UN General Assembly
1972

109. As regards the process of building Western Europe, no one can remain indifferent to the fact that neighboring countries, governed by the same principles of parliamentary democracy, are joining together in a common destiny-after having, for the last few centuries, shaken the world with their confrontations. The only reason for concern to which this progressive union might give rise would be that this Europe, in becoming a leading commercial and economic Power, might not assume all the world responsibilities flowing from its new status. 110. From this very rostrum Sir Alec Douglas-Home vigorously rejected this idea in his statement at the 2042nd meeting. He expressed our common conviction. I shall shortly refer to all that this enlarged Community should contribute in order to promote a genuine balance of growth.