UN General Assembly
1956

2. Before the sinister outbreak of barbaric oppression now ripe in Hungary, and before the disgraceful outrage, practised on certain small countries, there were many gloomy prophets who maintained that the United Nations was anaemic and powerless to translate into practical action the principles which are its guiding spirit, its very essence and purpose. Yet those who think and speak in this manner evidently do not realize that institutions dedicated to lofty ideals are invulnerable to the calculating brutality of those who still believe in the sinister rule of the whip and the shot-gun. 3. The United Nations is faced with a severe test; but just as bitter trials tend to strengthen the resolve of fine men, in the same way crises act like a spiritual tonic on the keepers of the international peace.