YouSaid · the spoken record

Borg Olivier

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS BORG OLIVIER

lines on the record: 116
first: 1964-09-24
most recent: 1988-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“One must assume that nuclear-weapon States would be willing to rid themselves of the terrible and heavy burden they carry. Mistrust continues and unequal resources and opportunities in various fields tend to compel nations to compete with one another for superiority in armaments. The instinctive belief that dominance is necessary for survival still prevails, as does the century-old way of thinking embodied in the famous si vis pacem, para beilum philosophy. The fact that these concepts still exist defeats the very fundamental purpose of this Organization. 71. The restraint exercised so far is clear evidence of the realization that the alternative is disaster. That restraint, however, which we call coexistence, is bred from fear and under these conditions there can be little hope of a substantial reduction in armaments.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is our firm belief that the sale of armaments generally should be drastically reduced; and we again urge as a first step an initiative designed to elaborate a comprehensive and fair system effectively to publicize the transfer of arms between States. If the extent of the trade in armaments were brought out into the open it could have the salutary effect of limiting, and indirectly controlling, this always dangerous traffic which becomes an even greater menace when poor countries are used as a dumping ground for the obsolescent but still sophisticated arms of big Powers. 70. The call for disarmament will remain a cry in the wilderness until the conditions are such that large-scale reductions in arms are not only desirable but also feasible in the context of the world-wide balance of power.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“As a result, regional or limited wars not only flare up with disheartening regularity but take on proportions they could never have reached without outside support. 68. The conflict in the Middle East is but one painful example. The confrontation in that highly sensitive area of the world has assumed an extremely dangerous pattern; and major Powers are not entirely blameless. We are in fact witnessing a state of affairs in which great Powers are becoming more deeply involved and which could escalate into a potentially catastrophic struggle for strategic and political advantage. We cannot but hope that those same Powers will apply their best efforts to ensure that good counsel will prevail. 69.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We have also noted with interest the far more ambitious draft [see A/7655] presented to this Assembly by the Soviet Union which, in our view, has some unfortunate omissions. At the appropriate time we hope to venture some friendly suggestions on this subject. 66. While disarmament negotiations are proceeding laboriously in Geneva, we are becoming increasingly perturbed by the development of new dimensions in technology which are permitting new dimensions in the arms race — I refer here to the progress being made in the development of radiological weapons. 67. At the same time, of more immediate concern perhaps, in the field of conventional arms the problems are becoming more difficult to solve. Particularly disturbing is the unrestricted traffic in conventional but highly sophisticated arms and their supply to political friends.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
““The danger of the proliferation of this class of weapons applies as much to the developing as it does to developed countries.” In their report, the consultant experts have added this ominous warning: “Were these weapons ever to be used on a large scale in war, no one could predict how enduring the effects would be and how they would affect the structure of society and the environment in which we live.“ 65. It is with some not unjustifiable pride that I recall that my country was among the first to bring this matter to the attention of the United Nations in 1967. We are happy that our modest effort has borne some fruit and we welcome the draft Convention presented by the United Kingdom to the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament as a preliminary step in dealing with a very difficult and complex problem.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We note, however, that discussions on nuclear arms control have tended to be overshadowed by the attention which is now being devoted to chemical and biological weapons. Chemical and biological weapons are in a sense potentially more dangerous than nuclear weapons. As the Secretary-General said in his very useful report on the subject: “they do not require the enormous expenditure of financial and scientific resources that are required for nuclear weapons .. . [because] they can be manufactured quite cheaply, quickly and. secretly in small laboratories or factories”.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Guarantees cannot therefore be confined to nuclear weapons but must comprise assurances in regard to any kind of military force. The evidence at the moment is that no agreement between the super-Powers and within the nuclear club is yet in sight, and the position of mainland China tends to complicate matters still further. In these circumstances one cannot but urge a more earnest effort on the part of the major Powers to discuss and to reach agreement on the underlying political questions which are a determinant cause both of the nuclear arms race and of the arms races among non-nuclear-weapon States. 64. A comprehensive test-ban treaty remains for us, as it does for others, a matter of first priority.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [resolution 2373 (XXII)] has, up to now, simply frozen the membership of the nuclear club and left vertical proliferation undisturbed. 63. The non-proliferation Treaty — which was never intended to be, and could not be, an end in itself — cannot in reality have much appeal to non-nuclear States, particularly those that have achieved nuclear-weapon capability, unless it is followed by greater efforts on the part of the nuclear Powers to reach agreement on effective measures for nuclear disarmament as well as for general disarmament. No State can be expected to rely indefinitely on other States for its security; the more so since the nuclear Powers are also the major conventional weapons States.