YouSaid · the spoken record

DAVID

lines on the record: 687
first: 1953-09-24
most recent: 1967-09-24
sittings or episodes: 14
sources: un-general-debate

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“All peoples would undoubtedly welcome a speedy and complete prohibition of the use of atomic weapons, but if this goal cannot be achieved owing to the refusal of the Western Powers, the Soviet proposal for the assumption of an obligation not to use such weapons for five years constitutes a sound basis for reaching agreement on this complicated problem. The adoption of this proposal would certainly help to improve the international situation. One of the most urgent demands of our time is for the discontinuance of tests of atomic weapons. The peoples of the world are deeply concerned at the continued tests of atomic and hydrogen weapons which constitute a threat to human life and health. 49.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“There are a large number of individual questions relating to disarmament the successful solution of which would help to break the deadlock on this question. In this connexion we must stress the great importance of the memorandum on partial measures in the field of disarmament, submitted by the Soviet Union on 20 September [A/C. 1/7931 for consideration by the General Assembly. The Czechoslovak delegation has studied this document carefully. It considers that the adoption of the measures proposed would constitute the necessary step forward in the search for a solution of the disarmament question and it therefore supports these proposals wholeheartedly. 48. The USSR proposal that States possessing thermonuclear weapons would assume a solemn obligation not to use these weapons deserves careful study.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Their proposed system of control is divorced from the very basis of an agreement on disarmament and, like the previous proposals, constitutes an attempt to reach an agreement that would be advantageous to one side only. Such an approach, however, cannot yield any positive results. All these facts show that the proposals of the Western Powers do nothing to advance the disarmament negotiations, in spite of what the sponsors say, even at this session. The purpose of these proposals is to steer the negotiations into another impasse. 47. The Czechoslovak delegation has on several occasions in the past emphasized that the fact that efforts to draw up a general programme of disarmament are at present encountering difficulties must not be used as a reason or pretext for blocking the whole issue.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It seems, however - and the statement by the Secretary of State during the general debate merely confirms this - that the United States Government is not interested in the effective reduction of armed forces and that in no circumstances is it interested in the elimination of nuclear weapons. The United States Government does not intend to embark upon disarmament; it wishes to remain in the field of armaments. It is one of the lessons of history that this field produces war, not peace. 46. In their proposals, the Western Powers avoid the prohibition of the use of nuclear weapons and even try to legalize their use as a lawful means of waging war. According to their proposals, any agreement on the reduction of armed forces and conventional weapons must be preceded by a settlement of certain political questions.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Dulles, Secretary of State of the United States, openly proclaimed the basis of the Western Powers’ disarmament policy. He declared that "No one is thinking about disarming the United States or the Soviet Union, or any other nation. What we are seeking is action in the field of armament which will reduce the danger of war." 45. If the Western Powers are really proceeding from this standpoint, it is clear that no constructive solution of the disarmament problem can be achieved. Our efforts, too, are and must be directed towards reducing the danger of war, but this can never be achieved so long as the armaments race continues; it can be achieved only by reducing armaments and prohibiting atomic weapons.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“However, the USSR proposals, which in many respects are a compromise with proposals and ideas presented previously by the Western Powers, did not receive the support of the other members of the Subcommittee of the Disarmament Commission in London. This is because the Western Powers, contrary to the General Assembly’s recommendations on disarmament, for which they themselves voted, do not really wish to embark upon the course of effective disarmament. The discussions in the Sub-Committee have again shown that the Western Powers do not wish to renounce atomic and hydrogen weapons; they do not wish to renounce their use and eliminate them from the arsenals of States, because they regard these weapons as the basis of their policy and military strategy. 44. In his speech on 22 July 1957, Mr.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“These principles are consistently followed in the proposals for a broad programme of disarmament presented by the Government of the Soviet Union at the London negotiations and at this session of the General Assembly. 42. The proposals of the Soviet Union are imbued with a sincere desire to achieve a reduction of armaments and armed forces and the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction. The broad programme for the establishment of a system of international control, which includes proposals previously submitted by the Western Powers, offers an effective way of ensuring that an agreement for the reduction of armaments and the prohibition of thermo-nuclear weapons is observed and carried out. 43.