YouSaid · the spoken record

GRIMES

lines on the record: 421
first: 1960-09-24
most recent: 1971-09-24
sittings or episodes: 12
sources: un-general-debate

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“The Government of Liberia wishes indeed that he can be induced to continue in his high and responsible office. Nevertheless, should he insist on retiring we can only hope that his talents and experience can be made available to the Organization at times when they may be needed and that he and his family will have happiness in the years ahead. 51. Finally, Mr. President, you may be assured of the full co-operation of the Liberian delegation during this session. The times demand from us nothing less than this.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The constant plea of developing countries is for our commodities to enter the markets of developed countries at fair prices. How can we be expected to meet the targets of the Development Strategy if we have constantly to beg to sell those commodities which we produce? 50. I am unable to conclude these remarks without stating that Secretary-General UThant deserves our appreciation and special praise for his sincere devotion and services to the United Nations as well as for his dedication to the cause of international peace and security. His astute handling of some of the most delicate international issues, his determination to serve humanity, his objectivity, his strength of character and his resoluteness in the face of challenging odds have merited for him our highest respect and won for him our admiration and affection.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“With deteriorating terms of trade and a slowdown in growth, what developing countries need is the implementation of the terms adopted in the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)]. The developing countries are in a situation where they are affected not only by their own economic policies but also by the economic policies of the developed countries, although the latter are not affected by the policies of the developing countries. 49. Recently we have heard talk about letting the world markets respond to the simple concepts of supply and demand. Is it not ironic that the applicability of this concept practically excludes most countries of the third world?”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“These markets are overprotected because the developed countries find it difficult to see the importance of those of our efforts which are not strictly related to their own national self-interest. 47. In the message delivered on behalf of the Secretary- General to the Economic and Social Council at its 1773rd meeting, in Geneva, it was stated that the task of translating the International Development Strategy into practice would require even more determination, understanding and goodwill than the original formulation which brought it into being. The concern expressed by the Secretary-General is one also shared by my Government. 48.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“In 1946, it was honorable to see the international community get together and work out financial arrangements for the furtherance and facilitation of international trade. Since that time, the nature of trade has changed and this has "been the result of the imposition of protective measures which largely distort the real nature of trade in terms of both the actual exchange of goods and the international division of labor. 46. We, the developing countries, find ourselves at the lower level of an economic model we did not create. In almost every area of trade, our commodities suffet an unfair advantage in terms of price whenever they are permitted to enter into these protected markets.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The work of the United Nations Development program has become an integral part of the efforts of most developing countries to plan and implement both short- and long-term policies. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development continues to explore possibilities to improve trade relations between the developing and the developed countries. 44. Despite these efforts, there is today re-emerging a kind of rugged nationalistic conservatism in international trade and financial matters which, if not rectified, may ultimately dissipate those efforts at international monetary co-operation, which are already strained, and hamper our attempts to make significant gains in this field during this decade. 45. Change is inevitable and is a constant of history.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“While my delegation welcomes a conference on the law of the sea in 1973, we feel that views on questions relating to the law of the sea are in many respects so wide apart and diverse that a modification of extreme positions must be encouraged if the conference is to be successful. We must be prepared to submerge our separate and individual interests in a common cause for the common good and the benefit of mankind. 42. I have spoken seriously about the political and social problems of our world. There is another problem which causes my Government serious concern. I have, in past statements before this body, applauded the United Nations for the role it is playing in the field of economic development and growth, in terms of technical advice, training, pre-investment studies and meaningful, if indirect, financial contributions. 43.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Only one path provides a solution in the interests of mankind as a whole, and that is by agreement based on the principles of universality and equality. 40. To achieve this end, partisan and selfish considerations will have to give way to common interests based on the principle of equity. An international community in which each State is willing to surrender only that for which it can see an equivalent in terms of itself alone is not one that will provide an answer for the settlement of the question of the sea-bed. 41. General Assembly resolution 2750 C (XXV) also provides for the convening of a conference on the law of the sea in 1973 and it assigns certain duties to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction in preparation for the conference.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Apart from the fact that social conditions in many parts of the world can be substantially improved by funds diverted from armaments, we have a clear choice to make to prevent our self-destruction and ensure man's survival. 