YouSaid · the spoken record

Entezam

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS ENTEZAM

lines on the record: 71
first: 1946-09-24
most recent: 1956-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“Those who complain today about some of the recommendations passed by the General Assembly might be the first to invoke them tomorrow, for if aggression is not banished forever, they may be the next victims.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We are very glad that the Government of the United States is making similar efforts and is trying to convince its allies that sincere and friendly cooperation is the only course open to us, and that fortunately such a course will prove profitable to all. The United States Government has clearly understood that it is only by following such a wise policy that we can bridge the gulf between East and West. 146. In closing, I should like to repeat that it is in the interest of all of us to respect the principles of the Charter and the decisions of the United Nations. By so doing we shall help to strengthen the prestige of our Organization, which, in present circumstances, is still the sole hope of humanity.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We must, indeed, acknowledge that we urgently need the technical science and capital of the more advanced countries in order to speed up our own economic development and, in particular, our industrialization pro-gramme. The West, on the other hand, needs some of our raw materials, since without them its industry would be unable to function. We can serve our common interests only by restoring mutual confidence and sincere international co-operation. We ourselves have neglected no opportunity to contribute to that cooperation and we shall be very glad to serve as a bridge between the West and the various peoples whose cooperation is not only a guarantee of international peace and security but also helps to improve their own living conditions. 145.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“On the other hand, we must admit the necessity of settling all problems of this kind under the auspices of the United Nations, so that the legitimate aspirations of these peoples can be realized without resorting to violence. 143. In particular, now that the Algerian question has been included in the Assembly’s agenda, fortunately without any opposition from France, an effort should be made to solve this problem in a way which will be consistent with the legitimate aspirations of the Algerian people and which will help to restore peace and security in that part of the world. 144. In spite of the recent sad events which have widened the gulf between the African-Asian peoples and the colonial Powers, we think that we ought to exert all our efforts toward bringing the peoples of Asia and Africa closer to the peoples of the West.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Second, we ought to make a practical effort to bring about a fair settlement of the Palestine question. However, it is obvious that no final settlement of these two problems can be reached until the invasion forces have evacuated Egyptian territory. The United Nations will then be in a much more favourable position to assist the interested parties to arrive at a just and permanent solution. 142. We believe that sooner or later the right of peoples to self-determination in all those countries which do not yet enjoy independence will be recognized and that the colonial Powers will be better advised to abandon voluntarily an obsolete attitude which no longer meets the requirements of our time.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is none the less true that the creation of this international police force marks a great step forward and will make it easier, later on, to organize that international army without which the Organization can never enforce its decisions completely, in spite of its great moral influence. 140. We must also note a resurgence of vitality in the United Nations, which has shown itself able to mobilize world public opinion against the use of force. 141. In concluding this review, I should like to take a look at the future and tell you what lessons, in my opinion, should be drawn from the events which have just taken place. First, we all ought to make a sincere effort to solve the problem of the Suez Canal in a way which will guarantee the right of free passage while observing due respect for Egyptian sovereignty.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Although the powers of that Force are limited, they possess considerable importance. Here we should like to pay tribute to the great accomplishment of the Canadian Minister of External Affairs and the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General, who in a very short time has succeeded in organizing, pursuant to the General Assembly’s resolutions, a force considerable detachments of which are already in Egypt and ready to carry out the duties assigned to them. 139. To be sure, that Force is not the international army which was envisaged by the Charter. The Organization does not yet have an army which is capable of making its decisions respected, because the permanent members of the Security Council have been unable to reach agreement.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We believe that the impulse toward freedom is irresistible, however great the strength of the Powers that try to oppose it, and we hope that all Governments will recognize this fact and understand once and for all that genuine friendship between nations can exist only on a basis of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, and that political influence imposed by force of arms can create only hatred and discord. 137. In spite of the dangers which they entail for the maintenance of world peace and security, the tragic events in Hungary and the Middle East have enabled the United Nations to make remarkable progress in certain fields the full scope of which nobody can ignore. 138. We are especially pleased to see the creation i)f the United Nations Emergency Force under the auspices of the United Nations.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“What better action could we take than call for an investigation on the spot into the truth or otherwise of what has been said on both sides? I appeal to the Hungarian Government to give a favourable reply to the Secretary-General’s repeated requests that United Nations observers should be admitted to Hungarian territory. 