YouSaid · the spoken record

Claude COREA

lines on the record: 169
first: 1958-09-24
most recent: 1960-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“The United Nations Force was authorized to enter Katanga Province but not to interfere in the internal conflicts, constitutional or otherwise, in the Congo. On that same occasion, after considering his report, the Security Council endorsed the Secretary-General’s position and actions. 94. We cannot ignore the fact that, in the implementation by him of the Council’s resolutions, he had to take actions on which there could be honest differences of opinion. Some might consider that a certain situation that existed, or suddenly arose, in the course of these operations should have been dealt with in one way, while others might have thought that the action should have been different. Some may even go to the length of considering that the course adopted by. him. disclosed a partisan or prejudiced attitude.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Hammarskjold did not hesitate to come to the Security Council, as for example when, in attempting to send the United Nations Force to Katanga Province, he encountered resistance and felt that he should not push his way through by the use of force. This, he felt, he was precluded from doing according to the principles on which the United Nations Force had been assembled, principles which had been followed in previous operations and principles which had been approved by the Security Council in respect of the Congo. He therefore did the only thing he could do in case of doubt. He returned to New York and submitted the position to the Security Council. 93; The Council’s resolution of 9 August 1960 is well known.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The Secretary-General personally has come in for some criticism on the ground that he was biased or prejudiced in the implementation of the Security Council’s decisions. We do not think that, except for some errors of judgement, he has failed honestly to carry out those decisions. We are satisfied with his bona tides. We have known his views on and his work for the freedom and independence of dependent peoples, and we know that he has worked hard and with an admirable single-minded devotion to duty to carry out the Security Council’s decisions on the Congo. It must be noted that, whenever he was in doubt, Mr.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“I quote operative paragraph 2 of the same resolution: "Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take vigorous action in accordance with the terms of the aforesaid resolutions...." That sets out the position with regard to the facts of the situation in connexion with the action of the Security Council. 91. The situation in the Congo still continues to be far from satisfactory, and it is incumbent on us to take such further action as may be needed to bring about speedily the restoration and functioning of a stable government which will be able to ensure security and law and order and to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of the Congo, At its fourth emergency special session the General Assembly called for the appointment of a good offices committee. I hope that this committee will be appointed soon. 92.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“That the Security Councils decisions were right has been borne out also by the convincing vote taken during the fourth emergency special session of the General Assembly which upheld these decisions by adopting resolution 1474 (ES-IV), the original draft of which was co-sponsored by all the African States and several Asian States. I shall now quote operative paragraph 1 of that resolution: "Fully supports the resolutions of 14 and 22 July and 9 August 1960 of the Security Council." At that session, the General Assembly also endorsed the implementation by the Secretary-General of the Security Council resolutions.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Until the question came before the fourth emergency special session of the General Assembly on 17 September 1960, it was dealt with by the Security Council, whose decisions are to be found in three resolutions adopted by it unanimously on 14 and 22 July and 9 August 1960. These decisions have not been criticized or challenged as lacking in any way in regard to the situation as it first emerged and as it developed during that period. I think it necessary to point out that the Soviet Union itself, which supported the position taken up in these resolutions, has not at any time impugned the action taken by the Security Council and has conceded that the action taken by the Security Council was right and proper.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“She would like me to express to this Assembly her deep regret that she was prevented from being here with us and her hope to join in our work in the future, and also to convey her greetings and good wishes for the success of the work of this Assembly. 90. May I now proceed to deal with a few specific problems that have claimed the special attention of this Assembly. I should like, in the first place, to make only a few comments on the Congo question, to try to clarify the United Nations position in the light of the relevant facts. It is not necessary to go fully into this question now, as it is included as an item on our agenda.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“We are naturally proud of this unique distinction, and I am sure the world would like to know, particularly at this time, and would be interested in the fact that we can look forward to an era of political stability and to the wise guidance of a Prime Minister who is capable of and devoted to bringing about the unity of our peoples and their political , economic and social welfare and who will also maintain close and friendly relations with all countries. I know that Mrs. Bandaranaike, had hoped to attend this session, but unfortunately she could not free herself from urgent and pressing problems which need her presence at home as she had just assumed the responsibility of her office.