YouSaid · the spoken record

Tarabanov

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS TARABANOV

lines on the record: 122
first: 1957-09-24
most recent: 1965-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The adoption of those proposals would make it possible to halt the nuclear arms race immediately while an agreement on the discontinuance of underground tests was being negotiated. 88. In these circumstances, we are surprised to see that certain non-aligned Powers, which are well acquainted with the precise positions of the parties on the question of the discontinuance of nuclear tests, put the attitudes of the Soviet Union and of the Western nuclear Powers regarding the Eight-Power Joint Memorandum on an equal footing. 89.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“On the other hand, the Soviet Union prefers to be the first in peaceful competition, in the field of science which enables man to acquire new knowledge of the universe and in the conquest of outer space, and we should like to pay a tribute to its brilliant achievements. It is to achieve such objectives that the socialist countries prefer to work and are working. 87. If, however, there is a real desire to end the nuclear arms race, it is not enough to discontinue tests in outer space, in the atmosphere and under water; it is absolutely necessary, at the same time, to put an end to underground tests. Concrete and effective proposals in this sense have been submitted by the Soviet Union.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It was in order to continue the arms race — and especially the nuclear arms race — that the United States was the first to carry out nuclear tests in outer space during its last series of tests in the Pacific. Those tests have caused disturbances in certain layers of outer space. The United States was also first, it will be remembered, in promoting the nuclear arms race and in carrying out atomic weapons tests. The Soviet Union, which is a socialist country and therefore by its very essence a peaceful country, refuses to be the first in nuclear tests; since it had no aggressive designs or purposes, it is content to be the last to conduct such tests. 86.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Macmillan, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated in the House of Commons: "As I understand it, the proposals would not make verification compulsory; it would be only permissive." The Western Powers are now, just as they have done in the past, making compulsory on-site inspection a prerequisite for any agreement on the discontinuance of underground tests. They thus adhere to their former positions. 84. By their proposals to discontinue nuclear tests solely in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water, the Western Powers are in reality seeking to legalize the continuation of underground tests and to continue the nuclear weapons race. 85.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“On the other hand, the Western nuclear Powers refused to accept that memorandum as a basis for negotiations. Despite their subsequent statements, made under the pressure of world public opinion, to the effect that they accepted the memorandum as one basis for negotiations, the Western Powers have in fact adhered to their original position in regard to underground tests. Their position on the memorandum of the neutral Powers was defined at the outset. On 19 April, in response to a request for information concerning the contents of the proposal of the eight neutral countries, Mr.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We hope that the Western Powers will now make a sincere effort to meet the position of the Soviet Union in order to facilitate agreement on general and complete disarmament. 83. In the face of the stalemate on the question of the discontinuance of nuclear tests resulting from the intransigent and unrealistic position of the Western Powers, the eight neutral Powers taking part in the work of the Eighteen-Nation Committee submitted a memorandum to serve as a basis for negotiations on that problem. Although the Soviet Union had earlier submitted clearly defined and scientifically sound proposals which offered a sure solution to the problem of the discontinuance of nuclear tests, it accepted the memorandum of the eight neutral Powers as a basis for negotiation almost immediately after its submission.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“During the Geneva negotiations, the Soviet Union, in a desire to accommodate the Western Powers, submitted several addenda and amendments to its draft. In his statement in the general debate [1127th meeting], Mr. Gromyko, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union, announced the new concessions which the Soviet Government had agreed to make in order to take account of the position of the Western Powers in regard to the destruction of delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons during the first stage of disarmament. The Soviet delegation has already submitted its draft treaty on general and complete disarmament embodying the new Soviet concessions. We are convinced that the adoption of the original Soviet draft would have effectively and securely ensured general and complete disarmament.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“In reality, however, they continue to practise their old policy of stubborn opposition to any constructive proposal for the achievement of general and complete disarmament. The whole set of Western proposals is so designed that, even if the United States draft were adopted, the world would never achieve disarmament. While the Soviet Union draft provides for the practical elimination of the nuclear threat as from the first stage of the disarmament process, the United States draft allows the threat of a nuclear war to hang over mankind until the end of the disarmament programme and even afterwards. The United States proposals amount in substance to an attempt to legalize nuclear armaments in one form or another. 82.