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“For a correct evaluation of United Nations work in the field of disarmament, we must refer to the principles governing the conclusion of an agreement on disarmament, set forth in two resolutions adopted unanimously by the General Assembly in 1946 and 1954 [resolutions 41 (I) and 808 (IX)]. Both these resolutions reveal a clear conception of what an agreement on disarmament should contain: it should provide for, first, a real limitation and major reduction of all armed forces and all conventional armaments, secondly, the total prohibition of the use and manufacture of nuclear weapons, and thirdly, the establishment of effective international control over the implementation of these measures.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Under these proposals, the four great Powers - the USSR, the United States, the United Kingdom and France - would assume a solemn obligation to refrain from the use of force in the Near and Middle East and from intervention in the domestic affairs of the countries in this area. The assumption of such an obligation would help considerably to improve and restore to normal the situation in this area of the world and would thereby contribute to a relaxation of international tension. 41. In the present international situation, particular importance attaches to the solution of the most urgent problem in the world today, the problem of disarmament and - related to it - the prohibition of atomic and hydrogen weapons. For more than ten years now, discussions have been proceeding in the United Nations on these questions to no avail.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Owing to its aggressive character, this programme is a serious threat to peace and security not only in this area but throughout the world; it is a flagrant violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations and is incompatible with the principles of peaceful coexistence and the development of friendly relations and co-operation among States. 40. The Czechoslovak Government, in view of the serious situation that has arisen in this area, welcomes and fully supports the proposals of the Soviet Union which are designed to preserve peace and security in the Near and Middle East.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Czechoslovakia, which maintains friendly and mutually advantageous relations with many Arab countries, condemns United States intrigues against the independence of Syria. The people of Syria and their righteous cause have the full sympathy and support of the Czechoslovak people. 39. The present campaign of hatred and aggressive activities against the Arab countries, and especially against Syria, is the result of the so-called Eisenhower doctrine. Under this doctrine, which was enacted into law, the Government of the United States announced a programme of intervention in the domestic affairs of the sovereign States in the Near and Middle East, a programme for a new colonial enslavement of the Arab peoples, the implementation of which implies the use of United States armed forces.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The ruling circles in the United States, giving currency to the allegation that Syria is threatening the security of neighbouring States, on the pretext of the so-called communist danger or using other fabricated excuses which have a strong smell of oil, have unleashed a campaign of pressure and open military threats against this courageous country, which is guilty only of refusing to obey the dictates of the United States monopolies. 38. Syria is a peace-loving, independent State, which is resolutely defending its sovereignty and national freedom, and deserves the just admiration and active support of all peace-loving peoples, and, first and foremost, of the United Nations.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Attempts have been made, last week by the United States delegation, and again today by the United Kingdom representative, to shift the blame for the tense situation in the Near and Middle East area onto the Soviet Union and the peace-loving Arab States. However, no hypocritical words can conceal the fact that United Kingdom forces, using modern military equipment, have for some months past been mounting systematic and barbarous attacks on Oman and Yemen. Nor can anything hide the aggressive activities of the United States against the Arab countries or the stockpiling of United States arms and the concentration of United States naval forces in this area. 37.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“A source of particular concern is the situation in the Near and Middle East where, owing to the activities of the imperialist Powers, new, grave conflicts are arising. The effects of the aggression against Egypt have not yet been eliminated, yet the General Assembly is again confronted with a serious threat in this area. The aggressive circles of the imperialist Powers, creating and maintaining tension and forcibly intervening in the domestic affairs of individual countries, contrary to the interests of the peoples of the Near and Middle East, are endeavouring to salvage what remains of their position in that area, to suppress the growing national-liberation struggle and to destroy the independence of the Arab countries as States and nations. 36.