UN General Assembly
1969

compel them to draw closer to it. 56. There are numerous applications for associate and even full membership, and it is not only conceivable but eminently desirable that they may succeed. 57. Moreover, it is not impossible that this community, which is free to determine its future, will enter into ever closer contact with the countries of Eastern Europe—for each of which we feel the same interest and the same regard—and gradually overcome the distressing gulf that separates one part of Europe from the other, in defiance of 20 centuries of history. 58. I should like on this point to recall the words spoken by my predecessor, Michel Debré, from this same rostrum a year ago: “Europe is in need of détente, of deep and lasting détente, which is the straight but necessary gate to co-operation and understanding. We hope that each European country which is aware of the responsibilities it shares will help to build our common future. I repeat, the task is not to alter social structures or principles of economic organization; those are matters for each nation