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Despite the affirmations of some Western representatives, who still like to say that the precarious peace now prevailing depends on a balance of forces, there can be no doubt that the only means of achieving a durable peace and ensuring true security is general and complete disarmament. However, the negotiations at Geneva on general and complete disarmament have shown that the Western Powers, despite their statements, are doing everything in their power to obstruct the solution of this question. 81. Only two years ago, the Western delegations were opposed to say proposal for general and complete disarmament. However, under pressure from the peoples, the Western Powers were obliged to give way and to declare, at least in words, that they were in favour of general and complete disarmament.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Yet as long as formidable armaments exist and the arms race continues each day to become more intense, it is inconceivable that peace and security can be assured merely by the settlement of the conflicts and disputes created and fomented by the large international monopolies involved in the arms race. 80. There can be no doubt that efforts to find solutions for international problems through conciliation and negotiation are necessary and urgent, but it is only through general and complete disarmament and the elimination of the means of waging war that it will be possible at the present time to ensure a stable peace, to guarantee security for all and to inaugurate an era of peaceful coexistence and co-operation among peoples.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Such provocations were referred to in moving terms in the statement of the Cambodian representative. The dangerous activities and the provocations inspired, encouraged and directed by imperialist circles of the United States in South Viet-Nam are creating a dangerous source of tension in that part of the world. The war which the United States Army is organizing against the Viet-Namese people must be stopped, and the sooner, the better. 79. The heroic struggle of the peoples of the entire world to safeguard peace and to settle disputes through negotiation has scored some successes in recent years.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It has thus taken on the role of fomenting and organizing the struggle being carried on against the people of South Viet-Nam. At the present time, more than 10,000 United States officers and men are stationed in the territory of South Viet-Nam and are directing the war which the puppet regime of Ngo-dinh-Diem is waging against the Viet-Namese people. A United States High Command has been established at Saigon itself for the purpose of organizing a campaign of intervention, not only against the Viet-Namese people, but also against the other peoples of the region. In such circumstances, it is not by chance that provocations are systematically launched from the territory of South Viet-Nam against its neighbours, and especially against Cambodia.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The socialist countries are firmly resolved to liquidate this hotbed of conflict in the middle of Europe, to eliminate the after-effects of the Second World War, and thus to deprive the militarist forces of West Germany of any pretext or opportunity for advancing vengeful claims or entertaining territorial ambitions, and to prevent them from preparing for a new world-wide conflagration, 78. Despite the Geneva Agreements of 1954 on the restoration of peace in Indo-China, which provided for strict non-interference in the internal affairs of the countries of that region, the United States, through the intermediary of reactionary circles in South Viet-Nam has arrogated to itself the right to intervene directly in the internal affairs of that country.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We are certain that the great majority of countries represented in the United Nations, being concerned to safeguard peace, will make their voices heard, will calm the hotheads among the Western militarists and will oblige the politicians of the same mind as these militarists to reconsider their position. It is monstrous even to think that anyone could oppose the conclusion of a peace treaty and the liquidation of all the after-effects of the Second World War by unleashing a new world war, this time a nuclear one. 77.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The elimination of this permanent bone of contention from the centre of one of the regions in which a world war, and consequently a nuclear war, is most apt to be set off will beyond any doubt render an immense service to the cause of peace and the whole of mankind, However, the United States and certain other Western Powers reply to the proposals and the peaceful intentions of the Soviet Union and the socialist countries by intensive preparation for war, by incitement to a settling of accounts and the use of nuclear weapons. It is significant that the response which the Western countries persist in wanting to give to the peaceful intentions of the socialist countries and to their firm determination to have peace, both with and in Germany, is a response by force of arms.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“it is significant that the United States is preparing itself to settle accounts by force on the subject of Berlin when the Soviet Union and the socialist countries, for their part, together with other countries seeking to preserve peace, want and are proposing a pacific settlement of the German question: the conclusion of a peace treaty with Germany, in order to abolish this hotbed of war in the middle of Europe.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“McNamara, the United States Secretary of Defense, made a trip to West Germany at the head of a group of specialists in the field of nuclear weapons in order to ascertain that the nuclear forces deployed in West Germany and on the frontier of the German Democratic Republic could be put into action at any moment. On his return, Mr. McNamara held a press conference and let it be understood that the United States was readying itself to use its nuclear power in any settling of accounts by force in Berlin. The United States Press noted that Mr. McNamara's statement coincided with the efforts made by members of the United States Congress to adopt a "fight if we must" bill on Berlin, similar to the motion adopted on Cuba. 76.