YouSaid · the spoken record

Macdonald

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MACDONALD

lines on the record: 76
first: 1955-09-24
most recent: 1957-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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 respect of the Suez Canal, the question of Egyptian interference and the restrictions on Israel shipping has been absorbed in the more serious possibility that similar restrictions and interference may, to suit the interests of Egypt and at its will, be levelled against any user of the Canal. 189. Similarly, the question of a peace settlement between Israel and the Arab States has been coloured and transformed by developments of the past seven years.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Nevertheless, I am not alone, I think, in detecting already a reluctance in some quarters to extend our work from the study of effects to the study of causes, and to accept the responsibility from which we have retreated in recent years. It was with this in mind that the New Zealand representative, Sir Leslie Munro, proposed on 1 November 1956 [562nd meeting] that the whole problem of Arab-Israel relations should be fully and effectively considered at the present Assembly. 188. Let us be quite clear: whatever the familiarity of certain of its elements, the issue before us is not stale and outworn. As it confronts us today, the Palestine problem is not the problem as it existed in 1949, following the conclusion of the Armistice Agreements.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Certainly, too, there has been no failure on the part of the General Assembly to respond to the admirable and imaginative proposal of the Minister of External Affairs of Canada for the creation of a United Nations Emergency Force. I well understand, too, that the Assembly’s consideration of the Middle East problem has been restricted by the need concurrently to examine the problem of Hungary. And I am aware that, while the two United States draft resolutions [A/3272, A/3273] relating to long-term aspects of the Palestine problem were shelved by the first emergency special session of the Assembly, there is provision and opportunity at this Assembly for consideration of the basic elements of the whole Palestine problem.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This resolution, although at once rejected by Egypt, was not followed up until New Zealand presented a draft resolution on the matter in 1954. This was at once subjected to a Soviet veto. That veto was the second “protective veto” cast by the Soviet Union — protective in the sense that, whatever the merits of the case, it was intended to thwart any Security Council action which was unfavourably regarded by the Arab States. Since then, the only resolutions which the Security Council has been capable of adopting have been those containing censure of Israel. 187. Certainly in the past fortnight there has been no disinclination on the part of the majority in the Security Council or the General Assembly to deal with the situation created by the Israel attack on Egypt and the Anglo-French intervention.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“No debate on the work of the Conciliation Commission has been held in the Assembly since the abortive discussions of 1952. With the exception of the refugee question, which is discussed each year as a humanitarian rather than a political problem, no aspect of the Palestine situation, despite its steady deterioration, has been discussed here until the last fortnight — and this, over a period of years in which the inability of the Security Council to act constructively and impartially has become increasingly evident. 186. In 1951 the Security Council passed a resolution [S/2322] stating that restrictions placed by Egypt on shipping to and from Israel were an abuse of the exercise of the right of visit, search and seizure, and called upon Egypt to terminate such restrictions.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is a gain that the situation should have provided the stimulus for the creation of a United Nations Force, perhaps the first step towards investing the United Nations with the practical means to make its decisions effective. And it is a gain that it should have at last been brought home that it is time — perhaps the last opportunity — for this Organization to stop backing away front the hard realities and difficulties of the Middle East. For make no mistake, this Organization has backed away. 185. It is true that the responsibility for a lasting settlement of Middle East problems depends, in the long run, on the countries of the area. But there is much that the United Nations can do and might already have done. In 1948, the Palestine Conciliation Commission was established to assist negotiations between Israel and the Arab States.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“And we are not without hope that, high as the immediate costs may have been, the long-range results both for this Organization and for world peace may yet prove salutary. 183. We consider it a gain that the extent of Soviet penetration in the Middle East, the magnitude of its supply of arms to the area, and the malevolence of its intentions should have been unmistakably exposed, If any Middle East nation, proud as they all are to have thrown off Western control, chooses now to assist the entry into the Middle East of Soviet imperialism, then it will do so with full knowledge of the risks to which it exposes itself and the world. 184.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Eighty thousand of our soldiers out of a population of less than 2 million fought in the Middle East in the Second World War for the victory which made possible the founding of this Organization. 182. What has happened in the Middle East in recent weeks is of the greatest importance to us. New Zealand’s attitude towards Anglo-French intervention in the recent fighting between Egypt and Israel has already been made clear. From the outset it has had full confidence in the intentions underlying the action taken with France by the United Kingdom. There has been other times when the United Kingdom, virtually alone, has acted in the world interest against odds even heavier than the weight of adverse opinion. Time will show, we believe, that in this case, too, action was taken in the general interest rather than in pursuit of narrow ends.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It will be the constant endeavour of my Government — by its aid programmes, by a sympathetic understanding of the aspirations of the peoples of Asia, and by vigilance in the defence of freedom — to ensure that these tensions do not again impede the pursuit of objectives to which all Members of the United Nations are pledged. 181. The concern of New Zealand with the maintenance of peace in the Pacific area is a direct one. However, history has also given tragic proof of the importance of the Middle East to our security and communications. Twice in recent times New Zealanders have been called upon to stake their lives and resources in its defence against aggression.