UN General Assembly
1953

25. When Germany surrendered over eight years ago. four zones of occupation were created, one each for the United Kingdom, France, the United States and the Soviet Union. This was deemed a convenient way for the Allies to administer the first phases of the surrender terms. It was never intended that Germany should be permanently partitioned. Over four years ago, the United Kingdom, France and the United States put their zones together and enabled the Germans there to have free elections and to build their own political community. The Germans in the Soviet zone have been denied that unity and that opportunity. This division of Germany cannot he perpetuated without grave risks, for no great people will calmly accept mutilation.