YouSaid · the spoken record

Nwako

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS NWAKO

lines on the record: 46
first: 1967-09-24
most recent: 1968-09-24
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

“In conclusion, there continue to be persistent areas of tension and conflict which call for settlement, with the best intentions of Member States, in accordance with the spirit of the Charter. In the economic and social sphere, observable progress is made through the endeavours of the organs and agencies of this Organization to alleviate and relieve human suffering and to improve standards of living. Much too often, the prospect for peaceful human existence is bleak, but hope remains, held out by the ideals expressed in the Charter which recognizes the sovereign equality of autonomous States, also affording the continual expression of the rights and dignity of man.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In this regard, my Government particularly welcomes and supports the Economic and Social Council’s recommendation that the United Nations Development Programme should continue to support education and training projects, stress manpower requirements for development projects and consider pre-investment training of the personnel required. 28. In Botswana, the World Food Programme has been increasingly associated with community development involving a variety of projects. Appraisal of these projects indicates that food aid under the programme has been a welcome supplement. The programme has encouraged collective efforts of the people to meet the needs of their own communities. 29.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We welcome the news that co-operative efforts among the developing countries during the past year have brought about close regional ties, especially in Africa where the previous trend has tended to be one of disintegration. We urge that effective measures be taken to intensify concerted action by the United Nations through its specialized agencies concerned with the training of national personnel for the purpose of economic and social development. 27. We would further urge that effective mobilization, channelling and utilization of available human resources be undertaken at national level.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“On the contrary, it is disquieting to note that, whilst the gap between the rich and the poor nations continues to widen, the sources of aid become drier and drier. 25. Asa developing country, our basic needs are needs of an infrastructural nature which are not shared by our immediate neighbours, namely, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. Whereas Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland would be regarded as belonging to a common geographic region with generally similar needs, for purposes of aid which they would share under a regional basis, this concept does not operate in their favour because of the wide distances which separate them from each other. 26.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“As regards economic and social conditions, my delegation recalls that, often in his statements to the nations of the world, the Secretary-General, U Thant, has emphasized the importance of the need to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor nations, and that the attainment of this objective would contribute to the establishment of peace and security in the world. My delegation holds the view that, whilst it is essential for the developing nations to intensify their own efforts in the execution of their development programmes, it would assist considerably if the developed nations would more readily make available aid which is so vital for the implementation of such development programmes.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The USSR forces have remained in Czechoslovakia in defiance of world opinion, and we join in the call on the USSR to withdraw its forces from Czechoslovakian soil. 22. Regarding the Viet-Nam war, the position of my Government remains unchanged, and it is encouraging to know that attempts are being made to find a peaceful settlement in the Paris talks. 23. As we are all aware, this year has been declared the International Year for Human Rights and it is hoped that significant and commemorative activities have been undertaken or will be undertaken to make this year a historical landmark in the affairs of man, and that special efforts will be made, not only to alleviate human suffering, but also to eradicate it wherever it exists. 24.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“An outstanding and rewarding task of the United Nations has been to secure self-determination and independence for the people under foreign rule. The USSR has been most vocal in denunciation of imperialist Powers and has decried any measures to impede the progress of decolonization. These very champions of the cause of the underdog not so long ago horrified the whole world by their armed occupation of Czechoslovakia, an act which is a flagrant breach of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign State and a glaring example of the worst type of imperialism. It is not only heinous in this instance, but also a travesty of faith vis-a-vis those who have signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [see resolution 2373(XXII)].”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Now that the civil war is virtually over, it is hoped that the Federal Government will earnestly engage in the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-torn areas of Nigeria, and endeavour to bring about measures that will ensure reconciliation and lasting peace in a unified Nigeria. 20. There has been no material change in my Government’s stand with respect to the Middle East situation. We note with concern, however, that tension still exists and attitudes have hardened largely due to the complete absence of dialogue between the belligerent parties. We regret that the Secretary-General’s attempts at negotiation through Ambassador Gunnar Jarring have been to no avail. We urge that every facility be given to him in his peace-keeping mission. 