YouSaid · the spoken record

Stolk

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS STOLK

lines on the record: 50
first: 1946-09-24
most recent: 1949-09-24
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

“He did not believe that the accusations of the past would fail to break out again during the discussions. Nevertheless, the Venezuelan delegation was confident that the favourable circumstances to which Mr. Stolk had referred earlier in his speech would finally justify; the bright hope expressed by the President of the Assembly that the current session would prove to be that of the “Peace Assembly”. Only through the activities of the United Nations, inspired by truth, justice and equity, could all countries reconcile their interests and find the way that led to agreement, friendship, and effective international co-operation.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“It was argued that so long as security had not been achieved, there could be no disarmament, but at the same time the delay in reaching agreement on those problems caused a continuance of the fear which made armaments seem indispensable for the protection of peace and security against possible aggression. The same unfavourable circumstances prevented any agreement between East and West in working out means of guaranteeing that atomic energy would be used for peaceful purposes only. The Venezuelan delegation hoped that the obstacles to the solution of those problems would not result in a long postponement of the efforts necessary for their solution. 76. Mr. Stolk concluded by saying that the Venezuelan delegation wholeheartedly shared the hopes and aims of all those who wished the General Assembly’s deliberations the greatest success.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“The International Court of Justice or the International Law Commission might perhaps render valuable service if they were to consider the matter and give an opinion on it. The Venezuelan delegation also thought that the Court was called upon to play a role of cardinal importance whenever disputes arose in the General Assembly regarding the existence of facts which, once proved, would constitute a violation of an international obligation. 75. It had also been impossible to give effect to Article 43 of the Charter. Disagreement on the problem of armaments and the prohibition and control of atomic energy and other means of mass destruction subsisted more or less as before.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“Perhaps not a few States Members would be unwilling to subscribe, in due course, to the covenant on human rights and to the measures of implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which the General Assembly had proclaimed by its resolution 217 (III) of 10 December 1948, if they found that politics were going to be used as an instrument of pressure to interpret particular clauses in cases of alleged violations. The Venezuelan delegation considered that an effort should be made to define the scope of the principle of non-intervention, as set forth in the Charter, in the light of those provisions of the Charter which established the general principles of international co-operation in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian fields.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“The interpretation of the provisions of the Charter had given rise to contradictory decisions and violent statements, in particular whenever attempts had been made to determine the exact scope of the principle of non-intervention set forth in paragraph 7 of Article 2, safeguarding the sovereignty of States Members in matters which were essentially within their domestic jurisdiction. The question was often determined by political factors, with the consequent danger of contradictory interpretations. On several occasions the minority had categorically rejected the opinion of the majority, on the ground that it violated the provisions of that Article. That deepened division and prejudiced international cooperation in matters as important as human rights.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“On that point, the Venezuelan delegation confirmed the opinions it had previously expressed. 73. The use of the veto to bar the admission of States to membership in the United Nations was unjustified when it was based on reasons other than those indicated in Article 4 of the Charter; it was in opposition to that express provision and disregarded the opinion given by the International Court of Justice. The fact that a State was peace-loving, accepted the obligations of the Charter, and was willing and able to carry them out, was sufficient reason to act on its application for admission; the delay on the fourteen applications which were pending was reducing the authority and prestige of the United Nations. 74.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“The General Assembly had carefully considered the position of the so-called Non-Self-Governing Territories and had decided to establish a Special Committee on Information transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter. Thus peaceful collaboration between the Administering Powers and other Member States in the interests of all those peoples would be possible, without any derogation from the sovereignty of the former. 71. Mr. Stolk repeated that the principal causes which hindered the Organization’s action and the application of certain provisions of „ the Charter lay in the disagreement between the great Powers. 72. The application of the unanimity rule had created new obstacles. Its effect had made itself felt recently in the question of the admission of new Members.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“The Venezuelan delegation had always been very interested in the question of economic development; the many aspects of the problems of development of underdeveloped countries would be studied on the basis of the co-operative programme of technical assistance for economic development through the United Nations and the specialized agencies, submitted by the Economic and Social Council. All that activity in the economic, social and cultural fields tended to neutralize the political tendencies which hindered a rebirth of international confidence. 70. The United Nations Trusteeship System was being progressively strengthened and was promoting the interests of the Trust Territories, in order to enable the respective populations freely to determine their own destinies.