UN General Assembly
1966

138. If we do not take care, we shall with our own hands destroy the instrument for safeguarding peace which we have built with so much labour. The crisis resulting from the end of the term of office of the Secretary-General is without any doubt a new, dramatic factor which helps us better to see the grave nature of events. Behind 2 problems of a man, we must face the problem of the seriousness of the situation in the world and the weakening of international institutions. 139. With courage, clarity and sincerity, U Thant on 15 September clearly posed the problem in words which will be remembered in the history of the United Nations: