•CONTENTS

Page

2-

~A

1hatlhpstnf

~1a

~r0

lJPbrc!

1f

t

~

I1(

~

NEW YORK

1122ndPLENARY IEmHO

(Opening meeting)

Tuesday. 18 September 1964.at3p.m.

AGENDA ITEM 4

Election of the President

9. The TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (translated fromFrench): We shall now proceed to elect the Presidentof the General Assembly for its seventeenth regularsession. In accordance with articles 31 and 94 of therules of procedure, the election will be heldby secretballot.

At the invitation of the Temporary President, Mr.Traore (Mali). and Mr. A1gard (Norway) acted astellers.

A vote was taken by secret ballot•.

Number of ballot papers: 104Invalid ballots: 4Valid ballots: 100Abstentions: 0Number of Members voting: 100Required majority: 51

N~mberof votes obtained:Mr. Muhammad Zafrulla Khan (Pakistan) 72Mr. Gunapala Piyasena MALALASEKERA

(Ceylon). • . • • . • . . . . •• . • . . • . •. 27Mr. Mongi Slim (Tunisia) • . . • . • . . • • 1

A!PV.1122

session, and in particular their chiefs, who have setaside for a time their high national responsibilitiesin order to take pal.'t in our work and to pursue ingeneral and fruitful international co-operation thepurposes set out in the Charter of our Organization.

5. It is in this spirit of co-operation that I am happyto express my most fervent wishes for the successof the sevanteenth session of the General Assemblyinan atmosphere of mutual understanding and generalconfidence.

AGENDA ITEM 3

Credentials of representatives to the seventeenth sessionof the General Assembly:

(g) Appointment of the Credentials CO'l1mittee

6. The TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (translated fromFrench): Rule 28 of the rules of procedl,ll'e providesthat the General Assembly should, at the beginningof each session, appoint on the proposal of the Presi­dent, a credentialr: committee consis.ting of ninememberB.

7, I therefore suggest that the Credentials Com­mittee for the seventeenth session should be com­posed of the following Member States: Canada, ElSalvador. Greece,Guinea, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria,the Union of Soviet Socialist Republi~s and the UnitedStates of America.

8. If there is no objection, I shall consider that theAssembly accepts this proposal.

It was so decided.

1

President: Mr. Muhammad ZAFRUllA KHAN(Pakistan).

Temporary President: Mr. Mongi SLIM<Tunisia).

1. The TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (translated fromFrench): I declare open the seventeenth regular ses­sion of the General Assembly.

AGENDA ITEM 2Minute of silent prayer or meditation

2. The T~ ,MPORARY PRESIDENT (translated fromFrench): I invite representatives to stand and observeone minute of silent prayer or meditation, .

The representatives stood in silence.

Address by Mr. Mongi Slim, Temporary President. Chairmanof the d~legation of Tunisia

3. The TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (translated fromFrench;: In opening this seventeenth session of theGeneral Assembly, I should like first of all to wel­come all delegations present in this hall and to ex­press my satisfaction at seeing them gathered hereonce again.

4. It gives me great pleasure to welcome. the mem­bers of delegations who have come specially for t~ls

Agenda item 1:Opening of the session by the Chairman of the

delegation of TUJiJisia. , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1

Agenda item 4:Minute of silent praj'er or meditation. • • • • • 1

Address by Mr. Mongi Slim, Temporary Presi-dent. Chairman of the delegation of Tunisia. • 1

Agenda item 3:Credentials of representatives to the seven­

teenth session of the General Assembly:(§) Appointment of the Credentials Committee 1

Agenda item 4:Election of the President. • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1

Address by Mr. Muhammad ZafrtJ11a Khan.President of the seventeenth session of th:;General Assembly. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2

Agenda item 20:Admission of new Members to the U.nited

Nations. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2

AGENDA ITEM 1Opening of the $essi~n by the Chairman of the delegation

of Tunisia

SEVENTEENTH SESSION

OflWial Records

United Nations

GENERALASSEMBLY

2 General Assembly - Seventeenth Session - PI\~nary Meetings

I

Having obtained the required majority, Mr. Muham­mad Zaftu11a Khan (Pakistan) waselectedPresidentofthe sevenOOI::Qth session of the General Assembly andtoQk the Chair.

Address by Mr. Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, ?resid~nt of theseventeenth $ession of the General Assembly

10. The PRESIDENT: I am deeply moved at. thehonour you have done me in electing me to serve youas President of this seventeenth regular session ofthe General Assembly. I am (ip~ply conscious of theheavy responsibility this mark of your confidenceplaces upon my should~rs and I pray God, humbly,sincereiY and earnesUy. of His grace and mercy, soto·. guide me, in His wisdom, that in the discharge ofmy responsibilities I may prove worthy of your con­fidence. Oh Lord, grant me understanding; make mytask easy; remove the impediment in my speech sothat they may understand me.

11. I appreciate that the honour you have done me isa tribute to the country and to the people whom I havethe honour to represent here. Pakistan is not a greatPower, nor a country which, apart from its own secu­rity and the well-being of its people, has any ambitionor interest other than the common interestof all of ushere; that is to say, the creation of a world in whichpeace may reign and law prevail, so that throughbeneficent co-operation, the common man in all theregions of the earth might at long last be enabled toclaim and possess his rightful inheritance of a fuller,richer and happier life.

