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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“We ourselves are inclined to think that a plan for total, or even partial, disarmament cannot succeed — indeed cannot even begin — unless there is established a control organ agreed on by both sides, an organ which will have authority to carry out an agreed plan of practical action. This kind of difficulty, however, should not derogate from the fact that the leader of the Soviet Government has now committed himself publicly and unequivocally to the general principle. The principle has also been accepted by leaders of the other great Powers. We expect, and I am sure every delegation here represented does so too, that they will act to implement it in good faith. 150. Even before the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union made his declaration regarding total disarmament within a period of four years, Mr.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Given a spirit of good will and mutual confidence, nothing is beyond tile realm of possibility in international agreements on matters in dispute. The pith and substance of any negotiated solution to any problem, great or small, is the mutual confidence of the parties concerned. This is an essential requisite and, unless nations can learn to trust each other, very little progress is possible. 149. This is illustrated clearly in regard to the question of effective control in relation to disarmament, where the two great Powers hold views which seem, at first sight, to be diametrically opposed to each other.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It may be assumed in some quarters that the solution to the question of disarmament under control, as envisaged by the Soviet Government, must be preceded by some degree of control before the process of disarmament itself commences. The delegation of Ceylon has much pleasure in noting that, even on this crucial matter, Mr. Khrushchev gave considerable hope of agreement when, just before he left this country for Moscow, he stated: “...the appropriate inspection and control would function throughout the entire process of disarmament”. 148. To think that there will be no great difficulties ahead of us would be indeed a naive supposition. But to think that these difficulties are insuperable would be indeed an extremely grave and unwarranted act of disillusionment and lack of confidence, which my delegation would be unable to share.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It will require but a moment's thought to realize how great these difficulties can be on details such as the question of control, the force or sanction behind such control, the necessity for inspection, the nature of the control body to be set up, its authority and its composition. Indeed, Mr. Khrushchev himself realized the difficulties inherent in a proposal for total disarmament. He indicated in his address before the Assembly that the whole proposal could be rendered futile by the insistence on making measures of disarmament conditional upon such demands of control as the other States would be unable to satisfy in the existing conditions of a universal arms race. 147.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The representatives of the countries who have spoken here are also agreed that careful consideration should be given to the general principle of complete disarmament so that practiced measures may be taken to implement this principle. 146. It would be easy for those who have been in the habit of decrying any general declarations of this kind to dismiss this as yet another act of propaganda. We will be the first to concede that it does not require much ingenuity to make an open statement in favour of complete and total disarmament in extremely general terms. We fully recognize that the difficulties which face us arise in the implementation of such a declaration.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“"The essence of our proposals is that, over a period of four years, all States should carry out complete disarmament and should divest themselves of the means of waging war..." [799th meeting, paras. 69-71.] This was indeed a notable statement which we hope will lead to a successful disarmament agreement. 145. We, for our part, are considerably gratified that this firm declaration received a constructive response from the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom and of France, as well as from the Secretary of State of the United States, when each of them stated that their Governments would give to Mr. Khrushchev's declaration the serious and earnest consideration which it so obviously deserved.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Khrushchev, in addressing the Assembly a week ago, used the opportunity to good purpose and made a forceful contribution to the cause of peace by making a forthright and categorical declaration for disarmament on behalf of the Soviet Government. It is true that the Soviet Union had made similar, declarations and offers before. But this was the first occasion on which the Head of the Soviet Government in person stood before the assembled representatives of eighty-two nations and announced solemnly, on behalf of his Government and his people, that: "... General and complete disarmament will remove all the obstacles that have arisen during discussion of the questions involved by partial disarmament, and will clear the way for the institution of universal and complete control. "What does the Soviet Government propose?”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Disarmament, as I said before, must be a matter of multilateral agreement, acceptable to all and certainly acceptable to the great Powers under reasonable conditions of control and effective supervision. Even if a disarmament agreement is not reached, which God forbid, improved international relations will reduce frictions and prevent, at any rate for some time, any major conflict. Therefore, it is the imperative duty of all men of good will and certainly of the States Members of our Organization, to do everything possible to promote and foster the growth of better understanding among nations and especially among the great Powers. This is surely not the time to talk of increasing armaments, as some people seem to be doing at the present time, even if such increase is suggested to increase defensive strength. 144. Mr.