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The Czechoslovak delegation regrets that, in connexion with the consideration of the so-called question of Hungary, the United Nations, under pressure from the Western Powers, should have been drawn into the campaign of instigating hatred and hostility among peoples, thus seriously impairing its prestige. 34. In recent years the enemies of peace and the freedom of peoples have been increasing their aggressive attacks against the growing popular liberation movement. The people and Government of Czechoslovakia sympathize deeply with the just struggle of these peoples to achieve freedom and to cast off the colonial yoke. The views that the Czechoslovak delegation will express during the consideration of the colonial questions on the agenda of the General Assembly will reflect this sympathy. 35.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The main instrument for military preparations at the present time is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This is a hard fact that cannot be altered either by attempts to present NATO in sheep's clothing, as Mr. Lloyd, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, attempted to do in his statement this morning, or by slanders against the peace-loving European countries, including the Czechoslovak Republic. At its session this summer, the Council of this aggressive organization decided to supply the NATO countries with United States atomic weapons and to establish atomic bases, particularly in the territory of West Germany. Under their plans West Germany is to become a base for atomic warfare against the peace-loving countries. 33. "Cold war" methods are also being introduced into our Organization.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The United Nations, whose primary task is the maintenance of peace and security, must make every effort to avert the threat of an atomic war and do everything in its power to ensure that relations between States are based on the principle of peaceful coexistence. 31. The desire of the peoples for peaceful co-operation is opposed by the policy of certain circles anxious to intensify the "cold war” and to keep the world poised on. the brink of war. Relying on the support of aggressive blocs, these circles continue to pursue a policy of negotiation from a "position of strength”, a policy of threatening and intimidating peace-loving peoples. They continue to establish and expand military bases and to station their forces and stockpile their war materials, including atomic and hydrogen weapons, in the territory of foreign States. 32.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The international situation in which this session of the General Assembly is being held remains complex and is a source of grave concern. The efforts of the countries in the socialist camp, headed by the Soviet Union, and of other peace-loving countries, to reduce international tension, are encountering serious obstacles raised by the aggressive imperialist forces. The division of the world into hostile military groups and the continuation of the armaments race, particularly the atomic and hydrogen weapons race, constitute a standing threat to peace. Although the desire of the peoples to live in peace and to solve outstanding questions by peaceful means is asserting itself more and more, the fact remains that the desired atmosphere of trust and co-operation in the world has not yet been achieved. 30.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Permit me first of all to congratulate the President on his election as President of the United Nations General Assembly. I should also like, on behalf of the Czechoslovak delegation, to greet the General Assembly and to convey the hope of the Czechoslovak people that the work and accomplishments of this session will serve the cause of preserving peace, ensuring the peaceful coexistence of peoples and further increasing co-operation among them. 28. I welcome the representatives of the Federation of Malaya to our midst and on behalf of the Czechoslovak delegation and the entire Czechoslovak people I give the Malay people our good wishes and wish their Government every success in its efforts to promote peace and friendship among the peoples. 29.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In the deliberate, firm and wise attitude which they have adopted, the Czechoslovak people have, particularly in recent times, given a clear answer to international reaction, frustrated its hopes and plans and thereby rendered a great service to the cause of peace and security in Europe. 118. The Government of the Republic of Czechoslovakia, in fulfilment of the wish and will of the whole of our people, intends in future to continue to make every effort to frustrate the plans of the enemies of human happiness, to secure the triumph of the lofty principles of the United Nations Charter, to bring about lasting peace and security and to ensure peaceful coexistence, friendship and, co-operation between all peoples for all time.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This, the sixth price reduction, has been made possible by the fact that our people is successfully fulfilling the tasks entailed in the development of the national economy. The fact that our people is already, for the sixth time, gathering the fruits of such a policy is but fresh confirmation of the soundness of the policy pursued by our Government, the principal characteristic of which is and always will be a concern to ensure a speedy rise in the material and cultural living standards of our workers. 