YouSaid · the spoken record

Herrarte

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS HERRARTE

lines on the record: 100
first: 1963-09-24
most recent: 1965-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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 history of the United Kingdom's occupation of this part of Guatemalan territory is a classic example of colonial exploitation, which displays certain common characteristics wherever it occurs: exploitation of the colony for the purposes of the metropolitan country, the plundering of its natural resources until they are exhausted, and the maintenance of colonial domination by force and by intimidation of the local population. All this occurred in Belize.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Conditions therefore reverted to the status quo preceding the signing of the treaty, which became inoperative because of the United Kingdom's failure to comply therewith. 21. Belize has thus been wrested from Guatemalan territory, but it has also been wrested from Central American territory. This is of concern to the whole of America, because this has long been the continent of freedom, whose sons fought and died for that right. But it is also of concern to the United Nations, because the colonial problem has been fully debated here and resolutions have been adopted to put an end to colonialism as an iniquitous, corrupting and cruel system. 22.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Central America disintegrated, but owing to the balance of power in the world at that time — remember the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty — the United Kingdom was prevented from achieving its ambition to seize the Central American isthmus. 20. As regards the old Spanish concessions, however, the pressure was too strong, and Guatemala was compelled to sign a treaty, masquerading as a boundary treaty, whereby it ceded to the United Kingdom 22,000 square kilometres along the Caribbean seaboard. In exchange for this generous concession, the United Kingdom undertook to construct a highway that would link the capital of Guatemala with a point on the Atlantic coast of that country. The United Kingdom never fulfilled its obligation. The Guatemalans now wonder whether it ever intended to do so.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Taking advantage of a period of intense political agitation following upon my country's independence, the British broadened the scope of some simple concessions to cut timber granted by Spain to British subjects, under which Spain expressly retained its sovereignty and subjected concessionaires to rigid limitations. These concessions ceased to have a raison d'être, but the British proceeded to seize Central American territory. Their aim was obvious, for Central America offered immense possibilities for inter-oceanic communication. A powerful and imperialistic United Kingdom confronted a weak Central America, which had only recently become independent. Its Machiavellianism was carried to the extreme of intriguing against the unity of the Central American Republic, since that made it easier to seize its different parts.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“We are, therefore, firmly on the side of the Argentine Republic in the case of the Malvinas, just as we are on the side of Spain in the case of Gibraltar, not only as a duty consonant with American solidarity, but also for reasons of justice and fairness. 19. In speaking of colonialism, I must mention once again Guatemala's tragic experience due to the usurpation by the United Kingdom of our territory of Belize. In my statement in this Assembly last year, I outlined the history of these depredations. I will not try your patience now with a repetition of the facts, since you are already fairly familiar with them. I will just mention the following points.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“As the representative of Uruguay so wisely said in Sub-Committee III (of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples), dealing with the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), that paragraph has "universalized" the American doctrine regarding "occupied territories" which has taken shape in the course of various American conferences. 18. The subterfuges used by some colonial Powers to defend themselves by granting alleged self-determination to peoples in the occupied territories are obvious manoeuvres and are being generally and deservedly repudiated.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“We took part whole-heartedly in that brilliant discussion. In order to prevent any subterfuges on the part of the colonial Powers, or any last-minute stratagems to take advantage of the political inexperience of the oppressed peoples, and in view of the not uncommon fact that many of those Powers occupied territories that they had snatched from weaker or smaller countries, we proposed an amendment which, although it was withdrawn, did serve to clarify properly the meaning of paragraph 6 of the above- mentioned resolution, namely, preservation of the territorial integrity of States that had thus been despoiled.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“My delegation, like many others — I venture to say the vast majority — is satisfied with the work done the United Nations for dependent territories. This work deserves our admiration and respect, since many peoples now enjoy independence and liberty, have their own Government and self-determination, without the Organization's having done anything to violate the territorial integrity of States, which is explicitly stated to be inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. The decision taken in this Assembly, at its fifteenth session, regarding the independence of colonial peoples, is one which we must recall with immense pride. That decision is set forth in resolution 1514 which marks the end of colonialism in the world today, despite any arguments the colonial Powers may advance to perpetuate their rule. 17.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“This, in broad outline, is the present stage reached in Central American integration, which gives added strength to our faith in the future common destiny of Central America, for the welfare of that part of the continent and as a contribution to universal progress and improvement. Time will tell whether we are mature enough yet to take the crucial step to which I have just referred. I would, however, urge the Central American Governments to smooth out every difficulty, to settle all differences, to overcome all obstacles in the way of this real and effective community which will be the beginning of a free and united Central America that can fulfil its high destiny and serve as a principle and example to the great Latin American community. 16.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Chapter III deals with community action in both external and internal affairs: joint diplomatic and consular representation, mandatory Central American jurisdiction, unification of legislation, legal aid, and implementation of the various integration programmes. Chapter IV lays down the structure of the community, which is to consist of three organs: the Central American Congress, the Permanent Executive Commission and the Central American Court of Justice. Chapter V deals with the machinery for bringing the agreement into force. 14. These draft principles for the Central American community were considered by a special commission which, warmly welcomed them, made very few amendments and prepared a report which is to be taken up at the next meeting of the Central American Foreign Ministers, 15.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“On 16 December 1963, I had the honour to submit for consideration by my distinguished Central American colleagues the draft principles for the Central American community, drawn up in accordance with the instructions I had received. 13. The draft consists of a preamble and five chapters. The preamble deals with the establishment of the community. Chapter I contains basic provisions, such as recognition of a common nationality and personality, maintenance of the autonomy and independence of member States, respect for the principle of non-intervention, and a commitment to joint defence against any external aggression. Chapter II deals with the human aspects of the community and its activities: nationality, migration, unrestricted freedom of work, the validity of-educational and professional qualifications and the exercise of professions.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“We have organized a Central American Defence Council to protect us against foreign aggression. We cannot therefore be accused of impatience if we are already thinking of setting up supranational organizations to complete the integration process. My Government had the honour of submitting draft principles for the Central American community which provide for the setting up of these organs and for the representation of our community abroad. 12. Towards the end of 1963, with the object of creating a closer association among the sister republics of Central America as a necessary first step towards the goal of complete integration, some of the Foreign Ministers of the Central American republics were kind enough to assign to me the preparation of a document constituting the basis for this association.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“The rapid progress of economic integration, which has amazed outside observers, is due not only to our common endeavour to restore an ancient national bond which was destroyed by our foolish disputes but also to our urgent need for joint defence, especially in economic matters. None of this would be possible, however, without fairness and friendliness, without our sincere and disinterested friendship. Accordingly, in spite of small differences, we have forged ahead not only towards economic integration but also towards political and cultural integration. We are now preparing a far- reaching educational and cultural agreement and we are drawing up a new charter of the Organization of Central American States, which, we hope, will be more dynamic than its predecessor.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“It has always given and will continue to give its full support to American countries which are involved in territorial disputes with Powers outside the continent; it has always shown its unshakable solidarity in support of common objectives, whether political or economic; it has respected the principles and standards of our American system; it has scrupulously complied with international agreements and has always been vigilant, honourable and active in defending our principles and our way of life against threats of whatever kind. 11. What I am recommending for Latin America is already being done on a small scale in Central America. The words "Central America" themselves sum up a complete historical and political process. We are on the threshold of real economic integration and we also hope to achieve political integration.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“It is also true that the United States has energetically continued President Kennedy's Alliance for Progress programme and that the European countries are beginning to show greater interest in assisting and investing in Latin America. But this is not enough. The process of integration must be speeded up. Adequate instruments must be created and old, worn-out nationalist formulas discarded. The requirements are: fairness and friendliness, the abandonment of attitudes of superiority, of claims to hegemony, of contempt or disregard for the dignity of small countries; complete and effective solidarity in our disputes with foreign Powers, especially as regards territorial claims; in short, sincere and disinterested friendship. 10. Guatemala believes it has always fulfilled this duty.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“With such a historical and social basis we are the human group most ready for integration. What are we waiting for? The progress we have made is small indeed, while our agricultural products, our only exports, are often denied fair opportunities on international markets. Moreover, on the political level, international communism is responsible for disrupting our political and economic development. 9. True, there is a Latin American Free Trade Association and a Central American common market. It is true that, in order to present a united front in our economic policy, we held several meetings this year and we went to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development with a coordinated position.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Countries are uniting not only for economic reasons, in the face of the prodigious development of the new industrial revolution, but also for political reasons deriving from economic factors and from the unfortunate dualism dividing the world. Latin America is an assemblage of countries somewhat unequal as regards their levels of development but with a common foundation. After a century of independence we have a certain amount of political experience. We do not have the maturity of the European countries but our deeply rooted human sense of brotherhood makes it very easy for us to understand our historical destiny. 8. Our economic development is also unequal, but we are all under-developed because of our low level of industrialization, our inadequate markets and our complicated social patterns.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Are we now to rest on our laurels? Are we to continue thus, fighting occasional battles, following our own instincts, in love with the outside world but uninterested in ourselves, selfish and indifferent towards everything we have in common? In a world which is growing smaller every day and in which the forces of destruction are becoming more powerful, neighbouring and kindred peoples are striving to draw closer together. 7. In recent years integration seems to have become the magic word. The developed countries, like the so-called under-developed countries are trying to form associations. The European Common Market is an example of the first and the admirable solidarity of the African countries an example of the second.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“We have contributed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and, leaving aside a few incidents which are now past history, our continent can rightly be called the continent of peace. We have made a valuable contribution to the establishment of the great international bodies, both regional and world-wide. It should not be forgotten that the American regional organization was the first great international organization. We took an active part in the former League of Nations and our contribution was invaluable in the creation and subsequent development of this new universal Organization in which the hopes of the world are placed. The Latin American group, as our countries, taken as a whole, are called, has fought many hard battles in defence of just causes, when the remaining countries, later to become free, had to remain silent. 6.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“We Latin Americans have inherited the profound Hispanic sense of the brotherhood of man, one exponent of which was Father Vitoria, and throughout the great events of human history we have shown our deep- rooted faith in the principles of international justice, our love for the freedom and independence of peoples and our sincere desire to co-operate in solving the major problems of international peace and security. We have therefore been in the forefront of the fight against colonialism, without resorting to demagogy or hypocrisy; we have effectively assisted, inside and outside this Organization, the independence of peoples oppressed by other Powers which today enjoy all the rights of free peoples.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“4. Nevertheless, we must ask ourselves what the real significance is of this debate to which we returnyear after year to expound the universal, national and regional problems we are facing. What else can it be but to take stock in order to see what headway we have made along the difficult road of our hopes and how far we still have to travel? 5. We have steadfastly maintained our faith in the destiny of Latin America. We belong to this regional group — our "bailiwick", as the distinguished President of Chile might say — and we belong to it not only geographically but because of our common origin and destiny. Although we are descended from the Hispanic branch, we are also proud of our native blood, which has made, so to speak, an unpublicized contribution to the Western civilization which we all share.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“I expressed our hope, and that of all nations great and small, that the machinery of our world Organization would, by practical, efficacious and intelligent measures succeed in warding off and eliminating threats and violence between peoples and States; that it would prevent acts of aggression and other international disturbances; use peaceful means, in conformity with the principles of justice and law, to settle international disputes or situations liable to lead to war; promote friendly relations among nations on a basis of respect for the rights and liberties of peoples and take the necessary steps to strengthen universal coexistence; solve the major international social and economic, cultural and humanitarian problems — that it would, in short, ensure that human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all, regardless of race, language or religion, were maintained intact.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“1. Mr. President, it is a great honour for me to offer you, on behalf of the Government of Guatemala and on my own behalf, sincere congratulations on the well-earned distinction conferred on you by this world body in choosing you to direct its work as President of the nineteenth session of the General Assembly of our Organization. 2. My delegation, like all the other delegations present here, is convinced that you will succeed in guiding and bringing the difficult and important work of the Assembly to a happy conclusion. Your wisdom, your great personal talents and your experience of United Nations work make this a certainty. 3. Last year, when I had the honour to speak here in the world's most distinguished forum, I affirmed my country's faith in the destiny of the United Nations.”
