YouSaid · the spoken record

Turbay Ayala

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS TURBAY AYALA

lines on the record: 102
first: 1958-09-24
most recent: 1961-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“Our solidarity with the nations of the free world is well known, as is our zeal not to jeopardize that unify which we regard as essential for the defence of the democratic system, under whose banner we have always fought to achieve our goals of well-being and dignity. 225. It is obvious that mere political freedom cannot become the sole objective of nations, but it is no less certain that we can never renounce it on the pretext of safeguarding material welfare. The concepts of security and freedom must be combined so as to produce a constructive plan in which the development of nations can proceed within the framework of liberty. 226. There are, to be sure, two systems for achieving material progress, and both have given positive results.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Because of our restricted possibilities of action in the field of international conflict, we feel free of responsibility for submitting plans to this critical audience on the control of outer space and the use of nuclear energy. We are sure that the Assembly will forgive and understand our moderation and our determination not to play the part of a great Power when we are not one. We believe in our own simplicity, and our conduct in national and international matters is appropriate to our recognized limitations. It requires as much maturity to manage weakness as it does to know how to be strong. 224. We proclaim our democratic status with pride; We uphold all those values which ennoble and dignify existence, and we continue to regard freedom as the supreme good of all people.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“S, Khrushchev, obviously contained much propaganda material, but despite its polemical tone it did finally recognize the need for an understanding between the United States and the Soviet Union. All of us, perhaps without exception, regard such an understanding as the primary requirement for strengthening world peace. 223. In the circumstances, everything calls upon us to be discreet and reminds us that our role is not to intensify disagreements but to encourage closer understanding among nations. That is why the voice of my country is raised in this hall not to deliver insults but rather to staunch wounds. We wish at all times to keep our feet on the firm ground of reality and to work sensibly and dispassionately.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“My country, which like most Latin American countries has already celebrated 150 years of independence, has a long tradition of pacificism and a firm democratic discipline. We repudiate an armaments mentality in all its forms. We are a country ruled by law. We have confidence in our lawful authorities, and we have no need to arm our people in order to surround them with safeguards and serve their interests. 222. I have listened with particular interest to the speeches that have been made here and, despite the fiery tone of some of them, I must confess that my country continues to have faith in the possibility that the United States and the Soviet Union may find a reasonable common ground for the settlement of their differences. The speech of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Mr. N.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“My country realizes that the world is living through one of the crucial moments in history and that here in this memorable Assembly the peoples have an opportunity of rebuilding the hopes that were frustrated by untoward events. I know full well that in an objective analysis of the world situation it is of no great importance when a country like mine, with only fifteen million inhabitants, proclaims its desire for concord and its decided preference for the methods of persuasion and understanding. Colombia can state with pride that it has never constituted a threat to its neighbours and that within its own limited possibilities it has never been a cause of international tension.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“My country does not, of course, claim to possess any magic formula that could ensure a happy solution of this complicated problem. Our attitude is not prompted by brash self-conceit but by a legitimate aspiration that mankind should be preserved and live on. 221. If progress is made towards disarmament, there will be, no war, for unarmed peoples do not usually engage in armed conflict. On the day when nations have no power of intimidation, their disputes will be settled by peaceful means, and mankind will attain undreamed-of heights of progress. Similarly, disarmament will enable nations to live together in peace, and peaceful co-existence will emerge spontaneously and set the international tone.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“At the present moment, man possesses instruments of war which can increase his power of destruction still further, and, for peace of mind, and above all for survival, mankind must be assured that these diabolical weapons will remain unused. 220. Although the very power of nuclear weapons to destroy would seem to remove the likelihood of atomic war, it is by no means out of the question that man, whose rashness has been attested to in history by many examples, may, in a moment of pride or despair —the results of which would in this case be the same— light the fatal bonfire that will consume the world. We still have time to press the vital urgency of a resumption of negotiations on disarmament by the great Powers.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“To this end, my country makes a sincere appeal to the principal actors in the world drama to put forward formulae for agreement which will make it possible for mankind to live, as President Roosevelt proclaimed, in freedom from fear. 219. The armaments race has been consuming the energies of the Powers with the greatest technical and economic potentialities. In this respect, science has turned away from its worthiest goals in order to place itself at the service of tremendous experiments that can exert a destructive power capable of thrusting mankind back into the first darkness of creation. What was once regarded as the fantasy of a few dreamers is today indisputable reality.