YouSaid · the spoken record

Arenales Catalan

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS ARENALES CATALAN

lines on the record: 150
first: 1956-09-24
most recent: 1967-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

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“The urgency of the present situation is such, however, that we find it essential to restate some concepts which are still valid and which have in the past shaped our attitude towards the many-faceted and disquieting combination of circumstances and political forces which make up the Middle East. 84. We are all aware that, in this continuous struggle to preserve world peace, however relative that peace may be, the greatest danger in an atmosphere charged with tensions is that we may contribute, by our acts or omissions, to the worsening of those tensions in the most sensitive areas of friction. There can be no question but that the Middle East, with its historical and passionate conflicts, is one such critical area. 85.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“My country's satisfaction at President Eisenhower's initiative and my Government's sustained efforts during the time it has taken to bring this initiative to fulfilment were rewarded this past week by the election of Guatemala to the Board of Governors of the new Agency in common with three other Latin American countries. Guatemala welcomed this appointment, and has pledged its active and devoted adherence to the noble international effort to ensure for the atom the only future worthy of civilized man. 83. There is another problem to which we wish to make particular reference because it remains a source of international tension: that of the Middle East. Perhaps at this juncture we should refrain from discussing those thorny aspects of it which appear to be on the way to a satisfactory settlement.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The Secretary for External Relations of Mexico recently advanced from this rostrum an argument of extraordinary importance concerning the legal responsibility of States which carry out nuclear explosions harmful to the population or territory of other States. This is a highly interesting suggestion which my country intends to study with the closest attention and which will assuredly be examined in the same spirit by other Member States. 82. With regard to the peaceful uses of atomic energy, Guatemala has followed with interest the efforts being made in this direction nationally and internationally. It gave my Government great pleasure this year to join in founding the International Atomic Energy Agency and to make Guatemala the first country to ratify its constituent Statute.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The sacred trust conferred on us by the Charter and by the Assembly, coupled with the imperishable ethics on which our policy rests, has already impelled us to express our concern in the Trusteeship Council. On the other hand, we are not unmindful of the arguments advanced by other friendly Governments which have been placed in the difficult and serious position of bearing primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. We shall have to follow these principles and to use our calmest judgement in dealing with the specific problems to which this question may give rise at this session of the General Assembly. 81.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Pending the discussion in the Committee we wish to make known that the Government of Guatemala is devoting due attention to the procedural suggestions made for expansion of the membership of the Disarmament Commission, and to the valuable idea advanced by another delegation that thought should be given to the desirability of appointing a United Nations commissioner for disarmament. 80. As regards the problem — unhappily a related problem — of atomic explosions, the Government of Guatemala shares the profound concern of friendly Governments at the threat these tests represent to mankind and to future generations. Guatemala knows and shares the views expressed by the head of the Roman Catholic community and by many scientific and humanitarian organizations.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“While the main purpose of our participation in the general debate is to restate our policy with regard to the United Nations, I cannot do less than refer, however briefly, to some problems which are now casting dark shadows on the international political scene. 79. I shall first of all refer to disarmament, a problem with which the First Committee will shortly have to deal. We are convinced that this is the most serious problem on our agenda, and that there have been few occasions in the past when the patience and efforts of the parties mainly concerned have given greater hopes of obtaining a measure of agreement enabling us to take at least the first steps towards establishing peace on more secure foundations.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Before I end this part of my statement I wish to say a word about the problem which has grieved the Guatemalans for many decades: I refer to the recovery of that part of Guatemala which is named Belize and which, as British Honduras, the United Kingdom Government continues to occupy by right of force alone and in a manner which, while it no longer astounds the world, still affronts its sense of justice, and which prejudices the development of my country and infringes its sovereignty. No Guatemalan will ever abate his efforts to solve this problem, which likewise affects the people of Belize and their development. 78.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“This policy, to which we adhere strictly but in a constructive spirit, is not, however, dictated to us solely by the feelings of the Guatemalan people. The General Assembly has also conferred on us a sacred trust by electing us to the Trusteeship Council and the Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories. 76. The report of our stewardship which we have always considered it a moral obligation to furnish to our electors is confirmed by deeds, by votes and by statements of position in those organs of the United Nations, and by the tireless devotion and energy with which we have discharged our task. The General Assembly and its Member States may rest assured that our anti-colonial policy likewise remains immutable. 