YouSaid · the spoken record

LUNS

lines on the record: 427
first: 1952-09-24
most recent: 1970-09-24
sittings or episodes: 18
sources: un-general-debate

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“Also, it has been possible to enter into an exchange of views on the more controversial political issues. Yet it would be wrong to suppose that differences of opinion on a number of fundamental issues no longer exist. As soon as there are indications that a conference on European security matters as envisaged by the Government of Finland will be assured of some measure of success, my Government will actively promote it and take part in the deliberations. 65. In that connexion, however, I feel obliged to refer to one matter in particular which continues to give us grave concern.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In the order of priorities, we consider it one of our prime responsibilities to strive for a better understanding between the peoples of Eastern and Western Europe. It is our sincere hope that one day the grim barrier still dividing Europe will be removed. To bring that about it is essential for both parties carefully to prepare the way. Ways and means should be explored of arriving at a stage where discussions are likely to lead to fruitful results and to acceptable solutions of European problems which have so far eluded any form of settlement. 64. My Government is ready to do its part to bring about a lessening of tension in our part of the world. Numerous contacts in the economic, scientific and cultural fields have already been established.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“There is a close link between questions of peace and security, and the economic and social situation in developing countries and regions; or, one might say, conversely, when economic and social development in large areas of the world are lagging, peace and security are in danger to the detriment of all. Awareness of this form of interaction has led my Government to regard its policy of co-operation with developing nations as a cornerstone of our over-all foreign policy. My colleague, the Minister in charge of Development Aid, who works at the Foreign Office and with the best of my officials, will, no doubt, elaborate on that theme further when, in a few weeks’ time — when I will be back working in The Hague—he will be addressing this Assembly. 63.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Surely, we are aware of the many obstacles but, in view of the importance of achieving results, we should really not adopt an attitude of resignation. 61. If it is true and desirable that the United Nations should be revitalized and its role in the political sphere strengthened, co-operation under United Nations auspices in the economic and social field has fortunately proved to be more effective. I have here in mind, in particular, the co-operation between, developed and developing countries. The Netherlands Government strongly supports the efforts of various United Nations organs and United Nations commissions in mapping out the so-called development strategy. 62.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We hope to contribute constructively to a fruitful exchange of views and effective steps in that crucial field. 59. To a large extent our present efforts in the field of arms control and disarmament are focused on reducing the risks and dangers of the nuclear arms race. We should, however, be no less mindful of problems arising from the spread of conventional armaments. Stockpiles of those weapons in many regions of the world tend to increase political tensions and aggravate warlike situations. Furthermore, large sums of money are used for the acquisition of conventional arms, money which might better have been employed for other than destructive purposes. 60. The Netherlands Government will study all proposals to curb the conventional arms race and will welcome and support constructive proposals in that field.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“No effort should be spared to work out mutually acceptable arrangements in the field of nuclear weapon systems, both offensive and defensive. 57. It is hardly necessary to add that the numerous and complicated problems to de faced in trying to restrict the armaments race cannot be solved exclusively by bilateral talks between those two major Powers. 58. For that reason my Government has, right from the start, shown great interest in the consultations of the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament at Geneva. I am happy, and my Government is happy, that we are now able to participate in the deliberations of that central organ for international consultations on disarmament and I am aware of the special responsibility which that membership entails.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Efforts in that direction are necessary because of the almost inconceivable destructive power of the weapons developed since the last war - and the weapons used during that last war were not so nice either. 55. I recognize, of course, that the “balance of terror” between the nuclear super-Powers has, in past years, led to an element of stability in international affairs. On the other hand, we know that lately new developments in the technology of armaments are taking shape which, unless checked in time, could lead to a new escalation in the strategic nuclear arms race and even upset the existing precarious equilibrium of mutual deterrence. 56. In the light of that conceivable danger, it is of particular importance that the United States and the Soviet Union should conduct talks to prevent such an escalation.