1964-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 19 (1964)
“Lastly, I should like to affirm once again the faith of the Guatemalan delegation in the high destiny of the United Nations, which is also the destiny of mankind, whose damnation or salvation depends to a large extent on us —upon the United Nations— upon our courage, our tolerance and our understanding.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Before concluding, I should like to say how difficult it is for my delegation to understand some of the things which are happening every day throughout the world, in connexion with situations which seem to have become permanent because apparently no just and appropriate solution can be found. I refer to such problems as those of divided countries where the citizens of one and the same country find themselves forced to live divided from each other by shameful and hateful walls and boundaries. I refer also to those brutal practices of discrimination whereby, because of the differences in the colour of their skins, some people, the people who are in power, persecute those who are not, although they too are human beings, with the right to live and to breathe the full air of equality, freedom and dignity. 42.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“For the man in the street who is filled with horror at the thought of the possibility of a nuclear disaster, it is hard to understand how the United Nations, living in an age of incredible technical advances, does not succeed through courage, firmness and pertinacity in finding a definitive solution to this dangerous problem. Yet the man in the street sees one sign of hope in the distance, a hope embodied in the United Nations. It is true that very recently we have witnessed the signing of a treaty between the great Powers prohibiting nuclear tests, to which an impressive number of countries representing different ideologies have adhered. This is heartening but it is not enough. We regard it as the duty of all States, large and small, to unite their efforts to bring about new advances towards complete disarmament. 41.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“There are various items relating to this problem on the agenda of this session of the General Assembly: "Question of general and complete disarmament" (item 26), "Question of convening a conference for the purpose of signing a convention on the prohibition of the use of nuclear and thermo-nuclear weapons" (item 27), "Urgent need for suspension of nuclear and thermo-nuclear tests" (item 73), "Denuclearization of Latin America" (item 74), and others. This is still a burning question but unfortunately these items take up too much time on the General Assembly's agenda already and there is no prospect of a speedy solution.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The Central American Republics, inspired by the deepest faith in the future of their indivisible destiny, are striving with steady determination for the progress and well-being of this region and are thus helping to fulfil the fundamental purposes of the United Nations. 39. Disarmament has been one of mankind's preoccupations for centuries. Unfortunately, the advances that have been made in this direction are limited —perhaps too limited— and the thought of the catastrophe that o nuclear conflagration would mean, fills mankind with anguish. 40.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“In pursuance of this task, a meeting of the Ministers for Economic Affairs, Communications and Public Works of the Central American countries was held in Guatemala at the end of August and beginning of September of this year, for the purpose of studying and resolving problems relating to the regional highways programme and the specific projects comprising it; there was also a meeting of the Executive Committee of the General Treaty on Central American Economic Integration with officials of the Government of Panama, for the purpose of examining the various matters relating to Panama's entry into our Common Market, which we regard with the greatest sympathy. 38.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The broad objectives set forth in the new Charter of OCAS have a solid foundation in the economic framework provided by the Central American Common Market, which is firmly buttressed by such agreements and agencies as the General Treaty on Central American Economic Integration and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. 37.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“In the light of present-day requirements, the Governments of these sister Republics agreed on the need to reconstruct the Organization of Central American States so that by means of a co-ordinated development of integration programmes in the various political, economic, social and cultural fields, they could secure an immediate return to their longed-for unity. I am very glad to say that the instrument whereby OCAS was given a new structure with a view to its becoming an effective agent for bringing about the complete integration of Central America was recently ratified by the Governments of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and it is hoped that the Republics of Nicaragua and Costa Rica will shortly follow suit. 36.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Because of their geographical proximity, the similarity of their historical backgrounds and their community of aspirations, the Central American Republics constitute a clear example of a regional grouping; twelve years ago they decided to take the steps recognized in modern international law to solve their problems and defend their interests through fraternal and collective action. As a result of this decision, the Central American Republics set up the Organization of Central American States (OCAS) and put into effect the Programme of Central American Economic Integration. 35.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The case of the Islas Malvinas, which concerns the Republic of Argentina, and the case of British Guiana, which concerns Venezuela, are similar instances which call for solidarity between the Americas and all countries fighting against colonialism with a view to eliminating the last vestiges of British usurpation from our continent. We cannot speak of peace in the world as long as these injustices remain. 33. I turn now to the question of Central America, that group of countries which once formed a single nation and which will, we hope, do so again in the near future. 34.