Hungarian Church Press, 1968 (20. évfolyam, 2. szám)

1968-06-01 / 2. szám

HGP-ToO-ZX Special Number

1968 No 2- 155 ~

2) As to the economic problems related to disarmament, we are in the position to refer to generally known expert opinions. On the 26th of July, 1962, the UNO approved a report prepared by the experts cf ten countries about the economic and social effects of disarmament. The general finding of the report is that general and total disarmament would be an inestimably great advantage for mankind, while the transitional problems related to the successive measures of disarmament could be met by national and international measures« Although the report was conoemed with the effects of a general and total disarmament, it is obvious that, on a proportionately reduced scale, every measure to limit armaments would have the same beneficent effects*'

It is impossible to relate or even to summarize in this Contribution all the findings which this investigation into the possible social and economic effects of disarmament produced. But, in view of their special importance, we refer to two^these findings.

The productive capacity released as a result of disarmament could be used to meet the social needs of the countries. In this way it would be possible to give more help to the developing nations also«

In the new atmosphere of confidence, the development of commerce would begin . a rapid stride betweöh the areas which at present are facing each other in arms® Especially the smaller states would enjoy the benefits of disarmament which today are spending on arms beyond their means« Undoubtedly, disarmament would necessitate reorganization in economic life and production which is now geared to armaments* But we must not forget that the armament race itself makes necessary the permanent reorganization of the instruments of production in the way of keeping pace with the rapid development of military bechnology0 The solution of such problems of economic reorganization and the re~employment of redundant personnel could be made easier by the gradual, nature cf the realisation of a canprehensive plan'of disarmament«

At last, wo mention a matter which is related not to the effects but to the causes which further the process of disarmament: in the latest years, there have been seme very premising initiatory steps in establishing and strengthening economic and commercial contacts between eastern and.western states®126)

3) The cause cf disarmament is closely related to the problem cf international law« There con be no doubt, on the one hand, that the procedures of international low, in themselves, are unable to prevent conflicts or the outbreak of war, neither can they bring about disarmament. But it is also clear, on the other hand, that the process of disarmament; needs the guarantees of international law and calls for the development cf international law. But, do we have the possibility, under the present circumstances, to further the development of international law? This question reflects the