21.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“With the consent of my Government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has sent a chargé de mission to investigate the welfare and assist in the placement of refugees. 19. My Government regrets the human suffering and loss of life that has come with the Nigerian civil war. Speculation has naturally centred around the right of Biafra to self-determination, and its extermination by the forces of Federal Nigeria. We feel that the attainment of independence is only the prerequisite for any State’s realizing itself through nationhood and solidarity. Whilst my Government would not support tribal secessionist movements, it deplores the extermination of a people.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We are currently giving refuge to an alarming influx of Angolans who have fled from Portuguese oppression. Needless to say, our social amenities are being strained to the limit and we cannot adequately cope with the demands which such numbers impose. However, my Government is at present engaged in contingency planning aimed at the resettlement of these refugees. 18. Our refugee policy has continued to be humanitarian, and as supporters of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, we have passed legislation which basically accords with the spirit and import of the Convention. Therefore, I wish to refute very strongly the false allegations that my Government collaborates with the South African Government or Southern Rhodesia by deporting genuine refugees to those countries. There is not one such case on record.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The present situation affects our development programme adversely. Similarly, we have had to contend with a number of embarrassing situations stemming from the political turmoil in Southern Rhodesia. We are therefore anxious for the speedy solution of that impasse. 17. One outcome of the political instability in southern Africa is the continuing problem of refugees, and Botswana has had to act as the country of first asylum for refugees from States neighbouring it. At the twenty-second session of the General Assembly [1579th meeting], I made a statement on the refugees with a view to drawing the attention of the world community to the problems which, of necessity, derive from our receiving the refugees — those who are in transit and those who through circumstances beyond their control are compelled to stay.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The hopes of my delegation have been raised by the resumption of talks between the United Kingdom Prime Minister and Ian Smith — although here I may be a little out of date — and we hope that there will be no abdication of the well-known six principles; we hope that, even if the mandatory sanctions did not succeed, the United Kingdom will still hold itself responsible for the overthrow of the rebel régime in Southern Rhodesia and the establishment of conditions for progress towards majority rule and self-determination. 15. We regret to observe that elements of racial segregation are already creeping into Southern Rhodesian legislation; if not halted, this may result in the free world witnessing the further complication of racial politics in Southern Africa. 16. My country has had long economic ties with Southern Rhodesia.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Furthermore, it is urged that, whilst the self-determination of South West Africa is under review, the South African Government should refrain from implementing its policy regarding the separate development of its inhabitants, as the international community on whose behalf the South African Government is administering the Territory has already made its pronouncements against the policy of apartheid. 14. Regarding Southern Rhodesia, my Government condemns the unilateral declaration of independence, as it has always done in the past. In accordance with my Government’s policy, we do not desire to invoke the use of military force because we maintain that the concerted use of the intensified mandatory economic sanctions in the spirit intended would still bring down the Smith régime.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“My delegation further asserts that it is futile to engineer impracticable recommendations which are provocative of the type of resistance South Africa has shown, and in order to resolve the stalemate that now exists would urge that the Secretary-General engage actively in a dialogue with the South African Government regarding the ultimate self-determination of the peoples of South West Africa, for it is our understanding that South Africa does not dispute the international status of South West Africa, and that its administration of that territory is on an interim basis.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“This sterility of resolutions and the expense in time and energy expended in debate proposing and adopting these resolutions undermine the respectability and authority not only of particular committees, but also of the whole decision-making machinery of this Organization. South West Africa (Namibia) is a case in point. My Government wishes to repeat its contention that the solution of the South West African (Namibian) issue must essentially be undertaken by a tripartite body representative of the United Nations, the Government of the Republic of South Africa, as the de facto administering authority, together with the people of South West Africa as a whole. 13.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The views of my Government regarding the South African policy of apartheid are well known, as they have been clearly enunciated on various occasions in the past when it has been necessary to do so. But are there no other areas, in the rest of the world, which need to come under scrutiny for a similar contagion? In some areas the denial of the full expression of the individual’s rights is manifested in more subtle ways and is not openly publicized. However, the sin of commission remains a sin whether publicly known or not; whether statutory or not. 12. My delegation notes with concern a tendency to churn out recommendations and resolutions the implementation of which is doubtful. The futility of such decisions cannot be over-emphasized for they rather produce the opposite effect to the one intended.