International: Memorable Day

Jimmy Byrnes read a short statement: "This is a memorable day for the peace-loving peoples of all nations." A handful of reporters in the State Department's press room took cursory notes. Photographers snapped a few pictures. The Secretary of State signed a bulky, historic document. In two minutes it was all over, and the United Nations Organization was a legal reality.

All of the Big Five, and a majority (24) of UNO's 46 other members, had to ratify the San Francisco Charter to put it into effect. Two hours before the ceremony in Washington, Russia officially said yes. She was the...

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