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“It would be unfair to increase still further the world's burden of anxiety and to undermine its hope in the success of this meeting, which could hardly be at a higher level. May I be allowed to say that this is a real summit meeting, and that an agreement can be reached here on the healing formulae which we had all hoped would emerge from the Paris Summit Conference of May 1960. 218. We are convinced of the infinite danger which lies in the failure of the great Powers to agree on the question of disarmament. There can be no doubt that this is the key point on which many very vexatious problems to a great extent depend. The world's yearning for peace would be satisfied in large measure if, through a joint effort by all peoples of good will, the great Powers could succeed in agreeing to resume negotiations on disarmament.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“There can be no doubt that the debates of this Assembly have an active and effective educational impact on world opinion. For my own part, I may say that I am now more than ever wary of all oratorical excess. 217. Mankind is entitled to trust in the sense of responsibility of those who can, if they will, guide the world along paths of peace and social well-being. It is well-nigh inconceivable that this Assembly, which is attended by the Heads of Government of the greatest Powers as well as other eminent statesmen and distinguished international leaders, should not decide to convey to all the peoples of the world a message of confidence in the present and faith in the future.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“This does not, however, prevent me from greeting all those who come here as genuine representatives of their peoples with the same respect as I shall show when I am forced to dissent from many of their opinions. 216. I believe that I am not mistaken when I single out as the greatest advantage of the United Nations the permanent opportunity which it affords to all countries to make their views heard from this rostrum whose echoes are undeniably world-wide. The way in which the great Powers and the small nations follow each other as their turn comes to speak is a noble and encouraging example of democracy. It is also, of course, a valuable experience for countries to witness the simplicity with which the voice of reason usually speaks.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Mr. President, you represent a country whose cultural traditions, desire for peace and political maturity we all admire. The task of conducting the debates of this world forum has thus fallen to expert, impartial and steady hands. I congratulate you, Mr. Boland, on the signal honour bestowed upon you by the Assembly, and I congratulate the Assembly on its wisdom in electing you to the Chair. 214. World opinion, which has always followed the progress of the Assembly’s work with interest, is understandably devoting the closest possible attention to the events that are taking place how in this hall which so many distinguished leaders are honouring with their presence. 215. Obviously, my country cannot share many of the views which have been expressed here and which have imparted an unnecessarily acrimonious note to the general debate.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“We have faith in a prosperous future for humanity; and, within our limited capacity, we wish to serve the interests of peace, so that the coming generations will have no cause to disown the leaders of the present generation and will have opportunities of enriching the world with the invaluable gifts of their intelligence and their knowledge. Fortunately, the threat of war is receding, and everything seems to indicate that reason will triumph in its present contest with brute force. 55. These are the views of a country which respects law, has faith in spiritual values, trusts in democracy, and is equally attached to freedom and to peace.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We have always believed that the influence of the United Nations should be felt throughout the widest possible area of opinion, and we therefore trust that before long conditions will be created such as will enable the maximum number of States to join the world Organization. Matters are gradually moving in this direction, and everything suggests that this favourable trend will continue until the day comes when all countries are in a position to serve the cause of peace within the framework of the United Nations. 54.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“My country knows that discriminatory practices are not conducive to the expansion of foreign trade, and has therefore stated that it is prepared to sell its products to any who wish to buy them, on a basis of equality for all and favouritism for none. 52. Colombia has also expounded and given effect to a policy of international co-operation for the purpose of protecting the prices of its basic products, and it is therefore prepared to examine, with the representatives of the countries concerned, effective plans for checking over-production in these commodities and for regulating the world market. 53.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“When the bounds of discretion are overstepped and the systems devised by countries to strengthen their friendship are used for other purposes, diplomatic relations are thwarted in their very nature and become superfluous in cases where such offences are detected. 50. Colombia has maintained a policy of friendship with all countries, and of consistent, respect for all Governments. Accordingly, and to the extent which it deemed necessary, it has extended its diplomatic and commercial relations. To protect our economy, we have had to reach understandings with the countries which also produce our main export commodity; and this fact makes us realize that we cannot take a narrow view of any problem, but that all questions must be examined in the light of their international implications. 51.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“If nuclear weapons were employed, the world would revert to the first night of Genesis, and the few survivors — if indeed there were any at all — would merely serve as witnesses of the apocalyptic tragedy which it is incumbent upon every one of us to prevent. 