YouSaid · the spoken record

Melo Franco

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MELO FRANCO

lines on the record: 48
first: 1961-09-24
most recent: 1962-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“reaffirm Brazil’s trust in and loyalty towards the United Nations. I should like to thank the Secretary-General, U. Thant, for his recent visit to my country and I venture to express the hope that he will continue to fill, the high post of which he has shown himself worthy. I should, also like to take this opportunity of welcoming the new Members of the United Nations. The, need for the universality of our Organization becomes more apparent every day. Outside the United Nations there seems to be no solution for the future of mankind.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It can be secured only in so far as nations are free to choose their own destinies both internationally and internally. Hence the principle of self-determination., Brazil recognizes and practises both principles, and strongly desires that they should constitute the political objectives of all Governments. Non-intervention and self-determination are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. In the light of these concepts, properly applied, the most serious problems of our day, such as those of Germany, Cuba and South, East Asia, can all be solved. We know very well that in this field it is easier to express opinions than to act. Nevertheless, if our deeds always match our words with no, holding back and as far as conditions allow, we shall surely progress towards the desired solutions. 36. In concluding, I wish only-to.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We are also in favour of bringing the patents system up to date, so as to permit a genuine transfer of technological knowledge to the under-developed countries and of establishing machinery for the. international stabilization of commodity prices in order to prevent the constant drain to which the trade relations of the producing countries are subjected. 35. Sovereignty is a pre-condition for the liberty of States within the international community. The sovereignty of each State is limited, therefore, only by the general interest of the community, within which all States are juridically equal. The principle of non-intervention derives from this. But the liberty of peoples is another postulate of international coexistence.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Brazil, which is a Western Christian country with a long democratic tradition, has no intention of departing from its traditional values. At the same time, precisely in order to remain faithful to those values, Brazil does its best to help to remove the differences that exist between the world blocs because it is on that that disarmament and development must depend. Apart from the implementation of regional plans such as, for example, the Alliance for Progress, we would like to encourage non-partisan international assistance to the under-developed countries for the implementation of national development plans. 34. It is with this idea in mind that we have pressed for the establishment, within the United Nations family, of an industrial development agency.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“This is a result which no Country could accept passively as long as there remains —and we believe that there does still remain— a climate and a possibility for agreement over and above purely commercial considerations. In this connexion, we are in favour of holding as soon as possible an international trade conference where, far removed from the pressures of the cold war, the problems of the commodity-exporting countries could be placed in their proper perspective and definitively solved. 33. The international ideal is to secure peace and prosperity for all peoples. Peace is based on dis-armament and prosperity, depends on technical and financial assistance to the under-developed countries. Neither disarmament nor development can really be achieved on the basis of the cold war and competition between ideologically hostile-blocs.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The implementation of such a programme must not, however, be impeded by the dichotomy which still subsists between the good intentions voiced by all and the real behaviour of some. We must also eliminate the dangerous duality of the “aid policy" formally recognized by all as essential to a better international equilibrium [resolution 1710 (XVI)] and the "trade policy" adopted by certain countries, which, through preferential tariffs, is already bringing about results opposed to the higher aims which we are trying to achieve during the. proposed Development Decade. If such a discrepancy were to continue, we fear that, contrary to all our hopes, the under-developed countries might become real international pensioners.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“This phenomenon, which is taking place in Brazil, is common to the whole of Latin America and we may note with apprehension that the value of the external aid granted to our continent during the past ten years has been far less than the loss suffered through falling prices for its products on the international market. For all these reasons, Brazil is warmly in favour of the United Nations Decade for Economic Development proposed by U Thant, our distinguished Secretary-General. We note with satisfaction that the proposed means and methods of action are based upon concepts and objectives that have persistently been advocated by the under-developed countries and constitute as a whole a body of doctrine that is not only realistic but in separable from the sound observance of the general principle of the Charter. 32.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Despite, the praiseworthy efforts of the United Nations, the Governments of some developed countries and the international agencies for technical and financial assistance, we are forced to admit that the situation of the under-developed peoples is growing worse rather than better, for in most cases the rate of development lags behind the increase in population. Moreover, the logic of the economic development process itself, including the result of the action of the regional trade organizations grouping the developed countries, means that the less advanced countries, which are not parties to such agreements, have no choice but to stand by and witness a gradual decline in the value of their raw materials, and commodities on the international market, so that they are forced to work ever harder only to earn less. 31.