- 2 -
 
indicate that failure to provide for at least this 
much of a modification of the unanimity rule would be 
profoundly deplored by many sincere supporters of the 
Dumbarton Oaks proposals. There is strong evidence 
that it would become a powerful weapon in the hands of 
both the perfectionists and the isolationists. More-
over, acceptance by us of a straight unanimity rule 
would inevitably be interpreted as surrender to Russia. 
These factors might well jeopardize our chances for 
adequate public and Congressional support in this 
country.
 
       At the same time, our discussions with representa-
tives of the American Republics and of other United 
Nations have already disclosed their strong opposition 
to the straight unanimity rule. All of them have indi-
cated that it would be extremely difficult, if not im-
possible, for their governments to secure whole-hearted 
support on the part of their peoples for an international 
organization which would thus, in popular estimation, 
have every earmark of a great-power alliance. Without 
at least some such provision as is contained in the pro-
posed voting formula, all of them will be bitterly dis-
illusioned, and some of them may even decide to stay out. 
Furthermore, under these conditions, the smaller nations, 
even after joining the organization, might well seek to 
align themselves with the various great powers and thus 
render the whole system precarious and unstable.
 
       Taken in conjunction with the fact that we may have 
to acquiesce in some unsatisfactory peace settlements, 
all this would inevitably impair both our moral prestige 
and our political leadership in the world and might come 
perilously close to defeating the great cause in which 
we are now exercising so vigorous a leadership.
 
       Soviet Russia's case against the proposed formula 
is extremely weak. Under the proposal, she--as well as 
we and each of the other three permanent members--would 
have veto power in the following decisions:
 
       1.  Admission of new members;
 
       2.  Suspension and expulsion of members;
 
       3.  Determination of the existence of a threat to 
            the peace or of a breach of the peace;
 
                                                 4. Use