YouSaid · the spoken record

Boyd

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS BOYD

lines on the record: 104
first: 1955-09-24
most recent: 1976-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“We trust that during this session the Fund will meet with the enthusiastic and sincere support of the great Powers so that its proposed aims may become a reality. As a consequence, unsound economies and unhealthy economic relationships will begin to disappear. And as we go forward along this path we shall feel that we are advancing on solid ground towards real agreement on disarmament, peace and sincere international cooperation. 36. Amid the anxieties and misgivings which beset human beings today, only the United Nations can raise the flag of hope, extend the area of agreement between peoples and strengthen the civil and political rights of mankind. Towards these ends the delegation of Panama will work wholeheartedly at this twelfth session of the General Assembly.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The economy of my own country requires more assistance from the United Nations, and more effective help from its true friends in order to stimulate its agriculture and industries for the permanent benefit of all its people. 34. Recent public administrations have tried hard to establish new sources of wealth and to diversify the national economy. Development and credit institutions are giving more and more assistance to the peasant and to the farmer. Various laws have recently been promulgated to encourage foreign capital investments and we have signed contracts with United States and European companies for exploring and exploiting some of the resources of our sub-soil. 35. Panama looks with optimism towards the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development which the Organization has so wisely proposed.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In the world today, a small number of industrial countries, which have reached a stage of maximum economic saturation and diversification, are surrounded by an enormous number of under-developed countries which are generally dependent on a single primary commodity and whose economies gravitate inexorably around the large industrial countries. It is absurd to ask these under-developed countries which are so dependent on others to help themselves. Of course, no one wants them to live on international charity or do nothing for themselves. But it is obvious that, however much they strive, they cannot improve their economic structure unless there is a better and fairer relationship between them and the highly industrialized countries with which they are compelled to trade. 33.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In the economic field, the fact that so many countries remain insufficiently developed causes universal disequilibrium, instability and disappointment. These countries are frequently told that they should follow the example of the great industrial nations which achieved their present high level of expansion and wealth by their own efforts. However, any student of political economy knows that such sententious advice is false when it is applied to the times in which we live. The circumstances in which those powerful and wealthy nations came to the fore were very different. 32.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“de la Guardia. Although they refer to the social climate of the Isthmus of Panama, they also have a universal application: "For a long time it has been said that people believe in nothing and no one. There are certainly many proofs to strengthen this opinion. Above this prevailing atmosphere of pessimism, I wish to raise a voice ringing with sincerity, and I hope it will not fall entirely upon deaf ears. It is a voice calling upon you to conquer the past and to encourage people by diligent and courageous work to search their souls and rediscover faith and confidence in a better future. It is a voice which, guided by confident visions of the future, seeks to bring relief from this stifling pessimism which day after day proclaims the loss of hope and the impossibility of any improvement." 31.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The rights of the human person cannot be the exclusive heritage of minorities which set themselves up as superior beings. 29. In defence of these guaranties, my delegation wishes to state that it has supported the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and that it will strive to ensure that the validity of that Convention is not undermined by unfortunate interpretations. All aspirations to freedom must be unanimously supported; otherwise, we should place in doubt our creative, dignifying and inalienable right to determine our own destiny. 30. As the United Nations is an organisation with such vast functions and such high aims, it is necessary to strengthen faith among men. In this connexion it may be well to recall the words spoken a year ago by the present President of the Republic of Panama, Mr.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“27. In the humanitarian field, it is shameful that there are still peoples who are denied their fundamental rights and who, in spite of their maturity, remain under the yoke of foreign oppression and are prevented from deciding their own destiny. Over and above agreement of a political nature, the Latin Americans respect the principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other States, but we protest when this argument is used as a pretext for subjugating defenceless peoples. 28. Panama considers that every people capable of self-government should enjoy peace, freedom and justice. To claim that oppressive regimes should be maintained because peoples have not yet reached sufficient maturity to enjoy freedom is fallacious in the extreme.