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

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

“In particular I should like to stress our concurrence in the cogent arguments he adduced to expose the insidious fallacies some speakers here would have the world believe about Germany and the policies of the Western countries in respect of that country. Representing, as I do, a land which, for five long years, endured nazi occupation, I consider that I have the competence to state that my Government regards the Federal Republic of Germany as a valuable partner in our joint efforts for peaceful co-operation among nations. 206. In the coming weeks the Netherlands delegation will lend strong support to any proposals designed to contribute really and effectively to the promotion of peace, to the banishment of suspicion and fear, and to the abatement of the atomic threat. 207.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“I share the sentiments of the hundreds of millions of people who beg us to free them from the fear of new wars. And I know that these countless millions are not to be found only on one side of this or that frontier. They dwell in tine Soviet Union and they have their being in the United States; they live in the Netherlands and their homes are in all the four corners of the earth. If, in spite of their common desires and appeals, the foundations of peace have not yet been laid, it must be that fear and suspicion still hold the world in too firm a grip. All that needed to be said on this grim but persistent situation was admirably expressed by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in his address to the Assembly last week [877th meeting). With the analysis he then gave my Government is in full accord.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“At this stage of the general debate I shall confine my intervention to the treatment of those questions which either have a special significance for my country or are such that the debate may perhaps profit from a statement of our views on them. 204. Bearing this in mind, I shall, first of all, say a few words on disarmament; next, I shall revert to some points from the address of the President of Indonesia [880th meeting]; after that, I shall touch on the structure of the Organization, and especially its economic and social part; finally, I wish to make a statement on my Government's policy. 205. I do not feel called upon to concern myself, at present, with all the many aspects of the problem of disarmament, I agree with those who say that this problem should be at the central point of our thinking and acting.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“I hope the President will allow me to begin by saying that the Netherlands delegation is particularly happy to have him preside over this session of the General Assembly. I believe it is no exaggeration to say that never before in the whole course of history has any one man ruled over so many Heads of State and powerful political leaders as he is now doing. His calm competence, his sure judgement and his integrity afford us the certainty that he will know how to guide us all along the paths of procedure towards results that, we sincerely hope, will make this session of the Assembly a memorable one. 203.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“It is to be hoped that this will be forthcoming and that it will make some real progress possible. 223. In participating in the work of this General Assembly, the Netherlands delegation will endeavour to do its duty. "The work of today within and for the United Nations is a work through which the basis may be laid for increasingly satisfactory forms of international co-operation and for a future international system of law and order, for which the world is not yet ripe." (A/4132/Add.1, pages 1-2) That is a quotation from the Secretary-General’s introduction to his annual report. I can think of no better way of paying homage to the United Nations and its highest servant than by quoting his words. 224. As in previous Assemblies I conclude by asking God to grant that the work of the United Nations may redound to the benefit of mankind.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Since I do not, in general, feel that parity properly reflects the basic principles and ideas of the United Nations, we had some hesitation as to the composition of the committee. What finally made it acceptable to us is that it is not a United Nations body — and its composition cannot therefore serve. as a United Nations precedent — and on the other hand, that a link with the United Nations has been maintained and its primary interest in disarmament acknowledged. 222. Like others I have eagerly awaited the new proposals announced [799th meeting] by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, whom we had the privilege of seeing on this rostrum. Their full import cannot, in my view, be judged without more and ample clarification on the part of the Soviet Union.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Unlawful seizures of the property of our countrymen and other discriminatory actions perpetrated against them have, fortunately, not been able to arrest the economic progress and expansion in the Netherlands, nor have they even changed our attitude towards the problem of economic development. But I must say that the willingness of the developed countries to pursue that line of policy would be put to a lesser test if there were no cases of undermining unilaterally what we endeavour to build up multilaterally. 221. I should like to conclude my statement with a few observations on disarmament. My Government welcomes the establishment of the new Ten-Power Committee and we wish them a fruitful year of negotiations and speedy results.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The history of our own country is there to prove it, and its lessons were learnt at an early time. More than a century ago our Government established an Agricultural Extension Service to bring the newest techniques to the farms. This was perhaps one of the first conscious efforts of a Government to increase levels of living through systematically conceived technical assistance. And presently, our vast "Delta Plan", through which we hope to gain a final victory over the destructive forces of the sea, is our latest and probably biggest venture in domestic economic development. 