YouSaid · the spoken record

MULLER

lines on the record: 202
first: 1964-09-24
most recent: 1972-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In the light of the realities of the world today and of the substantial progress we have made in South Africa in the field of human uplift and in the light of the premises and objectives of our policies as I have described them, I feel that the record of South Africa can be measured honorably against the ideals set out in the Charter. 19. I now wish to refer briefly to the wider field of the individual Member's responsibility. Here it is the duty of Member States to reflect to what extent each of them, individually, has adhered to the basic purposes and principles of the Charter. Without this, all our efforts to promote the moral and social welfare of our peoples would be in vain. These provisions impose a duty on Member States not only towards their own peoples but also towards other States and their peoples.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“How can a system be wrong which leads peoples to self-determination and enables and assists them in maintaining their national identities; which provides them with higher social, educational and economic standards that can be attained anywhere else on the continent; which prepares them for independence by providing them with technical assistance and administrative support, thus creating opportunities for all of them to gain valuable experience in the art of government at various levels; which guarantees security for all by avoiding a struggle for power between non-white and white in South Africa and also between competing and traditionally hostile African nationalisms?”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We do not claim to be perfect; but neither are we hypocrites. We acknowledge the common ideals and aspirations of mankind and we have formulated our policies accordingly. We recognize the problems that we have to overcome; we do not, however, criticize others for their shortcomings, for we realize that no State can be perfect. But many others do not hesitate to condemn our policies on moral and practical grounds. These charges are, however, completely unfounded.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“As regards other services, we have implemented an education program which will within one generation eliminate illiteracy and which provides opportunities for a university education to increasing numbers of students of all races; we have opened up avenues of technical instruction for non-white persons in all fields; we have established and staffed Africa's most outstanding hospitals and heavily subsidized them, so that black African patients are charged a single fee of 70 United States cents irrespective of the complexity of the treatment they receive or the period they remain in hospital; we have built 600,000 houses in 20 years, 400,000 of which were for black African persons. 18. We do not claim that in the pursuit of the ideals set out in Article 55 we have reached the stage where we can be self-satisfied.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Freedom from poverty and want is directly related to economic advancement. It is significant in this respect that the real per capita income of South Africa rose by 66 per cent during the 20 years from 1949 to 1969.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In those, and other fields mentioned in Article 55 of the Charter, substantial progress has been made in my country. Freedom of religion and speech, the liberty of the person, inviolability of person and property and free access to courts of impartial justice are assured. But here, too, the rights of the individual must not be exercised in such a way as to deprive others of that same right. Hence, those rights can be enjoyed only within the framework of an ordered and peaceful society. Only in such a society can high standards of living, full employment and conditions of economic and educational progress and development be realized for the individual human being. 17. Other freedoms are related to the fundamental needs of man, for example, freedom from poverty and want and the need for health, education and other social services.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In the light of our economic interdependence and our commitment to regional co-operation, economic stability in southern Africa will be guaranteed and development in all fields assured. 15. Against that background we do not believe that we can legitimately be accused of denying the peoples of South Africa the right of self-determination. As I have said, our whole policy is aimed at avoiding domination of any one people or any one State by others. It is designed to enable each nation, while maintaining its identity, to realize its own ambitions to the full. That surely is the essence of self-determination. 16. Apart from the right of self-determination, there are other equally important basic rights. Almost three decades ago President Roosevelt outlined his four "freedoms" which are today no less important than they were then.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“To the skeptics who may still refuse to believe in the feasibility or practicability of the program I have outlined perhaps because of the size and economic viability of the Territories or homelands we are leading to independence let me say this: the populations of the Territories in question range between 300,000 and 3.5 million, populations which exceed those of many States which belong to this Organization and are represented here today. Their areas, too, exceed the areas of many Members of the United Nations. The gross national income of several of those Territories compares more than favorably with that of some Member States. Moreover, South Africa itself has one of the strongest and fastest developing economies in the entire world.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We shall continue to co-operate with them to our mutual advantage and, in the nature of things, on a much larger scale than we are already doing in the case of our other newly independent African neighbors. In the long term this political development could lead to a commonwealth of independent peoples and States, living side by side on a basis of sovereign equality. They will continue to be inter-dependent economically, but there will be no domination of any one people or any one State by others. 14.