UN General Assembly
1961

78. There are many trouble spots in various parts of the world today, and South-East Asia, which includes my country*, the Philippines, is no exception. Here, as in other parts of the world, the big nations are the main protagonists, but the smaller countries within these troubled areas are in constant danger of being engulfed at short notice. We see today uncertainty in political and military conditions in several countries in South-East Asia. The dangers of war are becoming apparent, and national upheavals are growing in alarming proportions. Such a situation compels the countries within the region to devote substantial portions of their resources to their own defence and provide safeguards against infiltration and subversion. The result of this is that resources which could otherwise be used for much needed economic and social progress have to be wasted in military spending without tangible benefits to the entire population.