The hotly-debated topic of trusteeships surged to the fore as it became known the United States delegation circulated its proposal to all the United Nations’ representatives. At the same time, conference sources disclosed Anthony Eden, British foreign secretary, early this day met with his advisers to put the finishing touches on the overall British attitude on trusteeships designed to supplant League of Nations’ mandates and captured enemy territory. The American suggestions, in which President Truman reportedly had a hand were understood to favor international stewardship over all seized or mandated areas except in the case of strategic islands and bases. Islands wrested from the Japanese by American armed forces would be administered by the United States under the world security league. Non-strategic outposts and lands would be ruled under an international ward, with guarantees for self-expression as well as for economic political development of so-called backward peoples.
New Zealand and Luxembourg the day before were assigned official posts on the trusteeship committee under the general assembly commission. The committee is merely a technical body, and the commission is limited to recommending powers. Reports drafted by the working committee were routed to the general assembly commission, where they were thoroughly thrashed out prior to funneling to the full public assembly of the 49 United Nations.
There are many obstacles to overcome before the United Nations successfully launch new world security order. Some obstacles were disputes among themselves. Some selfish national motives may be discerned now and then. But there seemed to be a deep almost religious desire to create an organization that will end war. Three different group of maimed veterans from Pacific battles have viewed sessions of this conference and talked to its leaders.
The legless, armless veterans predict it will be a success. One major controversial issue concerns the veto power given the “big five” in the security council. Small nations are objecting to giving the United States, Britain, Russia, China and France that it may eventually be decided amicably but again it may be fought to a democratic conclusion in a public vote of the conference.
On this day, the assembly was addressed by Cuban representative Guiliermo Belt who put the name of Alger Hiss in consideration for the position of Secretary General.
Here is a capsule look at the day as broadcast by The Armed Forces Radio News Service who covered every day the UN delegates were assembled.