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Could it be possible that close scrutiny of the motives involved would reveal something that was undesirable and vacillation over moral issues? 10. The cosmopolitan community here present seeks through various ways to find and maintain unity in a common humanitarian conscience to which all Members subscribe. This conscience transcends physical and political boundaries as well as geographical or political pockets in which there is no exercise or limited exercise of the inalienable rights of the individual to freedom and self-determination. Because of that, some countries in southern Africa are the focus of world attention, for reasons well known to this body. 11.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“With this attitude, we do not shy away from contentious problems and issues, because we maintain that as long as there is a willingness to talk, peaceful solutions can be reached in some of the most difficult circumstances. It is therefore alarming to note that important moral issues have been omitted from the agenda; in fact, it fills us with apprehension. We ask ourselves: Does not the United Nations provide the opportunity for self-searching and recrimination because in any case we have an excess of condemnations and counter-condemnations which are not essentially synthetic processes? Does not the exclusion of Czechoslovakia and Viet-Nam from the agenda substantiate the apprehension of my delegation?”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is they who can still keep the conscience of the world community alive. 8. Nowadays the greater Powers are, as they say, obliged to negotiate from positions of strength; hence the emphasis on “might”. Perhaps it is pertinent to sound a word of warning that “power corrupteth” and especially when political action is not necessarily guided by moral principles. There is a growing sense of doubt when problems of right and wrong remain unresolved. 9. My country is one of the smaller States whose contribution to the continued existence of this body is to Keep this conscience of the world community alive. For this reason, we believe in peaceful negotiation as envisaged in the United Nations Charter, and my Government will at all times support every effort that seeks to resolve disputes through peaceful negotiation and constructive dialogue.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The fact of geographical placement is absolute and we do not regret it, but the international community will do well to appreciate the problems which affect each of us, problems which derive from our situation at the southern tip of Africa. 7. Continual reassessment of the United Nations in terms of the principles and aims embodied in the Charter is vital to its continued existence, because from time to time the fulfilment of its aims is curtailed and even violated in various places for various reasons. The constant reiteration of the principles of justice, human rights, the dignity of man and respect for the integrity of autonomous States prods the conscience of the world. In this process of reassessment, my delegation wishes the undisputed place of the smaller nations to be recognized.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is a special joy to Botswana that Swaziland has come into this community of nations and we look forward to its contribution to the varied problems which confront this Organization. 6. Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland have had a long history of association with common problems and aspirations under British protection. These three States occupy a unique position, both geographically and politically, in southern Africa and, by virtue of this fact, they have a claim to practical and intimate experience of the complex race relations and the resultant attitudes peculiar to that part of the world, which is one of the points of focus of international attention.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Corneliu Manescu, for the able and impartial manner in which he conducted the business of the twenty-second session of the General Assembly, which was, to say the least, characterized by a variety of extremely grave and contentious issues. 4. May I address myself to the Secretary-General in no less complimentary terms for the way in which he has continued to discharge his onerous task. It has not been easy for him to decide on courses of action acceptable to all the delegations of this body, but his sincerity, integrity and wise judgement have confirmed the respect of my delegation for him. 5. Lastly, I wish to congratulate Swaziland on its attainment df independence and on becoming a Member of the United Nations.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“1. My delegation wishes to take this opportunity to congratulate the President on his appointment to this high office during the twenty-third session of the General Assembly. 2. It would be redundant to recite the compliments he has rightly received with regard to his distinguished legal and political career. Suffice it to say that we concur with them and hope that, under his guidance, this present session will move towards resolving some of those international problems which have been hardened by the perennial character they have already acquired. 3. My delegation wishes also to extend its warmest congratulations to the distinguished President of the last session, His Excellency Mr.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“I would say that it would be most far-sighted and in the best interests of all the peoples of the world if those Powers' own development were slowed down if only to that little extent which would enable the developing countries not only to stand on their own feet but indeed to assist them in their own further progress.