38. My delegation feels that the question of the sea-bed, and the ocean floor, and the subsoil thereof, beyond the limits of national jurisdiction is one which requires the most delicate consideration and handling in our search for a solution within the meaning and context of General Assembly resolution 2749 (XXV) and within the frame-work of resolution 2750 (XXV). 39. The ability of the international community to promote order and to preserve harmony may be tested by the success of our efforts in devising means of regulating activities in the intricate and challenging age of scientific and technological advances.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“To this must be added also the slow progress made in the Geneva disarmament talks by the draft convention on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons and on their destruction [Aj8457-DCj234t annex A], Liberia regrets that this agreement has not yet been extended to chemical weapons. 36. The Liberian delegation certainly wishes that more rapid progress could be made on the issue of disarmament. The arms race produces only unrest and instability and could result in disaster for mankind, especially in view of the advances that have been made in science and technology. 37.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Another important factor has been the recent Quadripartite Agreement on Berlin and the successful treaties negotiated by the Federal Republic of Germany with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and with Poland. These agreements point to a normalization of relations between West Germany and other Eastern European countries and provide a welcome opportunity for the reduction of tension in this area. No one can doubt that this may have a salutary effect on an East-West detente. 35. Another significant factor has been the favorable, although slow, progress made in the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks between the Soviet Union and the United States.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Although the problems I have mentioned appear intractable and cause serious concern, there have been some events in the past year which have given cause for some optimism on the international scene. 32. Perhaps I should mention first the reaffirmation of the dedication of Member States of the United Nations to the objectives and purposes of the Charter [resolution 2627(XXV)], one of the four documents adopted by the General Assembly at its commemorative session almost a year ago. 33. Man's survival seems to depend greatly on the need to redirect our efforts to international co-operation and away from the forces which breed unrest and disorder. We also need to direct more attention to the human environment. Towards this .end we should make a reappraisal of the means necessary to enable us to attain these objectives and purposes. 34.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It is an important Organization for the maintenance of international peace and security and we cannot afford to let it drift into bankruptcy. 28. The problem of the refugees is one of great concern in many parts of the world. Because of the humanitarian nature of the problem we cannot brush it under the rug. Where there are internal conflicts and colonial wars the problem has been exacerbated. 29. The refugee situation in the Indian subcontinent places an onerous burden on India. This Organization has to assume the moral responsibility the situation imposes. Although something has been done to alleviate it, much more is required. 30. Africa is also afflicted with this problem. We hope that this Organization will make some progress in removing the conditions which have brought about such a serious human problem. 31.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“In this connexion we are anxiously awaiting the result of the initiative being undertaken by the Organization of African Unity and we can only wish success for the efforts of the 10 members of the Committee of African Heads of State established by the Organization. 26. At this stage I should like to mention the serious financial situation of the United Nations, which was highlighted by our Secretary-General in the introduction to his report on the work of the Organization [A/ 8401/Add.l]. This situation calls for serious decisions on the part of the Members of this Organization. We can no longer postpone or shirk the important responsibilities which the situation entails. 27. All of us need the United Nations.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Although there has been an effective cease-fire for over one year, the danger of an explosion in the Middle East which may have serious repercussions on world peace cannot be dismissed lightly. One of the causes for serious concern in that situation is the big-Power involvement. The missing element in that situation seems to be the will to make peace. The situation is further complicated by the unhappy ideological division in the world. 25. We believe it is time for the parties, Members of this Organization, which have obligated themselves to settle their differences by peaceful means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, not only to use the existing means available to them but also to undertake fresh initiatives to reduce tension in the area.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The United Nations will most likely succeed in fulfilling its obligations when its Members learn to avoid narrow national interests, to eschew economic greed and to respect fully the principles of the Charter, so that they may find themselves in a position objectively to support the efforts of the Organization. 23. Unfortunately the tragedy in Viet-Nam continues and there is still much uncertainty about a settlement. The talks in Paris have failed to yield satisfactory results. It is our hope that other events which have occurred recently may help to accelerate a solution in the interest of the Viet-Namese people and in the cause of world peace. 24.