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The People's Republic of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people are ready at any moment to do what is necessary to help the Cuban people safeguard their national independence. 75. Very recently, dangerous machinations have been set on foot by responsible political figures in the United States to bring the Berlin "pot of trouble” to the boil, to use Lord Home's expression. He added: "But men who live in a nuclear age and stir the pot of trouble when it is simmering are worse than fools; they are knaves." [1135th meeting, para. 48.] However, only a few days ago Mr.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We hope that the Soviet Government's appeal contained in the Tass Agency statement of 11 September 1962 and calling on the United States Government to show patience, to remain calm and to display common sense and a realistic appreciation of the possible repercussions of its actions against Cuba — we hope, I repeat, that this appeal will be heard. There is, to be sure, no need for the socialist countries, at the present time, to undertake actions like that of the United States Government, which has asked for and just obtained the authority to mobilize 150,000 men if it considers that necessary. The socialist countries have no need to make such spectacular demonstrations, to hurl themselves into such a bustle of battle. The Bulgarian Government is in full accord with the Soviet Government's statement of 11 September.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“There also exists a very large number of non-aligned countries which oppose with all their moral and material strength any infringement of national independence and sovereignty, any intervention in the internal affairs of States, which the imperialist countries would like to make once more the prevailing rule in international relations. 74. Those who are preparing ideological and military crusades against Cuba and its heroic people should bear in mind that the Cuban people are not alone. They have faithful friends who would not fail to support them to the utmost in their struggle to safeguard their independence.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“57.] Indeed, by the middle of the twentieth century, the United States no longer held the monopoly of nuclear weapons on which the policy of atomic blackmail was based. The imperialist forces of the West are no longer in a position to impose their will on the peoples and small countries. The community of socialist countries formed around the Soviet Union, and the forces struggling against imperialism and for socialist transformation, now represent the determining factor in the historical development of contemporary society.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Those who are preparing public opinion for aggression against Cuba are, however, forgetting to take into consideration one very important fact, which is that the international situation and the balance of forces on the world scene no longer favour imperialism. The balance of forces had radically and completely changed in favour of the countries of the socialist community and the forces of peace in general. In this respect, we cannot fail to be in agreement with Lord Home, the United Kingdom Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who declared; "It really is too dangerous to all of us in these days to allow politico-ideological crusades backed by arms. We cannot have that in the late twentieth century.” [1134th meeting, para.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We salute from this rostrum the heroic people of Cuba and their revolutionary Government for the courage and admirable endurance they have shown in their valiant struggle against the most reactionary forces of imperialism, 72. To combat the ideas of national and social liberation by force of arms is to want to transform ideological arguments and controversy — which are bound to exist in the developing present-day world — into military aggression and armed intervention against peoples and States, and to turn ideological struggles and debates about the advantages of one regime or another into armed conflict between States. 73.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It is obvious that there can be no question of any preparation or aggression on the part of Cuba against the United States or any other country. What the financial circles in the United States fear is certainly not aggression on the part of Cuba; what they fear are the ideas which propound the liberation of the people from the economic and social slavery imposed by the United States monopolies and of which the Republic of Cuba is the living incarnation. War is being prepared against Cuba and its peoples because they bear the torch of resistance to foreign domination and to the exploitation by United States monopolies of the countries and peoples of all Latin America.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Other particularly significant facts about the real intentions of certain influential circles in the United States have also come to light. Not long ago, President Kennedy was obliged to submit — and Congress passed — a bill described by United States newspapers as an instrument sanctioning the use of force if necessary to prevent the dissemination of Cuban Marxism in the Western Hemisphere. Such an enactment is without precedent. It prepares the ground opens the way for direct armed intervention in the Republic of Cuba. Such an enactment is contrary to the principles of peaceful coexistence enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. It is an offence against the rules of good neighbourliness and the basic norms of international law. 71.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“If there had been no such aggressive intentions, if the United States had not organized the Bay of Pigs invasion, and if the preparations made by the different counter-revolutionary organizations subsidized by powerful groups in the United States, under the eyes and with the active help of the United States authorities, had not taken place, there would doubtless have been no need for the Cuban people and the Government of Cuba to gird themselves to resist. These preparations and this direct intervention are nevertheless continuing, are becoming more and more pressing and are taking on an official character. Recently, the United States Government even decided to enlist Cuban counter-revolutionaries in the United States armed forces. 