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“Stolk referred to the granting of fellowships for specialized studies, to the organization of seminars and similar social welfare services, and emphasized the special interest devoted during the preceding year to the problems of economic development of under-developed countries, the promotion of full employment and economic stability, and the technical assistance necessary to attain such aims together with a general improvement in the standard of living of the peoples.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“In economic and social matters a great effort had been displayed during the year covered by the Secretary-General's report. There had been close collaboration between the United Nations and its specialized agencies in improving conditions for the production and distribution of food, and attention had been given to questions of labour, health, nutrition, child welfare, narcotics control, education and refugees. Mr.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“Stolk referred to the mediation and conciliation negotiations initiated by Count Bernadotte, who had died in the accomplishment of his efforts for peace in Palestine, efforts which had culminated, under the Acting Mediator, in the armistice agreements between the parties concerned. That showed the undeniable value of peaceful procedure when used as an instrument of the United Nations for the settlement of disputes. In Indonesia, again as a result of the conciliation efforts of the United Nations, a beginning appeared to have been made along the path leading to final harmony between the indigenous inhabitants and Europeans. It was hoped that in Kashmir too the active progress of the Commission would finally assure a system likewise offering equitable guarantees for the settlement of the conflict. 69.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“But the possibilities of progress towards permanent peace appeared more promising than the previous year. In the introduction to his report, the Secretary-General had stated that he was frankly optimistic, and the President had supported him by expressing the hope that the current session would be known as that of the “Peace Assembly” (220th meeting). And the containing of the differences between the great Powers within peaceful limits, the lessening of the fear of a new war and the positive work carried out by the United Nations in recent months augured results more constructive than those of the past. 68. Mr.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“But fundamental differences still existed between the great Powers, and the final post-war settlement and the signing of the peace treaties were still indispensable prerequisites for the functioning of the United Nations and the proper solution of the aforesaid political problems. Many of the Charter’s provisions could not be implemented until that prior condition had been met, and the real and effective co-operation of all Member States could not bear fruit until the difficult task of postwar settlement had been accomplished. The nations’ path to their final goal was fraught with difficulties which helped to maintain mutual distrust, and many nations, anxious to preserve their common interests and the basic principles of their civilization, had felt obliged to group themselves against any possible emergencies. 67.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“But common sense and the firm desire to explore all possibilities of agreement "had prevailed in the United Nations, and especially in the General Assembly, which had unanimously adopted its resolution 190 (III), sponsored by Mexico, requesting the great Powers to renew their efforts to settle their differences and to establish permanent peace. At the same time, the Presidents of the Security Council and of the General Assembly, together with the Secretary-General and the Argentine, Belgian, Canadian, Chinese, Colombian and Syrian delegations, had exhausted all means in their power to find a solution to the Berlin blockade dispute which would be acceptable to all parties. 66. The lifting of the blockade and the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Paris had resulted from that co-ordinated action.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“But all that work had taken place under the continual pressure of political events, of social upheavals and dangerous economic crises which had stultified international co-operation and had created a number of difficulties in finding the lowest common denominator for reconciling basic differences and bringing opposing tendencies together. 65. Hardly a year previously the General Assembly had met in Paris in an undeniable atmosphere of fear. The discord among the great Powers, aggravated by the Berlin blockade, had caused international tension which had given rise to all kinds of scepticism in public opinion.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“Atomic energy had also been mentioned as one of the basic problems which gave rise to the dilemma of peace and war. In spite of doubt whether it would be possible to retain co-operative unity between the great Powers after the end of hostilities, it had been hoped that difficulties would be overcome by understanding and tolerance, and that sure progress would be made towards the accomplishment of the ideals of the Charter. 64. Since that time the work of the United Nations had increased in an amazing way. Its principal organs and a great many subsidiary bodies had carried out continuous work and the Secretariat had gained great experience and had made its technical and practical contribution in an enthusiastic and praiseworthy manner.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“Mr. STOLK recalled that 24 October would mark the fourth anniversary of the date of deposit of the ratifications necessary for the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, an act which had preceded the first session of the General Assembly, held in London a few months later. At that time, the optimism to which the coming into being of the United Nations had given rise had been overshadowed by the difficulties of many problems. Many delegations had emphasized that the errors of the past should be avoided and had referred continually in the discussions to the reason for the failure of the League of Nations. Various representatives had referred to the role to be played by the great Powers and by the so-called medium or small States in the development of real international cooperation.”
