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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“In many respects, such groups serve a useful purpose. By predigesting political issues and clearing and co-ordinating regional interests, the groups may help in speeding up the business of the Assembly. When these groups serve as a means of co-ordinating the views and policies of their members, their influence may be salutary. If, however, they are used to emphasize and intensify the differences and disputes between various parts of the world, the result may be an aggravation of antagonism. This is the case if a group places itself en bloc behind, let us say, the interest or claim of one member and supports his cause without going into the merits of the subject under discussion. That is the point where a group is transformed into a bloc. Such a development would be dangerous, and we should all try to avoid it. 138.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It would be wrong for this Organization to be over-ambitious or to pretend to be the sole instrument for settlement and adjustment. The Assembly, like the world itself, has its own inherent defects, and we should therefore exercise continuous criticism and restraint in respect of our work. 136. We all know that, despite the alphabetical order in which we obediently sit, there is a certain division among the Members of the United Nations. Groupings have come into existence, mainly, but not solely, on a regional basis. I am not opposed to the emergence of such groups. Indeed, my country belongs to one of them, the European group — although it is worthwhile to note that this group was constituted later than other groups and was, to a certain extent, an unavoidable consequence of the existence of other groups. 137.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Broadly speaking, I would say that there are two types of activity of the United Nations, each of them equally important, yet different in their impact on the future. The first type could be called the short-term activity, such as the search for equitable solutions to international conflicts or disputes. The second type is the long-term activity, in which this Organization is engaged in order to make this world a better and safer place to live in. 135. I wish first to say a few words about the first type, which is the handling of conflicts or disputes. Some of those conflicts or disputes properly belong to the business of this Organization; others do not. In some cases, a solution may be found outside the framework of the United Nations. And, occasionally, more harm than good is done by the repeated discussion and adoption of resolutions.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“No, it is rather a joint undertaking that places commensurate burdens on each participant and the success of which is dependent on the efforts and contributions of each Member for its effective and smooth operation. 133. Therefore, whenever we speak of the United Nations we speak of nations, joined under one Charter, which should -- although often divided in political purpose or ideological outlook — be united at least in the common pursuit of the ideals and aims of our Charter. As a community of independent States, we are an instrument of twentieth-century diplomacy, organized to deal with a wide range of matters and to set out a new pattern of international behaviour from which future generations may benefit. They may, or they may not; that indeed depends on our labours and achievements. 134.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“No matter how numerous we are -- and we have not yet reached the limit of our membership capacity, although we are rapidly approaching the limit of our accommodation facilities in this hall -- we must never forget that each of us bears his share of responsibility for making the United Nations work. For the United Nations is not an institution isolated from our own policy and political life. It is not a business enterprise of which one becomes a shareholder because of its attractive dividend propositions, leaving it to the board of directors to conduct the business. Nor is it an insurance company that covers risks or damages against annual payment of a premium or contribution.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Indeed, application for membership is invariably among the first acts of foreign policy of new countries, as soon as they have attained independence. The most recent instance is the Federation of Malaya, and my Government and delegation take this opportunity to extend to that nation a most cordial welcome to our community, I could think of no mere fitting place than the United Nations for my country to express its gratification at the rebirth of the Malayan State, with which the Netherlands has had so many happy contacts in the past. 132. For Members old and new, membership of the United Nations should be a matter of constant attention, both constructive and critical.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“I propose to take into account the fact that a great number of Members are taking part in this general debate and to limit myself, therefore, to a brief statement. It would be too brief, however, if I did not begin by giving expression to my Government's high appreciation of the great services rendered to our Organization by the President's predecessor, His Royal Highness, Prince Wan Waithayakon; and to its joy at his own election, which I had the privilege to hail on a previous occasion. 131. Now that we are assembled for the twelfth time in the in the history of the United Nations, we may look with growing interest upon the expanding membership of this Organization. Today, our number is greater than ever before. So far, there has been no need to persuade nations to join us.