YouSaid · the spoken record

Palamas

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS PALAMAS

lines on the record: 82
first: 1958-09-24
most recent: 1971-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“At present we are making ourselves available to all concerned in order to assist them towards conciliation. Fortunately , there is no lack of peaceful procedures. If one attempted negotiation has failed, this does not mean that . other talks would meet the same fate. It is, however, necessaRy to recognize that our possibilities are limited. As far as we are concerned, any assistance aimed at promoting an agreed settlement in the framework of the United Nations is welcome.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“U Thant expresses his concern that as a result of the impasse reached in the talks between the two communities on the island a new crisis might occur. He states that he has been "ceaselessly urging restraint upon the Government and the Turkish Cypriot leadership" [A[8401lAdd.lt para. 232]. Greece, being extremely interested in the maintenance of order on the island and in the search for a peaceful and just solution, has constantly acted in the same spirit. Not only has it tried to contribute to inter-communal understanding, by suggestions which it has deemed constructive, but it has been very careful to avoid interfering in the polemics which, coming from all sides, at times have poisoned the climate. We have tried to follow a responsible and serious policy. 50.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“A considerable proportion of the Christian sanctuaries in this city has always been in the custody of the Greek Orthodox Church. Greece could not remain indifferent to this problem, 48. With regard to the Mediterranean, and apart from present considerations, one should bear in mind that the Mediterranean States represent also a permanent and important factor. To *he extent that the solidarity of the coastal countries of the Mediterranean could manifest itself in a form more concrete and more in conformity with their interests and the aspirations of their peoples, this factor should be borne in mind. 49. Reference is made in the introduction to the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization to the question of Cyprus.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The return, in keeping with this resolution, of occupied Arab territories could not reasonably exclude a negotiated arrangement which alone would allow Israel to lead an industrious existence in peace and security. The argument of force is not always the best, and an armed truce is neither the best of solutions nor the best of guarantees. Respect for international legality opens the way to negotiation. Needless to say, as in the past, we hold that the problem of Palestine refugees should be resolved in a just and humane manner. 47. I wish equally to reiterate our attachment to past Security Council resolutions and to a very recent one, 298 (1971), of 25 September, concerning the status of Jerusalem and the protection of the holy places.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“If, however, this question, which we consider essentially simple, were to be posed in a complicated form or in the form of a synthesis, we would be inclined not to commit our responsibility in a way that would risk leading us into deadlock. On this point we will have the advantage of being further enlightened when the question is discussed in the General Assembly. 45. It is natural for us to continue to be concerned with the situation in the Middle East, for as long as this illegal situation persists, recourse to violence remains an alternative and constitutes a danger to all those most directly interested-a danger to peace in this region and a danger to peace in general. 46. Our position in favor of the full implementation of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) is well known.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“However, we think that the process of disarmament is essentially political in nature. We must resolve differences by negotiation, abandon dreams of domination, avoid confrontation and bring about detente, through tolerance and the promotion of a climate propitious to psychological and emotional disarmament. Without this, disarmament will remain in the realm of fiction and polemics. No one disarms in a climate of mistrust. 44. It is well known that the question of the representation of China will be raised from a different angle this year. We think that in the United Nations there can be only one seat for China: one seat in the Security Council and one seat in the Assembly. It is a question of recognizing the rightful holder of that seat. The question of exclusion or expulsion does not, in our view, arise.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Greece has taken an active part in the work of the United Nations on matters of disarmament. These achievements, which are well known and which I shall refrain from enumerating here, are certainly important developments. However, they are of a marginal nature, and their effect is not yet being felt in terms of the realities that condition our security and our existence. This makes necessary the existence of defensive military organizations and alliances. It is regrettable to note that the arms race continues and that year after year the quantity of weapons which weighs so heavily on the destiny of this world is on the increase. 43. Meetings, conferences and yet more conferences, always on disarmament, are suggested to us. We are ready to participate, as we have done in the past.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We also think that it is in this spirit that efforts are being made to prepare for a European security conference. This conference could be held quite soon, under good auspices, in view of the favorable development of the situation in both Eastern and Western Europe. 41. Parallel to this effort, we should pursue with vigor the implementation of the Second United Nations Development Decade program. There can be no lasting and stable peace as long as the peoples that are to benefit therefrom are haunted by the specteR of misery and poverty and as long as the possibilities and opportunities for progress and development are not assured. 42. The question of disarmament, which we ail want to be general and complete, is a matter of concern, as it has been in the past, for the General Assembly.