YouSaid · the spoken record

Sékou Touré

lines on the record: 283
first: 1960-09-24
most recent: 1962-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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

“The legal tricks and manoeuvres of the strategists of the status quo — whatever their nature, extent or source — must in no way discourage us, since for us this is a vital matter of justice, of dignity and of honour. This is an essential aspect of the present crisis of the United Nations which is all too easily neglected while the emphasis is laid on the Organization's financial difficulties. The two questions, while not completely interlocking, arise from the same political background, and it must be carefully analysed in the quest for appropriate solutions, which obviously Cannot be other than political in nature. 43.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We shall no longer be content merely to take part in the debates of the Committees and the General Assembly. We wish to participate fully in all the main organs and specialized agencies of our Organization, in the positive and productive life of the United Nations. 42. To this end, the representatives from Africa and Asia and all those who concern themselves with the equity and efficiency of our Organization must unite their efforts in demanding, at all costs and for , our own benefit, adequate and specific representation in the Security Council, the Economic; and Social Council, the Secretariat and the various specialized agencies.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The role of the non-aligned States is to do everything their power to restore to their rightful place all the States which are arbitrarily kept out of the United Nations by reason of the division among the great Powers. 40. Lastly, the exceptional decrease in the number of Asian and, particularly, African Member States further emphasizes the necessity and urgency of carrying out structural reforms in our Organization, in order to adapt it to meet the existing international situation, so different from that prevailing, in 1945 when the Charter of the United Nations was drafted. 41. It is no secret that the representatives of Africa and Asia are practically excluded from the various bodies in which the important decisions of the United Nations are really made and carried out.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“39.Next, the admission of four new Member States and the prospect of the admission of other African States before the end of this seventeenth session, further accentuating the universal character of our Organization, Imposes upon us all the obligation to make every effort to restore to the People's Republic of China its legitimate place in the United Nations. The political error of excluding from the Organization the largest State in the world, failing whose contribution the majority of great international problems cannot be satisfactorily solved constitutes more than an injustice it is one of the greatest handicaps from which the United Nations suffers.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It will thus be easily understood that we joyfully and impatiently await the representatives of the Algerian Republic, who will very soon come to take their place in our ranks and make a worthy contribution to the unceasing efforts of the United Nations to build a better world based on brotherly co-operation and universal peace. 37. The welcome events to which I have referred call for various comments on our part. 38. First of all, we in the Republic of Guinea greatly rejoice that the final settlement of the Algerian question which was a painful nightmare for us in many ways, has at last removed one of the major obstacles, which, unfortunately appeared on the road to African unity.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The independence of Algeria, which we welcome as a cardinal, element of our own freedom, is more than an example or a symbol: it is yet another striking confirmation that a people that is conscious of its identity and united, however weak it may be and however powerful its adversary, is invincible in its sacred crusade for national liberation from the foreign yoke. 35. It is for all these reasons that from this rostrum we respectfully salute the people of Algeria, their martyrs, and the political and military organizations, which have written into the annals of African history one of the finest and most glorious epics of all time. 36.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“One of the happiest events which come to mind at the opening of this seventeenth session is, without a doubt, the liberation of the heroic people of Algeria, after more than seven years of savage warfare and sacrifice without precedent in the history of the African continent. This liberation foreshadows a better tomorrow for all the millions of Africans who still continue to suffer and fight, in the four corners of our continent, for the elimination of all forms of oppression, domination, arbitrary government and injustice on the political, economic and social levels.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We hail with joy the heartening reconquest of independence and sovereignty by the peoples of Burundi, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, whose liberation means a corresponding reduction of colonial empire in Africa and the Caribbean. To all these brother nations and their friendly Governments the Republic of Guinea addresses sincere congratulations and the assurance of its support and active solidarity. We are convinced that within this Organization the representatives of these countries will spare no effort in support of all those here who labour for the final liquidation of the shameful and degrading system of foreign domination. 34.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“31, Our hope is that the realism and the wise and friendly advice which have led the Netherlands to carry out this peaceful decolonization will also, while there is still time, inspire the other colonial Powers which up to now have refused to look reality in the face and are vainly trying to oppose by force the inevitable liberation of the peoples they hold in subjugation. 32. Since the process of decolonization is irreversible, the colonial Powers have no choice but to yield and depart, if they reject peaceful settlement, negotiated or otherwise, they will force their victims to resort to the only remaining solution: the kind of. agreement reached in Goa between the Indian people and Government and Portuguese colonialism. 