132.	Mr, President, may I, on behalf of our delegation, congratulate you on your election to the high post of President of this session of the General Assembly and express our confidence that you will discharge your high responsibilities successfully,
133.	We should also like to express our profound respect for the Secretary-General of the United Nations who is making great efforts, which we all appreciate, to turn our Organization into a genuine instrument for the peace and security of peoples,
134.	We are living in an age of immense historical change. The peoples who are building socialism and communism, the peoples who have freed themselves or are now freeing themselves from colonialism and national and social oppression, and the peace-loving and democratic forces of all countries are now exercising a decisive influence on the whole course of world development. And of course there is hardly a single Government which would not take this into account to some extent in its approach to international affairs.
135.	Since the twenty-fifth session of the General Assembly, the various trends in the foreign policies of States have become more pronounced. Yet the predominant trend which has been reflected in the debates at this session is the striving for a relaxation of international tension on the basis of the peaceful coexistence of States having different social systems.
136.	The consistently peaceful foreign policy of the Soviet Union and other socialist countries is contributing increasingly to the normalization of the international climate. The foreign policy program of peace and friendship between peoples, which was announced at the Twenty-fourth Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, has become a document of genuine world-wide significance. It is both wide in scope and realistic in its approach, and its implementation will promote the solution of urgent topical problems in the interests of a further relaxation of tension and the establishment of a stable and lasting peace.
137.	This program, which was welcomed warmly by the people of the Ukraine, has confirmed the steadfast determination of our country to persist in its foreign policy line aimed at peaceful coexistence, the solution of difficult problems through negotiations, and at the same time the repulsing of aggression wherever it may occur.
138.	The practical measures taken by the socialist countries on behalf of the whole world bear witness to the fact that they are strictly and unswervingly fulfilling their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and in the implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security [resolution 2734 (XXV fj).
139.	In our opinion the primary task of the United Nations and all States at this time is to implement the provisions of the Declaration and thus help to attain the main objective of the United Nations, to ensure universal peace and security. This means, first and foremost, to halt aggression as soon as possible and restore peace where it has been disrupted.
140.	In voting for the Declaration, the Members of the United Nations have solemnly reaffirmed that it is their duty to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any other State, and that the territory of a State shall not be the object of military occupation.
141.	It is only natural that the overwhelming majority of delegations, in their statements during the general debate, should have devoted so much attention to imperialist aggression in Indo-China.
142.	The real objectives of the United States in that region have, of course, been clear to many from the very outset. But the well-known developments of recent months have finally exposed the falsifications that have used the umbrella of anti-communism as a cover for aggression. How appropriate, in this context, are the words of the great Lenin, that in the capitalist world "the most important questions of war and peace and the problems of diplomacy are decided by an insignificant handful of capitalists, who deceive not only the masses, but often deceive Parliament too".
143.	The determination of the peoples of Indo-China, struggling for their legitimate right to determine their own fate, is unswerving. Their resolve cannot be shaken by further military provocation, even by the massive bombing of the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam which occurred literally a few hours before the beginning of this session of the General Assembly. Every act of this kind only serves to strengthen opposition to the aggressor.
144.	Nor will the attempts of the ruling circles in the United States to achieve their objectives through maneuvering behind the backs of the peoples who are fighting for their independence or through new and widely publicized diplomatic activity meet with success.
145.	The only realistic way for the United States to get out of the impasse which it has itself created is to withdraw its troops immediately and to halt the aggression. A constructive and reasonable basis for a solution to the Viet-Nam problem is to be found in the new seven-point program of the Provisional Government of the Republic of South Viet-Nam, which has been welcomed by world public opinion and the Governments of many countries.
146.	The Ukrainian SSR will continue to participate in the efforts of the socialist States to provide effective support and assistance to the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam and will consistently and resolutely side with the liberation movements in South Viet-Nam, Laos and Cambodia.
147.	In order to improve the situation on the Asian continent, particularly in the Far East, the United Nations must put an end to the interference in the internal affairs of Korea under cover of its flag.
148.	The withdrawal of United States and other foreign troops from South Korea and the dissolution, of the so-called United Nations Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea are what is required now. Guided by this principle, the delegation of the Ukraine has once again co-sponsored the relevant proposals on matters relating to Korea. It is with regret that we note that a decision to postpone consideration of these matters until the next session has been Imposed on the Assembly. This has been done under the pretext of promoting the contacts recently established between the Red Cross organizations of North and South Korea. Yet the withdrawal of foreign troops and the dissolution of the aforementioned Commission would not only not hinder, but would in fact promote, mutual understanding and easier contacts between the two parts of this divided country.
149.	The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in a statement issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, strongly condemned the removal of these two items from this session's agenda and insisted that the United Nations should immediately take steps to ensure the withdrawal from South Korea of the aggressive forces of United States imperialism which have been occupying South Korea under cover of the United Nations flag, and dissolve the so-called United Nations Commission on the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea. That is the opinion of the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
150.	As many speakers here have already pointed out, one task of primary importance is to eliminate the hotbed of military tension in the Middle East whose continuous smoldering threatens to escalate into a major conflagration.
151.	For over four years, Israel, relying on United States support, has been sabotaging the implementation of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) refusing to withdraw its troops from the occupied Arab territories, conducting a planned policy of "developing" these territories, or, in other words, openly annexing them, and provoking an aggravation of tension in the region. Ruling circles in Israel disregard United Nations decisions, reject the peaceful proposals made by the Arab countries, and paralyse the efforts of the United Nations, its Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Ambassador Jarring, to achieve a peaceful settlement in the Middle East.
152.	'	In order to attain its objectives, Israel and its protectors resort to all possible means in order to undermine the unity of the Arab nations and weaken their resolve to eliminate the consequences of aggression.
153.	In order to divert attention from their expansionist policy and also in order to ensure financial, military and political support in the future, the Israeli leaders have launched anti-Soviet and anti-Arab campaigns through Zionist lobbies in a number of Western countries, in particular the United States. In the course of these campaigns, diplomatic missions have been subjected to acts of provocation and hooliganism that are incompatible with the elementary norms of civilized society.
154.	Of course, it is common knowledge that Israel's policy would not be so defiant if it did not enjoy the support of, in particular, the United States of America. It is characteristic of the situation that there is such a distribution of roles between Washington and Tel Aviv. While the Israeli agrees, rs are developing the territories they have seized, United States ruling circles are covering up the aggressor's acts by diplomatic maneuvers and claiming that they are playing a self-styled role as peacemakers while in actual fact they are encouraging the aggressor.
155.	The representative of Israel, speaking from this rostrum a few days ago [1946th meeting], was so generous in his "peace-loving" attitude that he suggested as many as five ways that he alleged would lead to peace. But he omitted one way, the most direct and the surest way to peace in this region, namely the one contained in the well-known Security Council resolution of 22 November 1967.
156.	But time is not working in favor of the aggressor. The legitimate struggle of the Arab peoples for the return of the lands occupied in June 1967 is gaining increasing support throughout the world and at the United Nations. Their political, economic and military position is improving. The Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation recently concluded between the Soviet Union and the United Arab Republic, signed at Cairo on 27 May 1971, strengthens the position of the Arab countries and is an important factor for peace in this region.
157.	The Ukrainian SSR supports the just cause of the Arab peoples and feels that the United Nations and all its Members should take every opportunity, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, to force Israel to reach a peaceful and just political settlement of the Middle East conflict as soon as possible, and withdraw its troops from all occupied Arab territories.
158.	During the general debate at the Assembly, many delegations have remarked on the favorable trend towards a detente on the continent of Europe, the importance of which extends beyond the boundaries of Europe and exerts a considerable influence on the fate of peace and security throughout the world.
159.	History reminds us that in our time, in the lifetime of a single generation, two world wars have broken out in Europe. As we all know, those wars took over 70 million human lives, 50 million of them in the Second World War,
160.	The Soviet Ukraine, which lost many millions of lives in the war unleashed by Hitler's Germany, has a vital stake in the strengthening of European and international security. Expressing the will of our people, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Ukraine, Mr. Peter Efimovich Shelest, declared in a statement on 23
June 1971 to the youth of Kiev: "The most important, the most rewarding and the most noble task we have to do, in the name of the countless victims, and to ensure the happiness of all people and of future generations, is to prevent a repetition of the tragedy of the past. We must build a really durable peace that will last for many years and many decades."
161.	The people and Government of the Ukraine welcome the fact that there is growing trust and mutual understanding between European countries. Proof of this can be seen in the expansion of friendly co-operation between the Soviet Union and France and in the development of mutually advantageous relations between the socialist countries and many countries in Western Europe. We think it reasonable that the detente in our continent is based on the recognition of European realities, namely the inviolability of the present frontiers and the existence of two German States. The conclusion of treaties with the , - :ai Republic of Germany by the Soviet Union  and the * People's Republic,  and the four-Power agreement ^n matters relating to West Berlin  give hope for the future of Europe.
162.	The peace-loving policy of the German Democratic Republic is actively promoting the establishment of a reliable system of European security. The realities of our time confirm-as an ever growing number of States are realizing-that a durable peace on the continent of Europe without the participation of the German Democratic Republic is inconceivable.
163.	The idea of collective security, which through the initiative of the socialist countries has taken the form of a specific political program, is commanding ever wider support. The proposal of the socialist countries for the convening of an all-European conference is based on the current situation on the continent and the fundamental interests and aspirations of all European peoples. No one disputes the usefulness of convening such a conference in principle; its tasks are clear, and there are no objections as to who should participate in it.
164.	All the preconditions now exist for proceeding to specific preparations for such a conference..
165.	The Ukrainian SSR supports the idea of convening such a conference and believes that, given the goodwill of the participants, it can do a great deal to strengthen European security and to expand co-operation in the economic, trade, scientific, technical and cultural fields on a basis of equality and mutual benefit.
166.	While we feel optimistic about the future of Europe, we are not forgetting that there are certain circles which are impeding a detente by resorting to far-fetched pretexts and even to provocative action, as has been seen lately in some countries. Naturally the danger posed by the forces of revanchism and militarism to the process of normalizing the situation in Europe cannot be discounted.
167.	However, it is not those forces which are now determining the state of affairs on the European continent. The necessary conditions for the establishment of genuine collective security and a stable peace do exist here. It is the duty of the Governments and peoples of all European countries to translate the existing possibilities into realities. This requires increased efforts in the search for a stable and lasting peace in this region, which in its turn would promote the strengthening of universal peace.
168.	It is hardly necessary to prove that the path to a lasting and secure peace on our planet lies through general and complete disarmament. The problem of disarmament has been discussed in the United Nations literally from the earliest days of its existence, and it is not the fault of the socialist countries that the progress achieved in this sphere has been far less than the interests of the strengthening of the security of peoples require. Rhetoric, unsupported by action, will not build a durable peace or establish relations of trust between countries, A constructive approach and a desire to co-operate and seek mutually acceptable solutions to the disarmament problems under discussion are essential.
169.	Long experience of disarmament negotiations shows that delays in finding solutions to questions related to the halting of the arms race inevitably lead to more difficulties. It is essential to intensify negotiations on general and complete disarmament and at the same time reach agreement on partial disarmament measures.
170.	In this context, the important new initiative taken by the Soviet Government on the convening of a world disarmament conference with the participation of all States of the world is particularly timely. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union, Mr. Andrei Andreevich Gromyko, has spoken of this emphatically and convincingly in his statement here at the 1942nd meeting. We are firmly convinced that a world disarmament conference would hasten agreement on urgent major disarmament questions. Although some people here have been skeptical about the idea of convening such a conference, it is clear that the idea is gaining increasing support.
171.	The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR welcomes the fact that the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament has completed its work on the draft convention on the prohibition, production and stockpiling of bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons and on their destruction [AI8457-DC/234, annex A], An agreement to prohibit biological weapons will be another valuable step forward in disarmament. Our delegation feels that at this session, the General Assembly, in approving the above-mentioned Convention, could also call upon all States to find a solution as soon as possible to the question of prohibiting chemical weapons and, to this end, to refrain from any acts that might hamper the conclusion of agreement on this issue.
172.	The advance towards the final elimination of colonialism is irreversible. But the imperialist forces and international monopolies are not abandoning the attempt to stifle the national liberation movement. They are seeking to perpetuate the rule of the colonialists primarily in southern Africa and to resuscitate that rule in overt and covert forms.
173.	The President of Mauritania, Mr. Ould Daddah, speaking on behalf of the Organization of African Unity, drew the attention of our Assembly [1938th meeting] to the urgent problems of Africa and particularly to the pressing hoed for the total liberation of the continent, the struggle against colonialism and racial discrimination. The President called the remaining colonies in African territory "lands that are still occupied", thus emphasizing the fact that colonialism poses a constant threat to peace and security in that continent.
174.	More than 15 per cent of the territory of Africa has been turned into a colonial preserve. Over 30 million Africans are suffering from exploitation, racism, apartheid and other inhuman forms of colonialism. Slave-like conditions are maintained in the colonies in order to secure vast profits for the monopolies of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other Western States.
175.	The peoples living in the southern part of the African continent have in fact come up against a particular kind of collective colonialism, against a conspiracy to which not only South Africa, Rhodesia and Portugal but also the United Kingdom, the United States and some of their NATO allies are parties. In the last year alone, the investments of international imperialist monopolies in the economy of South Africa amounted to $1,000 million. Portugal's colonial wars against the peoples of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea (Bissau), the systematic acts of aggression against Guinea and Senegal, the violation by the United Kingdom and other Western countries of the United Nations embargo on deliveries of weapons to the racist regimes of South Africa and Rhodesia and the expansion of trade and economic co-operation with those countries, the attempts to impose a "dialog" with the racists of southern Africa all these are individual links in a single chain which is to be used to strangle the national liberation movement of the peoples.
176.	The repeated violations by the colonialists of the sovereignty of independent States are proof that until there is not a single colonial regime left in the African continent, until all the colonialists' troops and military bases are withdrawn from this region, the peaceful and independent development of African States will be threatened.
