YouSaid · the spoken record

KHOMAN

lines on the record: 389
first: 1959-09-24
most recent: 1971-09-24
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“The solution of inviting the Powers which, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, are entrusted with the main responsibility of "Conference of Foreign Ministers of Asian and Pacific countries held on 16 and 17 May 1970. ensuring and maintaining world peace is a reasonable way out of the present procrastination and stagnation in the efforts to restore peace and tranquility in SouthEast Asia. 77. The question of the representation of China in the United Nations will undoubtedly come up for discussion again this year. The position of the Government of Thailand on this matter remains unchanged.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“A ceasefire could then be declared and negotiations started. At the present time the talks in Paris are not moving ahead because only one sport-soring Power sits at the conference table while the other conveniently stays outside and continues to pull the strings without being exposed or committed to any course of compromise or any proposal for a give and take. That is undoubtedly a miscalculation brought about by a hasty decision inspired perhaps by the internal political requirements of the moment rather than by rational considerations. In our opinion, as long as this disadvantageous unbalanced composition persists it would be unrealistic to expect any worthwhile breakthrough or progress at the Paris talks. If the truth of this is now realized, efforts must be made to repair the said shortcoming.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In the first place the suggestion that France and the United Kingdom should be urged to play a role in Asia, for instance in helping resolve the Cambodian question, is both logical and realistic, in our opinion. For one thing both countries have had long and intimate relations and experience with our part of the world. France, in particular, was until recently an Administering Authority in IndoChina, and the United Kingdom, for its part, is currently a co-chairman of the Geneva Conference. The two countries are therefore aptly suited to play a worthy part in dealing with problems facing SouthEast Asia. 76. As to the two world Powers, they have been and still are backing their respective side in the present conflict. If both of them could find a basis for an agreement, the fighting would grind to a prompt stop.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“It was regrettable that this assemblage was not strong enough to produce tangible results because it lacked the necessary ingredient of power even political power which could create the kind of stalemate that would ultimately lead to negotiations or a possible political modus vivendi for peaceful coexistence. To have any chance of success there must be an accrual of more weighty States to restore the balance. The participation of the four major Powers or, failing that, of the two great Powers on the same side will more certainly ensure success and make possible a prospect of meaningful negotiations and eventual settlement. That undoubtedly is the optimum. How it can be brought about is perhaps the greatest and most difficult problem of our time, which no person of goodwill should brush aside without giving it a thought or even a try. 75.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“At the same time they are tenaciously pressing for the acceptance of their formula for a political surrender, the latest version of which they put forward only last week in Paris. 74. While one has to admit that the withdrawal of various defending forces will not help create a power stalemate like the one which obtains in other parts of the world, it is meant at least as far as my country is concerned to show how desirous and eager we are to strive for a political settlement rather than one based on the use of force. However, since the other side continues to be recalcitrant other approaches have to be explored. Since a military stalemate is not realizable in SouthEast Asia one has to look for a political stalemate, a modest step towards which was initiated by the Asian and Pacific nations congregating at Djakarta a few months ago.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The regimes of Peking, Hanoi and Pyongyang still possess dominant military might, especially in the conventional field, and outside Powers who may be a match for them are not inclined to confront them unless it becomes a nuclear confrontation, which nobody wants anyhow. That is why those Asian Marxists continue to push implicitly or otherwise for a military solution even if it means a widening of the conflict as we have seen recently in Laos and Cambodia. They must indeed feel grateful to all those who keep reciting the litany that no military solution is possible in VietNam or even in the whole of SouthEast Asia. Such an exhortation suits the invaders very well, for the last thing they want is to have the defending side put up military opposition. They very much prefer to be allowed to pursue their own military objectives.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The existence of the massive strength both nuclear and conventional of NATO and the Warsaw Pact in Europe and the might of the Soviet Union and the might of the United States in the Middle East confronting each other have resulted in this de facto stalemate which, if broken would undoubtedly lead to a catastrophe of major proportions and result in an indescribable holocaust for all those who may become, involved. In these circumstances victory has little if any meaning and its cost may be too exorbitant for anyone to hope to reach it. 73. Such a situation, unfortunately, has not yet developed in our part of the world, or at least not to the extent to which it prevails in the above mentioned two areas.