33.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The internationally guaranteed neutrality of Laos now enables its people and its Government to join forces with all non-aligned States in order to decrease international tension and seek a just and negotiated settlement of all the disputes dividing States and peoples and thus constituting a serious threat to peace. 30. Similarly, we have cause to rejoice at the Netherlands-Indonesian Agreement [see A/5170, annex] Which, while removing one of the most serious threats to peace in South-East Asia, brings to an end the Netherlands colonial empire and at the same time thus liberates once and for all the people and the Government of the Netherlands.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Nevertheless, despite the lack of any notable progress towards a satisfactory solution of the problems of the cold war, such as disarmament, the Berlin situation, the extension of nuclear testing, the questions of Korea and Hungary, the representation of China in our Organization, and the dangerous aggravation of tension in the Cuban situation, the seventeenth session is undeniably opening in a, more relaxed and less explosive atmosphere than that prevailing last year at the same time. 29. Moreover, in important spheres there have been decisive successes which must be registered as encouraging steps towards the common goal of men of good will who are striving to liberate the peoples, and to safeguard peace throughout the world and security for all. In this connexion, we welcome the peaceful settlement of the serious crisis in Laos.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Even a superficial perusal of the agenda submitted for our approval clearly shows that the seventeenth session, like the four previous sessions, which have rightly been described as African sessions, will be dominated by the various aspects of the political, economic and cultural decolonization not only of Asia and America but also, and principally, of the African continent, where the hard-pressed colonial forces are clinging desperately to the last remnants of their ill-gotten privileges, despite the unanimous condemnation by international public opinion and the recommendations and resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. 28.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“In this respect my delegation wishes to reiterate its thanks and gratitude not only to friendly delegations but to the representatives of all Member States both for the election of our country to the Vice-Presidency of the General Assembly and for all the expressions of interest, good will and solidarity that have been lavished on it or, this happy occasion. 26, I should also like, Mr. President, to offer my delegation's sincere congratulations to the Acting Secretary-General, U Thant, for his unceasing efforts to fulfil his high and delicate responsibilities in very difficult circumstances. It gives us pleasure to reassure him publicly of our brotherly understanding and support. 27.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“President, the, sure pledge that under your guidance the seventeenth session of the General Assembly will honourably acquit itself of the most crucial of its obligations, namely, that of ensuring complete decolonization throughout the world, which is the prerequisite for fruitful co-operation between peoples and States and the maintenance of international peace and security, the essential aims of the United Nations, 25, We should also like to address through you, Mr. President, our sincere congratulations to the other members of the General Committee who will have the honour and the heavy burden of assisting you in the conduct of our deliberations.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“President, your merits have been extolled with such competence and distinction by most of the preceding speakers that I shall confine myself to a reference to your anti-colonialist position and to your frequent efforts in the various international, bodies on behalf of the freedom of the African and Asian peoples; some of those efforts were made a considerable time ago, when there was real merit in attacking the general mystification with which the colonial 24, These remarkable qualities, are to us, Mr.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It marked for us within the United Nations a sure and important first step towards still more splendid and decisive successes on the part of the great family of African and Asian peoples which the forces of colonial domination had managed for centuries to exclude from international life. 23. In this context, it is only natural that the delegation of the Republic of Guinea should welcome with equal joy and pride the election of one of the most illustrious personalities of Asia to the Presidency of the General Assembly at its seventeenth session. Mr.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“A year ago, at the opening of the sixteenth session, the delegation of the Republic of Guinea saluted with joy and pride the great turning-point in the life of our Organization, symbolized by the election, for the first time, of an African to the Presidency of the General Assembly of the United Nations. This important event was the glorious culmination of the efforts and sacrifices made by millions of patriots for the liberation of Africa, the rehabilitation of our peoples and the affirmation of their identity, and the restitution to the sovereign Stated of Africa of their legitimate right to participate fully in the settlement of all world problems.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“(8) In order to end the present deadlock on the Palestine problem, we ask that the United Nations should give de facto recognition to the legitimate rights of the Arab people of Palestine and should take all the necessary measures to ensure that the resolutions already adopted on this problem are strictly implemented. (9) Finally, we request equitable representation in the United Nations for the countries of Africa and Asia by means of a modification of the structure of the international Organization such as will enable these countries to play their full part in the quest for solutions to problems affecting the future of mankind. 