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Indeed these two objectives are closely interrelated: for, as is known, the national resources applied to the production of armaments could well be directed towards the relief of poverty and the raising of the living standards of all men. 62. The achievements in the field of disarmament are regrettably conspicuous by their inadequacy. A number of resolutions have largely gone unheeded; the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament, now enlarged, has made no significant progress during the eight years of its existence; indeed there may be some doubt about the value of this Committee as a mechanism for the conduct of disarmament: negotiations in the future.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is enough to say that we still witness a world in which two thirds of the population is destitute and underfed, in which thousands are dying daily of starvation and malnutrition and where efforts to introduce greater equity between nation and nation have not yet achieved the success essential for the maintenance of peace. 61. It is for those reasons that from the very beginning of our participation in the work of this Organization we have, with others, sought to make a particular contribution to the solution of problems relating to disarmament and have striven to help to find means of increasing the sources of development capital for the advancement of the poorer areas of the world.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“There may perhaps be today a more general awareness of the causes behind this unrest in the world at large, and the terrifying weapons man has created have made us more appreciative of the need to steer away from the precipice we could be heading for. We have done little to turn that realization into positive action. 59. The war in Viet-Nam continues; in the Middle East hardly a day passes without the cease-fire being violated; the death rate in Nigeria shows no signs of abating; the integrity of smaller nations is trampled upon with impunity. While the old problems remain unresolved and fester, new tensions arise and develop in the framework of a world divided into highly armed military blocs. 60. In the field of economic and social advancement our record is hardly any better.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In dealing with them, however, the Assembly has one aim: the pursuit of peace and stability and, as a corollary, the promotion of the economic and social progress of all mankind which is essential for the maintenance of international peace and security. 58. I propose to touch mainly on the subjects more closely related to those objectives. Representatives will find in my statement repetition of what has been said before. Are not the problems facing us today virtually the same as those that beset man in his persistent search for peace and justice? Those problems may have increased in magnitude and complexity and they are certainly brought home to us more vividly and more painfully than before; but in essence they remain the same. What is even worse is that the remedies are as elusive as ever.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“55. On behalf of the Government of Malta I wish to associate myself with previous speakers in extending sincere congratulations to the President on her election to the presidency of this Assembly. It is an honour which she highly deserves. I also venture to express the hope that during her tenure of office a more positive and constructive contribution will be made to the vital work of this Organization. 56. I should also like to express my sincere regret over the death of our former President, Mr. Arenales, who so ably presided over the last session of this Assembly. 57. The problems that this Assembly will be considering during the current session are many and varied.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In the matter of peaceful settlement we have watched a disturbing series of setbacks, and in peace-keeping the United Nations is now in difficulties partly because of lack of agreement on the allocation of costs. International bodies have been discussing disarmament for forty- five years or more without much visible success. All this is discouraging, but it is essential that discouragement should not deepen to a point where we give up entirely. Too much is at stake for that. While continuing our efforts to find solutions to these fundamental issues, let us in the meantime not neglect other horizons. The Malta plan on the sea-bed and ocean floor is, we submit, one of them.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Quite apart, from the military implications and the very Important question of the safe disposal of radioactive wastes, our suggestion could provide an equitable solution to conflicting national claims and it may in due course provide an Important additional source of wealth for distribution among nations, particularly the developing countries. We have requested the inclusion of the question of the sea-bed and ocean floor on the agenda of this session [A/6695] and we commend our proposals to the attention of the Assembly. 126. The suggestions of Malta open a field in which international action is urgent even though progress may be difficult in other fields.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“This is not a remote possibility unless an international framework for the exploitation of this potential wealth is established. 125. We would stress to all delegations, particularly those of developing countries, the urgency of international action in this field, action which, we believe, should eventually lead to the establishment of an international agency to assume jurisdiction, as trustee for mankind, over the sea-bed and ocean floor in order to ensure their orderly and rational exploitation, and that from the immense potential of this exploitation the poor countries should also benefit. Our proposal is paralleled by a number of Initiatives In the same field such as that taken by the Geneva World Conference on World Peace through Law this year.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“This technology, however, is available only to industrially advanced countries, Furthermore, the Convention on the Continental Shelf is an open-ended instrument as it defines the continental shelf as: "the sea bed and the sub soli of the submarine areas adjacent to the coast but outside the area of the territorial sea, to a depth of 200 metres or, beyond that limit, to where the depth of the superjacent waters admits of the exploitation of the natural resources of the said areas". 124. The formulation of this Convention might result In technologically advanced countries claiming to appropriate for their own exclusive benefit the sea-bed underlying the sea at any depth and at any distance from their coasts, as soon as they can exploit the natural resources thereof.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The sea-bed and the ocean floor underlying the seas beyond present national jurisdiction constitute approximately some 65 per cent of the area of the world and are the only land areas of our planet, excluding possibly Antarctica, that have not yet been appropriated for national use. Resources proved so far are immense. To mention only one, manganese nodules — containing also cobalt, nickel and copper - are found in some areas in incredibly large quantities at depths of 5,000 to 18,000 feet of water. Technology is now making possible the exploitation of the sea-bed at ever greater depths.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“122. Thirdly, it is important to investigate the possibility of utilizing an increasing proportion of the not inconsiderable funds already flowing Into the United Nations system on programmes of more direct relevance to individual countries and regions. The discontinuance of activities not fully justified by cost-benefit or other generally accepted criteria could release scarce manpower and considerable funds for the priority needs of poor countries. 123. Finally, a determined search must be made for new major sources of development capital that do not imply increased, burdens on the rich countries. It Is felt that one such source could the exploitation of the resources of an internationalized sea-bed and ocean floor.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In the first place, while continuing to press rich countries to implement their stated policies in this field, poor countries must be prepared to rely increasingly on the mobilization of their own resources for their development. 121. In the second place, in order to encourage, for a variety of reasons, donor countries to channel through international organizations an increasing proportion of the relatively static total of resources allocated by them for the development of poor countries, it seems Imperative that international efforts should have clear objectives and be organized with demonstrable efficiency since it is obvious that a reputation, however unfounded, for the inefficient use of available resources may impair the ability of organizations within the United Nations family to attract resources now used in bilateral programmes.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Governments must attempt to satisfy in some measure the rising expectations of their peoples for an immediate and visible improvement in their living conditions, in circumstances where regional or world tensions often require the allocation of increasing resources to defence. This creates conditions of great stress both within many poor countries and between poor countries and rich countries. 120. If we are correct in believing that we have reached, temporarily at least, a plateau with regard to total resources allocated by major donor Governments for the development of poor countries, we are forced to draw certain conclusions.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The technological capability of the poor countries, having regard to all the development progress which they are likely ever to achieve, unaided, or even aided at the present scale, can never match the advances of the richer countries. 119. This matter is all the more important since it is improbable that the flow of international aid for economic and social purposes is likely to expand substantially in the near future. This, in spite of the fact that the capacity of developed countries to provide such aid, measured in terms of their rising per capita incomes, is increasing. The causes are basically two: rising expenditure on armaments and rising expenditure on new or expanded programmes of economic and social development within the rich countries themselves. At the same time, in poor countries.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“It is wisely stated in Article 55 that: "With a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, the United Nations shall promote: "a. higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development". 118. This does not imply solely assistance in the development of poor countries. It should also imply a more direct approach to ensure a fair share of the world's riches for those who suffer from an economic handicap. Unless present circumstances are rapidly and radically changed the gap in standards of living between the rich and the poor countries can only grow wider.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The delegation of Malta will seek an opportunity to have this matter brought to the attention of the appropriate organs of the General Assembly for careful study. 117. The work of the United Nations In the field of disarmament will remain sterile if a greater impetus is not given to the advancement of the poorer countries. Armaments, whether nuclear or conventional, absorb enormous resources and increase tensions. Tensions are also increased by lack of progress in implementing the economic and social purposes of the United Nations. The close interrelationship between the creation of conditions of well-being and the maintenance of international peace and security is clearly recognized in the Charter of the United Nations.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“There is equal need to study the implications of continued accelerated research in technically advanced countries with regard to the development of ever more sophisticated chemical, bacteriological and, other unconventional methods of warfare, and the implications of these developments for all countries, but particularly for those that cannot afford, or are unable to establish, comprehensive measures of protection. The potentiality of the terrible weapons that have already been developed or are in the process of development is not widely known, and the potential danger of these weapons to the health, if not the life, of the population, particularly of the technologically less advanced countries, may be comparable to that of nuclear weapons.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“comprehensive and fair system designed effectively to publicize, and thus indirectly to control, the transfer of armaments among States. 