135. This is our position with regard to the two most important and urgent problems now before us. I should like to add that for us the cause of liberty is one and indivisible. We condemn aggression and intervention against the freedom of a people from whatever quarter. 136.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In this matter, as in the Egyptian problem, we expressed ourselves in the Security Council in favour of convening an emergency special session of the General Assembly. Here again we had the satisfaction of noting that the Assembly acted promptly and judiciously. Here again we supported the resolutions which were taken. One of these [1007 (ES-II)] concerned assistance for the Hungarian people. So one could object to measures for the relief of human suffering. As a matter of fact, contributions are already coming in from all quarters. The other resolution [1004 (ES-II) ] was to send impartial observers to study the situation on the spot. We have heard charges and countercharges with respect to the events in Hungary.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Contrary to the allegations of those who believe that the Baghdad Pact is merely a device created by certain Powers for the purpose of subjugating the peoples of the Middle East, the four Parties to the Pact have proved that in reality it is an instrument of peace to be used in carrying out the aims of the Charter and that these four Powers are no less persevering than the others in opposing colonialism and defending the right of peoples to self-determination. 133. With regard to what is being done in the United Nations to settle the Suez question, I am happy to note that the Assembly took the necessary decisions as soon as the matter was brought before it and that it is closely following the subsequent developments. 134. Let us now turn to the situation in Hungary.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We have reviewed the main points of this declaration in order to show that these four Powers, which are co-signatories of the Baghdad Pact and at the same time loyal to the principles of the United Nations Charter, did not hesitate to condemn Israel’s acts of aggression as well as the military intervention of the United Kingdom, once they had decided that the latter had acted in violation of the Charter. 132. This conduct of the four Powers clearly shows that their association under the Baghdad Pact is of a defensive character and can hardly possess the aggressive aims which have sometimes been unjustly imputed to it.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“While reaffirming their faith in the principles of the United Nations Charter, the four Powers expressed their condemnation of aggression of any kind. 130. Finally these Powers noted with satisfaction the message received from the Government of the United Kingdom through its ambassador in Teheran to the effect that the representations made by these Powers to the United Kingdom had had a certain influence upon the latter’s decision to agree to an immediate cease-fire. 131.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It also expressed the grave concern of the four Governments at the Anglo-French military action in Egypt and their fear that that action might weaken the only world Organization which offered any hope for peace and justice to the world. It asked the United Kingdom and French Governments to end hostilities immediately, to withdraw their forces from Egypt and to respect fully the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Egypt. 129. The four Powers again declared that the Suez Canal dispute ought to be settled by peaceful negotiation and under the auspices of the United Nations. They stated that any settlement of that dispute ought to guarantee, inter alia, freedom of passage through the Canal, while respecting the full sovereignty of Egypt.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“While this action was being taken in the United Nations, the Iranian Government was intensifying its efforts, in co-operation with the Governments of Iraq, Pakistan and Turkey, to secure the evacuation of Egyptian territory at the earliest possible date. 128. Anxious to preserve peace in that region, the heads of the four Governments met at Teheran, where they considered the situation carefully and concluded their deliberations with a public declaration of their position in the matter. This declaration, dated 8 November 1956, condemned Israel’s aggression and called upon the latter to withdraw its armed forces behind the armistice lines immediately.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Our surprise was all the greater since these flagrant violations of the United Nations Charter and these attacks on the prestige and influence of our Organization, came from two States which had permanent seats in the Security Council and for that reason bore a greater share of responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. But that is not all: these are the same States that prevented the Security Council from taking the necessary steps when the question of Israel’s aggression was brought before it. Since the Council was dead-locked, there was no alternative but to refer the matter to the General Assembly itself. Therefore, we warmly supported the proposal to convene an emergency special session which enabled the Assembly to take quick action to impose a cease-fire and request the withdrawal of the invading forces. 127.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We are right to ask this question, for at the very moment when this military intervention was taking place the Secretary-General was still offering his good offices for the purpose of exploring and defining the existing possibilities for solving the Suez problem in accordance with the requirements laid down by the Security Council. In his report [S/3596] on this subject, the Secretary-General noted that the Egyptian Government had expressed full agreement on all the questions raised in the negotiations, except for one point which, in our opinion, could also have been settled satisfactorily if the parties to the dispute had only shown sufficient goodwill and mutual understanding. 126.