THE PROBLEM OF VOTING IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL
 
                                  I
 
        To brine the problem into its proper perspective, 
the question of voting procedure in the Security Council 
must be considered in relation to the functions and 
powers to be assigned to the Council and, therefore, to 
the type of substantive decisions which the Council 
might be called upon to make. The various types of 
decisions are listed in the attached memorandum, in which 
they are grouped into seven categories.
 
       Under the voting formula proposed by the President, 
unanimity of the permanent members would always be re-
quired for all categories of decisions except one: in 
those decisions involving promotion of peaceful settle-
ment of disputes, a permanent member of the Council 
would not cast a vote if it is a party to the dispute in 
question.
 
       This exception is based upon the principle that the 
procedures involved under the excepted category would 
be quasi-judicial in character, and in such procedures 
no nation should be placed above the law in an organiza-
tion based fundamentally on the principle of equality 
under the law. The rule of unanimity should always pre-
vail under the other six categories of decisions because 
the procedures involved are of a political character and 
may require the use of force. In such procedures there 
is every justification for placing the permanent members 
in a special position since they must bear the principal 
responsibility for action in the maintenance of peace 
and security.
 
       While it is clear that, in general, the rule of 
unanimity of the permanent members is necessary, the 
proposed voting formula--or, at least, its basic prin-
ciple--is essential from our point of view. It amply 
safeguards our basic national interests. Its abandon-
ment would weaken rather than strengthen our position, 
both at home and abroad, and would cause us no end of 
trouble.
 
       Our talks with members of Congress and with many 
individuals and groups throughout the country clearly
 
                                         indicate