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Other speakers have already expressed the satisfaction which Prince Wan Waithayakon’s election to the Presidency has given to all Members of the Assembly. It is an honour which is richly merited. 180. His election is specially welcome to New Zealand — and to me personally — in view of our close association at several international gatherings. Thailand and New Zealand are partners in the Pacific. We have joined together with other nations in efforts to guarantee the freedom and peace of an area which, not long ago, was the focus of international dispute. Far Eastern tensions which then exercised the world community have fortunately been held in check.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“But we must all recognize that the improvements we so earnestly desire will not come without great effort, or without the exercise of patience, tolerance and restraint on the part of all the nations concerned. As always, our inspiration will come from our objective, namely, that of world peace and the provision of conditions for human advancement free from the fear and shadow of war.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“I am, of course, well aware that the purpose of such a conference would not be limited to the question of amending the Charter. I have, however, tried to make it clear that, in my view, this is not the time for formal and lengthy discussion about the way in which the United Nations should work. What is needed is the will to make it work in the manner which was envisaged at San Francisco ten years ago. We have a good deal to forget, and new habits to acquire. If we can now manage to cultivate a new spirit of co-operation, we shall in due course be able to make a much more confident assessment about the need for a review conference. 52. Much has been done in ten years. In this nuclear age, it is vital that we make much greater progress in the next ten years.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“As the Secretary-General has pointed out, it is not the main task of the United Nations to impose its advice on Member States. Its Councils, commissions and other bodies — and also the full resources of the Secretariat — are there to give help when it is wanted. 50. I believe that this session of the General Assembly offers us a special opportunity to push forward with the major task of making the United Nations a more effective Organization. I think it may be a mistake to suppose that a review conference, held at an early date, could do much to hasten that goal. There may be a good case for making some amendments to the Charter; but for that purpose alone a review conference is not necessary. Moreover, I think it very doubtful whether we could go to such conference with any confidence that amendments would be agreed upon. 51.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“A broader test than that of competence — and often an easier one to apply — is whether or not Assembly discussion is likely to serve the real interests of the people vitally concerned. It is not in any case the Assembly’s policy to accept automatically every topic proposed for debate. Certainly this should not be its policy if the subject has already been adequately discussed, or if there are other good grounds for believing that discussion would be unfruitful. There are occasions when a debate — far from improving a situation — can delay settlement, add to unrest, or, in the ultimate, provoke violence. 49. All these considerations apply even more strongly to cases in which there is a legitimate doubt about the Assembly’s competence. In such cases the Assembly should be extremely careful not to let its procedures be misused.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Its Member States meet on a footing —not merely of equality — but of sovereign equality. The position might have been otherwise. The United Nations might have been given authority to revise treaties or territorial boundaries. It might have had an unlimited right to intervene in the domestic affairs of its Member States. But in fact it was given none of these powers, and if it attempts to exercise them it is exceeding its functions. 47. No State willingly submits to interference in its own affairs. If there is such interference, it can only bring discredit on the United Nations. The Assembly’s real effectiveness depends on its moral authority; and this must be based upon a reputation for wisdom and fairness. We believe that, if the Assembly concentrates upon that goal, it will be troubled less often by the vexed problem of competence. 48.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It has been emphasized many times that it is purely defensive. We are confident that it will play its part in preserving the freedom and peace of South-East Asia. 45. We, in New Zealand, have also followed with great interest the proceedings at Bandung, where our Asian neighbours, and some countries of Africa, many of them not Members of the United Nations, met in conference. We recognize the value of regional co-operation, and we believe that in this way the United Nations itself can be enriched. It is significant that the Bandung Conference expressed its member’s support for the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 46. I have been speaking of meetings and associations which have taken place outside the United Nations. Their very existence reminds us that the United Nations is not a world government.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“My Government is firmly convinced of the value of the Colombo Plan — a scheme of economic development and technical assistance which has strengthened our ties of friendship and understanding with the countries of Asia. I am glad to note also that this year has been one of comparative tranquillity in those South-East Asian countries which border the Pacific. 44. We hope that this comparative peace is yet another symptom of a genuine relaxation of international tension; but we also take great satisfaction in the guarantees afforded by the South-East Asia Collective Defence Treaty Organization. In this organization, countries which have been exposed to subversive pressures are linked with other countries which, like New Zealand, lie outside the Asian area. The existence of this organization threatens no one.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The United Nations has unique authority, because it speaks for the peoples of all its Member States. Yet we cannot forget that there are other States which have not been admitted to the United Nations, although they are deserving of membership. Until this injustice has been ended, the United Nations cannot attain its full stature. 