177.	The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR fully supports the just struggle of the peoples against colonialism, racism and apartheid. We think that today the need for the full implementation of the anti-colonial decisions of the United Nations by all its Members is as urgent as ever. Our Organization should promote increased support for the national liberation struggle and should hasten the approach of the day when the last colonial regime will be buried for ever in the graveyard of history.
178.	The peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America are faced with the critical problem of ensuring their economic independence. The Western Powers, which forcibly chained the economies of many of the now liberated countries to their own, are thrusting on them the additional burden resulting from the instability of the capitalist economic world. The developing countries are acutely sensitive to the periodic recessions and instability and the crisis phenomena and monetary inflationary processes which are inherent in the capitalist system.
179.	As a result of the policy of neo-colonialism, the foreign indebtedness of the developing countries exceeds $60,000 million. For example, in Latin America 87 per cent of the new loans is now being used to pay off debts from previous loans, while in Africa the figure is 75 per cent and in eastern Asia it is over 50 per cent. Payments for so-called aid from Western Powers have risen during the first Development Decade more than three times as fast as the output of the gross national product and more than twice as fast as the export earnings of the developing countries.
180.	It is the fault of the Western countries that the principles of international trade approved by the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development have not been applied. The Western States continue to adhere to restricted trade groupings and to discriminate against other countries.
181.	In the opinion of the Ukrainian delegation, specific measures should be taken at this session to ensure the application of progressive principles in international trade and economic co-operation, without discrimination and on the basis of mutual benefit.
182.	We understand the actions of those developing countries which, in order to affirm their economic independence, are making fundamental social and economic changes, asking the colonialists to pay compensation for the age-old exploitation and plunder of their national wealth, taking into their own hands control of their national resources, nationalizing the most important branches of their economies and demanding an end to the continuing looting of the developing countries by imperialist monopolies.
183.	In keeping with its international duty, the Ukrainian SSR will continue to make its contribution to the general efforts of the Soviet Union and the States in the socialist community to help developing countries to establish their own economies and develop their own cultures.
184.	Let me just remind you that our Republic exports industrial equipment and other goods to over 60 developing countries. Ukrainian specialists are participating in the construction of 190 industrial enterprises and cultural projects in various parts of the world. Over 3,000 young people from Asia, Africa and Latin America are studying at - higher educational institutions in the Republic.
185.	The Ukraine maintains scientific and technical links with 60 countries in the world. Every year over 500 Ukrainian scientists travel to other countries to exchange experience with foreign colleagues on various aspects of science and technology. In turn the Ukraine welcomes over 1,000 foreign experts and scientists every year. The Ukrainian SSR also gives technical assistance to developing countries on a multilateral basis, through the United Nations Development program.
186.	The international situation does not give us reason to feel complacent or satisfied. The United Nations must intensify its efforts to strengthen peace and security. It is only on this basis that we can successfully solve problems in the economic, social and other fields.
187.	The achieving of real universality in the United Nations would be of great significance in further enhancing its authority and effectiveness. We are glad to see that the majority of States Members of the United Nations support this approach. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR is in favor of the immediate admission to the United Nations of the two German States, the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany.
188.	The restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations is long overdue, although some States have only recognized this more than 20 years too late. In so doing, some individual countries, in particular the United States of America, are trying to keep the Chiang Kai-shek delegation, which represents nobody, as a Member of the United Nations and for that purpose they advance one argument, among others, relating to the fact that the Ukraine and Byelorussia are Members of the United Nations. The logic of such comparisons reminds us of the logic of a well-known Ukrainian proverb which runs something like this: "This man can't tell the Crimea from Rome or either from a priest's bald dome".
189.	Now can you compare the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist State, which was created in 1917 by the free will of its people and voluntarily joined the mighty federation of the new socialist type formed in 1922 by previously oppressed peoples-the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to part of the territory which legitimately belongs to China and which was forcibly torn away from it by the Chiang Kai-shek clique with the support of the imperialists? The international legal personality of the Ukraine is affirmed in the Constitution of our Republic and the Constitution of the Soviet Union and is recognized in international law. Those who resort to such comparisons do so, not because they are ignorant people, but because they recognize the weakness of their "two Chinas" policy in whatever form it is presented and try to use completely untenable arguments.
190.	In conclusion I should like to say that every State Member of the United Nations must make a maximum contribution to the solution of all problems facing the United Nations. The Ukrainian SSR, as always, will be among those which will spare no effort to strengthen peace and security, to rebuff the forces of aggression, and to combat colonialism and racism; it will be among those which favor active international co-operation in all areas.


66.	 Mr. President, on behalf of the Romanian delegation and on my own behalf, may I offer you our sincere congratulations on your election to this important post and express the conviction that under your guidance the work of this session will be crowned with success.
67.	At the same time, I should like to express the thanks of the Romanian delegation in the outgoing President, Mr. Edvard Hambro, who, by his tact, skill and good humor contributed so much to the work of the last session.
68.	I should like also to take this opportunity to express again to the Secretary-General of the United Nations U Thant our deep respect and our great appreciation of his untiring activities in the service of the United Nations, of understanding and co-operation among peoples, of peace and of security in the world.
69.	We also address our congratulations to the new Member States which at this session have joined the great family of the United Nations.
70.	The work of our session is being followed with * attention by the peoples of the entire world, which are aware that the items on the agenda concern their vital interests and the prospects for the development of mankind on the road of peace and progress; they rightly expect results. Our debates and the decisions we are going to take can make valuable contribution to the historical mission of the United Nations, to the extent that we all demonstrate the necessary political will and take into account the legitimate aspirations of the peoples, the realities of today and those of tomorrow. For its part the Romanian delegation, acting on the instructions of its Government, will do its utmost to ensure that the present session achieves as much as possible.
71.	The participation of the Socialist Republic of Romania in international life and its position on the major problems of the modern world flow from a careful analysis of the realities and the phenomena of our time which reveal unprecedented changes, the expression of the broad and uninterrupted confrontation between the old and the new of the irreversible march of mankind towards a better and juster order. Above all, we have in mind the emergence and growing influence of the world socialist system, the progressive abolition of colonial domination, the accession to independence of a great number of new States, the full range of the technical-scientific revolution, and the ever more active participation of the peoples in social and political life and in the solving of international problems. These innovations undoubtedly also exercise an increasingly powerful positive influence on international relations.
72.	With all its energies and creative capacities committed to a vast program of construction, the Romanian people very much wants international conditions of peace and co-operation in which to realize its aspirations. As a socialist country, Romania naturally places at the center of its foreign policy the development of friendship and multilateral co-operation with all the socialist States. At the same time, acting in the spirit of peaceful coexistence, it is continuously extending its co-operation with all the States of the world, regardless of their social systems.
73.	One of the predominant realities of today's world is the irresistible affirmation of the peoples' will to decide their own destinies to be masters in their own land. Peoples are rising up in resolute defense of freedom and dignity, of the right to determine their future by themselves, without outside interference, to advance unhindered on the road to peace, prosperity and civilization. They firmly oppose the imperialist policy of force and diktat, and oppression and domination in any form. They are claiming, more and more vigorously, the right ;o dispose freely of their countries' wealth and to use it for their own development.
