U.S. Groups Laud U.N. Approval of Genocide Pact; Will Seek to Secure Its Ratification

The adoption yesterday by the U.N. General Assembly of the international convention outlawing the crime of genocide was lauded here today in a statement issued by the U.S. Committee for a U.N. Genocide Convention.

James N. Rosenberg, chairman of the Committee, revealed that his group stimulated organizations from over 30 nations representing hundreds of millions of members to file petitions with the U.S. Committee which were all submitted to the General Assembly towards the adoption of the convention. “This,” he emphasized, “is only our first step.” The Committee, he said, now intends to mobilize public opinion to secure the necessary minimum of ratification of the pact by 20 governments.

“The adoption of the genocide convention may make Dec. 9 as historic a day as the day of the adoption of the American Bill of Rights,” the statement said. “History should record that this means the first step toward an International Bill of Rights, a world Magna Charta protecting men and women and children the world over.” The statement paid tribute to Dr. Raphael Lemkin, author of the idea of the Convention; and emphasized that “the moral leadership that has come from the United States in this achievement is the fruit of teamwork of many organizations and individuals.”

The international convention outlawing genocide was termed “a great step forward in establishing a world system of legally guaranteed human rights” in a statement issued today by Judge Joseph M. Proskauer, president of the American Jewish Committee. The A.J.C. is the U.S. member of the Consultative Council, which, as an accredited consultant organization to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, has worked with U.N. delegates and staff for the passage of the genocide convention and other human rights guarantees.