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“"I want to make the principle very clear: if there is a desire to hold discussions, we shall be obliged and ready to enter into such discussions. It stands to reason that we would prefer these discussions to be deferred until greater development has taken place in those black territories so that they may be more viable and better prepared to stand on their own feet. But it is by no means my intention to make it a condition that they must be viable before they have the right to approach us. This is their inalienable right, which they can exercise tomorrow if they so desire." 13. After the black peoples of South Africa have attained independence we shall not desert them. We shall continue to assist them in a spirit of good neighborliness.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“He continued as follows: "Here in South Africa a Bantu person has never got into trouble for having requested and demanded self-determination for his people. Quite the contrary! We are in fact guiding them along the road to self- determination; we are in fact preparing them for self- determination; we are in the process of training them and making them and their land receptive to self- determination. If honorable members or the outside world ask me when it will happen that they go their own way, I can merely reply once again that this Parliament has passed certain legislation and that any black nation is at liberty to come to this Parliament and say that the time has arrived for it to go its own way. This Government, or whatever other Government may be in power, will deliberate and negotiate with that nation.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In this process of evolution towards independence the peoples of each of these territories have acquired a representative and responsible Government which is actively engaged in planning their own future and preparing them for independence in co-operation with the South African Government, in a peaceful and orderly manner. 12. On the 15th of last month, in the South African Parliament, my Prime Minister restated government policy in that respect. He reaffirmed that our policy does not constitute a denial of human dignity and added that while he claimed for himself the right of maintaining his identity as a white person, he also conceded to every non-white nation living in South Africa the right to its own identity.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Most of our black African peoples, for instance, already have their own legislative and executive assemblies, or councils, with the necessary administrative departments. The Xhosa people of the Transkei were the first to receive a modern parliament and their own Government after their first general election was held in 1963. During the past two years no fewer than eight new territorial Governments have been established with their own legislative and executive councils and with approximately 50 state departments already under their control.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Our population does not consist of only two elements, a black nation and a white nation. It is composed, in fact, of a white nation and several non-white nations or peoples and the distinction between them is based on the fact that their language, culture, history and traditions differ from one another as markedly as day does from night. In other words the distinction is not based solely on race or colour. We believe that in applying the principle of self-determination, the rights of each of these nations should be preserved. Since 1948, when it first came to power, my Government has actively promoted self-determination for those of our peoples not yet enjoying it, on this basis. 11. Today all peoples in South Africa possess self- government in varying forms and at various levels of development.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We are furthermore satisfied that we shall continue to make progress in the manner which is best suited to, and is dictated by, "the particular circumstances" existing in the area under our jurisdiction to borrow a phrase from Article 73 of the Charter. 9. Article 55 emphasizes respect for the right of self- determination of peoples. This does not mean that in multinational countries or groupings, one group or nation which happens to be in the majority should be allowed, in the exercise of its right of self- determination, to deprive other numerically smaller nations of the same right. Accordingly, in the exercise of self-determination in such multinational countries, the history and diversity of the peoples living there should be taken fully into account. 10. South Africa is a multinational country.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Secondly, they should consider whether in their behavior towards others they have acted, and are continuing to act, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. 8. As for my own Government, we know that much remains to be done in the future. But I am glad to say also that much has been accomplished in the past 25 years. The general advancement on all fronts of our diverse peoples has been such that their well-being in 1970 certainly exceeds the most optimistic expectations of 1945. We, therefore, are satisfied that we are making significant headway in acquitting ourselves of our commitment under Article 55 of the Charter. Let there be no doubt that we are as concerned as any other State about the realization of the objectives expressed in that Article.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“I am suggesting rather that Member States should themselves, in this anniversary year, in the spirit of Article 56 of the Charter, direct their inquiring scrutiny at their own achievements over the past 25 years. It is not merely the question of where they stand today that is relevant, but also of where they are today in comparison with 1945. Accordingly, States should first assess their progress domestically in the fields referred to in Article 55. They might ask themselves to what extent they have succeeded in promoting higher standards of living, full employment, conditions of economic and social progress and development and respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms among their own peoples.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Signatories of the Charter, however, have also committed themselves to act, in their relations with one another, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter, and they have thereby accepted a responsibility vis-a-vis other States and their peoples. Membership has, therefore, brought with it both domestic and international obligations. 