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“In the material field, it is natural that all peoples, and particularly the developing nations, aspire to an improvement in their standards of living and to better social conditions. 39. Furthermore, what I have just said is relevant to efforts made to reinforce international security, thus giving effect, in a sense, to resolution 2734 (XX\ ) adopted by the General Assembly during the twenty-fifth session, on 16 December 1970. I would recall that Greece has already replied [see A/8431, sect. II] in a positive way to the circular note of the Secretary-General inviting Member States to furnish information on steps taken in pursuance of this resolution. My delegation reserves the right to take an active part in the debates to be held on this question. 40.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It is interesting to note that the Balkan States are not only endowed with different social structures and institutions, but are also linked by very different political affiliations. This co-operation should not cast doubt on their loyalty or attachment to the international commitments they have entered into or the fundamental principles of their political orientation. 38. This proves that, to the extent that goodwill exists, it is possible to work together for the benefit of all. From this experience of co-operation in detente we can see that peoples, independently of the regime they have adopted, aspire to peace and independence. In the political field, peace and independence are revealed as constituting a common denominator.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It would remind Member States of their responsibilities towards the international community assumed under the Charter, and it would provide the United Nations with the advantage of all appropriate preventive action in favor of peace. 37. It is in this sense that I think it useful, in passing from the universal to the regional, to invite the attention of the Assembly to political developments that have taken place in the Balkans during this year. The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and Albania normalizes the situation in that region. Furthermore, by the combined efforts of all the Governments of all the countries of that area, by official visits and repeated contacts, a climate of co-operation, of understanding and of friendship has been created.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Universal conscience is forged by mutual understanding and co-operation amongst peoples, and is expressing itself, even though as yet incompletely, in the United Nations, despite the effects of politics and the automatic voting that sometimes occurs. 35. My country, Greece, has always had faith in the United Nations and does not forget the assistance that the United Nations has rendered to Greece on many occasions. We believe in the universality of the United Nations and in the necessity for bringing before this universal Organization all differences and all disputes. 36. We think that the United Nations should be kept informed of major political events by official communications, in order to strengthen its presence and even its action in the interests of peace. This would have a beneficial effect in both ways.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“May it disappear in the warmth of co-operation and active peace founded on independence, freedom, mutual respect and the elimination of mistrust deriving from doctrinal conflicts and inadmissible interference in the domestic affairs of others. 34. We think that the United Nations is the best instrument to promote such a development. We believe that it is within the framework of the United Nations rather than elsewhere that crises are defused and lose their virulence, that the mighty recognize that power is created not only by material strength but by moral strength as well, and that the international community represents more than the mere sum of the Members of this Assembly.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We should like to believe that the philosophy of the will to power a philosophy which generates armaments and, what is worse, the temptation of aggression has become obsolete. It is doomed to disappearance. It is condemned by all peoples without exception who wish to live in peace and understanding and who do not find cause for disagreement or confrontation in their social systems. That philosophy is destined to vanish because it is contrary to international morality and to the conscience of the developing peoples. Our hope is that it will disappear without having to be buried under the ruins of a nuclear war.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“This is due, in U Thant’s judgment, to the fact that "the rivalry of nations continues to be the dominant factor in international life" [A/8401! Add.l, para. 6J. In this respect the most powerful Member States bear the greatest share of the responsibility that naturally is incumbent on all Member States. 31. It is true that, if colonialism is in the process of disappearing, the confrontation of social ideologies giVes rise to mistrust and explains the feeling of insecurity that pervades various regions of the world. 32. In so far as ideological dogmatism becomes the instrument of a will to power and to domination, it can constitute a threat to peace. It provokes reaction and defensive measures, as much on the internal front within States as on their frontiers. 33.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Greece, which, ever since the creation of the United Nations, has applied itself to upholding all efforts made towards recognizing the right of self-determination of peoples will give its support, as it has in the past, to the search for realistic and reasonable solutions aimed at the attainment of the principles and ideals that we uphold. 30. The introduction to the report of the Secretary- General on the work of the Organization is a document of great interest which merits our particular attention. If the record of the United Nations over the last 10 years is not negative, concludes our Secretary-General, it falls, nevertheless, considerably short of our hopes; perhaps also, I might say, of our possibilities.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“For 10 years he has devoted himself to the cause of peace and has brought to the exercise of his functions his high moral qualities, his great experience of the affairs of our Organization and an objectivity that has withstood all trials. We would like to hope, together with other speakers who have preceded us, that it is too soon to say good-bye to him. 29. The admission of four new Members, to which we address our heartiest congratulations, constitutes a positive and welcome development, adding to the many accomplishments of our Organization.