YouSaid · the spoken record

Rabemananjara

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS RABEMANANJARA

lines on the record: 95
first: 1968-09-24
most recent: 1971-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Our Organization must cease to be a mere meeting place and must become once again a centre of action and decision, as its founders wanted it to be. In this way, nations great and small will be associated in the joint search for solutions to the great problems in respect for the rights and interests of everyone. It is this wish that I express, in concluding my statement, for the triumph of peace, justice and freedom.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It would be absurd for the old quarrels to continue and for inequalities to persist when it is now possible to bring about peace and to make prosperity accessible to all, especially when such quarrels and inequalities can only result in a terrible tragedy indeed, the destruction of mankind itself. 106. Mindful of that danger, but aware also of the immense potential of the human intelligence, my Govern- ment-and I hope the arguments I have put forward have left you convinced of this-has ceaselessly striven, and will continue to strive, for dialog and universal progress. 107. I am sure that I will be heard by this Assembly, but what I particularly wish is to be heard by the Governments that have sent their representatives here.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Philibert Tsiranana, to urge him to remain at his post for the better functioning of our Organization-an Organization which he has so well served and in the interests of a fruitful search for peace for troubled mankind. 105. Until recently, man depended strictly on his environment; in such circumstances, it was inevitable that the struggle for life assumed brutal forms, such as wars between clans, tribes and nations, or profound inequalities among men of the same clan, tribe or nation. Today, thanks to hi? intelligence, man has really become master of his own destiny. He has tamed nature, has increased his control over birth, and has found ways of postponing death.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Leaving aside the basic affinities between the people of Madagascar and the fraternal people of Indonesia, whose pride you are, we are sure that under your presidency our debates on all these essential items will take place in a climate of tranquility ensured by your impartiality, and in a businesslike manner, which has been your hallmark throughout your brilliant international career. Madagascar salutes you. 104. It is not without regret, however, that I raise these grave matters, mindful that henceforth we must deal with them in a climate overshadowed by the decision of our devoted Secretary-General to leave us. I hope that U Thant will find in my tribute the fervent echo of the gratitude of Madagascar, and I must say I have been instructed by the President of the Republic, Mr.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“I mention these matters because I have the feeling that those studies and meetings are sufficiently advanced for a decision to be taken. But I also feel that such a decision will not be forthcoming until such time as a clear political will to that end has emerged. It seems to me that we could in fact provide that political will and become that driving force for new initiatives and new accomplishments. 102. Those are the principal concerns of the Malagasy Government in the face of the great problems of the world today. 103. You will thus understand, Mr. President, how pleased we are to congratulate you on your election to your high post.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“A certain number of principles may be stated: the choice of the activity and its establishment should be worked out by common agreement; nationalization-in the sense of Africanization or "Madagascarization" for example-of property and management within limits to be determined should be envisaged and described in detail; and the bulk of the resulting profits should remain in the country concerned. On the other hand, the Governments concerned should offer guarantees for the security of capital and should promote the establishment of national savings and be more active in bringing about regional co-operation. 101. I am quite aware that these problems are being debated at great length, by experts certainly more competent than we are in other bodies, such as UNCTAD, UNIDO and GATT.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Indeed, as far as my country is concerned, I would not agree that those transfers of activity should be converted into a new form of colonialism. 100. But it does seem to me that the interests of both sides could none the less be safeguarded. It should be possible to accelerate the process of industrialization in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia while safeguarding the interests of investors as well as of the nationals of the countries concerned. Ho* would that be done?”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Life as such is becoming more and more difficult. The increase of industrialization and its corollary, urbanization, is posing problems which everyone is describing as insoluble over the medium term. 98. We in the developing countries have some difficulty in understanding the importance and scope of these problems. In any case, we are ready to help solve them. Since we are the purveyors of commodities and energy, why not transfer some activities to our country? The only result could be a better balance for mankind as a whole. The decline in living conditions in the industrialized countries would be arrested, on the one hand, and on the other, economic and social progress in the third world would be accelerated. 99. Now it will be argued that the problem is easier to state than to solve. I agree.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“I have on more than one occasion stressed in this very hall the risks of conflict entailed by this state of affairs and the insidious aggravation of North-South antagonism which flows from it. I shall not revert to this matter. What I would like to do, however, is to draw the attention of the industrialized countries to another aspect of the problem, with the hope-although it is a tentative one-that they will take heed of this because it involves their interest, their balance and their future. 