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In ending my statement, I wish to stress once again, on behalf of the Netherlands people, our faith that the United Nations will overcome the difficulties of the present and that, by the exercise of wisdom, objectivity and strength, it will proceed towards the realization of its lofty aims and thereby become the effective means for the preservation of peace with justice. 136. Above all, however, we are convinced that, for the fulfilment of this purpose, we shall need the help of Almighty God.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Self-defence must always be founded on the idea that there is something which deserves to be fought for. The defensive nature of NATO, within the purposes of the Charter, is unimpeachable for every unbiased observer. The fact that not only Communist countries, but sometimes even so-called non-committed nations, call NATO an instrument of aggression is yet another example of negation of facts. We shall, however continue our NATO policy, and we shall likewise continue, in the Council of Europe, in the Western European Union, and in our increasingly strong Benelux partnership, to follow a policy aimed at strengthening the Charter. 135.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“However, this right can only be exercised in fairness and good faith if such a delegation is prepared to listen to, and objectively to examine, our views. 133. The Netherlands has signed the Charter of the United Nations and is determined to abide by it. We understand and we endorse the contents of Chapter XI of the Charter and, consequently, we are fully aware of our obligations. We know that we are acting in accordance with the letter and the spirit of this chapter with regard to the territory of Netherlands New Guinea and its inhabitants. We shall continue to do so. 134. Finally, a word about our membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. My country attaches such great value to its membership of that organization because we realize that it is essential to the preservation of our freedom.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Sometimes I even wonder whether there still is a desire for discussion, or whether it is preferred to proceed to a vote without any discussion at all. I need hardly say that this tendency, if left unchecked, would mean the end of the United Nations. 132. I have noted the artificial creation of conflicting opinions. I have noted the lightheartedness with which a country like mine is accused of so-called colonialism. Let me state quite clearly that in the Netherlands there is no single political party or any popular group which seeks to restore the past, or which bases its political aims on a nostalgic and reactionary desire to revive the nineteenth century. Of course, every other delegation here has the fullest right to differ with the opinions of my delegation and to oppose those opinions.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is unfortunate that the political discussions in the United Nations show increasing signs of a lack of intellectual consistency. People in my country are profoundly shocked by the fact that a number of delegations were less anxious to make the tragedy of Hungary a subject for concerted action than to meet the developments in the Middle East. The Netherlands people are experiencing doubts concerning the moral level of our debates after learning that, when the first resolution on Hungary was voted upon, no fewer than fifteen delegations felt justified in abstaining. 131. More than ever before, I have been struck during the present session by the lack of willingness to take into account arguments brought forward during our debates.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“If developments result in a return to the status quo ante in the Middle East and the three basic problems remain unresolved, I greatly fear that in future years men will judge that we missed a golden opportunity and that we were responsible for a major failure of the United Nations in the cause of world peace. 129. These fears and misgivings lest the United Nations fail in its task and miss the opportunities of the moment are shared by many who are the staunchest defenders of the rules of law among nations. The representative of Norway voiced the same concern when he affirmed that “the restoration of peace would mean that but half the mission had been accomplished. The second half of the mission is for this Assembly to see that justice is done” [566th meeting, para. 52]. I entirely agree with these views. 130.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“During the first emergency special session, the Netherlands delegation voted with many other delegations in favour of the establishment of a United Nations Force. Our vote was cast on the assumption that the establishment of this international police force in the area of conflict would at the same time lead to the solution of the three basic problems responsible for the present crisis; that is, the Arab-Israel tension, the question of the Arab refugees, and the status of the Suez Canal. 128. I feel bound to voice the grave misgivings of my delegation should this assumption prove to be groundless.