70.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Hearing such statements, one wonders how a country like Cuba, with approximately one thirtieth of the population of the United States, could threaten a country which is economically and militarily the most powerful in the capitalist world. That is indeed like the fable of the wolf and the lamb. Such statements can only be made where there is a firm determination to disregard the reality of the facts resulting from the imperialist policy carried out against Cuba by United States circles. The reality is that after the military intervention in Cuba in 1961 the Government of that country decided to organize the armed forces needed to deal with possible new acts of aggression, with which the Cuban people are being daily threatened by the United States and particularly by certain influential circles in that country. 69.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The statements directed against the Republic of Cuba, which were recently made in the United States by certain circles in the service of the financial interests and by eminent political figures of that country, have extremely unfavourable effects on the efforts of the peoples to strengthen the uncertain and unstable peace of the world of today. Profound disquiet is felt when, on the pretext of making a stand against the frantic campaign of threats and provocations directed against the heroic people of Cuba, members of the United States Government and the President himself declare that if, at a given time, the military forces of Cuba were such as to threaten the United States, or certain points that it considers to be strategic, the United States would take military measures in order to ensure its security and that of its allies.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Only a few days ago, the first step was taken towards settling another question which had also been deferred for a very long time. This step was the General Assembly's decision regarding the solution of the question of West Irian. We are sure that this settlement will bring a lasting and final solution. 68. The solution of these isolated problems, which threatened to degenerate to the point where they could have touched off an armed conflict, cannot and must not, however, make us forget the dangerous turn taken by other questions no less important for the safeguarding of world peace.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“During that period, certain matters which had long been pending, disputes which threatened to create extreme tensions, have received a more or less satisfactory settlement through negotiations. The question of Laos, which had been aggravated by foreign military interference, has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion. The birth of the Republic of Algeria is another important event which gladdens the hearts not only of the Algerian people, but of all who have supported their noble cause since the beginning of their heroic struggle for national liberation. The triumph of the Algerian people in its struggle for independence is all the more significant as it points the way to national liberation for other peoples still under colonial rule. 67.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“I should like first, on behalf of my delegation, to congratulate the President of the General Assembly upon his election. 65. The main concern of peoples, since the beginning of the last session of the General Assembly, has undoubtedly been to preserve an uncertain and precarious peace which has been threatened daily by unforeseen and dangerous developments. Constant efforts have been made to find ways to spare the world from war which, given the present technological advances — in particular, in nuclear technology — would mean unprecedented disaster. 66. The constant efforts to preserve peace have indisputably included during the past year certain developments which have resulted in a measure of relaxation and spurred the hope that a peaceful solution of some of the bitter disputes of our time might be possible.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We hope that at this session the General Assembly will use these means and its authority to hasten the solution of these and all the other problems on its agenda, and particularly, the problem of disarmament. That solution will contribute to the achievement of a lasting peace and the peaceful coexistence of all the peoples of the world.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Another question which deserves full and careful attention with a view to creating mutual understanding and an atmosphere of confidence among nations is that of strengthening cultural exchanges and relations among all peoples, particularly among those with different social and political systems. The study and knowledge of other peoples' cultural, scientific and artistic ideas, their outlook and way of life, and their philosophy and aspirations can do much to bring nations closer together. 51. The United Nations has an extremely important part to play in solving these and similar problems. It has the means at its disposal to promote firm progress towards economic and cultural co-operation among nations. 52.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“That would largely resolve the difficulty many Western countries are experiencing in finding markets for some of their products and help them to make full use of the productive capacity of certain branches of their industry. It would also establish the necessary conations for better mutual understanding among peoples and consequently, for greater mutual confidence. For that reason, we should seriously consider the advantages offered by the Soviet proposal for convening a world economic conference to consider questions of economic co-operation among all countries. 50.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“They will undoubtedly pursue the course of agreement, cooperation and peaceful coexistence so that they can devote all their energies, material resources and talents to economic and cultural progress. 