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Former colonial peoples and the other under-developed nations, who between them make up the greater part of mankind. Just one year, ago, in this same Assembly, I said: “The world is not divided merely into East and West. This ideological, cleavage makes us forget the existence of yet another division, not ideological, but economic and social that between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. But although rapprochement between the East and West is attainable by ideological compromise, the immense contrast between North and South can be reduced only by planned action for effective aid by the developed countries of the North to the under-developed countries of the South. [110th meeting, para. 13.] 30.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Brazil through its ethnic and historical formation as well as its political and cultural tradition, is a nation deeply imbued with anti-colonialist feeling. Nothing can deflect us from this line of action, and we shall do all in our power to ensure that, without prejudice to the peace and freedom of any State, and without violence of any kind against any Government, the United Nations continues; to use every available means to liquidate the last vestiges of colonialism. 29. Our century has been and still is a spectator of the great historical process of the liquidation of colonialism and the awakening to independence of dozens of peoples once slumbering in servitude. We hope that the last decades of the twentieth century will be marked by a world-wide drive for the economic advancement and social, progress of the.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“In this connexion, we consider that the use of telecommunications satellites should be subject to international regulation, so that these powerful means of dissemination may be used solely in the service of peace and culture. 28. The role of the United Nations in the historical process of the liquidation of colonialism is in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Charter.The principle of the self-determination of peoples is one of the foundations of the whole edifice. The principle whereby the administering Powers accept as a "sacred trust" the obligation to lead the dependent peoples towards, selfdetermination, as laid down in Chapter XI of the Charter, was vigorously endorsed by General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV), 1541 (XV) and 1654 (XVI). No artifice or expedient, can obscure its meaning.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“27. The problem of the uses of outer space is also linked with the. question of disarmament. Soviet science and American science have achieved astounding successes in this field, which deserve our unbounded admiration. Nevertheless, the United Nations must exert its influence to see that progress in outer space does not become a new source of dangers and threats but on the contrary is used in the service of humanity. In that connexion, the General. Assembly adopted resolution 1721 (XVI), which lays down certain principles regarding the peaceful uses of outer space. One of them, which was proposed by Brazil, states that space exploration should benefit all countries irrespective of the stage of their economic or scientific development.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Apart from the-vital importance of disarmament to the strengthening of peace, we must not forget what it represents from the point of view of future economic and social progress for all peoples. The fearful burden of military expenditure is not only an obstacle to the achievement of a better level of living for the peoples of the great Bowers, but also a drain on the technical and financial resources of the entire world which might be channelled into aid to the under-developed countries and thus enable hundreds of millions of human beings to enjoy a better life. The research, that has been carried out in that connexion, including some by the United Nations, is basic and should encourage the leaders of the great States to begin to think of their historical responsibilities, not only towards their own peoples, but to the whole of mankind.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Brazil also favours, in principle, the establishment of denuclearized zones in the world, provided that proposals to that effect are not merely made for the purposes of the cold war, from which we have always held; aloof. Latin America might form such a zone. In addition Brazil maintains its proposal of 12 June 1962 for the establishment of a special technical committee within the framework of the Conference to study the scientific aspects of control. We are, in fact, daily more convinced that the political negotiations on disarmament cannot go on developing in a technical vacuum. Without intervening in the political negotiations, which would proceed simultaneously, the work of the special committee would enable any decisions that might be adopted to be based on specific and solid foundations. 26.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Faithful to its position at the Geneva Conference, Brazil proposes that absolute priority should be given in our deliberations to the question of prohibiting nuclear tests as the most urgent item on our agenda. We shall make, proposals to that effect either in plenary meeting or in the First Committee as appears most appropriate. In addition, my delegation considers it most important that the Foreign Ministers of the United States, the Soviet Union: the United Kingdom and France should look into the possibility of holding immediate conversations in New York with a view to eliminating those differences which still divide us-from our ultimate objective: the prohibition of all nuclear tests. 25.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Brazil, deeply concerned at the nuclear threat, which is the greatest and indeed the only one that weighs upon the whole of mankind, reserves the right to consider introducing, at this session of the Assembly, a draft. resolution which conveys its concern and is such as to merit the support of the vast majority of delegations —undoubtedly more interested in the immediate cessation of all nuclear tests than in competing for military power. 