The Suez Canal [1956]

SIR,—I wish to express complete agreement with the statement by a number of Labour Members in your issue of August 9 against the use of force in the Suez Canal dispute, except on one point. They suggest that the use of force should require the sanction of the Security Council. But the Security Council is subject to the veto, which either side may use obstructively. I suggest that the proposed conference should appoint, or ask UNO to appoint, an ad hoc authority in which Communist 10 and anti-Communist States should have equal voting power, and representatives of uncommitted nations should hold the balance. Such a body could act by a majority. The existence of the veto makes unanimity essential, and where unanimity exists no organization is necessary. Constructive internationalism demands the creation of an authority which can take enforceable decisions by a majority when unanimity is unattainable.—Yours etc.,

9 August, 1956. Plas Penrhyn, 20 Penrhyndeudraeth, Merioneth.