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“On the whole problem of southern Africa, I should like to re-emphasize what I said during the twenty-first session of the General Assembly on 10 October 1966: that the African Territories under Portuguese domination, Rhodesia, South West Africa and South Africa are elements of a single problem, the solution of which requires joint action [1435th meeting, para. 25J. That is essentially true as a result of the apparent unholy alliance among South Africa, Portugal and Southern Rhodesia, especially when South Africa daily increases its military potential and was reported recently to have developed missiles which might be exported or supplied to its allies. 22.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“That threat to those independent countries is continuing today, and the Security Council Council is at present seized of those matters. 19. It is high time that the last vestiges of colonialism should be removed in conformity with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted as resolution 1514 (XV), and one of the documents adopted by the General Assembly at its commemorative session last year which called for the full implementation of that Declaration [resolution 2708 (XXV)]. 20. It seems to me that the chief obstacle to our success in southern Africa lies not in our powers, were we to use them, but in those selfish aims which remain so little changed despite new situations. Unfortunately, it seems that it is the will of the international community that is at fault. 21.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“One of the reasons for the ineffectiveness of the measures taken in regard to the illegal regime in Zimbabwe is the collusion between Portugal, South Africa and the illegal regime. 18. Once again, I consider it necessary to call on the General Assembly to strengthen its support for resolutions reaffirming the inalienable right of the peoples of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea (Bissau), at present under Portuguese domination, to self-determination and independence. The present situation in those Territories is clearly a threat to international peace and security. This has been further evidenced by the dastardly attack made last year by that retrograde regime on the independent African Republic of Guinea, as well as the offensive incursions which Portugal has made on the territory of the independent African Republic of Senegal.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“In spite of that expression of condemnation of the Smith regime by the international community through the highest world forum and the apparent manifestation of a concerted will to put an end to that illegal administration, the Smith regime has continued its intransigence. Last year's proclamation of a Republic of Rhodesia by the Smith regime is also illegal. Yet no successful attempt has been initiated to reverse the situation in Rhodesia and its tragic consequences for the African majority. The excuse for such failure is unconvincing, and the failure is due, not to inability, but to unwillingness to take the truly effective measures that would bring about success. 17.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“What is even more disturbing is the apparent ease with which a powerful sector of the international community seems to be adapting itself to the situation. 15. At the time of the unilateral declaration of Independence by the Ian Smith regime, the United Kingdom expressly limited the measures it was prepared to take against ..its colony. That resulted in partial and weak measures being applied, an 1 they have not been effective. 16. In 1968 the Security Council again voted unanimously to adopt resolution 253 (1968), imposing, under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, comprehensive mandatory economic sanctions against Southern Rhodesia.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“In addition to the size of the world which frowns upon, condemns and opposes that policy, the International Court of Justice has, in its recent advisory opinion, declared unequivocally that the continued South African presence in Namibia is illegal. My delegation feels that that significant opinion provides a basis for positive action by those big Powers that have, by their indirect action, conveniently encouraged South Africa to ignore the decisions of the United Nations on this burning issue. 14. The illegal minority regime in Zimbabwe-otherwise called Southern Rhodesia provides another example of the grave situation in southern Africa which poses a threat to international peace and stability in the area.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“They declare lip-service condemnation of the atrocities of the Government of South Africa while lending extraordinary economic and other direct and indirect support to it. Thus, it is not very difficult to understand the apparent intransigence of South Africa. 12. There is no need for confusion about, or misunderstanding of, the avowed policy of apartheid. Any State that declares its policy to be based on racial distinctions over which the individual has no control and in fact imposes repressive measures to foster that policy, whatever the form of those measures, should be condemned. 13. One of the consequences of ineffective action by the international community is that the Pretoria Government has extended its heinous policy of apartheid to Namibia.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Those principles inserted in the United Nations Charter seem, in our opinion, to place certain interests, as they relate to basic human rights, beyond the reach of arbitrary State action. Yet the South African Government has continued to ignore those principles and has challenged and defied the will and decisions of the Organization on them with a certain degree of impunity. 11. The failure of the United Nations to fulfill its mandate, at least in respect of southern Africa, clearly undermines the authority of the United Nations as a world Organization designed to ensure international peace and security. Many of the proposed remedies break down under critical analysis due to the attitudes of some powerful States.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“I need not detail here the frustrations and anger and the disappointment this has caused to the peoples of Africa. The conditions necessary to find just solutions are clearly outlined in the Charter to which the Members of this Organization have subscribed. Nevertheless, this perilous situation has been allowed to linger because of selfish interests. 9. The South African Government has demonstrated extreme contempt for the ideals, principles and obligations of the Charter of the United Nations, among which are "respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples" and "respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion". 