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“But, although the reports on the Act of Free Choice are not yet available, I feel it my duty to point out that in the Netherlands some doubts have been expressed on the system chosen to consult the Papuans and on the manner in which it was carried out. The Secretary-General has already reported on the results. Looking to the future, we have noted with satisfaction, however, that the Indonesian Government will, in close co-operation with its friends — and we count ourselves among them — develop the territory, taking fully into account the very particular character of its inhabitants. 54. My Government attaches great importance to effective steps for the creation of a safer world by means of control, limitation and reduction of armaments.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It has really become a problem which should finally and by the common effort of all the countries directly or indirectly concerned be solved in a lasting and just manner. The relevant part of the Security Council resolution of 22 November 1967 [242 (1967)] stresses that need. 52. Within the next few weeks the Assembly will be called upon to consider an item on its agenda, which is of immediate interest to my country. It is included under the heading: “Agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning West New Guinea (West Irian)”. 53. It is not my intention to dwell at length on this matter — I might come back to it later.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“49. If a settlement should be reached and if it should provide for a renewed United Nations military presence in the region, I repeat, this time publicly, our willingness to provide the Organization with specially trained units for that task. 50. It is not only because of the great dangers to peace inherent in the present tense situation which prompts our active interest. It is also — and no less — because of our deep sympathy for the Jewish people, so cruelly decimated during the Second World War, and our strong links of friendship with the Arab nations; these links have existed for many centuries and are based on admiration for their unique culture and proud traditions. 51. I cannot end my few remarks on the situation in the Middle East without recalling the sad fate of the many refugees.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We ask ourselves: “What way?”. Have the numerous approaches so far not turned out to be blind alleys? 47. Surely both parties should show the utmost restraint. The way to arrive at a lasting settlement is not on the battlefield nor on the demarcation line nor far behind these lines, but at the conference table, whether through Ambassador Jarring, through the four big Powers, or through other procedures. Whatever the procedures, it is clear that a final settlement should be based on clear and unequivocal agreement between the parties. 48. In this respect, I would like to remind the Assembly of the contents of the Security Council resolution of 22 November 1967 [242 (1967)] which clearly outlines the conditions for a settlement. It is not only the important wording of this resolution, but even more its spirit which should guide the parties.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Although we do understand the wish of the African States to seek a solution to the conflict without outside interference, my Government still regrets that the issue does not appear on our agenda. 45. Yet we see it 4s our duty — not only as a Member nation of the United Nations, but also as human beings — to continue to do all we can to assist in elaborating effective measures for relief. 46. Since we last met the situation in the Middle East has changed for the worse. The deteriorating conditions in the area do not offer consolation nor do they allay our fears. We cannot but share the feeling of gloom of the Secretary-General in the introduction to his annual report and we agree with his conclusion that “it is imperative and urgent that some way be found to reverse the present trend towards catastrophe” [A/7601/Add.1, para. 75].”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Ways have been sought, in particular through the International Red Cross and inter-church action, to resume relief flights. It is most regrettable that the local authorities in the eastern region have seen fit, at the last moment, to withhold their consent to an arrangement for the resumption of such flights. In this respect my Government is willing, nay eager, to provide inspection teams in order to allay apprehensions on both sides as to the bona fide contents of the planes. 44. At the same time, there may be a spark of hope for the future. My Government views the resolution adopted by the summit conference of the Organization of African Unity as such a spark, at least. We can but welcome a development that creates the possibility of conversations between the parties in the conflict.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“A full year has elapsed since I expressed in this hall [1681st meeting], on behalf of the Netherlands Government and people, our deep concern about developments in the eastern region of Nigeria. The armed conflict in that area has continued without abatement, inflicting untold suffering and sorrow on the civilian population. Hundreds of thousands of women and children are faced with imminent starvation and death. 43. The cause for our anxiety, I regret to say, has not been removed. It is true, of course, that the almost desperate food situation has been slightly relieved. But, while the fighting continues, the need for humanitarian assistance for the stricken population seems to be as urgent as before. For several months now the flow of foodstuffs and medical supplies has stagnated.