https://declassified.library.utoronto.ca/files/original/276e4de0a717c6684ad3ddc52ec2a2b5.pdf 3f72fa93e0567decac6cf437a77344d4 PDF Text Text Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act - ^ ^ COPY STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL ^~**-w.-»«-d.hw-ri^*fW™*. 3 November 1949 W A N APPEAL TO THE SIX PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The paramount problem before this General Assembly is perhaps the paramount problem before mankind - the control of atomic energy. The effort to solve this problem is now stalled at dead centre. A plan proposed by the majority of the Atomic Energy Commission was accepted last year by the majority of the General Assembly. The Soviet Union has refused to accept this plan and has proposed a plan of its own. *'or some months the six permanent members of the Atomic Energy Commission, uanada, China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the U.S.S.R., have been engaged in consulations. These consulations have thus far resulted in nothing more than a restatement of the deadlock. Mankind is not prepared to accept a deadlock on a matter so serious to the future of the whole world. Every effort must be made to explore even the remotest possibility of an effective agreement. I am aware of the intensity and sincerity with which the major protagonists hold to their respective positions. There is reason to believe, however, that all paths to agreement have not been explored. I consider it my solemn duty, as President of the General Assembly, to call attention to the absolute necessity of finding some way out of the dangerous dilemma in which we now find ourselves. There must be no Irrevocable rupture of contact between the parties; the attempt to find a way out must go oh. I appeal to the General Assembly, and to the parties directly concerned, to continue by every conceivable means to seek agreement on an effective system of control and prohibition of atomic weapons. Specifically, I suggBst that attention be directed along these lines; �Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur I'acces a I'information STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL 1. The possibility of a short-term armistice accompanied by an inspection system. The world is now faced with the porspect of a furious and calamitous race for atomic armament. It would be of inestimable value to discover a means of calling a halt to this race. If this were possible, it would afford us a breathing space for the calmer consideration of plans for the eventual long-term control of atomic energy, and might afford useful lessons in the administrative and political practicability of a system of inspection. 2. The possibility of an interim prohitition onthe use of atomic weapons with adequate safeguards. Some delegations have been considering plans for an agreement to prohibit the use of atomic weapons, with or without restrictions on manufacture. Whatever defects such plans may have, it would be useful to explore them further. 3. The possibility of further compromises between the majority and the minority plans for atomic energy control. Suggestions have been made reeently that provisions for an adequate inspection could be retained while relaxing to a degree consistent with security the provisions on ownership and management of atomic facilities contained in the majority plan. Further discussions among the interested parties should be held to clarify this possibility. 4. The possibility of a new approach to the fun- damental problem of control. A number of scientists have contended that a new approach can be found in a realistic assessment of the present requirements of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. It has been argued that, in the present and immediately foreseeable state of acience, the amount of fissionable materials whieh could be used for peaceful purposes is so small that the problem of controlling the use of such materials for military purposes may be relatively easier than had previously been envisaged. It 000228 �Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur I'acces a finformatiot STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL -3is my understanding that this approach has been given only relatively little attention in the Atomic Energy Commission. I hold no brief for any particular plan that may be proposed under any of the four points which have been mentioned. But, I feel that here at least are four paths which should be explored. The reiteration of previous positions, no matter how earnest or congent, has kept us turning in the same circle for three years. It is time to break out of the circle. The four paths which are here suggested may not be the Only ones. If there are other possibilities let them be brought forward. As President of the GenBBal Assembly, I am at the disposal of the parties to lend any possible assistance. The Secretary-General and his staff are also ready to do everything within their power to help the parties. Above all, let us not abandon hope. The means for controlling the destructive potentialities of this new force must be found. Humanity has placed its hopes in the United NgfcLons. We must respond with every resource at our command. Carlos P. Romulo President of the GenBral Assembly. 000229 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CDNW05700 Title A name given to the resource CDNW05700 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived "Atomic energy - Advisory Panel on Atomic Energy - Agenda," RG25-A-3-b, vol 5954, file 50219-A-40, part 1, Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Government of Canada Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Canadian Crown Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Canada Declassified Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF