal Tito denied all these criticisms of his government by Russia. He even defied Stalin by stating that as leader of his country he has the sole right to define its stand on Communism. He meant by this defiance, that he is not obliged to follow Moscow's interpretation of Communism. Marshal Tito has his own country to love. He has the right to do and determine what is best for his country. The deviation of Marshal Tito from Russia's own interpretation of Communism is now known as the political heresy of the 20th century. Russia's defeat in Greece Russia's controlling influence in Yugoslavia has been lost due to the political heresy of Marshal Tito. With this loss. goes Russia'S defeat in Greece. Russia has been accused in the General Assembly of the United Nations of giving material aid and support to the Greek Communist guerrillas who are fighting the Greek government forces in an effort to gain a foothold in the Mediterranean. Marshal Tito has given orders to close the borders between his country and Albania and Greece. As a result of these orders, communication l?etween Bulgaria and Albania is now impossible. Greek guerrillas now find it difficult to escape to Yugoslavia. Cold war in the Balkans for the elimination, if not the liquidation, of the Yugoslav Marshal by inciting a :rebellion of the Yugoslavs. On the other hand, Marshal Tito hopes for the complete victory of his regime by resisting Russian interference hi the internal affairs of his country. Both Marshals are resorting to secret activities in an effort to gain support of the Communists. Russia is conducting an economic squeeze on Yugoslavia. . But Marshal Tito turned to the West for aid in an effort to fight and ward off the economic squeeze. Yugoslavia now has trade deals with Britain, France, Italy, Western Germany, Sweden, and the United States. What is Russia's chance in the Balkans? The Balkans is inhabited 6y 50,000, 000 people. It has an area of 326,000 square miles. Russia wants the Balkans because it would give her access to the MediterraMan, the Middle East, and Africa. It would serve as a buffer state for Russia's exposed flank. Russia's Balkan project is failing because of a nwnber of reasons. First, Marshal Tito's defiance of Stalin has halted Russia's economic advance in southeastern Europe. Russia has lost her chance to make use of Yugoslavia as a jumping.board in the central Mediterranean. When the Italian peace treaty was being discussed in 1946, Russia supported Yugoslavia's claim to Trieste because of its strategic location ih the Adriatic Sea. Second, Greece is winning in its fight against the Greek guerrillas. Russia may lose control over northern Greece should the Greek Army become victorious. Russia may also lose her chance to have an access to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa. Third, Russian position with A cold war between Marshal Tito and her Balkan satellites is not very secure. Marshal Stalin' is now going on in the The cold war between Marshal Tito and Balkans. The Russian Marshal hopes (Please turn to page 126) 110 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 Is a Parliament for Europe at hand? Will ihe Council of Eu~ope Become the Parliament for Europe? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the origin of the Council of Europe. 2. To get acquainted with the organization of the Council of Europe. 3. To understand the accomplishments of the first session of the Council of Europe. 4. To appreciate the significance of the Council of Europe. Leading European statesmen are exerting a new effort to bring unity and peace to Europe. The move is being undertaken by the Council of Europe. Why was the Council of Europe created? How was it organized? What were the accomplishments of the first session of the Council of ,Europe? Why is its creation significant? Result of European movement The September, 1948 issue of the Current Events Review presented a brief account of : various movements fostering European unity. Winston S. Churchill, the leading advocate for the unification of ·all European countries, ~gether with a group of prominent British citizens decided to promote the idea of a United States of Europe. In 1948, a conferen.ce of leading personages who advocate the unification of European cquntries wiis helO. at the Hague, Netherlands. More than 600 delegates met and discussed problems affecting the formation of the proposed United States of Europe. They decided t.o carry on the campaign for the final establishment of a United States of Europe. Another conference of the same nature was held in London last May. World Affairs Main objective of the Council of Europe The main objective of this council is to provide a common machinery that will thresh out the common problems affecting other European members. Representatives to this Council believe that the absence of a common political machinery presents a great handicap to the understanding of the problems of the continent. The Council of Europe is not directed against any race or nation. "It is against tyranny," spoke Winston Churchill, "that we stand unflinching." Characteristics of the Council of Europe The Council of Europe is democratic. It is not diplomatic. There are 101 delegates chosen from the parliaments of twelve member nations. The member nations are Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Greece, and Turkey. Iceland is to become another member of the Council. Why is the Couneil democratic and not diplomatic? Firsi:, the members speak for themselves and not for their governments. Second, the members speak and vote according to their convictions. They must, however, see to it that their speeches and votes do not frighten nor compromise their governments. The powers of the Council are limited to safeguarding sovereignties. The Council for instance may not discuss matters of defense. Its decisions are mere recommendations and cannot be enforced. * 111 Of what is the Council of Europe composed? There are two organs of the Council of Europe. These are the Committee of Ministers (cabinet) and a Consultative Assembly (parliament). The Committee of Ministers is composed of delegates who are Min,isters of the member nations. It has wide powers because it can limit and control the matters to be discussed by the Consultative Assembly. The Consultative Assembly is composed of more than 100 delegates from the member nations. The number of delegates from each member nation depends upon the size of the country. The method of choosing the delegates was left to the member nation. The delegates vote as individuals. A unanimous vote is required in all resolutions. The Assembly can only approve or disapprove matters that are put be-' fore it by the Committee of Ministers. Holding of the first session of the Council of Europe On August 8, 1949, the Council of Europe began its first session with the Committee a·f Ministers holding its own meeting to prepare the agenda for the Consultative Assembly. On August 14, 1949, the Consultative Assembly began its his.toric session at Strasbourg, the city chosen by the members as temporary capital of Europe, There were 101 delegates to· the Assembly. Eight ex-Premiers, two women, two Negros, liberals, Catholics, eonservative.s:, and many Socialists were among the delegates. Paul-Henri Spaak of Belgium, the first President of the United Nations General Assembly, was chosen as the first President of the Consultative Assembly. Topics discussed portant points taken up in the deliberations of the Assembly were: 1. Europe's economy 2. Common European nationality a.no passport 3 . Joint public works 4. Fund~mental human rights and freedom 5. Changes in the political structure of Europe. 