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is somewhat astonishing that there appear to be people, at this time, who dislike the emergence of a, conciliatory and more friendly feeling between the Soviet Union and the Western Powers, on the theory that it would lead to a weakening of the defensive arrangements made by the Western Powers and that it would make these Powers let down their guard. Obviously, nothing could be more foolish or more dangerous than such specious arguments. It will not be expected that the mere relaxation of tension and the beginning of better understanding could lead to unilateral disarmament or reduction of the strength of defensive armaments on the part of either side.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We understand that the critical question of Berlin might be settled by early discussions, and we are now closer than ever to an early meeting of the Heads of Government of the four great Powers. These are all matters which augur well for the relaxation of tensions and for the attainment of world peace. All men of good will must therefore pray that God may continue to guide and inspire the leaders of the world Powers and the leaders of all countries to continue to make every effort in this direction. The ice has been broken. A thaw has begun. But a freeze can, however, set in again. Every effort should be made to prevent this from happening. 143.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This exchange of visits is certainly the culmination of the several promising features which have Introduced some hope during the last few months and we hope that the beginning of a new chapter of more cordial and intimate international relations has opened. 142. AH that had happened before the visit of Mr. Khrushchev pointed to a steadily Improving climate of opinion in which the exchange of visits between Mr. Khrushchev and Mr. Eisenhower was necessary and Indeed Imperative for the maintenance of this thaw in the ice of the cold war. We now have it on the highest authority that international disputes will be settled by negotiation rather than by force.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Khrushchev to Mr. Eisenhower to visit the Soviet Union later, are steps in the right direction on a road which will eventually lead to an easing of world tension, to a better understanding of each other by the two great Powers, and towards an eventual settlement by negotiation of the outstanding issues which have hitherto separated these two great nations from each other and prevented their close co-operation, which is surely necessary for the benefit of the rest of the world. We, for our part, are convinced that this exchange of visits and the events that must necessarily follow are efforts, worthy of great men, to foster and improve good will among nations, which is so necessary for the removal of mutual suspicion and mistrust.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“We earnestly hope that, at this session of the General Assembly, we maybe able to find some satisfactory solution to these problems. 140. It is also, of course, a satisfying experience that we have all gone through during the past weeks as a result of the visit of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, Mr. Khrushchev, to the United States at the Invitation of President Eisenhower. May I be permitted to state from this rostrum that, in the opinion of my delegation, the President's decision at this time was a wise, courageous and statesmanlike one, a decision which I am sure, when history comes to be written, will rank as one of those great and decisive events which from time to time have taken place in the past. 141. It is our firm conviction that this invitation, and the reciprocal invitation by Mr.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The decision to hold a conference at the Foreign Minister level to discuss the questions of West Berlin and Germany was taken after this visit and was a realistic and wise decision which again helped to ease world tension. Although there was no successful outcome of these discussions at the time they were adjourned, it is generally agreed that the issues were clarified, the differing points of view were narrowed down and more fully understood, in an atmosphere of greater good will. All the factors to which I have referred brought about a great improvement in the international atmosphere. 139. At the same time, we note with regret the emergence of new problems in South-East Asia and the continuance of tension over long-standing problems in the Middle East.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Exchanges of cultural and trade missions and the visits of important citizens from both sides of what is called the Iron Curtain, including highly-placed politicians and officials, brought about a very beneficial change in international relations. A most noteworthy event was the visit of Prime Minister Macmillan, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, Mr. Selwyn Lloyd, to Moscow towards the end of February this year. This was a wise and statesmanlike act and, at the time the decision was made, was most courageous. There can be no doubt that his talks in Moscow helped to ease the tension and to create an atmosphere of better understanding and mutual good will. 138.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“But almost at the same time that dark clouds were dangerously gathering around us, paradoxical as it may seem, we began to see an important change for the better, 137. Many factors contributed towards this welcome change. Undoubtedly, the threat of total disaster and annihilation, if a nuclear war began, was the most potent deterrent. The fact that the Conference on the Discontinuance of Nuclear Weapons Tests was making good, if slow, progress was another important factor in the Improvement of International relations. Other important developments leading to a better understanding and the creation of good will between the East and West began to fake place.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“For the first time, perhaps, in recorded history, we have a cold war situation in which two Powers are sitting on unparalleled means of destruction. 135. It is in this context that the fourteenth Session of the General Assembly has met and it would be tragic if we failed to consider sincerely all disarmament proposals and endeavour to indicate a way to put them into practice by the adoption of a reasonable scheme of implementation, generally acceptable. The seriousness of the international situation was brought to the fore early this year when the question of West Berlin again caused the world the gravest concern since 1945. 