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1952-09-24

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1970-09-24

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18

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un-general-debate

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1. “For that reason too, a climate of mutual trust must be encouraged here. 121. In conflicts of smaller dimensions, of course, the United Nations can intervene. In the Congo, in the Middle East and in Asia, several operations have been undertaken during the past few years. None of these has escaped criticism and none of them has given full satisfaction to all parties concerned, but on the whole I would say that they have proved the United Nations ability to extend the area of peace in the world by mobilizing world opinion and taking action for the prevention of potential conflicts and the mediation of existing ones. 122. For my country, acceptance of the agreement with Indonesia concerning West New Guinea was not an easy matter.”

   1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)

2. “How different our world would look if the threatening gloom of world conflict should disappear. 119. The test-ban agreement, now signed by so many countries —my own among them— is a first step in the right direction; many more will have to be taken. It takes a long time for mutual trust to be restored. My Government fully intends to support every effort that can strengthen peace and freedom in the world and promote the development of constructive forces. 120. Although our Organization by itself will not be able, at this or at any other session of the General Assembly, to solve the great conflict that holds our world divided, it can, by working steadfastly and progressively step by step, reduce its intensity. It is for that reason that disarmament and the problems of nuclear power must continue to play a prominent part in our discussions.”

   1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)

3. “The settlement of the basic conflicts that decide the fate of the world is a task for which the United Nations is not equipped. When the authors of our Charter granted to five great Powers the right of veto in the Security Council they thereby ruled out any attempt at such an ambitious undertaking. That is why, for more than a decade and a half, we have been doomed to carry the burden of the East-West conflict without being able to shift if from our shoulders. 118. This time, as so many speakers before me have pointed out, our hope for improvement would seem to be better founded than it has been in the past. In the political sky we see some faint rays that may herald a new dawn; the course of this session will show whether we can expect the sunrise.”

   1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)

4. “Mr. President, this eighteenth session of the General Assembly being under your distinguished presidency, I feel particularly privileged and happy to extend to you the warmest congratulations of my country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, two of whose three partners are, as you know, close neighbours of Venezuela, your country. Above the more conventional links of friendship and trade which exist between us, we value the deeper bonds which —even before Brion and Piar from our country took part in the glorious liberation of Venezuela— had existed in so many ways and which, we sincerely hope, will continue for many years to come. 116. It is for these reasons, as well as because of my great esteem for you, Mr. President, that I feel particularly happy and proud to see this session placed under your able guidance. 117.”

   1963-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 18 (1963)

5. “I feel justified in asserting that they are, on the one hand, unprecedented and, on the other hand, based exclusively on the interests of the people of Netherlands New Guinea and on the principles set forth in the Charter. 28. I end with the prayer that the Almighty may grant His blessing to the work of this Assembly under the able guidance of the President.”

   1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

6. “(b) On the basis of the findings on the spot: first, to suggest, if desirable and feasible, intermediate and final target dates for self-determination and the transfer of powers to the people; second, to investigate the possibility of bringing the development of the territory during the interim period under the administration of an international development authority. 2&vn The commission should report, together with its recommendations, to the General Assembly at its seventeenth session. 26. In due time, my delegation will take the appropriate initiative for enabling the General Assembly to decide on these proposals which I have now outlined. 27. These are the considerations and proposals which the Netherlands Government has deemed it right to announce to the Members of this Assembly.”

   1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

7. “The Assembly might also wish to acquaint itself with the present conditions in the Territory and the wishes of the population, and to have a complete and impartial report the eon. 24. Therefore, the Netherlands Government suggests that a United Nations commission be set up which could perform the following tasks on behalf of the General Assembly: (a) To proceed to Netherlands New Guinea and to investigate: first, the political, economic, social and educational conditions in the territory; second, the opinion amongst the population as to its present situation and its future; third, the possibilities for organizing an early plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations in order to register the wishes of the inhabitants of the territory.”

   1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

8. “The Netherlands Government is prepared to request its civil servants of Netherlands nationality at present serving in Netherlands New Guinea and numbering approximately 2,800 to remain in office so long as necessary as international civil servants. a 22. When deciding upon the establishment of an international development authority, the General Assembly could decide simultaneously that, after consultation of the population, intermediate and final target dates be set for self-determination by, and the further transfer of powers to, the people of Netherlands New Guinea. 23. Since these proposals embody an entirely new concept in the history of decolonisation, the General Assembly might wish to study them more closely before taking a final decision on them.”