220. But if developed countries are to behave according to mid-twentieth century standards in matters of assistance and the sharing of wealth, the underdeveloped countries should likewise endeavour to observe certain basic rules of conduct.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Whatever precise form the international development association will take, it stands to reason that there should be close co-operation between the new agency and those responsible for the carrying out of the existing United Nations programmes for the economic development of the less developed countries. 218. With the aid of increased resources to meet more of the external and internal financing needs of the less developed countries a significant break-througH in their development may not have to be delayed much longer. 219. The Netherlands Government has frequently expressed its belief that the course of economic development of the less developed countries is equal in importance to the maintenance of peace. As levels of living improve and reach comparable heights, internal and external tensions are apt to diminish.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It was therefore encouraging to hear the announcements by my colleagues of the United Kingdom and of Italy that their Governments’ contributions for 1960 to both the Special Fund and the Expanded Programme will be appreciably increased. If many countries would follow this example, the initial objective of $100 million should be reached. 217. To the existing organizations there will perhaps soon be added a United Nations capital development fund. We hope that the proposed international development association will be an important move towards the realization of the basic concepts underlying a capital development fund as discussed during many years in the United Nations.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The establishment and early operations of the Special Fund are part of this expansion. The Managing Director, Mr. Paul G. Hoffman, and his staff deserve high praise for the successful and energetic way in which they have launched the Special Fund. Already it has become abundantly clear that the number of worth-while projects far exceeds the resources presently available to the Special Fund. The disappointing level of the contributions to the Special Fund in 1959 has meant that the Netherlands contribution which was based on the assumption that a total of $100 million would be made available for the Special Fund and the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance together, came to be the second largest for that year.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I am glad to see that the Secretary-General, who supported this view at the twenty-eighth session of the Economic and Social Council [1068th meeting], has again devoted some very interesting thoughts to this question. I should like to congratulate him on his subtle, well-balanced and thought-provoking reflections on this as well as on other subjects concerning the United Nations and his own office. I have read the introduction to his annual report [A/4132/Add.1] with more than routine interest and I am certain that my country will gladly follow him on the main road he has there traced. 216. If an increased concern with international economic policy is one dominant aspect of our Organization's recent activities, another undoubtedly is what the Secretary-General has called the expanding scope of international aid.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“One such effort to dig deeper into the problems has resulted in the joint undertaking of the Economic and Social Council, the Secretariat and the Specialized Agencies to draw up a well co-ordinated programme of work for the period 1959-1964. Once we have such a programme we will know where we desire our Organization to go. By the same token, if we try to plot the probable direction of world economic development, if we wish to conduct an effective and rational international economic policy, we must see to it that the necessary data become available and that the institutional framework required to conduct such an international policy is made adequate. On the institutional side I have with others often advocated a more active policy role for the United Nations, especially the Economic and Social Council.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is possible that this fact of belonging to two continents, together with our traditional strivings for economic and cultural contacts with other peoples, has contributed to our international-mindedness and to the Netherlands preference for a multilateral approach to the solution of political, economic and other problems. 214. As we all know, the United Nations is daily becoming more involved in the economic and social developments that take place all over the world. Our Organization now covers the entire "spectrum" of economic, financial and social issues. This spread in width has lastly been accompanied by a new concentration on depth. 215.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“My delegation hopes that these far-reaching plans will result in peace and co-operation in a country where violence and discord have stood in the way of progress. 213. The position of our Kingdom in this world is also characterized by the possibly unique system of complete equality between the three constituent partners: the Netherlands, Surinam, and the Netherlands Antilles. Jointly we endeavour to manage our Kingdom affairs with each retaining responsibility for his own domestic matters. Two of the three partners are located in the Western Hemisphere.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“I should like to restate, as others have done in this general debate, that the right of free passage through the Canal should be exercised by all countries without discrimination on whatever grounds. 212. If this curtailment of freedom fills us with dismay, we are encouraged to note that in another part of the world the chances for a satisfactory solution of a long-standing conflict seem to have increased. I share the views expressed here by several colleagues, and especially by Mr. Herter [797th meeting] and by Mr. Selwyn Lloyd [798th meeting], on the declaration made on 16 September 1959 by the President of the French Republic. The generous policy announced by General de Gaulle will enable the inhabitants of Algeria to vote in freedom on their future political status.