UN General Assembly
1953

19. I am sure that we can all think of subjects that have come before us in recent sessions of the Assembly that could have been more constructively discussed and more easily settled if there had previously been quiet and confidential discussion of them between delegations and governments, especially between those which were in disagreement over the matters in question. It is my feeling that the opportunity for consultation of this kind at United Nations meetings is, or seems to be, diminishing, and that a kind of “bloc” or “group” discussion is, on the other hand, increasing, the results, in one form or another, often being made public almost before the discussion itself has taken place. If we are not careful, therefore, these “publicly confidential” discussions, useful and perhaps essential as they often are, may cause the United Nations to lose prestige as a place where opposing views can be constructively considered and where their reconciliation can at least be attempted in an efficient and businesslike way.