97. It has become quite clear-and the forthcoming United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, to be held at Stockholm in June 1972, will stress this-that industrial civilization is confronting Europe, the United States, and Japan, and the countries of the East, too, with considerable dangers because of overcrowding and pollution.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Recently, the headlines of a major French newspaper proclaimed that the American astronauts had left $100 million on the moon. As a human being, I must bow to the scientific achievement represented by the exploration of our satellite, and to the heroism and the courage of the men responsible for this achievement. But I cannot help thinking at the same time that peasants in Africa, Madagascar and possibly South-East Asian countries as well are still using agricultural implements which date from the Middle Ages and that very often they must carry their crops away on their backs. 95. It is quite clear that under present conditions the gap between the rich and poor countries is constantly growing, in spite of the fact that, as the world progresses, the position of some of the poorer countries has become less unbearable. 96.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Can we even think of putting Japan, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France and Germany in the same boat as Upper Volta, Rwanda, Burundi, and Madagascar and the Comores? We think this is an unspeakable injustice. 93. I shall not go so far as to say, as some experts have, that this measure sounds the death-knell of the preferential system, on which a bad agreement had only just been reached after years of laborious negotiations. I shall merely say that the interest of the poorer countries does not seem to have been the main concern of the rich countries. 94. However, I am convinced that, the demands of the poorer countries could easily be satisfied if they could benefit from a diversion of the considerable funds which are allocated by the rich countries to armaments, the conquest of space, agricultural price supports, and leisure.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“As a representative of a State which is associated with the European Economic Community, I must also note that the advantages of the association are reduced by the entry into force of a system of generalized preferences without the legitimate compensations which the associates had a right to expect being granted. >2. I could give many more examples. I could also point out how precarious the results are. In fact, the current monetary crisis has had as its immediate consequence a noticeable decrease in the assistance given by the main donor country, the United States, and we cannot view without great concern the decision of the same country to apply to the poorer countries the 10 per cent surcharge imposed on imports of manufactured or semi-manufactured products or even on such primary commodities as vanilla.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“When we realize that in the ledgers of the private sector their contributions are posted as insurance credits for exports, we cannot fail to be somewhat disturbed at the development of this assistance, since it seems to increase only to the extent that it is a commercial proposition. 91. Concerning the generalized preferences, I must note that certain donor countries have excluded from the scope of generalized preferences products which are of particular interest to the developing countries, whether these be textiles, fuels or processed agricultural commodities.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“In 1970, the total contribution of all States members of the Development Assistance Committee still represents only 0.78 per cent of their gross national product, as against a target of 1 per cent in 1972. The amount of public assistance has only risen slightly, so that if we take into account the rise in prices, its real volume has dropped if compared with 1969. 90. Furthermore, the assistance given by these same countries members of the Development Assistance Committee includes a greater proportion of loans, the amount of which is now comparable to the amount of donations.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Small nations should not continue to be the play tilings of large nations; self-determination should no longer be a stylish slogan but should become reality. 87. I shall not dwell on the problems of disarmament. My country's position is well known. A peaceful nation, it wants a limitation of armaments and the outlawing of atomic weapons. An under-developed nation, it wants the funds now being set aside to build up the forces of destruction to be used to finance action in favor of economic and social progress in the third world. 88. This naturally leads me to mention the problems of development and to recall the main concerns of my Government once again. As we are about to enter the Second United Nations Development Decade, we must note that the implementation of the resolutions of the New Delhi Conference has not been satisfactory. 89.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Will it be said that the consumer society was indifferent to their fate? Of course I do not wish to minimize the efforts which have been made by certain States, in particular by India. What I am saying is that not enough has been done and that it is urgent that the problem should be viewed in its proper perspective. 85. Following our eminent Secretary-General, I should like in this connexion to address a pressing appeal to the major Powers. They have supplied, and are continuing to supply weapons to both sides. Would it not have been wiser simply to provide clothes and food? Would not the solution to the conflict itself have been much easier if the super-Powers had not found there a new opportunity for fanning the flames of regional rivalries and fighting one another by proxy? 86. Here I return to one of the main themes of my statement.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Nor can we be indifferent to the fact that millions of Bengalis are being expelled from their homes and, after long wandering on land and water, being packed into improvised camps in conditions of indescribable misery. 83. Of course it is not for us to interfere in the domestic affairs of Pakistan. However, would we be doing so if we were to ask for some humaneness in the conduct of repressive operations? 