7. It is the appropriate time for Members to take stock of their domestic and international achievements, measured against the standard of the Charter. I am not suggesting that the United Nations should take upon itself the task of weighing up the achievements and/or failures of any particular State or States, a course which would be in violation of the provisions of the Charter.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Nations tend to reach decisions, and act, outside the framework of the United Nations, according to the dictates of self-interest, and then to seek to justify their actions in this forum, or, alternatively, to find a scapegoat to divert attention. In that way Member States have tended to neglect their individual responsibilities. 6. By signing the Charter, Member States undertook, for instance, to strive for the creation of the conditions of stability and well-being which are essential for peaceful and friendly relations among nations. Article 55 of the Charter deals with that aspect. The creation of these conditions is a responsibility which falls primarily within the sphere of action of individual States, which should ardently pursue the goals of economic and social development and the well-being of their own peoples.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The conclusion to which we are drawn is that in order to enable the world body more effectively to fill the role it was originally designed to play in world affairs, Member States must return to the spirit of San Francisco. My Government believes that this is the first essential step towards restoring the authority and prestige of the United Nations. The second is that States should honor the letter and the spirit of the existing Charter, being guided by the broadly defined purposes and principles set out in Chapter I. 5. It has been said, increasingly of late, that the United Nations is merely a mirror of the realities of the existing world situation. There is no disputing that.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Chapter I of the Charter embodies the highest common denominator of the aspirations of the peoples of the world acting in community; but when Member States have participated in the proceedings of organs created by the Charter, they have generally acted as individuals, promoting their own or narrow sectional interests only. The rights, interests and sensitivities of other States have been relegated to a position of subordinate importance, and this has given rise to friction between nations, and the dissemination, even by the Secretariat, of political propaganda directed against Member States. This pattern of behaviour of States diverges fundamentally from the vision of the architects of San Francisco, who would "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war".”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Dissatisfaction with the lack of progress by the Organization is reflected in the call from many quarters for a revision of the Charter with a view to improving the effectiveness of the Organization as an instrument for promoting peace and international security. 4. It is understandable that this prescription for the maladies of the Organization should appeal to some, but it seems to my Government that treatment of this kind would be misdirected; we should be attempting to cure a symptom instead of the disease. Despite its imperfections, it is not the Charter which is basically at fault, but the lack of will on the part of Members to apply it constructively.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We must look back at the past quarter of a century to identify the successes and failures, to examine where our procedures have been sound and where we have been misguided, to recognize where we have tried too hard and where not enough, and to assess the correctness of our priorities, emphasis and direction. The information we derive from this necessary process of introspection must be carefully weighed so as to enable us to produce a sound program for the future attention of the Organization, one that will help it to achieve its most important aims more effectively. 3. On looking back, the unfortunate but unavoidable conclusion is that the achievements of the Organization have not matched the high hopes of its founders. A crisis of confidence has been experienced by Members and even noted by the Secretary-General.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“1. Mr President, my delegation has already extended to you from this rostrum its warm congratulations on your election as President of this session of the General Assembly and has assured you of its co-operation at all times. I wish to associate myself with those remarks and extend to you my personal congratulations and good wishes. 2. This Assembly is no ordinary Assembly. It marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and is a significant milestone in the story of the international community. It is a time for looking forward and a time for looking back.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“I am confident that left in peace the peoples of southern Africa can assure for themselves a bright future. I return, therefore, to my starting point, and reiterate my plea for respect and tolerance in our relations with each other so that we may be free to press forward in our efforts to create a better world.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We can peacefully live together because we recognize one another’s sovereign equality and in our relations we show mutual tolerance and respect and we do not interfere in one another’s domestic affairs. 137. Although the world labours under perplexing and intractable problems and much confusion exists as to what constitutes healthy norms and principles for international co-operation, in southern Africa we are endeavouring to provide a practical example of a viable solution. Those who do not wish to see us succeed are the enemies of all the peoples of southern Africa. Is it too much to hope that in this Organization responsible voices will be raised to condemn violence and terrorism in a region which has so far been spared these horrors? 138.