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“But it is not enough that the burden of aid to developing countries should be carried by only a few countries in the world. 233. There will never be peace, nor prosperity, nor stability in this world until the wide discrepancy between the "haves" of the developed world and the "have-nots" of the developing world has been narrowed. In the same way as the devastated countries of Europe were assisted after the Second World War, developing countries can be helped until they can stand on their own, If only in their own interests of peace and security and their own peaceful further development, it seems vitally necessary that the more fortunate, wealthy developed Powers should ensure that the world in which they live should contain no soil in which the seeds of bitterness, frustration and disappointment can be sown.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Pride may sustain an empty stomach, but the wearing of a loin-cloth when the other man is well fed and clad in elegant robes Is not enough in the long run. 232. Eventually, standards of living throughout the world must be raised to a point where political independence is matched by really viable economic independence, We are willing to use our maximum effort and personal endeavours to this end, in increasing measure as we overcome tribalism, sectionalism and other obstacles which frustrate us. But, except for a few lucky countries with natural wealth, we cannot do this without assistance. We look to the developed countries of the world, while they are endeavouring to raise their own standards, to do as much for us. Those of us who at present benefit from aid generously given are most truly appreciative of what has been done.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“This century — and this applies particularly to the years since the Second World War — has seen unprecedented progress made in the achievement of self-determination and independence throughout the world by the developing peoples. Some peoples have achieved independence through the miseries of forceful rebellion against the former colonial Powers, but much has been achieved by and with the willing consent of those Powers. For this there is great reason for many millions of people to be happily thankful. 231. At the risk of stating the obvious, 1 should like to point out that in very many instances independence is somewhat of a mockery. Political independence — the ability to look the other man in the eye as an equal — is a splendid thing. It has been gladly welcomed and is most heartily appreciated.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“We would wish to see the Government of South Africa genuinely and unreservedly restore the natural rights and liberties of the non-Whites of that country. How proud would we be to see the day when we would have amongst us In this august Assembly a South African delegation which was truly representative of the cross-section of the population of South Africa. Botswana holds the view that South Africans of every colour or creed have a stake in their country and that all must share equally in the wealth and other gifts of nature with which it is so richly endowed. 230. In conclusion, I should like to say a few words on the matter of development. It may be thought that, because Botswana is a poor country, what 1 say concerns Botswana alone. This, however, is not the case. I plead on behalf of all developing nations and peoples.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Not only does this represent a serious security problem as far as Botswana is concerned, but it involves my country in economic and other difficulties with which it has to cope. 227. The international community cannot continue to overlook the seriousness of this situation, which may develop into something much more dangerous for the whole of southern Africa. 228. We can but hope and pray that the day is not too far distant when South Africa will change its present policies and fall into line with other nations in upholding fundamental human rights and freedom for all. 229. It will be futile if, in its desire to improve its relations with other African States, the South African Government does not take positive steps to remove the social, economic and political disabilities now suffered by its indigenous peoples.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Naturally, aid offered by South Africa will, like aid from any other country, be scrutinized very carefully for any strings that may be attached and will only be accepted if there are none. 226. In connexion with the situation in southern Africa, I wish to refer to a serious problem which has recently arisen in my country. Freedom fighters, originally from South Africa, returning from countries further north and desiring to re-enter South Africa to continue their struggle for freedom, have been engaged in military activities with Rhodesian security forces, and when hard pressed have retreated into Botswana, where my Government has been compelled, in according with our laws, to arrest them and to disarm them.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Provided that such diplomats are accorded complete non-racial equality of treatment, that would be a step in the right direction, demonstrating that the barriers of race can with goodwill be removed. We think that South Africa cannot exist indefinitely in the African continent without African or black friendship, in the same way as we are convinced that the other States of Africa could profit from South Africa's friendship and benefit from its developed skills, expertise and know-how. 225. As I have said before, we should be able to move forward to prosperity together. South Africa, as the most highly developed State in Africa, is, we understand, prepared to offer technical assistance and aid to other States in Africa.