Since the end of World War II, the United States has aimed at deterring aggression against this country or its allies by a judicious combination of longlange nuclear striking forces and other forces armed with both nuclear and conventional weapons. (The verb "to deter" is defined as "to inhibit" or, in a more absolute usage, as "to prevent." One of the ambiguities of the concept of deterrence is that no one, including ourselves, is clear as to which usage is meant, much less which may prevail.) Of late years, as the Soviet Union achieved and developed a nuclear capability, deterrence has increasingly rested on the ability of the United States to launch a devastating retaliatory blow against anyone attacking the U.S. or, by extension, our allies.

After a long, productive and continuously active life, Dr. Arthur J. Brown died early this year at the age of 106. He was the sole surviving charter trustee of The Church Peace Union, the previous name of the Council on Religion and International Affairs, and he remained active as treasurer until his death. He was a pioneer in the ecumenical movement and maintained a constant interest in international affairs. Only last November the editor of worldview received a friendly letter from him commenting on the policies of this journal.

One beneficial effect of Charles de Gaulle's memorable declaration on January 14 was that it clarified issues which were badly confused even in the minds of the politicians. The immediate outcry was, of course, tremendous, not only in die American and British press, but in the European capitals as well. Yet, as de Gaulle stuck by his guns and calmly went on to torpedo the Brussels negotiations, it became clear that he meant what he said; as always, one man's firmness—the press pointed out how rare this quality is today—obliges others to accommodate themselves to his views and will.