YouSaid · the spoken record

Gunewardene

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS GUNEWARDENE

lines on the record

56

first

1957-09-24

most recent

1964-09-24

sittings or episodes

2

sources

un-general-debate

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1. “One of the major causes of tension in the Middle East today is the rivalry of the two power blocs, it is our view that the alignment of countries in military pacts in any part of the world will create a climate of suspicion and distrust and consequently lead to an increase of international tension. The cause of peace, not only in the Middle East but elsewhere, would be considerably improved if the great Powers desisted from involving other countries in their rival power politics. The countries of the Middle East have great material resources, and they are eagerly availing themselves of the technical skills with which to exploit them. These countries have a great future before them, and they need peace and tranquillity for the success of any long-term programme of development.”

   1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)

2. “We should like to pay a tribute to those Member States which, in response to the resolutions of this Assembly, ceased hostilities and withdrew their forces from Egyptian soil. Their actions no doubt strengthened this great Organization and was a fitting recognition of the strength of world opinion. Since those events, there has been in that particular area a welcome and marked decrease of tension. There have been very few incidents, and none of major significance. The presence of the United Nations Emergency Force must certainly be counted as a significant factor in contributing to the relative peace and tranquillity of that region, and we have no doubt that, with goodwill on every side, we can look forward to a progressive settlement of many of the outstanding issues. 81.”

   1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)

3. “It may seem weak and powerless in the short run, but in the context of modem international relationships there can be little doubt that it must ultimately prevail. 79. It is our earnest hope that the moral voice of this Assembly, reflecting the spirit of the Charter, will be heeded and respected. Indeed, no nation can afford today to do otherwise. A country may think it can gain a temporary advantage by acting in its own selfish interests and disregarding the overwhelming sentiments of this Assembly. But against this it must inevitably count the cost in shattered confidence and in increased international tension. In the final analysis there is little doubt that such a nation will find that the seeming advantage has actually turned out to be nothing but a tragic liability. 80.”

   1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)

4. “We all know too well one issue which we discussed at an earlier session, last month, which has not found a solution in accord with the sentiments of the vast majority of the Members of this Assembly. The United Nations is not a world government. Its Charter embodies the moral and legal principles by which alone its sovereign and independent Member States can live in peace, mutual trust and benefit. If a nation chooses to flout these principles for its own ends, for reasons of narrow national interest, it is doing an incalculable disservice to all that the United Nations stands for. I cannot think of any nation wishing to weaken this Organization, which stands as a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of mankind today. 78. It is perhaps easy to miscalculate and underestimate the strength and enduring qualities of the moral voice of mankind.”

   1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)

5. “We have confidence in his great tact, skill and personal charm. We congratulate ourselves on having selected him for a second term and we have no doubt that his services will be of invaluable help in promoting the settlement of many of the difficult problems facing us today. 76. We meet today in a considerably calmer atmosphere than we met in last year. The atmosphere of crisis of last October and November has fortunately passed away, and we are now able to discuss issues once again in a spirit of understanding and co-operation. This is certainly an advance, and I think it gives us hope for progress in the future. 77. The absence of crisis, however, does not mean that the basic conflicts have been resolved.”

   1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)

6. “On a previous occasion I was privileged to offer Sir Leslie Munro the felicitations of my Government on his elevation to the high office of President of this Assembly. Those of us who have known Sir Leslie through the years have learned to respect and admire his profound knowledge of men and matters, his mastery of law and procedure and his personal charm. Under his guidance we look forward to an Assembly session full of promise for an early settlement of the outstanding issues of the day. 74. May I take this opportunity also of paying a well-deserved tribute to His Royal Highness, Prince Wan Waithayakon, for the ability and skill with which he presided over the last session of the Assembly. We in Asia are justly proud of him. 75. My Government warmly supported the re-election of Mr. Hammarskjold as Secretary-General.”

   1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)