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“I should like to take this occasion to state categorically that my Government respects the principle of the peaceful settlement of international conflicts, that basic principle which is the raison d'être of this Organization and the reason for our presence here, but I must add that all Guatemala is prepared for any sacrifice, at whatever cost, that our interests and the defence of our country demand. Here and now, on behalf of the people and Government of Guatemala, I decline any responsibility for whatever may happen as a result of the damaging and dilatory attitude so long maintained by the United Kingdom in justification of its usurpation of the Guatemalan territory of Belize. 32. The case of Belize is not unique on the American continent.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“But our warnings went unheeded: the Government of the United Kingdom pressed on with its unilateral procedures and in the face of these outrages the Government of Guatemala was compelled, as a first step, to break off diplomatic relations with it. We cannot see what advantage could accrue from continuing to maintain relations with a Government which systematically disregards our efforts and refuses to settle a dispute of this kind in accordance with international law and with the standards governing relations between civilized countries. Nevertheless, we have continued our efforts to settle this dispute peaceably. Our faith in right and justice will be maintained and we shall go on endeavouring to find a speedy, peaceful and equitable solution to this problem. 31.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Let us not be hoodwinked. The aim which the United Kingdom is pursuing in Belize, a poor territory with no chance of making its way in the turbulent world of today, is simply to perpetuate its presence, its dominion and its interests in a small corner of America, How else can one interpret the British manoeuvre of giving what they have persisted in calling the "last step before independence" to a people who lack adequate means for subsistence and development? My Government repeatedly warned the United Kingdom that it would never accept the so-called constitutional reforms which it was proposing to force on the people of Belize, an integral part of the Guatemalan nation. 30.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“So far we have employed peaceful means based on law. For over a century we have tried to propose procedures, to find fair solutions to this old dispute, but unfortunately we have not been successful. 27. I had the honour to refer a moment ago to certain painful aspects of neo-colonialism. The unilateral reforms which the United Kingdom decreed in the Belize Constitution are a good illustration of the manoeuvres by means of which it seeks to deceive and dominate colonial peoples and, what is worse, international public opinion. 28. Under a pretence of giving the people of Belize a very small degree of responsibility for the conduct of their own affairs, the United Kingdom gave them a new Constitution, whose real purpose is to ensure the maintenance of British hegemony over this piece of Central American soil for ever. 29.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“It is a claim that has been recognized by well-known international specialists and by the British themselves and which has also gained the official support of many friendly Governments. The British presence in Belize, an establishment which served in other days as a pirate lair, is maintained by force and against all law. This demonstration of what the colonial Powers achieved by rapacity and greed continues in mid-twentieth century. The backwardness of the Territory in every respect is obvious, its poverty notorious. But this must come to an end. Colonialism, as I said before, is doomed, it is dying every day, and we, as free countries respecting the law, shall never be able to relax our efforts until the last trace of this imposed, unjustified and unlawful domination disappears. 26. There are various means of achieving this.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Accordingly, here in the United Nations we must ask the real people of Belize in whom they have the greater trust: in the United Kingdom, which made them slaves, or in Guatemala, which asked the then colossus to free the slaves of Belize and to abolish slavery therefor ever. 24. The Convention signed on 30 April 1859 contained bilateral obligations. Guatemala carried out its part in good faith, but not so the United Kingdom, despite Guatemala's constant attempts to claim its rights. Because of this policy of non-compliance, Guatemala declared the Convention null and void, so that matters returned to the state they were in before the Convention was signed. 25. That, briefly, is the solid and incontrovertible legal basis for Guatemala's claim to the Territory of Belize.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The advance of the British lumbermen continued undisturbed with the support of Her Majesty's Government. What a wretched situation, with no international courts or other bodies, the only law being that of the strong, against all reason, justice and morality! But in the midst of so much baseness, contempt and abuse on the part of the United Kingdom, one splendid detail stands out in contrast: the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala at that time expressed, in a written note, the desire of the Guatemalan Government that when the treaty with the United Kingdom was concluded provision should be made for the freeing of the slaves in Belize and for the abolition of slavery for ever, an action which Guatemala had taken immediately upon its independence more than thirty-five years before.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The United Kingdom Government, pressing for signature, went to the monstrous lengths of using its own abuses and illegal actions as a weapon to convince the weak. It was necessary to establish the borders, it said, in order to prevent further incursions into the uncultivated and almost empty interior, which, with time, would give those who occupied that region rights of ownership. Incredible! A highly developed and powerful nation protecting its own marauders and adventurers and inciting them to usurpation, robbery and plunder. In other words, the treaty, according to the United Kingdom Government, was simply a means of self-defence for Guatemala! But they added, with incredible cynicism and insolence, that the treaty would help to preserve and increase the United Kingdom's friendship for Guatemala. 23.