UN General Assembly
1960

19. On 16 September 1959, President de Gaulle spoke of self-determination for Algeria. His reputation as the only man in France able to make peace in Algeria secured his international prestige and led a majority of the Members of the United Nations to renew the appeal for negotiations as the most appropriate means for the implementation of the right of self-determination. The nature of the position of General de Gaulle and the political forces which brought him to power, as well as the kind of power equilibrium in France itself, led us to doubt the intentions behind his declared Algerian policy. Subsequent events confirmed our doubts; contacts and meetings have shown beyond any doubt that General de Gaulle did not mean what he said regarding self-determination for Algeria. He wanted nothing less than surrender. He went further to reveal the true character of his policy when he recently denounced the United Nations audits Charter. He declared in advance that any resolution of the General Assembly on Algeria would have no effect on his policy, and he cynically referred to this Organization as the "so-called" United Nations. In view of this attitude, it is to be asked how much weight should be placed on the participation of France in the United Nations and its actions therein. This attitude no doubt reflects the policy pursued by France in the international field, and particularly vis-à-vis small nations.