84. On the other hand, it is certainly a duty of our Organization to mobilize the resources which are indispensable to alleviate the unspeakable sufferings of the refugees. It is absolutely scandalous that, when the industrial Powers are stockpiling large surpluses of powdered milk, wheat, meat, and powdered eggs, women and children should be dying by hundreds of thousands.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“dialog, negotiation, provided of course that they take place among the parties concerned-these in the opinion of the Malagasy Republic are the basic methods for settling the disputes and conflicts from which mankind is suffering at present. 81. May negotiations be initiated between Israelis and Arabs on the basis of recognition of the rights of all the peoples of the region and respect for the political sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States. May the Paris conference on Viet-Nam cease to be an eternal dialog between the deaf while that unhappy country, a military proving ground, continues to see its children mutilated physically and-what is even worse-ravaged spiritually and culturally! 82.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“War would only cut down the finest flower of African youth and we in Madagascar do not want to see that. 78. We think that the solution should be approached from a different standpoint. A dialog must be begun. We must talk and ensure that the dialog leads to a gradual whittling away of a situation which must be condemned from every point of view. 79. If the whites in South Africa prove themselves to be such racists it is because they are afraid of what they consider to be the black peril. So we must exorcise them from this demon of fear. I am convinced that this is the proper course of action because, as the Minister from Malawi said after President Banda's visit: "South Africans will never be the same again after they have seen their leaders receive us Negroes so well." 80.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“I have had an opportunity to point out that, as a close neighbor of South Africa, Madagascar has every interest in maintaining good relations with that nation, for economic as well as strategic reasons. 77. I should also stress that ideological differences between the eastern countries and the free world have never prevented them from carrying on a particularly active trade. What I should like to stress most of all is that our position stems from this fact: the warlike utterances of the past years, the repeated condemnations, have proved fruitless. As for what I modestly call the direct action desired by some, that would unfortunately lead only to a worsening of the position of the people mainly affected and would bring chaos to Africa.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“As a black man, I have suffered harsh repression, imprisonment, a sentence to hard labor for life, and exile all of which were imposed on those who were at the forefront of the struggle to free our oppressed brothers. At this very rostrum on many occasions I have denounced the concept and consequences of apartheid. As far as patriotism or love of Africa are concerned, Madagascar has nothing to learn from anyone. No nation can or ought to assert the right to give lessons to others. 75. In the fullness of its sovereignty, the Government to which I belong has concluded an agreement on trade and co-operation with the racist Government of Pretoria and my deputy, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, visited Pretoria at the beginning of last August. 76.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“One of our proverbs expresses the strength of this idea very well: "Do not give up the domestic fowl in your own yard in order to go out chasing a wild guinea-hen with colored feathers" 72. In this course, the Malagasy Republic remains faithful to the ethical standards of its people, to the ideals of justice and freedom enshrined in its Constitution, for after all, it was Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek who affixed his signature to the Charter that founded our Organization. 73. I come to another crucial point, in the diplomacy of Madagascar, which has to do with the relations between Madagascar and South Africa. 74. Throughout my life I have struggled against racism in all its forms.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The existence of that community is not at all in question; however, we cannot be entirely indifferent to the question of whether it is culturally attached to a democratic or to a totalitarian State. 69. The second reason is the friendship that ties us to the government of Formosa. It is a friendship based on mutual esteem that has been remarkably strengthened by most valuable and highly appreciated technical assistance in the field of rice-growing and cottage industries. 70. In these circumstances, add subject to whatever new factors may be introduced -something which, in my view, seems very improbable- the Malagasy Republic will maintain diplomatic relations with the Government of Taipei, 71. It is not within Malagasy traditions to abandon our friends, especially when they are going through hard times.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It would be indeed tragic if the hopes that were raised by decolonization, a process which has restored the rights of the subjugated nations of Africa and Asia, were to end up in another form of domination, even if that new form were to prove more subtle and less apparent. It would be even more tragic if the super-Powers were to wage by proxy a war which they do not dare wage openly, 67. The Malagasy Government will of course be following with the greatest attention the development of the discussions and the negotiations that will take place. Our attention will be particularly keen for two reasons. 68. The first is the existence in Madagascar of a large Chinese community, to whose loyalty and industry I wish to pay a tribute.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Those circumstances in fact seem to indicate that in the conduct of their affairs the great Powers are not hampered by ideology or previous agreements and are guided only by their own interests. 