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Is it surprising, therefore, that people all over the world — in my country no less than elsewhere — are becoming somewhat disillusioned and are wondering whether the United Nations has proved worthy of their trust and hope? 41. These doubts are voiced especially where questions of war and peace are involved. There are indeed important questions which appear with unfailing regularity on the Assembly’s agenda without much prospect of solution, Among these are issues affecting the life and death of millions, threatening even the survival of the human race, to which no other answer seems to be forthcoming than prolonged and inconclusive debate. Finally, there are burning questions which do not even appear on the Assembly’s agenda. 42.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The road on which the United Nations embarked now almost twenty-five years ago, has been long and arduous. The vistas of a better and more peaceful world, which appeared to be within reaching distance when the Charter was signed, turned out to be more remote than we had hoped and expected. How far away we still are from an attainment of the high objectives enunciated in the Charter has been shown by the feelings of preoccupation and at times grave concern expressed by many colleagues who spoke before me. 40. We have to recognize that in many cases the endeavours of the United Nations have failed to be successful, in particular where the maintenance of peace and security is at stake.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“37. I should like to convey to the President, on behalf of the Netherlands delegation and on my own behalf, our warm congratulations on her election to the Presidency. I am convinced that her wisdom, perseverance and long experience in United Nations affairs will enable her to shoulder, with great distinction, the heavy responsibilities of her high office. 38. I cannot forgo this opportunity of expressing to the delegation of Guatemala our feelings of sympathy and deep sorrow at the demise, earlier this year, of Señor Emilio Arenales. As our previous President, he left the image of great perspicacity in United Nations affairs and of unfailing devotion to the cause of peace. May his example of yesterday provide us with a new impetus for the faithful performance of our tasks of today. 39.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“For that blessing I pray in order to strengthen your efforts and those of all members of the twenty-third session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Should it be possible to bring about a discussion in and subsequent common action by this Assembly directed towards co-ordinated efforts in the humanitarian field, the Netherlands Government would wholeheartedly promote such a development. 68. I know I am speaking on behalf of the people of the Netherlands when I make a further appeal to the parties in the conflict to cease their armed confrontation and to establish the necessary guarantees for the preservation and well-being of the thousands of civilians in the war-stricken part of the country. 69. Mr. President, in times of trouble and tribulations we must use our powers to the utmost. But even this will not be sufficient if we cannot count on the blessings of the Lord Almighty.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The Netherlands Government strongly endorses this appeal. In this context I should like to express here the feelings of appreciation of my Government for the unrelenting efforts of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie and the other five members of the Consultative Council towards reaching a basis of understanding for future peaceful developments. 67. My Government has likewise noted the participation of the Secretary-General in co-ordinating the humanitarian assistance through his personal representative in Nigeria. We feel that a report of Mr. Gussing on his activities in Nigeria might constitute a valuable basis for dispersing the apprehension of people all over the world.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Since the sufferings of the civilian population in Nigeria continue and since circumstances do not allow thousands of civilians to receive much-needed relief, numerous voices are heard in my country appealing for speedy and effective assistance to the suffering victims. As a result of these appeals the Netherlands Government has explored all means of achieving this goal. My Government hopes that the Organization of African Unity, acting as the appropriate organization, will bring about an end to the armed conflict. With regard to the resolution adopted at the Conference of Heads of State held recently in Algiers, we were particularly impressed by the appeal to all interested parties to co-operate with a view to ensuring the rapid dispatch of humanitarian aid to all those who are in need of it.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The fratricidal strife raging in the eastern region of one of Africa’s largest countries has brought sorrow, death, despair and untold suffering to its civilian population. The tragedy of this conflict is all the more deeply felt by my Government, since we entertain warm feelings towards the inhabitants of that unfortunate country. 