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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria University College, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 20, No. 9. June 27, 1957

Debating: — You Know

Debating:

You Know

The Debating Society held an interesting if not really heated debate on the motion. "That the United Nations, having failed as an effective force in world politics, should be disbanded."

There was much discussion on whether U.N. did or did not include the specialised agencies—F.A.O. etc—and whether the title of the debate allowed discussion on U.N's failure or otherwise politically.

Mr J. Schellevis said U.N had [unclear: fatled] because the Big Power unity of the time of the drawing up of the Charter [unclear: no] longer existed Because of the Veto. China was not represented He said the U.N was weak because it lacked sovereignty. He considered U.N to be an instrument of self-deception. The nations shake hands with one hand, and hold the dagger in the other The only way of removing the mirage was to disband the outfit.

Opposing the motion. Mr E. Thomas said U.N would strengthen the permanent foundations of world peace. He maintained that U.N. was not the least force in settling disputes in Palestine and Kashmir.

The second affirmative speaker. Mr [unclear: Larson,] said the U.N had not fulfilled us aims U N's Charter obliged it to keep the peace-which it had signally failed to do in Palestine, Korea, Indo-China, and Kashmir U.N had failed to encourage human rights.

The final platform speaker, Mr. Hebenton, said that world peace could only be achieved by world domination by one power or co-operation between the powers U.N was a product of the second alternative. By encouraging unity of public opinion in smaller matters. U.N was leading the way to world peace.

Of a considerable number of floor speakers. Mr Cruden was judged best speaker of the evening (judge was Mr. Highet of the Chamber of Commerce.)

We understand that the speakers drew sides by lot—which may account for the lack of the usual hell-fire.

—J.T.S.