6. How to achieve greater European unity. Human. rights One of the most important topics d~ cussed by the Consultative Assembly was the code of human rights proposed by Henri Teitgen of France. The first four points in the code were based on the United Nations declaration of human rights. These were: ( 1) The right to safety of persons, including the right to life, liberty and immunity from torture or eruel treatment and the protection of the court from the abuse of these rights. (2) The right to immunity from arbitrary detention, exile of any other arbitrary measure, the right to be presumed innocent in a trial and the i:ight of pfotection against conviction for offenses which were not illegal at the time they were committed. (3) The right to exemption from slavery or servitude. ( 4) The right to immunity from arbitrary interference in private life, in the home or in personal correspondence. The other rights included freedom 01 religion, of assemblage, of fhe press, of speech, and the right to combine in trade unions. Economic union The Consultative Assembly voted overwhelmingly for the framing of an ecooomie union which would have a free market and a single preferential A nine-point agenda was discussed trading system, embracing the colonie.i and deliberated· upon. Among the im- and empires of the European member 112 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 nations. The Committee of Ministers was called upon to prepare such an economic program. The Co:n:onittee was nrged: 1. To create permanent machinery for consultation on credit poli&ies. 2. To study ways . of encouraging Americans to invest in Eur.ope. 3. To investigate European production with a view to reduction of imports from non-European countries. 3. To organize inter-European .conferences of employers, workers and con.sumers on increasing industrial and ·agricultural production. 5. To sponsor a European convention on control of cartels. Federal Authority One important political resolution approved by the 12-nation Assembly was the resolution declaring that the new Council of Europe should be expounded into a genuine federal authority. The vote on the resolution came after the Assembly had learned that formel" Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, in a secret Jllemorandum in 1942 and while Russia was a wartime ally of the democracies, had urged the unification of Europe as a barrier against '1Russian barbarism"'~ Churc.hill expresll.ed the sincere hope that the European nations would unite themselves into a Council of EurOpe. He said that his ultimate goal was the formation of a "United States of Europe." Other accomplishments The CQnsultative Assembly approved several other resolutions. It created a 28-man steering committee, or little t'.18sem.bly, under Paul-Henry Spaak as chairman, to conduct business on a resolution enlarging the authority of the Assembly. Members of the Assembly urged the creation of a committee to .World Affairs stUdy political-unity proposals. Fortysix members of the Assembly proposed the creation. of a' "European ECJ0110mie i;>ePartment". Will the Council of Eu~ope become a Parliament of Europe? In this historic statement, Paul-Heri·ri Spaak of Belgium expected the Council of Europe to be a future parliament.. In an address delivered before the Assembly, Churchill said: "We 'hope the Assembly will one. day become the parliament of Europe. · The first step has been taken and it is the first ste'p that counts..... Our dangers are great, but so is our strength, and there is no reason why we should not achieve the aim and design of a united Europe, whose moral conceptions will win the respect anp gratitude of mankind and whose physical strength will be such that none will dare molest her tranquil sway." ' The session of the Council of Europe ls significant because it was another effort to establish unity in Europe. An economic unification of Europe was laid when the European Rec~Very PrQgram popularly known as the Marshal.I Plan began opera~in_g in 16 European countries. A military unification -wa$ laid by the conclusion. of the Brussels defense pact and the North Atlantic Treaty. The Council of Europe is seeking to establish a basis for the political union of Europe. The New York Times believes that the basis of this political union is now being laid by the Council of Europe. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is there a need for a United States • of Europe? 2. Do you believe in the main ob(Please turn to page 126) * 113 What role will the new Germany play? Why is the New WeStern German Federal Republic Significant? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the new structure of the German Federal Republic 2. To understand why the republic was formed 3. To get acquainted with the results of its first election 4. To appreciate the significance of the new German Federal Republic One of the significant European events was the birth of the western German Federal Republic in August of this year. Why was the republic formed? How was it organized? What issues were presented during the first election? Why is the formation of the Wes tern German Federal Republic eignificant? Decision to form the Western German Federal Republic By virtue of an agreement, the United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia are jointly occupying Germaity. The.. agreement stipulates that steps would be taken for the unification of Germany as soon as possible. Several conferences of the Council of Foreign Ministers failed to settle the question of unification. So, the three Western Alli~s-the United States, France, and Great Britain--decided to merge their zones of occupation. The Western Allies· have been finding the Military Government for Germany to be very costly to the peoples of their respective countries who had to bear the expeIJ+Ses of occupation. Moreover, the three powers· believe that Germany must be able to take her place in the community o:f nations. The Western Allies want to make Germany run its own government under their supervision. A constitutional convention for the Western zones was called. It met with interruptions, in Bonn, on the west bank of the Rhine near Cologne_, from September 1, 1948 to May 8, 1949. On May 8, 1949, the 65 delegates to the Parliamentary Council at Bonn adopted the draft of the new Western German Constitution by a vote of 53 to 12. The delegates met for more than eight months. The Communists fought vigorously against the adoption of the new constitution but the three Western Military Governors approved it on :May 12, 1949. Second Republic for Germany The Bonn Constitution provided for the creation of a German republicGer'man,.y's second republic. Her first republic. was set up at Weimar in 1919. This re:Public lasted fourteen years. Then Hitler became dictator. The new republic will be limited for the present time to all states in Western Germany. Eastern Germany is under the Russians who do not like to cooperate with the three Western Allies in setting up the ni;w Western German Federal Republic. The new republic is democratic. All state authority emanates from the people. The people exercise authority through elections, and plebiscites, and by means of separate legislative, executive, and judicial organs. Legislation is limiteG by the Constitution. A list of fundamental rights is guaranieed by the government. The new Germany has "full legislative, executive, and judicial powers"--subject to certain limitations. Hi,..h Commis114 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 sioners of the three Western Allies have taken the place of the Military Governors. The new republic is a parliamentary government. It includes a Bundestag (a lower house) popularly elected, and Bundesrat (an upper 1'ouse) with members chosen by state governments. There is a President and a Chancellor. Post-war German parties There were several political parties that participated in the historic election held on Augcist 14, 1946. The major parties are: Rightist Parties 1. Christian Democrats 2. Free Democrats , 3. Bavarian Party Leftist parties 4. German Party 1. Social Democrats 2. Communists The Social Democratk party ( SPD) is the party composed mostly of the working classes and labor unions. As in the days of Adolf Hitler, the party favors a mild form of socialism. It favors a strong central government. Its leader is Kurt Schumacher. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is the party of Catholics and conservative middle-class Protestants. It favors a laissez.faire economy and wants only a limited centralization of government. Its leader is Konrad Adenauer. ' The Communist party (KPD) is composed of discontended Germans. The Free Democratic party is made up of conservatives' who favor freedom of the individual from state controls. The German party is composed of many for· mer Nazis. It favors decentralized government and uncontrolled economy. There were several issues presented during the election campaignis. The chief issue, however, was: nationalization of the basic industries as against f,.,,,,.. PT1ternrise.' The Social Democrats \,ul:atJ .tUli:ilrS stood for the former issue while the Christian Democrats, the Free Democrats and some small conservative parties stood for free enterprise. All parties were united on the issue of nationalism. All the parties stressed love for the 11 Fatherland". The candidates tried to show that they were the champions of patriotism. They severely criticized the occupying powers. The spirit of nationalism was rekindled because -the Germans believe that the time has come for them to take their rightful place in the community of nations again. Some of the statements on nationalis'Dl were: Dr. /(urt Schumacher: The German people are tired of Iistelljing to words of friendship and reconciliation and getting emnity in practice. . • Never have the relations between the Allies and the Germans been worse than they · are t.oday. I have to be nationalistic because I have to defend the last bit of German soil." Dr. Konrad Ad~nauer: "A nation like Germany, with one of the first seats in mankind's history, has a claim to feel along nationalistic lines. . . The foreigners have got to understand that the period of collapse and unrestricted domination by the Allies is finished'!' The election was the first the Germans had since Adolf Hitler seized the powers of the German government. lt was the first free election since 1933. The result was heartening. Almost 80 % of the people in Western Germany voted. The following show how the people voted: Rightist Parties Party Christian Democrats Free Democrats Bavarian Party German :Party I,eftist Parties Social Democrats Communists Votes Seata 7,357,579 139 2, 788,653 52 986,606 17 940,088 17 6,932,272 131 1,360,443 15 * 115 The election showed that the Germans favor free . e:6terprise and a conservative government. Dr. Konrad Adenauer of the Christian Democrats won the election by obtaining 7,357,579 votes and 139 seats out of 402 seats in the Bundestag. Dr. Kurt Schumacher of the Social Democrats obtained 6,932,272 votes and J 31 seats. The Communists were badly defeated. They obtained on.ly 6% of the total votes with 185 seats. Dr. Konrad Adenauer, 73y•ar-old head of the CDU became the first Chancellor of the Western German Federal Republic. The election was a victory for free enterprise and a strong conservative government. The total votes of the four rightist parties gave the conservative parties a chance to form a conservative government. The viotory of the conservative parties is a victory for "moderation and common cause" according to United States Secretary of State Acheson. "The results of the balotting, however," says Acheson, "represents a triumph for the moderate parties which are fully committed to a democratic political system." The victory of the conservative par~ ties show that the people approve the economic principles of the American forCes of occupation. American policies favo!' complete free enterprise. British economic policies stress emphasis on con,trol and pegged prices. The establishment of the Western German Federal Republic is significant for several reasons. First, Germany emerged as a nation. The election proved to be s~ important that eirrhty per cent of the poople went t.o the polls and voted because they love their country. Second, the Republic provided opportunity for the Germans to work out their own mternal problems with mm1mum outside interference. The decision of the people ill the first election is heartily welcomed by the Allies insofar as they indicate a deci· sion to seek a solution of their econo· What Progress has .•. (Conhnued from page 107) of the members? 2. Why do you think is the strength of the United Nations based on moral force? 3. How did the United Nations succeed in decreasing the fear of war? -1. What lesson have you learned from the Berlin blockade? 5. Do you believe that the United Nations is leading the world towards peace? Why? rnic difficulties through a system of free enterprise. We must remember that Germany had a republic afi;,r World War I. That 1·epublic failed to solve the economic problems of the nation; - hence, the rise of Nazism. Third, the formation of the Republic gave another chance to Germany to learn the ways of democracy. It is im· portant to remember that except for the fourteen years of the Weimar Re-public, Germany has had no actual practice or experience in the processes of democracy. The Federal Republic 11rovides. opportunity for the people to enjoy the usual prerogatives that an established government guarantees, sub· ject only to the limited control which are specified in the occupation statutes, and to such additional restraints as may be imposed for the general interest by such bodies as the international authority for the Ruhr. Fourth, the establishment of the new Republic, marked the completion of one of the Western Allies' impor('ant projects - the unification of Germany. Fifth, the new Republic creates new problems and revives old fears. One of these old fears is: Will Germany again rise to become a menace to world peace? Sixth, should the new Republic be admitted to the Council of Europe then the voice of Germany will again be heard. It was Winston Churchill who said: ••we need a strong Germany in order that Europe may be revived.'' 116* Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 Why is International Cooperation Growing in Effectiveness? Specific Objectives: 1. To understand the importance of of peace 2. To realize the significance of world peace 3. To know the importance of the United Nations International cooperation, according to U.S. Secretary of State Acheson can a.Ccomplish "a steady, progressive improvement in the ability of the peoples of the world to live with each other in peace and mutual helpfulness." The secretary of state's views were expressed in a statement to the national citizens~ committee for United Nations Day, which met to complete plans for the nation-wide observance of United Nations Day, on October 24. Visiting the White House to report plans for the celebration, the committee was told by President Truman that United States support of the U.N. is "absolutely essential" to obtain world peace. The President added that "I am sure we are going to obtain it, if we continue to support the United Nations with everything we have, which we have been doing up to this time." International meetings "A few days 8.go" Acheson stated, ''representatives of our government held an economic conference with officials of the British and Canadian governments. This week I am conferring with the foreign ministers of Great Britain and France. Simultaneously, the delegates of 48 countries have been attending meetings of the International Bank and, the Monetary Fund. World Affairs Day after tomorrow, representatives of the 12 members of the North Atlantic treaty will meet here in Washington. Next Tuesday the delegation of the United States will join representatives of the other members of the United Nations in the fourth session of the general assemJily at Lake Success; Importance of international meetings ''There is a common link between all these meetings that should not go unnoticed. The theme that runs through them all, the single thread that ties them all together, is that cooperation among nations is a living, practical realitythat it is constantly growing in strength and effectiveiiess despite all obstacles. Our government, and the friendly governments with which we are closely aB>sociated, are resolutely carrying forward the tremendous effort to achieve economic stability and political tranquility in the world, so that free peoples can keep their freedom and have a real opportunity to improve their conditions of life. Importance of intelligence support for U.N. "Much of the effort \0 achieve that purpose is being exerted through the United Nations and its related agencies. The part of the effort being put forth outside the structure of the United Nations is being carried forward in the spirit of the U. N. charter and in the furtherance of its principles and purposes. "The United States delegation will en(Please turn to page 127) * 117 MacArthur Reviews Japan's Postwar Progress Specific Objectives: 1. To get acquainted with the progress made by Japan. 2. To understand the significance of these changes. Wisdo~ of U. S. occupation policy General Douglas MacArthur says the Japanese peOple have rejected communiS'lll and now stand 0 as a symbol of hope for less fortunate peoples overwhelmed by the despotic rule of. coercive force." In a V-J Day anniversary statement, MacArthur reviewed the political, social and economic progress made by the occupied country since th'e Japanese surrender was signed aboard the U.S. Navy battleship Missouri in Tokyo bay on September 2, 1945. He maintained that. history will vindicate the wisdom of the occupation policy in Japan, and emphasized that the Japanese people have fulfilled their surrender terms. He made no prediction, however, of when a peace treaty may come. Referring to the Japanese surrender, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers stated: continued presence On Japan's soil of an occupation force from beyond the seas, the Japanese people in their enjoyment of full personal freedom know that by their skill and their industry they serve no other cause but their own. They, themselves, plot the ultimate course of Japan's destiny within the family of free nations." Japan rejects communism MacArthur said that a sm3.U comm.u.nist mi:iority in Japan has made assaults 'on the integrity of the democratic process, but these have been repulsed by an informed majority and not by police power. "As a result," he observed, "the threat of communism as a major issue in Japanese life is past. It fell victim of its own excesses. The Japanese mind penetrated the hypocrisy supporting it9 position. "This test of strength, while disturbing to orderly progress, served to bring to light for the first time the full latent power of the Japanese devotion to the conce)lts of freedom and the inte1<rity of their constitutional processes. Therein lies encouragement for Japan's potential strength as a bulwark of human freedom." "The four years since passed have Japan's econo'Tlic advances been fruitful years here in terms of human progress, as the Japanese people Citing a number of economic advanceii have fully and faithfully obrerved their made by Japan, MacArthur eliminated surrender commitments and advanced China, "for the time being and for some steadily and progressively along the time to come," as a source of raw road of spiritual regeneration and phy- materials for Japan and as a market sical reconstruction. for her manufactured products. "Today Japan might, indeed, be viewed To replace the tradition~l trade with as a symbol of hope for less fortunate China, Japan hai;- already initiated compeoples overWhelmed by the despotic rnerce with 113 ~ther countries and ter-rule of coercive force. For, despite the (Please turn to page 128) 118 * Current Events Review Vol-.-V-, -N-o-.-4 UNESCO Job Defined as Mobilization of World Peace Sentiment Specific objectives: 1. To understand the importance of UNESCO 2. To know why UNESCO is dedicated to world peace "UNESCO's job· is to mobilize, foster and encourage the very great sentiment for friendship, peace and international understanding that exists among peoples everywhere," says George V. Allen, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Public Affairs. He made the summation before a group of 100 leading educators, scientists and civic leaders who compose the U.S. natiortal commission for UNESCO -the United Nation§ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. At a two 1h day session the commission formulated instructions for the U.S. delegation to the UNESCO general conference held recently at Paris. The assistant secretary of state said that UNESCO has "the most difficult task in the world, and perhaps the most important." He asserted that: "The American government is dedicated to most forceful support of UNESCO in accomplishing that most difficult but supremely important task." Some people, Allen statea, think UNESCO "has bitten off such a terrific bite, it couldn't possibly chew it." Th~ assistant secretaryi of state observed, however: "I think that sometimes we over-emphasize the difficulties and fail to concentrate enough on the favorable aspects that do exist for UNESCO to succeed." He said that the sentiment for friendship, peace and international understanding is '4an underlying, existing condition World Affairs among peoples in all countries of the world, arid I'm certain, behind the iron curtain as well as on this side. "I'm certsin that if by any good fortune a great pronouncement could be broadcast throughout the world tomorrow that peace had been guaranteed for a thousand years, there would be an immediate simultaneous shout of joy from every farmer in Kansas, or every steel worker in Britain, or every shepherd in Pakistan, or everybody ·behind the iron curtain too." A principal task of UNESCO is to try to work out universal concept& of the spirit of democracy, Allen said. The assistant secretary of state discussed how a democracy like the United States anives at its foreign policy, pointing out that "the attitude of the United States, which means the attitude of the American people by and large, ...• toward any foreign country at any time is not something that is absolutely black and white." It is made up of many factors, he said, which when added together ugive a sort of balance of our attitude." Among the considerations, Allen said, are these as applied to any given foreign country: "Is that foreign country aggressive? Is it threatening its neighbors? "What is the attitude of that government toward the United State&? (You like people who like you.) . "To what extent are its institutions like ours? Are there individual liberty, freedom, honest elections, courts of justice? "What economic policy does that country follow? Does it follow the principle of free enterprise, capitalism, if (Continued from page 127) • 119 The Philippines and the World Philippines for early Japanese treaty The Philippines is in favor of the early conclusion of the Japanese treaty with the countries that took part in the war against Japan. Many advantages are claimed for the early conclusion of the treaty. One of them is the prevention of unilateral action being taken by the Far Eastern Commission. This kind of action is disadvantageous to the Philippines and to other members of the Fat Easiern Commission. An instance is cited in connection with the decision to halt reparation payments from Japan. This decision was made by the United States and not by the Far Eastern Commission although it was approved by the FEC later. More recently a move was made to, transfer Japanese-held gold stocks to Thailand and French Indo-China. The single vote of the United States in the FEC defeated the move. In a regular conferences on peace with Japan, a twothirds vote of the members will be the deciding factor and not the single vote of the United States. World friendship The Philippine Junior Red Cross recently released 100 school chests in connection with the world wide celebration of the United Nations Week. These chests. were prepared by the American Junior ·Red Cross as a gesture. of world friendship. ThP. chests contain over 900 yaried school and health supplies. Boost to Philippine hemp & oil boost as a result of the decision of the ECA (European Economic Administration) to grant to four European countries permits to purchase these products. The four countries given authority to purchase the above products are: Denmark-!'754,000 for coconut oil, cake and meal; NetherlandS -1'430,000 for hemp; Korea-!'816,000; and France--Pl,400,000. Devaluation and coconut oil What is the future of the coconut oil now that the British pound has been slasheQ? The forseeable salvation of the Philippine coconut oil industry lies in the production of gasolin~ from coconut oil. This announcement was made by the late Pres. Manuel L. "'Roxas, then chairman of the technical committee on the processing of coco·gasoline before World War II. According to Mr. Roxas the salvation of our coconut oil industry can be accomplished only through the adoption of an immmediate and practical program for the local absorp-tion of the bulk of the coconuts produced' in this country and the local immediate consumption of the com1J10.. dities produced. He opined that "with hydrogenation combined with cracking, 1,000 kilos of Coco oil would yield some 1,000 liters of gasoline, aside from some by-products such as low grade fuels." Philippines learns valuable things The Philippines learned valuab)e things from her neighbors as a result of the recent ECAFE conferences on iron and steel in Bangkok. The Philippines was represented in the conference by Col. Philippine hemp, coconut oil cake, Amado N. Bautista and Bernardo P. and coconut meal will receive another Abrera. According to the reports of 120 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 these delegates, valuable information on the development projects in the iron and steel industry, now being un.dertaken by neighboring countries, has been acquired.. From India, they found out that government subsidies to the industry are effectively· handled. They learned that the Thailand government plans to construct a small structural steel plant with only 10 tons capacity per day. Private enterprises in. the Malayan Union may also develop their iron and steel mills. The Philippines and the Four Point Program In a debate in the United Nations' economic committee, Governw- Miguel Cuaderno of the Central Bank of the Philippines said that the Philippines favors the plan of the United States in sending technical experts to underindustrialized countries to speed their progress. He said. "The Philippines fully agrees with the economic and social council that the program of technical assistance should be financed with money voluntarily con1 tributed into a central fund and that no under-developed area should be deprived of, the benefits, necessary technical assistance in formulation and implementation of its development plans just because it cannot defray the cost of such assistance." The Philippines and foreign textiles The National Development Company has recently urged a partial ban on Philippine importation of textile goods. The company forwarded a memoran· dum to this effeet to the National Economic Council. According to the NDC, much could be done if there is a par· tial ban on foreign textiles. This would protect the NDC's textile products. Among the textiles that should be banned are: weaving yarn, knitting International Affairs yarn, plied yarn, grey goods, drills, army khaki, and towels. The NDC advanced the argument that the government was able to give protection to the local rubber shoe manufacturers through the control of the importation of foreign rubber shoes. The same protection could be given to our textile industry. Philippine role in world affairs The role of the Philipin~s in world affairs has been restated by President Elpidio Quirino in a recent meetint of the Manila Rotary Club. The greatest contribution the Philippines could make to world civilization "is to see to it that the peace which the United Nations is championing should r~ign in this coun· try." The President\ emphasized the importance of world cooperation. He said that i.we cannot be peaceful with others if we cannot be peaceful within ourselves." According to the President we are living in an age of internationalism and even great nations need the cooperation of small nations in or· der to achieve international unity and understanding. Invitation to peace meet An invitation has been extended to the Philippines by Sir Vijayarahavacharya, "divan" or prime minister of Udaipur and Cuchin, India, in connection with the forthcoming peace meet to be held at Savagran in December of this year. He said that the delegates to the peace meet would consider the fol· lowing in the interest of world peace: (1) Discussion of the formation of a world union of men practising the principle of non·violence in the solution ot social and political problems; (2) Discussion of fresh ways and means of influencing human thought towards world peace: (3) Initiation of steps toward building a social order in the (Please turn to page 126) • 121 Significant World News Roundup GERMANY Termination of military government The three Western powers in Gerl'nany have announced the termination of the military government of the AIUed powers after the approval of the Bonn Co~titution ·.creating the new Western German Federal Republic established in September of this year. Germany is now experimenting on a democratic form of governmept. What is the significance of the news? The terminatidn of the military gov· ernment does not mean the end of all Allied supervision. In spite of the formation of a federal German government by Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, control of foreign trade and foreign relations, demilitarization and other key matters still remain under a civilian commission representing the United States, Great Britain and France. It is hoped that with the granting of extensive rights to the Germans to govern themselves, progress toward economic rehabilitation will be more rapid, thus speeding the day when Germany can contribute its full share in the economic recovery of Europe. The Allied high commission is, howeTer, cautious to prevent Germany from returning to the aggressive, supernationalistic philosophy of Adolf Hitler. To ward off that danger it will require closest scrutiny of German politics and politicians for many years. GREECE Is the Greek civil war ended? The three-year old Greek civil war may soon come to a close. The Greek Communist guerrilla forces have about 17,000 fighters against the Government's 197,000. The guerrillas have been favored by two factors. First, the terrain was favorable to guerrilla fighting. Second, the neighboring countries - Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Albania - have been friendly to the guerrillas. Until recently, Yugoslavia has been aiding the Greek guerrillas. Marshal Tito's decision to close the YugoslavG reek borders became a blow to the guerrilla's hope of victory. Later announcements report that the guerrillas are retreating. fVhat is the significance of the news? The recent political developments in Greece an.d Yugoslavia favor the early termination of this unnecessary Greek civil war. Although there are still 10,000 rebel troops in Greece, the government is confident th~t democracy will eventually triumph there. A victory for the Greek Army would mean the introduction of political and economic reforms within Greece. Without the introduction of these reforms, Greecr cannot find political stability. CHINA Difficulties of government mounts A Communist China is nearing reality with the recent Communist victories and the establishment of a .,People's Republic". Nationalist China's Position in international relations is getting weaker. everyday. The Communists are nov.i- in control of 'manyareas in the mainland. A drive 'is now being launched to eliminate the staggering Nationalist hold on the coasts of China. 122. Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 However, the new Communist government is meeting trouble in the conquered areas. "The task of reco11$truction," wrote Mao Tze-tung, "is apt to be far more difficult than the achievement of power". The new governmf'nt is meeting many difficulties. Trade has been disrupted in Shanghai. Unemployment is widespread. Isolated uprisings hamper the. great task of reconstruction. Inflation is likewise cre~ting confusion. What is tke significance of the news'.1 Most Communist leaders predict that China will become Communist before the year is out. They, however, agree that it will require superhuman efforts to reconstruct the devastated areas. In the wake of their military successes, the Communists admit that their difficulties are mounting. YUGOSLAVIA American aid The United States has ,at last decided to help Yugoslavia, the first Communist country to defy Russia. In the 14-month old struggle between Marshal Tito and Marshal Stalin, Moscow exerted political pressure to, weaken the growing power of Marshal Tito. Russia has so far failed to gain the upper hand in the cold wa-r between these two Communist countries. Fortunately for Tito, the United States has decided to permit the Yugoslav government to buy a $3,000,000 steel mill from a Pittsburgh firm. What is the significance of the news? The decision of the United States to grant export licenses to Yugoslavia is very significant. First, it means giving Yugoslavia a chance to trade with the United •States. Second, it shows that Yugoslavia can increasingly rely on the Western nations for economic and material aid in its present fight for self-preservation. International News UNITED ST ATES Total of U.S. foreign aid The United States has provided other countries with gifts and grants amounting to $55,169 million during the "fiscal year 1949, almost doubling the $2,693 million figure reported for the preoeding year. These gifts and gl'8nts are provided either as outright donations, of the U. S. Government or with indeterminate conditions and terms of recovery by the United States, pending future settlements. Assistance given to Germany and Japan, for instance, will be sub-ject to settlement when peace treaties are finally drawn. · The country that has received the largest outright grants is Germany. That country has received grants of $2,041 million since the start of the postwar period. It led all other countries in the fiscal year 1949, after getting $627 million in 1948. The United Kin,gdom and France came in second and third in rank in; the fiscal year 1949, with $899 million and $750 million, respectively. China was furnished $282 million in 1949. What is the significance of the news? The United States has played an important role in the recovery and rehabilitation of the postwar world. She has to extend aid to war "devasted countries in the common. effort to preserve world peace. For the sake of world peace, the ti. S. had to help these countries fight for the existence of their free institutions. She has to foster world trade. The foreign aid extended by the United States to these countries is in a ·sense, a great contribution to the final achievement of world peace. FRENCH INDO-CHINA Bao Dai in trouble? Does Bao Dai, the new lndo·Chinese ruler need the backing of the western * 123 nations and the United Nations in his efforts to achieve a free democratic regime? Fvrmer Emperor Bao Dai has recently been mandated to rule over war stricken lndo-China. The regime of Bao Dai is meeting various difficulties. Among them are (1) the need for experienced civil servants; (2) the rivalry for power among the members of the seven-week old cabinet; (3) Dr. Ho Chin Minh's continuing fight for Viet Nam's ihdependence; (4) the soaring cost of living; and ( 5) the speculatoin and black-marketing on rice, the nation's chief staple food. What is the sianificance of the news:' The internal problems being met by the new ruler of lndo-China may cause the collapse of the government. The new government is anxious to win the recognition of foreign powers so that its prestige may be increased. If it is backed by the West and recognized by the United \Nations, the present government may yet be able to meet and solve her internal problems. INDIA Assurance to foreigners Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has assured American investors in India that they could have their profits in dollars. He explained that the government of the Dominion of I~ia would not nationalize all industries. Only defense industries and other key industries such as river valley projects for irrigation, reclamation, and hydroelectricity are being paid for and being owned by the state. As to all other industries, the government has no intention to nationalize them. "Frankly speaking," said Nehru, "the reason fo!· not nationalizing is that with our Hmited resources, we haven't. the means to compenp;ate present owners. As long as t:r use our resources for developing new projects and employing more people. If these industries are well managed privately, we see no need for nationalization at any time." What is the significance of the news? Tfie policy of the Dominion of India as announced by Nehru has been welcomed by countries who believe in free enterprise. Nehru has taken a very wise step because an indepeflPent Iitdia cannot turn immediately to a Socialist experiment of industrialization as is now being done in Britain. Nehru beUeves that foreign aid in the development of India's industries is very essential. RUSSIA Official admission Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Y. Vishinsky has officially acknowledged Russian possession of the atom bomb several days after President Truman has announced the explosion of one in Russia. lVhat is the significance of the news? The official confirmation of Russian possession of the atom bomb brought about the following reactions: First, it spurred the Un_ited States Congress to approve the multimillion dollar foreign arms aid to friendly foreign countries. Second, the United States Atomic Energy Commission sped up its work on atomic researches. Third, it revived world-wide discussions on the control of atomic energy after Russia has refused to cooperate with other powers on matters pertaining to its international control. BRITAIN Labor government gets vote of confidence these industries ~re kept going and are Britain's labor government won a employing many people, we would rath- (Please turn to page 125) 124 * Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 Why will UN Plan ... (Continued from page 98) for establishing a control system. This proposal, announced to the assembly last year by Soviet Foreign Minister Vishinsky, soon proved !:o be sterile. The proposal for "simultaneous" destruction of atomic stockpiles and esta~ blishment of a control system was unworkable on technical grounds, experts testified. Furthermore, Vishinsky rilade it clear that the Soviet Union had not changed it& opposition to the control provisions set forth by the U.N. atomic commission. Differences between Russian and majority plan Fundamental differences prevail between the majority and the Soviet Union as to the powers which the international control agency should have. These dif· ferences include: 1. Control of materials and facilities. The majority plan, as developed in the U.N. atomic energy commission, calls for ownership by the international agency of all fissionable materials from the moment they are mined in any country. The agency would operate and manage all atomic facilities and issue licenses for non-dangerous activities. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, would leave all materials and facilities in the hands of national agencies with periodic, and presumably pre-announced, inspection by the international authority. 2. Prevention of clandestine activities. The majority found that secret work could only be forestalled by granting the authority the right to inspect any part of any country. The Soviet Union wants individual governments to be primarily responsible for the detection and prevention of secret atomic activities in their territories. 3. Research. The majority plan would give the inWorld Affairs 'Sigruficant World News ... (Continued from page 124) vote of confidence as a result of the debate on the devaluation of the p0und, as issued on September 19, 1949. The exchange value of the pound was slashed from $4.03 to $2.80 as an economic measure to solve the British financial crisis. The labor government was defeated in the House of Lords but won in the House of Commons by a vote of 350 to 212. l·Vhat is the significance of the news? The victory for the labor government was conceded in the House of Commons because the Laborites were in the majority. However, ·the labor government was defeated in the House of Lords for an opposite reason. There -are les~ Laborites than Conservatives in th~ House of Lords. The victory, however, does not preclude the calling of an election sooner than expected although many British leaders believe that the chance of calling an election is very near. The telling effects of the devaluation of the pound ,ym be felt in the months ahead. ternational authority positive . research and development powers, with no research permitted by any individual country on the destructive aspects of atomic energy, The Soviet Union, however, would allow national agencies to conduct "peaceful" work, denying to the international authority the right to determine whether the materials and facilities being used are adaptable to weapons development as well as peaceful work. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is an effective control of atomic energyr important? 2. What do you think of the majority plan? 3. Why is Russia opposed to the majority plan? • 125 The Philippines and ... (Continued from page 120) world built on cooperation; and (4) Promotiol\ of the idea of world brotherhood~ of world government and of racial equality. The Philippines in human rights exposition The fourth general conference of the UNESCO (United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization) ended its session1 recently in Paris, France. one of the interesting features of the conference was the exposition of Human Rights. The exposition showed documents showing the struggles of man for human rights. "I:here were also displays of "freedom" documents from the fifty member countries. Among the documents shown were the Declaration of the Rights of Man, 1789; the Roman. Republican Constitution of 1849; the Emmanuel Proclamation; the Virginia Bill of1 Rights; Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence; and documents showing our own version of human rights. The Philippines was represented, in this conference by Minister Proceso Sebastian, Dr. Mariano de los Santos, and Dr. Encarnacion Alzonia. Will the Council ... (Continued from page 113) jective of the Council of Europe? Why? 3. Is it possible that the problems of Europe may be tackled by a Parliament of Europe? Why? 4. Churchill has said that without Germany in the Council of Europe, the chance of a United States of Europe is dimmed? Why? 6. Would you favor the admission of the New German Federal RepubHc to the Council of Europe? Why? 6. Why do you think is the Council of Europe democratic? Will Russia's Balkan ... (Continued from page 110) Marshal Stalin is being closely watched by the liberal leaders in other satellite countries. Victory for Marshal Tito means victory for the liberals. Fourth, Albania is cut off from Moscow because of Yugoslavia's defection from the Stalin brand of international Communism. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is the Balkans strategic! 2. Why is Russia interested in the Balkans? 3. The Balkans is cal)ed the "powder keg" of Europe. Why was the name given to the peninsula? 4. Why are the big powers interested in the Balkans? 5. What do you think of Tito's stand on Communism? 6. A recent magazine article states that Marsh~! Tito might wreck Stalin's brand of mternational Communism. Do you agree with the statement? 