   1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

9. “Fourth, the Netherlands is prepared to continue? its financial contribution to the development of the Territory, on the basis of the present annual level of about $30 million, and until such time as may be decided upon in the future. 19. The third proposal which I mentioned constitutes a form of international administration by a development authority under the supervision of the United Nations. This new form of administration could, if required, be established by an agreement to be concluded between the United Nations and the Netherlands. 20. Responsibility for economic, social and educational development should at once be entrusted to the authority with executive powers. International experts could be recruited in accordance with the rules applicable to the United Nations technical assistance personnel. 21.”

   1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

10. “First, the Netherlands is prepared to bring the administration and the development of the Territory under the active supervision of the United Nations and is prepared to accept a decision of the General Assembly which clearly guarantees the right of self-determination of this population. 1G. Second, to this end the Netherlands is prepared to relinquish sovereignty to the people of Netherlands New Guinea. 17. Third, in this connexion we Netherlands is prepared to transfer its present powers, to the extent required by the above purpose, to an organization or international authority established by and operated under the United Nations, which would be vested with executive powers and which could gradually take over tasks and responsibilities and thus prepare the population for early self-determination under stable conditions. 18.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

11. “(e) In its resolution 1514 (XV), the General Assembly declared that the Administering Authorities should take immediate steps to transfer all powers to the peoples of those territories administered by them, at the earliest possible date. In conformity with this expressed desire, the Netherlands now requests that the General Assembly assist in attaining that aim. 14. The following are the concrete proposals, based on the aforementioned considerations, which, if approved and adopted by the General Assembly, would implement in a practical way resolution 1514 (XV) and lead to speedy development of the Territory and to early termination of the present Netherlands administration while, at the same time, providing a bona fide guarantee of the right of self-determination. 15.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

12. “(b) In conformity with resolution 1514 (XV), the Netherlands is prepared to terminate its sovereignty over Netherlands New Guinea at the earliest possible date; that is, as soon as the right of self-determination of the people is properly safeguarded. (c) The Netherlands Government, however, is aware that the Territory will still for some time to come require foreign technical assistance and guidance. (d) The Netherlands therefore is looking for ways by which resolution 1514 (XV) can be implemented as soon as possible with respect to Netherlands New Guinea and by which, at the same time, the population may receive the necessary guarantees of assistance and guidance required for integral development towards self-determination.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

13. “It fully intended — and intends — to apply the principles mentioned in that Declaration. To that end, I now have the honour of placing before the Assembly, first of all, five considerations which have led my Government to make to the General Assembly of the United Nations a concrete proposal concerning Netherlands New Guinea, and after that, the concrete proposal itself. These considerations are the following: (a) The sole purpose of the Netherlands in its policy in respect of Netherlands New Guinea is the granting of complete self-determination to the people in accordance with the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

14. “On 4 October 1960, 1 declared in this hall during the fifteenth session [886th meeting] that the Netherlands was prepared to subject its policy and its actions „ aimed at the speediest possible attainment of self-1 determination by the Papuan people, to the continuous scrutiny and judgement of the United Nations. 12. Two months and ten days later the Netherlands delegation voted in favour of the Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples [resolution 1514 (XV)], which resolution declares inter alia that all peoples have the right to self-determination and that immediate steps shall be taken in all territories which have not yet attained independence, to transfer all powers to the peoples of those territories. 13. In casting this vote my Government was not making a cheap meaningless gesture.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

15. “The reports of the last few years, which have been discussed in the Fourth Committee of the Assembly as well as in the Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories, give a clear picture of the important steps the Netherlands has taken to accelerate the development of the population of Netherlands New Guinea towards self-government through such measures as the establishment of a New Guinea Council as well as of local councils, and the training of indigenous cadres in order to speed up the Papuanization of the administration. 11.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

16. “As is well known, the Netherlands at present administers the western part of the island of New Guinea as a Non-Self-Governing Territory under the terms of Chapter XI of the Charter of the United Nations. The efforts that the Netherlands Government is making to speed up the process of development in this Territory in order to enable its population to decide at the Earliest possible moment on its own destiny are equally familiar to the Members of the Assembly — or, at any rate, to the members of the Fourth Committee — as my country, in accordance with the rules laid down in Article 73 e of the Charter, has not only faithfully \ A/PV.1016 89 transmitted extensive reports on the economic, social and educational conditions in the Territory, but has moreover voluntarily reported on the political conditions in the Territory as well. 10.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

