NEWS OF THE WEEK W HILE the office of Seat —
n
of State is a key position i American administration, today its importance is greater han ever owing to the immense responsibilities which the United States has accepted in foreign affairs. Mr. Stettinius, who had so
reat an influence in steering the nation through the San Francisco conference, succeeded the experienced Mr. Cordell Hull, and now,
caving on to be American representative on the Security Council, vill obviously have to interpret in the World Organisation the ()reign policy for which the new Secretary of State will be re- aonsible at Washington. That office now falls to Mr. James
ernes, a statesman who is well qualified to carry on the tradition. He went with President Roosevelt to Yalta, and his experience will be invaluable when he accompanies President Truman to the aeeting with Marshal Stalin and Mr. Churchill. He is a friend if Mr. Cordell Hull, whose advice will be available to him. Like the President himself, he is persona grata in the House and in the Senate. He has had great administrative experience. He has stated that his appointment means no change in the basic principles it United States foreign policy. But that policy today has to be diusted to new circumstances—those which will be brought about by the entry of the United States into the World Security Organi- ation and the undertaking of new responsibilities with the Great owers and in relation to fifty United Nations. He is expected to arry through certain organisational changes which appear to be ailed for in his Department. There is little doubt that Congress vii! ratify the Security Charter, but the application of its terms will aise issues which may become matters of controversy. Mr. Byrnes s the qualifications for dealing with the situation, and should be a source of strength to the President.
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