115. The extent of the trade in arms must be brought out in the open. It will be recalled that two years age the delegation of Malta presented a draft resolution in the First Committee on the subject. Whilst the draft resolution did not then attract sufficient support, we are gratified to note the interest of some of those countries which were somewhat hesitant two years ago on the question raised by the delegation of Malta, Should an appropriate initiative be taken in this field, we will not be found wanting in giving it support. 116.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“We are reinforced in this view by our conviction that the proliferation of nuclear weapons is not desired by any country and is not necessarily imminent, and that the conclusion of a non-proliferation treaty and the prospects of military nuclear proliferation are not necessarily interdependent. 113. It is clear that endorsement of the proposed non-proliferation treaty by the General Assembly will have to be followed by intensive negotiations on other aspects of nuclear disarmament. We would not wish that, as a result, progress on other urgent problems connected with the control of armaments, progress which may contribute to the relaxation of international tensions, should be neglected. 114. Recent events nave emphasized the dangers of the trade in sophisticated conventional weapons. We believe that it has become urgent to elaborate a.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The long-term effectiveness of the treaty Is also imperilled by the uncertainties which result from the fact that two nuclear-weapon States have not participated in the Geneva discussions, and by the fact that the proposed treaty does not provide explicitly for the security of non-nuclear Powers, Consequently, one would have preferred at this stage the conclusion of a simple non-dissemination treaty among all the nuclear-weapon States, which would have a political significance comparable to that of the proposed non-proliferation treaty and would not have the disadvantages of the present draft treaty for non-nuclear Powers.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In particular, it does not fully embody an acceptable balance of mutual responsibilities and obligations as between the nuclear and non-nuclear Powers; furthermore negotiations on the draft treaty are taking place during a period of rapid escalation in the nuclear arms race. 112.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Old problems remain unsolved, tensions have increased, and resentment over the continuing struggle in Viet-Nam and recent hostilities in the Near East have further envenomed international relations. Acrimonious disagreement on political matters and limited effectiveness in the promotion of world economic and social progress increasingly mark the United Nations. 111. The only silver lining, not altogether untarnished, has been the progress made in the Eighteen- Nation Committee on Disarmament on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. We welcome the draft treaty which may be put before us in the near future, as a document that has a primarily political significance. One cannot, however, refrain from noting that the draft treaty does not fulfil all the principles laid down by the General Assembly.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“My country will continue to support a four-pronged programme in relation to the United Nations, namely: disarmament, peaceful settlement of disputes, peace-keeping and the economic and social work of this Organization. The record of the work of the Organization in the first three fields of disarmament, peaceful settlement and peace-keeping has been a bitter disappointment. Armaments have continued to increase; their use In war has not ceased for even one day in the last years, whether in Asia, the Middle East or Africa. No real progress has been registered in creating conditions conducive to disarmament or in tackling effectively any of a number of issues which could lead to the reduction of tension. 110. Events since the dose of the twenty-first session have been discouraging for the United Nations and for the cause of world peace.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“An occasion may well arise, however, when rational calculations based on political interest can be nullified by unforeseen events. The irreparable then happens. 108. It is now time to go beyond coexistence and on to active co-operation among major centres of world power. Until this co-operation is achieved it is an illusion to hope that sufficient resources can be devoted to relieving the pressing needs of two thirds of mankind. Active co-operation among major centres of world power will, we must believe, eventually be achieved, since the alternative is disaster for all, Including the major Powers; but it will not help if it takes a form which will perpetuate the domination of the rich over the poor, of the strong over the weak. 109.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“This situation produces a modern version of the old concept of armed peace. It may well delay a major conflict but could also ultimately lead to a catastrophe. The unrestrained propaganda, the mutual political probings, the military support given to political ‘friends in third countries either to Incite Insurrection or to keep in power Governments that are rejected by their peoples, not only cause needless suffering to millions but are also very dangerous for the peace of the world since they involve, directly or indirectly, the super-Powers. Coexistence rejects a world war for political or ideological ends but leaves the maintenance of world peace to a process resembling a dangerous game of chance. The superpowers have, up to the present, exercised admirable restraint.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In making use of this privilege we must recognize that the major responsibility for bringing about a relaxation of international tension and for seeking solutions to the major political problems plaguing the world continues to lie with the major Powers, especially the permanent members of the Security Council and, In particular, with the two nuclear super-Powers. The "equilibrium of terror" has resulted In coexistence. But coexistence as presently interpreted still presupposes the existence, indeed the necessity, of struggle by all means except nuclear war. The aim of coexistence, in fact, has become to modify the strategic balance of power in the world without destroying the world itself, and this by choosing means of struggle in fields where one or other major Power believes it has an advantage. 