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“That seems to be the only plausible reason which can explain the unyielding attitude they have invariably adopted at the Paris negotiations. 72. If one attempts to draw a comparison between what occurs in Europe and the Middle East and what obtains in SouthEast Asia as one should try to learn from experiences in other parts of the world a striking conclusion readily emerges. The situation in Europe and the Middle East reflects what courteous diplomatic language may call the "desire for peace", but the hard realities of international life may more simply term it a "power stalemate".”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“One may wonder why while elsewhere in the world, in the Middle East and in Europe, people have grown tired and wearied of conflicts and fighting the Marxists in Asia never have enough of terrorizing and burning and murdering, and why their thirst for conquest and domination is so far unquenchable. While on the defending side one nation after another first the United States then Australia, New Zealand and Thailand has declared its readiness to withdraw its forces from the theater of war, the other side has shown no sign of relenting in its belligerent attitude. Instead they have stepped up hostilities in Laos, in Cambodia and also in the northern part of South VietNam. Was it, one may ask, because the free world side had shown signs of compromise that they mistook for weakness and even surrender?”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In their ruthless enterprises they were and still are supported by and supplied with economic means and destructive weapons by their sponsors in Asia and Eastern Europe. That is why, at the urgent request of the victims of aggression, forces from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand, much against their desire for peace, had to rush to the rescue. Otherwise the subjection of small nations would have been consummated and their free and sovereign existence would have been wiped out. At the present time, although the likelihood of the aggressors imposing their will and their military solution on their victims has become more remote, the former, bred in their intransigent imperialistic traditions, continue to inflict sufferings and depredations upon millions of people yearning for peace and tranquility. 71.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“What can and will be done to consolidate this initial gain remains to be seen, but at least the nations concerned can pursue their task of pacification and of anchoring the peace firmly in the European continent in more relaxed surroundings without the pressure of propaganda and its accompanying charges and countercharges. 70. Only in Asia and more particularly in SouthEast Asia do the skies remain ominously dark with incessant fighting, killing and destruction. The invading hordes of North VietNam and their clients, the Viet Cong, continue to maim, terrorize and slaughter innocent men and women along the breadth and length of SouthEast Asia, from the Kingdom of Laos to Cambodia and South VietNam.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Gunnar Jarring, who has been working so patiently for peace in that troubled part of the world. 69. In Europe, the treaty which the Federal Republic of Germany and the Soviet Union have recently concluded, by which the parties agreed to renounce all resort to force and to recognize and respect the present borders of Germany, has cleared the atmosphere of Europe of the immediate threats of conflict and has brought along with it cleaner air, an air of detente and peaceful coexistence. There again, the responsible parties should be commended for their successful efforts to rid the world of a major cause of confrontation and hostility.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“However, guerrilla activities, including hijackings and the destruction of civil aircraft, as well as the detention of innocent passengers, and lately the fierce fighting in Jordan, mar the prospects of peace in that highly explosive area. 68. No doubt these rays of hope are only a beginning, but a beginning to which we have not been accustomed for quite a long while. Therefore, those who have contributed to bringing about this more encouraging state of affairs should be congratulated and supported in their worthwhile efforts towards a notable lessening of international tension. The United States should be commended for proposing and urging a ceasefire in the Middle East; so should the parties which have accepted it, namely the United Arab Republic, Jordan and Israel, as weU as the United Nations mediator, Mr.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In Europe hopeful signs of greater calm and relaxation have appeared over the horizon. The United Nations, on its way to celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of its foundation, should be thankful for whatever modest change there may be in circumstances, from continuing crises and widespread conflict to an improvement in the understanding and relationships among major European Powers. It is true that peace has not been restored in all parts of the globe, nor has it been firmly secured in places where clashes and conflicts have been a daily routine. In the Middle East soldiers still remain with their loaded guns in the trenches and bunkers along the Suez Canal, but at least a ceasefire has been more or less observed by the parties most concerned.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The honor that the General Assembly bestowed upon you is therefore all the more significant, and our best wishes go to you in discharging your new responsibility and in upholding the distinguished family tradition. 66. I should also like to extend our deep appreciation to my good friend, Mrs. Angie BrooksRandolph, the outgoing President of the General Assembly. Her Presidency was marked by her firm yet cheerful attitude. Her deep convictions and faith in the United Nations also made her a very effective and eloquent spokesman for the world Organization during her tenure of office. 67. It is not often that a United Nations General Assembly session is convened with even some faint rays of hope piercing through layers of clouds overhanging the dark sky. But the tragic civil war in Nigeria has now been brought to an end.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“65. Mr. President, it is a pleasure for me to convey to you on behalf of the delegation of Thailand warm and sincere congratulations on your election to the Presidency of the twenty- fifth session of the General Assembly. The close and friendly relations that my country has traditionally enjoyed with your great country are an additional source of gratification, and we have no doubt that your rich experience and perceptive mind will guide us through our deliberations to a happy and successful conclusion. We are also mindful of the fact that you bear a name which was illustrious in the annals of the body that preceded the United Nations the League of Nations.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The course for all of us to pursue in the future seems to be that, while persevering in working out the strategy of the Second Development Decade, we should likewise initiate a new decade of co-operation and harmonization among nations. In the realm of peace-building, our efforts should be directed towards instilling the urgency of reasonable compromises and adjustments, of a worldwide give-and-take, and of forging the will to live in harmony with one another, bearing in mind the differences in human nature and characteristics and the political and social creations of the human mind. If steps are taken in that direction, the nations of this earth may be embarking not only on a periodic peace, not on a passing pax romana, but on an enduring pax orbis for the present and future generations of human beings.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is apparent from the foregoing that what the present troubled world lacks most is perhaps not so much a purely materialistic advancement in science and technology as a more human consciousness of co-operation and harmony among nations and peoples. Our Organization, as can readily be seen, can provide a sufficiently efficient and effective machinery for peace. If it cannot do better to resolve the conflicts and disturbances among nations, the cause may be found not so much in the inadequacy of the machinery as in the unwillingness and unreadiness on the part of nations to accept necessary adjustments of their divergent national interests.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Such efforts alone are not and can never be sufficient to make those differences disappear; what is needed is the co-operation of all concerned. 117. In this connexion the delegation of Thailand welcomes the programme of international co-operation in the survey of natural resources by earth satellites, as proposed by His Excellency the President of the United States of America before this Assembly the other day [1755th meeting]. The project may be regarded as one of the many possible areas of peaceful collaboration on a worldwide scale in the exploration, exploitation and utilization of the abundant wealth lying untapped on our own planet, and as a promising initiative by a technologically more advanced nation for the benefit of the common people the world over. 118.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is only through the genuinely co-operative endeavour of both groups that fruitful results can be expected and achieved. 116. I need hardly emphasize again that the widening gap between the developed nations on the one hand, and the developing world comprising Asia, Africa and Latin America on the other, continues to be a matter of grave concern to every nation on earth. Such a sad state of affairs cannot fail to have unfavourable repercussions on international relations. International stability can hardly be achieved unless concrete and positive measures are taken to bridge the gap between those two groups of nations sharing the same world. It is true that the national efforts of the developing countries are of primary significance.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We particularly trust that the more affluent nations will demonstrate both farsightedness and genuine political will, and that the developing countries, for their part, will also show a greater sense of realism, so that the Second United Nations Development Decade can be a decade of practical success. We believe that the next Development Decade, to which the Third World is looking with renewed hope and confidence, should not become only a matter of drawing up commitments. It should, in equal terms, be a question of how to put into practical effect the means and resources at the disposal of the international community. Of equal importance is our realization that the preparations for the new Decade must be made in a harmonious atmosphere of active co-operation between the developed and the developing countries.