65. Within a few days after a televised appeal for assistance, approximately $4 million was contributed by private individuals in the Netherlands. It was a tangible expression of the compassion felt in the Netherlands for the suffering civilian population. Our relief actions have been co-ordinated with actions of other countries and with the International Red Cross, to which an aeroplane was made available by the Netherlands Red Cross. 66.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Although the subject is not an item on our agenda, the war in Viet-Nam is ever present in our minds. So far the negotiations in Paris have hardly progressed. More than ever a speedy and honourable end to this cruel conflict is imperative. We greatly fear that the continuation of hostilities will fatally imperil the very existence of the peoples of North and South Viet-Nam. We regret, therefore, that it has not proved possible for the United Nations to play a constructive role in furthering a solution to this frightful conflict. 64. I cannot leave this rostrum without conveying to the Assembly the feelings of deep and anxious concern awakened in all sectors of the Dutch people by the unhappy events in Nigeria.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“I welcome the initiative of the International Court of Justice in publishing for the first time an annual report [A/7217] and I hope this will receive the attention it deserves. 62. Many other subjects of interest are mentioned by the Secretary-General in the introduction to his annual report. One of those is the activity of the United Nations “to advise, assist and participate in arrangements which are the responsibility of Indonesia for the act of free choice” [A/7201/Add.1, para. 4] for the people of West Irian. The Netherlands Government continues to be interested greatly in the implementation of the agreements of 1962 concluded with the Government of Indonesia and looks forward to the report announced by the Secretary-General at the conclusion of his representative’s mission to West Irian. 63.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We continue to consider the United Nations as the appropriate Organization for the study and further elaboration of all principles involved in the peaceful use of these vast subaquatic regions. The study and elaboration of an international régime which would take due account of the economic interests of the developing countries would seem desirable. In the course of the debates on the report of the Ad Hoc Committee, consideration might be given to the advisability of constituting a more permanent committee which would receive a new and more comprehensive mandate. 61. The continued codification of international law is another subject of special interest to my Government. This activity contributes greatly to the furthering of an orderly society in an orderly world.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is understandable that, because of the time devoted to the debate during the last Assembly, that debate did not immediately lead to more definite action; the complexity and diversity of the problems involved needed first of all to be sorted out and itemized. Much useful work has been done by the Ad Hoc Committee to Study the Peaceful Uses of the Sea-bed and the Ocean Floor beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction, and I should like to pay a tribute to those delegations which during the course of the year made such valuable contributions to the study of this problem. My delegation will take an active part in the coming debates in the First Committee and at this moment I will confine myself to restating the basic principles which guide the Netherlands Government with regard to future uses of the ocean floor.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In the past my delegation has always devoted much time and interest to the question of peace-keeping operations. The elaborate preparations which the Netherlands Government has made and continues to make for maintaining a stand-by force have been duly communicated to the Committee of Thirty-Three, of which we are a member. We hope that in the future work of that Committee some further barriers which so far have prevented significant progress may be removed. 60. One other question on our agenda upon which I should comment briefly is the important item which was discussed for the first time during the twenty-second session of the Assembly at the initiative of the delegation of Malta — the item concerning the peaceful uses of the ocean floor.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In the course of this year, at the invitation of the respective Governments of those countries, I paid a visit to the United Arab Republic and to Israel. Both in Cairo and in Jerusalem I gained the impression that a compromise acceptable to all parties seemed to lie within the realm of possibility. Different elements of such a compromise solution were discernible. However, the deeply rooted mistrust between the principal parties has so far made it impossible for Mr. Jarring to achieve real progress. Nevertheless, the mission entrusted to him remains, in our opinion, by far the best way of achieving a settlement. 58. If I do not touch on all subjects which interest the Netherlands, this is certainly not for lack of interest, but solely because in the general debate we all have to make a careful choice. 59.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Like other Governments, the Netherlands Government is seriously concerned about the unfavourable developments following the adoption by the Security Council on 22 November last year of a resolution [242 (1967)] which lays the basis for a durable settlement. The gradual hardening of positions, the increase in violations of the cease-fire and the ensuing retaliations — all these symptoms point to a spiral movement towards a new explosion. 