136. In other areas of the world, also, problems arose which carried with them a threat to peace. The tension of the cold war continued unabated.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“With the terrific destructive capacity which science has enabled man to possess, the results of war can be restricted neither in space nor in time. The scientists of the world say with one voice that it is not only our own generation that will be exposed to death and suffering, but that a generation still to be born is under a similar threat. That more than one million persons will die and one and a quarter million abnormal children will be born as a result of radioactive fallout from nuclear bombs already exploded is the considered opinion of five prominent American, Japanese and French scientists, expressed in a memorandum submitted by them to the French Academy of Science. Comment on this appears to be superfluous. Here is a moral consideration which was absent from the questions of war and peace in the past.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The President of this Assembly, in his remarks at the very commencement of this session [795th meeting], prayed that this Assembly may come to be known in the future as the "Assembly of Peace", implying thereby the hope that before we conclude our deliberations Under his able guidance, we would have taken the first step towards agreement on the reduction and control of armaments. The delegation of Ceylon echoes that hope, and we pray with him that it may indeed be so. 134. The armaments race between great Powers is fraught with peril at any time, but the danger is considerably heightened when such a race takes place in the tense international atmosphere which we have commonly come to call the "cold war".”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Fourteen years after the signing of the Charter, embodying as if does the highest aspirations of mankind, the world is still as far away from those ideals as, and perhaps further than, at the time the Charter was signed. But we are glad that we still continue here as representatives at peoples determined "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind". 133. He would be a brave man who would deny that the most pressing international problem to which we have to find a solution is that of disarmament.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Among the many problems to which I have already referred and which, as I said before, are all of great importance, there are, in the opinion of my delegation, two problems which stand out as of supreme importance. It is our view that, if these two basic problems can be satisfactorily dealt with and some effective solution found, the settlement of many of the other problems will become easier. I refer, of course, to the problems of disarmament and economic development. I therefore propose to confine my remarks to these two problems at this stage, reserving such comments on the other problems as we may desire to make for the appropriate time either in plenary or in committee. 132. It would be futile for us to deny the fact that the world situation, at the present time, is one which causes grave concern to peoples everywhere.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“These are well-known and indicate the absolute necessity of the existence of an international body such as this. There are instances where we have not been as successful, but it is our hope that, at this session, we may be able to proceed with confidence and energy to resolve as many of the problems which are before us. 130. I should like here to express our great appreciation of the most valuable constructive work done in his usual quiet but effective manner by our Secretary-General in reducing tensions, creating better understanding and in attempting to attain the basic objectives of the Charter. His task has not been easy, but we admire the patience, determination and confidence he has shown in carrying out his difficult and delicate task, and we wish him continued success in the role he has to play. 131.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The agenda before the General Assembly sets out the problems we are faced with at the present time. All these problems are important as they are undoubtedly symptoms or manifestations of an unhealthy state of affairs. Similar problems have arisen before, and will still continue to arise in different parts of the world. We have a good record of satisfactory solutions of many problems and, in other cases, even if we have not been successful, satisfactory steps have been taken to prevent certain developments from spreading and becoming a danger to world peace. The United Nations presence, for one thing, has been most helpful on numerous occasions. 129. It is hardly necessary, in this Assembly, to refer in detail to those actions by the United Nations at different times in its short history.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“While we know that, at times, this becomes exceedingly difficult because of the existence of two powerful political groups opposed to each other, and because of pressures which may be brought to bear, the opinions of small countries, nevertheless, are not unworthy of careful consideration, especially, for instance, in those issues such as world peace, freedom and independence, in which they are vitally interested. We therefore hope that there will not be any desire to segregate too much the bigger issues for consideration only by a section or a segment of ourselves, even if that happens to constitute the great Powers. What we have already heard from them in the course of this debate makes it clear that the smaller Powers also could make a useful contribution. 128.