1949-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 4 (1949)
“In a word, let us demonstrate the ability of this Assembly to deal satisfactorily with the situations likely to hamper the welfare and security of nations, in the conviction that we shall thus strengthen the authority and prestige of the Organization and render an inestimable service to the cause of peace.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“On this occasion, the General Assembly bears the grave responsibility of faithfully observing these basic principles in order to preserve the faith placed in the United Nations. We well know that the Assembly cannot assume executive powers that have not been vested in it, but let us remember that as the supreme deliberative body of the Organization, it has great power to mobilize world opinion and exert a salutary influence on Governments. It is empowered to examine the grave problems on the agenda. Let us, therefore, play our full part to achieve the reconciliation of conflicting opinions, the subordination of national interests to the higher interests of the international community, tolerance, mutual understanding and confidence and the acceptance of the method of compromise.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“This does not mean that we should practice a policy of rigid economy, for that would hamper the Organization in every way, but expenditure should be considered in the light of the usefulness of the services provided. Under Article 1 of the San Francisco Charter, this Organization should be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends which include the following: to develop friendly relations among nations; to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“I refer to the continued increase in the Organization’s expenses, which is partly due to the general tendency to set up new subsidiary groups, committees, sub-committees and working groups, without adequate preparation of the plans necessary to avoid useless duplication of work and the excessive bureaucratic expansion it entails, and without considering that less urgent or secondary questions can be dealt with later. Excessive expansion of the administrative budget affects all countries, but places the small countries in a particularly difficult position, both on account of their present economic weakness and the difficulty of obtaining foreign exchange. It is therefore desirable to exercise moderation in undertakings involving large expenditure on services that are not absolutely necessary.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“Both questions have delicate aspects and require exhaustive examination. On the skill with which this examination is conducted and on the observance of the fundamental principles of the Charter, will depend the discovery of a formula for the re-establishment of peace and good relations between Greece and its northern neighbours, as well as the establishment of a basis for the greatest possible measure of agreement between the parties directly interested in the problem of the Holy Land. The best method of dealing with the Spanish question can similarly be found, if the interests of the United Nations are borne in mind. Venezuela takes this opportunity to reaffirm her policy of repudiating the Franco regime. In addition to all these questions, there is one of a different character on which our delegation wishes to place special emphasis.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“At this time of economic poverty, it is essential that our various national resources should not be diverted towards an armaments race, which would be dangerous in any case; they should be devoted, as far as possible, to the relief of human needs, so as to achieve true security and the real enjoyment of freedom. Another urgent task is the liberation of all peoples from the fear created by the possible use of atomic energy for purposes of war. Faithful to the peaceful tradition of the Venezuelan nation, we therefore urge the great Powers to make every effort to reach an understanding among themselves, so as to give adequate implementation to the mandate of the Assembly. The items on the agenda relating to the Balkan and the Palestine questions will also be the subject of controversy.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“In this connexion, the Venezuelan delegation wishes to state that it particularly favours the admission of Italy to membership in the United Nations, not only because of the friendship that exists between the Italian people and ours, whose feelings towards Italy are faithfully reproduced in a recent resolution of the National Constituent Assembly, but also because Italy will thus be afforded an opportunity to contribute its valuable co-operation and, at the proper time, to obtain the aid required for its industrial recovery and the re-establishment of domestic peace. Assembly and of the efforts to implement the general policy thus laid down, it is obvious that the results obtained in this matter, which more urgently requires solution than any other, are scarcely satisfactory.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“Our delegation will therefore support practical measures likely to define the meaning of the unanimity rule and to prevent the improper use of the right it grants, in the hope that political conditions will develop in a manner favourable to the improvement of the juridical structure of United Nations. As regards the admission of new Members, Venezuela maintains that a more liberal view of applications should be taken and that we should never forget the principle of universality as the basis of our Organization, which should comprise all peace-loving States which accept the obligations contained in the Charter, and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“We recognize that the application of this Article has raised serious difficulties in the Council and, in some cases, impaired its authority and the prestige of the Organization, but we realize that amendments to the Charter take effect only after ratification by all the permanent members of the Council. Thus, if it were decided to abolish the veto in accordance with constitutional procedure, such a reform could not take effect if even one of the permanent members failed to support it. The trend of opinion against the veto is stronger this year than last, but all the great Powers do not yet seem prepared to waive their privilege.