YouSaid · the spoken record

Cooper

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS COOPER

lines on the record: 93
first: 1948-09-24
most recent: 1959-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“From this point of view, the Liberian Government has noted the request by the delegation of the Soviet Union [A/4218], which has been approved by the General Committee and endorsed by the General Assembly, for inclusion on the agenda of this Assembly of Mr. Khrushchev's recommendations concerning disarmament. The Liberian Government feels that the proposal made by Mr. Khrushchev offers an opportunity for discussion and should, like other proposals made by other countries on disarmament, be welcomed, thoroughly investigated and discussed. 79. In conclusion, my delegation sincerely hopes that this fourteenth session of the General Assembly will reach decisions and agreement on the problems with which we are faced that will inure to the benefit of mankind.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The Liberian delegation therefore hopes that plans for nuclear explosions in the Sahara will be abandoned. 78. The Liberian Government, like all other countries desiring peace welcomed the meeting of President Eisenhower and Mr. Khrushchev. It has been greatly impressed by the statements made by both of these gentlemen in regard to peace and international problems. It is the hope of my Government that the new hope thus inspired and the recommendations put forward not only by these two Powers, but all suggestions from delegations on disarmament should be taken together and agreement sought.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“A ray of hope resulted from the fact that, during the recent discussions in Geneva, the nuclear Powers have refrained from the testing of nuclear weapons. We are pleased to observe that the test ban has been extended while those Powers are still exploring the possibilities of reaching agreement. 77. In spite of this, testing of nuclear weapons in the Sahara has been proposed and it has aroused the indignation of all Africans, who have raised strong protests against this. When other nuclear Powers, in the interest of human welfare and well-being, have stopped testing nuclear weapons, we wonder why any Power should desire to conduct new tests. Statements that these tests will not be harmful are not sufficiently reassuring, since all of us know that man has not yet progressed to the extent that he is able to control nature.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“One of the primary objectives of the United Nations is the bringing together of nations at this forum so that by contact, communication, interchange and exchange of courtesies and opinions a spirit of camaraderie, friendship, understanding and good relationship between Member States and all nations of the world will be engendered. The Liberian Delegation therefore hopes that a speedy solution to the problem will be found. 75. The problem of disarmament has been discussed for many years, but no solution has been reached. Fears and suspicions still hover around us and we have to seek to remove the causes which create distrust and tension so that progress towards disarmament may be made possible. 76.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We have read with interest and concern the report of the United Nations Good Offices Committee on South West Africa [A/4224], but we maintain that the United Nations cannot relinquish its moral and legal responsibilities to the indigenous inhabitants of this Territory, for they are entitled to the same treatment as those of other Trust Territories. 73. The “apartheid” policy practiced by a Member State is an evil against which this Organization should speak and act. Any attempt to limit or to thwart basic rights due to people in any part of the world constitutes a denial of justice to them and a danger to those of us who are now enjoying such rights. 74. It is to be regretted that discrimination against ships and cargoes passing through the Suez Canal is being applied. A Liberian ship has suffered this fate.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“These principles which we believe should apply to Algeria are equally applicable to the problems in East, Central and South Africa. We cannot accept the theory that any portion of Africa is an integral part of any other continent. Such a fiction is no solution to the grave problem of freedom and human rights which are involved in these areas. 70. We are concerned about the imprisonment of African leaders and of attempts to force on a people something which they have clearly indicated they do not want. 71. While the European minorities that have settled in African territories have to be protected, this should not be done to the detriment of the African majorities who are the real owners of the territories. 72. In addition, there is the problem of the Territory of South West Africa.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“At the recent conference of the Foreign Ministers of the independent States of Africa held in Monrovia, the Liberian Government explained that one of the fundamental policies which the Liberian Government has supported is that every people has a right to institute a Government and to choose and adopt whatever form of Government it desires. The Liberian Government considers this right inherent and inalienable, and it cannot be denied without the grossest injustice. The Liberian Government also recognized the complexity of the Algerian problem and deplored the use of threats to influence the opinion of other countries. It is the view of the Liberian delegation that the time is opportune for the United Nations to explore the possibility of a settlement of what is considered a grievous and tragic situation. 