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Unfortunately, the United Nations Development Decade, which began on a note of glorious hope, is drawing to a close on a note of disenchantment, and it is now often being referred to as the “decade of disillusionment”. The 5 per cent rate of growth of national income has been achieved by only a handful of nations, including Thailand, and not by the majority of the developing countries. The rich nations do not seem to be exerting maximum efforts to adopt all the necessary measures likely to help the developing nations in their efforts towards economic progress and social well-being, Further endeavours must therefore be pursued by both the developed and the developing countries to carry on preparatory work for the Second United Nations Development Decade, with the hope of doing better in the future. 115.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Apart from setting the target of a 5 per cent annual growth-rate in national income for the developing countries by 1970, the goals of the Decade also called for an annual contribution by the rich nations of merely 1 per cent of their gross national product to make it possible. Indeed, we had, at the beginning of the 1960s, entertained a confident hope that a global campaign to bridge the chasm between the rich and the poor nations would lead to success. The rich nations then seemed willing and prepared to help while the poor nations themselves seemed determined to make a stride within the limited resources at their disposal. 114.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Despite persistent and organized efforts on a global scale, progress towards development and modernization by the less-privileged two thirds of mankind - over two thousand million people — has been, to say the least, disappointing. These poorer people still remain caught in a tragic web of circumstances that drastically restrict their legitimate right to a more decent life. They are trapped in the grip of hunger, malnutrition, inadequate education, dwindling opportunity and deepening poverty, while the other third of mankind lives in countries which have advanced economies and in an environment of priority and abundance. 113. These goals which were set for the First United Nations Development Decade, as is now well known to all, seemed modest and within reach at the time when the Decade was launched.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Though we cannot help feeling somewhat dismayed that these sanctions have so far not achieved the desired result, we continue to be firmly convinced of their values and will continue to fulfil all our existing obligations, as well as to support any other similar measures which the General Assembly may agree upon in future. 112. The world economic situation, regrettably, still remains a matter of serious and constant concern to all Members of the United Nations, and, in particular, to those countries which, like my own, are engaged in the perennial struggle for self-sustaining economic growth. They have to cope with the numerous and complex problems of underdevelopment. In fact, the need for rapid development has never been more urgent or more desperate than at the present time.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The crux of the problem is whether the Ian Smith régime and others wish to continue to adhere to their dogmatic isolationism and racialism of old or whether their policies should be adapted-in an attempt to bring them in line with the realities and demands of the contemporary world. 111. As for the Government of Thailand, it has faithfully carried out all the sanctions by the United Nations in connexion with those régimes and their policies, despite the reluctance of many important commercial Powers to observe the United Nations resolutions.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In the same area, the illegitimate régime of Jan Smith also continues to breathe the air of insubordination in Southern Rhodesia, and that unruly white minority, having usurped governmental authority and unconstitutionally arrogated to itself the means to dominate the larger segments of the population, has now gone on to commit other excesses in order to strengthen the yoke of its racist minority rule. It is thus seen to follow closely the policy of apartheid, which may eventually be used more and more as the main weapon for perpetuating and extending this deplorable form of colonialism over a large part of southern Africa.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The delegation of Thailand also took an active part in all subsequent United Nations efforts to restore supervision of that unfortunate nation to the United Nations, with the ultimate objective of placing it in the hands of its rightful and sovereign people. We have been gratified by the various United Nations resolutions relating to this matter and the United Nations Council for Namibia established to guide the nation towards full sovereignty and independence. It is with great regret, therefore, that we see this task still unfinished. 110.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Having deplored and condemned that racist policy as being contrary to the norms of humanity and human nature, the Government of Thailand is further saddened to see no significant change in the attitude of its proponents. 