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Charter is surely an instrument of international law, but it is at the same time the expression of an attitude of mind. Those who during many years have denied the essential value of the Charter have lost the right to invoke it and to use it as a sort of juke-box to be put in motion by inserting a nickel in the slot. One cannot invoke the Charter after announcing publicly for many years one’s intention to annihilate a neighbouring State. One cannot invoke the Charter after upsetting the international legal order, which the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Dulles, called “the international fabric”. One cannot invoke the Charter against Anglo-French action in the Middle East at the same moment that one is oneself suppressing pitilessly and with ruthless force a people’s struggle for freedom. 127.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This implies that the Netherlands people still pin their hope on the United Nations as the best instrument for working out just solutions and effective guarantees for peace. 125. The question seems justified whether the United Nations fulfils these hopes. During the last two weeks I have listened to a number of eloquent speeches expressing the opinion that the present crisis has considerably increased the prestige of the Organization. Whether this is true in my opinion cannot yet be assessed. An answer can only be given in the light of future developments, proving that the United Nations has indeed strengthened international security in conformity with the purposes of the Charter. 126. I must confess that at this moment I do not feel that, objectively speaking, we have much reason to be too optimistic.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The subjects I have mentioned thus far are all related to essential purposes of the United Nations: respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, development of dependent territories to free nations, and creation of economic and social conditions in accordance with the requirements of human dignity. Still, there is another matter which surpasses them in importance, namely, the fundamental function for which the United Nations was created: the upholding of justice and the preservation of peace. 124. Before commenting on the political problems requiring our attention during the present session, I wish first of all to testify in behalf of the Netherlands people to their deep-rooted desire for peace.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“I am thinking in particular of Indonesia, a country which has repeatedly stressed its great and urgent needs. Yet that same country has, especially in its relations with the Netherlands, acted in a manner contrary to the conditions just mentioned. 122. Indonesia, earlier this year, unilaterally tore up all the agreements signed with my country at the Round Table Conference at The Hague in 1949, agreements entered into under the auspices of the United Nations and sanctioned by the United Nations Commission for Indonesia; it has, further, repudiated its debts to the Netherlands, the amount of which was fixed in consultation with the United Nations and freely agreed to; finally, it has subjected a number of Netherlands nationals to persecution by trumped-up lawsuits and maltreatment and torture by the police. 123.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“In his clear and eloquent address last week [589th meeting], the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Pineau, mentioned three conditions for the effectiveness of any plan of assistance to the less-developed countries, and, because of their clarity and logic, I should like to quote them. The three conditions laid down by Mr. Pineau were: first, acceptance of the principle of interdependence between nations; secondly, scrupulous respect for one’s commitments; and thirdly, maintenance of order in the countries benefiting from the plan. 120. These conditions, without which no effective aid is practicable, are no doctrinaire counsels of perfection invented by a theorist; they are the result of practical experience; and their disregard, as several instances in the past have proved, renders effective aid impossible. 121.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We would fail in our historic mission if we did not make, at the earliest possible moment, a decisive and large-scale effort to finance the economic and social infrastructure of the less-developed areas. 118. My Government holds the view that this challenge should be met on a multilateral basis and in equal partnership between, on the one hand, the countries which extend assistance and, on the other, those which receive it. My Government considers, furthermore, that the progress towards the establishment of a development mechanism should not be deflected by such events as, for instance, Egypt’s seizure of the Suez Canal or Indonesia’s violation of its international obligations. Nevertheless, the efforts of the contributing countries will be of no avail unless they meet with co-operation from the recipient countries. 119.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Netherlands representatives in the Third Committee feel that they could use their time to a better and more profitable purpose, for instance by organizing relief for the tens of thousands of Hungarians who have been forced to flee their country. 117. It is my sincere hope that the Second Committee will be able to direct its attention not to the difficult present but to the important problems of the future. It will be clear that I am referring to the question of raising the standard of living: in the less-developed areas. To recognize the importance of this problem and to study ways and means to solve it is the crucial task of our generation. The technical assistance programmes and the significant achievements of this work during the last five years form only the beginning. The major part of our work still has to be done.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“One may wonder to what extent the repercussions of recent international events will adversely affect the clarity of vision of the delegations during the debates in those two Committees. 116. In my opinion, it would be unwise not to see that it is necessary to recognize the reality of these repercussions, and my delegation, for one, finds it difficult to look forward with any confidence to holding serious discussions on the subject of human rights with the participation of the representatives of a country which, at this moment in Hungary, shows such appalling disregard for human rights and human values.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The items of our agenda which have been referred to the Sixth Committee embody the important contribution of the United Nations to the development and codification of international law. Although these studies, by their very nature, can progress but slowly, they deepen and widen the impact of the law of nations on the international community. 114. The Fourth Committee will deal with subjects of importance. As such I consider, in particular, the discussion concerning the plebiscite under United Nations auspices in Togoland, and the independence of that country. 115. The agendas of the Second and Third Committees demonstrate the tremendous task as well as the inspiring possibilities for our Organization in the economic and social fields.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“These limited resources should, therefore, be used for the most urgent functions, especially in the social and economic field, and a sustained critical examination of the question how the most constructive contributions can be made to the well-being of the family of nations is necessary. 112. The report of the Economic and Social Council [A/3154] contains an interesting survey of this question. It will require a consistent national policy, national co-ordination of the activities of the various governmental bodies and, consequently, co-ordination of the instructions to the national delegations to international conferences to achieve the necessary efficiency of our programme. The matter was again dealt with by the Economic and Social Council, and the results of the Council’s deliberations will have my delegation’s fullest attention. 113.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The rapid growth of the United Nations machinery requires a critical attitude with regard to its various branches, in order that less essential activities may be replaced by more necessary undertakings. The administrative organs of the United Nations should decide on the degree of urgency and on priorities. 111. I may emphasize that the preceding remarks, which, naturally, apply also to the work of the specialized agencies, should not be taken as indicating a desire to slow down or to restrict our activities. Neither do I want to suggest a lack of understanding on the part of the Secretariat of the problem I have raised. But, in view of the enormous task of our Organization, our human and material possibilities are limited.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“My delegation hopes — indeed it urges — that the question of the membership of Japan will at the earliest possible moment be favourably reconsidered. 110. The agenda of this eleventh session contains a large number of subjects. My delegation will take part with the same zeal as in previous years in the discussions of the Fifth Committee on budgetary and administrative matters. We feel the time has come carefully to examine the functioning of the machinery of the Secretariat as well as that of the regional and functional commissions. The lively discussions held last summer in the Co-ordination Committee of the Economic and Social Council on the streamlining of the United Nations system point out the road to be followed.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“On behalf of the Netherlands delegation, I should like first of all to offer the President our sincere congratulations upon his election to his high office. It has been a matter of great satisfaction to my delegation that the General Assembly has unanimously elected him to preside over our discussions, the more so as this session is likely to be one of the most important in our history. 108. In the second place, I wish to associate myself with the preceding speakers who have welcomed the new Members. My delegation sincerely hopes that their contribution to our work will strengthen the Organization. 109. In this connexion, however, it is fitting to note — and I do this with sincere regret — that, due to the indefensible attitude of one of the members, and a permanent member, of the Security Council, one application is still pending.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Ours is a heavy responsibility, but we also have a wonderful opportunity for co-operation in the interests of the whole world, which are ultimately the interests of each one of us too. The Netherlands delegation intends to take its full share in the discussions of the Assembly and will contribute its faith in the principles of the Charter and its goodwill towards all mankind in in order to ensure, under God’s indispensable guidance, the success of this tenth session.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The events which unfortunately took place some years ago are perhaps the reason for the difficulties that have already been encountered in finding a sufficient supply of highly qualified personnel. 