56. The efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Jarring, are being followed in the Netherlands with keen interest and with admiration for the patient and assiduous manner in which he is endeavouring to bring about the implementation of the relevant resolution. We very much hope that his efforts will soon produce concrete results and ultimate success. 57.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It would seem, therefore, that useful and fruitful future discussions should be held with the full participation of both nuclear and non-nuclear States. For such discussions the General Assembly is eminently suited. 54. In Europe the artificial division of Germany remains, in the opinion of the Netherlands Government, the major obstacle to real peace. It is, therefore, highly regrettable that the Soviet Union has chosen to misrepresent completely the sincere search undertaken by the Federal Government of Germany for a rapprochement vis-à-vis Eastern Europe. 55. The crisis in the Middle East continues dangerously to influence the situation in the region and world peace.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The penetrating deliberations among non-nuclear countries on the problems of their security were, in the light of their apprehensions, understandable and justified. The delegation of the Netherlands took an active part in those discussions. 53. In our debates during last year’s session of the General Assembly it became clear that the problems related to this vital question are manifold and complicated. Simple solutions do not exist. Although the frank exchange of opinions during the Conference has undoubtedly furthered common understanding of many problems, it has become clear that the effectiveness of discussions on matters relating to non-proliferation is lessened when nuclear countries do not participate on an equal footing.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We naturally expect the nuclear as well as the non-nuclear signatories to take the necessary measures to allow this treaty to enter into force as soon as possible. 51. The Geneva Conference of Non-Nuclear States has only recently terminated its extensive deliberations on problems directly linked with the implementation of the non-proliferation treaty. One of the problems which deservedly received great attention there is that of the future application of nuclear energy to peaceful purposes. It seems logical that the International Atomic Energy Agency, which already is actively engaged in many fields of atomic energy and capable of rendering important services, should play a central role in all future activities in this field. It was gratifying that many delegations in Geneva voiced that same opinion. 52.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In spite of the great shock to our confidence brought about by the occupation of Czechoslovakia, the détente remains a fundamental goal of the Netherlands Government’s foreign policy. The present setback will not deter my Government from pursuing this course, which it considers a precondition for the definite solution of the great issues which keep Europe and the world divided. 50. Let me now state that the recent events in Europe have not detracted from the great importance which the Netherlands Government attaches to the non-proliferation treaty. The Netherlands lost no time in signing this treaty after its adoption by the General Assembly. We earnestly hope that those countries which so far have not affixed their signatures to the treaty will do so at an early date.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“I do not wish to linger on the pretexts used by the Soviet invaders that the military intervention had been requested by the Czechoslovakia party and Government leaders. 48. At this moment it is not yet possible to evaluate fully the general implications of the Soviet actions. Much will depend on the Soviet Government’s reactions to difficult situations which its own actions have brought about. The existing tensions remain as long as the Soviet army occupies Czechoslovakia. Withdrawal of those forces is a first essential step. 49. Whatever future action it decides to take, the action of the Soviet Government and its Warsaw Pact allies has dealt a severe blow to the policy of détente.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The events in Czechoslovakia came as a great shock to the people of the Netherlands. Our growing confidence that the Soviet Union had abandoned the methods of the cold war proved to be false, and our hopes have been shattered. Once again the Soviet leaders have not shied away from clamping an armed fist on Eastern Europe by means of their military might. 46. The motivation advanced by the Soviet authorities in order to justify their act of aggression against Czechoslovakia is belied by the actual situation. Allegations of an evolution towards a counter-revolution are completely unfounded. The only development in Czechoslovakia was a carefully measured beginning of personal freedom, while the solidarity with the Eastern European politico-military and economic alliances was being maintained. 47.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The military invasion of Czechoslovakia, perpetrated in complete defiance of elementary rules of international law, makes a cruel irony of the Soviet initiative pressing for reaffirmation of the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention in a resolution which was finally unanimously adopted by the General Assembly. In his speech from this very rostrum on 24 September 1965, only three years ago, the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union proposed that item as an urgent and important matter. On 21 December of the same year, the twentieth session of the General Assembly, as an outcome of Soviet insistence, adopted a resolution [2131 (XX)] containing the Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of Their Independence and Sovereignty. 