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June 28, 1951

BRAELAND JOINS UNITED NATIONS, KOREAN WAR
GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES ADMISSION, BRAELAND COMMITS TO UN ACTION IN KOREA


United Nations Headquarters, New York City, U.S. - Currently Under Construction

BRAELAND CITY, June 28 (BP) – Prime Minister Wesley Bryans delivered on one of his key campaign promises when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously approved Braeland’s application to become a Member State. The successful vote, conducted at the nearly-completed UN Headquarters in New York City yesterday morning, makes Braeland the 61st member of the United Nations and the most recent since Indonesia was admitted in September 1950. In response to its admittance, Braeland immediately established its Permanent Representation, headed by Braeland’s former Ambassador to Spain, Tyrone Duncan.

Commitment to Korean War Meets Criticism

But while the achievement was cause for celebration, especially among party faithful, the Government quickly waded into controversial waters when it announced shortly after the successful vote that it would begin contributing to the United Nations’ combat effort on the Korean Peninsula. The decision to involve Braeland Armed Forces was met with criticism from both the Liberal and United Labour Parties.

“Any decision to engage military forces in a non-emergency situation should be a matter of debate in the House of Commons”, asserted Liberal interim leader Hubert Sullivan, speaking in Parliament this morning. “The government acting in such a unilateral way sets a dangerous precedent. I would hope, Mr. Speaker, that the Prime Minister would respect the Constitution and the democratic principles our government is based upon.”

Prime Minister Bryans responded to the attacks by defending his government actions, declaring that deploying military forces falls under royal prerogative and does not require parliamentary authorisation. But he did clarify that Braeland’s initial contribution to the conflict would involve only naval and air forces. “In response to UN Security Council Resolution 83, Braeland will follow through on providing initial military assistance to the Republic of Korea. However, the matter of deploying ground forces to the region will be a mater of debate in the House of Commons in the coming days. Of course, the House will be continually updated with reports on the military actions.”

Navy Returns to Action; First Test for Fledgling Air Force

At yesterday’s press conference, Defense Minister Cedric Phelps outlined Braeland’s initial contribution to the Korean conflict. Two Loch class frigates recently acquired from the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, the HMBR Gowen and HMBR Mitchell, will depart shortly from the Cambria Naval Base to join Commonwealth forces at Sasebo, Japan and serve under British Command. Braeland will also contribute units from its fledgling Air Force, created in the last years of the previous Liberal government, fulfilling a personal goal of former Prime Minister Douglas Avery. Mr. Phelps announced that three Gloster Meteors and five F-86 Sabres would be attached to Australia’s No. 77 Squadron RAAF. But it was Mr. Phelps’ response to a reporter’s question on the possible commitment of ground forces in Korea that stirred up controversy in the House of Commons this morning.

“Braeland is committed to supporting the United Nations’ call for military assistance in Korea. Efforts are underway to raise a volunteer military force to serve with UN forces, with a goal of providing 800 volunteers as expeditiously as possible.”

Following the testy exchange during question time in Parliament, the Ministry of Defense issued a clarification, stating that the Minister was not declaring that unilateral action was being taken by the government, but merely providing a ‘blueprint’ for timely debate in the House of Commons.