Sir, - Paddy Smyth has discussed possible and necessary reforms for the United Nations Security Council. He has a grasp of "the art of the possible" not always found in discussions about this matter.
Without veto provisions the organisation might not have drawn in the Soviet Union, thereby forfeiting universal legitimacy. In 1945, the Soviet Union faced the US, Britain, France and the China of Chiang Kai Chek. "Ganging up" would have seemed likely. If this occurred, vetos could protect vital interests.
The UN Charter says that members "confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the SC acts on their behalf" (Art. 24.1).
This was a diplomatic fiction. The charter put before the putative UN membership for approval was drafted by the US government and previously agreed by the proposed permanent members. It was none the worse for that - someone had to provide a draft. But Americans who complain about the UN should remember who wrote its charter.
Opposition to the veto was unrealistic. In the real world, great powers could not be expected to accept equal status with small ones where vital interests are involved. Permanent membership of the Security Council and the vetos are valuable privileges. They ensure that nothing can be decided in matters of international peace and security which are against the interests or wishes of any of the permanent members or of their client states. The privileges have duties which are not always carried out. Ask the Sarajevans . . .
The status of some permanent members has changed since 1945. In the course of what Alexander Hamilton called "the vicissitudes which are the common lot of nations", some of the original ones have declined. Some new ones are knocking at the door.
The latter cannot be kept out indefinitely; the former need to adjust to reality. Some impressive but innocuous face-saving measures may be needed. But real reform is necessary, as the 1996 Foreign Policy White Paper indicates. Paddy Smyth suggests some realistic ways to improve the regional balance and reform the veto. They deserve debate. - Yours, etc.,
E. D. Doyle, Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.