10.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“President Tolbert, who served ably and faithfully as Vice-President for over 19 years, has always supported the United Nations and other international organizations. He has directed me to assure the United Nations of his continued support and co-operation in its quest for international peace and security. 7. After almost three quarters of a century, in which the world has not been fr >.) of violence and war, with all the loss of human life and all the devastation that this has entailed, the world's peoples are yearning for peace and progress and for a better life. There are problems about Which we in Africa are gravely concerned. 8. The situation in southern Africa presents perennial problems to which this Organization has been unable to provide solutions.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We in Liberia bemoan the recent passing of our late President, William V. S. Tubman. His tenure as leader of his country exceeded in time the life of this Organization. In his more than 27 years as Head of State, the late President Tubman spared no efforts in his endeavors to promote the interests of his people both at home and abroad. His untiring devotion to the cause of peace extended beyond the boundaries of Liberia and beyond the continent of Africa. His support of the United Nations and of the purposes for which it stands is well known. 5. He has been succeeded by President William R. Tolbert, Jr. whose faith in the United Nations and its purposes and whose dedication to international co-operation and to international brotherhood are equally and as firmly fixed. 6.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“1. I am indeed pleased, Sir, to extend to you, on behalf of the Liberian delegation and myself, sincere congratulations on your election as President of the twenty-sixth session of the General Assembly. The Assembly, in our opinion, is indeed fortunate to have someone with your wide experience to guide its deliberations at this important session. 2. May I also take this opportunity to pay a deserved tribute to your distinguished predecessor, Edvard Hambro of Norway, who presided over the commemorative proceedings with aplomb and who directed the work of the twenty-fifth session of the General Assembly so ably as to merit the respect and admiration of all of us. 3. The Liberian delegation welcomes the recent entry into the United Nations of Bahrain, Bhutan and Qatar and extends to these delegations its sincere felicitations. 4.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Secretary-General U Thant, who has dedicated himself to the principles of the Charter and to selfless service of this Organization, stated during his visit to Liberia last January that the decade of the 1970s should be the decade of the three Ds: decolonization, disarmament and development. My Government would derive much satisfaction if, as a tribute to this distinguished and dedicated international statesman, the United Nations pursued policies which would make this ideal a reality, especially as we enter the second quarter of a century of the Organization's life.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“During this session my Government would wish the decisions of the Assembly with regard to international economic co-operation to reflect this greater meaning in a positive way. 107. The hijacking of aircraft is creating considerable uneasiness throughout the world and if allowed to continue unchecked it could pose a dangerous threat to international peace and security. 108. We joined the Organization of African Unity in its resolution condemning the hijacking and sabotaging of civil aircraft, and we support the Security Council resolution [286 (1970)] calling upon all States to take measures to protect, and ensure the safety of those traveling by air. We call upon the United Nations to react positively to this question. 109.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“They drew upon the past and gave us a point from which we can move into an arena of greater international economic cooperation. The nature of international economics makes it imperative that we strive to strengthen our economic position in the world, working from sub- regional and regional premises. 105. Under the umbrella of the United Nations we have the opportunity not only to work together, but to work with others. This must be our commitment to the decade of the 1970s and this attitude must be reflected in the strategy which will guide our efforts during the second quarter of the century. 106. For both the developed and the developing countries, the concept of national will takes on greater meaning every day.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Today, and at the beginning of this decade, we find that man is still committed to his survival and therefore to the concept of peace. Despite the fragile nature of this peace, our only alternative is to strengthen it. To do this, man must reach out, beyond his family and nation, to other men and share that which by nature has become his material acquisition. 103. Nations must see their national interests only as they relate to the interests of mankind. In economic matters we must adopt a new approach to planning, for the developing countries are no longer prepared to accept the economic exploitation of the past. They are prepared to develop their economies only within a community of interest. 104. The Pearson report and the capacity study of the United Nations Development Program have clearly analyzed the situation.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Despite the fact that the problems which plague the developing countries have been underscored and priorities laid down, the pace of efforts towards improving general living standards remains seriously frustrating. 100. While we recognize that the United Nations has made some progress in promoting the economic and social advancement of peoples of the developing countries, nevertheless we believe that some Member nations have not sufficiently demonstrated unselfish international goodwill. 101. This Organization is but a reflection of our collective will. Its shortcomings can be found only in the shortcomings of our national incapacities in adhering to the ideals we have set forth in the Charter of the United Nations. 102.