UN General Assembly
1958

44. On behalf of my delegation, Sir, may I convey to you our sincere congratulations upon your election to the high post of President of this Assembly. Your long experience as the leader of your country's delegations to the United Nations, coupled with your considerable experience as Chairman of Assembly Committees, eminently fits you for the task of guiding the deliberations of this Assembly. My delegation knows that you will maintain the high standards of fairness and impartiality set by your distinguished predecessor, Sir Leslie Munro, and I am glad to be able also to pay that tribute to him. 45. When last I spoke from this rostrum in a general debate, it was my unpleasant duty to inform the Assembly that in future the Union of South Africa would maintain only a token or nominal representation in this Assembly and also at the Headquarters of the United Nations. That decision was not lightly taken. It was a decision which could be justified only by reasons of a compelling nature.