UN General Assembly
1960

34. On the subject of disarmament, we have studied the annual report of the Secretary-General [A/4390] and the report of the United Nations Disarmament Commission [see A/4463]. We have also before us the resolution [1378 (XIV)] unanimously adopted at the fourteenth session of the General Assembly, for general and complete disarmament. We have, furthermore, listened, with absorbing interest and respect, to the wise statements by leaders of great nations. In all of them we discern a deep desire for peace and for disarmament. We believe in the sincerity of these speeches. All nations wish for peace and want disarmament. One would, therefore, be Inclined — and not unnaturally — to ask; Why should we then be in a crisis, and why can there be no agreement on disarmament? We do not question the good faith or the wisdom of the big Powers. We do question the results. It would seem that the main obstacle is suspicion and distrust. Every proposal put forward by the one side is viewed by the other with suspicion. This is probably why all negotiations ultimately fail, though seemingly nearing agreement at times. The aspect of inspection and control should be given some consideration in the light of its help towards creating confidence by unsealing the doors of secrecy.