74. It is the firm belief of the Romanian Government that any infringement of the national prerogatives of one people gravely affects not only that people's vital interests but also the general cause of peace and civilization itself. The nation, the nation-State, have a particularly important role to play and will have for a long time to come. Only co-operation among free and independent nations can guarantee international peace and security. It is therefore essential that inter-State relations be placed on a new and healthy basis, on the principles of sovereignty and national
independence, full equality of rights and mutual advantage, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, and non-recourse to the threat or use of force. These are universal principles which should govern relations among all States of the world and be strictly observed by all and towards all. Their unswerving application is the sine qua non for developing normal inter-State relations, for eliminating sources of tension and conflict in international life, and for guaranteeing every people's security.
75.	My country believes it is a primary obligation of all States to refrain from the use or threat of force, from coercion and constraint, from any act generating tension, and ensure the settlement of disputes by exclusively peaceful means. In this respect, a great responsibility also rests with the United Nations, As the President of the State Council of the Socialist Republic of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu, recently stated, the United Nations:
.. must make absolutely sure that nowhere in inter-State relations is there ever again resort to the use or threat of force; it must act vigorously to ensure that States' declarations of principle do not remain a dead letters, but are consistently followed by deeds."
76.	The Romanian Government is deeply concerned at the persistence, in various parts of the world, of the imperialist practices of interference in the affairs of other States, of armed conflicts and aggressive wars that bring sufferings and heavy losses to peoples and endanger the peace of the world. Romania calling for an immediate end to the war against the Viet-Namese people, as well as to the armed intervention in Cambodia and Laos. The restoration of peace in that part of the world requires the total withdrawal of the troops of the United States of America and its allies from Indo-China; respect for the inalienable right of the Viet-Namese, Laotian and Khmer peoples to solve the problems of their existence by themselves, without any outside interference.
77.	We also support the seven-point proposal of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Viet-Nam, which provides a serious, reasonable basis for a political settlement of the Viet-Nam conflict. We also support the initiatives of the Royal Government. of National Unity, the United National Front of Cambodia, and the Patriotic Front of Laos.
78.	Our country wants to see a political settlement of the Middle East conflict in the spirit of Security Council resolution 242 (1967). This means that the Israeli troops must be withdrawn from the occupied Arab territories, the independence and territorial integrity of all States in the area must be assured and the problem of the Palestinian population must be solved in conformity with its national interests.
79.	There is no doubt that a speedy settlement of the conflicts in Indo-China and the Middle East in conformity with the vital interests of the peoples and those of peace and security would make a significant contribution to the policy of co-operation, understanding and detente throughout the world. No people can consider itself secure k peace is disturbed in one region or another of the world, if upheavals and armed conflicts still occur. Hence the special importance of the duty incumbent on all States, big or small, and on the United Nations, to act vigorously to maintain peace and strengthen international security.
80.	Romania attaches great importance to the work of strengthening international security and makes an active contribution to all measures aimed at eliminating hotbeds of tension and conflict, consolidating the climate of detente, and promoting peaceful co-operation among countries and peoples. We consider that the United Nations should play a bigger role here and make a more effective contribution to fostering the policy of peace and security, at the same time acting more firmly to prevent war, stop aggression, bring about the political settlement of interState disputes, and defend the principles of the Charter. The consistent attainment of these objectives requires concerted and consistent efforts from both Member States and the Organization.
81.	As emphasized in its reply [see A J8431, sect. II] to the letter of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Romanian Government understands the great importance of the Declaration on the Strengthening of Inter-national Security [resolution 2734 (XXV)], co-sponsored by Romania. Solemnly reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter, as a basis for the relations among all States, and the obligation of States to observe them strictly, the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security constitutes a political document to guide both the actions of all Member States and the activities of the United Nations in discharging the great mission of maintaining peace and strengthening security in the world.
82.	That is why the Romanian Government considers that the debate initiated at this session by the USSR concerning the problem of strengthening international security must lead to measures to eliminate all the hotbeds of tension and conflict and to ensure peace and security in the whole world.
83.	As a European country, Romania is vitally interested in the establishment on the continent of relations that will guarantee the security of every people, ensure the right to develop freely and strengthen contacts and links on many levels, and is working hard to that end. At the same time, our country is working to bring about effective measures of military detente and disarmament in Europe and to end its division into opposing military blocs. With the growing impetus to detente and co-operation, the military blocs appear more and more an anachronism, a permanent source of distrust and suspicion, an obstacle on the road to the rapprochement among nations. The creation of a durable system of security in Europe, permitting the peaceful and unhampered development of every nation, will necessitate the dissolution of the military blocs, namely, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and, simultaneously, the Warsaw Treaty Organization, a proposal repeatedly put forward, as you know, by the Socialist countries.
84.	We note with satisfaction the improvement of the political climate in Europe, and the progress in eliminating the vestiges of the last world conflagration and of the ensuing cold war. We see this as the result of the efforts of all the peoples of the continent, to which Romania has made an active contribution, which come from their decision to live in peace, good-neighborliness and harmony. The development of intra-European relations points up the importance and timeliness of bilateral political agreements, to eliminate for all time any sign of the use or threat of force, and the need to settle existing problems exclusively by peaceful means and to develop wide inter-national co-operation in the interest of general peace and the prosperity of every people. Noteworthy here are the treaties between the Soviet Union and the Federal Republic of Germany,  and between the Polish People's Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany  -whose ratification would be of particular importance-the talks between the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany, the negotiations between the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany, and the agreement on West Berlin.
85.	The Romanian Government considers that it is the duty of all States concerned to act decisively to build security in Europe and turn it into a continent of co-operation and peace. The attainment of these objectives would serve the interests not only of all the European countries but also those of all States for it is an essential factor in the stability and peace of the world. An important step in this direction would be the early meeting of an all-European conference on security and co-operation, in which all the countries concerned would participate with equal rights. Preparatory multilateral meetings should be started immediately, without further delays or conditions, so as to provide a solid, practical basis for the conference.
86.	Romania attaches particular importance to relations of peace and good neighborliness in the Balkans. It was there that many past conflicts broke out, originating not so much in the direct problems among the States of that region, as in the confrontation of interests of the great imperialist and colonialist Powers, which have always tried to stimulate and to perpetuate conflict and to divide the Balkan peoples in order the more easily to rule them. History attests that the Balkan peoples have always had to coexist peacefully, to know one another and to co-operate closely in defense of their vital interests, and that only when they acted together could they advance along the road to national liberation and progress.
87.	The transformation of the Balkans into an area of peace and understanding, free of nuclear weapons, would be in the interests of all the, Balkan peoples and must be the result of their joint endeavors. Romania, which submitted proposals to this effect as far back as 1957, believes that concrete steps are both necessary and possible, bilaterally and multilaterally, and will do its best to ensure that the Balkans become a zone of friendship and peaceful collaboration among peoples and that peace, security and cooperation are established in the whole of Europe.