49. Colombia is convinced that, on the American continent and throughout the rest of the world, the principle of non-intervention should be respected by all countries. We have seen that intervention does not always take the clear-cut form of a frontal attack, but often, as the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Taboada, has observed, proceeds by diplomatic infiltration. Good relations between nations must undoubtedly have, as a prime feature, genuine respect for the peoples' domestic affairs; in regard to these, diplomatic or consular agents may be spectators, but not actors.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Stalin, and may they serve to shield the world from the unspeakable dangers of the atomic war which the monumental loser of the Second World War had himself planned! 46. It is to be hoped that the talks which have begun may be extended to include the leaders of the other nuclear Powers, since the latter bear inescapable responsibilities and must make a decisive contribution to the maintenance of harmony among the peoples. 47. The unarmed countries, like the one I represent, have placed great hope in the new and promising phase of relationships between East and West. Our concern is understandable because the small nations, like the big ones, nearly always experience all the horrors of any war. 48. It may be well for me to record Colombia's conviction that the world must in no circumstances consent to a third world war.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It would be naive to assume that these actions alone can bring order to this turmoil-ridden world of ours; but it would equally be foolish to deny that such contacts relieve the international atmosphere and create a better psychological climate for understanding. 44., Many benefits can flow from a better mutual understanding between two worlds, which have remained closed to each other by the will of one of them, and which are only now, at the highest level, seeking once more the "rapprochement" which was interrupted lifter both had battled memorably against the combined forces of Nazism and Fascism. 45. May these conversations be as successful as those which took place between Mr. Roosevelt and Mr.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Colombia has growing confidence in the effectiveness of direct contacts between statesmen, and does not conceal its satisfaction at those now being established between the representatives of the two greatest world Powers of all time. Undoubtedly, the exchange of visits between Mr. Khrushchev, Mr. Eisenhower and Mr. Nixon represents a happy step in the path towards cordial relations, in that it does something more than merely provide evidence of the antagonism between the two countries, which are quite rightly regarded as giants in the fields of science, economy, peace and war. 43.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It depends entirely on us whether we act as a force capable of decision or proceed on an individualistic basis, supporting the plans of others without making any decisions of our own. In the last analysis, it is a question of which of these two verbs — “support” or "decide" — the Latin American countries prefer to conjugate. 41. Nobody can deny that we are peace-loving peoples and that we therefore seek to settle disputes by reasoning, persuasion and other peaceful means. Perhaps this policy arises from our conviction that this is the Held in which we can make our maximum contribution towards harmony among the nations. 42.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The opportunities which language, geography and history have extended to the Latin American nations are exceptional factors making for the achievement of political unity on the international plane. But we have not made adequate use of these advantages and have preferred to act on the basis of an individualistic outlook, instead of being guided by the principle of continental understanding. 40. It is far from Colombia's intentions to propose to the other American countries an exclusive type of alliance or a plan in anyway limiting their full freedom of action. Its proposal is simply that the countries of this hemisphere be asked to tighten their international links, to improve their sources of information, to bear their own importance well in mind, and to exercise a more active and direct influence in the consideration of world problems.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We have no difficulty in committing ourselves on this matter and stating that such a stand is in line with long-established doctrinal convictions, which fortunately enjoy abundant support from public opinion in our nation. 38. Colombia has always believed, and has so stated on other occasions, that if the Latin American countries decided to co-ordinate their efforts they would undoubtedly be able to play a historic role of very extensive proportions in the United Nations. The numerical importance of these countries enables them to play a more significant part in major international decisions. We are the greatest combination of nations linked together by the ties of a common language, united by the same religious beliefs, and defending the same spiritual and political values. 39.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“In this connexion we would mention, as a step forward, the conclusions reached at the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at Santiago, Chile, where we affirmed that the support of peace in America required an active combination of democracy, respect for the principle of non-intervention, the defence and application of human rights, and the economic security of the individual. As can be seen, we, the nations of the Western Hemisphere, have used our regional organization to surround our peoples with an atmosphere of genuine spiritual independence and unbreakable political security. 37. Obviously, my country fully supports the Powers responsible for maintaining and defending Western civilization.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Brazil, which is fully aware of the grave problem constituted by the contrast between the rapid growth in population and the slow economic progress characteristic of most countries in this hemisphere, has reappraised our needs and proposed a programme of achievement known as “Operation Pan-America”. 35. We cannot be indifferent to the fate of this salutary initiative, which we are all interested in promoting and seeing fully implemented. On behalf of Colombia I proclaim our support of the idea which the President of Brazil, Mr. Kubitschek, has expounded so ably and in a spirit of service which the rest of vs deeply appreciate. 