77.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Secondly, no manifestation of a change or improvement of policy or attitude in international affairs must be rejected out of prejudice, nor out of hand without careful study and mature consideration, no matter in what quarter the manifestation occurs. Lastly, the same attitude of constant vigilance must at all times be maintained so that we may be able to display our confidence when the deeds and attitudes of others deserve it” [539th meeting, paras. 11 and 12]. 75. In addition to these guiding principles, on which our political participation in the United Nations is based, there is another important sector of the work of the United Nations to which the people of Guatemala and their Governments have traditionally and steadfastly devoted their attention and efforts: I refer to colonial problems.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The spirit which inspires our participation in the work of the United Nations was expressed from this very rostrum by the late President Castillo Armas, who has left such a deep imprint in the memory of his people. On 3 November 1955, addressing the General Assembly, he enunciated three basic principles of international goodwill, which remain valid. The President said: "Fear and mistrust among the nations and their respective Governments represent a danger to peace. In view of these considerations, the new international atmosphere imposes certain inescapable obligations on all countries. "In the first place, a renewed and continuous effort must be made to demonstrate by deeds our unshakable purpose to live at peace with other nations and to respect the domestic sovereignty of others, renouncing any policy of international subversion.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“This makes it necessary for us to reassure the international community, and, with particular earnestness the Members of the United Nations, that the foreign policy of Guatemala, under its present Government, remains unchanged and that the Guatemalan delegation to the twelfth regular session of our Assembly is instructed to continue working on the same lines as before, all of which reflects the continuity of the country’s constitutional life and the political stability of its institutions. In assuring you of the continuity of our policy I do not, however, consider it necessary to redefine that policy, which has been adequately stated at previous sessions of the General Assembly and in principal organs and commissions of the United Nations. 74.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The delegation of Guatemala has felt it unnecessary to take part in the Assembly's general debates when there was no change in the broad terms of its foreign policy or when, in the absence of any major change in the international scene, the continuity of its policy could be taken for granted. However, as all Members of the United Nations are aware, there has recently been a change of Government in Guatemala.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Guatemala, which has always been devoted, heart and soul, to the liberation of subjected peoples, is particularly gratified at the rise of these new States and their advent in the United Nations, and reiterate its hope that this inevitable historical process will take effect speedily and peacefully for the 125 million inhabitants of an area several times the size of Europe who do not yet enjoy a full measure of self-government. We know Ghana and the Federation of Malaya will be valiant and helpful allies in the struggle which all Members of the United Nations have undertaken on behalf of the still dependent peoples. 72. I now turn to a brief explanation of the primary reason for my presence on this rostrum. 73.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Ghana and the Federation of Malaya are the latest symbols of two phenomena characteristic of this second half of the twentieth century: on the one hand the rise and integration of nations, and on the other the need to undertake a voluntary limitation of sovereignty, through organizations of States which demonstrate the interdependence of mankind, without loss of respect for the freedom and self-determination of peoples.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“At this juncture I cannot but add, with some nostalgia, a word of gratitude to Prince Wan Waithayakon of Thailand, whose wisdom, tact and courtesy enabled him to carry on the business of one of the Assembly's most difficult sessions. His new humane mission of aiding the martyred people of Hungary could not have been placed in better hands. 71. I now wish to add Guatemala's voice to the welcome rightly extended to the new members of the international community which have entered the United Nations this year.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It is a source of particular satisfaction to me to speak for the Guatemalan delegation in conveying to Sir Leslie Munro my Government’s congratulations on his election as President of the twelfth session. Our knowledge of his personality assures us that his clarity of mind, his energy in action and his calm in the control of affairs will bring the work of this session of the General Assembly to a fruitful and satisfactory conclusion. 69. To Mr. Dag Hammarskjold, the Secretary-General, we pay a fresh tribute of gratitude, sincere congratulation and deep-rooted optimism, in the knowledge that his future activity will emulate his past and present efforts. 70.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“These are the principles which will guide the Guatemalan delegation during the present session of the General Assembly.