49. Many speakers have emphasized during this debate that a climate of mutual trust and co-operation is essential to the solution of important international problems. Such a climate could easily be created by giving priority to certain questions, the solution of which presents no special difficulty, given goodwill on all sides. For example, instead of setting up artificial barriers to trade with certain countries, and more particularly with the socialist countries, Governments could co-operate actively in restoring traditional trade and economic relations among nations and in paving the way for their future expansion.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Although there are some outstanding problems and certain differences of opinion on certain issues, the Bulgarian Government believes that direct contact between the heads of Government of the Balkan countries in an atmosphere of goodwill and understanding can pave the way to the conversion of that area of the world into an area of lasting peace and harmony. 47. However, certain great Powers are still trying to divert public attention in some Balkan countries from questions embarrassing to those Powers by stirring up old resentments and setting the peoples of the Balkans against each other. 48. However easy and convenient such methods may be, this system of playing politics at the expense of others must be brought to an end. We are convinced that the Balkan peoples will not allow the Balkans once again to become the powder keg of Europe.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In many cases, the goodwill and initiative shown by the Bulgarian Government have been reciprocated with understanding and goodwill, which has led to substantial progress in improving our relations with our Balkan neighbours and strengthening co-operation among them. 45. We appreciated and welcomed the initiative taken by the Government of the Romanian People’s Republic in calling a conference of the heads of Government of the Balkan countries with a view to discussing the strengthening of peace in the Balkans, non-aggression, the peaceful settlement of all disputes, and the development of economic and cultural relations. 46.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It should be quite obvious that no socialist State will abandon its foreign policy, which reflects the interests and hopes of the masses of its people, and embark on a different policy solely to please certain circles which are interested in the maintenance of international tension. 43. In line with its policy of peace, peaceful coexistence among States, co-operation and friendship among peoples, which determines its position on all international problems, including those discussed in the United Nations, the Government of the People's Republic of Bulgaria has proposed a whole series of measures for improving its relations with its neighbours, and establishing close economic co-operation and cultural, scientific and technical exchanges with them. 44.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The relations among the socialist countries and their complete unanimity on all major international problems at all times and in all places, including the United Nations, are perfectly natural and logical. That unanimity stems from the very nature of their policy, which is one of peace, economic, cultural and scientific co-operation, peaceful coexistence and closer relations among nations. 42. It would be strange if it were otherwise. It would be strange if these countries, which pursue similar policies of peace and peaceful coexistence, co-operation and close relations among nations, were not unanimous on major international issues. There are undoubtedly some who would like to see deviations from this unanimity, but such a desire is not realistic.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The Government of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria has repeatedly affirmed, and once again reaffirms, its support for the USSR Government's proposals on disarmament, the prohibition of atomic and thermonuclear weapons, and on the discontinuance of tests of those atomic weapons, because those proposals are in keeping with the interests of the Bulgarian people and with the interests of peace and security throughout the world. 41. In one of the speeches made in this hall - that of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom - the socialist countries represented in the United Nations were reproached for voting with one voice on all basic questions affecting international relations, including disarmament. We cannot but find that reproach surprising.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Clearly, no one could be convinced by any of the arguments presented by the representatives of the NATO countries in the Sub-Committee of the Disarmament Commission and in the present debate, arguments designed to prevent the early conclusion of a disarmament agreement, which the peoples of the entire world are anxiously awaiting. 39. The USSR proposals for total disarmament reflect the hopes and desires of all the peoples of the world, who in particular unanimously support the proposal for renouncing the use of atomic and hydrogen weapons and eliminating them from the armaments of States. That is why the proposals have the wholehearted support of the entire world. 40.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It is already part of history, but these historical facts can help us to understand present developments better and to form a clearer picture of the positions of various countries on the disarmament question and particularly on the discontinuance of tests of nuclear weapons. 37. Others have tried to prove that a third world war, waged with conventional weapons, would be no less destructive than a war waged with atomic and thermonuclear weapons. We agree that there should be no war at all. Yet we are surprised by an argument of this kind, because obviously its only purpose is to justify the production of atomic and nuclear weapons, to justify world war. 38.