65. From this rostrum I have often deplored the all-too- obvious dichotomy between words and deeds. My fears, unfortunately, were only too well founded, and, as far as I am concerned, I am apprehensive of a new Yalta leading to a new marking-out of areas of influence, to the detriment of the rights of peoples to self-determination. 66. May I stress this point, because I know that there are many here who share my anxiety.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“On the one hand, because the Peking authorities have not, as far as 1 know, given up exporting their policy of subversion-the pernicious character of which is felt all the more strongly by the countries of the third world because of the feebleness of their resources and their still-fragile structures-it would be wise, before we raise this grand new banner, to make certain that our new partner intends to respect one of the basic principles of the Charter: noninterference in the internal affairs of other States. 64. On the other hand, the circumstances in which this new event was prepared, decided upon and announced must necessarily leave smaller nations somewhat perplexed.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“62. I should be giving no evidence whatsoever of originality if I were to recognize, along with all of the preceding speakers, that the opening of a dialog between Peking and Washington is an event of extraordinary importance, one which may indeed profoundly modify the international political situation. The "realists" have at length and unanimously been expressing their delight. I willingly concede that it was essential for 700 million human beings no longer to be left outside the community of nations. However, I shall not surprise you if I say that, as far as the Government I represent is concerned, the Malagasy Government, our misgivings outweigh our satisfaction. 63.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Personally, I refuse to believe that so large a gathering of men, endowed with so much intelligence, knowledge, experience and sensibility, will not be equal to the mission of trust with which the peoples have charged them and will not in due course succeed in finding the shining paths of peace, justice, equality and brotherhood.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“With regard to the Middle East problem, Madagascar still favours the continuance of Mr. Jarring’s mission and appreciates his tact, patience, balance and wisdom. We also consider that the great Powers which, whether they like it or not, have a special responsibility under the Charter, should support this mission in the search for a just and lasting solution leading to negotiations between the parties. 97. This brings me to the end of my statement. May I, in conclusion, express my hope that the coming year will see the realization of our aspirations and will give our Organization the renewed authority and prestige which the Charter enjoins and the future of the human race demands. 98. If this should not be so, we should all of us bear a heavy burden of guilt towards future generations and history would be entitled to call us to account.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The United Nations has a fundamental role to play; this is evident when we consider, first, that the oppressed peoples are seeking to cast off the yoke of colonization at the price of long, bitter and exhausting struggles to achieve their independence, and secondly, that if all the General Assembly and Security Council resolutions on colonial questions had been accepted without reservation and applied without qualification, the last vestiges of colonialism would already have been liquidated without unnecessary upheaval. 95. Our position on apartheid is clear: in our eyes, it is another form of man’s exploitation by man. We therefore condemn it relentlessly, resolutely and categorically; we cannot acquiesce in the survival of this preposterous notion, still less in its extension to other parts of Africa, as we fear may happen. 96.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is time, indeed high time, that resolution 1514 (XV) with its historic declaration was universally accepted, regardless of differences of ideology and method. The right of peoples to self-determination must be exercised without question. This is a matter of vital importance to the third world. Our position is inspired not solely by sentiment, but also by political, legal, even philosophical consideration.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is, however, encouraging that an agreement of principle has been reached on the non-use of the sea-bed for military purposes. It is also reassuring to note that certain Powers take the view that it is the duty of every State to pursue negotiations for general and complete disarmament. 93. Regarding Viet-Nam, the Malagasy Government welcomes the recent declarations by the parties concerned that they are ready to end the war. As I have had occasion to say from this rostrum, the solution to the problem lies, in our view, in a generally acceptable settlement which would leave the people of Viet-Nam free to choose their own destiny in accordance with their sovereign right. 94. I now turn to the problem of decolonization.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In our opinion, the development of defensive and offensive armament systems inevitably leads to a massive increase in military expenditure and the perfecting of nuclear weapons. Thus, for example, in 1962 military expenditure amounted to some $120,000 million, and in 1968, if the figures are accurate, such expenditure was estimated at over $180,000 million. 92. We would like to see bilateral negotiations opened on the limitation of strategic arms and systems of defence against ballistic missiles. The present world would be wise to eliminate the dangers of a nuclear arms race. We recognize the complexity of the problem but we believe that the necessary efforts must be continued and every avenue explored with a view to reaching general agreement.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Where disarmament is concerned, Madagascar is firmly in favour of general disarmament, for a mere reduction in armaments would be no solution. To this end, we must completely exclude the risk of total destruction, the rapid expansion of facilities for arms production. We must also ensure that each measure of disarmament is accompanied by a measure of effective control, application of the two measures being absolutely simultaneous. 