UN General Assembly
1948

Mr. Bevin, on behalf of his Government, solemnly declared that if the USSR Government was living in fear of any aggression by the United Kingdom on the territory of the Soviet Union, it might rest in peace. The United Kingdom would never indulge in any such aggression. On the other hand, if, having obtained an assured security in their own territory, the USSR then used the territory of other States and the people of other States to prepare attacks upon the United Kingdom, a very different situation would be created in which Great Britain could only look to its defence. His Majesty’s Government was responsible for the safety of its people and must accept that responsibility.