88.	If the United Nations is to do its important work effectively, it must ensure that all States of the world have an opportunity to take part in the discussion and solution of the problems facing mankind. Disregard of this fundamental necessity most flagrantly, in the arbitrary exclusion of the Peon's Republic of China from the United Nations-has done great harm to the Organization and weakened its capacity for acting. This profoundly abnormal and harmful situation, which is in obvious contradiction with reality, must be remedied without further delay. The positive process whereby many countries have normalized their relations with the People's Republic of China itself points to a trend whose deep political significance must be adequately reflected in the attitude of the United Nations towards the legitimate rights of that State in the Organization.
89.	The Romanian delegation considers it especially important to display realism and political lucidity and to act in a spirit of high responsibility towards the major interests of the Organization and the requirements deriving from the very principles that lie at its basis, in order to restore to the People's Republic of China the seat-usurped by the envoy of Chiang Kai-shek-to which it is entitled as a founding Member of the United Nations. The participation of the. People's Republic of China in international life and in the activities of the United Nations is in the interests of all peoples; it constitutes a factor of great importance for the cause of progress and peace in the world, and is an essential condition if the United Nations is to play a larger role in finding viable solutions to the great international problems.
90.	The Socialist Republic of Romania which as in previous years is a co-sponsor of the item concerning the restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations [A/8392], strongly urges the immediate solution of this problem. The just way, in conformity with the Charter which is to restore to the People's Republic of China all its rights in. the United Nations, is for the General Assembly to recognize formally the incontestable reality that there is only one China - Taiwan belonging to the Peopled Republic of China-and that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of the Chinese people.
91.	At the same time, we favor the admission to the United Nations of the two German States-the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany and other countries arbitrarily kept out of the Organization.
92.	Guided by the basic principles of the Charter and of international law, our country s on this occasion as in the past, calls for the withdrawal of the foreign troops stationed in South Korea, the dissolution of the so-called United Nations Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea, the cessation of all interference m the Korean people's affairs, respect for its right to decide by itself its path of development. We support the eight-point program for the reunification of Korea, adopted this year by the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, for putting an end to the artificial division of Korea. It is regrettable and altogether unjustifiable that, in spite of their urgency, the important questions regarding the withdrawal of the United States troops and of all foreign troops stationed in South Korea, and the dissolution of the purported United Nations
Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea, are not to be considered during the present session.
93.	General disarmament, and above all nuclear disarmament, is still an especially important and urgent task facing the entire international community, an imperative condition of progress, a cause common to all peoples. The arms race, which has reached huge proportions, is a heavy burden on the peoples; it affects their economic and social progress and constitutes a permanent danger to world peace and security. Given the magnitude and unprecedented pace of the arms race, given the danger which nuclear weapons represent to the very existence of mankind, the results of disarmament negotiations, notwithstanding their importance, cannot be considered satisfactory and are far from meeting the expectations of the peoples.
94.	To put an end to this disturbing state of affairs,- it is necessary that all States, as well as the United Nations, act with greater firmness and perseverance to secure a halt to the arms race and real progress towards disarmament. The banning and destruction of nuclear weapons and of all weapons of mass destruction cannot any longer be postponed. The complete abolition of such weapons without further delay is the most pressing demand in the field of disarmament . In our opinion, the disarmament negotiations must be given fresh impetus, and move from general discussions to the adoption of practical, effective disarmament measures,
95.	As it has already had the opportunity to state in this forum and in the Geneva Disarmament Committee, the Romanian Government believes it is of the utmost impor-tance for promoting detente, trust and co-operation among all nations of the world, that partial measures be earned out, such as the freezing and reduction of the military budgets of all States; firm pledges in the form of an agreement to abstain from the use or threat of force, and from interference, in any form and in any circumstances, in the internal affairs of other States; renunciation of military maneuvers on the territory of other States; a ban on the establishment of new military bases and the placement of new weapons on foreign territory; measures to dismantle foreign military bases; withdrawal of troops within national frontiers; establishment of nuclear-free zones in various parts of the world; and dissolution of military blocs.
96.	Respect for the legitimate peace and security interests of all nations is an essential condition if the problems of disarmament, or any other major international problem, are to be successfully resolved. No problem involving the fate of all peoples, whatever its nature, can be settled by certain States or certain groups of States alone. All States, irrespective of population size or territory, of their economic, technical, scientific and military strength, have this right; it is a duty incumbent on all.
97.	In this spirit, Romania has firmly stated its support for a general conference on Disarmament, with the participation of all States, to tackle the cardinal problems of disarmament, above all those concerning the banning and liquidation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Our country also considers it necessary that an adequate framework be created so that all interested States may participate in the work of the Geneva Committee and
the Disarmament Commission of the General Assembly may be reactivated, thus enabling all Member States to make a direct contribution,
98.	Peaceful co-operation among all States, irrespective of their social systems the only reasonable and realistic way of organizing international life-is today an objective necessity for the progress of each country and for the flowering of human civilization. At the same time, it is an essential condition for a climate of detente and rapprochement among peoples, the material foundation of peace and the strengthening of security in the world.
99.	Economic, technical and scientific co-operation based on full equality of rights should benefit all partners and contribute to the development of every country and to the progress of the international community in its entirety. Broad and fruitful international co-operation can develop only after the elimination of all restrictions, all discrimination, all artificial barriers to the normal circulation of material and spiritual, values created by peoples. In our view, the United Nations should make a substantially greater contribution to the removal of obstacles to trade, and to ensuring that every nation has free access to the fruits and the benefits of modern science and technology.
100.	The economic and social advancement of the developing countries, the reduction and elimination of the gap that separates them from the industrialized States, represent nowadays an essential condition for general progress.
' We consider that it is high time to take vigorous measures to do away with under-development, to support and the advanced nations should be the first to do so-the developing countries' efforts towards progress. The United Nations and the Member States have the duty to carry out the measures adopted for the Second United Nations Development Decade, measures from which all developing countries, irrespective of their social system or geographical region, have the right to benefit
101.	Romania is deeply committed to and firmly supports the peoples' struggle against colonialism and neo-colonial- ism for the recovery cf their freedom and national independence. We condemn the policy of apartheid and racial discrimination practiced by the leadership of the Republic of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, and the colonial oppression in Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and other Territories.
102.	All States, as well as the United Nations, must act vigorously to ensure respect for and complete implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, to prevent the revival, in any form, of the' domination of one State by another, of the neo-colonialist policy aimed at subjugating the peoples and despoiling their wealth.
103.	We appreciate the attention the United Nations and its various bodies have given thus far to the problems of youth. In view of their importance and complexity, we are convinced that they should be constantly under review by the Organization. The natural concern of the young generation to see peace, equity and justice reign in the world of tomorrow makes it a trusty ally in promoting the noble purposes and principles of the Charter. The United
Nations, the specialized agencies, and the whole inter-national community are called upon to make their contribution to the education of youth in the spirit of high humanistic ideals of peace, understanding and friendship among peoples, to its training and participation in creative activities; they should see to it that young people are enabled to participate fully in building the society in which they will have to live.
