THE ATLANTIC CHARTER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 24, 16 November 1943, Page 3

THE ATLANTIC CHARTER

The Atlantic Charter is a document of great theoretical nnd practical political value. ' It does great honour to its authors. I have no doubt that its main principles will be realised after this war in some form.. But its authors and the other Governments which have accepted this programme realised two things from the very beginning —two things which may be considered at the same time as. advantages and shortcomings of this important document. It is a very general programme* for it states only main political and moral principles. It Avillv therefore, be necessary at a given moment to express these theoretical principles in the more concrete form of prac-. tical political aims and decisions. On the other hand, in a certain sense, it. is an advantage that this programme, signed as early as the. end of the first phase of the war, is so universal. Let us recall Wilson's Fourteen Points in the last, war. They were promulgated only towards the end of the war; and, although meant to be only general principles, in the end. they lurnished a comparatively complete and detailed picture of the future peace. Ln this respect the Atlantic Charter is indubitably a more cautious document and gives the United Nations greater possibilities of adjusting their political plans to new conditions in accordance Avith the development of the war. It thereby also makes the Avar policy more realistic. In A'iew of this fact, in the course of their negotiations Avith the British and American Governments regarding their . association witli the Atlantic Charter certain Governments formulated certain reserA'ations from the very beginning. ' "Trend, of the Present War and of the Future Peace." (University of Chicago, May 2"« 19 i:<).