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Permit me, however, to digress for a moment to mention to this Assembly a domestic event which also has an international interest and significance. Last year, in September, Ceylon lost a great leader in tragic circumstances and the country went through difficult and uncertain times for a short period, but, in July of this year, a general election was held on the same basis as we have held Parliamentary elections since 1931, that is, on the basis of universal suffrage. The election had a happy result in that a political party emerged as the leading party with a strong majority. The head of this party was a lady, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who was called upon to form a Government. This she did, and she became the first lady in the world to become a Prime Minister.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“At this stage of the general debate, after the full discussion we have had, it is not without some reluctance that I venture to make a few comments on behalf of the delegation of Ceylon on only a few world problems that concern all of us vitally. Our agenda is a heavy one. It contains items on important and basic issues which deal with world peace and security and the political, economic and social welfare of all peoples represented here at this General Assembly. I should like to deal with most of these, but shall refrain from doing so, as I realize the great volume of work this Assembly has yet to do and the urgent need to get down to business in plenary as well as in the Committees at the earliest possible time. 89.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“And we should like our Algerian nationalist friends also to believe that, in making this suggestion, we are actuated by a sincere desire to see the people of Algeria obtain, after all these years and after so much difficulty and the need to wage a costly war, the freedom to which they are entitled. We have therefore made this suggestion as friends, and it is based on an objective approach in the hope that France may proceed in carrying out her desire to give to the Adrian people their freedom and thus create the possibility that they will live together in peace and friendship.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“A little accommodation between the parties only is required. Any offer of help in these circumstances cannot be considered as an interference in the internal affairs of France. Of course, we shall all be delighted if France alone, or with the help of any other country, succeeds in getting implementation of her proposal. If not, it would be a pity if she failed to invoke the assistance of the great Organization which she herself was instrumental in founding. 179. It is with a great deal of hesitation and much diffidence that my delegation has taken upon itself to make this suggestion. We want the French delegation to believe that we are inspired only by a sincere desire to promote a settlement.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We know that we cannot and would not want to force ourselves on unwilling parties, but we are sure that France, which has such a glorious history of a people dedicated to the principle of freedom, and which is a distinguished Member of the United Nations and permanent member of the Security Council, a body principally responsible for world peace and security, would not reject any offer of help from the United Nations, if it is considered necessary. We are all aware of the consistent and firm attitude adopted by France under Article 2, paragraph 7, of the Charter of the United Nations. But the present situation is different from the situation in which every year France has invoked the provisions of that Article. Here we are on the verge of a settlement, made possible by her own generous and wise act.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Notably, we think of Tunisia and Morocco whose people and whose leaders have been working hard for many years to bring about an understanding. We have no doubt that they will help. 178. In addition, it is the firm conviction of my delegation that here we are faced with just the kind of situation in which the United Nations should unhesitatingly extend its hand of friendship and help to the parties concerned. We, therefore, suggest that we indicate our readiness to designate a member country, or a group of such countries, to use their good offices to make agreement possible, if such an offer is acceptable to all concerned.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I believe it is correct that the Provisional Government has agreed to its dissolution after "pourparlers" have taken place and a satisfactory understanding has been reached. Thus, while we are at the threshold of a peaceful solution, we encounter an impasse, a formidable barrier. Friends of France and of Algeria, indeed all men of good will, must do everything possible at this juncture to bridge the very narrow gulf which separates the two parties. We have confidence that they will strain every nerve themselves not to be diverted from their common goal and to find a liberal formula that will act as the "open sesame" to the door that bars the road to peace. There are many friendly countries that are prepared to stand by them in support of this effort.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Even if we were to admit that Algeria is an integral part of Metropolitan France, an important change is now taking place when France offers complete freedom on the fulfilment of certain conditions. If such a request were made at that time and in that connexion for discussion and further consideration, it would seem to us to be not unreasonable. I feel sure that the French Government would accept this position were it not for what it regards as a fundamental difficulty. It does not recognize the Algerian Provisional Government. It is unable, therefore, to negotiate with it. One can understand this difficulty. On the other hand, the Algerian Provisional Government would find it extremely difficult to dissolve itself unless and until the conditional offer were discussed and clarified. 177.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Even if the French declaration contained nothing more than an offer of unconditional self-determination at the end of hostilities, it would not seem to us to be unreasonable that some preliminary consultation and discussion would be required before the Nationalists disbanded their armed forces. They would find it difficult to do so without getting a detailed understanding of the conditions of the referendum and the time limit imposed and other important points of detail. 