In the immediate future, this means performing a major constructive role--as well as adhering to the consensus of opinion at SSD II. While it is fashionable to constantly criticize the United Nations, the truth is the U.N. is performing a great deal of responsible work in many crucial fields. In the realm of the arms race and related problems, the U.N. has produced comprehensive studies which provide the facts and possibilities for dramatic progress. Published studies include:
* Regional Disarmament
* Nuclear Weapons
* Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty
* Confidence Building Measures
* Relationship Between Disarmament and International Security
* Relationship Between Disarmament and Development
* U.N. Satellite Monitoring Agency
* Economic and Social Consequences of the Arms Race
* Reduction of Military Budgets
* World Disarmament Campaign
It was myopic and jingoist thinking that ensured the failure of the League of Nations in the 1930s, leading to the most devastating war in history. The failure of the United Nations--due to the lack of public support--could lead to an even greater disaster nuclear war.
Our responsibility to support and to strengthen this international institution was eloquently stated by President Roosevelt in his last speech before a joint session of Congress on March 1 1945. Roosevelt was making a plea of support for the United Nations Conference which was soon to convene in San Francisco: "No plan is perfect. Whatever is adopted at San Francisco will doubtless have to be amended time and again over the years, just as our own Constitution has been. No one can say exactly how long any plan will last. Peace can endure only so long as humanity really insists upon it, and is willing to work for it, and sacrifice for it. Twenty-five years ago, American fighting men looked to the statesmen of the world to finish the work of peace for which they fought and suffered. We failed them. We cannot fail them again and expect the world to survive..."
The most immediate contribution we can give to the United Nations, as well as efforts to defuse the arms race, is to strongly support SSD II. Understanding this, hundreds of peace and peace-related organizations around the world are actively preparing for this even through public education programs. During the five-week period of the U.N. meeting, thousands of people will come to New York to demonstrate their support, and to insist on positive results. Similar activities are being organized in cities throughout the world.
In the final analysis, success for SSD II, and off efforts to end the prevailing nuclear madness, and begin the process of building a world community, depends on enough people becoming concerned and involved. Perhaps the bottom line can be found in a statement that was part of a resolution against nuclear weapons signed by Bettrand Russell. Albert Einstein and others: We appeal, as human beings: Remember your humanity and forget the rest."