69.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The question whether or not a discussion of the Algerian problem is a matter solely within the domestic jurisdiction of a colonizing Power is, in the opinion of the Liberian delegation, dwarfed by the immensity and magnitude of the substance involved, as well as by the fact that it is a disturbing threat to world peace which the United Nations seeks to preserve and maintain. The Algerian people have only asked for themselves the right to, and benefits of, the same privileges that each of us — States Members of the United Nations — enjoy. If we enjoy these rights and regard them as inherent and fundamental for ourselves, why should we not honestly and forthrightly see that they are extended and accorded to the Algerian people. 68.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“A willingness to safeguard and respect the fundamental rights of all men is essential to our quest for the solutions to complex problems. 66. The approach of the Liberian delegation to many of the problems which will come up before this session of the Assembly will be largely influenced by those principles which I have just restated. 67. The Liberian Government and people stand as one of the proponents of the right of the people of Algeria to self-determination, freedom and independence. This right is in keeping with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, which all Member States should uphold, and it must be considered to be a fundamental and basic right of man.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Turning now to the rising tide of nationalism in the continent of Africa and those parts of the earth where men are still being denied these rights and privileges by sheer means of force and might for personal gains and national aggrandizement, we are convinced of the pressing necessity for evolving some satisfactory formula to relieve this unjust situation. Until this is done, we wonder how the nations here assembled in this international Organization, whose prime purpose is to maintain world peace, can expect ever to attain that professed goal. There can be no peace without good will based upon a deep and abiding consciousness and regard for the rights of others, be they high or low, rich or poor, white or black, yellow or brown, and whether they emanate from the north, south, east or west.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Permit me to emphasize that it is the position of the Liberian Government that all men and nations who know the value of liberty and enjoy the great blessing of freedom and self-determination are doubly obligated to guarantee and extend without fear, discrimination or favour these identical rights and benefits to all subjective peoples wherever they may be scattered throughout the world., Our universe will never be safe as long as any members of the human family, no matter how few, are deprived of these natural and inalienable rights. 65.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This concept has followed the changes of time and has reached this Organization in the form of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This ideal should be the goal of all States Members of the United Nations. 64. Let us remember that no nation or race can achieve progress when its people are governed in a manner which deprives them of their fundamental right to be free and to exercise their freedom in the interest of their personal and collective progress, advancement and security.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Most of the items on the agenda of the present session are concerned with the fundamental rights of men. On every continent men are standing up boldly for their right to be free and to exercise that freedom in the interest of their personal and collective progress, advancement and security. Fully cognizant of this fact, the Government and people of Liberia are earnestly endeavouring in their day-to-day activities to preserve and protect these inherent rights of man. 63. Human rights under the concept of the United Nations are designed to safeguard for all time man's heritage of basic rights and fundamental freedom. This struggle for human rights is as old as humanity. Its existence can be traced to the great law-givers, from the time of Hammurabi, who have sought by legal means to protect the weak against oppression by the strong.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This difficulty which entered into inter-state relations has been so compounded that some States believed that their security lay in increasing their own power and in preventing the increase in power of their rivals even at the risk of war. 61. Man, however, abhors war and with the advance in its destructive nature and the increase in the civilized character of human relations and the concern for humanity itself, he has sought to extend the reign of law, of international order and peace. The end of the Second World War brought great hope to mankind through the Organization of the United Nations. This body is admittedly the greatest international pyramid of peace ever founded by man. It is therefore our wish that the United Nations will long remain man’s greatest hope for world peace and world brotherhood. 62.