Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University / It is difficult to understand petitions as a particular aspect of the Trusteeship System without knowledge of the historical forces which helped to shape the modern concept of trusteeship. It is easy, in fact, to think of trusteeship as a purely contemporary phenomenon. The opening statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the first session of the Trusteeship Council highlights this point: "This is an occasion of historic significance. For the first time in the world's history a permanent international body, whose membership is composed solely of official representatives of Governments, is assembled to deal exclusively with the problems of non-self-governing peoples." The statement of the Secretary-General is, of course, correct, but it does not tell the lay reader any of the precedents behind the formation of this August body. If one accepts the principle that the protection of native rights is the cornerstone of modern trusteeship, there is evidence that ever since the 16th century there seems to have been a logical progression toward the evolution of the philosophy eventually advanced in the Covenant of the League of Nations and presently in the Charter of the United Nations. [TRUNCATED]