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“This law is essential for the complete and effective implementation of the treaty. We sincerely believe that, if this law is applied, we shall be putting into practice in this strip of our territory, over which Panama has always maintained sovereignty, the universal principle of equal pay for equal work for which we have been fighting for so many years. 26. In the social field, it is inadmissible that there should still exist colonial and semi-colonial countries where the indigenous inhabitants are discriminated against, exploited and subjected to an inferior wage system solely on grounds of nationality and race. In this respect, the Declaration signed in Panama on the occasion of the meeting of American Presidents held in our capital in 1956 constitutes the most sublime profession of faith in the human race that has ever been conceived.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Panama has always considered that international agreements, whether multilateral or bilateral, should be amended to keep pace with the changes in the relationships which they govern. 24. Panama, which has always honoured its international commitments, has urged periodically and through direct negotiation, the revision of the treaties which govern our relations with the United States regarding the Panama Canal. In 1955, the Remón-Eisenhower Treaty was drawn up, together with the memorandum of understanding which recognizes certain of my country’s aspirations. 25. This treaty, which is awaiting approval by the United States Congress, contains a law establishing a single salary scale and the principle of equal advancement and retirement pensions for Panamanians and United States nationals working in the Canal Zone.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“So long as the United Nations has not solved certain of these important problems, it will be unable to solve the problem of disarmament. 21. In the political field, for example, it is inconceivable that there should still be nations divided artificially and without representation in the United Nations. The most obvious case is Germany and we might also mention Korea and Viet-Nam. 22. At this point, I would like to digress for a moment to extend a cordial welcome to the new States, Ghana and the Federation of Malaya, which have just joined us. At the same time, I hope that those countries which are still unjustly being kept out of the United Nations will soon be admitted. 23. In the legal field, it is abnormal that the excessive rigidity of the Charter should prevent its being revised in the light of recent international changes.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Although it possesses only a limited war potential, Panama will do everything in its power to bring about an agreement which lessens the possibility of a new armed conflict. 19. An atomic attack on the Panama Canal, which links two oceans and which is of vital strategic importance, would mean the total and immediate destruction of the capital and probably of the city of Colón, which is second in importance to it in size and population. My delegation is filled with grave concern, not only when we think of Panama, but also when we consider the whole American continent and the small defenceless countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. 20. The problems of peace which concern the United Nations are inevitably linked with political, legal, humanitarian, social and economic problems within the Organization’s competence.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The delegation of Panama has faith in the United Nations and every confidence in its ability to prevent conflicts, curb threats to fundamental freedoms and establish bonds of real friendship among the great variety of peoples represented in it. This confidence is not the capricious result of light-headed optimism but the fruit of a serious and deliberate analysis of its accomplishments. 18. The United Nations had brought its great authority to bear on the most serious, most difficult and most dangerous problem now confronting the world, that of controlling the outrageous armaments race. We know that the Sub-committee of the United Nations Disarmament Commission met in London until recently without reaching any definite solution. It will therefore be for this Assembly to discuss and to solve this complex problem.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“There are those who consider that the United Nations failed to achieve the same success with regard to Hungary as it did in the conflict in Egypt. However, this does not mean that the United Nations did not act decisively, diligently and efficiently. What is so lamentable and blameworthy in the case of Hungary is that the aggressor and the Hungarian Government which came to power as a result of the aggression have refused to respect the measures taken by the United Nations and have not carried out its recommendations and decisions. The Soviet Union and the present Hungarian Government have committed a serious error in so doing and those who believe that the free world can ever forget the horrible crimes perpetrated in Hungary are greatly mistaken. 17.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The speed and efficiency with which the United Nations Emergency Force was able to re-open the Canal to shipping is the most striking proof of what decisive international action and respect for United Nations decisions can do. 14. We must recognize and applaud the conduct of one great Power during this unhappy conflict. I refer to the United States. Its action was all the more laudable because there were other allied Powers involved, with which it had long standing bonds of friendship. However, the United States consistently followed a policy of cooperation with the United Nations and resolutely supported all its decisions. 15. Panama, which like Egypt, has on its territory a Canal which joins two oceans, cannot remain indifferent to the sufferings of that distant country whose interests are so similar to its own. 16.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The small countries, by the very nature of their interests, usually appraise with reasonable objectivity and fairness the conflicts which torment the world, particularly when their Governments are the genuine expression of the will of the people and when their representatives act with dignity and courage. The experience of the last session of the General Assembly has shown the decisive part which certain small countries have played in the solution of the gravest international disputes. 13. Undoubtedly, the intervention of the United Nations in the Suez Canal conflict was an extraordinary triumph for our Organization. The United Nations not only succeeded in preventing the spread of hostilities but also managed to end them quickly.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“In the Security Council, Panama will strive to ensure respect for fundamental human rights; it will work for a valid system of safeguarding human rights so that man’s basic achievements are not left open to attack by the enemies of peace; and so that the ideals of universal harmony shall not remain mere empty words but become firm guaranties of solidarity and co-operation. 11. The concept of justice is not limited to specific circumstances or applicable only at certain times; it is of universal validity. That is why, in the Security Council, Panama will speak up in defence of the inalterable principles of equity and will vigorously oppose those who seek to reduce man to a mere cipher. 12.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Panama will take its seat in the Security Council to help strengthen faith in the democratic way of life. With sincerity and without jingoism, with simple joy and without desire for foolish self-praise, we can state that Panama has been and is a genuinely democratic country and that its history provides a good example of a clean and honest struggle in defence of freedom and justice. Panama, a country torn asunder in order to unite the world, has been a sentinel and a warrior, a strong arm and a fortress, and a torchbearer for freedom in two world wars. There is no single instance in its history when it has failed to uphold democratic ideals. 10.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Panama will dedicate itself unceasingly to the service of the United Nations as the authentic spokesman for the Latin American viewpoint and as the faithful interpreter of the ideals which are the life’s blood of the Latin American democracies. 7. The Government of Panama is perfectly aware that the Security Council is the organ of the United Nations which has the most delicate and important functions, for it is the organ primarily responsible for the maintenance of peace, security and international justice. 8. Panama will take its seat in the Security Council not in order to satisfy any feelings of international vanity but to fulfil an honourable and lofty responsibility: to seek with the utmost determination to strengthen international co-operation so that it becomes clear and unmistakable. 9.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“My country became a candidate for this high position in the United Nations in the most spontaneous and disinterested way. Certain friendly countries thought it fair that Panama should be represented on the Security Council and offered their enthusiastic support. Then, following cordial negotiations between our foreign offices, Panama’s candidature won the unanimous support of the Latin American countries. 6. Now that my country has been elected, I wish, on behalf of the Government and people of Panama, to convey my warmest thanks to the countries of America for their generous support and to all States which voted for us. In the position to which it had the honour of being elected yesterday [695th meeting].”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Fortunately, the spirit of conciliation which characterized the election of the President of the Assembly is not the only example of unity and harmony in the United Nations. Thanks to the friendly co-operation shown by the foreign offices of Argentina and the Dominican Republic, the family of American nations has also acted in harmony by unanimously agreeing to put forward Panama as the single Latin American candidate for one of the seats in the Security Council traditionally assigned to that region. This decision is all the more important for small countries like ours in that it represents a vigorous reaffirmation of the principle of rotation in the membership of United Nations bodies and gives full force to the principle of the legal equality of States which also implies equal responsibility in serving the United Nations. 5.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“The delegation of Panama, which enthusiastically supported the election of Sir Leslie Munro, has great pleasure in seeing him presiding over the twelfth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations and congratulates him on the high honour which has been bestowed upon his country in his person. 2. The gesture of the eminent statesman Mr. Charles Malik, in withdrawing his candidature in order that the representative of New Zealand might be elected almost unanimously, is a proof that even in this era of gross material interests higher spiritual values can prevail. 