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“With his ability and wide experience in United Nations affairs, as well as his advocacy of liberty and justice, we are positive that he will justify and satisfactorily execute the enormous and heavy responsibilities which the Assembly has unanimously entrusted to him. 60. Man’s attempt to conquer the forces of nature is coeval with his existence. Concurrently he has sought to create a society where he could live in peace. His creative genius in bringing the former nearer to fruition seems to be far in advance of the latter. Why is man so slow in developing a peaceful atmosphere for himself? Is it because he has not yet learned how to live in harmony with his fellowmen?”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“59. Mr. President, it is with much regret that we have heard of the slight indisposition Of Mr. Belaúnde, the President of the Assembly. We wish for his speedy recovery and hope that my delegation’s sincere congratulations on his election to the presidency of the fourteenth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations will be conveyed to him. We take note that he is one of the very few representatives who has had the distinguished honour of bating his country’s representative in San Francisco in 1945, and who still remains with the Organization up to the present as a representative.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is therefore indeed gratifying and a source of hope to know that, with the passing of each year, the United Nations becomes stronger with the addition of many new States, for it is indeed true, to quote Longfellow, that "Humanity with all its fears, with all its hopes of future years, is hanging breathless on thy fate."”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“He soon learned the ways of the foreigner and then began to improve his economic and social position. Adopting the methods of modern sanitation, he increased in number. He was prepared, in keeping with his nature, to wait to regain his political freedom, for he realized that only through patience, tolerance and pretence of submission could he survive. 22. These virtues have not gone unrewarded. The African, like so many other people in similar circumstances, with the passing of time, is beginning to attain his national aspiration - complete freedom and independence - as is evident by the many new African States in the Assembly.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“He showered the stranger with gifts, allowed him to carry on his trade, gave him lands on which to develop and make use of the natural resources of his country in the search for gold, diamonds and other minerals which others labelled as precious but which to the African had no intrinsic value. It was therefore a rude awakening to the African to find that the more he gave, the less satisfied became the receiver. He soon came to realize that nothing would satisfy his guest except the complete surrender of everything he owned and cherished. 21. Naturally, in such circumstances he attempted to resist and was at times ruthlessly crushed by superior weapons. The spear and the arrow, despite his courage, were no match for the musket and the cannon. He was forced to submit, but he never gave up hope.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“These sufferings and humiliations have developed in our race the virtues of patience and tolerance. We might retreat in the face of great odds, but we never lose hope and we never abandon our goal. We believe in the motto "he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day” or, as in the last war, "we retreat according to plan". 20. The African, locked up in the vastness of his continent, was unaware of the strife and treachery prevailing in the world outside his orbit. By nature he is generous and kind to all strangers. This made him welcome the coming of the foreigner to his continent.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“We agree and fully support the principle that all men are born equally free and independent, with a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This is a part of our national Constitution. We will, however, continue to seek a solution to this problem through peaceful and lawful means. Consequently, we will not be a party to any solution that calls for violence or the threat of violence in the accomplishment of these aims. Violence is not in the nature of our race. 19. Hardship, frustration and perhaps even enslavement have developed in our people a sense of humour that makes them impervious to all difficulties and hardships. Perhaps this has been an asset, otherwise they, like many other races, might have suffered extinction, not being able to match their weapons with the weapons of more advanced peoples.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Though such a solution offers little satisfaction to either party, nevertheless it offers no offence nor seeks to impose conditions that would embarrass or affect the national honour and prestige of either party. 17. This is a problem that gravely concerns my Government and people. It is in Africa among our kith and kin that most of the dependent peoples of the world are to be found today. Living on such a continent, surrounded by people of our own race, we could not ignore or be indifferent to their national aspirations. Like them, we too have known the bitterness of injustice, the common fate of all dependent peoples. My Government therefore will at all times and in all circumstances lend its aid and support to the cause of all dependent peoples. 18.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Each party to the dispute, without hindrance or restraint, has been allowed freely to put forward arguments in defence of its position. The Assembly has listened patiently to charges and counter-charges. It has heard language at times harsh, insulting and offensive, which in similar circumstances and in former organizations would have immediately led to hostile action. The only reaction to such language is the whimsical smile or the deep frown of the representatives, depending on their attitude to the question. This of itself speaks well and is a happy augury to further discussions in the Assembly. 16. After carefully listening to the lengthy and exhaustive speeches which have a tendency to allay feelings, the United Nations generally adopts a technique peculiar to itself — a technique of conciliation and adjustment.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Often on the agenda of the United Nations have appeared questions of such an explosive nature that the least mishandling could have probably brought us to the brink of another world holocaust. Feelings at times among the contending parties have been tense and fierce. National honour seems to be at stake and therefore positions taken appear to be adamant and irrevocable. Patience and tolerance on both sides seem to have been exhausted as each side became convinced of the justice of its cause and therefore was prepared to resort to the last alternative in upholding its national prestige. 15. It is therefore a credit to the United Nations, when faced at times with such an impasse, to have adopted the attitude of patience and sober reflection.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“There might be some justification for this fear, suspicion and mistrust, as history has shown that many nations have been the victims of deceit and treachery in regard to disarmament. It is indeed true that the smaller nations do not possess such weapons of mass destruction or "know-how" of their manufacture: yet they have been allowed to discuss the problem in all its phases in the United Nations and have also been permitted to comment or to make recommendations on the various reports of the Disarmament Commission. Nevertheless, not possessing such weapons, the small nations, we believe, if given equal opportunity, might be able to devise a formula on disarmament that could be acceptable to the great Powers without the loss of national honour and prestige. 14.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It appears that, despite these long ten or eleven years, we are no nearer a solution than when we started. The same background of distrust and fear which permeated the work of the Disarmament Commission in its early stage persists up to the present. Each year we witness the discovery of new weapons of mass destruction which tend, not to lessen the work of the Disarmament Commission or to allay the suspicion of the great Powers, but rather to sharpen the differences between them and therefore make the problem of disarmament more complex and difficult. 13. It is doubtful, under such conditions, when mistrust and fear occupy the minds and control the actions of the great Powers - the possessors of such weapons of mass destruction - that a solution to world disarmament will ever be found.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“We therefore welcome all new countries and extend to them the hand of friendship and co-operation, fully believing that they, like ourselves, are determined to contribute to world peace by adjusting our differences and settling our disputes in a spirit of conciliation under the aegis of this Organization. 11. We as a nation oppose all forms of domination - whether imperialistic or communistic. Our interest and our support are linked with all free countries that have the dignity and worth of the human being at heart. 12. No country, small or big, can be indifferent to the problem of world disarmament. With the discovery of nuclear weapons, any major conflict becomes global. It is now over ten or eleven years ago that this Organization set up a commission on the problem of world disarmament.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“If the nineteenth century is recorded in history as a time when the world was carved up among the great Powers, then the twentieth century must surely go down in history as the century of nationalism — the awakening of national aspirations. No period in the history of the human race has witnessed the birth of so many new nations in such a short period of time. In this regard, our Charter is being rapidly implemented. As each new nation takes its seat in this Organization, the Organization becomes more universal, it becomes richer in the sense that however small or backward a people may be, they have something unique in their history to offer, in the social, in the cultural or in the political field. 10.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Whether the aims of such Power or Powers were altruistic or selfish is difficult to say - one does not look a gift horse in the mouth. 8. Though such disagreement has caused at times stagnation in the political field, on the other hand, it has made the Organization more universal in character. Never before in history have men been able to form an association that has touched the lives of so many people in so many lands and in so many ways. It has brought succour to the needy, aid to the sick, and hope and inspiration to the depressed, regardless of race, creed or religion. There is no longer a backroom diplomacy in settling the affairs of men. What happens in Asia has its repercussions in America, Europe and Africa — and vice versa. International problems are no longer the concern of the few with vested interests, but of all mankind. 