90. We would also mention the need for priority measures concerning nuclear weapon carriers. Most representatives seem to share the Malagasy delegation’s belief that the ideal solution would be a treaty prohibiting the use or the threatened use of nuclear weapons. Madagascar is in favour of extending the ban on nuclear tests. 91.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“My country affirms its adherence to the principles drawn up in exceptional circumstances which have now become historic, but at the same time it is looking resolutely to the future and to an ever-widening framework embodying the new concept of relations between nations and peoples, a concept corresponding to existing needs and to the very nature of man, free from narrow nationalism, ideological extremism and power politics. 88. My delegation is ready to offer its complete co-operation to achieve those ideals and objectives and enable the United Nations to become an effective instrument for the establishment of conditions favourable to peace, the prevention of war and the promotion of the economic and social well being of mankind. 89.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“85, At a more practical and immediate level, I should now like briefly to recall the position of the Government of the Malagasy Republic on some particular problems which are to be considered during the present session or which are a serious source of concern to us at the present time. 86. Madagascar believes that the United Nations has a vital role to play in lessening the tension and divisions which trouble the world. I will cite only a few examples: differing beliefs or political ideologies, the gap which we have emphasized between the developed and the developing countries, the stresses born of racial discrimination and apartheid — final manifestations of colonialism and of man's exploitation by man — and religious conflicts. 87.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It can be summed up in a few phrases which explain the position adopted by the Malagasy Republic at major international meetings: self-determination of peoples, respect for human freedom, love of peace, arbitration, negotiation, loyalty to alliances, the struggle against under-development and international co-operation. 84. Perhaps because it is fortunate in being an island and because it has no enemies at its frontiers, Madagascar has never yet departed from these principles. I can affirm without hesitation that it will always be ready to co-operate in any undertaking which may contribute to the betterment of man’s lot.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“I should like first of all to point out in this regard that, having come to this turning-point in history, it is essential that mankind should pause for reflexion. It is essential, too, that two thirds of mankind should not approach the future in a state of servitude. And lastly, it is essential that man's noble ambitions should not be destroyed by an ever-threatening nuclear conflict. 83. Next, I would like to say that the policy pursued by my country seems to me appropriate to the needs of the day. This policy has been defined by the head of State, President Philibert Tsiranna; it is well known, because it has remained practically unchanged since the restoration of national sovereignty.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“But if this is so, it is because, in the present situation, our peoples have defensive reactions which cause them to fall back on routine and respect for outdated traditions, since they are convinced of the futility and uselessness of their efforts. I, for my part, am convinced that if, through the combined efforts of the rest of the world, it were possible to establish tomorrow the objective conditions for progress, it would not be difficult to arouse the enthusiasm of our peoples and to secure their co-operation: all the disinherited of the earth could be mobilized in the cause of progress. 81. I have a suspicion that I may have somewhat surprised and even disappointed this Assembly by taking what is perhaps too lofty a stand and by making a speech that some will probably not hesitate to describe as vague and philosophical. 82.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Doubtless some will object, quoting the old proverb that “God helps those who help themselves”, that the developed countries cannot help the under-developed countries unless the latter, for their part, resolve to mobilize their own resources and manage their own affairs to better purpose. I am perfectly aware of the validity of that objection, for it is true that we, the poor, are still far from having overcome certain sociological problems, that we sometimes — at a time when others have already reached the moon — exhaust our energies in quarrels of a by-gone age, and that our administration, unfortunately, is often lacking in strictness. I acknowledge this in all humility. 80.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In order to make this possible, could not the great industrial Powers stop striving to maintain their lead with the bomb and with conventional armaments, especially since existing stockpiles are already sufficient to wipe out every trace of life from the surface of our planet? Could not the two super-Powers put a curb on their concealed, but real competition in the conquest of space? That competition compels them to effect huge expenditures at an ever-increasing rate. Those expenditures, if spread out over a longer period, would in no way jeopardize future progress, but could be used immediately to help the cause of the disinherited. Is this simply the vision of a poet? I am sure it is. 79.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It would be sufficient, in our view, to devote to that great design a very small part of the sums allocated to the production of armaments and the conquest of space. 77. At times I catch myself dreaming of the work that 4 could be undertaken in Madagascar if only my country had at its disposal an initial allocation of, say, some $500 million. How many roads could be built, how many regions could be opened up, how many agricultural improvements could be carried out, what resources could be set free! The process of development would be resolutely begun; the foundations for a sound and competitive economy could at last be said, if only our efforts were accompanied by a re-establishment of order in international trade. 