177. I am not unaware of the fact that my slightly pessimistic appraisal of the present situation is based on rather vague indications. I have wished to draw your attention to this situation here and now because, if more indications of this kind should become manifest, we would find ourselves in a very embarrassing situation. I shall not say more on this subject. 178. A heavy task awaits us in the weeks and months ahead. Formidable is the pile of problems that confronts us.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“I wish to pay tribute, in this connexion, to our eminent Secretary-General for the wisdom and consistency which have marked his policy in this matter. 176. We cannot overlook, however, that this period has left scars on the body of our Organization. One item of our agenda bears witness to that unhappy past. We shall revert to that matter at a later stage. But 1 should like to state now the conviction of my delegation that the well-being of the United Nations is to a large extent dependent on the existence of a staff of the highest quality, fulfilling its duties under the most favourable conditions, which must include an unquestionable legal safeguarding of their position. The absence of a reason able sense of security would inexorably cause an inadmissible lowering of the high standards that are now being applied.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“One condition which we consider vital for the success of the agency is that there be no division of the countries of the world into “haves” and “have-nots” as regards nuclear material. Such a division would prove fatal. For this reason I express the hope that the agency will be clearly based on principles that will enable it to become a part of the structure of the United Nations. 175. The subjects dealt with in the Fifth Committee are generally of a less spectacular nature than those discussed in the other Committees. My delegation intends, nevertheless, to devote its fullest attention to the items which will be allocated to this Committee, and in particular to the questions relating to the status of United Nations personnel. Fortunately, the regrettable period of unrest which for some time prevailed in the Secretariat has now ended.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“At the opening of this session, and in another capacity, I mentioned the immeasurable promise implicit in the Geneva Conference on atomic energy. In the months before us, it will be our duty to draw our conclusions from the Secretary-General’s report on that Conference [A/2967] and to indicate the possibilities for future international co-operation in this field. In that connexion, we shall have some observations to. make on the International Atomic Energy Agency. We consider the plan to create this agency to be of paramount importance. We shall study the information which we may receive in relation to this plan with great care, bearing in mind the desiderata mentioned by our delegation in the First Committee during the ninth session of the General Assembly [708th meeting, para. 58].”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“I know that the countries which will have to bear the main burden of the execution of these plans hesitate to arouse false hopes. Of course, we respect their opinion. In the Committee, however, my delegation will again most earnestly request those countries not to stress their reservations on the subject to such an extent that they block the road to a further realization of the vast concepts that are to determine the future of hundreds of millions of people. We intend to ask them, in particular, not to decide, for instance, to abstain from co-operation in elaborating existing plans, a decision which in practice would almost amount to a veto. 174. A subject which is to some extent related to the previous one, but which implies a different classification of the regions of the world, is that of the peaceful uses of atomic energy.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“For the first time in many years, it has been my country’s privilege to participate in the work of that Council. I call this a privilege because our delegations to this year’s sessions have been deeply impressed not only by the importance of the subjects dealt with but also by the high quality of the discussions themselves. 173. My Government still considers the solution of the problem of the financing of economic development as the most essential condition for our future progress. Our Organization is advancing on the road towards this solution, but the advance is slow — to our mind, far too slow. During the debates in the Second Committee, we shall draw attention to this matter and we again shall advocate a more rapid implementation of our plans.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It is a matter of great satisfaction in all three parts of the realm that this equitable solution of co-operation in freedom and equality has been achieved and that, in respect of Surinam and the Netherlands Antilles, the goal set in Chapter XI of the Charter has now been reached. During the course of this session, representatives of the three parts of the realm will have occasion to explain to the Members of the United Nations in detail the new structure of our kingdom.’ 172. Another item to which we attach great importance — and I am certain that this will be fully understood by all Members — is the financing of the economic development of under-developed areas. This subject was extensively dealt with at the twentieth session of the Economic and Social Council.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“We are convinced that, far from serving the cause of a rapprochement, the inclusion in the agenda and a subsequent discussion of the Netherlands New Guinea issue would seriously harm our common purpose. Therefore I cannot but describe the insistence of the Indonesian Government on having this matter placed on the agenda as a sad and regrettable error. 