9.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It has also failed in many instances to bring a permanent peace to those areas where it has been able to stop hostilities. 7. Regrettable as this situation may be, such disharmony or disagreement has prevented any single Power or group of Powers from imposing its will on any majority or minority group in the exercise of the veto. People in the most remote regions of the world have also benefited indirectly from such discord. They have been able to air their grievances through the United Nations and, in many cases, not only have they been heard, but they have obtained a fair and just settlement of their problems. They have not been left isolated or alone in defending themselves, but have received invariably the staunch support of some of the leading Powers.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Today we have the United Nations, conceived in similar circumstances but completely different in its application of the principles upon which the League of Nations was based. It is not dominated by any single Power or group of Powers. There is no inner circle restricted to a few at the expense of many. There are no hidden secrets lodged in the archives of any particular country or countries. It is true, indeed, that the Security Council may bear some resemblance to an exclusive club, but discord is more frequent than harmony. The ideological or "cold war" maintains this cleavage. It is true that this discord among the great Powers has hindered progress in some fields of the Organization and has caused stagnation, particularly in regard to disarmament and the control of nuclear weapons.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The ruling circle was not prepared to upset the balance of power in the interest of aiding and defending a small or weak State. 5. One of the other major weaknesses of the League was its "back door" policy, which ignored and bypassed the League itself. This policy was generally adopted by the major Powers in consideration of their interests or national honour or when it suited their convenience. Some chancellery then replaced the League, where the matter was discussed and settled by a few. This by-passing of the organization had a tendency to weaken the structure of the League itself. It thereby lost influence and respect among the smaller nations and, in the eyes of many, was considered an organization solely And exclusively run by a few powerful nations bent on maintaining the status quo of world domination. 6.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The League lacked universal support. Its membership was confined to the principal nations of the First World War. It was therefore run by a few and in the interest of a few. It became a club, with an outer circle and an inner circle. Those who composed the inner circle, and were generally called the "midwives" of the organization, formulated the policies and executed them with little regard to the rights and feelings of the majority. 4. Each major Power was a law unto itself — it interpreted the laws of the organization to suit its needs and national honour, and took action when necessary in strict conformity to its national interest. The rights of the weak and defenceless were generally ignored, if not trampled upon.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“During these 5ears of its existence, the Organization has often been criticized, and has at times been branded as useless, helpless and ineffective in the settlement of international problems. Despite these constant attacks, the Organization has been able to carry on. It has been able to prevent major hostilities; and in cases where, despite its efforts, these hostilities have flared up, it has been able through moral pressure to localize the conflict, end the hostilities and restore order. 3. The question then arises; Why has this Organization succeeded where the old League of Nations failed so dismally? It is true that the ideas, the principles and the concept that brought the League of Nations into existence were very similar to those which formed the foundation of the United Nations. But there is a basic difference between them.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Permit me to express to Sir Leslie Munro my hearty congratulations on his election to the presidency of the twelfth session of the General Assembly. His qualifications and experience, as well as his courtesy and genial disposition, had much to do, I believe, with his selection for the task of presiding over our meetings. I am sure that these qualities will make less difficult and less onerous that task of presiding over an Assembly composed of peoples from many lands and of many races, with differing creeds and doctrines, customs and dispositions. 2. We have watched the steady growth and expansion of this Organization, whose General Assembly is now holding its twelfth session with a membership of eighty-two nations.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The delegation of Liberia hereby renews its pledge to co-operate fully and to support all measures which have as their objective the realization of the ideals embodied in the Charter of our Organization. It is our sincere hope that the spirit of moderation, tolerance, patience and harmony which has characterized some of our previous sessions will also prevail during tire present session of the Assembly.