UN General Assembly
1968

111. This session is opening in an atmosphere of tension and despondency. The number of problems afflicting the international community is growing continually. Critical situations become chronic and others, just as grave or even more so, follow hard on them. The despondency arises from a marked tendency for countries to forget the principles of the Charter or to proclaim a formal adherence to them with which their subsequent political behaviour is inconsistent. 112. Many of those who have spoken before me have expressed similar concern over the international situation. Now to some extent, that is an encouraging sign. Realization of the problems is the first step in the search for a solution and a clear sign of the concern of Member States to revitalize an organization which, in the difficult post-war years, has rendered invaluable service in preserving the world from fresh general conflict. But today that is not enough and it is becoming increasingly necessary to reflect on the principles that should guide international action.