171. Since we met last year, a momentous development has taken place in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The three parts of the Kingdom — the Netherlands, Surinam and the Netherlands Antilles — have in joint consultation worked put and voluntarily accepted a new constitutional order, in which each of the countries autonomously conducts its internal interests and affairs, while they jointly conduct their common interests on a basis of absolute equality.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“All that could usefully be said about the matter was brought forward at the last session. The Netherlands delegation then made its position quite clear, and the stand of my Government has remained unchanged. We stated, inter alia, that the inhabitants of Netherlands New Guinea would, in due course, be given the opportunity to decide on their own political status. That promise still holds, and we will abide by it. 170. I listened with great attention to what the representative of Indonesia said on this subject yesterday [527th meeting]. While fully endorsing Mr. Anak Agung’s plea for better understanding between our two countries, and while voicing my Government’s earnest desire to do all we can to achieve this end, I must, however, disagree with him on one point.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“For that reason it is really a matter of urgency to put an end to the absurd situation which at present prevents a country with such great political and cultural traditions as Italy from being a Member of our Organization. I sincerely trust that this and similar situations will be eliminated when we discuss the question of the admission of new Members. 168. There are several other items on our agenda which will have the fullest attention of my delegation. 169. First of all, there is the question of Netherlands New Guinea, which will be dealt with perhaps this afternoon in the General Committee. I shall not anticipate what will be said in that Committee, except' to say that the Netherlands Government trusts that this matter will not be included in the agenda of this session.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Spaak, discussions are taking place in Brussels with a view to achieving the integration in supra-national communities of new sectors of economic life, following the example set by the coal and. steel community in Luxembourg. 166. On a smaller scale — that is in Benelux — integration is making even more progress. The Governments of the three countries constituting Benelux have now decided to establish a joint parliamentary body which will deal with a number of problems resulting from the union between the three partners. 167. I have expressed my profound conviction that the role of Europe in the world is indispensable. If Europe is to fulfil its essential task, it is a first condition that its representation in the United Nations be adequate.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“No one could be surprised, however, that, at that same Bandung Conference, rather marked differences of opinion became apparent on such fundamental issues as dictatorship, communism or a free way of life. 165. In the free part of Europe a very large measure of cohesion exists as to those problems. The slowly but steadily advancing unity of Europe is the most promising guarantee for the realization of our ideals of one world. Progress towards unity in Europe is slow; I readily admit that. However, with every passing year progress becomes more noticeable, and every year European cohesion grows more solid. Under the chairmanship of that great Belgian statesman, Mr.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Everyone who is sensitive to the main trends of history realizes that the role of a sound and strong bloc of Latin American nations is of the greatest significance for the conservation and strengthening of our ideals of peace and justice. 163. My Government also attaches the utmost importance to the economic and social advancement of Asia and Africa for the future well-being of mankind. The Conference of Asian and African nations held at Bandung was an impressive manifestation of the political awareness of the many countries in those parts of the world — countries which hold such substantial promise for the present, and in particular for the future. 164.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“This we most fervently hope, and we shall watch further progress towards this end in a constructive and positive frame of mind, while maintaining our careful vigilance. For the mere fact that agreement exists between the United States and the Soviet Union does not necessarily mean that all world problems have been solved. 161. In no circumstances can Europe relinquish the duty of making its essential contribution to the cause of world peace. I hope I shall be forgiven for making special mention of Europe in this context: it is very near to my heart. I am, of course, fully aware of the significance of other groups of nations in this respect, 162.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“For instance, if the Soviet Union should not accept the unification of Germany, a lasting settlement would remain out of reach. 159. However, let me say once again that my Government rejoices in the results of the meeting “at the summit” in Geneva. To the Heads of Government who met there we owe a tribute for the upright fashion in which they discussed ways and means to solve the problems which keep the world divided in uneasy and suspicious factions. 