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Third, although the Charter provides for the formation of regional pacts, the principles of right and justice should prevail whenever there is a conflict between the two objectives. Fourth, the delegation of Liberia unequivocally disapproves of the resort to force or violence for the settlement of any dispute. Fifth, it firmly believes in the sanctity and inviolability of treaties and international agreements; it believes that such treaties and agreements should not be unilaterally abrogated. Finally, we extend to the President our hearty congratulations on the imprimatur which his colleagues have placed upon his past services by electing him to the high office of President of the eleventh session of the General Assembly. 148.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We extend a hand of welcome to the many new Members already admitted, or to be admitted in the future, to this Organization — and especially to those States which have recently gained their independence. It is to be hoped that we shall give them our sympathy and encouragement in their endeavours at nation-building. We also hope that the old and experienced nations will not view their mistakes or shortcomings through the magnifying lens of the telescope, and their achievements through the opposite end. 147. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to reiterate and reaffirm the following points: First, it adheres to the provisions of the Charter which declare that all peoples have an inherent right to self-determination. Second, the present advance which has been made in science should be utilized for peaceful purposes.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Moreover, we strongly believe in the spirit of the law; we believe that the law should be applied fairly and impartially to all, despite race, creed or origin: as it is in human affairs, so should it be in international affairs. We therefore hold and believe that treaties and international agreements should be considered as sacred, binding and inviolable. They should not be unilaterally abrogated by any nation, great or small, whenever the agreements no longer seem to harmonize with that nation’s political ambitions or national aspirations. Trust and confidence are the keystones of all moral obligations; when these are shattered, man sinks to the status of the brute. 146.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“I therefore hope that this fact will be borne in mind when seats are allocated on the various councils of the United Nations, under the new policy of expansion based on geographical distribution. 144. The human race never seems to profit from its past mistakes. The untold sufferings and miseries of past wars appear not to have affected our false sense of values. Right might be forever on the scaffold and wrong on the throne, but unless that scaffold governs our future, man will not be saved from the horrors and destruction of war. My Government therefore strongly disapproves of the resort to force or violence in the settlement of any dispute, national or international — for it is immoral to effect just ends by unjust means. 145.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“My delegation fully supports the suggestion made here that, owing to the fact that nineteen new Members have been admitted to the Organization, the membership of the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other United Nations bodies should be increased. It is to be hoped that in this expansion the position of Africa will not be overlooked. Africa is the second largest continent. Its vast resources have added much to the advance of our civilization. It is the only continent which contains so many dependent and underdeveloped people. It is a continent whose vast potential resources still remain to be tapped. Nevertheless, Africa has never been represented directly on any of the important councils of the United Nations, even on those where its interests are most directly affected.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Offices, memberships of committees, seats on various subsidiary organizations are all apportioned according to the strength of the nations and the size of each bloc. In such conditions, no nation can afford to stand aloof, basing its interests upon right and justice. To exist in such conditions, it becomes not only necessary but imperative for a State to align itself with the group in which it thinks its interests may be best served and safeguarded. In such a situation, it is difficult to achieve solutions of world problems. But such situations will continue to exist so long as nations do not base their actions upon the right and justice of a cause. 143.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As long as these conflicting interests exist, right and justice are lost in the labyrinth of national interest and power politics. 142. We come to the conference table with fixed ideas and immovable positions. Having formed ourselves into blocs in order to protect or foster some mode of life peculiar to our environment, or to enhance or maintain our position in world affairs, our stand becomes inflexible. The Organization, instead of being united, is now shattered into blocs which seem to be losing all power of cohesion. Such compacts appear not only to have paralysed the Organization’s decisions, but also to have penetrated the operation of the Organization itself, making it difficult for the Organization to work smoothly.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In the forming of the United Nations it was hoped that out of such an organization would have grown a world alliance for the protection and defence of the rights of all peoples and nations. That goal seems still to be beyond our grasp. 