107.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The weaknesses we share in size, wealth and power give us a natural interest in the work of the United Nations and spur us to efforts, both within this Organization and outside it, to act in concert in search of peace and a wider distribution of the wealth of this earth, within the framework of social justice and equity among nations. In the United Nations, we the small nations enjoy the right to have our voices heard and to exercise a role of responsibility in promoting a co-operation essential to world peace for the benefit of mankind as a whole. This privilege, which we share with the bigger countries in equal measure, makes us even more conscious of our duty to play our part in this Organization with wisdom and great care. 106.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“104. I should like In the first place to offer my sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election to the Presidency of this Assembly. Your selection for this duty is a tribute to your own personal qualities and also to your country, which you have had the honour to serve with so much distinction for so many years. 105. I venture today to put before this Assembly certain considerations which are of particular importance to my country and, I think, also to others which, like Malta, are small, have to struggle to break free from the tentacles of poverty, or are militarily weak.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Before concluding, I should like to be permitted to inform the Assembly that my Government is pledging a contribution, which because of our limitations cannot be very substantial, towards the special account established to relieve the present financial difficulties of the Organization. Although Malta Was not a member of the United Nations at the time, and therefore did not participate in the deliberations which led to the peace-keeping operations from which the present financial difficulties flow, we would have liked to have the resources of other nations so as to be able to make a much larger contribution. We are confident, however, that, such as it is, our voluntary- contribution will be accepted as a token of the devotion of Malta to the ideals of international collaboration.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“I believe, therefore, that it is important that progress be made on collateral measures designed to reduce tensions among States even before the conference meets. One such measure would be to publicize, and thus indirectly control, the transfer of armaments between States. There is scope to revise and bring up to date the Convention of 1925 on the Supervision of International Trade in Arms and Ammunition and in Implements of War. There is similar scope in regard to the 1925 Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or other Gases and of Bacteriological Methods in Warfare. 15.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“Hence, the present nuclear Powers could immediately agree on a treaty of non-dissemination. On the other hand, it is felt that a non-proliferation treaty would need to provide not only for a freeze in the production of nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles by the present nuclear Powers but also for a substantial and agreed measure of nuclear disarmament if the support of all non-nuclear Powers with the capability independently to develop nuclear weapons is to be obtained. 14. I would suggest that action on a non-dissemination treaty should in no way be delayed because of the prospects of a world disarmament conference. My Government supports in principle the convening of such a conference. But it is felt that much preparatory work is required before the conference can be usefully and effectively called.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“Perhaps it could be agreed that the term "nuclear proliferation" be used exclusively to denote the acquisition, through independent development or otherwise, of nuclear weapons capability by a hitherto non-nuclear Power or entity, whilst the term "dissemination" in this context could well be defined as the creation by a nuclear Power of a new nuclear entity or Power, either directly by the provision of weapons or technology or indirectly by permitting control of nuclear weapons by a hitherto non-nuclear entity or Power. 13. This distinction is of some importance, as the question of nuclear dissemination concerns solely the present nuclear Powers while the question of nuclear proliferation would, if these definitions are followed, concern mainly the non-nuclear Powers.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“We therefore have a vital interest in universal adherence to effective treaties of nuclear disarmament and in any measure leading to it. We consequently support the Moscow test-ban Treaty and its extension to underground tests under agreed conditions that will ensure proper observance of its provisions by all nations. We are naturally opposed to the spread of nuclear weapons, even though some other nations may not entirely share our view. We believe, therefore, that it might not be unwise to define with- greater precision the terms used in the proposed treaties on non-proliferation. The time may have come to distinguish clearly between the concepts of non-proliferation and non-dissemination.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“The effective utilization of the resources available within the United Nations system is absolutely vital since unfortunately there is little immediate prospect of additional resources for development being released through a substantial reduction of expenditure on armaments. It is however important that, if and when such additional resources become available, the Organization should be prepared to put them to their most effective use. We, like all other countries in our position, look forward to the dawn of that day, which explains in part the keen interest of Malta and of other small countries in the problem of disarmament. 12. I say "in part" because for Malta, in this age, a conflict in which nuclear weapons were used would spell disaster and even annihilation.