116. The Czechoslovak people are rightfully proud of their achievements and are fully determined to go forward along their chosen path, of the correctness of which they have had abundant corroboration. 117.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“A few hours ago the Czechoslovak Government, fulfilling a promise it made at the time of the promulgation of the Five-Year Plan for the construction and development of the national economy, declared in the National Assembly that there would be a reduction — the sixth — in the prices of foodstuffs and manufactures. This price reduction represents an annual saving of nearly 1,400 million Czechoslovak crowns to our people. As from 3 December 1956, meat prices in our country will be reduced by 15 to 20 per cent, the prices of meat products by up to 31 per cent and those of preserved and cooked foods by up to 46 per cent. The prices of agricultural products will be reduced by up to 25 per cent. The prices of manufactures, including radio sets, cameras and watches, will be reduced by 18 to 35.5 per cent. 115.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“They are anxious that we should make every effort to put the principles of the Charter into effect, and to ensure lasting peace, friendship and co-operation between nations so that every individual may live in peace and without fear for the fate either of his country or of his countrymen. 113. The Czechoslovak people, freed from the Fascist yoke by the Soviet Army, has embarked on the course of building socialism and has achieved great successes. Fortified by their indestructible friendship and alliance with the USSR and the other countries which are following the same course, the industrious and gifted Czechoslovak people have built a State with a powerful industry and an advanced agriculture; they have created a flourishing country where, as time goes on, they are enjoying the fruits of their labour to an ever-increasing extent. 114.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“I have just given the Czechoslovak delegation’s views on the contemporary situation and on certain problems which we believe to be particularly important and for whose solution, in our view, the General Assembly should assume full responsibility. 112. All peace-loving people have warmly welcomed the definite relaxation of international tension which has taken place of late. They are, however, disturbed and indignant at the intrigues of aggressive groups which are endeavouring to resurrect the past, to increase tension, to cause the situation to deteriorate, to create an atmosphere of hostility and hysteria and to destroy peace and security throughout the world. This can bring no good to ordinary men and women. They expect the United Nations to prevent such a situation from arising.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The principal means of removing the present striking disparity between the industrially developed and the industrially under-developed countries is the industrialization of the under-developed areas as rapidly as possible. It is in the interests of everyone that the economically under-developed countries should more nearly approach the level of the developed countries and should be able to participate in world trade and in the world economy on an equal footing. 110. As an industrialized country, Czechoslovakia is giving and will continue to give the economically under-developed countries every possible support and assistance. 111.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Our economic relations with the economically under-developed countries have taken a particularly favourable course. Between 1953 and 1955 alone, the total volume of our trade with these countries rose by about 140 per cent and a further increase is forecast in the second Five-Year Plan. 108. One serious obstacle to the successful expansion of world trade is the fact that 1,000,200,000 people, the population of the economically under-developed countries, produce goods and services to the total value of some 150 million dollars, whereas 500 million people, the population of the industrialized countries, annually produce goods and services to the value of over $700,000 million, ten times more per head of population. 109. We believe that speedy and effective measures should be taken to correct that situation.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“At the same time, as a result of the rise in the purchasing power of the population, there has been a significant increase in the consumption both of industrial and consumer goods in our country. In our plans for national economic development provision is made for a substantial increase both in production and in consumption, which will at the same time guarantee an expansion in our capacity for trade with all countries. 106. The volume of international trade could unquestionably be still larger were it not for the continued existence of artificial obstacles erected for political reasons and the futile endeavour to slow the economic development of States with a socialist system. 107. In spite of these obstacles, however, there has recently been a steady rise in Czechoslovakia’s foreign trade with the capitalist countries.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The United Nations should make a more effective contribution to the development of a stable basis for a wide exchange of goods, which would help to bring about the increased co-operation on a worldwide scale in the interests of all nations. One of the most important problems arising in this connexion is that of bringing into being conditions that will ensure a further expansion of world trade, the volume of which still falls far below needs and possibilities, as a firm foundation for the peaceful coexistence of peoples. 