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Although we viewed the beginnings of the Middle Eastern crisis with the greatest anxiety, it is with hope that we are now following the promising efforts of our friends, the nations of Europe and the Middle East. 90. With respect to that division of the world which unfortunately has become more familiar to us during the last decade, Guatemala’s position remains the same as that stated last year before this Assembly by the President of Guatemala. Our position is not to reject any manifestation of peace or good will, no matter from which side it may come, without long and thorough consideration, but to maintain at all times the attitude of careful vigilance which is necessary to protect our ideals and way of life, and to give our support only where deeds and attitudes show that they deserve it. 91.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is only natural that these political reactions should in turn have repercussions on the attitude of a Member State to the problems of the United Nations, especially such problems as world disarmament, atomic energy, and colonial questions, which so greatly affect relations between States. 89. As regards the real division caused by the Egyptian crisis in what is called the Western world, my Government is confident that, thanks to a policy which already promises to be one of moderation and reform, the differences in the Western family are much slighter, much more temporary, and of much less ideological, political and economic seriousness than others which beset humanity as a whole.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The creation of the Emergency Force for the Middle East is a step in the right direction, and my Government remains open to any constructive and practical suggestion that might lead to a serious study of the problem of a permanent United Nations force. Another step in the right direction is the diplomatic function which the Secretary-General has been able to perform thanks to his self-sacrifice, his devotion to principles and his outstanding personal abilities. My Government wishes me to convey a message of satisfaction and congratulations to the Secretary-General. 88. However, the problems of Hungary and Egypt have not had repercussions on our Organization alone. Those crises have produced numerous actions and reactions in the political attitude of many States to the international scene.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“I should like to remind those who try to blame the United Nations for the crisis, that a generous correction of a mistaken policy needs no excuse and that we should not attribute to the Organization defects which are our own. We should like to remind the sceptics who want international problems solved boldly and instantaneously that their pessimism would soon vanish if they only paused to think what the consequences of each of these crises would have been if our Organization, with its great moral strength in the eyes of the world, had not existed. 87. This does not mean that we refuse to accept the idea of improving our collective procedures.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Thirdly, if Egypt’s sovereign right to nationalize the Canal has been acknowledged, we do not see how there can be any discussion about granting it a “fair proportion of the dues”. 85. This brings us to the end of our statement. The events in Egypt and Hungary have subjected our Organization to a severe trial, from which, in our opinion, it has emerged not only successful but stronger than ever. We think that the United Nations is still the flexible instrument that we always believed it to be. Naturally, it is not an organ which can solve the complex problems of relations between men with the speed of electricity or the precision of a fine-edged tool. But those of us who realise that complex political problems cannot always be solved directly or instantaneously still have faith in our Organization. 86.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This can sometimes be done more effectively by making concessions than by puting forward demands. In political and parliamentary matters, it is not enough for us to believe that we are right; it is necessary that others should believe that we are reasonable. 84. With respect to the Suez Canal problem, the principles which we should like to lay down are the same six which have already been accepted by the countries directly concerned and unanimously approved by the Security Council [S/3675]. We shall only note the following. First, by free navigation, we understand a right which should be universally granted to all nations and all interests, and not merely to those States which the administering authority may select. Secondly, by users’ rights, we understand merely the rights of freedom and safety of navigation.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“With respect to the problem of Israel’s relations with the Arab States, my delegation considers the following three principles as fundamental: First, the Arab States must recognize Israel’s existence. Secondly, whether for good or evil, the existence of passions in the political field is a very powerful reality, and in the present case the feelings of the Arab peoples, whether justified or not, and their legitimate interests and fears, cannot be disregarded but must be taken into account as elements of the problem to be solved. Thirdly, the Arab peoples and Governments must realize that they have reached, as was inevitable, a turning point in their national history, and must put their passions on one side and adopt an attitude of cool logic in order to protect their interests.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Our suggestion proceeds from the idea that the matter is one for the collective judgement of the United Nations, and that the calm firmness of this Organization and of those Member States which exert the greatest power or authority in the Middle East constitute our only hope for a fair solution which, without encroaching on any sovereign rights, will call upon all parties (and we might as well face this fact now) to give up some of their claims. 82. My delegation will define its position in this matter at the proper time, when we discuss the problems that are raised in one way or another by the two draft resolutions submitted by the United States [A/3272 and A/3273]. Meanwhile, we should like to state a few principles, which we submit for the later consideration of the Assembly and, in particular, of those nations directly concerned. 83.