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“My Government therefore feels that, after twenty years, it might be appropriate to undertake a comprehensive review of the entire range of the programmes and activities in the economic, social, technical co-operation and related fields of the United Nations, the specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Children's Fund and all other institutions and agencies related to the United Nations system. The aim of such review should be to ensure that present resources derived from assessments, and possibly increased resources in the future, are used in action programmes designed to raise the standard of living of the less developed countries. 11.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“In this regard these two bodies can look back on a record of achievement. 10. Still, there is much than can be done in technical assistance and in the economic and social fields. Even the new target of $200 million for annual contributions to the proposed United Nations Development Programme combining the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the Special Fund, will not suffice for the needs of the poor countries. This target represents an advance of one-third over the target last established in 1962 and is still very much short of what is needed. Consideration might therefore be given to releasing resources which already exist within the United Nations family for the purpose of supplementing — and perhaps even doubling — international technical co-operation activities.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“Although these contributions have increased somewhat in the recent past, they must be greatly expanded in the future if social justice among States is to be attained. 9. In recognizing the value of the contributions made by so many Members of the United Nations towards the provision of technical and other assistance in aid of developing countries, and the spirit in which they were made, I should like to pay tribute to this Organization for the way it has handled and channeled resources placed at its disposal. This is a complex operation requiring the co-operation of all. Besides the funds provided under the regular programmes of the United Nations, almost $500 million has been utilized under the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and $478 million has been earmarked by the Special Fund over the years.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“The same considerations apply with equal force within the family of nations throughout the world and have been recognized in the Charter of the United Nations and underscored when this Organization instituted the Development Decade. Whilst the prospects of the Decade are not entirely gloomy, the fact that the actual growth of incomes and output of developing countries is below expectations is disturbing. The widening of the gap between rich and poor countries is a matter of concern to all. Within a country the State ensures, through fiscal policies, that wealth is distributed less unevenly among citizens. But among nations this is hardly possible and voluntary contributions on a bilateral or multilateral basis have not yet reached a volume sufficient to secure a more equitable distribution of wealth in the world.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“It may not be easy to say which of these four tasks is the most important. But if one could draw from the lesson of history, one would observe, perhaps, that men stopped going about armed in- the streets only after police forces became effective, courts of law evolved to a position of impartiality and ability to enforce decisions, and legislative bodies set themselves the task to meet the changing needs of society. When this stage was reached it was easier to declare the carrying of arms illegal and anti-social. 7. As certain States have found out, social forces cannot be stayed entirely or permanently by the stringency of law enforcement alone. Hence the great importance individual countries attach to economic progress and social justice. 8.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“To us the United Nations is the ultimate guarantor of our survival, or, in the words of the Pope [1347th meeting], "the last hope for harmony and peace". I think it is true to say that we small nations have neither the wish nor the means to detract from the importance, the influence and the grandeur of the big Powers. Can our yearnings be better expressed than in the Pontiff's exhortation for justice, dignity of life, freedom, wellbeing and progress? 5. It is for this reason that my Government fully supports the four-pronged programme for the creation of a peaceful world so ably enunciated by the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: namely, disarmament, peace-keeping, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the economic and social work of this Organization. 6.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“But I do not propose to deal now with these matters, nor with the disquieting question of the representation of China in this Organization, except to say this: we look forward to seeing all countries represented in this Organization each undertaking, under its Charter, to observe certain obligations, to abide by a code of rules and to adopt accepted norms of behaviour. 4. This year is not only International Co-operation Year, it also marks a midpoint in the United Nations Development Decade. It has also witnessed the coming amongst us of a pilgrim of peace who addressed to us words of encouragement and hope. This session follows one which many feared would be the last of this Organization. The twentieth session has however got under way in a renewed spirit, a spirit of rededication. To us small nations this is of vital importance.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)
“It gives me pleasure to be able to take the rostrum at a session which has seen the admission to membership of this Organization of three young nations. To the Gambia, the Maldive Islands and Singapore I extend a warm welcome and good wishes on behalf of the Maltese Islands. 3. My contribution to this general debate will be brief. I shall not use this occasion to enter into the merits and demerits of certain political disputes and questions before the various organs and committees of the United Nations. The interest, of the Government of Malta in the issues in Viet-Nam, Kashmir, Rhodesia and Cyprus, in the question of the unification of Germany and Korea, in apartheid and in decolonization, is real because each of these matters has an impact of importance which, however indirectly, affects Malta.”
1965-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 20 (1965)