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“26. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to extend to you the warm congratulations of the Greek delegation on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly. Your election is a tribute both to your own high personal qualities as a distinguished statesman and to your country, with which Greece maintains relations of sincere friendship. 27. I am happy, too, to express our appreciation for the high-mindedness and great competence with which your predecessor, Mr. Edvard Hambro, conducted the work of the twenty-fifth session. 28. U Thant’s decision to terminate his tenure of office as Secretary-General saddens us.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The fact that these activities are being directed by Mr. Paul Hoffman constitutes a guarantee for its success. 81. The scientific and technological progress of our times constitutes a unifying process in the field of human relations. Viewed from the moon, the oneness of our world will. be even more conspicuous. We are steadily progressing towards international, towards universal, integration. Our problem is not how to avoid such an evolution but how to remove the existing barriers, the remaining obstacles standing in its way, without a war. It is for the United Nations and for human reason to give a hopeful answer to such an agonizing question.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Greece has always supported, and will continue to offer its contribution to, any planning and action designed for the economic development of countries and territories, especially those which have not yet attained a more advanced stage in their economic development. 80. it is in this spirit that we wish, on this occasion, to reiterate the importance we attach to the good work already accomplished and to be accomplished in the future by the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the Special Fund of the United Nations. With regard to the Special Fund, which has begun its activities under good auspices, we in Greece are pertain that it can and should play an important and ever Increasing part in the endeavours for economic planning and development and the subsequent raising of standards of living throughout the world.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“78. The Algerian question, included in the agenda of the present session, will be the object of our deliberations and our efforts to contribute to a solution thereof in conformity with the principles of the Charter, principles for which Greece has always stood. We have no doubt that the General Assembly will register gratification at the recognition by the President of the French Republic, General de Gaulle, of the right of the Algerian people to determine freely their own future, as well as the efforts made by our Arab friends to approach this new hopeful development in a constructive way. 79. One question of paramount importance confronting the world today is that of economic development. It is, therefore, only natural that it constitutes one of the main preoccupations of our Organization.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“In the absence of such a solution, my delegation considers as an imperative necessity the continuation of the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. 77. We follow with active sympathy the advance of mandated and Non-Self-Governing Territories towards political emancipation and independence. The Greek delegation has constantly given its support to any action of the United Nations tending to assist colonial peoples in becoming masters of their own countries and of their destinies. In the course of the next year, several new African States, the Cameroons, Togoland, Nigeria and Somalia, and Cyprus, a Mediterranean State, will come to take their seats among us. This proves that the world is marching forward and that the family of nations is steadily acquiring the riches of equality and freedom.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Greece maintains good relations with many other socialist countries. We are glad to see the progress of our commercial exchanges and of our relations with Romania. Peace and good neighbourly relations are not a matter, of words but of deeds and facts. The favourable factual situation created in the field of the relations between the two countries led to the aforementioned improvements. Greece steadfastly pursues a policy of peace towards all. 76. Other problems await solution. In the Middle East, the problem of the Palestine refugees remains in suspense and provokes justified apprehension and rancour in all the Arab countries. As long as this question is left without a just solution, it will constitute a potential threat to peace and tranquillity in the Middle East.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“A centre of anxiety and a situation pregnant with potential dangers had been replaced by a climate of co-operation and understanding. This is an instance of an important contribution toward the improvement of the international situation and one which we are sure will be appreciated by those who are sincerely interested in the maintenance and consolidation of peace. 74. The Hellenic Government rejoices in the very close bonds which unite Greece and Yugoslavia. Relations between these two neighbouring countries, which were always excellent, become even more so as the years go by. This proves — and we shall never weary of repeating it — that differing Social systems are no obstacle to the establishment of relations of co-operation and understanding, so long as these relations are based on respective independence and reciprocal respect. 75.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The bonds of friendship which have existed between Greece and the United Kingdom are being restored. 72. Relations between Greece and Turkey are steadily improving. The policy of close co-operation and friendship established by Venizelos and Ataturk, those great pioneers, has been revived. The visit of Premier Karamanlis to Ankara a few months ago and the coming visit to Athens of Premier Menderes will contribute to strengthen the ties between the two neighbouring countries. 