17. “It is with these considerations in mind that the Netherlands Government has decided to place before the Assembly a plan which we have conceived for the welfare and peaceful development of an area under our sovereignty: Netherlands New Guinea. 8. I need hardly mention that Indonesia maintains a territorial claim to that territory, which would nullify the population's right to self-determination. On 19 September 1961, H.M. the Queen declared, in her statement from the throne: "Discussions with Indonesia on the future of Netherlands New Guinea have, unfortunately, proved to be impossible, since the conditions put forward by Indonesia for such discussions are at variance with the principle of self-determination." 9.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

18. “At a moment when three years of patient negotiation on the banning of nuclear tests seemed about to bear fruit, the Soviet Union brusquely resumed the thunder and the pollution of the atmosphere which we had all hoped to avoid. This is a negation of the concept of peaceful co-operation and has created another obstacle to the achievement of disarmament, of which our world stands in such dire need. 6. The shadow that these dangerous developments cast over the Assembly renders it more than ever necessary that each country should make its contribution, large or small, to an improvement in the world situation, and that it should do so in the spirit indicated by the late Secretary-General. 7.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

19. “It is our profound conviction that the way of life which the people of West Berlin have freely chosen must be respected and not obliterated by the system that surrounds them, which is unacceptable to them. In East Berlin the right of self-determination has lately been contemptuously denied to the inhabitants of that part of the city. It is now the future of the 2.5 million inhabitants of West Berlin which is at stake. The right of self-determination which is involved engages the very principles of our Organization. Any solution — and my Government sincerely hopes that a solution will be found — must safeguard that right. I shall refrain at this moment from expounding other aspects of the German problem, as my Government sees them. 5.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

20. “This introduction is not only a masterly expose of opposing doctrines: it is more than that. It is a lucid and convincing rallying call to all those who have the welfare of mankind and of the Organization at heart to Work for a dynamic United Nations with executive and operational powers and a strong and dedicated, truly international Secretariat under one head. My Government has heard the call and will heed it, as will become apparent from the stand we shall take on various questions that will come up for discuss* -n during this session. 4. Among the most ominous of the problems now endangering world peace are the plans for West Berlin " announced in such menacing terms by spokesmen for the Soviet Union and the fact that that country has set off a series of nuclear explosions in the atmosphere.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

21. “It so happens that in the introduction [A/4800/ Add.l] to his last annual report on the work of the Organization, the late Secretary-General left us a document which is now his political testament and in which, in his clear and concise way, he traced the outline of a possible future development of the United Nations. Rejecting the theory of those who conceive of the Organization as a static conference machine for resolving conflicts, he argued with force and vision for the opposite concept: that of the Organization as a dynamic instrument of Governments through which they should, jointly and for the same purpose, not only seek reconciliation but also try to develop forms of executive action undertaken on behalf of all Members and aimed at forestalling conflicts. 3.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

22. “Never during the many-years that I have been attending sessions of the General Assembly have I done so with such a heavy heart. Not only are the threats to peace more serious than ever before in the history of this Organization, but in this tense and bewildering situation we have to do without the guidance of the man who was the embodiment of all that is best in the United Nations and what it stands for. Dag Hammarskjold was a great Secretary-General, and his tragic death is felt as a personal loss by all his friends, as a bereavement by the Organization for which he gave his life and as a calamity by the world. 2.”

    1961-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 16 (1961)

23. “We shall try to give it of our best, in order that out of the efforts of all, with the indispensable blessing of the Almighty, good may result.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

24. “Our intentions are clear, unequivocal and open to verification. We have no secrets, and we invoke no immunity on account of domestic jurisdiction. To my fellow members of the General Assembly, I declare publicly from this rostrum, that the Netherlands is prepared to subject its policy and its actions, aimed at the speediest possible attainment of self-determination by the Papuan people, to the continuous scrutiny and judgement of the United Nations. I make this declaration as another proof of the sincerity of our will to guarantee fully, honestly and completely the Papuan population’s right to self-determination, 237. In spite of the difficult moments experienced by the Assembly in the recent past, my Government maintains its faith and its confidence in the Organization, which embodies, indeed, all our most fervent hopes for the future.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

25. “The process of development towards self-determination has been accelerated, as can be seen from the details set out in our latest yearly report. Already the population has full freedom of political organization. A governing council in which the population is represented through election is being formed. Papuan Government officials are undergoing intensive training. Each year the Netherlands submits to the United Nations a detailed report on all the aspects of its administration. In these reports it does more than comply with its obligations under Article 73 e of the Charter; voluntarily it reports not only on economic, social and educational conditions, but also on the political development of the Territory. 236. During this debate suspicions have been voiced concerning the intentions of administering Powers.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