3. My delegation also wishes to congratulate the Secretary-General on the extension of his term of office for a further five years in recognition of the competence and responsibility with which he has discharged his functions. 4.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“My delegation comes to this eleventh session of the General Assembly prepared to exert every effort to maintain the noble ideals of the United Nations intact. We are here to judge severely the international conduct of peoples who put democratic ideals on one side, and we shall not go away satisfied until we have obtained for Panama the victories which rightfully belong to a small nation constantly striving forward. 33. The delegation of Panama comes here with an open heart and an alert mind, prepared to do everything in its power to see that justice, tolerance, democracy and respect are not mere words, but concepts endowed with true meaning.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As to the other specific items on the agenda of this Assembly, Panama wishes to state beforehand that it will support any steps designed to bring to the peoples of the world at present living under colonial regimes a system of government in keeping with their wishes and their capacity for self-government. 30. Panama will also unswervingly condemn any type of racial discrimination, and will support any measures which will make it possible permanently to eradicate such discrimination. 31. My country also wishes to state that it will vote in favour of increasing the number of members of the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the International Law Commission, so that these organs may genuinely represent the United Nations now that its membership has been considerably increased. 32.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This is neither a cry of despair nor a presumptuous request, but a bold and straightforward appeal to the spirit of the United Nations. 28. Panama professes and practices the principle that respect must govern relations both between Governments as well as individual human relations. The eminent lawyer, Mr. Ricardo J. Alfaro, by his distinguished contribution to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, crystallized what for Panamanians is a credo of political philosophy which, if it were practised, would undoubtedly provide a most effective code for curtailing abuse, enhancing human dignity, and setting ethical standards for society. 29.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Panama is having to exert tremendous efforts in 1956 to cope with the ravages of endemic diseases, to provide properly trained teachers for the growing school population, and to reduce the illiteracy figures. 27. In the United Nations, countries are not measured by the area of their territory or the numerical strength of their inhabitants, but rather by their integrity of purpose and honesty of conduct. Panama therefore hopes that the specialized agencies of the United Nations; will make the benefits of their technical assistance programmes available in a more effective way. We consider that, as a sincere ally of the democratic world, our country is entitled to expect from an Organization which has received its loyal support a little more assistance in raising the standard of living of its people.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The President of Panama feels that through the scientific development of our resources, with Government action directed towards the attainment of diversified production, it will be possible for us to transform the country in a way which will bring greater well-being for Panamanian citizens. 26. Because of obvious financial limitations, and equipment that does not always meet the requirements of our time, Panama today has to put forth herculean efforts to ensure that its farmers have agricultural implements, that its workers find employment to occupy diem physically and mentally, that disease and the mortality rates are reduced, and that the people have hygienic and decent housing.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Canal has been a vital artery for the defence of the continent in two world wars. We are proud to state that not a single Panamanian has ever been found guilty of acts likely to endanger the security of the Canal. The United States and the rest of the democratic world have always found in Panama a staunch collaborator, a loyal friend, and a nation respectful of its international commitments. 25. As representatives to this Assembly know, the Republic of Panama is an isthmus which links the two Americas. It covers an area of 28,600 square miles and has a population of over a million inhabitants. The progressive administration of Mr. Ernesto de la Guardia, inaugurated recently, is endeavouring with all the capacities and good will at its command to increase the cultivation of the soil and to create new sources of wealth in the country.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Potter, The New York Times of 11 November stated that the Panama Canal, after payment of the costs of the Government of the zone, amounting to $51,151,557, and the interest on the investment, amounting to $41,611,824, has shown a net profit of $17,733,724 over the past five years. For these five years, the payment to Panama of the yearly rent amounted to $2,150,000. 22. While from the economic point of view the Canal has proved a great success for its builders, from the strategic point of view it has increased the naval power of the United States by 40 to 60 per cent. 23. Panama is pleased to give these statistics on the Canal, even though we feel that we do not receive all the benefits rightfully due to us as partners in an undertaking in which, together with the United States, we have a mutual and vital interest. 24.