12. Over the years, Pakistan has given proof of itsloyalty to the Charter of the United Nations and of itssincere devotion to the spirit and purposesuflderlyingthe provisions of that Charter. By its conduct andpolicy Pakistan has clearly affirmed its faith in theright of all peoples and nations, indeed of all humanbeings, to freedom, dignity and a reasonable standardof well";'being. These principles and ideals, as well asthe yearning of hundreds of millions of my fellowbeings around the globe to comprehend their effectupon their own lives, occupy the forefront of my mindas I begin to discharge the responsibilities of thishigh office.

13. The example setby my distinguishedpredecessor,Mr. Mongi Sl~m, will be a source of inspiration for me.His many gifts and virtues can hardly be surpassed.I shall be content if I can, in some measure, emulatehis. qualities.• of patience and courtesy and his greatgift for clarity. We are fortUnate in that Mr. Slim hasput· down on paper his thoughts on the organizationand functioning of the Assembly. The suggestions madeby him fO:rm the subject of a separate itenl on theagenda and I will not, at this stage, go into the meritsof thesfil valuable and thought-provoking proposals. Itis. however, generally recognized. that with the in­crease in the number of Members and in the numberand importance of the items placed on the agenda.some thought must be given to ways of organizing thework of the annual sessions of the Assembly in sucha . manner that, without ·108S of efficiency, it can bebrought to a successful conclusion' expeditiously. Inthe meantime much can be done to make our ll'l.boursproceed more' smoothly by the voluntary exercise ofdiligence,' restraint and punctuality on the part of us-all: lam confident that lInay count upon the generosity·'and' cO-dperation·of all Members of this Assembly tothat end. '

14. I am fortified also in the knowledge t..lJ.at I shallhave the benefit of the assistance and advice of thesecretariat. headed by the secretary-General whosedevotion to the Crganization and to the ideals and pur­poses of the Charter is established beyond doubt•.

15. The seventeenth session of the General Assem­bly. like its predecessor, has a long and difficultagenda before it. While this seasion opens in a moretranquil atmosphere than did the preceding session,it is confronted with many grave issues, some of amomentous nature for the futUI'e of marJdnd aB wellas of this Organiza.tion. It is not :my purpose, norwould it be appropriate forme. to venture p.nv obser­vations as to the substance of the items included inthe agenda. I should like only to note with pleasurethat the very first item ~rou will be called on to con­sider is the one relatingt·othe admission of new Mem­ber-s. The applications of four new Members-Rwanda.Burundi. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago-have al­ready been approved by the Security Council. It ishoped that in the course of this session the ASsemhlywill be able to welcome Uganda to its membershipalso. It is a matter of special gratification and joythat the travail of the brave and gallant people ofAlgeria is at an end and that we shall soon see themalso take their rightful place in our midst.

16. With the admission of every new Member themap of the world changes a l:i.ttle and this Organizationis one step nearer to the goal of becoming truly thetribune of mankind. The relationship between nationsis undergoing a healthy change from orie of dominanceand subservience to one of equality and co-operation.As a consequence, amity is now i1'1 the process of re­placing strife and discord is yielding to beneficentco-operation.

17. There is a striving today among all peoples tolive in freedom and in peace with each other. Theagenda before you deals withissuesoffreedom,peace,progress and prosperity. I humbly beseech God tobestow upon us t'"'e wisdom, the understanding and thetolerance which would enable us so to order our workand shape our decisions that they might serve toabolish mankind's, ancient fears. to assuage its hurtsand to forward the fulfilment of its eternal hopes.Amen. .

[The speaker continued in Arabic.]

Our final. prayer is: the worthiness of perfect praisebelongs to Allah, the Lord of all the world.

AGE NDA ITE M 20

Admission of new Members to the United. Nations

18. The PRESIDENT: .With the permission of theGeneral Assembly. I now propose to put before ititem 20 of our provisional agenda entitled "Adrp.issionof new Members to the United Nations n. The specialprocedure for dealing with this matter, prior to theadoption of the agAnda. has been used on earlieroccasions·· in order to· give the newly independentStates. which r.ave requested membership of our Or­ganization, the opportunity to participate from theoutset in the work of the present Bession. The GeneralAssembly has before it a number of draft resolutionsrecommending the admission of new Members. TheSecurity Council in each case has unanimously recom­mended positive action to be taken by the Assembly.I therefore take it that the Assembly may also 'Wish tobe given the opportunity to receive each of these newMembers, one by one. by acclamation.. '

19. If it is agrput to the votewhich they weI'etaken on all theof the new Megive the floorindicated their dthat an represopportunity atgeneral debatemy hope that thewill be given ththis meeting. Iarrangement.

20. We turn noingthe admissiobership in the tihas before it asponsored by BeGuiuea and LiAssembly decidpublic of Rwanda

The draft resa

21. The PRESRwanda admitted

The delegationcorted to its plac

22. The PRESsion is the Kingnow vote on thesponsored by Bepia. Guinea andshall declare thmembership of

The draft resol

23. The PRESIDof the KingdomI hope that theytoday. If not. weCOme them persooccasion.

24. The PRESIDbership is Jamaand Add.1] recoto membershipCeylon, .Cyprus,Ghana. India, NeLeone, Tanganyik

The draft /:es01

25. The PRESIDmembership of th

The delegation.in the General As

26. .The PRESIDbership is the Staresolution [A/L.3mission of TriniAustralia, CanadFederation of MNigeria. PakistanUnited Kingdom.

