UN General Assembly
1954

39. But as a triumph of the human spirit and the principles of the United Nations, the successful implementation of the resolution on the voluntary repatriation of the prisoners of war in Korea must be regarded as a signal achievement. This important resolution [610 (VII)] was adopted, as we will recall, at the seventh session of the General Assembly, despite the desperate opposition put up by the Communist bloc of nations. As we look back to the circumstances under which the principle of voluntary repatriation was implemented, we are proud to note that this battle for freedom and humanity was only made possible by the firm stand taken by the majority of Members here assembled. I have no desire to recount in detail the manner in which the Communists sought, by every possible means, to scuttle this principle both in and outside the United Nations. Even after the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, the Communists insisted on interpreting the provisions concerning the repatriation of the prisoners of war in such a way as would permit them to continue to administer the process of “brain-washing” to the prisoners.