UN General Assembly
1972

154. My delegation is at a loss to understand with what justification certain great Powers continue to impose a yoke of servitude on a number of faraway countries with which they have no ethnic connexion. Those colonial Powers argue that territorial servitude must continue, either because the countries affected are too small to become economic or politically viable units or because they are culturally undeveloped or even because the inhabitants, after so-called referendums, prefer the status of colonial servitude. International co-operation on earth has now developed to the point where no nation, however small, however poor, is unable to govern itself; and no nation, however affluent or prosperous, is satisfied with being ruled by another. My delegation therefore once again appeals to all Powers having colonies, or what look like colonies, in Africa, in Asia, in America and in Oceania to take immediate steps to grant those subjected peoples a free and full measure of independence. If they really like you, they will thereupon enter into all sorts of bilateral treaties with you, and you can continue to help them. The international community would then be satisfied that your new relationship is not one of colonial master and subjected servant, but an association of free and independent States. Refusal by the colonialist Powers to grant their charges independence can only leave a sour taste in one's mouth and unsavory conclusions about disguised economic and political exploitation.