UN General Assembly
1959

9. It was with such hopes that we adopted in August 1958 a resolution submitted by the Arab countries [resolution 1237 (ES-IH)]. We welcome signs that the spirit of that resolution persists, and, no doubt, the Governments of the area will back up the efforts of the Secretary-General. 10. In this connexion, to mention a somewhat controversial topic, referred to by Mr. Herter, Secretary of State of the United State [797th meeting], I hope the use of the Suez Canal will form a bond to further, and not a barrier to obstruct, the peaceful trade of all the countries of the area. I have made clear on past occasions the support of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom for the principle of the free passage of ships of all nations through the Suez Canal — a principle which was embodied in the Constantinople Convention of 1888 and which has been adopted by the United Nations as its declared purpose.