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“No moral or religious scruples prevented United States militarists and monopolists from developing atomic weapons at feverish speed before the Soviet Union was producing or was even planning to produce them. Why then, at that time, did United States ruling circles which try to give the impression of devotion to the cause of disarmament, fail to accept the Soviet proposal to prohibit production of atomic weapons? At that time they would have had the advantage of being able to institute complete control, since the USSR was producing neither atomic weapons nor fissionable materials. 36. This was obviously a lost opportunity.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“That is why the necessary steps must be taken here and now, while calm still prevails, to stop tests of thermonuclear weapons, to prohibit their use, and even to destroy existing stocks of these weapons. 35. The assertion that the Soviet Union would rely on the possibility of exerting moral and religious pressure on the Western Governments and of exploiting the repugnance of the masses to atomic and thermonuclear weapons obviously disregards the facts of history. It is common knowledge that no moral or religious considerations prevented the use of atomic bombs at Hiroshima or Nagasaki, where they killed tens of thousands of human beings outright and condemned hundreds of thousands of others to a slow and painful death.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Would these weapons be any less destructive in the event of a third world war? Obviously not. How then do they help the average man upon whom their destructive force would be visited? Would it be any less painful to die of burns or wounds caused by "clean” atomic weapons than those caused by ordinary atomic weapons? Would these bombs destroy fewer cities or fewer monuments of human culture? Would they make the annihilation of the inhabitants of large towns and densely-populated areas any less horrible? In any event, what is to guarantee that, in a third world war, with passions running high, only "clean" atomic and hydrogen bombs and no others would be used? 34. There is a real danger that a world war would result in unparalleled destruction and slaughter as a result of the use of thermonuclear weapons.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“What could be false about the sincere relief that peoples would feel at the news that tests of atomic weapons had been discontinued and that the dangerous increase in radioactivity had been stopped? Is it perhaps felt that the explosions on Bikini and other islands bring greater peace of mind to the inhabitants of Japan, Indonesia or Australia? Or that life is more peaceful and secure in the shadow of these mushroom-shaped clouds? 33. I would point out, in connexion with the refusal of the Western countries to accept proposals for the discontinuance of tests of atomic and thermonuclear weapons, that an attempt is being made in certain quarters to reassure us by producing "clean” atomic bombs - nuclear weapons with reduced radioactivity. This is strange consolation indeed.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“If they really want to achieve agreement on disarmament, what prevents the Western Powers, and in particular the United States and the United Kingdom, from accepting the proposal for a temporary discontinuance of nuclear weapons tests, for a period of two or three years at least? Furthermore, this question can easily be singled out from the disarmament problem as a whole and speedily settled. It is a question which does not involve discussion of control or other complex technical and organizational matters despite the fact that, in this connexion too, the United Kingdom representative managed to raise a number of technical points which he claimed must be settled before disarmament could take place. The argument that the discontinuance of test explosions would create a false feeling of security and calm is groundless.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“If an intention and desire to break the present deadlock in the disarmament negotiations really exists, agreement must be reached at least on certain urgent and fundamental issues. Useful progress in this direction would undoubtedly be made If States possessing atomic and hydrogen weapons agreed to assume a solemn obligation to renounce their use, at least for a certain period. An agreement of this kind would have an extremely favourable effect on the international situation and would help to restore people's confidence that great Powers possessing atomic and thermonuclear weapons genuinely intend to renounce their use. 32.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Nevertheless, in order to provide even greater security and to meet the demands of the Western countries, the Soviet Union proposed the establishment of control posts in all areas where such explosions could be set off. 30. Can anything be clearer or more practical than these proposals? In addition to constituting a realistic approach to the problems involved, these proposals for partial measures have the advantage of providing a basis for a lasting disarmament agreement. To be sure, there is no easy solution to the disarmament problem. We feel, however, that this urgent topical question is being artificially complicated and obscured by a host of technical and organizational questions which, it is contended, should be settled before disarmament takes place. 31.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Yet because groundless objections were raised owing to the fact that control had become a fetish obstructing all efforts to achieve practical agreement on disarmament at an early date, the Soviet Union also submitted proposals on partial measures. It proposed that countries possessing atomic and thermonuclear weapons should assume a solemn obligation not to use these weapons for a period of five years and that tests of atomic and thermonuclear weapons should be discontinued for a period of two or three years. 29. No control is necessary for the discontinuance of tests of atomic and hydrogen weapons. Was it not generally admitted some time ago that modern scientific and technical devices can detect any test explosions in any part of the world?”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)