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“But as long as we honour the traditional principles for international co-operation, we shall successfully meet the challenge. I therefore urge a better understanding of the problems of southern Africa and greater appreciation of its efforts, and I appeal to others not to let their quarrels extend to our part of the world. Plans to extend political and economic influence can only bedevil the honest efforts of the nations of southern Africa to improve the standard of living of their peoples. 136. To sum up: our formula for co-operation in southern Africa and for our political relationships rests on proven principles and communal interests. We believe that differences in political systems need not be an obstacle to co-operation.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“After all, it took Europe centuries of strife and destruction before it was realized that countries could maintain their political independence while co-operating in the economic sphere to the advantage of everyone. And it is only now that Europe can enjoy the fruits of such a community pattern. 134. In southern Africa the importance of economic co-operation can hardly be overemphasized. As I have indicated, it is for us not merely a question of the usual forms of economic co-operation - it goes much further. We are determined to accelerate economic growth and to enable the countries of our region to reach the present economic standards of the developed countries in a much shorter time than is generally expected. 135. We realize that there is a long and difficult road ahead.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We believe that when the separate identity of each people is being respected and protected, when no nation is threatened by domination, only then can there be real co-operation. Our desire to live in peace with our neighbours is thus in the first place firmly based on our traditional respect for the right of self-determination for all peoples. 133. Today we have already a number of independent States in the sub-continent which, in the exercise of their political independence, are building up a pattern of peaceful co-operation. This, in the light of experience elsewhere, would not have been the case if the separate nations had felt that their right to control their own future was being jeopardized.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“When peace in our part of Africa is threatened it can only be from without — but I am convinced that we can jointly resist any such threat. And it is our hope that the notes of discord that are still being heard in some parts will give way to harmony — in the interest of us all. 131. From our earliest history we have sought amicable and peaceful coexistence. Conquest and aggression have never been our policies. The peace that we have sought, we have sought in negotiation and co-operation — not by force. 132. The peoples of southern Africa know one another’s history and know one another’s ways. We have also suffered under imperialism. Our neighbours know that no principle is more strongly embedded in our traditions than that of self-determination. What we claim for ourselves we concede to others.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is self-evident that such a formula will not be found if neighbours are preoccupied with possible differences of opinion on domestic matters. It is obvious that such a formula must be based on common interest. In southern Africa we have a multitude of problems but at the same time we have developed a successful pattern of peaceful coexistence that can make a real contribution to peace and progress in our own sub-continent and thus promote world peace. 130. To the outside world, it often seems strange that we are not for ever at loggerheads with our neighbours. Indeed, the prophets of doom have for long forecast constant strife. Instead of that, our part of the continent is one of the few areas where peace reigns, where peoples do not pose a threat to one another and where the future holds promises of growing prosperity.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The remittances of foreign African workers employed in South Africa add significantly to the value of the exports of their countries and in certain cases amount to one and a half times the value of exports. In addition, the countries concerned benefit from the skills brought back by their citizens. 129. In these ways southern Africa is forging ahead. We, for our part, are happy to participate in this great venture, because the increased prosperity of the region will bring, and is bringing, increased prosperity for all. Neighbouring peoples have a duty to co-operate; they have to find a formula for peaceful and amicable coexistence in order to ensure, on the regional level, the successful implementation of long-term planning and meaningful development.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The agricultural and mineral products which form the basis of economic activities in South Africa’s neighbouring countries are, to a very large extent, marketed through the same channels. In fact, three of our neighbours have, through the long-existing Customs Union, virtually free access to our markets. There is a reasonably free movement of capital between our respective countries, and our infrastructures are closely bound up. Apart from the flow of goods and services, there is also a flow of labour from countries in southern Africa to my country. Well over half a million foreign African workers are employed in the Republic of South Africa and remit substantial amounts to their home countries. In this way the pressure on inadequate resources in these countries is considerably relieved.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The power from Cahorabassa is expected to become of immeasurable importance to several countries in the area. Oxbow, while on a more limited scale, could become an important factor in the economic development of Lesotho, because water and power sold to South Africa could make a considerable annual contribution to the economy of that country. Likewise, the Kunene project will become a key factor in the development and economic well-being of the peoples of South West Africa and Angola. This is but the beginning. Other projects on the Limpopo and Okavango Rivers and on the rivers of Swaziland are in the process of investigation. 128. Another very important field in which the countries of southern Africa closely co-operate is that of marketing.