36. It might not be out of place to stress the importance which the peoples of America attach to spiritual values and to respect for the dignity of the human person.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We need technical assistance and economic cooperation in order to achieve social tranquillity and to make a better contribution to international peace. Therefore, the concept should be clearly established that nations in the position of mine seek and accept, not charity, but assistance. Latin America is able to return, in ample measure, the help which is being given to it at the present time. We are convinced that the countries of this continent, if timely aid is provided, will be able to fulfil their historic mission and render unflagging service to the basic principles of freedom and peace. 34.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is clear that the American countries as a whole are making heroic and self-sacrificing efforts to equip themselves for the battle against economic stagnation. Certainly the establishment of the Inter-American Bank, which will begin operations next year, is a step in the right direction from the standpoint of our prosperity. Naturally, we do not believe that its capital will suffice to effect a complete transformation of living conditions in Latin America, although it is our firm conviction that this institution, gradually receiving greater contributions, is destined to produce good results. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development must be regarded as one of the many possible sources of help for Latin American countries. 33.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It may be worth stating that the effort to change conditions in the economically backward and socially dissatisfied countries calls for less financial investment and technical endeavour than has been put into service in order to place within the peoples’ reach, as a cursed legacy of science, the terrible weapons of destruction controlled by certain nations at the present time. 31. We are aware that the United Nations is assigning due importance to economic problems and has already taken certain steps along a road which must be covered in its entirety. It might be possible to consider some resolution which would commit countries to provide for economic development sums at least equivalent to those that they are investing in the mad race for armaments. 32.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The greatest contribution which can be made to the ultimate victory of democracy is -undoubtedly that which can be made to economic development, so that the peoples may be brought to enjoy the benefits of civilization and maintain a level of living commensurate with the supreme dignity of the human being. The cause of peace will always be better served by those peoples whose paths to the future are not obstructed by insurmountable economic obstacles. 30. At the risk of being repetitive, I would like to stress Colombia’s view that the battle against poverty is an urgent necessity for the purpose of strengthening social peace.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Colombia, which has drawn its spiritual sustenance from the springs of Christianity and resolutely adheres to all the values which go to make up Western civilization, appreciates that within the system of private enterprise and political freedom it is feasible to work towards objectives of justice which will avoid inequalities and the possibility that poverty may create social problems leading to unimagined consequences. We do not propose any change in the present system, but we suggest, rather, some rearrangement which will enable it to continue along the civilizing, path of its destiny. It has been stated — and these are no empty words — that the concept of peace is inseparable from the concepts of freedom, Security and well-being, 29.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The explosive power of want is comparable to that of nuclear weapons themselves, and therefore calls for immediate and effective solution. No less urgent and important than a policy of disarmament is action to avert the series of disasters which economic underdevelopment brings in its train, 27. The United Nations cannot, of course, at any time neglect political problems or the situations arising from the overwhelming pressure daily exerted by developments in the fields of nuclear energy and the knowledge of cosmic space; but no less certainly must it pay special attention to the study of formulae for economic co-operation and technical assistance that will enable the backward peoples to raise their levels of living. 28.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Colombia, however, has a problem which is common to twenty countries in this hemisphere and to at least 1,500 million human beings living in various parts of the globe. It is a serious situation, which should be faced with courage and determination. Its treatment, unfortunately, is not dependent solely on action by the countries which suffer from it. I refer to economic under-development, the disruptive potentialities of which none would presume to deny, 26. Other measures adopted to ensure peace will have little effect if the peoples’ distress, and social difficulties, cannot be quickly relieved. Colombia has no hesitation in stigmatizing economic under-development as the most formidable enemy of political stability and international peace, and in regarding want as the most deplorable and repulsive dictatorship ever experienced by man.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is unreasonable, to say the least, to advocate the international application of standards which are not enforced at the national level. 24. Fortunately, my country has no problem of conscience, and can speak in this Assembly with full moral authority on the subject of respect for the basic principles of this world Organization. In Colombia, the Government is genuinely popular and democratic in origin, and freedom of expression is curtailed by no abusive limitations. Not only do the political parties exist peacefully together, but there is wholesome and harmonious co-operation between them, which has helped the Republic to reconstruct its traditional institutions and to create an atmosphere conducive to peace. 