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Now that we are discussing the problem of the Suez Canal, it will be of interest for Members of this Organization to have some information, however brief, on the operations of the Canal which, though built for the benefit of the world, has cut the territory of the Republic of Panama in two. 20. The construction of the Panama Canal, begun by the great French builder of the Suez Canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps, was brought to a successful conclusion by the United States Government. This engineering marvel, the outcome of a titanic struggle against nature and tropical disease, was inaugurated in 1914, at a total cost of $325,311,966. 21. On the basis of the figures given in the report of the Governor of the Panama Canal zone, Mr. William E.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Although the aforesaid agreements leave many Panamanian ambitions unfulfilled, they do represent a step towards the solution of our problems with the United States. Panama is confident that future negotiations will make it possible to arrive at fair and amicable understandings and arrangements which will reflect the true spirit of justice embodied in the agreements. 18. The treaties in force between Panama and the United States repeatedly make it clear that both countries have joint and vital interests in the operation of the Canal and in maintaining a real, stable and inviolable peace and sincere friendship between the Republic of Panama and the United States and between their citizens. 19.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“On the strength of the principle of equal pay for equal work, which has been internationally recognized and specifically embodied in the contractual arrangements in force between the Republic of Panama and the United States, the Government of Panama considers that any attempt to establish in the Canal zone wage rates on the basis of “contractual geographical areas” would mean a new type of discrimination based on the worker’s “locality,” or point of origin, that would, in practice, be as harmful and reprehensible as the old types of discrimination. The only salary differential we regard as being equitable and non-discriminatory is that based on the difference in workers’ skill or experience for any particular post. 17.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“To make these two agreements completely effective, supplementary laws will be enacted by the United States Congress. 16. The First of these laws concerns equality of opportunity, wages and pensions for Panamanian and North American workers in the Canal zone; the second concerns the return to Panama of certain land and property not needed in connexion with the Canal; and the last concerns the financing of a bridge over the Canal.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Isthmus Convention of 1903 contained harsh conditions hurtful to our national pride, and hence the Republic of Panama, which has always respected its international obligations and the principles of international law, has been negotiating an amicable settlement of its differences direct with the other party, the United States, through periodic revisions of the Treaty of 1903. 15. The first revision, in 1926, was unsuccessful; the second, in 1936, contained important improvements for Panama; the third, in 1942, took place as a result of the Second World War; and the last revision was made in the Treaty of Mutual Understanding and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Panama and the Memorandum of Understandings concluded in 1955.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The Isthmus Convention of 1903, when our contractual relationship with the United States began, corroborates this. Despite the shortcomings of that instrument, attributable largely to the exigencies of the time and to adverse factors which I do not propose to analyse now, the founders of the State of Panama took special care to ensure that the United States should possess in the Canal zone only such rights, powers and authority as are necessary for the operation, maintenance, repair and defence of the Canal; in all other fields not related to those specific ends, all rights, power and authority are in the hands of the Republic of Panama. 14.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“As we stated from this rostrum last week [591st meeting], the question of Suez is of special importance to the Panamanian delegation for four reasons: first, because our own territory is also cut by an artificial waterway which reduces distances and brings together the peoples of the world; secondly because of the similarities between the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal; thirdly, because the mercantile marine of Panama is the sixth largest in the world; and fourthly, because the regulations regarding the neutralization and use of the Suez Canal set forth in the Constantinople Convention of 1888 apply also to Panama. In Suez, the territorial sovereignty is vested in Egypt; in the Panama Canal zone, it is vested in the Republic of Panama. 13. The sovereignty of Panama over the Canal zone is a concrete, positive fact.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Consequently, just as we condemn the unjustified and barbarous aggression by the Soviet Union, we also denounce no less sincerely and strongly the aggression committed by France, the United Kingdom and Israel against Egypt, though it must be pointed out that these Powers are prepared to discuss the problem in this world forum of the United Nations. 