104.	It is our opinion that the United Nations should periodically organize meetings on problems peculiar to youth, solemnly proclaim the rights of youth, and consider how the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding be-tween Peoples [resolution 2037 (XX)], adopted upon the initiative of Romania and of other States, is being carried out.
105.	To find solutions to the many and complex problems on our agenda will certainly require sustained effort on the part of all. We are convinced that goodwill, the spirit of co-operation and a constructive approach to the issues can lead to correct and viable decisions that will satisfy the peoples' hopes.
106.	In conclusion, I should like to express my delegation's hope that the present session will help to enhance the United Nations capacity to act so that it may play a more active role in international life, to base relations among all States on the universal principles of the Charter; to ensure respect for the fundamental obligation of all States to refrain from the use or threat of force and from any kind of constraint or coercion in inter-State relations; to ensure respect for the right of every people to decide its future by itself; to develop broad co-operation among peoples, and to encourage the efforts of mankind towards peace, security and progress.


204.	 May I be allowed, on behalf of my delegation at this twenty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly, to extend to the President my warmest congratulations upon his election to this high post. In addition to your numerous personal qualities, you are
from a country Indonesia which is dear to us for more than one reason. For Bandung 1955 evokes in the mind of every African an era when the Afro-Asian world, united and in solidarity against colonialism, animated by the same vigilance against the domination of peoples and the enslavement of the third world, undertook the reconquest of its dignity. We are indebted to your country and to the people of Indonesia and its leaders who have shown such perspicacity and have understood that the past united us and that our strength in our struggle depended upon our solidarity.
205.	Since then the spirit of Bandung has remained alive, because it has led to the independence of most Afro-Asian countries and has enabled them to consolidate their national sovereignty.
206.	Destiny, which links Asia to Africa, going on beyond our two continents, has been joined here in our Organization with the pragmatism and rationalism of Europe and thus has achieved the universality of the Charter.
207.	But, speaking of the Afro-Asian world, you will allow me to turn for a moment towards that other illustrious Asian, the Secretary-General, U Thant, whose numerous and undeniable qualities have won him a place at the head of this world Organization. The news reached us of the quasi-irrevocable decision of U Thant to abandon his functions as Secretary-General for personal reasons. We are saddened at the thought of his departure. Who in the world does not recall and will not long recall his fine and laborious efforts to achieve a detente in Europe, and the consolidation, of peace in the Middle East and in the Far East, thus making a great and noble contribution to the cause of humanity?
208.	Finally, I would be gravely remiss if I did not congratulate the outgoing President, Mr. Hambro, for the clairvoyance and the brilliance with which he conducted the debates of this Assembly.
209.	We have just celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Organization of the United Nations. Just as after a holiday season one might be tempted to see in this twenty-sixth session an interval where we restore our strength.
210.	The celebration was a time when we could all examine our Organization and draw up a list of its failures and successes and plan better conditions for the attainment of the objectives of the Charter.
211.	Drawing up a program of action [resolution 2621 (XXV)] for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 1514 (XV)] and the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations *' [resolution 2625 (XXV)] and the International DevelopmentiJtfategy for the Second United Nations Development" Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)] constitutes the basis for our future action.
212.	Under resolution 1514 (XV) most of the African and Asian countries represented here today in the Organization of the United Nations wer« able to attain their independence and accede to international sovereignty, but it was also in the implementation of that resolution that our Organization experienced some of its severest tests and bitterest disappointments.
213.	Is it not true, in effect, that, in defiance of international morals and deliberately disregarding the condemnations of the United Nations, South Africa, Portugal and Rhodesia, assured of impunity, continued to perpetrate the ignoble policy of racial discrimination and exploitation of the black man? No one overlooks the grave threat of these practices to international peace and security.
214.	Lately we have noted with satisfaction a certain thaw wherever the great Powers have decided to intervene to establish peace, whether in Europe, in the Near East or in Viet-Nam. The African continent, unfortunately, is still the
theater of Fratricidal struggles where the inspiration of colonialism is not always absent, The positive results of negotiations on the status of Berlin and the initiative of the United States Government for a rapprochement with the People's Republic of China are facts which show that goodwill and perseverance can lead to the broad highways of peace.
215.	In the Near East, although the situation does not encourage exaggerated optimism, the parties involved seem to want to achieve a lasting peace acceptable to all. We need only recall the hope which they place in the Jarring mission and the favorable welcome they have given to the initiative of the 10 wise men of the Organization of African Unity to send the mission of four Heads of State to Egypt and Israel so as to find a solution to the crisis. The Government of Dahomey would join the many voices heard here in wishing full success to that mission.
216.	Who would deny the discreet and unflagging action of the United Nations to create the psychological conditions which made these results possible? But, then, is it not time to ask what are the causes of the powerlessness of the Organization in seeking a solution to the problems of decolonization and racism on the African continent?
217.	We might have believed that, according to the democratic principles of Western civilization, Portugal, in the wake of the European march towards decolonization, would have recognized the right of peoples to self-determination and would have abandoned the illusory legal fiction which would have the Tagus River find its origin in the mountains of Kilimanjaro.
218.	We might have believed that the numerous appeals to reason, the condemnations and economic sanctions I have mentioned here Would have led South Africa and Rhodesia to renounce an ideology which is repellent and mystifying, However, it seems that none of these measures will dissuade those who have decided to flout morality and the respect of the human person.
219.	Finally, we might have believed that, confronted with such a challenge, the United Nations would, in a search for realism and honesty, have imposed respect for the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter to which we all adhered.
220.	The facts show that cur Organization has not always been effective. But what explanation can we give for this? Everyone realizes that the colonialism which we have so often denounced has hidden support which is essential to it. Everyone knows that the economic sanctions decided upon by the Organization would have had beneficial effects if the profit motive, which has become the leit-motiv of a harsh and ferocious world, had not won out over respect for the human person. Everyone knows that a certain amount of un-confessed trade has encouraged regimes which we can scarcely approve or support.
221.	Everything happens n if the problems of the small peoples dM not concern the big countries, but who can say that Urn peace of the rich will not one day be upset by the great misery and poverty of the poor? Let us be careful.
222,	Was it not our awareness of this gap between the rich and the poor which led our Assembly 11 years ago to proclaim the First United Nations Development Decade [resolution 1710 (XVI)], Of course, we cannot be proud of the results obtained during the First Decade, because at our twenty-fifth session we noted that the gap between the rich and the poor, far from closing, has widened, and so poverty throughout the world has become even greater,
223,	Thus, in a gesture of indignation, our Assembly proclaimed the Second United Nations Development Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)], I hope this proclamation, a true act of faith, will always be borne in mind in the years to come.
224,	If, as the International Strategy and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development provide, there could be some arrangement far a policy of basic commodity prices, we think that the developing countries would thus be encouraged in promoting their development.
225.	As to assistance by developed countries to developing countries, we trust that the progress of the negotiations on disarmament will lead to a positive conclusion, and make it possible to devote the resources thus freed to international co-operation and the advancement of the poorer peoples.
226.	We appreciate the assistance which is given to us now and all the assistance which we will receive in the future to improve the destiny of our people and raise their standard of living.