176. But the French offer has several important qualifications, such as the possibility of partition and the control of the Sahara. The Algerian Nationalists have asked for an opportunity to discuss these matters which are undoubtedly of vital importance to them. Is this unreasonable?”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“By itself, this is a magnanimous offer. It is an act of great faith and courage, and the whole world will applaud him for his recognition of the right of people to decide for themselves the kind of government under which they would like to live. The members of the Algerian Provisional Government have accepted this offer. Even if the Provisional Government is not recognized by France and many other countries, it represents the Nationalists and the national aspirations of the people. We are glad that the representatives of Algerian national liberation have shown realism, a constructive attitude and a willingness to do what is in their power to bring about a peaceful solution of the problem on the basis of self-determination.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This declaration itself may not bring a complete solution of the problem, but we are equally confident this year that he will not take a rigid attitude in the implementation of his policy and that it will be done in a manner reasonably acceptable to all concerned, and especially to the Algerian people as a whole. He has made an unequivocal offer of self-determination to the Algerian people, giving them the right to choose the kind of political status which they would wish to have. The choice includes the right to opt for independence. All the bitter fighting, all the bloodshed and loss of life and property that have taken place hitherto were to attain political freedom and independence. Now General de Gaulle has offered them the opportunity to choose freedom at a referendum to he held after a cessation of hostilities. 175.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“173. Finally, I wish to make a few observations on the important problem of Algeria. My delegation notes with extreme satisfaction the improvement that has taken place since we last met at the thirteenth session of the General. Assembly. I refer to the very statesmanlike and courageous declaration of French policy made recently by the distinguished President of France, General de Gaulle. Speaking on this same problem last year, I expressed the confidence of my delegation that General de Gaulle would attempt to solve the problem in a bold, liberal and statesmanlike way. His recent declaration of policy justifies the confidence which we had in him. 174.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“My Government has always in the past made, and will continue in the future likewise to make, our contribution to the development of self- government in these territories and towards the political, economic, social and educational advancement of these peoples. It is not in dispute that the continent of Africa is today the scene of vital activity in this sphere. We have watched with pride and satisfaction the movement of the African peoples towards their rightful place in the councils of the world. We look forward with warm interest to seeing with us next year the representatives of four sovereign independent African States — Nigeria, Togoland, the Cameroons and Somalia. Perhaps the most pressing and the most difficult problem which Africa presents to us today is the demand of the peoples of Algeria for the right to determine their future.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“President Eisenhower has said that his Government is ready to ask its people to join with all nations in directing a substantial percentage of the savings which would be achieved by disarmament to a fund for world aid. The Soviet Union has urged a percentage cut on armament expenditure, to be used for economic development. Disarmament has got to be brought about if only to enable adequate support of economic development of under-developed countries. 172. Before I conclude, I wish to make briefly a reference to a rather important aspect of fee work of the United Nations. I refer to our duties to the territories under international trusteeship under Article 76 and to territories which are not yet self-governing under Article 73.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Secondly, both are essentially human problems, the solution of which require the united effort of all peoples, based on good will, understanding and confidence. 171. Thirdly, there is the extreme difficulty of providing for economic development adequately without reducing or abolishing the financial burden of armaments. One of the strongest objections raised against the provision of more money for economic development by the great Powers is the already crushing burden of defence expenditure. Therefore, there is a very close connexion between these two and, if an era of peace and plenty is to begin, we must hasten disarmament.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It has been discussed in many places, particularly by the members of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and we are very regretful that no definite action has. been taken to deal with this important problem. 168. Before I conclude these very general remarks on this important matter, I should like to invite attention to the close connexion which it has to the other matter I discussed earlier, namely, disarmament. The following points briefly set out are worth some consideration. 169. First, disarmament and economic development are both basic and fundamental factors in the accomplishment of the aim of the United Nations Charter to achieve world peace and improve living standards. 170.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The economic development of the under-developed parts of the world is a much bigger job. 167. There are, of course, other aspects of economic development than the financial aspects. I do not propose to take up the time of the Assembly, as these can be dealt with at a later stage, particularly the very important problems of price stabilization. I had hoped to go fully into some aspects of the problems connected with economic development, but, owing to the lateness of the hour, I shall not at this stage refer to them, except to draw the attention of the Assembly to the great importance and absolute need of action on matters connected with price stabilization in regard to primary agricultural commodities. This is an issue which has been with us for over thirteen years.