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Since many of the large perennial rivers of the region form boundaries with, or flow through, two or more countries, the need for co-operation is obvious. 126. Furthermore, it would be of no avail if a developing country were to start large-scale power and water projects unless the bulk of the power produced could be sold elsewhere. South Africa provides such a market, making possible the production of cheap power and thus providing a valuable stimulus for the development of these countries. Indeed, without South Africa as a market, many of these projects would not be economically viable. 127. May I, by way of illustration, mention a few examples such as the Cahorabassa hydro-electric scheme on the Zambezi, the so-called Oxbow scheme in Lesotho and the Kunene project.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Very recently, for example, a group of South African farmers took 200 of their tractors to a neighbouring country to plough the lands of African farmers who, because of losses suffered during the preceding drought, were unable to do it themselves. 124. Possibly the most important area of co-operation at the moment is that directed towards improving the supply of water and power to the region. About one-half of southern Africa receives less than 600 millimetres of rain per annum, which is the minimum required for producing crops successfully under dry-land conditions. 125. In addition, the growth of industries will impose far greater demands on existing resources. The building of dams for irrigation purposes and the provision of hydro-electric power have thus become an urgent priority.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“South Africa’s proximity to its neighbours makes it possible for technicians to be supplied at short notice to cope with emergencies or problems which can be tackled only on the spot. The technicians themselves thus widen their experience of the region while simultaneously supplying the needed assistance. In this regard, I may mention our assistance to Lesotho with the recent outbreak of plague and to Swaziland with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease some time ago. 123. Incidentally, this is not solely a question of governmental policy; it is symptomatic of the spirit of our people in their approach to co-operation with our neighbours.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In this technical field South Africa has had the advantage of many years of co-ordinated scientific research, and the findings of its well-established-and experienced research institutions are freely communicated within the region. 121. Since many of the neighbouring territories are largely dependent upon the agricultural sector of their economies, co-operation with South Africa in combating the various animal and plant diseases is of the utmost importance. Technical aid, as for example in projects for the improvement of the cattle herds of our neighbours, is already being provided, while South African scientists have also been of assistance in connexion with other development projects. 122.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Let me quote from another document produced by the Economic Commission for Africa and circulated by the United Nations: “...if the tempo of development is to be accelerated, and if an intensification of economic inequalities within the sub-region is to be prevented, there appears to be no alternative to increasing economic co-operation and co-ordinated development in the sub-region.” South Africa shares these views and has for some time been applying them in southern Africa. 120. Technical co-operation within this region is of long standing. Because of similar climate, soil and plant growth, as well as similar problems, there are large areas of common concern to the countries of southern Africa.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In the field of transportation, Africa provides 1.8 per cent of the world’s rail freight, although the total population of the continent comprises 8.5 per cent of the total world population. Southern Africa has a railway mileage of about 20,655 route miles of which 13,702 miles are in South Africa and South West Africa. South Africa possesses the required heavy machinery and the knowledge of similar environmental conditions to assist others in the construction and expansion of railway routes. Furthermore, our transportation system, serving as a link with the outside world, is available to other countries in southern Africa; so is our entire communications system. 119.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“More and more goods which previously had to be imported can now be supplied by our own industries. 117. However important these facts and developments are to all the population groups in my country, I refer to them merely because they must be seen as a future pattern of development for southern Africa as a whole. From this economic hub radiates growth to the other parts of our region. I do not wish to suggest that a new and developing State cannot by itself attain economic growth, but we all know that the creation of the prerequisites for such development requires not only vast capital investment, experience and acquired skill, but also time. For example, transportation — one of the essentials for economic development — requires not only railways and roads but also ports. 118.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Despite the fact that our population groups comprising about 18,400,000 people are expected to increase two-and-a-half times to at least 40 million in thirty-five years, we expect to be able to feed all our people and we may even be in a position to be of assistance to other countries. Industries are now being brought to the doorstep of scattered areas of the country, thus providing labour opportunities and currency in sectors previously mainly engaged in traditional subsistence agriculture. 116. The domestic market, small in comparison with those of the great industrial nations of the world, is expanding rapidly as the population swells and the increased prosperity of the various peoples creates demands which can be filled by local manufacture.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“While, in 1948, South Africa provided only 39 per cent of its capital requirements from its own sources, this percentage has now risen to well over 90. Thirty-two per cent of the national income is saved. The corresponding figure for the United States and Britain is approximately 14 per cent and for the Federal Republic of Germany 23 per cent. The stage has now been reached where foreign investment, though still useful, is no longer essential for the growth of the South African economy. 