73. May I be permitted to say that, as it has already been pointed out from this rostrum by the distinguished Foreign Minister of Turkey [8G9thmeeting], this development is not profitable only to Greece and Turkey. It constitutes a factor of stability and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean area as well as in that of the Balkans.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I feel sure that the General Assembly will be unanimous in registering with satisfaction the creation, in accordance with the spirit of its resolution and wishes, of the new State of Cyprus, and that it will be ready to welcome it in these halls as a member of the great family of nations on the day when the new republic, duly proclaimed, will present its request for admission. 70. On this occasion, I wish to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the delegations which showed interest in the promotion of the Cyprus issue tows x .is a right and peaceful solution. 71. A happy consequence of the solution of the Cyprus question was the liquidation of the conflict which, for a certain time, brought Greece into opposition with Turkey and the United Kingdom.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We rest assured, however, that its outcome will be successful as all participants to these working bodies display a spirit of loyalty and dedication to the basic agreements of Zurich and London. The burden of these efforts rests mainly on the Cypriots of both communities facing the responsibility of building up their own future, as free men, in conditions of human dignity and prosperity. Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom assumed the responsibility of assisting the new State of Cyprus in establishing its independence. 69.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“He chose independence as the political status of the island, freedom for all Cypriots, close co-operation between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island, and permanent friendship of the new State of Cyprus with both Greece and Turkey. He himself, in his great wisdom declared: "In addition to our duty to fashion our future, we have an important role to fulfil, that of a link uniting Greece and Turkey." On these foundations the Zurich and London agreements were negotiated and concluded. 68. Various committees have been established in London and in Nicosia working hard for the implementation of these agreements. The creation of a new State in a rather short period of time is a challenging enterprise.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Such a line was in conformity with the relative provisions of the Charter and concurred with the way followed by almost all other dependent territories liberated from colonial rule by accession to independence. 67. There are some who wonder whether Archbishop Makarios, the political and religious leader of the Greek Cypriots, may not have acted thus in view of the international difficulties then prevailing and the grave dangers which other solutions entailed. The fact is that Archbishop Makarios acted in full freedom of conscience and decision, but it is evident that he acted as a responsible political leader, aware of realities and of the possibilities defined by existing international contingencies.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Greece, within these halls, assumed the role of spokesman on behalf of the legitimate aspirations to freedom of the people of Cyprus and of their heroic struggle to attain it. She demanded self-determination for the Cypriots. Ab is well known, self-determination as a principle, as a right, is not an end in itself. It is not a solution. It represents the road to a solution. In this respect, the move generated within the General Assembly, during its successive sessions, in favour of an independent Cyprus, helped the Cypriots in their quest for freedom, to exercise their choice in a practicable way. It also helped all the parties concerned to discern a possibility for agreement.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The negotiations which resulted in the solution of the Cyprus question were indeed inspired by these principles. They were put into motion following a resolution unanimously adopted by the General resolution recommended that a peaceful, democratic and just solution, in accordance with the Charter, be sought. The solution was reached in conformity with this recommendation and is based on the recognition of the status of independence for the island of Cyprus and on the principle of co-operation among all Cypriots. 66. The Cyprus question was a United Nations question "par excellence". Since 1954, it was the object of the constant interest and deliberations of the General Assembly.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is true that, in order to attain this goal, the Charter does not refer the litigants to a court of justice but counsels negotiation. However, negotiation according to the letter and the spirit of the Charter must necessarily be inspired by these principles. Even if we admit that the guarantees offered by the United Nations are not sufficient, in any case they represent a certain, progress over former methods and justify our hopes and our perseverance in following the new road. The evolution cannot but be slow and gradual. That is why, instead of despairing, we must all resist the temptation to avoid the path of the United Nations, a path which constantly reminds us of the Charter and sets us at the listening post of the universal conscience as expressed by this great and noble Assembly. 65.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The aim of the United Nations is not solely to solve conflicts, but to solve them in accordance with the Charter, That means to solve them according to. a notion of legality and justice independently of the respective power of the parties in litigation. This notion of legality and justice, although not always put into practice — and when it has been so put, the results have in many cases proved disappointing. We nonetheless always present at the United Nations. It instils itself into our consciences and may tend to become a dynamic idea capable of one day producing the structure of an international organization founded on legality and justice. 64. To save the peace is obviously the goal which we. all strive for. But we must save the peace without sacrificing freedom, without betraying the right, and without defying justice.