109. The delegation of Thailand is particularly concerned in this direction with the plight of the people of Namibia. Thailand has taken a keen interest in this case from the very beginning as its representative served for many years in the five-nation Committee set up by the General Assembly [resolution 449 (V)] to implement an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice in 1950, and was Chairman of the seven-member Committee established by General Assembly resolution 749 (VIII) in 1953.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“However, progress in that direction has become slower in the past few years, despite the fact that at least one major area of an important continent still remains under a blatant form of colonialism and continuous efforts by the United Nations to decolonize it seem to have had very little practical consequences. Therefore, as we approach the tenth anniversary of the Declaration on decolonization, the obvious focal point of our efforts should rest on the situation still obtaining in the southern part of Africa. 108. During the general debate of the last session [1689th meeting], I indicated the views of the Government of Thailand that the colonial situation in the southern part of Africa was closely linked with, as well as aided and abetted by, the apartheid policy.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Just as we are all looking forward to the significant celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, it is highly appropriate that at the same time we should look forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, for, with all its much publicized virtues and loopholes, nobody could fail to be impressed by the record of the United Nations in its decolonizing efforts, and among the many milestones in the United Nations history a very high place must be reserved for the Declaration. 107. In the early years after its inception, the Declaration on decolonization was an effective instrument in pressuring the governing Powers to liberate their colonial Territories and peoples.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“This is testified to by the fact that an atmosphere of rising optimism in the Committee was dashed at the last moment by the failure of conflicting parties to come to an agreement on the presentation of the first and relatively uncomplicated model. It thus becomes apparent that unless interested parties are prepared to let established positions evolve and to come to perceive that national interests could be made compatible with international obligations in some ways, there could not be any substantial progress in this matter. 106.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We are therefore gratified that at last some small progress seems to have been made by the Special Committee on Peace-keeping Operations; it has attempted to present a detailed study of observer missions as set up by the Security Council, as well as agreed in principle to undertake an even more important study of the United Nations military units established or authorized by the Security Council for peace-keeping purposes pursuant to Council resolutions. 105. As a member of the aforesaid Special Committee, the delegation of Thailand fully realizes that such an advance does not mean the narrowing of the gap between fundamental differences.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We regret, therefore, the slow progress of the deliberations of the United Nations sea-bed Committee. We certainly hope to contribute our energy and will actively participate in the efforts to bring about worthwhile progress on this item during the present session of the General Assembly. 104. Ever since the disruption of the nineteenth session of the General Assembly caused by the basic disagreement on the principles directly related to the peace-keeping function of the United Nations, the delegation of Thailand has often had occasion to point out candidly that progress seems abnormally slow in finding a satisfactory solution to this vital problem in the United Nations.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We also consider it necessary to join the rising chorus of developing nations which demand that the industrially advanced nations should concurrently dedicate a substantial part of their efforts towards the betterment of human conditions, rather than the glorification of their scientific, industrial or technological achievements, they should indeed devote greater attention and resources to help improve the appallingly low standard of living of a large part of humanity. 103. That is why, of all the various questions of disarmament on the agenda, the delegation of Thailand places the sea-bed item on its priority list, for it typifies the kind of technological co-operation that is needed and which, given a reasonable amount of general goodwill, could lead to the implementation of the concept of “common heritage of mankind”.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Sophisticated science and technology should now be turned away from purely theoretical and especially destructive purposes and channelled instead into more peaceful pursuits to serve the needs of countless millions of people everywhere. 101. While we are realistic enough to admit that, in the final analysis, significant steps to achieve disarmament must depend on the decisions of the great Powers concerning the level of their own security, we regret that the long-awaited talks between the United States and the Soviet Union on strategic arms limitation have not started or even definitely been scheduled. 