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The merit of the Marshall Plan, apart from its exemplification of United States generosity and the high sense of responsibility of the American people and the inspired act of statesmanship of General Marshall, was that it was conceived in big terms, big enough to deal with the total need and provide all the money that was needed to reconstruct Europe all along the line. If the figures available to me are correct, they illustrate the point I am making, that we need a unified, concentrated approach, with adequate financial resources spread over a limited but definite period of time. In the period from 1948 to 1952, the total amount spent under the Plan amounted to $13,600 million, while the total cost of the Plan to date is said to be about $24,000 million.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This purpose can be achieved only by establishing a special financial agency within the United Nations. The proposed United Nations capital development fund would do this, 166. We all know of the great success achieved by the Marshall Plan in Europe. There was great war damage and much reconstruction work was needed. Despite the material destruction and the loss of life caused by the ravages of war, there were still skilled scientists and technicians available in these countries. Thus, the work of reconstruction was not so difficult, owing to the advanced conditions prevailing in Europe at the time. What was needed was financial help and capital equipment.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“On the contrary, it should continue to engage our attention and we should not allow ourselves to be led astray by suggestions that seek to identify the proposed international development association as offering the only or a sufficient and satisfactory solution, through international action, to the financial problem facing the under-developed countries. 165. As matters stand, the proposed international development association will not be able to tap all the international financial resources that are available. This, in itself, is a serious blemish on the proposed scheme. What is more fundamentally important is the principle that financing economic development, outside of the limited category of strictly bankable projects, should become the responsibility of the United Nations and be subject to its control and authority.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This is an important point which still remains and must be noted. It is for this reason that the delegation of Ceylon would urge that Member nations should continue to give their unremitting attention to the question of establishing a United Nations capital development fund, which should constitute the reservoir of finances that can fill the important lacuna in the existing scheme of international financial arrangements set up to promote economic development. This is a question which we should not ignore.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The financial problem that faces under-developed countries now is that these latter categories of expenditure outlays are proving to be not only excessively burdensome for the available resources of the countries concerned but, more significantly, entail in the process such heavy drains on their foreign exchange resources, by reason of the direct and the indirect foreign costs their development programmes impose, that much needed national development at an adequate rate to make economic growth self-generating continues to be severely checked. 164. A dispassionate analysis will thus show that the core of the problem of financing economic development through international action still remains, for the balance of payment impact of national development of under-developed countries can be solved only internationally.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Undoubtedly, these additional funds will be most valuable as going some way to help countries in need of development. My delegation is very glad that, in that sense, IBRD has taken a further step forward and, while appreciating the every-watchful recognition it has given to the importance of economic development of under-developed countries, we should like to take this opportunity to congratulate all concerned and wish IBRD every success. 163. National development embraces not only economic investment, strictly so called, which is bankable but also, more importantly, economic investment, which is not of a self-liquidating character, as well as social investment, all of which it is now fashionable to identify with the provision of so-called infrastructure of development.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I regard it as essential therefore, that I.D.A." — that is the new institution — "shall support only sound projects of high development priority, and only in countries that follow sound economic and financial policies". 162. I am in full agreement with Mr. Black when he points out the utter inadequacy of even 1,000 million dollars to meet the urgent needs of industrial development, and I agree that, with the limited funds at his disposal, he has to make a careful selection of the best projects. The point of his remarks, however, is that, both because of inadequacy of funds and because of the need to confine the application of these funds only to a limited class of projects, the establishment of the international development association will not solve the problem of development.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is clear from these statements, which are certainly, as I said before, unexceptionable from a banking point of view, and in the context of the high standard maintained by IBRD, that there will be practically the same test of bankability applied to these loans as was applied before, and thus there will be a serious limitation on loans. We have to remember that not every loan for essential economic development can stand up to the test of being sound in the bankable sense. 161. Another limitation inherent in this new effort to help world economic development is to be seen in the following statement made by Mr. Black at the same meeting. He said: "The supply of capital for industrial development is too small and the worldwide need for it is too great for any of it to be wasted.