23. Brazil also intends to ask the General Assembly to give its support to the Eight-Nation Joint Memorandum of 16 April 1962 as a basis for further urgent negotiations between the nuclear Powers. 24.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We are convinced that our chances of progress in the field of general and complete disarmament will be very slender if we do not even succeed in coming to an agreement on the more immediate question of a nuclear test ban. 21. At Geneva Brazil spoke in favour of concentrating efforts on the question of atmospheric, underwater and outer space tests. The joint Anglo-American proposal to ban these three types of tests has shown that our position offered some practical possibilities which we could not neglect. In addition, the submission of this proposal has brought out the fact that the divergencies between the two camps at the present time are centred exclusively on the question of underground tests. We like to believe, that, even in this sector, a perceptible widening in the area of agreement can be hoped for. 22.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The eight countries naturally cannot choose between the two opposite interpretations of their Memorandum, since that would defeat the whole purpose of the document, and they watch with concern the work of logic construction by which the two great blocs are trying to divide suggestions formulated with the declared purpose of uniting. They should bear in mind, however, that the progress of nuclear science is of such a nature as to oblige them to review their ideological positions, by virtue of the impact of the development of military technique on attitudes which are becoming daily more obsolete. 20. In the opinion of Brazil, the problem of nuclear disarmament stands apart from, the general framework of disarmament, and the specific question of nuclear tests should be the first to be considered in the sphere of nuclear disarmament.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“These efforts found expression in particular in the presentation of the Eight-Nation Joint Memorandum, which represented an attempt to escape from the impasse of the negotiations on the prohibition of nuclear tests. The Eight-Nation document and the Joint Statement of Agreed Principles (A/4879) constitute, in Our view, the two most constructive documents which have emerged during the past twelve months from the discussions and negotiations on disarmament. Yet. although they were drafted in such a way as to form a basis for understanding and negotiation, the two blocs have in fact used them as battleground on which they have erected, their opposing fortifications, each maintaining that he was its sole master.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Unfortunately, despite the goodwill of all and the enlightened efforts; of some, the Conference of the Eighteen-Nation Committee on Disarmament has achieved but poor results during its recent work. The so-called security interests of the great Powers have made real progress in practical and theoretical negotiations almost impossible. 18. The central problem is that of the establishment of trust between the two opposing blocs. This factor is inseparable from the question of the effective control of disarmament measures which itself depends in a certain sense on trust. It has not been possible to break this vicious circle, despite all the attempts of the eight countries which are members neither of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization nor of the Warsaw Pact. 19.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“As is known, this Conference is working on the drafting of a treaty of general and complete disarmament and on the preparation of a special instrument prohibiting nuclear weapon tests. As far as this latter task is concerned, in addition to the plenary Conference there is the Sub-Committee on a Treaty for the Discontinuance of Nuclear Weapon" Tests, consisting of three members: the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. The Geneva Conference functions by authority of the General Assembly and thereby represents an expression of the thinking of the whole international community, and not simply the interests of the group of great Powers which possess the secrets, the resources and the destructive potential of the nuclear age. 17.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The competence of its two principal bodies, the General Assembly and the Security Council, together with their procedural methods, should also be examined with the object of adopting amendments which appear necessary in the light of theory and experience and of the development of the international the situation. 15. The achievement of a lasting peace remains the supreme task of the United Nations, and here the, most important problem is still that of disarmament. Brazil has the honour of taking part in the Conference of the Eighteen-Nation Committee on Disarmament which meets at Geneva and which was established by General Assembly resolution 1722 (XVI), on the proposal of the United States and the Soviet Union. 16.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“In the various attempts to amend the Charter which have been made since 1946, specific or partial Objectives, were sought after, with the exception of proposals based on Article 109 that a general conference of the: United Nations should be held for the purpose of reviewing the whole of the basic Statutes of the United Nations. 14. In view of. the fact that the United Nations has acquired a truly universal character, serious consideration should be given to the need to review the Charter. It should be adapted to universal reality which it represents today far better than in 1945, at least by the increase in the membership of its major councils, which has enabled dozens of new Members, particularly African-Asian Members, to be represented.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“With regard to the political situation in general, we need only recall that the San Francisco Charter dates from before the atomic and space age and that it was drafted at a time when the two most powerful nations in the world were not yet divided by what We have ; come to call the "cold war”. As for the United Nations itself, it is hardly necessary to recall that: in 1945 it consisted of only fifty-one founder Members, of which Brazil was one, whereas during the sixteenth session of the General Assembly there were already 104 Members, or roughly twice as many. 13.