227,	Throughout the whole world everyone is talking about the admission into this Assembly of a great people, namely the People's Republic of China. This problem is of world-wide dimensions and importance and has understandably aroused and excited world public opinion. How many words have already been spoken and how many more will still be spoken! For is it not true that it is neither decent nor realistic to confine in isolation and to go on ignoring any longer the existence of about 800 million human beings? Who can say that it is fair deliberately to exclude from the international "club" a country that represents one quarter of the world's population? As for us, we believe that the world will be built through the efforts of all men united in solidarity in the great crusade, the crusade for peace, Thus the Government of Dahomey is in no way opposed to having the People's Republic of China seated in our Assembly.
228.	But if it is true that the construction of our world requires all the energy and all the intelligence possible, if it is true that admission to the United Nations has never been a function of the size and importance of the country concerned, then in the name of what sacrosanct truth are we passively to accept the exclusion of the Republic of China from the great universal family represented by our Assembly?
229.	It is here that we should recall that for more than 20 years the Republic of China has loyally participated in the solution of numerous and difficult problems that have arisen in the United Nations. And, may we add, in its participation it has never spared either time or effort in assisting us.
230,	The 25 years of the United Nations' existence have furnished irrefutable proof that our planet possesses all the material resources and all the human potentialities required to create a world of happiness and prosperity.
231,	The arms race inflicts on humanity a painful and needless hemorrhage. It gives rise to a gigantic waste of money that might be much better used in the fight against the many diseases that afflict humanity, in improving unequal standards of living, in bringing solace to the poor of the world.
232,	It is high time that the resources of the earth were enjoyed by all who inhabit it; that the luxury and comfort enjoyed by some no longer served to insult the dignity of those in need who aspire only to work and make a fair profit to enable them to lead a decent life.
^33. It is time that those who have been isolated by circumstances should now join the family of the United Nations.
234.	It is time for our Assembly to cease being a debating society and to become a place where we "an all pool our energies and where everyone can gird his loins for the great march, the march to peace and development.
235.	In the face of so much misunderstanding, intolerance, brutality, stubbornness and enmity among peoples, I sometimes recall a phrase from a song which one of my school-teachers taught me. It is quite simple, and we might perhaps all do well to ponder it: "The sun that shines upon us was not put there to see us weeping for ever."


1.	  Mr. President, my delegation, which I have the honor of leading here for the first time, is happy to avail itself of this opportunity to express to you the deep satisfaction we feel at your election to the Presidency of the twenty-sixth session of the General Assembly.
2.	It is a particularly agreeable task for me to associate myself with all the speakers who have preceded me to the rostrum and to address to you, on my own behalf and on behalf of the members of my delegation, our heartiest congratulations.
3.	In electing you to the Presidency of the General Assembly, Sir, the Assembly wanted to show that it wished to entrust the delicate duty of directing and bringing to a successful conclusion the work of this very important twenty-sixth session to an eminent statesman and experienced diplomat such as you.
4.	We are convinced that our debates, which have always been distinguished by great moderation and by the high level of the statements made, under your skillful and conciliatory direction will preserve the same characteristics of serenity and balance and will proceed in the spirit of mutual respect and confidence that is indispensable to the dignity and the success of meetings as prestigious as those of our Organization-meetings which for three months will attract the attention of the world because they hold the hopes of mankind, which is the victim of its own contradictions, torn by conflicts and obsessed by fear, but which longs for peace and happiness.
5.	The experience which you have accumulated during a long and brilliant political and diplomatic career, Mr. President, constitutes in our view the guarantee of the final success of our work. Your personal qualities and proven competence will allow us, I am sure, to overcome all the difficulties which may lie in our path. We would venture to hope that our joint efforts will assist you in fulfilling your arduous and delicate task. You may be assured of the great esteem in which we all hold you.
6.	That is why I express once again the hope that all delegations aware of the importance of the role which they must play will be ready to co-operate fully and thus contribute to the success of the task you have undertaken. Those are our warmest hopes.
7.	Needless to say, those wishes go to the Vice-Presidents and to all the members of the Bureau who in their capacities will be called upon to play important roles in the progress of our debates and in the success of our work.
8.	I am happy to pay a well-deserved tribute to the President of the twenty-fifth session of the General Assembly for the remarkable work he accomplished during our last session, upon which the commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of our Organization conferred • added importance and prestige. Mr. Hambro demonstrated great skill and virtuosity throughout that unforgettable session. Thanks to his great knowledge of his role, and to his great skill and dynamism, President Hambro managed to bring a refreshing ardor to the Assembly which permitted us to complete all our work successfully within the allotted time. It was a brilliant success for a brilliant diplomat.
9.	Before stating the points of view of my Government concerning the essential subjects before us, I should like to greet the new States that have been admitted to our Organization. I speak of Bahrain, Bhutan and Qatar. On behalf of the delegation and the people of Gabon, it is my pleasant duty to welcome those new Members to our great family of nations.
10.	Last year we celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations. The commemoration of that historic event gave rise to numerous manifestations throughout the world, but it was here at Headquarters that it met with its veritable apotheosis.
A/PV.1945
11.	Indeed, many heads of State and Government did not hesitate to make long trips to associate themselves personally with the activities of the commemorative session. Those heads of State and Government, the majority of whom came from countries of the third world, felt that their physical presence was not only the best contribution they could offer to the community of nations on that solemn occasion, but that it constituted also an important manifestation of their faith in the Charter and of the hopes which +hey themselves as well as their countries had placed in the United Nations.
12.	The Chief of State of Gabon, President Albert Bernard Bongo, was one of those pilgrims who came in faith and hope, However, speaking of the United Nations since its creation in 1945, President Bongo could not help but let his bitterness be felt when he stated:
"Thus, after these 25 years of existence, the United Nations presents us with a balance sheet which is characteristic of all human endeavors; that is to say, it is both negative and sometimes positive,
"On the basis of idealistic aspirations and generous intent, appreciable progress has been made, but when viewed with the results obtained, how many lost opportunities and how many bitter disillusionments there have been! ...
.. We still live under the influence of, which can be seen here and there in many phonon of unjust discrimination. We still live under the influence of a certain past, of hegemonies and egoisms of all kinds which maintain inequality among men and various parts of the world.
"In tills connexion, one can only be surprised and shocked that the United Nations should have two aspects: that which shows an interest in certain parts of the world by trying to the extent possible to restore peace, and that which shows a deliberate lack of interest in the fate of other men
"..."
"... Rather than striving to apply the Charter which they [the great Powers] signed, are they not above all interested in defending their interests, in maintaining or even spreading their influence? ..[1867th meeting, paras. 105-U1.J
13.	Today as yesterday, the delegation of Gabon continues to wonder about the reasons for the contradictions which paralyzed the Organization and seemed to frustrate the most generous initiatives taken here.