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Here, let me make a brief reference to a statement reported to have been made by Mr. Eugene Black at the meeting of the Board of Governors of IBRD which indicates the insufficiency of the funds available under this scheme and the need, for that and other reasons, to limit the loans to only economically sound schemes. This is what he is reported to have said, and I quote: "Loans of the new international development association will go only to countries that pursue sound economic policies". This is quite unexceptionable and can be accepted. He also said, and I quote: "The billion dollar affiliate of the World Bank will make 'soft loans' but will not be a soft lender, and it will operate in accordance with the same high standards of the Bank".”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This widening disparity in rates of economic growth, it must be conceded, cannot conduce to international peace and understanding. 159. When one considers carefully the various international measures, taken or currently contemplated, to assist financially the economic growth of underdeveloped countries, one is forced to conclude that the finances so provided take care of only a fraction of the cost of national development. All of them emphasize that development projects, to qualify for international assistance, must be bankable, however elastically this latter term may be stretched for the purpose at hand. Practically all of them are concerned with financing primarily the direct foreign exchange cost of development, though, in certain instances, the indirect foreign exchange cost is also embraced within the financing schemes. 160.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Notwithstanding all the measures taken by the United Nations on its own, or through its specialized agencies, as well as by the industrially advanced countries, through enlightened national policies, to promote economic development of these countries, and, moreover, notwithstanding all the conscious and determined efforts made by the under-developed countries themselves to press on with the national task of their own development, one must face the unpleasant truth that the rate of economic growth between the industrially advanced countries and the less developed countries of the world is now widening instead of narrowing. In other words, rich countries are continuing to get richer, while the less developed countries, in spite of all their development programmes, are getting relatively poorer.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“While all of these institutions do share in the task of financing economic development within the rather limited field of their respective spheres of responsibility, it is idle to expect that these institutions finally exhaust, among them, the scope for financing productive development in the under-developed countries of the world.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The Corporation, unlike IBRD, finances both the foreign exchange and the domestic cost of a private project. Third, the United Nations, only last year, established the Special Fund, the object of which is to finance, as an official introductory pamphlet aptly describes, the cost of bringing interesting ideas to bankable shape. Finally, there remains the projected international development association, approved at the annual session of IBRD which has just concluded. The principal aim of this institution is to promote, by financing sound projects of high priority, the economic development of less developed member countries whose needs cannot be adequately met under IBRD's lending programmes. 158.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The problem of financing economic development in the under-developed countries is also receiving the attention of several international financial organs, existing and contemplated. First, there is IBRD, whose capital was doubled recently. This institution finances only the direct foreign exchange cost of development projects and makes loans directly to Governments, and where Governments offers a guarantee, to private industry as well. Projects must be strictly bankable, however, in order to qualify for loan assistance. This is as it should be. Second, there is the more recently established International Finance Corporation which, however, finances only projects run by private enterprises and again, rightly, on a strictly bankable basis.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This unique co-operative international endeavour has been of great use in providing technological and scientific skill and know-how. The bilateral arrangements made by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and other countries with the lesser developed countries of the world have led to considerable economic aid. Private investment of capital, though not large, has helped, although, unfortunately, such investment has helped only a limited area, and more in respect of limited operations, such as the extractive industries. And, more recently, there is the proposed bank to be set up for the benefit of the Latin American countries. These are all worthy of increasing international interest and support, and constitute big advances. 157.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Some international action has been taken, in diverse ways and in different fields. Individual Governments of many countries have increasingly grappled with it, but very little good can result without action on a wide front, with very large financial resources. Economic development affects the life of a people at many points and, unless we attack it at all these points, very little good will accrue. 156. I must make it very clear here that my delegation is fully aware of the valuable help gives by many countries to the lesser developed countries to help them improve their economic life. We are deeply appreciative of and grateful for this assistance. The Colombo Plan, towards which the more developed members of the Commonwealth and the United States of America have contributed lavishly, bias helped greatly.