UN General Assembly
1961

8. We are now reaching a crucial point in the development of the United Nations. The great strides being made in technical and economic co-operation, in the development of agriculture, in labour and in science, contrast sharply with the retarded pace of progress towards the solution of such vital problems as the threat posed by atomic armaments and the effective implementation of decisions of the Council or, if it fails to take action, of the Assembly. 9. The very survival of the United Nations depends today on our finding the correct approach to these problems and solving them without delay. The attention of the entire world is anxiously focused upon them. 61 A/PVa1014 10. Owing to the circumstances which then prevailed, the delegations assembled at San Francisco were' obliged to consider the position of the great Powers at a time of transition from the old political order to the fully established rule of law. This accounts for the unanimity rule in the Council and many other features of the Charter which give special privileges to the great Powers.