104. Czechoslovakia can give effective assistance in the solution of that problem. In recent years the industrial production of our country has more than doubled by comparison with pre-war years and a powerful economic groundwork has thus been laid on a high technical level. 105.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Our country has recently been visited by many prominent representatives of various States, by parliamentary delegations and other official guests who have had an opportunity of learning for themselves of the peaceful achievements of the Czechoslovak people and of their desire to live in friendship and co-operation with the peoples of other countries. The Czechoslovak Government intends to continue its efforts to increase and strengthen these many-sided ties. 102. Czechoslovakia attaches special importance to the development of its economic and commercial relations with all countries regardless of their social and economic systems, on a basis of mutual advantage and of equality of rights between the parties, without discrimination of any kind. 103.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Czechoslovak delegation considers that the General Assembly should discuss this situation and take action in conformity with the United Nations Charter to prevent the unlawful despatch of uncontrolled balloons over the territory of other States. 101. Peaceful coexistence and the development of friendly co-operation between peoples are not simply principles we of the Czechoslovak Republic have proclaimed, but are the actual basis for all our activities in the field of foreign policy. Czechoslovakia is strengthening its manifold ties, political, economic and cultural, with all countries regardless of their social systems.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The launching of balloons of any kind into the airspace of another State without its consent is contrary to international law and constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of that State. Moreover, the balloons released over the territory of Czechoslovakia and of other States are a serious threat to the life and health of the citizens of those countries and in many cases cause considerable damage to property. They are also a danger to air communications and their launching is itself a violation of article 8 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 7 December 1944. Such activities are contrary to the principles proclaimed in the United Nations Charter and in a number of other international instruments. 100.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Czechoslovak Government has taken a number of steps on the international level to remove this danger, but so far to no avail. It has approached, the Government of the United States through the diplomatic channel, since these balloons are released by United States organizations from bases situated in the Federal Republic of Germany. It has also drawn the attention of the Secretary-General to the situation which has arisen. Similarly, the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic has requested the International Civil Aviation Organization to take steps to put a stop to the violation of Czechoslovak airspace. Up to now, however, no effective measures have been taken. 99.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Czechoslovak delegation feels that it should draw the General Assembly’s attention to a problem in whose solution Czechoslovakia is particularly interested. In spite of the repeated protests of the Czechoslovak Government, uncontrolled balloons are being released into the airspace of the Czechoslovak State carrying leaflets advocating acts of hostility against the Czechoslovak Republic. This hostile propaganda has no effect whatever; the Czechoslovak people flatly reject it. Nevertheless, these balloons are a serious hazard to domestic and international air communications and the explosive substances with which they are filled endanger the health, life and property of persons who come into contact with them. 98.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Germany’s neighbours will never believe that the new Wehrmacht, armed with even more terrible weapons, will be less dangerous than its predecessor before the Second World War. Millions of Germans themselves do not accept this contention, but oppose the re-enslavement of the German people by the ill-famed General Staff. 96. In its tragic history the Czechoslovak people has endured much hardship and suffering at the hands of German militarism, the enemy of mankind. We do not wish to allow any repetition of that tragedy and we therefore issue a warning concerning the dangerous phenomena which are taking place across the frontier from us in Western Germany, where militarists and revanchards are again raising their heads. 97.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is not only erroneous, but dangerous for the future development of Europe. We submit that not only our geographical position but, above all, our experience entitles us to draw our own conclusions, winch are indisputably well-founded. In the course of a single generation, mankind has twice had to suffer the horrible catastrophe of a world war. In both cases, aggression came from a militaristic Germany. And today we are asked to believe that war is out of the question and that the security of Germany’s neighbours is enhanced on account of the existence of the atomic bomb. This leaves out of account the fact that the revived Wehrmacht is to be armed with atomic weapons.