25.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Conscious of its technological and military limitations, Colombia does not intend to overstep the bounds of discretion by presenting plans or programmes that would be more appropriately set forth by those Powers whose arsenals contain the destructive weapons placed in their hands by the scientists. 22. The views which I voice here are designed solely to express the desire for understanding of a country which believes that it can best contribute to the cause of peace by conforming, in its conduct, to the principles of the Charter. 23. In our opinion, it is particularly important that, when hopes for peace and freedom are voiced, what is said should be supported by the example set by the countries on whose behalf they are expressed. The internal conduct of nations cannot be separated from their external attitudes.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“19. Mr. TURBAY AYALA (Colombia) (translated from Spanish): Both as the representative of a democratic Government and as spokesman for a Latin American country, I am proud that a statesman from our continent should preside over this year’s session of the General Assembly. I wish to congratulate both Peru and Mr. Belaúnde on the honour which has been bestowed on them. 20. The debate which annually takes place in the General Assembly is a living and eloquent example of the juridical equality of nations. Regardless of the intrinsic importance of the countries taking part in it, this debate enables all nations to place their views on the scales of world destiny. My country thus takes part in the consideration of the international situation solely by reason of its simple and worthy credential as a State Member of the United Nations. 21.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Life other basic commodities in other Latin American countries, coffee is the principal factor in our economic prosperity and thus in our political stability and social solidarity. 20. After this necessary digression on exclusively continental affairs, I should like to return to the world situation, not to weary the Assembly with further observations but to voice the optimism of the young nations of Latin America with regard to the future of mankind. Colombia does not believe that any action it may take can have a decisive influence in the development of world events, but our material weakness does not relieve us of the responsibility to servo the cause of peace and to reaffirm our faith in democracy and the eternal spiritual values.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“This is an undertaking which demands a continuing effort and requires the unity of the whole hemisphere and the active co-operation of the United States, whose new stand towards Latin America gives us confidence in a happy future. As Latin Americans we are also very grateful to the great Republic of Brazil for the notable efforts it has made in helping to develop this new policy. 19. Colombia would like to put on record one happy result of the new attitude of the United States: the signing of the Latin American Coffee Pact on 27 September 1958 in Washington. This agreement covers the fifteen coffee-producing countries and regulates prices in a market whose total value amounts to some $2,000 million per year. For us coffee is not merely a commercial product but is the very basis of our economy and the mainstay of our currency.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“At the Foreign Ministers' Conference we laid the foundation for a fruitful policy of economic co-operation that will promote continental harmony, since any measures to eliminate inequalities among nations and peoples are certain to produce sound and promising results. We wish to reaffirm that in this democratic continent all nations can achieve standards of living which will enable them to put their trust in the soundness of the principles they proclaim, and show that economic independence can go hand-in-hand with political freedom. 18. In the regional sphere we wish to give our unwavering support to a policy designed to save the citizens of Latin America from the bondage of disease, illiteracy and poverty.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Colombia knows that its duty as a Latin American country is to foster continental unity, and it pointed out at the Foreign Ministers' Conference in Washington that the Latin American countries will carry more influence in world affairs if they work in concert and consolidate their unity, instead of breaking up into an archipelago of separate opinions. The Washington Conference strengthened the bonds of solidarity of the hemisphere and emphasized the common destiny of the Latin American nations. Those countries, far from seeking to establish a threatening alliance, have joined in the common purpose of serving the cause of peace and reaffirming their unshakable faith in the principles of the Charter. 17.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“A comparison of the number of countries represented at San Francisco with the list of States which are now Members of the Organization justifies the assertion that the United Nations has followed, as far as possible, an open-door policy. There is reason to believe that before many years have passed, and following the principles which have guided us so far, the Organization will receive new Members until the day comes when all nations will be able to express their views here. When that day comes the Organization will be further strengthened, and we believe that its decisions will carry more weight and find wider acceptance. 16.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The preservation of peace requires special preventive measures, since in some cases situations arise which, if not brought under control in their initial stages, may lead to undesirable and dangerous developments. In this connexion, and in order to prevent the frequent occurrence of unexpected situations that might lead to conflicts, Colombia warmly endorses the proposal that the Secretary-General should send United Nations observers to those regions and countries where it is thought advisable to have direct representatives of this Organization. 15. We are gratified to note that the United Nations is making great progress towards universality.