UN General Assembly
1964

88. The strengthening of the United Nations entails complex political and legal problems. There can be no doubt that, politically, what has been called "decolonization", i.e., the development of a people from a state of colonial dependence to independence, has in many cases necessitated United Nations action and has constituted a real challenge to the solidity of its structure. Mr. Leitao da Cunha, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil, spoke here, with ample justification and considerable perspicacity, about the problem of decolonization and violence, and suggested the establishment of a standing United Nations force whose purpose would be "not to punish or to repel aggressors, but, by their presence, to prevent the outbreak of armed warfare and to ensure respect for the cessation of hostilities" [1289th meeting, para. 24]. Instances of violence in many countries progressing towards sovereignty are still fresh in our minds and it is obvious that United Nations intervention has had no effect. Accordingly, any proposals which aim at giving the United Nations practical and effective means of acting deserve consideration and support* Decolonization and the self-determination of peoples require guarantees of peace and order.