42. I feel that, in this respect also, we must re-examine old positions, and see whether they are in keeping with present circumstances. It would be most regrettable to close the door to deserving candidates merely because of rigid attitudes adopted in the past. 43. I must now make some mention of developments in international co-operation which are of special interest to New Zealand.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“We ourselves hope that the Council will allow itself a greater degree of flexibility, and will not feel bound to continue routines developed in the years of the cold war. 40. This is all the more important, we believe, because the Council retains its role as the supreme arbiter of matters affecting international peace and security. Supplementary procedures have been developed, but no substitute. If a small nation is attacked or threatened, the Council is still the place to which it may most readily bring its case, and most promptly get a hearing. Prompt and public discussion has a deterrent effect on the use of force. The Council can always provide the facilities for such discussion. 41. I have stressed that the United Nations is an Organization in which responsibility is shared among large nations and small.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“In recent months, unanimity among the permanent members has made possible useful and constructive decisions on the Palestine question. 39. The responsibility for maintaining and increasing I the authority and usefulness of the Council is one which other Members of the United Nations share with the great Powers. It does not take long for an international body to acquire fixed habits; these may be dangerously easy to develop and extremely difficult to change. In our experience such a change is necessary if the Security Council is to function effectively as a centre where genuine negotiation can take place. The Secretary-General has pleaded that questions of Council procedure be approached in a more “imaginative” spirit [A/2911, p.xii].”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It is true that we have learnt at first hand of the difficulties under which the Council operates. We had hoped that it would be less used as a forum for the public statement of known and unchanging positions. It is also obvious, of course, that no world organization can function adequately unless there is a basis for co-operation among its largest and most powerful member States. This fact was recognized by the special position accorded the great Powers in the United Nations Charter. 38. The interests of the United Nations will be well served if the great Powers can agree more readily about the spirit and intention of the Charter. It would then be easier for the Security Council to come to a common view, and to exert a united authority. I do not suggest that rigidity has been a characteristic of the great Powers alone.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Moreover, our forthcoming discussions should have more promise, because there is evidence that the great Powers are anxious to make definite progress. 36. During the past year, developments of great significance have also taken place outside the framework of the United Nations. The great Powers are making a new attempt to settle differences which go to the root of the world’s problems. There has also been a notable growth in regional co-operation. These are developments which support the role of the United Nations and make its aims more easy to achieve. 37. The Secretary-General has in his report paid special attention to the practice and procedure of the Security Council. New Zealand is due to leave that body, to which we had the honour to be elected two years ago. We have found the experience a valuable one.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“subjects are on the agenda of the present session. They should afford a useful opportunity to review what was accomplished at Geneva, and to chart the course for further progress in a new and exciting field of scientific endeavour. 35. The Assembly may also feel some satisfaction with the year’s activities in the field of disarmament. This urgent problem is so complex that progress is naturally slow. The key to its final solution is the establishment of an adequate system of inspection and control. This has been the stumbling block in the past, and we should not look for quick and easy answers. Nevertheless, this is a subject which the Charter specifically invites the Assembly to consider; and, whatever the difficulties, we must persist in our task.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The commemorative session, held at San Francisco in June 1955, served to emphasize that these were the objects for which the United Nations was founded. There can be no doubt that the peoples of the world look to the United Nations for leadership. It is our task to show that the Organization is able to give that leadership. 34. In this connexion the General Assembly may, I feel, congratulate itself on its decision to convoke the recent Geneva Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. The Conference was notable for the way in which the various countries represented pooled their knowledge. It succeeded, indeed, beyond all expectations. This was, in itself, one of the clearest, signs of the new spirit of international co-operation. , Four items on peaceful uses of atomic energy and allied?”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Each of us must be prepared to look for new solutions to old problems, and to find new ways of working together. 32. The Secretary-General, in his thoughtful introduction to this year’s annual report [A/2911], has provided an admirable basis for such an approach. He has also reminded us that the Assembly must, at the present session, look back upon the first ten years of the Organization’s development. It is fortunate that the anniversary should fall at a time when the international outlook offers distinct grounds for encouragement. 33. It is well worth while to recall how eagerly public opinion throughout the world has responded to each new promise of a better understanding and a common purpose among nations.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“30. This Assembly has opened in a hopeful atmosphere. During the past year there have been welcome signs of an improvement in the international climate. It can best be described as a thaw, because there seems at least a possibility that the mistrust and suspicion which have frozen international relations in the cold war may be replaced by a warmer spirit of co-operation. If we can succeed in making this spirit of co-operation a greater reality in our Assembly debates, we can make the United Nations a stronger instrument for world peace. 31. We know that our hopes will not 'be realized merely by wishful thinking. We know that we cannot leave the whole responsibility to a few nations, no matter how powerful or how influential they may be.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)