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Guatemala, which, as the State succeeding to the Spanish rights in the region, inherited the territory of Belize, and consequently the problem of usurpation by the United Kingdom, embarked on a struggle against a powerful State in an unequal contest which has continued to the present day. 22. In the last century Central America was weakened by internal dissension and by the paucity of its resources and lost its political unity with the formation of new States. Nevertheless it made efforts to put an end to British usurpation in the region and managed to eliminate British colonial occupation in various places. Guatemala, however, could not expel the intruders from Belize; on the contrary, it was obliged to sign a treaty with them in extraordinary circumstances.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Our country has a grievous experience in its history: we have seen our sovereignty over a large part of our territory usurped by a colonial Power —the United Kingdom. I refer to Belize —wrongly called British Honduras— an establishment on the shores of the Caribbean which was founded solely on the basis of timber concessions granted to British lumbermen by the Spanish Crown which were later extended beyond their original limits and beyond the intentions of those who had granted them. The only rights which the British had in Belize before independence were as holders of wood-cutting concessions, sovereignty being expressly reserved by Spain.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The colonial empires have hastily disguised the political dictatorship imposed on the dependent nations and presented the former colonies under the label —invented by them— of "independent within another system". In this way they conceal the survival of the old colonial system, making a mockery of the provisions of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960. With this new formula, coined for the purpose, the same system persists, new in form but not in content. 20. Guatemala views with great satisfaction the efforts being made within the United Nations to bring certain territories gradually to self-government, provided this does not impair the territorial integrity of other States Members of the United Nations. 21.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Many times the statesmen of the new world, honouring the libertarian tradition of its most illustrious sons and conscious of the situation prevailing in non- self-governing territories, reiterated their categorical condemnation of this political anachronism. Various resolutions of this type have been approved by the regional organization of the Americas, all designed to free the hemisphere from the system of subjugation imposed on defenceless peoples by the colonialist Powers solely in their own interests. This endeavour of the countries of the new world has not been in vain, since the revelation of the standard methods of colonialism touched the conscience of peoples. Nevertheless, this fine aim is far from being a reality.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The awakening of the African continent is a lesson for mankind and a reaffirmation of its noble spiritual values. 19. I consider it my duty to refer briefly to one of the problems discussed here on many occasions, namely, colonialism and its new version of neocolonialism. The American countries take a just pride in the fact that they have maintained a firm position in defence of the liberty of peoples. Indeed, several decades before the United Nations was established the peoples of America had already declared themselves opposed to colonialism, regarding it as a negation of the most elementary rights of peoples.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“The faith and optimism of the Guatemalan delegation do not waver before the grave problems demanding the attention of this world forum, for at the same time it has confidence in the effectiveness of the United Nations and is convinced that the problems will be solved as respect, tolerance and understanding effectively make headway in the conscience and conduct of men and of the Governments that make up the United Nations. It is the Guatemalan delegation's fervent desire that this may come about and it hopes that this session will take place in such an atmosphere. 18. My delegation extends a cordial welcome to all those delegations representing peoples who have fought for their independence and who today, thanks to their courage and tenacity, have achieved the lofty status of Members of the United Nations.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“What was at issue was precisely the need to defend freedom, democracy and the right to a worthy, honest and secure life, principles on which the present Government of Guatemala bases its policy. Great evils require heroic remedies, and that was the path which the Government had to follow in order that the country should not sink into a situation similar to that which afflicts our brother nation of Cuba. 16. On behalf of the Government of Guatemala I wish to reaffirm on this occasion its belief in democracy, its respect for international commitments and its firm position of support for the Western democracies. 17.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Strong in the knowledge that its policy adheres strictly to the lofty international standards of respect for other nations abroad and respect for man at home, it has come to reaffirm its devotion to the dignity and worth of the human person and to equal rights for men and women, without distinction on grounds of race or creed or between great and small nations, The sincerity with which the Guatemalan delegation expresses this feeling is a result of the recent events in Guatemala when the national army, responding to the appeals of the people, was obliged to depose a Government which was carrying the nation towards one of the greatest political, social, economic and moral crises in all its history and in which a fratricidal civil war, with all its bitter consequences, seemed inevitable.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)
“Mr. President, the Guatemalan delegation considers it an honour to congratulate you on your election as President of the General Assembly at its eighteenth session, an election which my country greets with joy, because, apart from your excellent qualifications as a jurist and diplomat, you are a citizen of our American continent, ever open to liberty and the great causes that benefit mankind. Speaking personally, I should like to offer you my sincere congratulations, for I am honoured by a friendship established during the time that I represented my country in this Organization. 15. It is with renewed confidence in the destiny of the United Nations that the Guatemalan delegation has come to this session.”
1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)