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We should also think of the Charter as consisting of two parts: one, basic and permanent, whose purpose is to define and fix the aims and the ultimate goals of the United Nations; the other, circumstantial and transitory, which establishes the processes and mechanisms needed to achieve these goals. 12. As far as definitions are concerned, the Charter remains valid and up to date, and will remain so in the foreseeable future. But the part which lays down the means of action is without any doubt out of date, since it was conceived and formulated to meet the exigencies of a historical situation which largely hate disappeared.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It is true that the realism that must characterize the activities of statesmen and diplomats, which are restricted, by the modest limits of what is possible, oblige us to recognize that the facts of life overshadow the edifices of reason or feeling. It is equally, true that this same realism requires from rulers an energetic, patient and continuing study of the paths traced by the Charter, because in these times the only alternatives are the progressive building of peace or the possibly sudden destruction of human civilization. 11. We should therefore regard the fundamental objectives of the. United Nations as the culmination of the slow effort of human progress, a culmination Which because of the realities of life can only take place in the distant future, but which is none the less real and necessary.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Having once again been entrusted, as has become customary, with the honourable task of opening the work of the General Assembly, the delegation of, Brazil wishes to reaffirm, its trust in the high aims of "the United Nations. Article 1 of the Charter, despite its conciseness, is rich in great prospects. Its references to international peace and security, the development of "friendly relations among nations based on equal rights and the self-determination of peoples, international co-operation with a view to the economic, social and cultural progress of mankind, and the safeguarding of human freedoms through the abolition of all discrimination because of sex, race or religion, trace for the future a programme of ideas and action so vast that its ideal realization would merge on the horizons of thought into a kind of Golden Age. 10.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Before I begin my statement, Mr. President, allow me to present to you, on behalf of the delegation of Brazil, our most sincere compliments on your election to the Presidency of this Assembly. We are sure that thanks to your background as a jurist and humanist and your, experience as a diplomat and. statesman, you will serve brilliantly in this capacity. 8. I shall also take this opportunity to express once more the deepest feelings of the delegation of Brazil on this first anniversary of the death of the Secretary-General, Mr. Dag Hammarskjold. This is not the time to eulogize him here, but his stay on earth was marked by an admirable life entirely devoted to the loftiest subjects of culture and to strenuous work for the furtherance of peace, in the world. 9.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Brazil is convinced that the United Nations, despite all its weaknesses, is the only body which can hold the balance between the contending camps and make peace secure. Eschewing all considerations of interest or prejudice, Brazil "will, within the United Nations, dedicate itself to the cause of the self- determination of peoples, the struggle against every form of colonialism and racialism, the social advancement and progress of the under-developed countries, democratic freedom within the framework of true coexistence, and peace among men under the protection of God.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“We shall, therefore strongly oppose any proposal likely to reduce the effectiveness or power of action or, in particular, to break up the unity of the Secretariat. 34. Brazil has remained steadfastly faithful to the American community throughout its evolution. 35. Independence and democracy were achieved by our countries at different times and in varying degrees. These basic prizes, however, do not represent the close of our development. They are the instruments for further achievements—above all, economic progress and social justice. Brazil, without claiming any special position of prominence or desiring the creation of blocs- does not forget the community of ethnic and cultural origin which links it to the other Latin American countries, and it will always be at their side in the struggle for the advancement of their peoples. 36.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Unfortunately, the only advance achieved in this field—the voluntary suspension of nuclear tests—has just been brutally cancelled out by actions which can only be regretted. Brazil, like other peaceful nations, cannot but protest against this new menace, and urges immediate negotiations with a view to restoring and, if possible, consolidating the de facto truce through the conclusion of a treaty. 32. The resumption of atomic testing is all the more grievous in that the resuming Power is the very one which had placed itself at the head of the world movement for the cessation of nuclear weapon tests. 33. It is our constant endeavour to strengthen the United Nations, as the main instrument for peace in today's world.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“My delegation accordingly favours discussion of the question of the representation of China, which, despite its undeniable importance, has long been evaded. 29. Brazil's political philosophy is basically democratic in nature. We are not neutralist in the sense of belonging to a "third group", although we often find ourselves in agreement with the group of countries so described. 30. For that reason we shall continue to advocate world disarmament, Utopian though it may, as at present, seem. Brazil is convinced that the United Nations must be the focal point for the discussion and control of world disarmament. Financial savings resulting from disarmament can help to solve the problem of countries' under-development, and contribute materially to the strengthening of peace. 