14.	Whether it be in the field of peace and security, whether it be a question of international co-operation and the struggle against under-development, when we take up the problems relating to the restoration of the dignity and freedom of peoples under foreign domination, the situation is scarcely different from what it was 25 years ago. Bloody confrontations take place throughout the world; the armaments race continues and broadens, multiplying the risks of a general conflagration. Millions of human beings continue to suffer under the yoke and domination of foreign minorities seeking power and wealth. Thus it seems difficult to say that we are living in a world of justice and peace.
15.	In such a situation it is highly desirable that greater effort should be made to overcome injustice and put an end to the bloody confrontations which ravage certain regions of the world. In this regard, and more particularly as regards the Middle East, we feel that the Jarring mission should receive the support of all of us so that it may be carried out without hindrance, The United Nations should, consequently, reactivate that mission and issue a new appeal to the conscience of the belligerents-to their desire for peace-so as to bring them to devise new procedures and new working methods. Thus only can Ambassador Jarring fully carry out his role as mediator and make a positive contribution to bringing about an end to that extremely explosive and dangerous conflict and a return to peace in that part of the world.
16.	The settlement of the Middle East conflict should be sought, need 1 repeat, within the framework of Security Council resolution 242 (1967). That resolution, which was unanimously supported by the General Assembly, was also officially and publicly accepted by the two camps. Thus is constitutes a basis for balanced and realistic negotiations.
17.	To extinguish these hotbeds of war and to do away with all the armed conflicts which plague the world's nations is the very first objective which we must achieve on the road to peace and security.
18.	The peoples of the world cannot live in peace unless they feel secure. When one thinks that the military arsenals of the great Powers are increasing every day with the addition of new, more powerful and more terrifying weapons; when we note that many small countries are also engaged in the arms race, we experience grave doubts. The great Powers, which play such a, decisive role in the affairs of the world and which alone produce all those armaments and are responsible for their dissemination: are they being sincere with themselves and with others when they speak of peace and call for disarmament?
19.	In any case, the attitude of these arms merchants makes us doubt that they are sincere. The production, accumulation and dissemination of armaments show us that we must work against the folly of these arms merchants. We must guarantee the security of others.
20.	It is the duty of the United Nations to intensify its efforts and its actions in this field so as to bring Member States to realize and carry out an agreement leading to general and controlled disarmament.
21.	Negotiations already undertaken so as to achieve agreement as to limitation, control and prohibition of certain arms, both nuclear and biological, deserve our support. We consider, however, that the measures envisaged are insufficient, since they only involve specific aspects of the problem.
22.	In the opinion of our Government, disarmament should be total and general, that is to say, all production must be stopped, all stockpiles must be destroyed. If these measures are to receive and bring about their full effect, they should be provided with all adequate controls.
23.	There is a long road ahead of us before we attain this ideal; that is to say, that general and complete disarmament will not occur tomorrow. However, we can hope that it will be so, and we must undertake this difficult task. That is the way men are; they always attempt the impossible.
24.	The peace and security which we call for, the justice and happiness to which we aspire, are common wishes which nature has given to all men to share. They have not been reserved for any particular category of men. They belong to all human beings. To ignore this truth leads to the very worst aberrations. That in the twentieth century foreign minorities, because they believe they belong to a superior race, should deprive of their natural rights other human beings-this is what cannot be accepted. That these minorities, coming from another age, deaf to all the other nations of the world, should refuse to restore rights and freedoms to unhappy peoples which they maintain under their domination that is intolerable and unacceptable.
25.	The policy of apartheid imposed by the white minorities in South Africa and Rhodesia is profoundly revolting. Such a senseless policy can only engender hatred among men and lead to violence and chaos. In such a hypothesis, the white settlers of Africa are mortgaging their future.
26.	To persist in wearing blinkers, as Portugal insists on doing, is but a sign of political senility and can only lead to decadence and then to downfall. Angola, Mozambique and Guinea (Bissau) are not Portuguese provinces; they are African lands. Soon these countries will attain their independence and will come to join their brothers countries. It is not Portugal that will be able to stop this. The wheel of history will not be stopped; it will end by crushing Portugal, if that country does not understand that its destiny is to be found in friendship and co-operation with Africa, which is ready to forget the past and to look only ahead.
27.	For centuries colonial Powers have used the resources of these countries, and these riches were destined for distant metropolitan cities. At the same time, the unfortunate overseas countries which were sometimes called colonies were abandoned to their own destiny.
28.	It is in this context of under-development that many third-world countries, especially in black Africa, were given their independence. They had insufficient means, and thus the leaders of these young States had to work prodigies, to construct the nation, to equip the country and to educate and feed the people and at the same time assume their international obligations.
29.	In order to face up to such an overwhelming burden, they had to develop means of action so as to increase trade, to produce more so as to increase foreign income and to favor foreign investments. This was something which they had to do if they were to achieve their development.
30.	In view of such great problems and so as to bring about, as .far as possible, some improvement in the grave situation of these under-developed countries, the international community launched in 1961 the First United Nations Development Decade, which at that time gave rise to great hopes.
31.	Then the years passed. In the opinion of most of the countries concerned, the First Development Decade failed to attain the objectives which it had established. The measures envisaged in the field of international trade, which were to bring to those countries producing raw materials supplementary income, were not fully implemented. These countries, which expected a substantial increase in their incomes because of an increase in their exports and because of stability of prices, had to trim their sails quickly. The export products met with tariff obstacles everywhere. At the same time, they were getting further and further into debt.
32.	For their part, very few developed countries agree to make the capital outlays necessary to meet the target setting 1 per cent of their gross national product as the yearly amount to be transferred from their resources for the benefit of the under-developed countries.
33.	The First Development Decade, therefore, was considered by many countries as a partial failure.
34.	The General Assembly, during its last session, in resolution 2626 (XXV), proclaimed the Second United Nations Development Decade beginning on 1 January 1971. That resolution defines the international strategy for development during the 10 coming years and establishes the goals and objectives and advocates the measures to be taken. Once again it is an action program which will maintain the trade of the developing countries and favor their industrialization so as to overcome their backwardness and raise their standard of living.
3t>. The measures to be taken are identical to those advocated under the First Development Decade, without forgetting the rate of transfer of resources of 1 per cent of their gross national product of the developed countries to the developing countries.
36.	Just as in the First Decade, the promises in this new Strategy have given rise to great hopes, but, in considering the past, we cannot help experiencing a certain amount of fear. The Strategy which has just been adopted is still quite Utopian and will be so if it is not rapidly and completely translated into facts.
37.	In this connexion, the disturbance in the monetary system, certain protectionist measures, certain restrictions in assistance to the third world seem to contain serious threats for us. For our part, we have sincere hope that the nations of the world will desist from their egotism and devote themselves to attaining the objectives of the Second Development Decade. The success of the Strategy depends upon the will and sincerity of our actions. If all the clauses are honestly implemented, then we can hope for a complete success. Otherwise the failure might be heavy with consequences.
38.	The world then will find it difficult to achieve peace, so long as the minority holds most of the wealth with the majority continues to suffer from hunger and live in poverty.
39.	Peace cannot be established until a minimum of justice exists, and justice does not consist alone of granting to individuals the enjoyment of their civil and political rights. It is also the right of every man to be able to have food, health and education.