Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1948. United Nations list of rights to be accorded people by their governments. Rejected by USSR, China, Poland, Yugoslavia, Ukraine, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, many Moslem countries. Signed by Russia, 1996.

Vancouver, George. 1757-98. English explorer to British Columbia 1791-4.

Vatican Councils. 1870 Papal Infallibility. 1962 Modified liturgy. Ecumenicalism.

Veche. 10C-1510. Russian democratic city council abolished by Mongols.

Velázquez, Diego. 1599-1660. Spanish Naturalist court painter. Old Woman Frying Eggs 1618. Coronation of the Virgin 1641. Philip IV 1644. Surrender of Breda. Borrachos. Venus and Mirror 1655.

Venezuelan Claims. 1902-7. European countries blockade ports to press for loan repayment.

Victor-Emmanuel II. 1820-78. First king of united Italy, 1861-. Peace of Milan, 1848. Cavour.

Vienne, Council. 1311. Abolished Templars.

Viscount. 4th rank of British peerage, below earl.

Westminster, Statute of. 1275,85,90. First reference to Great Council of England as Parliament. Reformed civil and criminal law. Legal protection for poor. 1931. British affirmation of autonomous dominion of British Empire countries. Established British Commonwealth.

Witan. Anglo-Saxon king’s council.

Wolsey, Thomas. c1475-1530. English cardinal. Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII. Lost influence when unable to secure divorce from Catherine of Aragon. Built Hampton Court Palace as gift for Henry VIII. Unpopularity a cause of Reformation.

World Council of Churches. 1948. Amsterdam.

World Court. 1899 Permanent Court of Arbitration. 1921 Hague Conference created Permanent Court of International Justice. 1945 International Court of Justice.

Wycherley, William. 1640-1716. English satirical Restoration dramatist: Country Wife 1675. Plain Dealer 1676.

Ypsilanti, Constantine. 1760-1816. Greek governor of Moldavia. Encouraged Serbs to revolt.