123. For the sake of friendship and co-operation between peoples, for the sake of world security and peace, justice and progress, we must all act in such a way as to preserve and strengthen the United Nations.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“(4) We support President Nkrumah’s proposal regarding an increase in the responsibilities of the African-Asian group in connexion with the United Nations military and civilian action in the Congo. (5) We ask the international Organization genuinely and honestly to assist the legitimate Government of the Congo to maintain the integrity and independence of that Republic and to enable the national institutions established democratically before 1 July 1969 to function normally. (6) We request that, in Algeria, there should be a referendum followed by democratic elections under United Nations supervision. (7) We ask that the People's Republic of China should be given the seat which belongs to it in the United Nations.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“(1) We are in favour of general and complete disarmament, an essential condition for stability and peace. In our opinion, the question of control cannot be regarded as having greater importance than the basic issue, which is to reach agreement on a disarmament plan, (2) We are in favour of a solemn declaration regarding the immediate abolition of the colonial system and the Trusteeship System. The proclamation at this session of the independence of all peoples still under colonial rule would be a real contribution to human progress. (3) In accordance with the draft resolution [ A/L.319] which I have had the honour to submit, we request that the delegation appointed by the Government of the Republic of the Congo (Leopoldville), led by Mr. Patrice Lumumba, should be immediately authorized to take a seat in the General Assembly.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Those who wish to avoid such a discussion must acknowledge that they are not yet willing to renounce the fallacious theory of the incapacity of some peoples for self-government. They must also admit that they are more concerned with their own selfish interests than with international peace and security. All formerly colonized or peace-loving peoples will support such a proposal. If it is propaganda, who can condemn propaganda in support of human equality and justice? 122. Many questions included in the agenda of the fifteenth session call for practical solutions. The Government of the Republic of Guinea, confident in the future of its people and convinced that it is expressing the sentiments of all peoples, has some suggestions to make on particular items of the Assembly’s work.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“In a draft resolution [see A/4343, para.60], my delegation proposed that a time-limit should be set, for all the colonial Powers and those Powers administering United Nations Trust Territories, for the proclamation of the independence of the countries they administer. We have often affirmed that all peoples, at all times, are capable of governing themselves and that the only peoples incapable of administering their own affairs are colonized peoples, as long as that colonial status lasts. Hence, there can be no reason for the General Assembly not to give consideration to the proposal submitted by Guinea at the fourteenth session and taken up this year by the Soviet Union [see A/4502 and Corr.1]. 121.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The people are working in liberty and joy despite their scanty resources; what matters to them is to make daily progress, to take a new step towards prosperity everyday. 119. I turn now to a specific proposal to which I attach special importance and whose urgency cannot be disputed by anyone. I refer to the necessity for the General Assembly to make an unequivocal declaration at its fifteenth session in favour of the immediate and complete abolition of colonialism in all its forms. I would remind the Assembly that my delegation raised the question of a time-limit for the proclamation of the independence of all colonial peoples, whether administered directly or under Trusteeship, in the Fourth Committee [905th meeting] at the fourteenth session. 120.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The French plan for capital investment in the colonies, which had been applied in Guinea only from 1948 to 1958, involved the investment of merely 6,000 million Guinean francs, or $24,000,000, whereas independent Guinea's first three-year plan provides for an investment of 45,000 million Guinean francs, or $180,000,000 — twenty-five times as large a sum per year. In order to be entirely in control of its economic development, the Republic of Guinea, on 1 March 1960, established a national currency and a special currency area, thereby placing itself out of reach of all foreign financial influence or control in this is field. That is why we are certain that we are on the right path.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The Conakry-Kankan railway, which during the period of colonialism showed a chronic operating deficit and was technically ill-equipped, is now paying its way, and the plan provides for its complete reconstruction within two years. 117. These are the main features of a plan which will ensure an increase in national production in every area, and will give the people the opportunity of utilizing their enthusiasm and their freedom to end the indifferent conditions inherited from the colonial system. 118. Thanks to assistance from friendly countries, the independent Republic of Guinea will, in a period of three years, be able to invest capital equivalent to sixty years’ investment under the colonial regime.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“In the field of agriculture, the three-year plan will enable Guinea, which has all the necessary resources, to stop importing rice and to develop export crops, such as coffee, bananas and oil-yielding plants, A vast programme for the systematic prospecting of the Guinean subsoil, which is among the richest in Africa, will make possible a rational exploitation of our reserves of iron ore, bauxite, diamonds, gold and other rare metals. Stock-farming, which is one of the basic concerns of our State, will also be developed. 116. Vast progress will be made in the development of our infrastructure of roads, ports and airfields.