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“These circumstances, reflected in the large number of items on the agenda of this Assembly, on some of which there are major differences of opinion among the permanent members of the Security Council, again put to the test the effectiveness of the Assembly and have helped create the impression that it will not be able to solve these problems. The much debated question of revising the United Nations Charter in order to abolish or limit the veto power, is once again under discussion. Last year the Venezuelan delegation clearly defined its position in this respect. Our country supports with unshakable determination the principle of the sovereign equality of all nations, which is not compatible with the privilege granted to the permanent members of the Security Council under Article 27 of the Charter.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“The deterioration of economic conditions in which the world is struggling, the obstacles which we have faced and still face with regard to the liquidation of the consequences of the Second World War by means of equitable peace treaties, the limitations and delays which have impeded the work of some of the organs of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, the lack of agreement among the great Powers regarding the solution of the fundamental problems of today, have created an atmosphere of unrest which we all feel.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“The aggregate of this work signifies notable progress in relations between States and even if, in many cases, there have been certain defects in the methods followed, duplication of work and insufficient co-ordination of activities — due to the extremely rapid growth of the Organization — what has been achieved up to now nevertheless gives promise for the future of the United Nations, and demonstrates the possibilities it offers to all peoples to contribute to the firm establishment of international harmony. However, we must recognize the present difficulties.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“Finally, the Security Council has been one of the most active bodies of the Organization; the record of its work is favourable if we do not consider exclusively the difficulties raised by the application of the unanimity rule, but remember the adverse circumstances in which its discussions have taken place. Although it has not achieved satisfactory results in certain grave and complex problems, owing to disagreement among its members, it has nevertheless examined and successfully solved other questions. It is to be hoped that it may achieve real success in its mission if all the permanent members convince themselves of the inevitable need for mutual understanding as an indispensable basis for the establishment and maintenance of peace.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“In the course of its discussions the Assembly has applied the principle of the sovereign equality of all nations, and its moral authority has been recognized in such a manner as to permit full, free and objective discussion, in an atmosphere that has oriented public opinion and often facilitated the success of negotiations. The Economic and Social Council has completed very important preparatory work and has started resolutely to exercise the functions assigned to it by the Charter, with a view to abolishing poverty and ensuring standards of living compatible with human dignity, which is the essential heritage of all mankind. The Trusteeship Council which was set up at the end of last year has initiated a system of guaranteeing the progressive development of non-self- governing peoples towards self-government and independence.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“The General Assembly has considered many difficult matters and, for the first time, it held a special session on the Palestine question. Its recommendations have not remained purely theoretical, for some of them have already resulted in the creation of new organs of co-operation necessary for solving the urgent problems of the time, such as that of refugees and displaced persons. The recommendations regarding the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission, disarmament, the regulation and reduction of armaments, the application of the unanimity rule provided for in Article 27 of the Charter, the reconstruction of devastated areas, the development and codification of international law and so many others of which you are aware, are of vital importance.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“We have hardly reached the second anniversary of the inception of the United Nations and already its highest deliberative body has assembled for the fourth time to expedite the creation of the new world of peace and co-operation referred to by the San Francisco Charter. The tasks performed since then by the various bodies of the Organization have been many and fruitful, so that it may be said that the United Nations has passed the organizational stage and reached a maturity which qualifies it to perform its precise mission of promoting the political, economic, social and cultural welfare of all peoples. The information contained in the report submitted to this Assembly by the Secretary-General, Mr. Trygve Lie, is the most eloquent proof of the progress achieved through this Organization in constructive internationalism.”