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Perhaps I am indulging in wishful thinking, but certain trends in public opinion seem to me to indicate that the spectre of another war is receding, in spite of the tension which seems to exist between the two societies into which our world is divided. The reasonable way in which the effective help of the United Nations has been used to resolve highly critical problems, the realization by all the Powers that another armed conflict would lead to total destruction, the weariness resulting from the protracted cold war and the obvious human desire for concord, all appear to be bringing States around to agree on the establishment of the long period of peace that mankind needs for its development, and for which it longs in order to find rest. 14.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We believe in the tremendous power of public opinion, in the decisive impact it can have on the historical destinies of nations, and in the influence it can exert to avert the harmful effects of the war of words that characterizes the era of armed peace through which the world is now living. 12. Any nation which cannot make itself either feared or courted, owing to its insignificance from a military standpoint, and which therefore cannot indulge in the pastime of sabre-rattling, has a special duty to help create, through its peaceable views, an atmosphere of peace and harmony in which the futility of any extreme measures would be obvious. I speak on behalf of a country whose views have strength only in that they reflect the nation's purity of purpose and its devotion to the principles of law. 13.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Those nations which can never be considered as military Powers and which are conscious of their strict limitations, can nevertheless serve the interests of peace, not only within the United Nations where, thanks to recognition of the juridical equality of States, they can bring their influence to bear in the most vital decisions, but more especially in the sphere of public opinion, by refusing their support to dangerous measures and by fully endorsing measures that contribute to the cause of peace and promote closer understanding and harmony among States. 11.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“I can therefore speak today as the representative of a democratic and law-abiding nation, a republic entitled to preach tolerance because, as a result of its internal struggles, each of the two great political parties that reflect public opinion has renounced the idea of governing exclusively. Democracy in Colombia is based on public opinion and is practised with the support of the armed forces, which defend these ideals of democracy not only within our own borders but also, as in Korea, in the service of freedom under United Nations command. 10.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The hostility which divided the two major political parties in Colombia made possible the triumph of a dictatorship, claiming to have military backing, which not only destroyed our liberties but also ruined our economy. In fact of this grave danger the political parties united and agreed on a system of government by joint responsibility which won the full support of all shades of: opinion and especially of the armed forces themselves. This agreement brought about the overthrow of tyranny and made it possible to rebuild our legal institutions and to strengthen peace.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Peace is the result of a compromise between States, and the reward of tolerance, and its preservation clearly depends on the efforts made even by those most diametrically opposed, to permit the coexistence of two forces differing greatly in their philosophies. Colombia's position in defence of Western civilization is based not merely on its geographical position but also on feelings that are deeply rooted in its fundamental beliefs. 9. My country believes that it is only through tolerance and mutual understanding that we can achieve the peaceful coexistence of peoples. I say this as the result of my country's own experience.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Technological progress can be achieved, and has been achieved, by different systems, but that which forms the very basis of Western civilization, which we advocate and which corresponds to our deepest convictions, is the equal partnership of freedom and science, in which the spirit is not subordinated to or valued less than technology. 7. It would be indeed foolish not to recognize the extraordinary progress achieved by those peoples who put their faith in the State rather than in man. The materialistic societies can certainly point to an impressive record of technological progress; in this field their achievements have equalled those of the Western world. It is in the broad realm of the spirit that they have nothing to offer us, and they disclaim the heritage of spiritual values which for us is as vital as life itself. 8.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“At the present time such observations may seem somewhat romantic and not likely to lead to any practical results, but they may serve to illustrate the ideals of a Latin American nation which believes that mankind will benefit more from progress in literature and the arts, from the fight against illiteracy, from advances in medicine and the raising of the standard of living of God's noble creature, man than from mere excursions into outer space. In the final analysis the great problem of the world is the problem of the individual human being, who has gradually become over- shadowed by the pagan deity of the State, and whom we must restore to his true place if we sincerely believe in spiritual, values. 6.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We have been impressed by the fact that the world situation has led scientists and technicians to concentrate mainly on the production of diabolical weapons of war, while there has been a deplorable neglect of scientific projects that could lead to positive progress in raising the level of civilization and human welfare. If the campaign against the deadly effects of cancer, for example, had been able to dispose of the economic and scientific resources made available for the production of nuclear weapons, mankind might now be free of one of its greatest scourges, at the cost of not being able to destroy itself quite so rapidly and effectively as it can today. 5.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)