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I should like, therefore, to assert that, while we recognize and give full weight to the value of opinions expressed and positions taken by the more advanced and developed countries of the world, the contributions made by the smaller countries can be equally important and useful. In fact, smaller countries are in a singularly advantageous position of being free from prejudice or self-interest. They are less interested in power politics or in such questions as the maintenance of a balance of power. They are, therefore, in the specially favoured position of being able to express views and take positions on world problems in an objective way, basing their stand on what is right, irrespective of who is right. Left to themselves, they can consider questions without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“There is no doubt that these statements will assist us greatly when we meet in plenary or in committee to discuss and take decisions on specific problems. In expressing our own views, we are fully conscious of the fact that we are a small country and we do not entertain any pretensions to authoritative pronouncements on any of the pressing problems of the day. We are, however, as deeply concerned about the possible consequences of a failure to solve these problems as any other of our colleagues who are Members of the United Nations. We have, therefore, no hesitation in expressing our views in the hope and expectation that, in doing so, we may be able to assist in some small way in the collective effort that is now being made towards the solution of the great issues that face us in our time. 127.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This is an unsatisfactory state of affairs which creates a legitimate concern. We are, however, satisfied that the Secretary-General has interpreted the situation correctly, but our concern makes us express the hope that all its Member States will utilize the possibilities of the Organization to the fullest extent. 126. In this belief, it is the desire of my delegation to place before this Assembly the views of our Government on some of the problems which we consider particularly important. We have listened with interest and dose attention to the weighty and important views expressed by representatives in the course of this debate. Whether they have been made by big or small countries, they have all contributed to the clarification of world public opinion and the thinking of Governments all over the world.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“There is also the possibility that some consider that the Organization is not able to meet the demands which Member States are entitled to put on it, A case in point is the Disarmament Commission as established by resolution of the General Assembly at its thirteenth session [resolution 1252 D (XIII)]. It is undoubtedly true that disarmament is essentially a matter for big-Power agreement. But it is an issue of vital interest to all Member States and one on which they are all, including the smaller States, competent to make some valuable contribution. The Disarmament Commission was not in fact convened for nearly a whole year, and was actually convened only a few days before the General Assembly met at its fourteenth session, after the great Powers had reached a decision.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“the United Nations is not intended to be a substitute for normal procedures of reconciliation and mediation but rather an added instrument providing, within the limits of its competence, a further or ultimate support for the maintenance of peace and security." [A/4132/Add.1, p. 1], But the position should be carefully considered by us all and, more particularly by the great Powers themselves in order to prevent the weakening of our own Organization. This can happen if we neglect the possibilities which the Organization offers, and fail to discuss our problems here within the United Nations. 125.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I need hardly state that such a review is not only important but essential, if the United Nations is to carry out its great purposes. Moreover, by our discussions here we focus the attention of the world on our problems and on the measures that must urgently be undertaken to cure them. 124. At the same time, there is an anxious feeling growing among many, including Members of this Organization, regarding a tendency to deal with pressing international problems outside this body, by diplomatic activity amongst a few of the great Powers. In his introduction to the annual report, the Secretary-General discusses this important matter and concludes that such activity is within the Charter. Of course, my delegation agrees with him fully when he says: "...”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“What we are now seeking to do is, by discussion, to clarify the problems that exist and to consider such measures as are available to us to achieve the principal objective of our Charter, namely, world peace and security, and thus to secure the happiness of all peoples. Such discussion enables us not only to review those events, great and small, that have occurred in other parts of the world since we last met — events which are really symptomatic of the state of health of our world — but also to review our own acts of commission and omission. Thus we may gain strength from what we have achieved in the past and note wherein we have omitted to do the things we should have done, or wherein we have done the things we should not have done.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“121. Sir Claude COREA (Ceylon); Apart from the tribute paid by this Assembly a few days ago [810th meeting] on the occasion of the passing away of our late Prime Minister, speakers have individually expressed their sympathy with us. It is, therefore, my mournful duty, on behalf of my delegation, to express our appreciation to them, and to thank them. 122. My delegation also wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Japan on the dire calamity which has recently befallen that country as a result of a typhoon which has caused serious loss of life and great damage. 123.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“If on the other hand we proceed with charity towards all, affection and goodwill, and with the desire to build and develop friendly relations, then there is still hope for us all. There can be no doubt what our choice will be. We can then look forward to the unfolding of a new era of peace and plenty throughout the world.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We cannot deal adequately with these problems unless we fully appreciate that it is the fate of man with which we are concerned. Whether it be to win liberty and independence from foreign domination, whether it be to secure freedom from, hunger and want, whether it be to exercise freely fundamental human rights, whether it be to achieve maximum human happiness, or whether it be to bring about goodwill and good understanding among nations, or whether it is to be peace on earth or war — all these things depend on the relationships we establish between man and man and on how we act here and now in this Assembly. Should our actions proceed from fear and suspicion, hatred and enmity, and the insane desire to destroy, then there is no hope for man.