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“To debate delicate political affairs — we are told — in an open forum is an error which goes contrary to mutual interests and to friendly relations between nations. 62. I have no intention of making a case against traditional diplomacy by recalling the liabilities registered against it by history's balance of accounts. Moreover, nothing prevents us from haying recourse to its services whenever this appears to be desirable or useful. However, we must remember that the United Nations is not just another diplomatic means for the peaceful settlement of international disputes; it represents an attempt to organize, to establish, international society on a basis of law. The Charter is a first expression — elementary and incomplete, to be sure, but nonetheless a genuine expression — of international legality. 63.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Apprehensions on this subject have been voiced, of which the echo may be found; even in the introduction to the Secretary-General's report [A/4132/Add,1]. It is true that he does not seem to find them justified and his personal opinion on this score is reassuring. 61. However, while we share the Secretary-General's solidly established opinion, we think that we are all in duty bound to pay special attention to a matter which so closely affects the future of our Organization. For what is not happening today might happen tomorrow. And it would be a great misfortune if ever international relations were to be removed from the field of the United Nations and to return to the paths of the past. We hear it said sometimes that the ways and methods of the old diplomacy present considerable advantages as compared with those of the United Nations.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Other interesting suggestions concerning disarmament have been presented by other representatives. 59, We believe, that the work of co-ordinating and examining all these plans and possibilities in common should begin as soon as possible at the United Rations. In our opinion, the Disarmament Commission, which is the most qualified body to deal with all aspects of disarmament, should be asked to share in the relative, responsibilities and work of the United Nations. 60. The fact that recent negotiations on the limitation of armaments, as well as certain great international problems which at present preoccupy the world, appear to be evolving outside the United Nations, has created the impression that the world Organization is being excluded from these developments.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The Assembly must have its own organs not only in order to be in a position to follow what is going on beyond its limits, but also in order to be able, at the opportune moment, to declare its point of view and to establish its permanent interest in the progress of the cause of disarmament. 56. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Mr. Khrushchev, has from this platform made proposals for total disarmament [799th meeting] which cannot but arouse the liveliest interest. 57. The Secretary of State of the United States, Mr. Herter [797th meeting], and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, Mr. Selwyn Lloyd [798th meeting], have also set forth action programmes for the limitation of armaments which cannot but retain our undivided attention. 58.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The ten-Power disarmament committee, the creation of which was communicated to the United Nations Disarmament Commission, is an organ which does not engage the responsibility of the United Nations. I must add that the cause of disarmament is so vital that no one could raise objections to the great Powers choosing the procedure that seems good to them in order to bring do fruition the negotiations which they have in view. The merits of their choice will be judged by the results. We all pray that these results may be satisfactory. 55. We do not believe, however, that what may go on outside these halls exempts the. General Assembly from its role and responsibilities as regards disarmament.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“If based on solidly realistic foundations — and only then — a common effort for disarmament has a good chance of yielding results. I should say, in all modesty, that Greece, faithful to its peaceful traditions, will not fail to contribute to this great objective in the measure of its possibilities and its competence. 54. There can be no doubt that disarmament constitutes an urgent duly and a cardinal responsibility of the United Nations. And I am impelled to say that any tendency to dissociate the Organization from developments concerning this problem would be particularly regrettable and dangerous. Nevertheless, let us hasten to recognize that, up to the present, the authority of the United Nations in this domain has never been seriously contested.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“And it does exist not only in the defensive alliances with which we are familiar, but also within the larger framework of the United Nations. 52. Thus, regional arrangements on matters of security depend on broader agreements on disarmament among the Powers mainly concerned. This is even more so as the range of modern weapons, and in particular that of ballistic missiles, actually covers all the surface of our planet. This means that regional security cannot be valued and dealt with but in terms of total security. A ballistic missile launched from hundreds of miles away is not more welcome than one launched from a shorter distance. The existence of such weapons, by suppressing the distances, practically minimizes the geographical individuality of the regions, in terms of security, 53.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Even those peoples who find themselves outside of existing political groups cannot consider their security and the means of defence at their disposal otherwise than in relation to the more general factors which determine the security of the international community of which they are an integral part. Does not the Charter, in fact constitute the essential expression of the collective character of international security? 51. From this it results that partial measures affecting the common security cannot be considered separately. Such measures are always possible, but they must be examined in the light of the interests as much of the collective body as of each individual member. It is not possible to cut up into sections the unity of collective defence where it exists.