45.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The situation in that country once again focuses our attention on military intervention by the Soviet Union, assisted this time by four of its allies, in an Eastern European country. 44. In the course of the past years we were hopeful that peaceful coexistence in Europe would gradually become a reality and thus form a valid basis for a just settlement in Europe and elsewhere. That hope for a relaxation of tension seemed well founded, since the Soviet Union and other communist countries did not cease to proclaim the necessity for consistent implementation, in relations between States, of the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and of recognition of independence and sovereignty.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The discrepancy between ideal and reality was forcibly underlined by Secretary-General U Thant when he said at Teheran: “The pattern of history before the establishment of the United Nations and, unfortunately, also since the establishment of our Organization has shown the extent to which preoccupation for the life and the well-being of the individual give way to the requirements of military imperatives. Violence breeds violence. Fear breeds fear. Restraints of those who possess force disappear in situations where the use of force is openly encouraged." 43. The Secretary-General was proved to be tragically right by the events in Czechoslovakia a few months later.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Not without some concern have I noted that this Conference did not succeed in promoting a better international implementation of human rights. The Proclamation of Teheran and the resolutions adopted there make but slight reference to this urgent question. Undeniably, the Proclamation of Teheran is an important document, since it underlines the relevance of human rights in relation to a number of burning political, economic and social problems of our world. But it also clearly shows how far the ideal proclaimed in 1948 still is from the reality of 1968. Our agenda contains a number of situations which hitherto have not been dealt with effectively. I am thinking in particular of situations in some parts of Africa. 42.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Since the General Assembly designated the present year as International Year for Human Rights, it seems appropriate to reaffirm that the United Nations has achieved some important results in the establishment of these common standards. I must add. however, that the necessary complement to this achievement is still missing. Little has been done to ensure the implementation of these fundamental rights and standards. For this reason the Netherlands Government favours the appointment of a High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is to be hoped that such an important authority will make significant contributions to a better implementation of human rights. 41. Our expectations with relation to the outcome of the International Conference on Human Rights, held at Teheran from 22 April to 13 May 1968, have not materialized.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In this respect let me voice the confident hope that the largest contributing country in terms of money, the United States, will increase, or at least not lower, its contribution. I trust that rumours to the contrary are without foundation. 39. This twenty-third session of the General Assembly will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration was proclaimed to be “a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations". During its regular session two years ago the General Assembly laid the legal foundation for this common standard of achievement by adopting the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 40.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“One of the few areas where prospects of improved action by the United Nations family are somewhat brighter is the field of assistance by industrialized countries to those countries where economic growth has lagged behind. The Netherlands Minister in charge of Development Aid will shortly address members of this Assembly and set forth the present Netherlands policies on this issue. Therefore, I confine myself at this moment to the announcement that the Government of the Netherlands will increase its contribution to the United Nations Development Programme, including UNIDO projects, from $7.4 million to $8.6 million. This is an increase of nearly 17 per cent. This increase has been decided on by the Netherlands Government in the expectation that other countries too will increase their contributions.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“These common efforts should not be confined to the search for diplomatic or political solutions, but should also encompass situations where ordinary human beings are being crushed by the bulldozer of destiny. Unfortunately, there are in the present-day world too many examples of large groups of peoples who are victims of conflicting interests which, for one reason or another, have not been dealt with by the United Nations. 