UN General Assembly
1958

132. On the other hand, the small Powers are in a position to be factors for peace. The mere desire to maintain their territorial integrity and their independence is enough to show them their obligation to make a real contribution to the defence and consolidation of international peace and security. 133. For the satisfaction of the small Powers and as a well-earned tribute of gratitude, we should like to say a few words about the valuable contribution which they have all made to the cause of the United Nations. 134. Allow me to recall, in particular, the contribution which the Latin-American countries have made ever since the United Nations Conference on International Organization, held at San Francisco in 1945, when the Charter was being framed. Many of the Articles of the Charter bear the lasting imprint of our participation, for they confer force of law upon various principles of American public law, the efficacy of which has already been proved in the relations between the States which share the great continent of America.