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Under the three-year plan, a polytechnic school is to be established at Conakry for 1,500 students, who will study the various branches of engineering, and a university faculty is also envisaged; 1,500 new classrooms will be built by the Government within three years — that is, about one and a half classrooms a day — without taking account of the innumerable schools which will be built by the people themselves through the contribution of their own labour. 115.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“In two years, the Government of the Republic of Guinea has doubled the figure for school attendance, which, as is well known, is ludicrously low in the colonies, 113. Where social conditions are concerned, there have been radical changes in regard to marriage. Forced marriage, which was a common practice under the colonial regime, is prohibited by law. A marriage may now be solemnized in Guinea only if the girl is over seventeen years of age and gives her full consent before the mayor of her commune. 114. In the sphere of higher education, thanks to strenuous efforts by the Government and assistance from friendly countries, the number of Guinean scholarship holders pursuing advanced studies abroad is now three times greater than at the time of our accession to independence.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The Republic of Guinea, in accordance with the principle of direct action by the people, has a strictly unitary Government and Assembly which function under the auspices of the single national party. Unity is the key to all success in Africa. Where it does not exist, colonialism is strengthened and independence becomes precarious. 111. Producers’ and marketing co-operatives and mutual development societies have been formed at the village level and are operating to the satisfaction of all. It is only because they are blind to these facts that the colonialists could believe that it was possible to create chaos in Guinea. It is time they realized once and for all that the only possibility now in the Republic of Guinea is progress for the good of the people within the framework of African unity and a struggle for world peace. 112.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The National Assembly, the highest legislative body in the country, is elected on the basis of national lists, so that no deputy can claim to represent any given electoral region or ethnic group. In all these Assemblies, women have the same rights and share the same responsibilities as men, without discrimination, the only criteria for selection being the qualifications of the candidate and the people’s confidence in him or her. 108. The racial, ethnic and religious problems which were fostered by the old regime for its own ends have completely disappeared from present-day Guinea. 109. The rights of women, who were formerly the victims both of political and of traditional exploitation, have been affirmed in the Constitution and are protected by the State. 110.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Having proved its ability to govern itself and to maintain law and order inside the country despite provocation, the Republic of Guinea has decided to devote the major part off its activities to building its national economy on a new basis. 107. The administrative machinery of the country has been completely cleansed of its colonial features and readapted to the new requirements of our development. Ever since the first days of Guinean independence, we have had real democracy, the democracy which comes from the people and is exercised for the people in complete freedom. The country’s 4,200 villages have been transformed into communes under assemblies elected on a basis of universal suffrage. The country’s twenty-eight regions have each been given a regional Parliament, also elected on a basis of universal suffrage.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The use that was to be made of the foreign military bases in Africa was not lost upon world opinion, which was fully informed of the plot. The imperialists are wasting their time by trying to break the unity or to check impetus of the Guinean people, who, more than ever before, are an impassable barrier to all attacks from whatever direction they may come. The Guinean people will continue with unshaken confidence and determination enthusiastically to build a new country. 105. We know perfectly well that in so-called Portuguese Guinea colonialists who have not yet learnt the lesson of history are feverishly building up a military machine. Our people have something better to do — they want to complete their first economic and social development plan before the target date. 106.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Unfortunately for the imperialist plotters and the handful of traitors who were their accomplices in their criminal designs, the Guinean people were not duped. What is more, they reacted immediately and vigorously, so that, within forty-eight hours, the plotters tad been rendered harmless. Complete calm continued to reign throughout the country. 104. Weapons of the most deadly types, as well as munitions and explosives, were placed on exhibition at the headquarters of our Party for a period of over two weeks, and the entire diplomatic corps was invited to view them. Inquiries conducted simultaneously by the Government of Senegal and the Guinean Security Department into the origin of these weapons revealed that some French officers stationed at Dakar were responsible.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Hundreds of cases of munitions were unloaded secretly all along our frontiers with Senegal and the Ivory Coast, The imperialists and their accomplices sowed distrust between the Republic of Guinea and its neighbours by accusing us of preparing a war of conquest against the friendly neighbouring States. "Agents provocateurs", who had been hurriedly trained in terrorist tactics in the neighbouring countries of the Ivory Coast and Senegal without the knowledge of the Governments of those countries, were to fly to the help of the so-called "Guinean liberation movement" when the time came. 102. Aircraft were ready to flood the country with pamphlets calling on the people to revolt. Landing manoeuvres were observed on our coasts near the frontier with Guinea under Portuguese domination.