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“At the end of last October, when we were hoping for an equitable solution of the Suez problem on the basis of an agreement reached in the Security Council, and when we thought that the idea of resorting to force had been definitively abandoned, we were suddenly confronted by Israel’s aggression against Egypt, followed by a violation of Egypt’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by the military forces of France and the United Kingdom. 125. What were the motives for this military intervention at a time when we seemed to be making progress toward a peaceful solution?”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We ourselves took a very active part in these attempts, both in the London Conferences of last summer and in the Five-Power Committee, and we spared no effort to solve this problem in the spirit of the Charter, that is, by peaceful means. 123. As I have just said, these efforts did not meet with complete success, but at least we had the satisfaction of having prevented an armed conflict. Our satisfaction appeared well-founded, for when the Governments of France and of the United Kingdom decided to refer the Suez question to the Security Council we thought with good reason that they were expressing their willingness to accept the decision of the Council. 124.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The recent events to which I have just referred are the Suez crisis and the situation in Hungary. 121. Let us first speak of the Suez question. Last year, during the tenth session of the General Assembly, we noted with satisfaction that there had been a relaxation of international tension. This improvement in international relations had encouraged us, with good reason, to view the future with moderate optimism, but the nationalization of the Universal Suez Canal Company produced a violent reaction on the part of certain interested parties and threatened to transform certain differences of opinion into implacable opposition. 122. Attempts were made to settle this growing conflict outside the United Nations, but these well-meaning efforts failed to achieve the desired success.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The joy and pride that my delegation feels at the election of Prince Wan Waithayakon are too sincere for me to fail to extend to him my belated congratulations. His unanimous election was the best possible proof of our confidence and a well-deserved tribute to the high qualities which he has shown during his long and brilliant career as a diplomat and statesman. 120. My object in taking part in the general debate is merely to say a few words about the recent events which have taken place since the publication of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on the Work of the Organization [A/3137]. In my opinion the questions dealt with in this report can best be discussed in the committees, where my delegation will not fail to express its views on these matters as they come up.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In particular, it is to be hoped that good results will be obtained in the field of disarmament, so that the United Nations, freed from this .crushing load of anxiety, may concentrate on the achievement of the economic and social objectives of the Charter, and so that the industrialized countries, freed from their very heavy burdens, may contribute more generously and more effectively to the desperate efforts of the great majority of mankind to do away with poverty and privations endured for generations. 131. It is in this spirit and with this hope that the delegation of Iran will take part in the work of this Assembly.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“However bold — to use his own expression — the approach he has indicated may appear, it is one which my delegation feels to be full of wisdom. 130. This brief review leaves us with a feeling of optimism greater than any we have ever felt with regard to the Organization. The resurgence of vitality and the new fervour which characterized our commemorative meeting at San Francisco presaged this era of improved relations and conciliation which is steadily taking shape before our eyes. Thus the tenth session of this Assembly opens under propitious auspices. It is therefore its duty to try to find constructive solutions to the questions on its agenda.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It is chiefly in the financing of economic development that progress has been extremely slow. Hints can be found in the Secretary-General’s report of the forthcoming establishment of an International Finance Corporation. Let us hope that we shall soon be able to announce the establishment of the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development, and that both these institutions will get resolutely under way to help the international community as a whole to speed on its development. 129. In the Secretary-General’s view, “a substantial increase in the capital resources made available to the under-developed countries would represent only an insignificant fraction of the capital accumulated each year in the industrial countries” [A/2911, p. xv], I hope that all States will lend an attentive ear to the Secretary-General’s appeal.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The same cannot be said for the underdeveloped countries, where the inadequacy of technical knowledge and the lack of national capital, not to mention other handicaps, constitute so many obstacles to their rapid and harmonious development. I venture to add that the ever-increasing speed with which the industrialized countries are moving towards stabilization and expansion widens still further the gap which separates them from the under-developed countries and, to some extent, runs counter to the economic and social objectives of the Charter. 128. For a long time, the United Nations has concerned itself with both aspects of this problem of economic development, and a programme of technical assistance has been in action for several years. What remains to be done in this field is to speed up the tempo of assistance.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Finally, in the field of international economic and social co-operation, we subscribe unreservedly to the I following opinion expressed by the Secretary-General in his annual report: “... international economic equilibrium must be sufficiently dynamic and flexible to provide for the attainment of the three interrelated economic goals of the Charter: higher standards of living, full employment and economic development. Any economic balance which fails to provide for satisfactory progress towards these goals would be a false balance and could not be maintained” [A/2911, p. xiv]. 127. We are glad to note that, during the past year, the industrialized countries have made progress along these lines.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“We hope that France, which, during its history, has made such great sacrifices and has lost so many of its sons for the cause of freedom, will make new efforts to re-establish its relations with the North African peoples on the basis of the noble principles which it has itself spread throughout the world, principles summed up in the three words, which, since the Revolution, have been the proud motto of the nation: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”. 125. A similar question to which I should also like to call attention is the dispute between the Indonesian and Netherlands Governments about the territory of West Irian. There again, we hope that the two Governments concerned will resume negotiations with a view to a peaceful settlement of this dispute and will achieve positive results in keeping with United Nations principles. 126.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“In this connexion, the recent appeal of the peoples of Asia and Africa at Bandung, revealing the “self-awareness” and the awakening of these two continents, should make us think about the responsibilities borne by the United Nations, for it is dangerous to leave these questions too long in the background under the pretext of having more urgent problems. 123. We cannot disguise our concern at the recent events in North Africa, which have resulted in bloodshed and loss of life. We still think that repressive measures, far from contributing to any relaxation of tension in that part of the world, serve only to inflame the situation further, being neither in the interest of the peoples concerned nor consistent with the establishment of security in Africa. 124.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Convinced as we are that the old colonial regime, based on the enslavement and exploitation of one people by another, is doomed to disappear, we express the hope that the governing Powers will take scrupulous account of the political aspirations of the non-self-governing peoples in order that they may develop their free institutions and attain their independence in calm and harmony. This is the only way to avoid violence, which inevitably leads to loss of life and breeds hatred and bitterness. Such a solution will facilitate future co-operation between the peoples concerned. The experience of these last few years, particularly in Asia, should encourage the great Powers to take this path, in the interests not only of the peoples concerned but also of world peace. 122.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“I should also like to make a few comments on the International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy held at Geneva — not because I regard these two problems as necessarily linked, but because it is clear that a satisfactory solution of the disarmament problem would greatly facilitate the work of the United Nations in the field of atomic energy, and hasten the achievement of a great and noble ambition dear to our hearts, that of harnessing the power of the atom for the service of mankind. 120. I should like, finally, to reaffirm my Government’s unshakable determination ,to give its moral support to the aspirations of peoples still under foreign yoke, so that they may attain full and complete freedom and independence in accordance with the principles of the Charter. 121.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“We note with satisfaction the progress achieved by the Sub-Committee of the Disarmament Commission in London and New York. In the hope that its efforts will bring about a compromise acceptable to everyone, I would prefer not to go into the details of certain proposals and leave the discussion of this important problem until it is taken up by the First Committee. I should like, however, to stress the importance which we attach to the plan proposed by the French Prime Minister, which has the advantage of combining the immediate reduction of armaments with a long-term programme of economic expansion. 119.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“We hope that the relaxation of international tension will induce the permanent members of the Security Council to revise their policy on this subject and will facilitate the admission of States desirous of contributing to the work of the United Nations. We should like to praise the efforts of the Committee of Good Offices and to see them redoubled in this friendlier atmosphere, which holds out prospects of success where hitherto the Committee has only met with insurmountable obstacles. 117. I should like next to allude briefly to the complex problem of the prohibition of nuclear weapons and the reduction of conventional armaments. 118. The effective establishment of an international system of supervision and control still seems to my Government an essential prerequisite of disarmament.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It is difficult, in a brief statement of this kind, to review all the questions which we shall take up during this session, but I should like to stress some j problems to which we attach particular importance. 116. In the first place, I should like to speak briefly of an item which has appeared for some years on our agenda, namely, the admission of new Members. My Government, which believes that this Organization should be universal, continues to think that applications for admission should be examined separately, on their merits, and in the light of the conditions laid down in Article 4 of the Charter.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Nevertheless, we agree with the Secretary-General when he says in his annual report on the work of the Organization: j “There are strong reasons for using the institutions of the United Nations for questions appropriate to world organization, unless special circumstances make it necessary to go outside those institutions” [A/ 2911, p.xi]. 114. We must make use of our Organization in a way that meets the needs of the international community, j We must adopt new methods conducive to the success j of efforts at conciliation. We must, at the same time, imbue our meetings with an atmosphere of serenity and try through discussion to find universally acceptable solutions to the problems of our times. 115.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“They will continue to make every effort together to attain the paramount aim which we all seek: the establishment of a lasting peace based on equity and justice. 112. The favourable international atmosphere which prevails today is therefore the result, as it were, both of efforts within the United Nations and of those made outside it, but more or less under the auspices of the United Nations and in any case inspired and encouraged by it. 113. We are not among those who view with distrust accomplishments of special conferences, of direct or indirect diplomacy or of regional meetings. In our view, any procedure or action designed to facilitate the task of the United Nations is good.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It is a very pleasant duty for me to add my delegation’s congratulations to those which have already been addressed to the Secretary-General, not to mention the distinguished I head of the Indian delegation, Mr. Menon, whose assistance in the settlement of this matter was of the utmost value. 111. Concurrently with the direct action within the United Nations, and in the same context, there occurred a new and unprecedented event which is worthy of mention. This was the Asian-African Conference at Bandung. The course of the discussions at this Conference is too well known for me to recall, but I should like to stress that the participating countries, inspired by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, contributed greatly to the reduction of tension in the Far East.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“My delegation sincerely shares in the joy of the Austrian people and Government at the liberation of their country and its attainment of full independence, and congratulates the signatory Powers. 110. Finally, there was another General Assembly resolution, which, we are delighted to see, has been implemented in less than ten months, concerning the release of those American airmen who had been captured when undertaking a mission at the direction of the United Nations Command [resolution 906 (IX)]. In that resolution, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to give his assistance to that end, and we are glad to note that, through the goodwill of both parties and the praiseworthy and patient efforts of Mr. Hammarskjold and his assistants, the difficulties were overcome and the prisoners released.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It will be readily understood that I cannot recall the Geneva Conference without expressing the grave concern of my delegation at the news of the illness of the President of the United States. We express our sincere wishes for his speedy recovery. 109. In 1952, the General Assembly adopted a resolution requesting the occupying Powers in Austria to settle the differences which still existed between them and which held up the signing of the peace treaty with that State [resolution 613 (VII)]. The Powers concerned have finally responded to that appeal and have signed a peace treaty which, inter alia, defines the manner in which their troops are to be withdrawn.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The United Nations, in particular, is entitled to note with pride that three of its most important resolutions have reached, the stage of effective implementation. 107. In 1948, when peace was increasingly threatened by international tension, the General Assembly, reflecting the concern felt throughout the world, made an urgent appeal to the great Powers inviting them to settle their differences by peaceful means [resolution 190 (III)]. This appeal remained long unheeded. The preparatory work of the last six months, which led to the meeting of the Heads of Government of the four great Powers, has now opened up new and hopeful prospects. The entire world devoutly hopes that at their forthcoming meeting, the Foreign Ministers of these Powers will succeed in drawing up constructive plans in the field of security and disarmament, 108.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“104. May I be permitted to convey to Mr. Maza my warmest congratulations and those of my delegation on his election to the presidency of this Assembly, an election unprecedented in that it was unanimous. 105. Most speakers during last year’s general debate welcomed the end of hostilities in the Far East and noted with satisfaction that for the first time for years blood had ceased to flow. This year, we are faced with an even more encouraging situation. A new era of conciliation and mutual understanding is dawning throughout the world, and it is the duty of every Member State to do all in its power to ensure that this new atmosphere leads to the attainment of those aims which all men have at heart. 106. This change of atmosphere has already produced some tangible results which deserve mention.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“No country in the Middle East can any longer accept these precepts derived from the colonial policies of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. 123. We are convinced, however, that the United Nations will be faithful to the spirit and letter of the Charter and able to frustrate such designs. We are sure that it will assist the peoples of the world to achieve their national aspirations.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“The maintenance of peace and of international security, the main purpose of our illustrious Organization, demands that the United Nations should assist Iran in exercising its most natural and unchallengeable right to promote the welfare of its people in accordance with the principles set forth in the Charter. 122. There is no need to recall that the Iranian Government is prepared to participate in any work of international collaboration, but on condition that co-operation is based on the full equality of nations and on justice. It is greatly to be regretted that we are asked to admit that might is right and not asked to co-operate on a dignified and equal footing. This attitude has been condemned by the twentieth century.