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“I believe that there is hardly one nation among the seventy-nine of which our Organization is now composed which would not admit, at least in its own conscience, that it is necessary to find a solution — and not merely to seek one — for the two great underlying problems: that of Israel’s relations with the Arab nations and that of the Suez Canal. 80. And let it not be said that suggestions from outside are unwelcome, because there is no question of imposing a solution unilaterally. We have seen that these problems concern the entire community of nations, and we have also seen that within the Middle East itself it has been impossible to agree on even the beginning of a solution. 81.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“With respect to the first three problems, we must congratulate all the parties for accepting the cease-fire which the United Nations requested of all combatants, and we must also congratulate those States which have made generous and courageous reappraisal of the situation and are embarking on a course which, we are certain, will lead to the most equitable solution of the problems of the Middle East, with the moral weight of the United Nations and the firm support of its Member States behind them. Thus we have some reason for optimism when we hear the latest news about the withdrawal of troops and the clearing of the Suez Canal. 79. These measures may provide a provisional solution for the problem, but they will not be enough to solve it in any permanent way. The statu quo ante failed to prevent the events which we are deploring today.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Until a short time ago, there were four immediate problems to be settled in the Middle East: the cease-fire, the withdrawal of troops, the clearing of the Canal and a fourth problem which, in spite of its negative character, is of fundamental importance for solving the other problems of the Middle East, namely, that of the absolute need for all Member States to refrain from any direct or indirect intervention in that area, such action being in contravention of the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly during its first emergency special session and during the present session. 78.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Apart from the present need for caution, which is more acute than ever, the real problem in the Middle East is a problem of the future — the elimination of conditions harmful to regional and extra-regional interests, and the consolidation of peace and justice to prevent the repetition of events dangerous to all nations, such as those which we have recently been deploring and which we are striving so hard to remedy. 77.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Otherwise, there may be actions and reactions which may endanger world peace, and thus also the peace of the area concerned, or at least seriously endanger the freedom and independence of the very peoples that are trying to preserve peace, as well as the very interests which other nations are trying to protect. That is the inevitable fate — and more so than ever today — of those regions which find themselves at the crossroads of world politics. 75. However, aside from these reflections, Guatemala’s main consideration with respect to the Middle East has been its constant desire to look towards the future, and take constructive action, and in this connexion we are also prepared to support and promote the measures which certain States are proposing and which seem genuinely aimed at restoring the situation. 76.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“And those countries which, as certain sinister rumours had it, were taking what are wrongly termed “precautionary political measures” may, as a result listen to the counsels of moderation which certain friendly nations have given them — counsels which are both in the general interest and in the interest of those countries themselves. 73. We should like to remind those countries that are directly or indirectly interested in taking so-called “precautionary political measures” that, in situations like the present one in the Middle East, reasons and motives of a positive and sincere nature are politically just as valid as fears and pretexts. Consequently, any step which any of the nations concerned may take should be carefully thought out beforehand and carried out with extreme caution. 74.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As regards the present situation in the Middle East, it is true that the developments of the last three days give us at least some reason for optimism. Until three days ago, we were deeply concerned about what seemed to be a dangerous step in the direction of “precautionary political measures” which were being taken by certain countries directly or indirectly interested in the situation in the Middle East. However, the new developments which have come to our knowledge — and all of which are undoubtedly in the right direction — will probably bring about a certain relaxation of tension in that part of the world.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“They must not deplore or try to arrest the growing national consciousness of people, but adapt themselves to it. They must display a keen sense of political realism and admit that the power and economic strength which were, and still are, such important factors in their assessment of international problems, have undergone a process of evolution from the point of view of international distribution and balance. 71. We hope that their present experience will lead the statesmen of the European States who, until a short time ago, had shown remarkable capacity for vision, adaptability and resourcefulness, to make a realistic reassessment and rapid adjustment — and I repeat the word “rapid” — of the general lines of their economic and international policy. 72.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As regards the less immediate past, Guatemala is also mindful of what have been called the “vital” interests of the European Powers. However, we are certain that even if they have not admitted it publicly, these States have found out for themselves that in the world today the best way to protect their interests is not to use unilateral force, which only makes matters worse, and that the principles of international coexistence, based on a collective security organization, are still valid in spite of the doubts which the limitations of our present system may have occasioned. 