The drMtresol

27. The P:RESIDadmitted to memb

-_............_--------_............_------lfIl"'" 1122nd meeting - 18 se~£ember 1962 3 4

19. If it is agreeable to the Aseembly. I shall firstput to the vote the draft resolutions in the order inwhich they were recommended. Mter action has beentaken on all the resolutions .and the representativesof the new Members have been seated. I shall thengive the floor to several representatives who haveindicated their desire to speak. I should like 19 suggestthat all represe~tatives will. of course. have theopportunity at the time of their interventions in thegeneral debate to welcome the new Members. It ismy hope that the representatives of the new Memberswill be given the opportunity to say a few words atthis meeting. I hope that delegations will accept thisarrangement.

20. We turn now to the draft resolution recommend­ing the admission of the Republic ?f Rwanda to mem­bership in the United Nations. The General Assemblyhas before it a draft resolution [A/L.391 and Add.I]sponsored by Belgium. Congo (Laopoldville) •Ethiopia.Guinea and Liberia. May I take it that the GeneralAssembly decides by acclamation to receive the Re­public of Rwanda as a Member of the United Nations?

The draft resolution was adopted by acclamation.

21. The PRESIDENT: I now declare the Reuublic ofRwanda admitted to membership of the United'l"/ations.

I

The Gelegation of the Republic.of Rwar"da was es­corted to its place in t1te General Assembly Hall.

22. The PRESIDENT: The next candidate for aomis­sion is the Kingdom of Burundi. The Assembly willnow vote on the draft resolution [A/L.392 and Add.I]sponsored by Belgium. Congo (Leopoldville). Ethio­pia. Guinea and Liberia. If there is no objection. Ishall declare the Kingdom of Burundi ammtted tomembership of the United Nations.

The draft resolution was adopted by acclamation.

23. The PRESIDENT: I understand that the delegationof the Kingdom of Burundi is arriving this afternoon.I hope that they will be able to take their seats latertoday. If not. we Shall all have an opportunity to wel­come· them personally and individuallyon a subsequentoccasion.

24. The PRESIDENT: The third candidate for mem­bership is Jamaica. The. draft resolution [A/L.389and Add.1] recommending the admission of Jamaicato membership is sponsored by Australia. Canada.Ceylon. Cyprus. Ethiopia, the Federation of Malaya.Ghana. India. New Zealand,Nigeria. Pa.ltistan. SierraLeone. Tanganyika and the United Kingdom.

The draft resolution was adopted by acclamation.

25, The PRESIDENT: I declare Jamaica admitted tomembership of the United Nations•.

The delegation of Jamaica was escorted to its placein the General Assembly Hall.

26. Tlle PRESIDENT: The next candidate for mem­bership is the State of Trinidad and Tobago. The draftresolution [A/L.390 and Add.I] recommending the ad­mission of Trinidad and Tobago is also sponsored byAustralia. Canada, Ceylon. Cyprus. Ethiopia. theFederation of Malaya, Ghana, India, New Zealand.Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Tanganyika and theUnited Kingdom.

The dr8.ttresolution was adopted by acclamation.

27..The. PllESIDENT: I declare Trinidad and Tobagoadmitted to membership of the United Nations•.

The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago was escortedto its pla.ce in the General Assembly Hall.

28. The PRESIDENT: I have great pleasure in wel­coming to this august Assembly the delegations of theStates which have just been admitted to membershipof the United Nations. I am sure that they have a mostvaluable contribution to make to our deliberations anddecisions.

29. It makes me very happy to see these four newStates joining today the company of their fellow inde­pendent States in this Organization. I offer themmy sincerest and heartiest felicitations on thisachievement.

30. Mr. LORIDAN (Belgium) (translated fromFrench): Mr. President, I am grateful for the ?rivi­lege of being the first repJ.'esentative to a'iend to youmy warmest congratulations onyourel~ctionasPresi­dent of the Gene!'al Assembly. I am happy to join inthe tribute which has thus been paid to your eminentpersonal gifts. The statesmanship of which you havegiven proof and the qualities you have demonstratedin perfoi.'ming your functions as an internati'onal judgeare a guarantee of your success in the mission whichthe Assembly has now so wisely entrusted to you.

31. On 26 Jul;y 1962 the SecurityCouncil U!llanimouslyrecommended to the General Asseml)ly that the Re­public of Rwanda and the Kingdom of Burundl shouldbe admitted to membership in the Uuited Nations. Insupporting in the Council the application of these twonew States, I emphasized the varied and close tieswhich were formed during forty-three years offriend­ship and co-operation between Belgium ~md the twofuture States under its trusteeship. It. is fitting thattoday the entire OOIn.lIlunity of the United Nationsshould welcome· with satisfaction .thesEI two newMembers.

32. To thatend~ my delegation and the. delegationsof the RepUblic of the Congo (Leopoldville)" Ethiopia,Liberia and Guinea submitted the· draft r.esolutions[A/L.391 and Add.I. A/L.392 and Add.:l.] Which we hadthe pleasure of seeing the Assembly adoptby acclama­tion. Belgium is happy that these two new States , towhich history has linked it by so Plany ties, have nOwjoined the great community of nations. ThEI welcomethey have received is proof of the interest that theAfrican continent. so full of possibilities andpromise,continues to evoke in the United Nations; Rwanda andBurundi .will. not. be .disappointed by the feelings thatthe Members of the Organization have towards them.