37. I restate the willingness of my country to undertake initiatives, together with other countries, irrespective of their ideologies and regardless of the group to which they belong within this Organization, in order to improve the possibilities of effective action of our Organization in such situations. 38.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The scope and possibilities of our Organization are restricted by this political reality. It is also a fact that an international community cannot reasonably function if such power is accepted as its sole basis. The United Nations might be roused into action if a group of middle Powers were to take common initiatives. An attempt to circumvent stagnation could be made by a group of such middle Powers willing to originate and stand by initiatives, even if such action could not always muster a majority. My country, for one, is ready to join other like-minded nations in efforts to revitalize and to strengthen the role of the United Nations. 36.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The situation in many parts of the world is such that gloom has replaced measured hope. In these circumstances the people of my country turn to the United Nations, expecting this Organization to act, to intervene or to remedy the many situations of disharmony and stress. Parliament in the Netherlands turns to me, expecting me to urge this Assembly to act, to be inventive and to show imagination. While transmitting to you the anxieties of the Dutch nation and the urgings of its Parliament, they and I are only too conscious of the restrictions preventing the General Assembly from reaching effective decisions and well aware of the strict limits imposed upon the Secretary-General’s possibilities for action. 35. Enormous concentration of naked power in the hands of a few States is a fact.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The years that you have spent first with UNESCO and later at Headquarters here in New York, actively participating in many fields of United Nations work, have provided you with that added and very distinctive ability one needs in order to find one’s way through the maze of Assembly lore and usage. 33. Confident of your capacity to bring the twenty-third session of the General Assembly to a fruitful conclusion, I extend to you the congratulations and good wishes of my delegation. You will, I feel sure, be a most worthy successor to Mr. Manescu. 34. This year I have come to New York with feelings of anxiety. No speaker can mount this rostrum in order to address the General Assembly without being aware of the fact that but few of his statements can be of a bright or hopeful nature.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“30. Mr. President, to pay respects once again to a distinguished statesman from Latin America, after his election to the Presidency of the General Assembly, is indeed a reason for pleasure and satisfaction. Well do we remember those eminent representatives of the Latin American continent who in the same high office have rendered such signal services to our Organization. 31. My delegation is happy to welcome for the first time to the rostrum a representative from a country in Central America whose civilization can be traced to an era well beyond the first stirrings of culture in many other parts of the world. 32. This heritage of early civilization, coupled with your long experience in the politics of modern times, contains all the elements to ensure a wise and dedicated leadership of our deliberations.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In its budget proposals for 1968, submitted to Parliament about a week ago, my Government announced a substantial increase in foreign aid as well as a greatly activated development policy. My colleague in the Netherlands Government in charge of development aid will speak more extensively on this important subject later during this Assembly. 95. Mr. President and fellow representatives, may God grant us during this Assembly the wisdom to accomplish some good for humanity.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“If we fail to halt the spread of nuclear weapons to a growing number of countries, there will be little cause to hope for an early progress in arms control and disarmament. We therefore regard a non-proliferation treaty as an essential step towards a stable and secure world. As for the nuclear Powers, they should likewise exercise self-restraint and they should limit their own vertical proliferation. 94. It would be improper to discuss the question of security without mentioning the problem of stagnation in world prosperity. In a world where poverty is rampant security treaties are not enough, because poverty is just as explosive as the atom bomb. Co-operation between developed and developing countries is a problem that strongly appeals to all sectors of Dutch society.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“My delegation earnestly hopes that the Soviet Union and the United States will be able to submit the full text of such a draft treaty before this session of the Assembly Is over and that it will cover the question of safeguards. My Government would greatly value a treaty based on effective inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency and believes such a treaty could be implemented without being contrary to the provisions of the Euratom Treaty. On our part we will do everything to promote such fundamental agreement with respect to the as yet unwritten article on inspection. 93. We do Indeed attach very great importance to such a treaty, though we naturally realize that it would not be a panacea and that may other measures will remain necessary if we are to stop the nuclear arms race.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)