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“This matter, however, has been discussed so often in so many places that I do not wish to take up time to examine the reasons for this situation — they are only too well known, what is lacking is action — but I do wish to urge that something be done to facilitate the flow of such capital to those areas which are completely dry of investment possibilities and are in urgent need of a quick flow of financial aid. 52. I have attempted briefly to refer to some of the political and economic problems that face us at this time. Important decisions will have to be taken which will have far-reaching effects on the future history of the world. In all these matters, I repeat in conclusion, it is the human factor that has to be taken into account.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“This becomes more serious when such policies are followed by the larger importing countries. Protective measures, high tariffs and quotas are inimical to the expansion of world trade and certainly have a deleterious effect on the economies of smaller and less developed countries. Thus, the latter are prevented by action over which they have no control from helping themselves through their own resources to build a better standard of living. Such measures also have harmful effects even on the more advanced countries because of the reduction of pur chasing power among the millions who live in the under-developed countries. 51. The other matter I wish to touch upon before I conclude is the need for private investment capital in under-developed countries. There is very little flow of such capital at the preset time.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“It is possible to take suitable measures towards this end. Indeed, this aspect of the question has been discussed frequently in the Economic and Social Council, in the Commission on International Commodity Trade and by the parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); in fact, measures have been taken with good results in respect of some commodities such as wheat, sugar and tin and, more recently, coffee. In the view of my delegation, commodity arrangements are essential for economic development, and I would urge at this time the immediate need to press forward in this direction. 50. Economic development can also be helped without financial aid if international trade can be expanded. Such expansion, however, is retarded by the non- liberal trade policies which some countries adopt.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“They would prefer to do this to the utmost limit within their means and to look for help from outside only when their limited resources are exhausted. In this endeavour, help not involving immediate financial grants or loans is still necessary. Most of the under-developed countries are agricultural, raw material producers. They, depend on the sale of their products in the world markets. The frequent and oft-times sudden price fluctuations affect seriously and adversely the economies of these countries. The lack of price stability is one of the dangers to which they are exposed. Moreover, a fair and reasonable price for their products is also important. It is imperative, therefore, that measures should be taken to prevent such sharp fluctuations and to ensure that world market prices are fair and reasonable both to producer and consumer.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The danger to peace and the challenge to democracy implicit in the low standards of living of Asian people must be a matter of serious concern to the United Nations and to all democratic countries, and I may extend the sense of what I have just said not only to Asian peoples, but also to the peoples of all the under-developed countries of the world. No effort should therefore be spared to deal effectively and speedily with this important matter. 49. I have tried to show how important is the aspect of financial assistance from advanced countries to less developed countries. There is, however, another aspect which is no less important. It is the aspect of self-help. Under-developed countries are now engaged in the utilization of all their resources to build for themselves a better world in their own countries through their own efforts.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The other development in the same direction, which also was hailed with delight, is the information received recently that, at the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the United States and Latin American countries, held in Washington, a decision was reached to set up a banking institution with United States support to help in the economic development of the Latin American countries. These are two great developments and we hope for the speedy establishment of these institutions and their unhampered success in the future. It is the hope of my delegation that similar action will be considered in regard to the great area of South and South-East Asia where poverty, hunger and want are rampant among a people who number a quarter of the whole human race. 48.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“It is with great pleasure that my delegation has seen a new trend developing, I refer to the recognition by the United States and other countries of the absolute need for large-scale financial assistance, My delegation would like to say that it was with the keenest appreciation that we heard the President of the United States [733rd meeting]. speaking to the third emergency special session, advocate the creation of a financial institution for the benefit of the Middle East countries, to which he pledged American support. We note with pleasure that the Soviet Union has likewise pledged its support.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“In the Governing Council which will administer the aid scheme, representation should be such as will ensure its activities on a purely economic and non-political basis. 46. My delegation is glad that the Economic Commission for Africa has been established. Asia already has such a commission, the Economic Commission for Asia -and the Far East. These two organizations will be of great benefit to the people of these two underdeveloped continents. But they will fail if their work is not fully supported by financial aid to enable beneficial schemes of development to be undertaken. 