160. In this connexion, it is of vital importance that the two most powerful nations of the world, the United States of America and the Soviet Union, should try to bring about a rapprochement. If they are able to settle their differences, the chances of peace increase.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Whether this hope will be fulfilled is a question that may well be answered in the coming year. We should be completely aware of the importance — stressed in such a statesmanlike way by the representative of Australia [520th meeting] — that our great expectations of the future should be seen against the background of the reality of the present. 158. We should not forget that no real problems have as yet been solved. A first opportunity for finding solutions will present itself at Geneva towards the end of next month. A relaxation of international tension will be most easily achieved on those issues which merely require a mutual acceptance of the existing situation. The real desire for peace will be put to the test when an attempt is made to deal with those problems whose solution implies a change of the status quo.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“During my stay there, I was deeply impressed by what I saw and was strengthened in my sincere conviction that a cordial understanding between the old world of Europe and the new world of Latin America is and ever will be one of the most essential conditions for the safeguarding of our civilization. It is especially for that reason that my delegation rejoices in having a representative of Latin America preside over the tenth session of the General Assembly. 157. I cannot but agree whole-heartedly with those speakers who have welcomed in warm terms the emergence of what has been called the spirit of Geneva. The novel attitude of the Soviet Union has brought new hope to millions of people all over the world — the hope that we are about to enter a better era, an era of lessening international tension.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“155. Many representatives have already addressed this Assembly in the course of the general debate. This simplifies my task here, because in respect of a number of issues I am in the happy position of being able to express my agreement with what has been said by previous speakers. 156. First and foremost, I wish to follow the example of my predecessors at this rostrum by voicing my Government's profound satisfaction at Mr. Maza's election to the highest function in this Assembly. This satisfaction first of all concerns him personally. In the second place, we are happy to see a representative of Latin America unanimously elected to this important office, A short time ago, it was my privilege to visit a part of Latin America for the first time.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“I sincerely hope that the views I have just set forth will be shared by all here assembled, and that the practical suggestions made at the beginning of my speech will call forth general response. This might contribute to making this Assembly a fruitful gathering, bearing witness to God’s blessing.”
1954-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 9 (1954)
“This aid, in the form of transfer of knowledge and capital, should have no other aim than to speed up the evolution towards freedom and peace. In the country I represent this is deeply and clearly realized, as I tried to explain earlier in my speech. 34. It goes without saying that the great Powers bear the prime responsibility for solving many of the issues I have touched upon, especially those of war and peace. But this does not mean that smaller nations are less able to appraise the course to follow. And, above all, it does not mean that they may feel absolved from assuming their responsibility. Their yearning for a world of tolerance and peace is certainly no less sincere or less profound. 35.”
1954-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 9 (1954)
“Therefore foreign troops in countries now occupied against the will of their people should withdraw. This would indeed be a practical application of the principle of self-determination. The United Nations would greatly benefit if those of its Members who are particularly fond of invoking this principle were to apply it themselves and cease misusing it against others. 33. Real self-determination and a free life are likewise non-existent, however, in large areas not under foreign military occupation. Conditions for peace and security are also absent wherever people are beset by material want and social weakness. In the interest of peace these countries should receive the moral and material aid for raising their standard of life.”
1954-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 9 (1954)
“Fifty years of political history have demonstrated that the cause of peace is not served if we fool ourselves on this point. 31. What I said just now with regard to neutrality applies equally to disarmament: it has no merits in itself. It is a condition for peace when it is balanced, realistic and controlled. It is an incentive to war when it disturbs equilibrium and thereby undermines freedom and democracy. 32. The free way of life is founded on a sound and vigorous ideology; it appeals to everybody. In the interest of peace everybody should be given freedom to choose it. As long as nations which in the past have proved their ability to look after themselves are denied the right to decide on their own fate, there remains a source of continuous unrest and danger to peace.”
1954-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 9 (1954)