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic maintains its view that the question of restoring Germany unity can and should be solved in the first place by direct negotiations between the two German States and with full regard for the further strengthening of European peace and security. We cannot accept a solution of the German question which would lead to increased tension in Europe and jeopardize our own security. 95. In the course of the general debate, opinions were expressed which did not correctly reflect the danger inherent in the rebirth of German militarism. It was alleged that, with the discovery of atomic energy, there had been so radical a change in contemporary “conditions” that a resurgence of the aggressive spirit in Germany was no longer a serious threat to the security of Germany’s neighbours. We do not share this view.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Such a treaty, to which the Soviet Union and the United States, the countries with the largest military establishments, would be parties, would result in a rapid change in the international atmosphere and would help to establish confidence among States and to lessen international tension. It would create favourable conditions for the conclusion of an all-European collective security treaty. 93. A treaty providing for a system of collective security in Europe would also facilitate settlement of the German question, the significance of which goes beyond the boundaries of Europe. 94. It is perfectly obvious that Czechoslovakia, which is a neighbour of both German States, has an immediate and primary interest in the creation of a united, democratic and peace-loving Germany.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The importance of security in Europe is also indicated by historical^ experience, which shows that military conflicts originating in Europe have always led to world wars and have brought dire distress on all peoples. 91. The whole course of historical development amply confirms that the only correct way to secure peace in Europe is to establish a system of collective security based on the participation of all European States, regardless of their social or governmental structure. 92. The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic welcomed the proposal of the Government of the Soviet Union concerning the conclusion of a treaty of non-aggression between NATO member States and countries adhering to the Warsaw Treaty.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Now it is for the Western Powers to show goodwill and make their contribution towards attaining a goal on which the hopes of all peace-loving mankind are pinned, namely the reduction of armaments and the prohibition of atomic weapons, and the establishment of confidence among nations. 90. Along with the question of disarmament the Czechoslovak Government, guided by the desire to preserve and strengthen international peace, attaches primary importance to the question of collective security in Europe. The Government and people of Czechoslovakia are deeply concerned that Europe*should cease to be a hotbed of tension, and that the people of Europe should enjoy the necessary conditions for a tranquil and peaceful existence.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In making these proposals, the Soviet Union has once again given convincing proof of its goodwill and sincerity and has taken a further step towards bringing its views into line with those of the Western Powers. 89. The Western Powers, which are repudiating one after the other the very proposals they themselves had previously made, have, of late, indicated that they have no desire to engage in direct negotiations on a plan for the reduction of armaments and the prohibition of atomic weapons, as long as there is no acceptance of the “open skies” proposal made by the United States. For the sake of reaching agreement on this question, the new Soviet proposals go a long way to meeting this demand also.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Similar steps taken by the other peace-loving countries are convincing evidence of the fact that the disarmament problem can be solved and that the decisive factor for its successful solution is goodwill on the part of the Governments of the countries concerned and their willingness to reach agreement. If such agreement has not yet been reached even on particular aspects of the disarmament problem, this is not due to “technical difficulties” but only to insufficient willingness on the part of the Western Powers. 88. In the opinion of the Czechoslovak delegation, the proposals made by the Government of the Soviet Union in its statement of 17 November 1956 [A/3366] are an outstanding contribution to the solving of the disarmament problem.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“There are a number of particular aspects of it on which agreement could be quickly reached: a reduction in armed forces and conventional armaments, a reduction in military budgets, the prohibition of tests of atomic and hydrogen weapons, the creation of a special zone in Europe where armaments would be limited and controlled. 87. Already last year the Czechoslovak Government, in an effort to make a practical contribution to solving the problem of disarmament, reduced the numerical strength of the Czechoslovak People's Army by 34,000 men, and this year by 10,000 more. This year defence expenditures in our country decreased by 7.9 per cent, as compared with 1955.