UN General Assembly
1956

169. We have learned through bitter personal experience that brute force does not always permanently settle disputes between countries. Rather, we have observed that the chances of a longer lasting settlement are much enhanced by the use of negotiation, because only through negotiation can both sides give a little and take a little. We cannot help looking at our neighbours’ problems from the observation tower of our own experience. In this connexion, it is quite dear tint Thailand is not in a position to threaten the world, or any part of the world. Nor have we any inclination to do so. In plain words, we have no axe to grind. In fact, we don’t even have an axe. 170. Every nation represented here today is a de jure Member of this United Nations. Before we tackle any of the explosive issues on the agenda, however, we must turn our gaze upon ourselves, with a view to answering two fundamental questions.