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“But we had hoped that our post-war world, honouring new concepts of international conduct, would not witness yet another act of violence. I would deplore it if this Organization should ignore the events in Tibet. Over the last fourteen years we have indeed been asked by many present here to stand up in protest against lesser transgressions. 211. The central theme of freedom logically takes my thoughts to another question of importance to the Members of this Organization. We have recently witnessed practices of unilateral restriction of freedom in the Suez Canal where, contrary to the principles of the Constantinople Convention of 1888 and the expressed purpose of the United Nations, ships and cargoes have been held up by one nation.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Although I have mentioned these two economic applications of the principle of freedom first, I do not intend to imply that they are the most important ones. On the contrary, the essence of the concept of freedom is freedom of conscience and of the spirit. It is this kind of freedom that we must honour and uphold, be it in our own countries or in places where it is threatened — as it may be in the case in Berlin. 210. Wherever freedom is in danger, the liberties of all of us are at stake. Recent events in Asia have deeply disturbed my people and Government. From their highest religious authority we have heard that the freedom-loving people of Tibet have been brutally subjected by a big and powerful nation. Such misdeeds are not new. History provides endless examples of subjugation and conquest by force.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“Free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is in our view the best means of developing world trade and also an incentive for the promotion of international understanding and good will. Ever since the time of Grotius we have consistently advocated the freedom of the sea, and we propose to continue to do so at the coming second United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, 208. Similarly we hope that the concept of freedom will prevail in matters of international aviation. It is regrettable that the pursuance of restrictive policies and practices continues to restrict the free use of the air. I therefore take this opportunity to plead, before this great world assembly, for freedom of the air as the one sound and practical principle that should govern the system of modern international transportation. 209.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“In our view there can be no doubt that the torch of Western Europe's revival, through the establishment of a free and strong economic unity, will shed a beneficent light on the world economic scene. Not only we in Europe will greatly profit from this daring enterprise, others will also gain from it, not in the least, we trust, the countries depending upon the export of raw materials. We are gratified indeed to note that our achievements have stimulated interest in Latin America and that the concept of a common market and a payments union is taking shape in that part of the world. 207. The basic principle underlying Netherlands policy in these and other matters is freedom. I need not stress that the concept of freedom has, through a long-standing tradition, become a natural feature of Dutch political thinking.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“This should provide an added impetus to free development of the powerful resources of Western Europe. Holding these convictions we shall continue to contribute our share to the strengthening of the communities. 205. At the same time my Government will use its best endeavours to promote a wider European economic association between the Common Market countries and the proposed free trade zone of seven other European Powers. Specifically we trust and hope that this second round of tax import duly reductions in 1960 will also apply to the other members of the Organization for European Economic Co-operation, for we feel most strongly that where the aim is unity, anything looking like a break between the two groups of countries should be avoided. 206.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“The Organization for European Economic Co-operation, created in response to the, unforgettable initiative of General Marshall, gave a powerful stimulus to European trade and payments and replaced a cumbersome network of bilateral arrangements by a smoothly functioning multilateral system. One branch of that system has now grown into the European Monetary Agreement, providing for automatic convertibility between the participating currencies. 204. My Government looks upon the European Economic Community together with EURATOM, and the European Coal and Steel Community, as the engines that will drive us on towards ever greater European unity. Trade between the six countries has considerably increased since the beginning of this year. In the course of 1960 a further reduction of customs tariffs within the Community will be effected.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“One of the most important features of the Netherlands is that it now takes part in a great venture towards unity amidst variety and economic streamlining amidst diversification. I am referring, of course, to the European Economic Community, equally known as the European Common Market. The Common Market is not an isolated phenomenon, but the culminating enterprise resulting from a full decade of post-war efforts towards integration of the European economies. Our Benelux economic and customs union, conceived during the Second World War and operated since 1 January 1948, was the first of these tentative undertakings.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“201. The first advantage that accrues to me from this opportunity of addressing the Assembly is that I have the pleasure of congratulating Mr. Belaúnde upon his election to the highest office of the United Nations. Like so many others seated in the benches before us I have had the privilege of listening to his words and observing his actions through the years. It is my firm conviction that they have amply qualified Mm for the leadership of the assembled nations of the world. Wholeheartedly we wish him God-speed. 202. The annual general debate is the proper occasion for a Minister for Foreign Affairs to mention some characteristics of his country's views on certain problems that concern the world, and therefore the .United Nations; in other words, to present its political passport. 203.”
