UN General Assembly
1947

This Assembly is meeting at a period in history which can only be described as the half-light between war and peace. Over two years have passed since Japan laid down its arms, but the peace treaties are still not concluded with either Germany or Japan. Thus, although there is no longer any world war, it cannot be said that peace has returned. Over vast areas of the globe there prevails a condition of fear and unrest which is not only disturbing in itself, but is an active hindrance to the work of this great Organization. Therefore, we are faced with this extraordinary paradox: the primary function of the United Nations is to maintain peace yet there is no world peace to maintain.