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The feverish armaments race, which lays a heavy burden on the broad masses of the people, is a dangerous threat to international peace and security and, at the very least, a significant source of international tension. 85. The interests of mankind and of peace and security everywhere make it imperative that everything possible be done to find a positive solution of the disarmament problem. 86. Athough work on a general disarmament programme is at present encountering certain difficulties, that gives us no reason or excuse for blocking all action on the question.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The aggression of imperialist forces against Egypt and the war propaganda carried on in some North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, which have again brought the danger of military conflict to the fore, have also mobilized public opinion throughout the world, and aroused insistent demands for progress on a question which is of the greatest importance to the cause of peace, namely, the question of disarmament. 84. We do not share the view of those who do not consider the present situation conducive to a solution of the disarmament problem. To accept that view would be to give way to the forces which are interested in increasing international tension and unleashing new conflicts.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The People’s Republic of China is playing an increasingly prominent part in the mainstream of international life. It is generally recognized today that without the participation of this mighty world Power not one of the more serious international problems, and especially no problem, affecting Asia and the Far East, can be effectively solved. The United Nations is engaged on a dangerous course when it permits the imperialist and strategic interests of a single Power to dictate to it year after year a procedure which postpones the solution of so urgent and important a question. 83.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“International reaction organizes and carries out widespread subversive activities against the socialist countries, broadcasts lying propaganda by radio, releases balloons filled with slanderous booklets and leaflets designed to incite the people against their lawful Governments, and constantly seeks to create a counterrevolutionary underground in the peoples’ democracies. 80. It can only be regretted that the United Nations, instead of emphatically opposing this type of activity by forces hostile to peace, is being used in the political interests of certain circles, for slanderous attacks on countries with a socialist system. 81. Another example of what is being done to maintain international tension concerns the attitude to the question of the lawful representation of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations. 82.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Their plan envisaged a victory of reaction which would drive a wedge in the brotherly relations which exist between the socialist States and would turn Hungary into an exceedingly dangerous hotbed of tension and a jumping-off ground for military adventures in Europe. 78. The events in Hungary confirm the fact that international reaction has no desire to reconcile itself to the existence of the world socialist system and uses every opportunity to threaten the peaceful development of the socialist countries. 79.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Those taking part in the putsch made revanchard and revisionist claims which were directed against the security and territorial integrity of the Czechoslovak Republic, and represented a threat to peace and security throughout this part of Europe. 77. The white terror, the horrible atrocities which the unbridled Fascists perpetrated on the peaceful population, including women and children, during the few days when they controlled the streets of Budapest and other towns, show vividly what kind of future the counter-revolutionaries envisaged for Hungary and its people. However, their aims went much farther.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“At the same time as the forces which are hostile to peace were resorting to aggressive action in the Near East, attempts were also being made in Europe to jeopardize peace and security. In the heart of Europe, in the Hungarian People’s Republic, we witnessed for the first time since the defeat of Fascism in the Second World War an open attempt by the Fascist underground, supported from abroad, to force Hungary from the path of democratic and socialist development and to restore by terror and armed force the old Horthy regime. 76. Czechoslovakia, as a neighbour of the Hungarian People’s Republic is directly affected by these events.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“World public opinion decisively condemns the acts of the aggressors and will not permit them to achieve, by such manoeuvres, the objectives which they could not attain by direct military means. 73. We are sorry to have heard, even in the General Assembly, voices — not many voices, perhaps, but some — which are prepared to support the manoeuvres of the aggressors. 74. The delegations in question support the aggressors’ attempts to use the United Nations Emergency Force for the purpose of securing foreign, or “international” supervision of the Suez Canal. In that connexion, it must be emphasized that the question whether, and how long, the United Nations Emergency Force shall be stationed on Egyptian soil can be decided only in agreement with the Egyptian Government. 75.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)