115. On completion of the Orange River Project — which is one of the biggest combined irrigation and hydro-electric projects in the world — as well as several other projects at present being planned and those already under construction, agricultural production in South Africa will increase considerably.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Our industrial growth averaged more than 9 per cent during the last five years, an achievement almost unequalled in the rest of the world. In 1967 South Africa generated 37,869 million units of electricity, which is more than 60 per cent of all the electricity generated in Africa. The consumption of electricity in South Africa amounts to somewhat more than 2,000 units per head of our total population, or more than twenty times the average figure per head for the rest of Africa. The generating capacity now installed in South Africa exceeds 7,000 mW, and with an annual increase of about 8 per cent, its generating capacity will more than double during the next ten years. South Africa is, moreover, one of the important trading nations of the world, and in 1966 its foreign trade amounted to $5,664 million. 114.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“What is already happening in our part of the world? Let me start by taking a few illustrations from my own country. 112. The South African economy as a whole has in recent years succeeded in combining to a remarkable extent stability with rapid economic growth. Not only have our currency and general financial state remained healthy, but our real gross domestic product has, over the past five years, shown an annual average increase of almost 7 per cent. This has produced benefits for all our population groups and economic projections indicate that during the next thirty-five years the living standards of our total population will at least more than double. During the same period the total purchasing power of the population should increase more than sixfold. 113.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Not only has a great deal been achieved as regards the internal development of our own country for the benefit of all sections of our multinational population, but in co-operation with our neighbours much has been accomplished to provide hope for the future in the southern portion of the continent. 110. It is our belief that, with an expanding economy, we are in a position to provide an effective stimulus to economic growth in other countries in our region of the continent. Similarly, economic progress in those countries must have a beneficial effect on our own efforts. When I therefore say that we in southern Africa may confound the prophecies and fears of the economists, I say it in the full confidence that we shall progressively overcome our economic problems in co-operation with each other. 111.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We in South Africa have studied this document carefully and while we share the concern of the experts about the economic future of the continent, we believe that something can be done about these problems. And here, in the interests of humanity, I renew the plea I made last year and to which I have just referred. Problems and difficulties do exist, in no small measure, but we do not feel that they are insurmountable, given patience, goodwill and co-operation. For us in South Africa, it is important that the problems should be tackled, for we are ourselves a part of the continent and whatever happens elsewhere in Africa has its repercussions upon us. It is very much in our own interest that Africa should be peaceful, stable and prosperous. 109. We, for our part, are doing our best to live up to the spirit of the Charter.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Being from Africa I pose this question particularly in regard to that continent. A recent survey by the Economic Commission for Africa, of economic conditions in Africa has revealed some disquieting statistics about the continent. In many African lands, the standard of living has actually declined during the past six years. At the present rate of growth it will, it is said, take 273 years before African incomes reach present British standards and 343 years before they reach American standards. The conclusion would seem to be that, if the present tempo is maintained, there will be no hope for Africa to bridge the economic gap which separates it from the developed lands; indeed, greater poverty and misery may well be in store. 108.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“I must, however, emphatically reject his premises and conclusions, for the facts of life in southern Africa so patently present a totally different picture. It is, as I will indicate, a picture of achievement and progress, in the spirit of the Charter, one which calls for recognition and acclaim, instead of incitement to confrontation. Is it not ironic that while bloody warfare is devastating a region of Africa for which so much was hoped, while so many innocent men, women and children are exposed to suffering, starvation and death, so much time, money and energy should be devoted in this Organization to attacking my country as a so-called “threat to world peace”? 107. And, meanwhile, what of our task to lighten the burdens, to bring increased prosperity to the peoples of the world?”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“This came, ironically, within months after the Soviet Union solemnly undertook special responsibilities as a nuclear-weapon State and as a permanent member of the Security Council. In the United Nations itself there have been numerous instances of malice and intolerance. The machinery of the Secretariat has, for example, been subverted to further a vendetta against my country, in violation of the Charter and in defiance of the facts. 106. What is even more deplorable, the Secretary-General himself, in the introduction to his latest annual report [A/7201/Add.1], in total disregard of the true state of affairs, can foresee only a collision course for southern Africa. I do not wish to analyze here today the Secretary-General’s forewarnings of doom, or for that matter his condemnations of, amongst others, my own country.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)