1947-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 2 (1947)
“If they are not willing to give up that privilege because they consider that present conditions do not allow of such a step, they are under an inescapable moral obligation to reach agreement among themselves to determine the exact scope of the right of veto and obviate any abuse of its application. For that reason the delegation of Venezuela, being convinced of the sense of duty and the sincerity of the permanent Members of the Security Council, urgently appeals to them, pending the amendment of the United Nations Charter, to take the initiative, as holders of that privilege, in formulating in a Protocol which might be called the Protocol of Flushing, the necessary rules for limiting the use of the right of veto, in the certainty that by taking this course they will render an incalculable service to the cause of peace.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“The responsibility of the permanent Members of the Security Council in relation to the exercise of the right of veto is one of the most important which they have incurred vis-a- vis the other United Nations, for by reason of circumstances and of their special position, they have been granted, in order to defend the peace and to support our Organization, a privilege which is scarcely compatible with the principle of the sovereign equality of all nations. The responsibility of the permanent members of the Security Council is all the greater since no change can be made in the Charter without a favourable vote on their part. That being so, and in view of the manner in which the Article embodying the right of veto has been applied, the alternative facing the permanent members is obvious.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“Therefore, our delegation, interpreting the feelings of the people and Government of Venezuela, which, a year ago, took up a definite position internationally with regard to this matter, is of the opinion that the United Nations is under an obligation to find, without delay, a way to prevent this seed of discord from growing into a dangerous neo-totalitarianism capable of threatening the international order which we propose to establish and defend. Finally, I wish to refer to the so-called veto question.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“I wish to refer more precisely to the continued existence of the regime which is subjugating the Spanish people and preventing it, with its admirable legal heritage and its well-known tradition of international solidarity and cooperation, from joining the family of democratic nations. As indicated by the Secretary-General, Mr. Trygve Lie, the Spanish question has received the attention of various organs of the United Nations, but they have not yet managed to reach a satisfactory solution of a state of affairs which should no longer exist, now that the forces of aggression which created it have been destroyed.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“In a word, such a course would be tantamount to precipitating the division of the world into two camps and the unleashing of passions and of irreconcilable hatreds, which might lead to a new apocalyptic armed conflict thereby completely destroying our civilization and our culture, and drowning in an ocean of blood the ideals of peace and of justice for which mankind is so deeply longing. Forgive me if I continue to abuse your patience, but I cannot conclude our intervention in the general discussion without dwelling on another factor which is disturbing the smooth working of the United Nations, and is helping to prolong the uneasiness which is felt with regard to the possibilities of success.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“A contrary course would be tantamount, as I stated on an occasion which for me is a memorable one, to provoking the revival of imperialism, of economic nationalism and of balance of power policies with all their anarchical consequences; to accepting the principle of unilateral action and the imposition of an autocratic will on the sincere wishes for real, spontaneous and effective co-operation of the majority of the peoples; to ensuring the total failure of collective security, which, as its name implies, cannot exist except within a universal organization on the basis of juridical equality; to forgetting the sacrifices of the multitudes who gave their lives for the democratic cause.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“At the same time, we consider it essential that close unity be established between the great Powers, for the San Francisco Charter is undoubtedly based on that sine qua non condition. That is not sufficient in itself, however, for the triumph of our efforts towards peace and reconstruction. All nations, large or small, strong or weak, must march together and collaborate with one another, conscious of the role which it behoves them to play according to their means.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“It is also essential, however, to renounce all campaigns tending to exaggerate disagreements between the States, and to insist, on the contrary, upon the presentation of constructive news. In other words, the settlement of disputes and the achievement of positive results call for equal or even greater attention than do the friction and difficulties which still remain, pending some arrangement or procedure appropriate for their settlement. Thus a contribution will be made towards the peaceful and democratic orientation of public opinion: thus it will be possible for the peoples to form a well-founded and exact idea of the situations which may jeopardize international peace and security.