26. “It is to say that it should decide for itself whether it wishes to be an independent country, or to join up with the eastern part of the island, or to become part of Indonesia, or to opt for any other form of political existence. 234. I repeat: Netherlands policy in Netherlands New Guinea is solely and exclusively aimed at creating as soon as is humanly possible, the conditions under which the right of self-determination can be exercised — a right sanctioned by the Charter of the United Nations and praised in several speeches in this general debate as the sacrosanct and inalienable property of every people; a right, moreover, to which many countries here represented, including Indonesia, owe their independent existence, 235.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

27. “Finally, I have some important things to say concerning a Territory pertaining to the Australian continent. The Territory I am referring to is Netherlands New Guinea, the western half of the island of New Guinea, on the continental shelf of Australia, in the Pacific Ocean, which island is inhabited by approximately 2 million Papuans. The eastern part of the island is administered by Australia. 233. Netherlands New Guinea is the only Territory administered by the Netherlands to which the terms of Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations apply. Our administration has no other aim than to prepare the population of the Territory, within the shortest possible time, for the exercise of its right of self-determination. That is to say that the population should freely determine what its own future is to be.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

28. “The second is that the only thing that matters now is that the United Nations undertaking to which I referred should be continued and carried through for the benefit of the Congolese people. 231. I am gratified to be able to state that, in thus speaking, we intend to bear our share of the burden. I am able to announce that the Netherlands Government will make an appropriate contribution to the United Nations Fund for the Congo. The Secretary-General has stressed the immediate need for a sum of 100 million dollars. On the assumption that other Governments will act likewise, my Government is willing to contribute to that fund approximately one million dollars, a share corresponding to our percentage assessment in the regular budget of the United Nations. 232.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

29. “I extend a most cordial welcome to them and I assure them that we are earnestly concerned in endeavouring to help them with their problems, and that we will do so primarily through the United Nations. 230. One of the gravest of these problems at the moment is that of the Congo (Leopoldville). In mentioning this problem, and in paying tribute to the great United Nations undertaking that is there moulding and shaping the future of a country, I wish to state two things for the record. The first thing is that it is an undeniable fact that it was Belgium that took the initiative to grant independence to the Congo. For this initiative it deserves praise and gratitude.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

30. “It is to be hoped that all countries will contribute their proportionate share, so that the target of $100 million will be reached. 229. It may be that we are still "offering too little"; it is more than likely that we are "asking too much". What we are asking — from the United Nations and from the Assembly — is that our joint efforts to collect even more money for the speedier economic development of all the territories in the world in need of assistance produce greater results in a shorter time. That is the new sense that we give to Canning’s quip, and in that; sense we are proud of it. I consider myself fortunate to be able to say this today in the presence of so many new Members of the United Nations from the African continent.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

31. “Contributing that amount made us the second largest contributor to the Special Fund in 1959, and the third largest in 1960. Our contribution to the Expanded Programme for 1961 will be increased by 7 per cent. Our contribution to these programmes has been, and is, considerably in excess of our share, calculated on the basis of the assessment percentage in the regular budget. I am glad to note that not only several highly developed countries, such as Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, are contributing to those programmes more than their proportionate share, but also — and this is especially noteworthy — a number of the receiving countries, of which I may mention as examples: Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Liberia, Sudan, the United Arab Republic and Turkey.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

32. “Last week the President of Indonesia reminded us of the words of George Canning, who, in the early nineteenth century mentioned as the fault of the Dutch that of "offering too little and asking too much". I am grateful to the distinguished President for having provided me with this theme, and I should like to present some variations on it that did not occur to him. Indeed, the Dutch are "offering too little" in comparison with the immensity of the existing needs. All of us are offering too little. Nevertheless, in contributing to the United Nations activities, the Netherlands has made a great effort — an effort greater, both absolutely and in terms of percentages, than that made by many other Member States. For the Special Fund we intend to pledge again for 1961, subject, of course, to parliamentary approval, the sum of $2.4 million. 228.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

33. “In 1957 the General Assembly laid down a provisional financial target, for the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the Special Fund together of $100 million. Very soon, at the 1960 United Nations Pledging Conference on the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the Special Fund to be held in this hall, that target may be reached, I believe that it would not be farfetched, nor financially unsound, if the General Assembly were to consider at this session an increase of this target to $125 million. It has been made abundantly clear by both Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Owen, Executive Chairman of the Technical Assistance Board that, within the present limited scope of the Special Fund and the Expanded Programme, even such an amount would not be quite adequate for the carrying out of the most urgent programmes and projects. 227.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