7 . Do you favor a Balkan federation under Russia? Why? 8. Do you favor a Balkan federation under one of the Balkan countries! Why? 9. What do you think is the effect of Marshal Tito's political heresy of international politics? Subscribe to ATiNG WIKA a monthly magazine• in the National Language fo1· grade-school children. (Approved by the Government for g•neral 1·eading for both p1iblic and private elenientary schools.) One year ........... P7.5l' One semester . .. . . . . . 4.00 933 Raon St .• Manila 126* Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 Why is lnterilational ... (Continued from pag~ 117) ter into the deliberations of the general assembly with the intention of making a determined, patient, conscientious effort to reconcile conflicting interests and to reach agreemen.t on a basis for common action with other members under the auspices pf the United Nation&. "There is no doubt about the widespread support of the United Nations on the part of the American people. That support, I am sure, will continue unabated. But it must be an intelligent, a reasoned support, and one inspired by an understaitding of what it can and can not be expected to accomplish. We can do this without lessening one whit our devotion to the United Nations based on deeply-felt conviction. We need more and more to realize that the United Nations is not a mechanism that operates automatically and perfectly, but an organization which can grow and that its growth . and effectivenesS depend upon the support of its member nations ~nd upon the extent to which theyi use its organs and procedures. Peace is possible ''This year marks the fourth anniversary of the· United Nations - a very short period of history, The record shows that these have been years of achievements. This year alone, the United Nations dealt with conflicts affecting nearly one-quarter of the world's population. Within 12 months it has been possible, because of the U. N., to make sure that forces of moderation and restraint could operate. That is· a significant accomplishment. The United Nations is getting positive results in its effort to get people into the habit of reconciling their differences through reason and compromise, instead of fighting over them. 441l'he United Nations is beginning to get results in its effort to alleviate the hunger, disease, 'poverty and ignorance World Affairs Unesco Job Defined •.. (Uontmued from page 119) you wish?" Another thing entering into consideration, Allen said, is the general feeling of sympathy by Americans toward& the under-dog, When the Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1940, he stated there was "the greatest wave of emotion i,n the United States unfavorable to it." When the British attacked the Boers in 1900, Allen asserted, the general attitude of "the man on the street in the United States was those poor little Boers are being pushed around by a g'reat country." History and the attitudes of other people also play a part in our attitude,.Allen observed. _The Czechs still have a strong feeling that the Western world let them down at Munich, he said, and the Soviet Union has not forgiven the interventions of 1919. that are such a tragic burden to the people of the world. uThere is a hopeful and inspiring message for our people in the observance of United Nations Day, We shall be cel&brating the increasing success of a canseto which the United States is contributing much-the cause of international cooperation as a practical, effective way of carrying on the world's hu&iness. We must not expect to achieve dramatic, conclusive results by this method, but if we apply ourselves we can accomplish something much more valuable-a steady, progressive improvement in the ability of the peoples of the world to live with each other in peace and mutual helpfulness." Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is international cooperation sigi;iificant in promoting world peace? 2. To understand the importance of an intelligent support for United Nation;S. 3. To know the significance of the United Nations. * 1%7 Mat'Arthur Review ... (Continued from page 118) ritorial areas, MacArthur reported. He pointed out that production of coal, electric power, chemicals, housing units and other essential items hasi risen cqnsiderably in the past year, exports have mounted sharply, unemployment has dropped and employment has reached an all-time high. Laying Japan's economic foundation Two moves by the United States during the past year have aided Japan in its economic resurgence, the General pointed. out. One was the decision to cease removing industrial plants for reparations. On this, MacArthur commented: "This action dispelled the pall of uncertainty which had previously. paralyzed intrepreneurial initiative and restored the incentive to the investment of capital in the rehabilitation and construction of capital plant and equipment." The second U.S. action, MacArthur said, was the authorization by Congress Bound copies of of "limited budgetary appropriations for financing the importation into Japan of materials needed for reh3.bilitation purposes" beyond previous funds for food, fertilizer and medicines for the Japanese. "The great and noble effort by the American people," he said, "with the \vholehearted support of other allies, toward the reorientatioti and reconstroc-' tion of postwar Japan, beyond peradventure of doubt, will prove eminently successful." He concluded: "Of the Japanese people I can pay no higher tribute than to repeat that they have fully and faithfully fulfilled their surrender commitments and have well earned the freedom and dignity and opportunity which alone can come with the restoration of a formal peace." Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why did Conununism suffer a setback in Japan? 2. Why is economic recovery important for Japan? 3. Do you think Japan holds an important position in the fight against Communism? Why? IN_ANG WIKA Approved by the Government for General Reading and for use as Supplementary Material for National Language classes in secondary schools. Available-Vol. I & II - (1946-1947) combined ............. . 1'4.00 per copy 3.00 per copy 1.50 per copy .30 per copy Vol. III or IV (1947-48 or 1948-49) .. . Semestral issues of 5 numbers each ........... . Single issues (any month or number) .......... . MANILA EDUCATIONAL ENTERPRISES, INC. 933 Raon, Quiapo, Manila 128. Current Events Review Vol. V, No. 4 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DEPAllTMENT OJ' EDUCATION BUREAU OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS ll(ANILA 26768 November ~, 1949 Manlapaz Publishing Go, 9.31 'Reon Street, Manila Dear Sirsi This is t.o infom you that the following books, whioh you subnitted to this Bureau for examination, have been approved b;r this Office as teacher's and student's references in seoon:ta.ry scl¥>ols at the prices indioateda DlOS Oriental Histo;ry, b;r Diosdado &.. Capino, cloth-bound - - - - - - - P4.50 Eoommios for Philippine High Schools, by Celeste, Capizlo, and Ella, in one volume, cloth-bound - - - - - P9.00 Vft7IH~ Director of Public Schools Publications for the Righ School Those marked (*) approved by the Director of Public Schools • Economics for Philippine High Schools-Celeste, Capino, Ella Vol. I or. Vol. II-Paper-bound ........................ . Complet~. Cloth-bound ......................... · ...... . Physics, Reference in, - Alegre ............................. . 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