UN General Assembly
1957

116. I have sought in the course of my remarks today to draw attention to some of the problems as well as to some of the potentially hopeful aspects of our area. Basically the position can be improved only by a modification of policies within as well as outside it. 117. Within the area, the question is whether the Arab States are ready to change their outlook and policy and bring them into conformity with the principles of the Charter - especially those which concern the independence and integrity of each Member State. 118. Israel has, through the Secretary-General, asked Egypt and Syria within the past six months whether they were prepared to renounce their claim to the maintenance of a state of war with Israel — surely a legitimate question when addressed to a State Member of the United Nations. The Secretary-General has received no reply from either country.