1959-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 14 (1959)
“It is a generally accepted custom, when political controversies are dealt with in the political organs of our Organization, for these organs to make recommendations directed at the parties and sometimes to send observers and even, in special cases, an emergency force. Is there any reason why the economic organs of the United Nations should not gradually evolve similar methods and practices: recommendations in concrete cases, collective action in emergency situations?" 50. These are in brief the intentions, hopes and expectations that animate the Netherlands delegation to this session of the General Assembly. May God grant that its work will redound to the benefit of mankind.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“To increase its membership to twenty-four would be one step in the right direction that could be initiated during this session. In any case, my delegation hopes that the countries with strong economies will increasingly make use of the United Nations as a channel for their economic policies. Allow me to repeat here what I said on this subject in Geneva this summer: "The use of target figures and time-tables may improve our methods of dealing with the world economy. "In striving towards this aim the Economic and Social Council might do worse than to take a leaf out of the book of the political organs of the United Nations.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“With great interest I noted last week in the speech of the Secretary of State of the United States [749th meeting] a growing inclination of his Government to cooperate in large-scale multilateral financing programmes. 48. My delegation holds that the United Nations has a far more important task than the one so far performed in the field of stabilization of the prices of primary materials. Maybe the coming session of the Commission on International Commodity Trade, of which the United States and the United Kingdom have now also become members, will be able to do pioneering work in this field. 49. Perhaps it is time to investigate, during the coming years, whether the Economic and Social Council does actually function in such a manner as to live up to the responsibilities placed upon it by our Charter.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The recent resolutions aimed at obtaining in 1960 an appraisal of the integrated programmes of the United Nations and the specialized agencies for a period of five years in advance are, in our view, of inestimable value. My delegation hopes to see the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance gradually grow to a ceiling of $40 million. 47. The Special Fund will, if it succeeds financially, ring in an era of transition to the much greater concept that once received the name of the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development (SUNFED) and which would provide for a flow of money to the under-developed areas for the financing of their economic infra-structure. For 1959 the Netherlands Government has decided on a contribution of 14 million guilders (about $3.7 million) in convertible currency.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“In the second place, our membership in the United Nations signifies that we shall continue to co-operate in rendering effective, where necessary, the exercise of fundamental human rights. My delegation is a firm supporter of the principle of self-determination. We welcome the fact that the barren concept that the fundamental human rights should be fortified only by conventions is now increasingly being complemented by practical action and advisory services in this field. 46. Thirdly, our membership in the United Nations implies for us that we shall continue to urge a much more extensive and comprehensive activity of the United Nations family in the economic and social sector.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We shall do what we can to assist in creating possibilities for disarmament and declare that we will support cessation of atomic tests with proper supervision of compliance. 43. We trust that the situation in the Near East will improve, and in Europe we hope that, with relaxation of tension, one of the most serious political evils — that of the division of Germany into. two parts — will be remedied. Some 20 million Germans in the eastern part of that country should be allowed to exert their right of expressing their opinion on the reunification of Germany by means of free supervised elections. 44. With grave misgivings we notice on our agenda such subjects as Cyprus and Algeria. We fervently hope that the parties concerned — friends of my country-will themselves find solutions to their problems. 45.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“For the Netherlands our membership in the United Nations means, first, that on the political plane of this Assembly we are in favour of establishing a United Nations peace force. We are heartened by the thought that progress is being made towards the organization of such a force. Its existence might prevent the carrying out of plans of would-be aggressors. In this connexion I feel impelled — as did my Australian colleague, Mr. Casey, at the previous meeting — to quote with full approval the memorable words of Mr. Dulles: "When one regime attempts by force to take additional territory which has long been under the authority of another Government, recognized as such by a respectable part of the world community, that is a use of force which endangers world peace." [749th meeting, para. 28.] Indeed they are memorable words. 42.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“It is also for this reason that I am deeply concerned over the ill effects that may ensue for Ore cause of international aid which my Government so warmly supports. In order that this cause should prosper it is necessary that the individual States should mind their obligations as well as their rights, their interdependence as much as their independence. To give appropriate form and expression to this interdependence may even be said to be one of the principal aims of the United Nations. That aim can be achieved only if the consequences of interdependence are loyally accepted and carried out. 40. I do not wish to limit my intervention to this note of caution and criticism. My delegation has come to this Assembly with the instruction and the will to take a constructive part in the debates. 41.