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“The declarations of Marshal Stalin and Prime Minister Attlee have already had beneficial results; they have been fortified and consolidated by the categorical assertion made by President Truman in this hall to the effect that there is no danger of war and that the fears which are casting their shadow over the great work of building up the peace must be removed. The collaboration of the press — the fourth estate of the realm — constitutes a further element of essential importance if political activities and international negotiations are to develop with a minimum of obstruction. Freedom of information and publicity of the proceedings of international conferences are indispensable, in order to avoid any policy which may tend to distort or obscure the truth.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“They will have to work in an atmosphere of mutual trust, and in certain circumstances more account will have to be taken of the freely expressed wishes of their respective peoples, in order that the solutions which are reached shall have the support of those peoples as well as that of the Governments and of the United Nations. Statements from the heads of Governments are, as we have been able to observe in the past few days, of great importance in dispelling confusion and insecurity; they contribute towards restoring lost faith and calming anguished fears of the recurrence of the terrible events of tragic violence which are still intensely alive in the hearts of all.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“Let us remember that it proved possible to overcome and conquer one by one all the apparently insurmountable obstacles which stood in the way of the final triumph of the liberating armies, and let us be confident that, by the same determination and firmness of purpose, international differences, however great they may be, can be overcome, and that present and future difficulties can be solved. To that end it will be indispensable for statesmen to proceed serenely and dispassionately to consider the interests involved, without placing their own interests before those of others, but subordinating both to the superior interests of the international community.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“Let us learn the lessons of yesterday and maintain unity and solidarity in order to achieve permanent peace, just as we did in those tragic days when events presaged the absolute suppression of law and order and the triumph of an absurd policy of aggression and universal hegemony. Let us have faith in the exalted destinies of the human race. Let us reject the idea that war is inevitable in international relations, and let us draw on our spiritual forces to combat destructive scepticism and all other negative attitudes in every sphere of society.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“It seems that destiny, after the collapse of the Treaty of Versailles, was prepared to give mankind another chance to establish peaceful relations between the peoples, and to confer on this American land the privilege of lending its atmosphere of tolerance and harmony in order that the peoples might be able to develop the activities and realize fully the essential purposes of their Organization. The fundamental task of winning and preserving the peace for our children and for future generations as well as for ourselves confronts us. Let us then dedicate ourselves to it with fervour and optimism.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“Today, the name of the State of New York, which has so graciously and generously welcomed our young Organization, is added to those names as a guarantee of success, as an earnest of the co-operation and goodwill of America and of the spirit of loyalty of this friendly people, who today more than ever understand and admit the mistakes of the past and solemnly promise us, through their most authoritative representative, that they prepared to support the United Nations by all the means in their power, urbi et orbi. The seat of the international body has been transferred from the Old Continent to the so-called New World, and that event, which was dictated by the will of the nations represented here, has a special historical connotation.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“The formulation of the fundamental principles, and the extensive public debate thereon, the final drafting and entry into force of the Charter, its transformation into an effective reality by the establishment of the bodies provided for therein, and the initiation of its first activities express, in terms of work done, the significance of these three symbolic names.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“Such an organization was definitely decided upon — even before total victory over the forces of aggression — in order to defend this philosophy and to guarantee international peace and collective security to all the peoples of the world, and in order to achieve the abolition of fear and distress and the real enjoyment of liberty, not only in the internal life of every country, but also as a noble and sacred birthright of all men. Dumbarton Oaks, San Francisco and London marked three distinct and characteristic stages in the historic development of the United Nations.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)
“For the second time this year the representatives of the United Nations are meeting in the General Assembly to continue with a firm and determined step along that path of which peace-loving peoples never lost sight even in times of great peril. We are again met together for the purpose of ensuring the slow but sure development of an international organization which was conceived on the field of battle, amid the noise of conflict and the fearful destruction wrought by total war, in the spirit of a philosophy of unity and mutual aid, of the redemption of the spiritual forces of mankind, and of sacrifice and mutual understanding between the nations.”
1946-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 1 (1946)