33. For Belgiurn, the admission of these States crownsthe determined efforts of severaldecades duringwhichit endeavoured to lay foundations. upon' which their lifecoulcl. develop in an orderly and progreSSive manner.Rwanda and Burundi, which Belgium has led to inde,;.pendence under the aegip of. the United Nationa •.nowhave political1~a.dersofproven competence andvigour ,products oftheprogr~ssivedevelopmentof democraticinstitutions. . . .

34. We are convinced that President Kayibanaa, whoso worthily representshis country here today, andhisyoung and energetic governmental team will demon­strate their wisdom amI. lead Rwanda .towards an .everbrighter future. We are certain thatin Burundi H.M.the Mwami•. assisted by a Government which is bothtraditionalist· and enterprising, is resolved to governthis new State .w1tb. an equal. concern for economicfmd social progress. and for ob(;;ervance.of law. Underthe enlightened guidance of their political leaders, the

inmth

38\Vipesi

General Assembly -Seventeenth Session -- Plenary Meetings4

--_ ~I··•••••••••·i1IIr•••••·II.U.•••ZliI·•••_I.·III•.••••tl!rd7f.!!!IJ·~~f~:&g7?!!!!!!!!!I.!!!!!!!!!!.!!!!!l..D ..

45. The r~sult .with proved systructures thatclass. and with ,the one hand, boil in the case 0considers this rthe end towardsments of Jamaiworked togetherthat we especialmission to the Utrjes' internatio.

46. It is olearTobago are not 0ship of this Ortion. to contributobjectives. We "recommend to tlwhich all membesponsoring. I spbers of the CoTrinidad and Tobsentiment is echo

47. I am also cmonwealth in we

. which we have habership of the Uand Burundi. Thissince the entry tremaining Trustclimax to over fothe people of thetering Power. toNations and befo!'has not always bsessions of the TCommittee overwork that has cocountries to selfindependence.

48. The attainmeBurundi has beenof preparation. Itsto the. wise andhas afforded the'r.rork of the Truitself, but alsoefforts· of the lepeople to ensureon tl).eir indepenqesubmission. thea source· of greconcerned.

49. I thereforeof\'lishing the pebehalf· of .my. Govleged to do it als·Qommonwealth. T.step OIl the, road tofreedom of AfriQa.

~O. . To all thesegive is warm it isf'~ f·· ... ' ...,1..... r9m their meI am qUitesureth~hould benefit froaddition to. its. widfree· and.sovereign

43. The pleasure which this occasion gives me is allthe greater for the fact· that over the very long periodof time during which these two Caribbean countrieshave Qeen associated with Great Britian. a feeling ofkinship has developed between us of, I think I maysafely say, a unique and a remarkable kind. Our coun­tries have become closer over the centuries. and thechange in our political relationship which took placein August of this year is a logical development of this.

42. During recent sessions of the United Nations ithas been my delegation's privilege to spe~.k on theadmission of a number of new nations which wereformerly under British administration. All theserecent new additions were from Africa, and it was onthat continent that the spotlight was then fixed. It is anew and a happy experience. I submit, to be able torecommend to the Assembly countries from theCaribbean.

4i. Tu.'t'ning now to the admission of new Members.I have the he nour on this occasion to speak not only011 behalf of the United Kingdom Government, but alsoon behalf of the other Commonwealth Members of theUnited Nations who have joined my delegation insponsoring the resolutions which recommended theadmission of Jamaica and of the State of Trinidad andTobago to membership in the United Nations. and whichwe have just now passed by acclamation. Jamaica be­came an independent State on 6 August 1962 and Tl'ini­dad and Tobago on 31 August 1962. At their own re­quest, both were received into the Commonwealth notmerely with the consent, but also with the warm wel­come of all member Governments. On 12 Septemberthe security Council met [1018th meeting] to considerapplications from both Jamaica and Trinidad andTobagO for membership of the United Nations andunanimously adopted resolutions-which the UnitedKingdom~ together with Ghana, had been proud tospnnsor~recommending that Jamaica and Trinidadand Tobago should be admitted to memberShip of thisOrg:mization. Today we have just now taken the finalstep' in the process of the admission of both thesecountries.

44. It is sometimes alleged that the proCless of de­colonization is something forced upon a reluctant ad­ministering Power by internal discontent fnthe colonyand by pressure from outside. We could scarcelyhavea better refutation of this theory than the history ofthe progress to independence of Jamaica and of Trini- .dad and Tobago over the last ten years. From thestart, both my·. Government and the Governments ofthese two countries had one clear aim in view.· thatthey should govern themselves and have for this. taskboth the best possible. eystem of administration andthe greatest momentum of economic development.Because the people of Jamaic~ .an.d of Trinidad andTobago themselves realized that this was our commonobjective, they were prepared, in collaboration withthe British Governrnent and other Governments of the· IBritish West Indies, tc consider in detail the· form inwhich i tldepenlienc6 oould test be achieved. They were I.willing to experiment with~arious type of politicalorganization before eventually deciding that separateindependence most closely met their wishesw..d theirneeds. This was not. therefore,a headJ..ongrushtoindependence, careless ":of the consequences oro! .the I ..political and economic disadvante.ges that could result 11from ill-considered ar!'angements. It was ·instead·adeliberate process of G >a11ce towards an·agreedend.

peoples of Rwantla and Burundi will continue to makesocial. economic and cultural progress. and will har­moniously develop the heritage of their ancestors andadapt the flowering of their ownpersonalityto the con~

ditions of the modern world.35. Public order .has prevailed in these countriessince their attainment of independence. This is both asign of their stability and a requisite for their futuredevelopment. Moreover. these two States. deeplypeaceful and imbued with the ideals of our Organiza··tion. are capable of assuming in full the obligationsand duties. and of exercising the rights. inherent intheir status as sovereign States and Members of theUnited Nations.