31.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Although its own ideological position is clearly- defined, Brazil in its international relations seeks always to be guided by Article 1, paragraph 2, of the United Nations Charter, which states it to be a purpose of the Organization "to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen Universal peace". Hence, ideological differences per se will not prevent Brazil from maintaining relations with any other people. 28. Furthermore, Brazil believes that the United Nations cannot shirk the open discussion of questions which concern it or are submitted to it by one or more of its Members.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Brazil cannot but deplore the survival of racialism in various parts of the world, especially in South Africa where the problem is assuming tragic proportions from the historical and human standpoint. My country will support any action which the United Nations may take to put an end to racial discrimination. 26. The struggle between the East and the West is essentially ideological in character. The present division between the United States and the Soviet Union is caused neither by economic rivalry nor by a fight for markets. It is a clash between two political philosophies, each of which maintains the primacy of its OWN concept In relation to the destiny of man. 27.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“The German nation has the right to constitute a single State, by a democratic process guaranteeing the free expression of its people's will. Application of the principle of self-determination can have no other consequence. The United Nations cannot agree that any Power, on the basis of a status quo deriving from a position of strength, should permanently obstruct that development. 24. Brazil hopes that the leaders of the Soviet Union and of the United States, moved by the desire to maintain peace, can reach a compromise which will lead to a peaceful settlement of the Berlin problem. 25. The logical sequence of anti-colonialism is anti- racialism.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“My country will always lend its aid to the African countries in this legitimate effort of theirs. It hopes that the new African States will guarantee complete respect for the rights of their citizens and of the foreigners living in them, including, naturally, the nationals of the countries which colonized Africa. This has been Brazil's attitude ever since its conquest of independence. 22. We must not forget that, while the world today is witnessing the liberation of non-European peoples, it is also witnessing the reverse and deplorable process of the oppression of other peoples in the very heart of Europe. The problem of Berlin is inseparable from that of the self-determination of Eastern Germany. The exodus of the refugees is proof of this type of neo-colonialism. 23.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Its destiny thus imposes on it a line of policy that is unalterably anti-colonialist and anti- racialist. 20. Our brotherly relations with Portugal and our traditional friendship with France cannot prevent us from taking up a very clear position on the painful differences that colonialism in Africa is raising between the United Nations and these two countries to which we owe so much and with which we still have so much in common. 21. We think that these two States should bring about self-determination in Algeria and Angola. Nothing will prevent the liberation of Africa. It seems clear that that continent has no desire to fall under the influence of any of the existing blocs. It wishes to assert its own personality, that is, to win its freedom.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Brazil is following very closely the development of the Cuban situation. It continues to maintain that respect for sovereignty, based on the principle of non-intervention, is a compelling obligation in international life and an essential condition for the restoration of continental harmony. Considering, therefore, that Cuba alone can forge its own destiny, Brazil expresses its conviction that, thanks to this process, the democratic ideals and principles which inspire pan-Americanism and owe so much to the political culture of the Cuban people will prevail. 19. The liberation movement of the former colonial peoples will experience no retreat. Brazil, itself a former colony, is building a new civilization, in land that is largely tropical and is inhabited by people of all races.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Self-determination means the end of colonialism — whether its colonies overseas or in colonies close to the parent State—and the end of political, economic, ideological or racial oppression; the victory of peace. But self- determination, to be genuine, presupposes the free exercise of the people's will, in the only possible form—namely, the expression of the will of the majority. 17. The Brazilian people has given practical proof that it is unswerving in its loyalty to the representative principle, which alone can guarantee political freedom. Authoritarian democracy neither seduces nor convinces us. My country has recently resolved one of the greatest institutional crises in its history, without sacrificing its democratic and representative principles—as the whole world has witnessed. 18.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Either peace will be built on the basis of acceptance of the self-determination of peoples, or nationalism will be converted into a pretext for wars that will lead merely to greater economic and ideological enslavement. 15. Brazil maintains that, under present world conditions, peace can be won only through plain respect for the principles of true self-determination—the ideal framework within which to negotiate the solution of differences between States, irrespective of their social and political structure. 16. We are well aware that this result will not be easy to achieve, but we hope that it will be possible, for it is the only formula likely to end the ``cold war" and remove the threat of total war.