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Faced with the Guinean people's firm determination to have done with their colonial past and to build a nation in accordance with their deepest aspirations, the imperialists did not fail to organize a vast plot for the obvious purpose of recolonizing the Republic of Guinea, nothing less. 102. Everything was done to ensure that this plot should deal a death blow to all incipient desires for independence and non-alignment in Africa. Some of the embassies at Conakry gave all the support in their power to the internal organization of this criminal plot. A few disloyal and ambitious Guineans were to proclaim a so-called free government outside the country and urge the people to revolt.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The United Nations should give the small States enough guarantees to prevent them from degrading themselves by thus setting their peoples' feet on the path of compliance. Courage and honesty in the face of imperialist ambitions are never without risk, but there is no other solution, particularly for the under-developed countries of Africa and Asia, which the imperialists have divided as they wished. This all brings me to the example — if I may mention it — -of our country, the Republic of Guinea, which has chosen the courageous path of progress based first and foremost on the loyalty and the untiring activity of its people. 101.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The most recent example is the Congo (Leopoldville), and we feel bound to denounce such methods as constituting both flagrant interference in the affairs of other countries and a serious threat to world peace. 99. This aggressiveness of the colonial Powers sometimes leads small States to play the ungracious role of go-between or money-changers for the imperialists, so that they are prevented from continuing with their paramount task of decolonization and are thus forced into betraying the real interests of their peoples. They then become a real threat because, for the sake of a few miserable hand-outs which enable them just to keep alive, they are willing to break the national independence front. Such States hot only apply a policy dictated by the colonialists, but to their shame, they champion their masters' most despicable actions, 100.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“They are asking for help in their noble task, but they are not begging for charity. I should like to stress one aspect of assistance to newly independent countries which is often passed over when the question is discussed. It is a well-known fact that the sympathy of the colonial Powers for the young States evaporates just as soon as the Governments of those States begin to move towards real political and economic freedom. The colonial Powers brandish such weapons as threats and economic blackmail and try to incite the peoples to disorder. Intimidation and economic pressure are not infrequent, but that is not the worst, for the imperialists are still resorting to bare-faced aggression.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“96, The peace which the people long for will not be possible or lasting except in so far as the colonial Powers abandon the practice of domination. Freedom and peace are interdependent. The right of self-determination must not only be recognized under the Charter but actually be exercised by all the peoples of the world. 97, This is no propaganda trick. Freed from suspicion and fear and filled with goodwill, the nations should practice tolerance and live together in peace as good neighbours. Once peace is assured, a true and harmonious solution will be found for all the problems which now trouble humanity. It will then be possible to cope with under-development and to banish poverty, disease and illiteracy, particularly in Africa and Asia. 98. Our countries are still fighting against the inherited ills of colonialism.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“We are animated by the same desire today, and we wish to proclaim that the choices we have to make are the clearer because the aims we are seeking to attain are legitimate. We feel that at every historic stage of human development, like the present one, there are a number of fundamental imperatives, the exact knowledge and proper application of which enable nations and peoples to work for the progress of mankind. Our present task impels us to fight resolutely against the imperialists and colonialists, but we do not and never shall confuse them with the peoples in whose name they have exercised their domination. Our present task impels us to denounce uncompromisingly the cruelty and illegitimacy of imperialism and colonialism, their deplorable effects upon mankind and their real threat to peace.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“To achieve this aim, the colonial Powers will secure the co-operation of corrupt leaders. Such leaders are doomed to be quickly unmasked, because there is such a clear contradiction between the will of the masters of yesterday to dominate and the will of the peoples they represent to achieve complete liberation. 95. The real path for Africa, today and tomorrow, is a path of freedom and dignity, a path of peace. That is why, less than a year after its birth, the independent Republic of Guinea has instructed us to bring to the whole world — to America, Europe, Asia and the Far East — the same message of peace and sincere friendship and of the desire to co-operate on a basis of mutual esteem, absolute equality and respect for the sovereignly of each country.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“If, on the other hand, capital and investment can be fitted into our scheme of things and help in the development of our economy, we are very willing to accept them wherever they come from, for that is co-operation, and not charity. We prefer understanding, friendship and co-operation to charity. Paternalism has had its day. Regardless of the intentions of the monopolies and their attempts to overcome the conflicts that threaten them, our peoples remain firm in their determination to break all their political and economic shackles. The aim of the neo-colonialists is already well known to the masses of the African peoples: it is to grant all the outward pomp and show of sovereignly, while retaining economic control and even control over national defence as in the past.