3(). But. though the omens for the future of RwandaMld Burundi are good. these two newly. independentcc)luntries will undeniably still need external technicaland financial assistance.

37. Belgi\l.YD. will not shirk what it cQ~siders a nobletask. and the Belgian Government. through Mr. Paul­Henri Spaak. its Minister for· Foreign Mfairs, hasmore than once stated th~Lt Belgium was prepared todo its utmost in assisting the two new States to meettheir new needs. Belgium is therefore prepared, ifthese countries so desire. to continue its currentefforts on a new· footing. Discussions have been heldwith each of their Governments for the conclusion ofagreements for .long-term technical aSlsistanee pro­grammes to repl9,ce the present short-term arrange­ments. Belgium intends to co~")rdinate its efforts inthis. field with those of the United Nations and otherinte:rnationalbodies. That co-ordination will surelymake. 'more effective the substantial assistancethat mustbe given to the new States.38•.. Belgium joins in. the cordial congratulations thatwill Wldoubtedly be extended to the Governments andpeoples of Rwanda and BUl'undi, and expresses itssincere wishes for the.· prosperity of the two Statesand the well-being of tileirpeoples. Itexpres8es thesamewishes towards two other States which have justjoined the international community: Jamaica, aJl.dtheState of Trmidad:md Tobago,a;nd welcomes with thegreatest ••satisfaction their admission to the ·UnitedNations. It extends the warmest congratulations totileSe. two countries. which will. surelym~ea valuablecontribution to the Organization's work.

39. .Be1gi.umalso congratulates the United Kingdom.which thr0ug;h Its far-sighted and generous .action hasled tllese two peoples to compXeteindependence.TheadInissiQnof Jamaica~ Trinidad and Tobago,andRwandaandBurundi to the United Nations constitutesQnemQre step towards the achievement ofour Organi~za,tion's principle ofunivel'sality.

40.¥r. GqDBER(United Kingdom) : Mr. President,my first andver:,- pleasant·oppor~uniiy,before turningtclthe Dlainsubject. of my present remarks,is toeon­gr.atutate··yo1;1tnOst.heartily on your election to yourhigh office•• ·You are ·an.intertiational figure whose·reputation has l':Iready spread far beyond the bound­ariesof)T0Ul'0wn.country. You.career in diplomacy,in the Government of Pakistan and in the practice ofthe lawt both nationally and internationally;haveIittedyououtstandinglyfortb.everyireaLtask which nowcoJ)frQnts .you•. I kn9Wthat you.will fulfil the .officaofPresident with.tbe .same·.. distinction that you ·lent totheotheJ:'· enterprises in your long. varied and distin~

guished QUeer. Plt:lase accept my delegationIS con­grlJ,.tu.lations C)llyour election and our assurances ofsUpport during your term of office.

-...-..-...--------........-----...."..~ .............~---~5-'1122nd meeting - 18 September 196245. The result is that we welcome here today nationswith proved system.s of government, stable socialstructures that are ~<)t based on race, religion, orclass, and with well-founded economies bolstered, onthe one hand, by bauxite, in the case of Jamaica, andoil in the case of Trinidad and Tobago. My delegationconsiders this result to be a very real vindication ofthe end towards which my Governmentand the Govern­ments of Jamaica and of Trinidad and Tobago haveworked together over the years. It is for this reasonthat we especially welcome their application for ad­mission to the United Nations as fulfilling their coun­tri'3s' international destiny.

46. It is oiear that both Jamaica and Trinidad andTobago are not only admirably qualified for member­ship of this Organization, but that they are in a posi­tion to contribute substantially to our aims and ourobjectives. We were therefore honoUl'ed and glad toracommend to the General Assembly the resolutionswhich all members of the Commonwaalth joined us insponsoring. I speak with deep sincerity for all mem­bers of the Commonwealth in wishing Jamaica a.T1dTrinidad and Tobago well, and l·am confident that thissentiment is echoed in every corner of this hall.47. I am also charged to speak on behalfof the Com­monwealth in welcome of the twd new African states. which we have had the privilege of admitting to mem­bership of the United Nations today, namely, Rwandaand Burundi. This occasionhas particular significance,since the entry to the United Nations of the two lactremaining Trust Territories in Africa is a fittingclimax to over forty years ofclose association betweenthe people of these countries, Belgium,.the adminis­tering Power, to whom I pay tribute here, the UnitedNations and before it the League of Nations. The roadhas not always been easy. Thl)se who have attendedsessions of the Trusteeship Council and of the FourthCommittee over the past few years wellknowthe hardwork that has contributed to the advance of these tWocountries to self-government and now to ultimateindependence.

