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d. If it should be determined by the Security Council of the United Nations that the prospective events of the Berlin crisis constitute a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace or an act of aggression on the part of the Soviet Union, then a blockade could in theory at least be authorized under the provisions of Articles 39, 41 and 42 of the United Nations Charter. As a practical matter, however, such a proposal would undoubtedly be vetoed by the Soviet representative.
e. A blockade might possibly be imposed under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter on the basis of individual or collective self-defense to repel armed attack but even this action could probably be continued only until the Security Council met to deal with the situation.
f. In sum, the legality of a blockade by the United States, whether belligerent or pacific, is subject to very grave doubts for the reasons outlined above.
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