70. Those friendly States must stop believing that power confers infallibility of judgement, they must recognize without bitterness that the world has changed — thanks largely to the initiative of the European States themselves.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Guatemala, which maintains such friendly relations both with the Arab States and with Israel, considers that Israel and Arab statesmen should have understood, and must understand in their own interest, that it has not been-owing to a selfish fear of a world conflict that the community of nations has been constantly recommending and urging the countries of the Middle East to show patience and moderation. Owing to their strategic geographical position and their considerable resources, they would no doubt be the first victims of a world conflict. Events are showing that any disturbance in the equilibrium of that part of the world produces an even greater disturbance, and that the desire of certain countries to defend their independence and their existence may compromise the very independence and freedom of nations. 69.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As regards the more distant past, Guatemala has not forgotten the provocations which have occurred during the last few years between Israel and the Arab States, but wishes to recall that, as may be seen from the resolutions and recommendations of the Security Council and of the General Assembly itself, such provocations appear to have occurred as a rule on both sides. Even ignoring that aspect of the matter, such events cannot justify — although they might explain — a unilateral resort to force in violation of the armistice agreements and of the United Nations Charter. 68.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Guatemala condemned the recent attack on Egypt as unilateral and unjustified, and considered that it constituted a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and of the principles not only of ethics, but also of reasonable international coexistence, which should have been all the more scrupulously observed because of the explosive situation in the Middle East and of the world-wide responsibility resting on the shoulders of the permanent members of the Security Council. 67.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is true that the courageous and honest stand of many Member States has increased the moral prestige of the United Nations; it is, however, equally certain that two of its greatest champions have lost part of the moral force which their utterances had in the eyes of the world. We can only hope that, with valiant and persistent efforts on their part to put matters right, and with the help of time and human forgiveness, they will regain that status. 65. This brings me to the question of Egypt. The problems of the Middle East, too, have a past, a present and future. In slating my delegation’s position in that connexion, I shall enumerate what I consider the principal elements involved: in view of their complexity, merely to list those elements is in itself a useful contribution and serves to clarify the issue. 66.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“While the Hungarian people should not be abandoned to destruction, they would not have benefited from a third world war. 62. Finally, in the face of the division — albeit the temporary division — of the West, brought about by the unfortunate events in the Middle East, this was perhaps the worst moment in world affairs even to consider taking police action of the kind. 63. I hope that the participants in the tragic events in the Middle East will have realized that, had they not launched their attack against Egypt, it would perhaps have been difficult for the events in Hungary to have gone so far, and that, as a result of that attack, this Organization’s possibilities of action have perhaps been restricted. 64.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is not my desire to discuss, or express an opinion on that issue because, even if such a course were in the interest of the Hungarian people, this general debate is hardly the place to deal with it. 61. I do, however, wish to say one thing. No one, I believe, denies that the United Nations has the right or the juridico-political ability to take such a step. It is true that a police force has entered Egypt, but it has done so with the acquiescence of Egypt and of the two greatest Powers in the world. In Hungary, in the absence of such acquiescence, it would have taken a large army to carry out police duties, and its intervention would almost inevitably have led to the third world War which we in the United Nations are striving to avoid.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“My delegation is furthermore determined to spare no effort to ensure that observers of the United Nations or the Secretary-General, acting as a negotiator, are permitted to go to Hungary, as well as to facilitate any intelligent and effective action we may take to improve rather than worsen the situation in that part of the world. 59. Thus it was with mingled feelings of misgiving and hope that we received yesterday [608th meeting] the Secretary-General’s report on the results of the negotiations which will, it seems, enable him to visit Budapest. And here I should like to say a word in defence of the United Nations and indirectly of my own and many other delegations. 60. Much has been said about the imperative and urgent need, or merely the expediency or the advisability, of sending a police force to Hungary.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In the case of Hungary, as in the case of Egypt, Guatemala takes a firm stand but places the main emphasis on constructive action, on alleviating the sufferings of the Hungarian people and on sparing from even greater suffering those nations and peoples which are most vulnerable to the forces of evil and error. In line with that policy, Guatemala promptly and unobtrusively offered to receive a number of Hungarian refugees, being the second Latin American country to do so, and has also made contributions in kind towards alleviating the distress of the Hungarian people. 58.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Guatemala condemns compulsory mass deportations, and the difficulties which have been placed in the way of international assistance and the dispatch of United Nations observers. 55. Guatemala is deeply concerned at the appalling situation of the Hungarian people, at the tragic condition of the Hungarian refugees and at the spectacle of a powerful tyranny which, although it feels itself threatened, still constitutes a danger to so many peoples in that part of the world. 56. But this condemnation of past and present occurrences, and this concern about the present and the future, make my delegation and my Government deeply, aware of the urgent need for action. 57.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As the representative of Norway has pointed out [598th meeting], it was not without surprise that we received the two blows constituted by the events in the Middle East and in Hungary. This surprise was accompanied by a feeling of deep sorrow at the destiny of the hopes not only of diplomats and statesmen throughout the world, but also of whole peoples, of secure alliances, and of men of good will everywhere. 53. As regards first the problem of Hungary, my delegation’s position can be summed up in three words: condemnation, concern and action. 54. Guatemala condemns the repression of a people with the use of foreign forces. Guatemala condemns the crushing of a popular rebellion without any distinction being made between combatants and civilians.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In our view, a Member State needs to make its position known only when there has been a fundamental change in the international scene or in its attitude to international affairs. 51. Last year, an incredulous world saw the emergence of the “Geneva spirit”, which, at the beginning of the tenth session of the Assembly, was already sustaining its first setbacks. This year the world, entertaining perhaps the same doubts, but with anxious feelings of hope based on the determination to cure its ills, was beginning, albeit still very warily, to live in an atmosphere which seemed to promise an improvement, rather than a deterioration, of the international situation. 52.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“I know that the purpose of a general debate in the Assembly is to enable Members to state their international position in relation to the United Nations and its problems, but such a statement has already been made by Guatemala on the occasion of its ratification of the Charter and by its President during the tenth session of the General Assembly [539th meeting]. As to our attitude towards the new developments that have arisen in the important problems which have to be faced at the present session of the Assembly, it will be stated by my delegation when each of these items comes up for discussion in committee and later in the General Assembly. 50. That is why we have not deemed it indispensable to participate in the general debate every year.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In connexion with the problem of the Non-Self- Governing Territories, and in view of our vote last year in favour of the admission of new Members, we feel obliged to make at least a brief reference to the Guatemalan delegation’s surprise at the fact that certain States, whose international conduct, in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter, we approved when voting for their admission, do not seem to have realized that Chapter XI of that Charter imposes on them certain obligations in respect of their international policies. 49. I now come to my delegation’s position in regard to the general debate. The Guatemalan delegation will confine its observations almost exclusively to the two great problems which our Organization is facing in Hungary and the Middle East.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As my country is a member of the Trusteeship Council and of the Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories, my delegation must report on its action therein. We are aware that we were elected by the Assembly to both these bodies because of our traditional anti-colonial policy, representative perhaps of the attitude of an entire geographical region. Conscious of our, moral responsibility to the United Nations, we intend to submit to the Fourth Committee the necessary information on our action, to which the relevant resolutions and records already bear witness. 48.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Before stating our political position, we should dike to extend a warm welcome to the new Members of the United Nations, for whose unrestricted admission we voted last year; in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter, we did so on the basis, not of their systems of government, but of their international conduct. We hope that Japan will join our Organization as soon as possible, that other nations, which unfortunately are at present divided, will in the near future be able to become Members, and that those peoples which are at present under a foreign administration will soon achieve their independence and also join the United Nations. 47. There is one more point to which I must refer before proceeding to the substantive part of my statement.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The General Assembly gave evidence of its confidence and faith in Prince Wan Waithayakon when it unanimously elected him to the presidency of its eleventh session. From that time on, each delegation that has taken the floor has paid a tribute of admiration to him. My delegation now wishes to join the others in this spontaneous and respectful tribute paid to the wisdom and moral courage which our President has shown since the beginning of the session, and which afford us the assurance that he will guide our work towards a satisfactory conclusion. We are indeed fortunate in our choice. 46.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)