48. The attainment of independence ·.by Rwanda andBurundi has been marked by.a long and careful periodof preparation. Its successful culmination is due partlyto the. wise and generous co-operation that Belgiumhas .afforded the United Nations, partly to the devotedwork of the Trusteeship Council and the. Assemblyitself, but also. andio large mea.sure to the untiringefforts of the leaders of the Rwanda and Burundipeople to ensure that their respective countries enteron their independence in the best possible way. In mysubr.aission, the success ofmis policy sh,ouldbea source of grea,t satisfaction to all the partiesconcerned.

49. I therefore welcome most warmly this opportunityof 'Nishing the peopleo! Rwanda and Burundi well onbehalf of my Government, and !,a.'IiJ. proud and privi­leged to do it also. on behalf of the members of the.Cozmnonwealth. Their independence marks yet anotherstep on the road to thecornmonobjectiveof us all, thefreedom of Africa.

50. To all these countries .then the welcome that Igive is:varm, it is sinceI'e. Ihope that they may bene­fit,from their membership of this great body, just asI am quifusure that the United Nations itself can and~hould benefit from this further, yes, and significantaddition to its ,vide"'spread and massive Assembly offree and sovereign nations.

51. Mr. COULIBALY(Mali) (translatedfrom French):It is a great pleasure for me, Mr. President, to takethis opportunity of offering to you, on behalf of theRepublic of Mali, our hearty congratulations on yoursplendid election to the office of Presidellt. OUl' p.rideis all the greater in that you are a member of theAfrican-Asian group to which we also belong a..'ld towhich you have contributed, over many years, all theresources of your outstanding ability and wealth ofexperience. This tribute of confidence whiCh our As­sembly has just paid to you in electing you to thisoffice of distinction and difficulty is a just reward forthe efforts you have continually mac.e in the cause ofrespect for the principles of humanity and justicewhich are the very basis of the United Nations. Hence,in discharging the heavy responsibilities which arenow yours, you can rely on the loyal co-ol1eration ofthe Republic of Mali.52. May I also say, Mr. President. how glad lam towelcome, on behalf of the permanent delegations ofthe African and Asian countries, the representativesef Rwanda, bt.~'~Ui. Jamuica, and Trinidad and To­bago, just admitted to 0111' Organization. These newStates, which brinig the number of Members of theUnited Nations to 108. are welcome to the internationalcommunity and, iD. particular,to the fraternal groupof African and Asian countries in the United Nations.53. I should therefore like to offer to the represen­tatives· of Rwanda. Burundi, Jamaica. and Trinidadand Tobago the sincere congratulations. of the coun­tries of Africa a.'ld Asia for the courageous strugglewhich their peoples have waged to achieve their inde­pendence. There is no doubt that these new Members,which have already in this struggle for freedom givenproof of their political maturity, will fulfil withhonourand distinction their obligation as Members of ourOrganization.

54. I am convinced that they will appreciate the im­portance and scope of the role which t.he African andAsian Stales must henceforth. because of their num­ber, play in the United Nations. This numerical im­portance and the delicacy ofour role are very stimu­lating because, though yesterday we were butcolonizedcountries, .today we have to make our contribution tothe solution of the great problems which exercisemankind and give our support to all the other countrieswhich are still struggling, under difficult conditions,to attain independence.55. Our role is indeed a very delicate one, since wehave to make a clean sweep of everything which hasstood betvreen us and other .countries during the longand painful process of our struggle for riationallibera­tion, and assume all the Members of our Organizationto .be partners in a common battle for human progressand, respect for human dignity. .56. In extending once more our warmest welcome tothe brother countries and representatives of Rwanda,Burundi, Jamaica,and Trinidad and Tobago, IassUI'ethem of the full and sincere co-operationof the R-..fricanand Asian countries for. the att~inment ofour commonobjectives.

57. Mr. CUEVAS CANCINO (Mexico) (translateclfromSpanish): I wish to commendtheAssembly,Mr.Presi­dent, for having entrusted you with the conduct of thework of the seventeenth regular session.Your leader­ship guarantees .• a very high· degree of. integrity lUldmoral responsibility, which we greatly need in ordersuccessfully to carry out our diffic-alttasks•

II

6-58.hisWEfOtoflmtoein

59offothEhafrfa-

60msebedethanofor.wpl

6deft01

.~0'\

6s'oNaJrd

6wa:inte1]

.j

.~

6b

iE.~

t~

€i

C(

t

••111•.' .rr__...'.r.Il·....IIIi""Miii..'.·.7-~-~----.I -

6 General Assembly - Seventeenth Sessi~n - Plenary Meetings

--_-,~ .. ....,.,. ,,-._••'_.c_.__ ....

to liquidate everythe socialist QOunthe ranks of thosoppression. We cthat tr Jountrieshave a....meved the.will do everythingof their brotherscolonial yoke.

75. We rejoice .States to our Orof those who are

. to free themselvconvinced that otIsoon c.ome to S'trtions, will likewiNations in the oroperation, and wibining .. their afforpeace and the li.bondage.

76. Mr. SEYDOMr. President, Icountry, how hapPresidency of theson of your distinqualified. Your .>

thougb.t marked -,lofty and difficuitvery warm and co

77. The French din sponsoring theon behalf of theFrity Council to ctheir accession tosame bOdy, in favOrganization of J

78. On behalf ofwere kind enoughthe honour to welcbeen.presented inalready lmow.mosand know that weus. Uis in the Eurexpansion of. the irespect Belgiumadmlnistering.PowtUde. A tributesho,the Trusteeship Co79•• The nations·With interest andprocess of evolutilIi1embersfrom thetha~ of sovereign Stmamtliined with thetil\ually deVelopingso. lam convinceter in their historTrinidad and Tobalinks with Westernthat Western Eurooperate. with themclosely as possible.