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Indeed, it is our great pride that we feel that we have already gone a long way towards success, and it is gladdening that already several people of other races have become citizens of what is a predominantly black State. 223. We judge other countries by the standards which we have set up for ourselves and to the extent that the stand of South Africa on racial questions differs from ours, to that extent do we regret the South African attitudes. We cannot agree to the principle of separate development; we believe that all races can advance together to prosperity and happiness as one community, given the right conditions of education, standards of living and opportunity. 224. It has recently been reported that the Republic of South Africa is contemplating establishing diplomatic relations with African States on a basis of equality.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In terms of this Treaty [Article IX], signatories to the Treaty undertake to be guided in their activities in this connexion by the principle of cooperation and mutual assistance, with due regard to the corresponding interests of all other States Parties to the Treaty. 222. I feel that it is necessary to add a few words on what is, in the minds of many, a major issue, and that is the relationship of States outside the Republic of South Africa with the people and Government of that country, and particularly the relationship of Botswana. You, Mr. President, and representatives are aware of the establishment of Botswana as a non-racial State in which all races can live in amity and self-respect, with equal opportunities for advancement. We are determined to succeed in this ideal, which we believe is becoming a reality.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Peace is indivisible and therefore the maintenance of peace and security in all parts of the world is a matter of great concern to Botswana. 220. My delegation recognizes the danger to mankind represented by the possession of nuclear weapons, the necessity to limit the number of nations in possession of nuclear weapons and the need for the protection of those nations which do not possess nuclear weapons, and it will therefore support all measures intended to promote international agreement on the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes. 221. Botswana is already a signatory to the Treaty on Principles Governing the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The armaments race in any part of the world is not only a crushing burden upon the country or countries involved but represents a constant threat to all, in that war may at any time engulf the whole world. 219. As a peace-loving nation, Botswana subscribes to the principle that war should be outlawed as an instrument for the settlement of international disputes. Botswana recognizes the right of every nation to defend itself against armed attack and that no nation should be allowed to benefit from its aggression. Aggression must be interpreted broadly to include the threat or the use of force to bring about change, Botswana will support all measures calculated to decrease tension between nations and to promote the settlement of disputes by peaceful means and the maintenance of peace and security.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“But if, for the time being, they come as two Chinas, my delegation feels that we should accept them as such and do all we can to encourage them to resolve their difficulties, but not seek to impose a false unity upon them. Both Chinas, it would appear, claim to be working for the ultimate emergence of a single, united nation, but that day is not yet. In the meantime, we must recognize the realities of the situation as It is today. "My Government is in favour of the admission of Communist China to the United Nations, but it is unequivocally opposed to the expulsion of the Republic of China." [1481st meeting, paras. 31-33.] 218. The delegation of Botswana is prepared to support all measures and efforts directed towards the reduction of armaments among nations to a level consistent with the requirements of self-defence.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Ambassador Matthews said last year: "My delegation finds itself unable to approve of the idea of doing justice to one group by doing injustice to another. We are probably all agreed that we should like to see only one China in the Assembly, but the question is whether it is the business of this Organization to seek to impose an artificial unity upon the Chinese people. "The question of the unity of China is one for the Chinese people to solve. All we are entitled to say is that we are prepared to welcome to the United Nations all the people of China and to express the hope that they will find ways and means of coming to this Organization as a united people.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“It is, here again, most earnestly hoped that the two sides can be brought at an early date to the conference table and that the dispute can be settled peacefully and honourably. The international community as represented by the United Nations is anxious to have this war brought to a peaceful and honourable end, and my delegation will support all measures intended to bring the parties in the dispute to the conference table and to allow the people of Viet-Nam to exercise the right of self-determination and to resume normal peace-time activities. 217. The question of the representation of China in the United Nations will no doubt again be considered by the General Assembly, This question is complicated by the fact that there are two States which claim to be China. In this connexion, my delegation would like to reiterate its previous stand.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“All these questions require to be dealt with as a matter of urgency before another eruption breaks out in the Middle East. Botswana hopes very much that reasonable attitudes will prevail among all the antagonists which will make it possible for them to meet round the conference table and to work for a just, peaceful and lasting settlement which will be acceptable to and supported by the international community. 