78.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“On the one hand, forecasts of future developments should finally convince responsible leaders in the industrial States of what reason alone has already told them, namely that the interests of all lie in the necessary harmonization of the interests of each. On the other hand — and I hope I will be forgiven for making such a fundamentally optimistic assertion — we have reached a point where it should be possible to overcome selfishness through abundance. 76. But although it is true that in civilizations that are not very far advanced the happiness of some can be assured only by the exploitation of the majority, it is obvious that the progress of science, of technology and of management — since “management” is the fashionable word — now puts happiness within the reach of all. The gulf separating rich and poor could be rapidly bridged.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Otherwise, serious tension must inevitably arise between the over- and the under-developed countries, and such tension will, in turn, generate conflicts among the industrialized Powers. 73. Because of the vastness of the means of destruction that can be set in motion, I do not think there is any need to dwell at length on the risks that such a situation could entail for mankind. Man may, perhaps, have conquered space, but in the event of such destruction he will surely lose the earth, that is to say, his very existence. 74. Thus, on the one hand, there are the means to bring practically within man’s reach all the objectives that imagination can suggest to him, while on the other hand, there is a basically selfish and irrational behaviour in human relationships. 75. Yet it seems to me that this contradiction can be abolished.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The ever-widening gap between rich and poor and the accumulation of technical advances in certain industrialized nations lead me to fear the eternal problem of dominator and dominated is not only far from a solution, but will, on the contrary, rapidly become more acute and assume a more subtle form. 72. Of course, it is quite likely, and indeed probable, that the less-privileged will see an improvement in their material condition and that they will attain a certain degree of industrialization. But it seems to me that this is not the objective that should be sought. What is needed is to establish as quickly as possible equality among men in every field, particularly in those of welfare, security and education.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“These developments could have been to the benefit of all men and of all nations, but in fact they resulted in the domination and subjection of coloured men, of which slavery and colonialism were the most obvious and regrettable manifestations. I am not recalling this, I wish to reassure the Assembly, in order to embark on some great historical trial, which would be quite out of place in this forum and, furthermore, quite futile, because we cannot remake history and the future should be our sole concern. I am recalling it simply as a way of expressing my anxiety concerning the present situation.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is essential, indeed vital, that they should not allow this Organization to decline, since it represents their only opportunity to be heard, and is for all nations the only means of elaborating and promoting international law. 70. I am well aware that my speech has taken a somewhat disenchanted and pessimistic turn. But at a time when mankind is preparing to undergo a major transformation, I cannot prevent myself from thinking of that other transformation that occurred at the end of the sixteenth century. 71. The great scientific discoveries made possible the exploration, the exploitation and the transformation of the world.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“I shall explain my reasons for taking this view. 69. Despite the indefatigable activity, the authority and, I should like to emphasize, the moral force of our Secretary-General, it is difficult to avoid the impression that the various organs of our institution, the General Assembly and the Security Council in particular, are not really concerned with the important issues. Indifference? I do not think so. A confession of powerlessness? I cannot resign myself to this. Be that as it may, this is a matter for serious concern, and it is the most ardent wish of the Government of the Republic of Madagascar that the authority and prestige of this Organization should be reinforced to enable it to achieve the objectives assigned to it by its founders. I appeal more particularly to small nations such as mine.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It believes that this Convention is an indispensable instrument for the development of its economy and that it also constitutes, at the multilateral level, one of the rare examples of international co-operation that has produced the effects that were anticipated. 68. The results obtained through the United Nations do not come up to expectations. This is undoubtedly because the principles enshrined in our Charter have, unfortunately, not been respected, and we have forgotten the solemn obligation that we inherited from those who died in the last world war to bring a little more justice, a little more stability, to human relations. In this respect, I cannot but regret that our Organization plays but a limited — a too limited — role, to my mind, in the search for solutions to our current problems.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Last year I believed it to be my duty to mention certain reactions provoked by the association of the eighteen African and Malagasy States with the European Economic Community and the accusation that we were setting up an obstacle to the liberalization and stabilization of world trade. At that time I defined the position of the Government of the Republic of Madagascar and pointed out that my country was prepared to accept its. share of sacrifice so that measures could be taken to alter the economic laws which I condemned just now. I wish to say that we still have the same attitude, but I should at once like to add that the Republic of Madagascar has now, without any feelings of guilt whatsoever, affixed its signature to the new Convention of Association.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)