11. As regards the situation in the Near East and with respect to the status of the Suez Canal, the Republic of Panama, faithful to its traditions and consistent in its support for international law, wishes to repeat that it condemns the use of force as a means of solving conflicts between States, and will support any measures designed to ensure peace in that region, with due regard for the dignity and sovereignty of the Egyptian nation. 12.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The United Nations could not remain indifferent to the tragedy now being enacted in Hungary as a result of Soviet intervention. Had we done so, it would have been tantamount to conniving at the violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter and condoning genocide, a crime against mankind defined and condemned by the United Nations itself, on the proposal of the delegations of Panama, Cuba and India. 9. On this question of foreign intervention, I should stress that the Latin American peoples have always been extremely jealous of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Throughout their history, they have opposed any attempt at any kind of intervention, however ostensibly well-intentioned; for the results are always disastrous for the State concerned. 10.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“States which love justice and democracy, as do the great majority of those in the United Nations, cannot become accomplices of the puppet government of Hungary. Trustworthy cabled reports and the personal accounts of thousands of refugees speak with moving eloquence of the Odyssey of a people striving to throw off a shameful yoke. The flood of falsehoods and sophisms designed to convince us that the situation in Hungary is normal has fallen on deaf ears. What of the Soviet troops there, spreading horror and death in places which only yesterday were scenes of peaceful activity? What of the Hungarians who prefer to die rather than live under the hammer of oppression and the freedom-lopping sickle? What of the trucks moving off to foreign parts, loaded with patriots whose only prospects are torture and death? 8.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“We should always bear in mind the lessons of the defunct League of Nations, whose downfall was due to a lack of determination and courage on the part of its members in meeting the challenge of aggressor States and calling for appropriate sanctions by the international community. 6. This is why the delegation of Panama, of which I have the honour to be the Chairman, has supported and will support all measures designed to alleviate the tragic situation of the Hungarians, and why we supported the proposal that that question be given priority in the General Assembly. There is no room whatever for temporizing in the face of the brutal and merciless aggression by the Soviet Union against the Hungarian people, who are now shedding their blood in defence of their freedom and the sacred right of self-determination. 7.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The resolutions of the General Assembly, the most authoritative voice of world opinion, undoubtedly carry great moral force; it is essential, however, that at crucial moments, as happened in the Suez Canal case, the Assembly should also possess and utilize the necessary coercive force to guarantee due compliance with measures designed to preserve peace and international order and security. 5. The Members of this great Assembly cannot afford to maintain cordial relations with States which use or are prepared to use threats, force or aggression as a means of solving international problems; otherwise the efficacy and even the very existence of the United Nations will be jeopardized.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Before the sinister outbreak of barbaric oppression now ripe in Hungary, and before the disgraceful outrage, practised on certain small countries, there were many gloomy prophets who maintained that the United Nations was anaemic and powerless to translate into practical action the principles which are its guiding spirit, its very essence and purpose. Yet those who think and speak in this manner evidently do not realize that institutions dedicated to lofty ideals are invulnerable to the calculating brutality of those who still believe in the sinister rule of the whip and the shot-gun. 3. The United Nations is faced with a severe test; but just as bitter trials tend to strengthen the resolve of fine men, in the same way crises act like a spiritual tonic on the keepers of the international peace. 4.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The United Nations meets today in this General Assembly, under the able guidance of our President, at a critical moment of world tension. We have before us a series of grave problems which we must face with a high sense of responsibility; and if we are to justify the trust and faith placed in us by those in the world who love peace, freedom, justice and democracy, we must find a solution consistent with the precepts and principles proclaimed in the Charter. The Panamanian delegation does not propose to repeat outworn clichés or to recite polite phrases for mere form’s sake. We wish to express our fervent hopes and to reiterate, without euphemism, our faith in lofty ideals. 2.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This world public opinion to which I refer, duly inspired and ever alert, must in the course of time become so great and so irresistible a moral force that no country in the world will dare disregard it. 65. The Panamanian delegation reaffirms its resolute intention of co-operating whole-heartedly and enthusiastically in the accomplishment of the tasks before the United Nations General Assembly! My country Considers, as it has done in the past and will do in future, that we, the Members of the United Nations, are in duty bound to maintain our faith and confidence in the Organization, "supporting and contributing to its efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence among nations, so that international relations may be based on the noble concepts of the Charter, thus ensuring peace, justice and freedom for all the peoples of the world.