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“This ideological cleavage makes us forget the existence of yet another division, not ideological, but economic and social—that between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. But although "rapprochement" between the East and the West is attainable by ideological compromise, the immense contrast between North and South can be reduced only by planned action for effective aid by the developed countries of the North to the under-developed countries of the South. 14. The most important political event of the twentieth century is national self-assertion. Scores of nations have been transformed into new States. Pacificism is therefore no longer the supra-national doctrine that it once was. Pacifism today merges with respect for nationalism.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Such a policy would involve inevitable collision with countries where such conceptions are unknown or countries where they are applied in a different way. This would rule out persuasive negotiation, the only method of securing the gradual recognition of human rights. It must thus be concluded that, in this field as well, peace is a prerequisite for the establishment of justice. 12. Furthermore, human rights are not confined to individual rights. True, individual rights are necessary to the assertion of man's spiritual dignity. But human rights are also social rights. Brazil thus recognizes that rights which we once regarded as being confined to the individual sphere should be extended to the social sphere. Human freedom and world peace necessarily depend on social progress. 13. The world is not divided merely into East and West.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“The relatively homogeneous ideological and institutional patterns that characterized the States members of the international community when the- number of sovereign peoples was still small are now a thing of the past. The contacts of our time are between States of a far larger international community, in which the most disparate forms of government are present. 10. It is clear that Governments should be tailored to men, not men to Governments, and that the ideal which merits our constant support is the universal existence, under all types of government, of laws that reflect human freedom and dignity. 11. This conviction and the resulting action do not, however, impose on us a rigidly doctrinaire policy in international affairs.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“In international affairs, on the other hand, political decisions can be taken only through a process of agreement. The modicum of authority existing at the international level transcends the sovereignty of States and rests with the international organizations. 8. Fully conscious of these facts, Brazil practises and encourages direct and peaceful negotiation for the settlement of disputes between States, and also collaborates without reservation in the work of international organizations. We have no commitment, no interest, no aspiration that can prevent us from acting in conformity with the highest purposes of the United Nations. 9. International action should always be undertaken in good faith -- which does not mean that it cannot be flexible.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“Brazil is not prepared to discard the Christian and democratic features of its national personality, or to forget in the future, any more than it has forgotten in the past, the pledging of its word in international instruments. But countries like ours, although not armed for war, can constitute powerful factors for peace. Full awareness of their political maturity obliges them to direct their own destinies. Independence cannot be dissociated from solidarity, which, without independence, would be tantamount to subordination. But subordination is incompatible with responsibility, and responsibility is a necessary element in any international action. 7. In domestic affairs, political decisions are taken on the basis of authority. That is a prerogative of sovereign power, inherent in the institution of the State.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“The peaceful unarmed nations watch the development of this threatening situation without belonging to the small group that decide on war or peace but they constitute none the less the great majority that will suffer from war's disastrous results. It is thus entirely natural that countries like Brazil should be led to adopt an independent position on the world stage, with the rightful purpose of exerting their influence to reduce tensions, resolve disputes and gradually consolidate peace. Such a position of independence does not mean the abandonment of the values inherent in our traditions, or of our international obligations.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“An atomic war, because of its unpredictable consequences, would be a disaster for all, and is, therefore, improbable. But even the "cold war" jeopardizes the future of mankind, not merely because of the expense involved in the arms race, but also by reason of the universal insecurity which destroys confidence in the present and hope for the future. 5. The most disturbing feature is the fact that, far from uniting under the influence of these dangers, the peoples tend increasingly to draw apart from one another. The world has never been so divided by struggles for power and by ideological conflicts. The equilibrium between the destructive forces of the dominant Powers has led the world towards an impasse. The stubborn clinging by these same Powers to their political positions threatens to convert the impasse into general catastrophe.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)
“1. Before beginning my statement, may I be permitted to extend to Mr. Slim my delegation's most sincere congratulations on his election as President of the General Assembly for this session. 2. I would also wish to pay tribute to the memory of Mr. Dag Hammarskjold. As Secretary-General of the United Nations he raised the status of his office to a remarkable degree by his competence, impartiality and courage. His death, which has deeply affected us, has proved that his conception of duty embraced even the final sacrifice. 3. Brazil, which once again has the honour of opening the Assembly's general debate, deems it necessary to state its position on the most important issues in the current international situation. 4. The main problem is the problem of- peace.”
1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)