216. In respect of the Viet-Nam war, Botswana deplores the savage and wholesale destruction of life and property, the misery of the continual wounding and maiming of innocent people, the impossibility of social and economic development and of the raising of living standards for all because of the devastating war.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“It seems clear, however, that these sanctions have not brought about the desired results, and the whole question will have to be examined afresh to see what further measures should be adopted, especially by the United Kingdom Government. 214. So far as the Middle East dispute is concerned, there has been no substantial alteration in the Botswana viewpoint. Cur belief, first, in the territorial integrity and political independence of all States in the Middle East, including Israel; second, in a termination of the state of belligerency; third, in a serious effort to solve the growing refugee problem in the Middle East; fourth, in free passage through international waterways; and fifth, a peaceful solution of the problem of Jerusalem, is unchanged. 215.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“I will not at this stage expand at too great length on what will probably be the subject of separate discussion later, I would, however, like to say generally, in respect of Rhodesia, that the position of Botswana is what it always has been, and that is that Botswana strongly condemns the unlawful declaration of independence by the Rhodesian Front Government, and hopes for an early negotiated settlement which will restore a lawful government in which, after a relatively short period, the majority of people in Rhodesia will rule their own country on the basis of representation by an elected majority. 213. It will be recalled that limited mandatory sanctions were adopted against Rhodesia last year.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“At the fifth special session, it was decided to establish a United Nations Council for South West Africa to discharge this responsibility on behalf of the United Nations. We in Botswana are, however, uneasy about the impracticability of attempting to do anything in respect of South West Africa except in consultation with South Africa, which, de facto, administers the Territory. It is realized that the Republic of South Africa is at present unwilling to take part in such consultation, and we can only hope for an early, change in this attitude. Furthermore, it is our hope that South Africa will not take any unilateral step to alter the international status of that Territory. 212.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The Government of Botswana has recently participated in the United Nations International Seminar on Apartheid, Racial Discrimination and Colonialism in Southern Africa. It did so because it is convinced that these evils should be rooted out from that part of the continent to which we belong and in which we are endeavouring to develop a society free from racial discrimination. The Government of Botswana will support all practical and reasonable measures designed to achieve freedom from racial discrimination and from the domination of one group by another in any part of the world. 211. It will be recalled that during the twenty-first session a resolution was adopted terminating the Mandate of South Africa over South West Africa and deciding that the United Nations should assume responsibility for the administration of that Territory.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“As a newly independent State, Botswana is naturally interested in the granting of independence to those countries and peoples that still remain under colonial rule in one form or another. Coming as we do from Africa, we deplore the fact that there still are a number of peoples and Territories in our continent that have not yet achieved self-determination and independence, and we would urge those Powers which continue to hold millions of people in subjection to give serious consideration to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This refers particularly to Territories such as Rhodesia, South West Africa, the Territories under Portuguese domination, and to all other Territories under colonial domination. 210.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“207. The agenda of the twenty-second session of the General Assembly shows that the Assembly will be confronted, as usual, with a wide variety of subjects of great importance for the welfare of mankind and the maintenance of international peace and security. Some of these subjects have appeared again and again on the agenda of the General Assembly, and this demonstrates that the task confronting the nations of the world is a continuing one, with difficulties and obstacles that cannot readily be overcome. We must continue to wrestle with these problems in the hope that in the course of time solutions will be found and measures adopted which will enable us to fulfil more adequately the aims and objectives of the United Nations Charter. 208. I should like to refer briefly to some of these topics. 209.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“206. At the outset, my delegation would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the twenty- second session of the General Assembly. You are following a distinguished line of predecessors. Your immediate predecessor, His Excellency Ambassador Pazhwak of Afghanistan, carried a very heavy burden with distinction during the twenty-first session of the Assembly and the special sessions on South West Africa and the Middle East. The whole international community is indebted to him for his service. My delegation wishes to express the hope that you will be more fortunate in the burdens you will have to carry during this session. We have no doubt that you will discharge the duties of your high office with the same dignity, impartiality and wisdom that we have come to expect from Presidents of this august Assembly.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)