102.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Although the circumstances are different, the German question — a central problem of the East-West confrontation in Europe — is primarily the concern of the German people themselves. Any settlement of the question must necessarily be found on the basis of the right of self-determination and within the framework of the efforts to safeguard European security and to create an equitable and lasting peace arrangement. 100. As we salute the success of the American nation in realizing the age-old dream of landing a man on the moon, perhaps it is also time to express our hope that such technological advancement and peaceful co-operation may be brought down from space to prevail on earth for more palpable benefits to mankind.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The delegation of Thailand is gratified at the recent completion of the Act of Free Choice in the territory of West Irian, which marked the implementation of the final part of the Agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning West New Guinea (West Irian) signed in New York on 15 August 1962 under the aegis of the United Nations. The nations concerned, as well as the United Nations, are to be congratulated on having successfully demonstrated their determination to settle this complex matter in such a smooth and constructive manner. The Government of Indonesia, in particular, has shown its good faith towards the obligations incumbent upon it as a member of the international community and has accordingly upheld and strengthened the principle of self-determination for all people. 99.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Furthermore, the quiet and patient efforts of Ambassador Jarring and the flurry of political consultations, both multilateral and bilateral, between representatives of the major Powers here in New York and elsewhere appear to have produced little, if any, concrete result. No significant headway has in fact been made towards uncovering a procedure for defusing the explosive situation. In our view, prompt adherence to the spirit and letter of the United Nations resolutions, particularly that of the Security Council of 22 November 1967 [242 (1967)], would seem to afford the only plausible way out of the present dangerous impasse. 98.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Indeed, all the nations and peoples of the world that are dedicated to peace and freedom, and particularly the co-Chairmen of the Geneva Conference, who are entrusted with the duty of ensuring the observance of the said agreements, should exert more meaningful efforts to enjoin the Hanoi régime to respect the obligations it has voluntarily accepted and withdraw its military forces from the Kingdom of Laos. 97. The situation in the Middle East still offers a gloomy picture on the international scene. A series of violent and prolonged skirmishes which the Secretary-General has qualified as a virtual state of war continues to inflame passions, and a new round of hostilities does not seem too remote a possibility.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“At this juncture, although many conciliatory and concrete measures to de-esculate the war have been taken by the defending side, the North Viet-Namese and their allies, who are stubbornly bent on consummating their conquest, have shown themselves to be unyielding and uncompromising. 96. As in the case of Viet-Nam, Laos has been suffering for many long years from the expansionist North Viet-Namese aggressors who have relentlessly been waging an illegal and immoral war on the peace-loving Laotian people, in complete contravention of the Geneva Agreements which their representatives duly signed in 1954 and 1962.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The role that Thailand has been playing, either on its own or in concert with other like-minded nations, has been solely motivated by the desire to stem the tide of aggression and to ensure for the nations of South-East Asia the prospect of leading a peaceful and progressive life with freedom and dignity. In so doing, the Thai people have endured grievous sacrifices in the loss of human lives and material resources and have had to undergo too many regrettable experiences, less at the hands of the enemy than at the hands of those within friendly ranks whose judgement has been corrupted by mental aberrations as well as by devious propaganda. The sooner the Viet-Nam war can be brought to a just and satisfactory conclusion and the traumatic effects on many nations removed, the better for all concerned.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“95. In Asia, as indeed in the rest of the world, Viet-Nam still remains a harrowing problem which not only continues to cost far too many human lives and valuable material resources but also presents a danger to the tenuous fabric of international peace and the national freedom of smaller nations. Had it not been for this conflict, instigated by the new imperialists seeking to prolong the outmoded form of domination, the nations of South-East Asia would have been moving further along the road of greater freedom and more secure independence. For these reasons, nations like Thailand with an uninterrupted tradition of sovereign statehood could not remain indifferent before the onslaught to subjugate a small nation struggling to remain free to follow its own destiny.