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“In the introduction to his annual report to the thirteenth session of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General stated, in the course of his observations on economic stability and growth: “Though we live in an era of unprecedented gains in material well-being, most of mankind is yet condemned to a life of extreme poverty. The task of ameliorating the conditions of life in under-developed countries demands a sense of urgency which, I believe, the nations of the world have not yet sufficiently realized.” What the Secretary-General said in his report to the thirteenth session is equally true at the present time. 155. The reports of the Economic and Social Council and the discussion in this Assembly have highlighted the importance of this matter and drawn attention to the urgent need to deal effectively with it.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Addressing himself to his countrymen, he advised that they should ask themselves whether "we have the right to enjoy all to ourselves the steady annual increase of 6 per cent in our national product". He thought that a part of this increase could well be diverted to aid to under-developed nations. In the course of the same statement, Mr. Erhard described such aid as "the greatest task of the twentieth century". These are weighty words, coming as they do from so great an authority. 154. Reference to this dangerous situation has been made by many other eminent and responsible persons over the years, on different occasions, notably by our own Secretary-General.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is alarming that more than half of the world's population belongs to what are called under-developed areas. This is a danger to themselves and to the rest of the world, even to those who are highly developed and who enjoy a high standard of living. With the alarming increase of population, particularly in the under-developed areas, the people in these areas are getting poorer and the standards of living are declining at a time when in some other areas standards are improving. There is an unhealthy imbalance. We have read with considerable satisfaction the statement Mr. Ludwig Erhard, West Germany's Minister of Economy, is reported to have made only a few days ago.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I have dealt at some length with disarmament because of its importance, but even total disarmament will not guarantee world peace or the happiness of all mankind unless at the same time we seek the eradication of hunger, poverty and want. There is too much of this in many part of the world today. In consequence, there is much suffering and misery. These conditions create discontent and dissatisfaction and ultimately lead to revolution. We may disarm, but that alone will not lead to peace. No doubt, the world will then be safe from destructive wars, but misery and unhappiness will remain and there will be very little security for anyone if we allow revolution to be bred of economic insufficiency. Therefore, I should now like to examine the question of economic development. 153.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We believe that the forms of government which we in our countries have voluntarily chosen as the political framework of our governmental system would be jeopardized if the economic and social fabric, on which forms of government are necessarily based, fails to give to that political framework the substantial support it must have. The solution of the economic problems of the less developed areas of the world has been, in our humble opinion, not only a challenge but an opportunity to the richer and materially advanced nations of the world. We look to the United Nations as the appropriate source for a solution of these difficult problems. 152.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This is a matter which is of crucial interest to countries such as my own, which have been struggling, since they regained independence during the last fifteen years, to give their people a better and higher standard of living and more of the material advantages of life which are available to their fellow human beings in the more developed areas of the world. Much has already been said on this subject, but we think it imperative to call the attention of the Assembly once again to what we consider to be a vital matter.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is our earnest hope that, by solving the problem of disarmament — if not completely, at least by opening the way for a future complete solution — the great Powers would enable the rest of the world's problems, of which there are undoubtedly many facing the current session of the General Assembly, to be settled by negotiation, free from the atmosphere of tension resulting from the arms race and the cold war. 151. Apart from disarmament, it is our view that the other vital matter of importance which we should face and put our minds to is that of the economic development of the less developed countries of me world.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We have the opportunity now of helping the great Powers in this difficult task by a full and constructive discussion of this problem, both when it comes up as a separate item before the First Committee and, I am sure, eventually in the Disarmament Commission itself. On behalf of my delegation, I wish to urge sincerely on all concerned not to dismiss Mr. Khrushchev's call for total disarmament as mere propaganda. The stake at issue is of tremendous importance, for it is nothing less than war or peace in our time. It is our duty, therefore, to assist in the deliberations in this particular field. As far as my small country is concerned, I pledge the support of my Government for any constructive contribution we may be called upon to discharge.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Selwyn Lloyd, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, had lent eloquent support to the principle of total disarmament. He has also, in addition, given us a detailed scheme for consideration, as was done by Mr. Khrushchev in his statement. The response of the three other big Powers, to which I have already made reference, in effect leads us to believe that these difficulties will eventually be overcome and the declarations in favour of total disarmament will be converted into a practical, workable plan as soon as possible by the joint efforts of all Members of the United Nations.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)