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The limitation of armaments is a feasible operation; but only to the extent to which the interested parties are sincere in their intention of freezing or of proportionally reducing the level of armaments and to which they are ready to furnish proofs of their sincerity of accepting guarantees satisfactory to all. 50. Another point of capital importance is the collective character of security. This character cannot- be changed for it is inherent in the very nature of collective defence. Within the framework of this defence each nation is called upon to play the part which falls to it, by reason of the common interest.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“However, if, in order to maintain the forces necessary to a certain degree of security, the nations continue to arm, it is logically possible to maintain this same balance by a common agreement either to avoid increasing the potential of the respective war arsenals, or even to lower the existing level of armaments. This means balanced disarmament. 49. It is quite evident that the balance of military power is a technical question. But it goes without saying that any agreement providing for a limitation of armaments, and any undertaking concerning disarmament, must necessarily depend upon efficient international control.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is by virtue of this balance that some hold their place in existing political formations and others can remain uncommitted. It is true that there is a much better alternative to the rule of the balance of power. This is world peace and order maintained and secured by the United Nations, having at its disposal an effective international military force. But for the time being such an alternative is possible only in theory. 48. The effort to maintain the military equilibrium stimulates the arms race, since each nation, and especially the great Powers, press on with their armaments programmes for fear of seeing the balance disrupted at their expense.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I only wish to point out that the limitation of armaments is linked to the notion of security itself and that security depends upon the maintenance of the existing balance of power in the world. 47. It must be admitted that, despite all efforts made to date, despite attempts to build the international community on foundations of justice and law, relations between nations are still governed by the outmoded, but still working, rules of the balance of power. It is true that today this notion of balance has been considerably broadened. But whether one speaks of the balance between the two super-Powers alone, or between the two groups of Powers, one is forced to recognize that it is under the blanket of this balance that the peaceful existence of the world presently evolves.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“There is no doubt that we are faced with an extremely delicate operation centring upon sensitive and painful points, and liable to have far-reaching consequences in time and space. But the world has at its disposal all the wisdom necessary in order to undertake this task with good chances of success. 46. I now turn to the question of disarmament. It is indeed in this hope that we envisage the progress of negotiations concerning disarmament. All of us, without exception, are vitally interested in facing this great problem and in resolutely entering upon the path of the immediate and practical measures necessary to its solution. I shall avoid insisting on that, which everyone well knows; I refer to the potential for destruction of modern weapons of war.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“However, it is of equal interest to the international community as a whole, for peace is a benefaction common to all. It is no longer possible to draw a line between the happiness of some and the misfortune of others. 44. We fervently pray that this exploration may lead to positive results. It must be a promise of concrete and practical realizations, for we are all aware that the continuance of the international crisis which holds the world in its grip is not due solely to psychological considerations. It is due to the lack of confidence caused by concrete disputes and by antagonisms reflected in day to day realities. It is, indeed, indispensable to ameliorate the psychological climate; but above all, it is necessary to see whether a way can be opened towards negotiation and agreement on precise and determinate points. 45.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This is a great undertaking, on a scale commensurable with that of the danger of an atomic war. 42. The problems ahead are vast, complex and thorny. In certain cases, they are poised in fragile, yet vital, equilibrium. However, we believe that there are no irreducible factors dividing the two worlds so long as existing differences are approached in a spirit of mutual respect and with the intention of either party not to seek advantages at the expense of the other. At the end of the match there should be but one winner: peace. 43. The present stage is mainly devoted to the improvement of the psychological climate and to soundings destined to define mutual positions and to evaluate possibilities of agreement. These preparatory efforts concern the particular and collective interests of both the Western and the Soviet World.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“40. MThis fourteenth session of the General Assembly opened under particularly happy auspices. The responsible heads of the two great Powers which today constitute the pivot around which the international situation revolves, have met a few days ago in the United States. This meeting will be repeated next spring in Moscow. 41. The aim of these personal contacts between President Eisenhower and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, Mr. Khrushchev, is to end the cold war and to win a more stable, less menaced peace, a peace that will be just and equitable for all. In the shadow of such a peace the peoples of the earth will be able, by their labours and according to their will, to build up their future and that of their children.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Any other course of action risks to further envenom the already very tense situation and will serve neither the interests of Cyprus, nor those of Greece and Turkey, nor the cause of peace.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)