47.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Recognizing this need, the United Nations attempted two years ago to obtain the support of Member States for a fairly comprehensive scheme of economic assistance which came to be described and known as the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development (SUNFED). This move lacked adequate support from those whose support was necessary. We are sorry that this miniature Marshall Plan idea for assistance to under-developed countries therefore had to be abandoned. My delegation is, however, glad that a scheme is now before this Assembly, even though it is much more limited. On the principle that we must be thankful for small mercies, my delegation welcomes this proposal and hopes that it will be adopted and that its execution will be made free of political manoeuvres.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The underdeveloped countries have many handicaps, but the most important of them Is the lack of adequate technical skill and financial resources. A great deal has already been done through the United Nations technical assistance scheme, the Colombo Plan and the technical aid programmes of the United States, the USSR and other countries. Regarding the former — that is, technical skill — grants and loans by many countries under bilateral arrangements, loans by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the limited financial resources of under-developed countries themselves have been of some help, but the sum total of all these efforts has been far below the need. Some good has been done, but a great deal more remains to be done.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We are well aware of the existence of hunger and want, of Illiteracy and disease, of abnormally low standards of living in these areas where more than half of the human race lives. As a result, there is growing discontent and dissatisfaction among these peoples, many of whom have adopted the democratic way of life. The peoples of Asia are in an economic ferment. There is a revolution — fortunately, still a revolution of expectancy. The people are still looking upward and forward and are stretching forth their hands in expectancy that the good things of life to which they know they are entitled will soon be forthcoming. 45. In this connexion we cannot delay much longer the help that they need and it is up to us in the United Nations to do everything possible to help.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“However, one can see a great realization on the part of strong countries of the need for economic development. I would refer to the great and generous step taken by the United States soon after the end of the Second World War when Marshall Plan aid was given to the war-ravaged countries of Europe. This statesmanlike action Saved Europe from total economic collapse. The need in Europe at that time was great and the help most opportune. The United States will always be remembered with gratitude by millions of people in Europe. 44. No such large-scale economic operation took place in other parts of the world. The under-developed countries of the world, whether in Asia, Africa or Latin America, have as much, if not greater, need of help.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“It is, however, a fact that some effort has been made both in the United Nations and by some of the more advanced and industrially great countries to act in fulfilment of their Charter obligations. My delegation Wishes to give expression to our appreciation, and indeed our gratitude, to these countries for the help they have so far given. We would like also to express our appreciation of the efforts made by the Secretary-General in this direction. Unfortunately, he is unable to act on his own. He can put forward suggestions and proposals but it is for Member States to act on such proposals, and it is our unfortunate experience that his initiative has been dampened and even thwarted by lack of enthusiasm and even opposition from those countries which alone can supply the essential financial aid necessary.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“And to that end they enjoined the United Nations to work towards: "higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development". 42. Thus it was that at the sixth session of the General Assembly a resolution was passed [resolution 520 A (VI)] requesting the Economic and Social Council to submit to the General Assembly at its seventh session a detailed plan for establishing, as soon as circumstances permitted, a special fund for grants-in-aid and for low-interest, long-term loans to under-developed countries for the purpose of helping them to accelerate their economic development. 43. My delegation regrets that a fund for such assistance on any considerable scale is yet to be established. Meanwhile, the less developed countries have been put under considerable economic and financial strain.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The United Nations should, however, closely follow the discussions that take place outside the Organization on this important matter. 41. I would now like briefly to turn my attention to some vital economic problems affecting more than half the human race. These were recognized as early as 1945 when the founding fathers of the United Nations wrote into the Charter the obligations of Member States in the following words: "to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples". I would like to emphasize the words "international machinery". And, proceeding further, it was stated that: "conditions of stability and well-being ... are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“My delegation trusts that these questions will receive careful attention during the present session and that satisfactory solutions will be found in keeping with the principles so clearly laid down in the Charter, 40. The subject of West Irian is not before the Assembly this year, but unfortunately it is still a matter of dispute between the parties immediately concerned. Although reference has already been made to it in the course of our general debate, I shall not deal with it except to say that it is our earnest hope that the question will be considered soberly and objectively in the first instance between the Indonesian Government and the Government of the Netherlands in a spirit of mutual trust and goodwill, and that a fair and reasonable settlement will be reached.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)