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“It is natural that the work of the United Nations should at times appear to critics limited. It should be borne in mind, however, that the Organization is endeavouring to solve extremely complicated problems, some of which are almost as old as humanity. It is for this reason that we should not underestimate the paramount importance of the international public opinion which the United Nations is forming at the present time through its exhaustive public discussions of the most difficult world problems, which hitherto were examined only behind closed doors. This public opinion is unquestionably an effective bulwark against the use of force in the settlement of disputes between States.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The Republic of Panama maintains its faith in the United Nations and in its high purposes. It supports the efforts to achieve greater understanding and international co-operation which the United Nations, by its direct action, has made in the political, social and economic fields, for it considers that it is here, in fields which show immediate results, that the United Nations in its ten years of existence has accomplished — and is still accomplishing — beneficent work of world-wide importance which cannot be ignored. 64. Like all human institutions, the United Nations has a life and vitality of its own. This is a result of the various reactions which of necessity have an influence upon it, of the normal course of its activities and of the many varied goals which it has set itself.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Many are the thorny problems we shall have to tackle at this session. In the opinion of my country, the most outstanding ones are disarmament and the control of atomic weapons, the peaceful uses of atomic energy, the admission of new Members to the United Nations, so that the Organization may acquire a universal character and, lastly, the appointment of a committee to study, with due care and thoroughness, the changes and amendments which are required in the Charter if it is to meet present-day requirements more effectively. It is by meeting these problems firmly and resolutely that we shall best be able to strengthen the United Nations, to increase the hopes which we have all placed in it and to heighten its' prestige and authority in the eyes of the world. 63.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“I consider it a very good augury that, as a result of the spirit of friendship and understanding which has prevailed at recent international conferences, particularly at Geneva, this session of the General Assembly can take place in a propitious atmosphere, so that the work we are embarking on here may bring positive benefits to all the peoples we represent. Although we have not yet succeeded in bringing about the material disarmament which we all desire, it is a fact that of late a conciliatory spirit has made its appearance in the world which is the first essential for a stable peace. The atmosphere is less charged with distrust and suspicion. We are waking from a nightmare and we feel more optimistic. The prevailing spirit is one of goodwill and greater understanding. 62.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The Republic of Panama, as a democratic and peace-loving State, respectful of human dignity, has always been guided in its international relations by the concepts of justice and coexistence proclaimed in the United Nations Charter. The most eloquent proof of our whole-hearted support of these noble purposes and principles is undoubtedly to be found in the cordial relations and the bonds of sincere friendship which link us not only with our fellow nations of America but also with all the countries of the world. 61.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“The activities of the United Nations in this field are invaluable and illustrate the wisdom and deep foresight of its founders, who obviously realized how unrealistic it would be to expect harmony and peace to reign among nations if they were beset by poverty, hunger, disease, superstition and ignorance. Although this work of the United Nations lacks the spectacular character of its political activities and does not attract the same publicity in the Press, it is nevertheless of definite and great benefit to peoples, since it prepares them to be useful citizens, and to enjoy freedom and progress. It is consequently the most valuable contribution that can be made to the cause of peace and goodwill among nations. 60.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)
“Its action in this respect has not been merely political, but has extended to other fields, in that it has endeavoured to raise the standards of living of peoples and thereby prepare them for self-government, so that they in turn may contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the United Nations. 58. In addition to taking a firm stand against aggression, as in the case of Korea, and ‘adopting measures designed to further collective security, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the effective protection of human rights, the United Nations has helped, through its various agencies, to solve the social and economic problems of needy and under-developed nations, and in this respect it may well be said that its work has been and continues to be. of real benefit to millions of people, even in the farthest corners of the world. 59.”
1955-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 10 (1955)