34. “Fortunately, the United Nations has an impressive array of institutions capable of dealing with the teeming programmes for international assistance. In Washington the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the International Finance Corporation, and, shortly, the new International Development Association — whose Articles of Agreement my Government has already signed — are increasingly active. From this building, the United Nations Special Fund and the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance are administered, in close and indispensable co-operation with the specialized agencies. The gradual expansion of these programmes has been a basic tenet of the United Nations. This growth is now more than ever demonstrably urgent.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

35. “Concepts which not so long ago were held imprudent or impossible are becoming commonplace to private citizens, governments and academic institutions. As has so often been emphasized by Mr. Paul Hoffman, Managing- Director of the United Nations Special Fund, international economic assistance is not an act of charity; it is a necessity for all nations, rich and poor alike. 225. I wish to pay tribute to the proposal presented by President Eisenhower, in his address to the Assembly [868th meeting] for a special educational assistance programme for Africa. Without wishing to prejudice the discussion in the appropriate committee of the Assembly, I should like to suggest that existing machinery, such as the Special Fund, already active in the field of education, might be the best to administer this additional activity. 226.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

36. “A rapid glance at the problems raised by the Secretary-General in his thoughtful statement to the ministerial level session of the Economic and Social Council last summer shows the depth and width of United Nations involvement in economic and social issues. Balanced economic and social growth, the role of economic projections, the consultation and policy role of the Economic and Social Council, the promotion of international trade and the solving of commodity problems, the flow of private capital, the role of international economic assistance, these are only some of the problems now within the purview of the United Nations family. In particular, the schemes of international economic assistance have shown a spectacular and still continuing upsurge.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

37. “During those protracted discourses I heard much invective, but few constructive suggestions about the means to create a happier life for the individual members of the community. The Prime Minister of Cuba in his speech [872nd meeting] poured scorn on all foreign investments, but failed to explain how an under-developed country could raise the standard of living of its people without such investments. It is not least on account of the endeavour to raise the standard of living of the needy millions in the less developed countries that we in the Netherlands place our faith in the United Nations. To that faith we have testified again and again in the Economic and Social Council as well as in this Assembly. With the President’s permission, I would like to expand a little on this theme. 224.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

38. “Under the circumstances that unhappily prevail, the most important contribution we can make to peace is to increase our economic assistance to underdeveloped countries and to buttress the work of the United Nations in that domain. 222. I have noticed that some speakers in this debate have taken several hours to tell us that all countries which do not keep a continuous revolution boiling are their enemies. I would say that, under certain special circumstances, a revolution can be a necessary and, indeed, a salutary process. My own country had that experience centuries ago. Under all other circumstances, however, the promotion of quiet economic reconstruction would seem to be an infinitely better course. Each man prefers the safety and well-being of his kin to the rattling of machine guns in the street! 223.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

39. “As we know, for years it has taken the stand that the much needed increase in the membership of the main organs of the United Nations could not be brought about, because no amendment of the Charter would be permissible so long as the representatives of the People’s Republic of China did not occupy the seat of China in the Organization. Now that the Soviet Union has abandoned this stand — for otherwise Mr. Khrushchev could not himself propose an amendment to the Charter — I expect that a large majority of the Assembly will be eager to take advantage of this opportunity to achieve the enlargement of the Economic and Social Council from eighteen to twenty-four members. 221.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

40. “I cannot agree with the proposal made by the representative of the Soviet Union, to the effect that the Charter of the United Nations should be amended so as to abolish the post of Secretary-General and replace it by a body of three persons. The acceptance of such a proposal would lead to paralyzation of the executive arm of the United Nations. 220. This proposal did, however, contain one element which was most welcome to us. By proposing an amendment of the Charter, Mr. Khrushchev indicated that the Soviet Union has definitely abandoned its policy of opposing any Charter amendment.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

41. “Perhaps in the past there have been moments when my Government, as well as some of its friends, would have preferred him to follow a different line from that on which he had decided within the purview of his competence. It would indeed be unthinkable that an official of his calibre and with his responsibilities would not, from time to time, act in a manner not in accordance with the wishes of some Members of our Organization. But the fact that sometimes we may have a judgement different from his on some question does not mean that the Secretary-General is carrying out his duties injudiciously. Bather it is an indication that he takes them seriously and tries to act impartially.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

42. “I have heard the question of the transfer of the United Nations Headquarters raised as if it were a simple matter. Let us beware of such lighthearted suggestions. I, for one, will not deny that, in some respects, the fact that New York is our host city has its drawbacks — drawbacks that weigh more heavily with some delegations than with others. In other cities there would be other drawbacks, in other cities the great benefits we derive from our stay in this unique city might be absent. 219. Speaking of the imposing structure which has evolved under the flag of the United Nations, I cannot but mention with admiration the name of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

43. “We should call to mind the several thousands of international civil servants, at Headquarters and elsewhere, dedicated to the application of the principles of our Charter. We should conjure up the mental image of the thousands of experts working in under-developed countries. 217. The United Nations, through its Economic and Social Council, co-ordinates file work of all the specialized agencies, in the fields of medicine, education, labour, agriculture, and so many others. It provides part of the money for those activities. It is the infrastructure of growing international co-operation, aimed not only at security but more particularly at raising the level of existence in the under-developed countries. To disturb this intricate structure is a hazardous undertaking, because each of its branches is organically connected with the others. 218.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

44. “Although such a statement may seem redundant, I wish to declare once more in the Assembly that my Government adheres to its policy of full support for the United Nations. It would be unnecessary to say this, were it not that this general debate has shown that some Members are less firm in their convictions on this point. 216. Let us remember that, when we use the term "United Nations", we are not only referring to the General Assembly, which meets once a year in regular session. The United Nations is much more than that. When we speak of the United Nations we should think of the thousands of activities pursued by its many organs, sub-organs, committees and commissions all over the world, in a global or regional context.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

45. “That my country, the Netherlands, could possibly harbour any idea of aggressive intentions towards Indonesia is a notion so fantastic that I cannot conceive that any sensible person would give it credence. 214. Before leaving this subject I should like to add that I sincerely hope that the threat of armed aggression implicit in the Indonesian statement is not really intended as such. If that should be the case, the Indonesian delegation can put the minds of all of us at rest by saying so from this rostrum. Having thus made use of my right of reply to some of the remarks made by the President of Indonesia, I will now continue my comments on a few subjects that have been mentioned in this debate. 215.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

46. “I venture to say that such an approach to the settlement of an international dispute constitutes a direct attack both on the principles of the Charter and on the means of settlement of disputes it sanctions and prescribes. It is also contrary to the solemn pledge given by all Members of the United Nations — which I quoted before. 212. I deem it my duty to point this out to the Assembly because, although this is not the first time that a Member State has infringed the stipulations of the Charter, it has, I believe, not often happened that intentions so contrary to the obligations imposed by the Charter have been so openly announced from this rostrum. 213.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

47. “Four times the General Assembly has refused to do so, taking into account that Indonesia’s claim was based on the interpretation of a treaty — a treaty which Indonesia had unilaterally repudiated — and that the Netherlands had offered to abide by the decision on that interpretation by the highest authority competent to establish such decisions; the International Court of Justice. 211. Now the President of Indonesia addresses this Assembly and announces that, having tried in vain using the machinery of the United Nations, Indonesia is now determined "to reach a solution by [its] own methods", and, in referring to these methods, he describes them as "a determined surgical effort".”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

48. “That new element is that now all Members of the United Nations have solemnly undertaken to "settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered", and to "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state". 210. Four times, in the period from 1953 to 1957, Indonesia has endeavoured to persuade the United Nations to recognize its claim.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

49. “Acceptance of this claim would mean that the Papuan people, inhabiting the island of New Guinea, would in the eastern half, under Australian guidance, be enabled to determine its own future, and would, in the western half, be for ever deprived of this right. 209. Territorial claims to other lands have frequently been raised throughout history, and even today there are many territories that are in dispute. But there is one new element in our modern world that distinguishes such present-day disputes from those of old.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)

50. “The only means at our disposal to lessen the peril of an outbreak of war is, of course, international co-operation on a world-wide scale. That means that strengthening of the United Nations is an essential condition for the success of any such efforts. Whoever attempts to weaken the United Nations is working against peace. Whoever acts, or threatens to act, in a manner contrary to the principles of the United Nations undermines its authority and jeopardizes peace. One such threat was uttered on 30 September 1960 in the address by the President of Indonesia. 208. Indonesia sustains a territorial claim to part of the island of New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean. It wishes to annex part of that island to its own territory without allowing the population of the island to exercise its right of self-determination.”

    1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)