~1. .The birth of nour OrganizatiOIi arof legitima.te satisfknow, in advance, thuseful contribution· t

richest family of nations, not because of its wealth,but because of its freedom and its glory.67. We therefore greet the independence of Jamaicawith more than ordinary warmth.

68. These two Caribbean nations constitute anew as­pect of the phenomenon of which Latin America isjustly proud-namely. equality among races and theirgradual intermingling, which brings us steadilycloserto a race. that some of our philosophers have calledthe "cosmic 11 race.

69. ConsequElntly, on behalf of the na.tions of LatinAmerica, I wish once again to welcome the four coun­tries which are entering our Organ.\zation today. Theywill always find in us, their friends andbrothers. loyalco-operation which will help them to overcome manyof the problems inherent in national independence.70. Mr. TARABANOV (L'dgaria) (translated fromF.rench): The delegation of the People's Republic ofBuIFia is extremely happy that to it has fallen thehonour of congratulating and greeting, on behalf of thesocialist countries. the new states today admitted asMembers of the United NatiOils-Rwanda. Burundi,Jamaioa, and Trinidad and Tobago-and of welcomingthem to this great world Organization.71. The admission to the inrel\'national community ofcountries which but a short time ago were beneaththe colonial yoke represents. we are profoundly con­vinced,.a further step towards elimination ofthecolo­nial oppression under which millions of human beingsstill labour. It is painful and sad, at the very momentwhen we are celebrating the entry of these new. coun­tries into our Organiza.tion, to know thatotherpeoplesand other nations, equally meriting freedom•. inde­pendence and admission t,<) the UnitedNations, continueto suffer under the colonial yoke, despite the solemnDeclaration on the granting of independence to colonialcountries and peoples which was unanimously adoptedby the General A ,embly at its fifteenth session[resolution 1514 (XV»).

72. The road which the peoples of Rwanda, Burundi,Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago had to travel wasbeset With difficulties and obstacleGbefore its end-freedo;rn-was reached•.• Very .little time. has. passedsince the day when this Assemply adopted, With itsexpression ofdeep indignation, resolution1627(XVI) Onthe assassination of the· Prime Minister of Btir~diasa result· of the intrigues. of' colonialism. There is noneed to paint the general picture of conditions in thefour countri~s which .we have just admitted to theOrganization; thep~ctureis the familiar one, whichwe all know, of countries that have been subject fordecades, and even centuries, to colonial explojtation.73.. These countries I accessi(;;) to independence andtheir admission tothe United Nations are events ofextreme importance. Called to a new life, these na­tions .• are securing greater opportwiities ofe"ercoID:'"ing the·difficulties which impede thei!' forwardrilarch.Great efforts will certainly be needed if these youngpeoples· are to succeed· in eliminating the traces .ofcolonial dependence, 'in· consolidating their nationalsovereignty regained, and in termina:tingcolonialistdomination of their countries 'economic,socialandcultural life. With all our. heart, we wish the peoplesof the four States Which we. have just admittel;1to ourgreat international family .daily iricrea.siIlgsuccessinevery sphere. . . .

74. Having eliminated. at home, the .exploitation ofman by man, and now fighting with all their strength

58., This should be reFded as a !'ed~letter day, ahistoric occasion, in the annals of the United N2.tions.We have on otber occasions, as on so many· since thefounding of the Organization, celebrated the admissionof new Members. That act does not,ey repetition,lose its fatsfulsignificance. So there is among ustoday ~special.measure of. rejoicing, as in a housein which a child is to be born.

59~My delegation has· the honour to extend, on behalfof the J~atin American delegations, a welcome to thefour new nations now. joining our ranks. We precededthem in the searchfor peace inwhichthis Organiz"8.tionhas e~agedfor over fifteen yeal's. However, we expectfrom them, as new Members, new efforts and an inde­fa"Ugable idealisIrito revive. and strengthen our own.

60. Under colonial rule, nations long and strive pri­marilytoachieve thli)ir independence. Once that,whichseemed the highest pinnacle, hasbeen reached, theybecome aware of Qther new stages olilthe road to self­determination. and p7'osperity•. J[n their journey alongthat road. the·fQur newnationscian.relyon the supportand .co-operationofthe UnitedNations , andparticularlyof the LatinAmerican States. Closebrotherhood~basedon identity oi objectives , links us to them. And togetherwe,·. shall take another .new step towards overcomingpresent difficulties for the benefit of all mankind.

~1.. When a nation is born, a great idea which layaOrmant in.· its inmost being sees· the light for thefirsttime.·.Usually, that idea germinates in the mindsof viSionaries and poets anditis the task of the secondgeneration--the statesmen and politicians-to forgethe·. instrument which will enable them to clear theirown, true path.

62. 'I'hosebrother nations are now facinggravedeci­·sions in matters of paramount importance, the firstofwhich has been that o( coexistence in the UnitedNatiOns. However, they will be able to rely onthe

. affectiop. and, understanding of other countries whichregar(ltheIllselvessiIXlply •as .sharing the commondesire for peace and prosperity. .