141. Despite all that has happened or that is likely to happen, we seem still to be imbued with the concept of alliances and counter-alliances; and so strong is our feeling in this regard that we could not divorce our minds from such a conception in the framing of the United Nations Charter. Hence, provisions for regional pacts were embodied in that document. Such pacts or blocs have not added to the strength of the Organization: they have, rather, made it powerless to act. The effectiveness and strength of the United Nations appear to be enervated by the conflicting interests of the nations.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“History has recorded that through such groupings the tribes and clans came into existence; these in turn gave birth to the various nations with their peculiar cultures and customs. The nations, history has also recorded, banded themselves into pacts or alliances for their own preservation or for the conquest and exploitation of their neighbours. The result of such partnerships has been continuous conflict between States, which grows more fierce and deadly with every passing generation. Despite the terrible consequences of the last two great wars, the nations seem not to profit by the mistakes of yesterday. Today we see the old game being replayed — the aligning of nations against each other, under different names and forms, each side giving as its motive “self-preservation”.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It became known as the fifth weapon, and greatly contributed to the success or defeat of either side. It was a double-edged sword. In the remotest corners of the earth the inhabitants were bombarded day and night in their own languages with the war cries of the Allies or their adversaries. We heard such catch phrases as: “The fight for democracy”, “The four freedoms”, and “The self-determination of peoples”. At the same pitch the propaganda of the Axis tuned to similar strains. Have these pledges been fulfilled? 140. Whether through inclination or from an instinct for self-preservation, mankind has, since the dawn of history, always shown a tendency to bracket himself into groups or pacts.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is to be hoped that the process of granting independence and self-determination to other dependent peoples will be greatly accelerated. 138. With the discoveries of the wireless, the telephone, television and other scientific inventions the struggle for self-mastery has become more pronounced and open. There are no longer unknown lands and isolated people: there is now but “one world”, as it was expressed in so timely a manner by that great American, Wendell Wilkie. 139. The horizon opens up on a new day. We enter a new conflict, an ideological conflict, a new phase in the affairs of men and nations. In this new struggle man has added yet another weapon to his arsenal — radio and television propaganda. This weapon was extensively and effectively used in the Second World War. It served both the victor and the vanquished.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As it is instinctive in the human individual at some time in his development to assume the responsibility of manhood with its characteristic qualities of independence and self-reliance, so the nations and peoples of the world have the right to aspire to be independent and masters of their own affairs. It is therefore gratifying to note that many of the Powers have come to realize that the right to independence and freedom is a divine inspiration which, when once aroused, can be thwarted or squashed by physical or brute force but cannot be exterminated. We therefore commend such Powers, as, in their realization of this right, have given independence and self-determination to several of the once dependent peoples that are now Members of this Organization and are actively participating in its deliberations.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“By some nations, the sudden outburst of national aspirations by dependent peoples seems to be viewed with some degree of scepticism and astonishment. It should be recognized that every spirited individual longs and seeks to assume the dignity, respect, freedom and independence of a man, and is inherently entitled to this both spiritually and naturally. This is a human instinct. 136. Such aspirations are not unique in the history of the human race, and if we care to scan the pages of man’s biography with an open and unbiased mind, completely divorced from petty prejudice, we will find in every age, whether ancient, mediaeval or modern, man’s struggle to obtain the benefits of self-determination and independence from his masters. 137.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The question, grave and serious, that confronts him is whether such knowledge shall be used for his further advancement or for his complete annihilation. 135. A famous scientist was once asked if there were any counter measures to the atomic and hydrogen bomb. “Yes”, replied the scientist, “peace.” We know from human experience that peace is possible when man is able to live in a society based upon the principles and practice of brotherhood. The world today is witnessing the struggle to put such principles into practice either by peaceful means or by violent upheavals. The motto of the French revolution, “liberty, equality, fraternity”, is no longer confined solely to Frenchmen. It is now the slogan of all mankind, whether in the East or the West. This slogan has now assumed a new name, “nationalism”.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)