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We have made a perhaps not altogether insignificant contribution to the establishment of the Special Fund, which we hope will commence its operations in the beginning of the coming year. The wrongs we have suffered at the hands of Indonesia have not caused us to change our attitude towards the need for extending aid to under-developed countries. But I submit, it is clear that, in the international as well as in the national sphere, no economic co-operation can be lasting without a minimum of well-founded confidence, politically and economically. If countries in need of aid break down on one side what has been built up on the other, then such behaviour endangers the concept of collective prosperity for which, in the past, the Netherlands has so repeatedly and strongly argued — and we will continue to do so.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“One of those reasons is that injustice committed in the community of nations, apart from destroying the fabric of international law, undermines peace and security, for which, under the terms of the Charter, we all are jointly responsible. 39. But there is a more specific reason why my Government is perturbed by the unlawful actions in which the Government of Indonesia has seen fit to indulge with regard to my country. That reason is that we are convinced that such actions may have repercussions for other under-developed countries. It is sufficiently known in this Assembly what the attitude of the Netherlands Government is in respect of the problem of economic development of under-developed countries.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Since 1945 the people of the Netherlands have been able to recover quickly from the destruction and plundering inflicted on them by five years of occupation, and we know that we have enough vitality equally to overcome the harm that Indonesia desires to cause us. The nearly 40,000 men, women and children who have been forced, during the past few months, to leave that country, where most of them had lived all their lives, will eventually be integrated in the Netherlands. The economic and technical potential repudiated by Indonesia will find new means of performing useful service. And there are also other reasons why I have felt obliged to bring to the attention of the United Nations the injustice perpetrated by Indonesia against my country.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“All treaties and agreements have been unilaterally rescinded, and obligations — even those arising from credits granted and agreements entered into after the transfer of sovereignty — have been repudiated. During the past year nearly 40,000 Netherlander have been obliged to leave their houses and homes in Indonesia and property of private Dutch firms and individuals amounting to approximately $1,250 million has been taken away from them. These spoliations have, naturally, caused serious economic and financial damage to my country. But that is not the main reason why I mentioned them here.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The months that have passed since the twelfth session have unfortunately brought several instances of transgression and violation of the precepts of good neighbourliness. Some of those instances are well known to all of us; others have created less of a stir in the world at large. One of them it is my duty, as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, to recall to your special attention. 38. The Republic of Indonesia has taken a number of measures against the Netherlands and against Netherlands subjects that have made it impossible for my countrymen to continue to live and work in Indonesia. Businesses, enterprises, large and small, and property of Netherlander have been seized and taken over without payment — or promise of payment — of any compensation whatsoever.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Is it the Organization, then, that is at fault? To say so would be to seek the easy excuse of the bad workman who blames his tools for the unsatisfactory results of his labours. If the principles of the United Nations were honestly, consistently and sincerely applied, international peace and justice would be secured. The fact that they are at present so often in jeopardy is not primarily due to any shortcomings in our machinery but rather to the acts of men and of peoples who disregard the rules and who for selfish reasons endanger the security of mankind. It is they who eschew the ways of peaceful development and who do not shy away from the use and threat of power, violence and aggression to impose their will on others; it is they who cause the troubled state of our world. 37.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“This is the seventh time that, at this rostrum, I have tried to take stock of the world around us, and I would be less than honest if I were to say that during those seven years threats to the peace have been removed, the principles of justice and international law upheld, friendly relations among nations improved, and the obligations assumed by the Members of our Organization fulfilled in good faith by all of them. 35. And yet the aims set forth in our Charter are not just idle words, invented by cunning politicians to beguile the gullible crowd. The objects of the United Nations are ideas that live in the minds of many people, and the conviction of their rightness is so strongly held that — in my country, at any rate — there are few who would not be willing to make serious sacrifices for their attainment. 36.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“33. Mr. President, allow me to preface my observations on the world situation by saying that my delegation rejoices in the circumstance that the generous gesture you made last year in withdrawing from competition with our able and honoured past President, Sir Leslie Munro, has been rewarded by your election to your present high and important office. We know that you will prove yourself a worthy successor to him and that you will continue to conduct our proceedings with dignity, competence and impartiality. 34. In some respects, the task of speaking in our annual general debate is not an enviable one. He who endeavours to report on the progress made towards the achievement of the purposes of the United Nations has no good tidings to bring but only a tale of thwarted hopes to tell.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“With sincerity and conviction it will continue to share in the tasks which our Organization is trying to master under the indispensable guidance of the Almighty.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“We are deeply concerned with the plight of the Palestine refugees, and we appeal to all concerned to renew and increase their efforts towards a fair and speedy solution. We must find ways and means of solving this problem which, for nearly ten years, has been one of the main obstacles on the road to progress and peace in the Middle East, 148. In another part of the world, near to us, we face a political problem unsolved so far: the continued partition of Germany, against the wishes of the German people and, indeed, against the interest of the world. No efforts should be spared to remedy this abnormal and potentially dangerous situation. 