UN General Assembly
1959

21. This Assembly has recently listened to statements stressing freedom of passage through the Suez Canal. Such statements are pointless, because ships pass through it freely. Following the nationalization of the Suez Canal Company, Egypt formally declared its intention to respect the principle of free transit, and passage of ships has continued on a regular and ever-increasing basis. The services rendered under the Arab management of the Suez Canal have evoked the satisfaction and admiration of world navigation. Furthermore, continued improvements in the Canal assure increased, shipping through that important waterway. 22. The United Arab Republic has declared on more than one occasion her determination to adhere to the 1888 Constantinople Convention and, moreover, has communicated to the Secretary-General in a letter that she accepts in this matter the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. What more could be expected of the United Arab Republic?