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“Are we guilty, or are those who exercise economic pressure to impose conditions which can be accepted only at the expense of national independence and dignity? 119. Are we guilty, or are those who desire by their manoeuvres systematically to misrepresent the truth before international bodies? 120. Fortunately the Security Council has remembered its great responsibility and has refused to be influenced by them. 121. The Iranian Government, as a faithful and loyal Member of the United Nations, remains jealous of its independence and sovereignty.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“Thus those who claim that the Iranian Government is not observing international principles and does not wish to co-operate are either far from the truth or are biased in their judgment. 115. Who is guilty of acting in violation of the principles of international law and of the United Nations Charters? 116. Are we guilty, or are those who, in order to impose their political views and to defend the selfish interests of a company concerned only with its own profits, have resorted to measures of intimidation such as sending warships to the limits of our territorial waters and mobilizing paratroops and land forces in close proximity to us? 117. Are we guilty, or are those who, in violation of international rules, have not hesitated to threaten the territorial integrity and independence of other States? 118.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“Our action is in fact legal. The only question to be settled is that of the compensation to be paid to the former Company. That is a purely domestic matter which concerns only this Company and the Iranian Government. That the problem has not yet been settled is not our fault but that of the former Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, which refuses our invitation to come and discuss compensation. The action taken by the Iranian Government cannot therefore be regarded as confiscation of alien property. 114. Furthermore my Government, in order to show clearly its desire to co-operate, has emphasized that it was prepared to sell the necessary oil not only to the United Kingdom but also to all customers of the former Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Article 7 of the Act of 28 and 30 April 1951 lays this down unequivocally.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“We have declared ourselves ready to follow various procedures for this purpose, particularly the one adopted by other countries which have carried out nationalization policies. It is the Company which has refused so far. 112. The broad terms of our legislation and the choice offered by our Government to the former Company show, beyond any possible doubt, that the accusations that Iran has confiscated property are without foundation and constitute vain attempts to arouse the hostility of world opinion, against our country. 113. It is altogether wrong to allege that Iran has violated international law. On the contrary, our Parliament has definitely acted in accordance with international law. The Iranian Government rightly feels that no international body is competent to consider the nationalization which it has undertaken.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“We have ended it in order to establish our oil industry on a new basis, better befitting our independence and more likely to ensure the welfare of our people. In doing this we have exercised an unchallengeable right inherent in our national sovereignty. 110. Under international law the nationalization of any industry is a sovereign right of every nation. A contract concluded with a private company cannot limit its sovereignty. Every State may nationalize property belonging to aliens by compensating the persons affected. 111. The Iranian legislature has made specific provision in Articles 2 and 3 of the Act of 28 and 30 April 1951 for compensating the former company. Moreover, the Iranian Government has on several occasions invited the representatives of the former Company to come and discuss compensation.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“The total amount of royalties and taxes accruing to Iran in 1948 was 9,800,000 pounds, whereas the Government of the United Kingdom, quite apart from the dividend from its shares in the company, obtained more than 28 million pounds sterling in taxes alone. That is the derisory revenue which our country used to obtain from its main source of natural wealth. 108. That is only the financial side of the question. What was even less tolerable was the interference of the former Company in our internal affairs, its underhand manoeuvres and its machiavellian intrigues to keep us in a constant state of dependence and thus better exploit us. 109. What country valuing its independence and dignity could tolerate such a situation?”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“1 of 31 January 1951). They conclude with the following words: “ There is, therefore, a striking contrast between the huge potential wealth represented by the oil reserves of the Middle East and the current benefits so far derived by the countries to which the reserves belong ”, 107. We shall illustrate the truth of this observation taking a few figures at random. In 1948, for example, according to the balance sheet published by the former Anglo-Iranian Oil Company — which, by the way, could never be checked by the Iranian authorities — that Company reaped a net profit of 62 million pounds.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)
“I have no intention of enlarging upon our grievances against the former Anglos Iranian Oil Company, nor on the difficulties created to prevent us from implementing our social reform programme. I merely wish to say a few words to refute the baseless accusations which have been wrongly made against us. 105. As you know oil is the main source of our national wealth. It is therefore proper that we can countenance its exploitation only as a way of ensuring the general welfare of our people. As hitherto organized the oil industry has never contributed to this aim and, what is worse, has not contributed effectively to the technical and industrial progress of our country. 106. This truth was stressed by the United Nations experts in their report on the economic situation of the Middle East (I refer to document E/1910/Add.2/Rev.”
1951-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 6 (1951)