UN General Assembly
1951

152. The peace of the world depends on the firmness shown by the democratic nations and on mutual understanding of rights and obligations. But above all, it depends on the action and resolution of those who today, enjoying the hospitality of immortal France, are forging the destinies of a better world. 153. The free nations of the West are ready to raise a bulwark of peace against aggression from whatever quarter it may come. For that fundamental reason and in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter, the North Atlantic Treaty has come into being, not for aggressive purposes but as a defence against aggression. To establish peace by destroying this treaty, as has been cleverly suggested, can never be a success. The peace-loving nations which, by reasons of their democratic structure, cannot but be vulnerable, must build a force capable of resisting the sudden attacks of covetously aggressive nations, so long as the latter continue on that path.