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“They also envisage co-operation with nations outside the area provided that the latter agree to work with them on the basis of equality and partnership, sharing equitably advantages and obligations. 94. While it is true that the countries of Asia, as indeed those of Europe, Africa and the Western Hemisphere, are increasingly concentrating their efforts and attention on their own immediate problems, they do not shut their eyes to the outside world and to issues and difficulties confronting the international community. On the contrary, they are following with varying degrees of interest the developments unfolding in various parts of the earth. In this connexion, I wish to offer the views and suggestions of my delegation concerning various questions affecting this Organization and its Members which come from the four corners of this planet.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“As a result of these efforts a number of organizations for regional co-operation, such as the Asian and Pacific Council and the Association of South-East Asian Nations, have sprung up. Undoubtedly, they are still in their initial and almost experimental stage. However, with the passage of time and accumulation of experience, they will gradually gain strength and will be consolidated to offer maximum benefits and services to member nations. These regional groupings stress a close working relationship between the participants who share similar ideas and aspirations. Ultimately, they aim at encompassing all nations of the area even though they may have dissimilar international and domestic policies as well as different political, economic and social systems.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Now, more than ever, we realize in the depth of our hearts and minds that our strength lies within ourselves, our nations and our ancient lands. Outsiders come and go; they do not take roots, while we, the people of Asia, are anchored unalterably to our eternal soil. We, and we alone, have and will always have the primary responsibility for making it fertile, peaceful and prosperous. This is exactly what we have set ourselves to do and what we intend to do to the best of our ability. That is why we have devoted our time, energy and dedication to forge a much needed sense of solidarity and cohesiveness, to lay the basis for working positively together, and to replace the outmoded imperialistic concepts of domination and subjection by the humane and progressive philosophy of co-operation and partnership. 93.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“However, in our part of the world we strive with all the physical and spiritual strength at our command to dissipate the clouds in our skies as well as in our minds, to keep our heads clear of illusion as well as disillusionment. Our compass is pointed towards the objectives of restoring the shattered peace, strengthening the threatened freedom and independence, and realizing the maximum benefits for the well-being of millions of impoverished people. 92. We are not disheartened, and still less alarmed, by those who are frustrated by the lack of decisive and constructive results of their efforts or fatigued by responsibilities which they feel they have shouldered for too long and, therefore, aspire to withdraw into their quieter parochial corners.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Confusion has become widespread too among an increasing number of people who seem to have lost their mental and psychological balance, reversing normal values of good and evil, right and wrong, justice and injustice. Although the majority of people confronted with the burning issues of our time have not succumbed to such impairment of the reasoning faculty, not a few of them have reached the extreme aberration of not knowing who their friends are. They have come to worship their foes and tread on those who work closely with them for mutual interests in attaining the cherished goals of freedom and human dignity. 91.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In the Middle East the conflict is still smouldering while frequent clashes and outbursts threaten to erupt at any time into a more prolonged and widespread conflict. Meanwhile, even places of worship have not been spared and the burning of the Al Aqsa Mosque by fanatics should be deeply deplored. 89. In Nigeria the civil war in the eastern part continues to bring misery and suffering to a vast number of people — a face which has been of increasing concern to the international community. 90. In other parts of the world not directly affected by armed confrontation, disturbances and unrest break the peace between persons of differing races or religious faiths.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Today, however, we are gratified that your high feminine merits, Madam President, and your outstanding ability and dedication have been recognized by this august Assembly. We wish you complete success in your momentous task which lies ahead. 87. As the General Assembly of the United Nations once again begins its annual deliberations, there seem to be few signs of improvement in the tense international situation. The war in Viet-Nam is still raging, interrupted, however, by a few occasional lulls during which the pace of fighting slows down relatively. Likewise, some fifty thousand North Vietnamese regular troops, in flagrant violation of the Geneva Agreement of 1962, continue to wage a war of destruction and attrition against the legitimate Government of Laos, whose only desire is to live in peace and neutrality. 88.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)