UN General Assembly
1947

Under Article 1 of the San Francisco Charter, this Organization should be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends which include the following: to develop friendly relations among nations; to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace. On this occasion, the General Assembly bears the grave responsibility of faithfully observing these basic principles in order to preserve the faith placed in the United Nations. We well know that the Assembly cannot assume executive powers that have not been vested in it, but let us remember that as the supreme deliberative body of the Organization, it has great power to mobilize world opinion and exert a salutary influence on Governments. It is empowered to examine the grave problems on the agenda.