149. In spite of the awesome aspect of some of the dangers that menace our present-day international life, my delegation sees no reason for defeatism.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Many other problems face the Assembly, but I shall do no more than mention a few of them. My Government continues to be disturbed by the absence of settlement and peace in the Middle East. Since the intensive interventions of the United Nations on the Middle East scene during the last session of the General Assembly, relative quiet and order have returned to the area around Israel. This in itself is a healthy development which should not be disturbed by renewed debates in the United Nations or renewed accusations. However, the political instability that still persists keeps the area open for political incitement or even penetration, from which in the end no one will profit. It is the earnest hope and desire of my Government that, step by step, the sources of unrest and agitation will be removed. 147.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In the same spirit, my country plans to intensify its co-operation with other nations within the three regional commissions, of each of which we have the honour to be a member. In the Economic and Social Council and in the Economic Commission for Latin America, as in so many other economic or political bodies of the United Nations, we derive great satisfaction and benefit from co-operation with the countries of Latin America. Through its autonomous parts, situated in the Latin American region, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a neighbour of the Latin American countries; and Surinam and the Netherlands Antilles, as well as the Netherlands in Europe, are proud to have the most cordial historical, cultural and economic relations with that important part of the world. 146.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In particular, I appeal to those nations that have so far not been in a position to support the establishment of a fund. I well realize the difficulties which they have in this respect, and I do not think that any of the advocates of the fund would wish to ignore or neglect them. But I feel that, after the recommendation of the Council, a decision should be postponed no longer. I am convinced that, if the Assembly takes a positive decision this year, this twelfth session may be recorded in the history of the United Nations as one of significant achievement in the cause of peace and security. 145. Speaking of the Economic and Social Council, I wish to reaffirm my country's intention to devote a growing volume of energy and attention to the economic and social work of the United Nations.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“We put it in these terms, not for selfish reasons of political or economic gain; on the contrary, we are fully aware that the developed countries eventually will have to make sacrifices. We maintain that this problem should have top priority because we sincerely feel that the United Nations would be shirking its responsibilities in respect of security, freedom and social justice if it failed to act and to act now. 144. During this session, there is a unique opportunity for action. By a great majority, the Economic and Social Council has recommended to the General Assembly the establishment of a fund for economic development. I realize that such a basic decision needs further elaboration -- the Second Committee will see to that. I urgently appeal to all Members to honour the Council’s resolution.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“There is a second, long-term exercise that demands attention and, indeed, action. To eliminate one of the deep-seated causes of strife and instability, we should once more, and with special vigour, tackle the problem posed by the increasing divergence between economic and social progress in the developed countries, on the one hand, and in the under-developed countries, on the other. Here again we have a field in which many nations should play a constructive and stimulating role. 143. My country, though not one of the big nations, considers it a duty to assist in bringing this problem nearer to a solution. We regard this matter as of equal importance with those of war and peace.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“My country, for one, is only too well aware of the absolute need for collective security and protection against aggression or threats to the peace. Our geographical position and our political outlook carry the implication that we must be careful lest we give up vital protection without adequate safeguard. Let us not forget the lessons of recent history. The Baltic States were among the first victims of Soviet imperialism; other peripheral States followed, in Europe as well as in Asia. The tragic fate that befell the Hungarian nation has rightly caused the Assembly to give vent to its indignation and horror. All these dark deeds should teach us caution and suspicion with regard to any proposal on disarmament that might upset the present balance of armaments and collective defence organizations to the disadvantage of the free world. 142.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Despite years of painstaking negotiations, we have not yet arrived at practical results. Yet in the Sub-Committee of the Disarmament Commission the West has been able to produce a specific and comprehensive proposal for a first-stage disarmament plan. The Netherlands supports this proposal. 140. Let me point out to those who may be tempted by Soviet counter-proposals that any disarmament plan should be so designed as to increase, not decrease, the security of the world, or vital parts of it. If we should single out for acceptance only one particular detail of such a plan, however spectacular or attractive it might seem, without proper guarantee for continued security, we would do harm to the cause of disarmament. 141.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The second type of activity of the United Nations is, as I have just said, the long-range effort to make this world a better and safer place to live in. Here, all Members, large and small, have a similar task before them, to which they should devote their undivided and unbiased energy. I am thinking of the global problems that face humanity, such as the security of the world we live in -- both the political and the economic security. The Charter spells out as one of the main purposes of the United Nations: "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" to create "conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations". 139. One matter of extreme importance now before us is that of disarmament.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)