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Some of the humanitarian statements which we have heard have aroused our indignation because of their patronizing attitude towards our countries and their disregard for the dignity of our people. 93. It is hard for Africa? to believe that its problems will be solved by making surplus cereal production availably to it, as certain countries are suggesting to us. Despite the poverty and under-developed state of our countries, we know that our human and material resources are sufficient to ensure a higher level of living for our masses. The African States have never refused foreign assistance in any form, provided only that no political or commercial ulterior motive was involved. 94. We can no longer accept investment which impoverishes the country and interferes with its political and social stability.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“While maintaining that they are assisting Africa and Asia, they will take the utmost care, when working out their economic plan, to disregard the views of the parties directly concerned. The explanation of the new projects for Africa lies in the need for the moneyed interests to win the new African markets by taking advantage of the difficulties which certain colonial Powers are experiencing. We have already emphatically stated that Africa is not deceived; it knows how to distinguish between disinterested aid and an attempt at disguised exploitation. 92. Certain nations which today claim to be generous are simply forgetting that they became wealthy at the expense of our countries and peoples.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Imperialism, the essential purpose of which has been to extract from the colonial countries the maximum profit with the minimum investment and in the shortest possible time, is now trying to adapt itself to the new situation by employing new methods and a new vocabulary. For Some, the liberation of vast areas in Africa and the creation of independent States represent an opportunity to extend their plan to gain control of our resources. The young African States are being offered economic agreements which in point of fact are nothing but revised colonial agreements. Very recently, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of certain Western countries arranged meetings in order to emphasize the absolute necessity of not giving up former colonial practices, but of devising a new approach, for the exploitation of the newly liberated territories.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The concept of assistance to the under-developed countries of Asia and Africa is making more and more headway. Even those who are continuing to exploit the under-developed part of the world are today proclaiming the need to fight against poverty and hunger in the very countries where they have had full responsibility for decades, and indeed for centuries. 91. As a result of the collapse of the colonial system and the growth of independence movements, the slogan “aid and technical assistance" has, since the Second World War, replaced the old slogan "civilizing missions” in the imperialist phraseology.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The delegation of the Republic of Guinea believes that a just and effective solution to the Algerian tragedy must be found by the United Nations in order to end the murderous war which the Algerian people have been enduring for the past five years. The United Nations, will have to guarantee free elections and the establishment of a democratic government. It goes without saying that the Republic of Guinea will give its unqualified support to any resolutions acceptable to the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic for the solution of this tragedy which has lasted all too long. The United Nations cannot admit its failure in this conflict and simply endorse the unconcealed intention of France to take no account of its decisions. 90.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The war-mongers have common interests, which are the reverse of those of the people. If, therefore, international disagreements are not settled in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations, if the ten Bandung principles are not recognized and respected, and if United Nations decisions continue to be flouted by Member States, all efforts towards disarmament will be doomed to failure. 89. It is difficult to remain unaware of the serious situation created by the French Government's obstinacy in continuing the war in Algeria, when the United Nations has already recognized both the injustice and unreasonableness of that war. We know that the responsibility for the Algerian massacres does not lie with France alone.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Is there any need for me to point out that Corsica, which is a department of France, has refused to allow the French Government to carry out such tests there? Certainly there has never been so spontaneous and unanimous a reaction as that against the French nuclear tests in the Sahara, and it is in defiance of the strong opposition of world opinion and the General Assembly’s condemnation that the French Government continues its nuclear tests in the very heart of Africa. While it is obvious that the Reggane explosions have not changed the power relationship in the world, these bombs have done irreparable damage to the prestige of those who set them off, and have also demonstrated that imperialism is a major obstacle to any genuine efforts towards disarmament.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The defence of peace is an indivisible task; it is the responsibility of all peace-loving peoples. We cannot but deplore the crushing war budgets and the colossal sums which continue to be spent for the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction. The numerous military bases in foreign, territories, far from affording effective protection to anyone, unnecessarily increase the danger of war and imperil the existence of civilian populations. The danger has reached such proportions that the ever present possibility of a simple error of calculation or a technical failure could set fire to the gunpowder. 88. The atomic tests which have recently been resumed in the Sahara despite the great opposition of the peoples of the entire world are openly contrary to any desire for disarmament.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)