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Regrettably, the failure of the Committee to reach agreement on the proposals to be submitted to this Assembly for consideration causes disappointment. On the other hand, it appears that it has succeeded in identifying the various positions on which compromise is evidently wanting. There can be no success in establishing a satisfactory basis for co-operation without a spirit of compromise, and we hope that the sea-bed Committee will assume the responsibility that has been imposed upon it. 99. As we enter the decade of the 1970s, it is not satisfactory to say that within this Organization there are nations which are straggling to survive on per capita incomes of less than $100 while there are others abounding in affluence. We have said that too often.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The General Assembly appointed a Committee to examine the question of reserving the area exclusively for peaceful purposes and exploiting its resources for the benefit of mankind. 97. The vastness of the sea-bed and ocean floor, the potential wealth of the area, the development of technology permitting gradual but effective exploitation of the resources of the area, the uncertainty relating to behavior in the area and the potential danger and threat to international peace and security; all these and other factors gave prominence to consideration of this question. Accordingly the United Nations attached importance to the establishment of the sea-bed Committee as well as to the work which the Committee was expected to perform. 98.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Whilst we welcome the beginning of strategic arms limitation talks by the Soviet Union and the United States and wish that they will be successful, we are anxious to see progress in the disarmament discussions which have been going on in Geneva for the last eight years and we cherish the hope that the super-Powers will abandon purely selfish aims and recognize their responsibility to mankind as a whole. To continue to do otherwise would be to leave man's future to chance. We must have disarmament if we are to survive. 96. The sea-bed, the ocean floor and the subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction provide an opportunity for greater co-operation among all States through the United Nations.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations and the tenth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples provide an appropriate opportunity for a prompt renewal of the United Nations efforts to end colonial domination if the United Nations is to grow and not dwindle in strength. 94. Hundreds of thousands of millions of dollars are still being poured into a gigantic arms race. It is unfortunate that so much of the world's resources and money has had to be spent for purposes other than productive necessities in view of the legitimate pressing need and urgent demand by over a thousand million people in the world for social and economic advancement. 95.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The more violations of those decisions there are the weaker the Organization is likely to become. 92. We will have to choose between perpetuating and strengthening the United Nations or allowing sur-mountable disruptions to continue to undermine its efforts. 93. The same kinds of considerations apply to the persistent Portuguese colonial domination of millions of Africans whose hope for freedom has long been linked with the United Nations. The decolonization efforts of the United Nations met with much success during the past two decades, providing assistance in the birth of many new States. Unfortunately, the pace of this trend has been retarded.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The 1965 unilateral declaration of independence and subsequent illegal acts of the Smith regime have led to the March 1970 declaration of a republic which is equally illegal. In the face of those developments, the administering Power has remained conveniently unable to use the force necessary to assert its jurisdiction. Judging from the past history of the United Kingdom one is left to wonder whether the excuse is more one of inability to meet its obligation to the people of Zimbabwe or one of unwillingness. 91. The strength or weakness of the United Nations must be measured against the respect and honor for its decisions, especially when they take the form of sanctions imposed by the Security Council to ensure international peace and security.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Let it be remembered that it is in the interest of South Africa indeed in the interest of the world which has suffered enough from bigotry, prejudice and hatred for the Government of South Africa to abandon its policy of racial discrimination and to provide for the South African majority the common enjoyment of basic human rights. 89. Measures taken by the United Nations with a view to ending the illegal regime in Southern Rhodesia have been flouted and the minority regime seems to be even more firmly established now. Step by step the rebellious regime has been aided and allowed, directly and indirectly, to perpetuate its intransigence to the detriment of the African majority, thereby fostering a serious threat to peace. 90.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The potential sellers argue that the desire to resume sales is the result of a fifteen-year-old bilateral agreement, that the arms and ammunition would be sold solely for external defence and that this is a competitive world in which there are many sellers and where there is financial benefit to be obtained. Apart from the difficulty of clearly differentiating between defensive and offensive weapons, we do not think it helps to support such interests at all costs or at any price; nor do we think that international peace and security is fostered by introducing ideology in what all of us should consider a tragedy of great proportions. 88. A confrontation on racial lines is building up in southern Africa, and the South African Government is mainly to blame for it.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In violation of that legal commitment the South African Government continues not only to practice apartheid in South Africa but also to cultivate this heinous policy of racial discrimination in Namibia, a Mandated Territory which is now a United Nations responsibility as a result of the revocation of the Mandate. 