Abstract
FIVE years ago future of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was at best uncertain. Last October, when GATT celebrated its 10th anniversary, it was clear to everyone that the Cinderella of international organizations' had become a permanent member of family. In words of GATT's Executive Secretary, today ... we ... see GATT established firmly, as a great international institution enjoying widespread support.2 Few enterprises in realm of international cooperation have traveled a rockier road than GATT. It was born in a period of postwar economic turmoil. It was intended at time as a provisional makeshift, which many nations accepted only in expectation that something better would soon take its place.3 For years its activities were obscured in shadow of more dramatic international economic programs, such as Marshall Plan, work of Organization for European Economic Cooperation and Point Four technical assistance program. Because it dealt with sensitive tariff problem, GATT was subject to continuing vigorous attack by protected industries in all of its member countries. The United States Congress, though not asking President to remove Cinderella from doorstep, nevertheless looked down its collective nose at her, saying in effect that she might not be repulsive but neither was she fair.4 Even GATT's name was felt by some to carry unfortunate connotations, which led well-meaning friends to suggest a rechristening.
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