UN General Assembly
1972

33. Much as we welcome the relative state of detente amongst the major Powers, we remain concerned that the foreign policies of States, large and small, are still predicated upon the basis of balance of power and spheres of influence, a policy which has changed little since the founding of the United Nations. To clarify this statement, I venture to say that quite often we find that justice and equity are subordinated to paramount national interests. 34. In illustration of what I mean, I only have to cite the tragic situation in the Middle East, of which this Organization has been unremittingly seized since the right of self-determination, a corner-stone of the Charter, was flouted in 1947 and continuously thereafter.