86. The Government of South Africa continues to defy world opinion and its position is being helped by others largely because of economic considerations. 87. Those and other reasons have been advanced for the continued as well as the renewed sale of arms to South Africa.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The degree of challenge to the authority of the United Nations is to be measured by the assistance given to the Government of South Africa by many important Governments. 83. After a quarter of a century of dealing ineffectively with apartheid the United Nations must choose between meeting the challenge effectively or permitting its own authority to wane correspondingly. 84. South Africa as a signatory of the Charter and a Member of the United Nations has pledged under Article 56 "to take joint and separate action in cooperation with the Organization for the achievement of the purposes set forth in Article 55". That Article requires us to promote "universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion". 85.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The threat to international peace which the situation in southern Africa poses has been steadily increasing. During the life of the United Nations with its aim, among others,' 'to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small", the Organization has from its beginning been faced with and challenged by the problems in southern Africa. 82. The Government of South Africa has sought to make a virtue of its brutal and senseless policy of apartheid and continues to deny to the majority of the people of that country the basic human rights enshrined in the Charter. An important aspect of the ignominious practice of apartheid is its effect of undermining the efforts of the United Nations.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In that perspective my Government welcomed as an important step worthy of emulation the recent Treaty between the Soviet Union and the Federal Republic of Germany both for its renunciation of force and its recognition of existing boundaries, and we hope that it will be strictly adhered to. 80. My delegation also welcomes the initiative of the Government of the United States of America in obtaining a cease-fire in the Middle East. The situation there calls for the establishment of mutual confidence and much self-discipline on all sides if the negotiations now sponsored by the United Nations are to achieve any success. And it is our hope that the willingness to silence the guns and negotiate will bring about success in the search for peace. 81.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“"We believe in the principles contained in the Treaty signed at Paris on 27 August 1928, commonly referred to as the Kellogg-Briand Pact, because it condemns recourse to war and renounces it as an instrument of national policy. While the United Nations Charter places an obligation on all Member States to settle their international disputes by peaceful means, and some believe that this represents an advance, we do not think it is enough. I think that an open and positive statement from the United Nations outlawing war is necessary." 79. We continue to hold the view even more strongly with the passage of time that an open and positive commitment for peace would provide a sober and realistic basis for man's future.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The Government of Liberia is totally committed to universal peace, involving the maintenance of peace both at home and abroad. The following is a brief quotation from a recent restatement of President Tubman's foreign policy, declaring Liberia's commitment to universal peace: "We shall seek to maintain cordial relations with all States, particularly Member States of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity. We shall continue to work for peace at home and contribute to universal peace to the maximum of our abilities. We shall not only seek peace but pursue it with all our might. We shall not only strive to be a peace-loving nation but we shall act upon that principle.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The diabolical policy of apartheid not only continues in South Africa but is being expanded; South Africa's illegal occupation of Namibia has not been ended; the illegal Ian Smith regime in Southern Rhodesia is being entrenched; the colonial Portuguese suppression in Africa remains unabated; divided countries pose problems that continue to increase tensions; and the Middle East crisis, with all its risks, awaits a peaceful solution. These are but a few. 77. Today the major industrial nations together have the technical and scientific means at their disposal to contribute to the eradication of conflict and to the creation of an efficient international system of order. 78. Again and again the delegation of Liberia has emphasized that world peace requires an extraordinary effort.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Some of us think that there is a certain measure of security today because atomic and hydrogen bombs, and other weapons of mass destruction, maintain a balance of terror. But apart from the inherent fallacy of that argument, it is evident that in those parts of the world where the great Powers do not confront each other directly, wars have not ceased. 75. Indeed, there can be no real peace when people are suppressed, oppressed and treated with gross injustice. 76. There exist today serious crises which the United Nations has not solved.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“There is no doubt that, whilst we are still far from the ultimate attainment of the ideal, the human rights declaration has influenced laws and constitutions of some countries. But we tend too often to lose sight of the work of the United Nations in the social, economic and humanitarian fields, mainly because it is not very dramatic. Yet because of these positive achievements I feel that these activities should be increased, intensified and strengthened so that impressive technological developments can be harnessed to facilitate the improvement of man and his general welfare, rather than his destruction and the devastation of his environment. It is on that note that my delegation welcomes the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment which is scheduled to take place two years hence in Stockholm. 74.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)