63. Rwanda and Burun.di are situated on a continentwhich has seemed remote froDlours, but tMir peoplesare·· akin ... to many tiul.t ·live in Latin America. Thereis,in their· aspiration(1!AJld desires, much thatis com­mon.to allpftis.We.have to some extent experiencedthevicissittides of their emergence from the colonialera., .Under the. League ofN?.tionsMar;date and thelJnite(lNationstru~teeship, we didOUI' partinfulfilli.ng'

"~e .()llli~tionr:l Incumbent . upon .us ..~d .. participatedwitheDlotion and confidence in the final debates which'led to their indePendenqe. .

64;. ••. Thepresen"}€) •of Jamaica and Trinidad and '1'0­tla.go,parts of our :American continent,.as independentnatio~llsevokes Particulariyhappy memories' fer theLatinAmeric~COuntries. . .. .... .65. .Baron VOIl HumbOldtonc'e said thatthe Caribbean\Vas the AlnericanMediterran-ean;andthese newlycreatednation$,inassuming their rightful place inthe Caribbean thl'ough their own' efforts, thereby alsoae;su1l1,e.their.:r.jghtful place in the heart ofAmerica.

.66.;Jamaicahasavery .special place in the saga ofAmeric~'semancipation;-"It was •on that island. so

-close . to. the struggle ... for independence, that many ofour heroes sought refuge. -It was there~inan imItlortal

.·le~r •.that Bol!var, his heart replete with feeling fortheseallnd people of the Caribbean, wrote down allthat our oontmelnt can and shoUld be in history: the

p .. [( .

1122nd meeting - 18 September 1962 7

to liquidate every form of oppression onceandfor all.the socialist Qountries rejoice at the daily swelling ofthe ranks of those \Y\'?rking for the abolitionof colonialoppression. We cannot in fact doubt. for one moment.that tr ~ountries and peoples which by sheer fightinghave a",meved their liberationfl'om colonialoppressionwill do everything in their power to support the struggleof their brothers who still suffer under an abominablecolonial yoke.

75. We rejoice iD, the admission ofthese new MemberStates to our Organization. We cannot help thinkingof those who are still, at this very moment, struggling

. to free themselves ire/m the colonial yoke. We areconvinced that other. countries and other peoples willsoon come to strengthen the ranks of the United Na­tions, will likewise give their support to tk UnitedNations in the organization of bett.er in~.T.'national co­operation, and will also, we are sure, help by com­bining their afforts with ours for the safeguarding ofpeace and the lIberation of all peoples from colonialbondage.

76. Mr. SEYDOUX (France) (tra."1s1atedfrom French):Mr. President, I should like to say, on behalf of mycountry, how happy we are at your election to thePresidency of the General Assembly. for which a per­son of your distinction and talent 'is particularly wellqualified. Your -.-,oral authority and high level ofthought marked _- .u out in quite a special way for thislofty and difficult office. Allow me to convey to you myvery warm and cordial congratulations.

77. The French delegation has already nadoccasion,in sponsoring the applications of Rwanda and Burundion behalf of the French-speaking nations in the Secu~·

rity Council to congratulate tb,,::;~ two countries ontheir accession to independe~:;;e. It also spoke, in thesame bOdy, in favour of the admission to the worldOrganization of Jamaica and of Trinidad and Tobago.

78. On behalf of the nations of Western Europe whichwere kind enough to entrust me with this task, I havethe honour to welcome .the delegations which have justbeen presented in the General· Assembly Hall. Theyalready know most of the European representatives,and know that we rejoice to see them sitting besideus. IUs in the European tradition to contribute to theexpansion of the ini:ernational community. andin thisrespect Belgium and the United Kingdom, as formeradministering Powers, deserve .the Assembly's grati­tude. A tribut~ should also be paid to the good work ofthe Trusteeship Council.

79. The na.tions of c Western Europe have followed.with interest .and sympathy in equal measure, theprocess of evolution Which has brought the four newMembers from the status of dependentterr.-itories tothat of sovereign States. For a long time now we havemaint!i.ined with them friendly relations based on con­tinUall;r developing cultural and trade exchanges.

SO. I·am convinced that at the dawn of this new chap­ter in their history Rwanda, Burundi.Jamaica•. an~Trinidad and· Tobago will endeavour to forge closerlinks with Western Europe in every sphere. They knowthat Western Europe stands in full readiness to co­operate. with them. in the future as in the past, asclosely as possible.

81. The birth Of new nations and their admission toour Organization are happy events which are a sourceof legitimate satisfaction to the United Nations. Weknow, in advance, that our new colleagues will make auseful contribution· to our work. I would like to convey

to them, once more, ilie sincel'ea'1d cordialWishes ofwelcome which the group of West European countriesextends to them.

82. Mr. ALVES (Congo, Leopo1dvm~) (t~anslated

from French): Mr. President. it is an honou~ for me,on behalf of my delegation, to join the representativeswho have already spoken from this rostrmn in extend­ing to you our hearty congratulations on your electionto the Presidency of the General Assembly's seven'·teenth session. We have no doubt that. thanks to yourgreat t-xperience of international affairs, you willdirect our debates as skilfully as your eminentpredecessor.

8:'(. Only a few Y'lonthc; ago, after an exhaustive stUdyterminating a long discussion, wewel~omedtfJ,e acces­sion to independence of Burundi. and Rwanda.

84. Today. another event ta.Jtes place-the entry ofBurundi and Rwanda into the United Nations. lhelievethat all delega, ions. here present greet the admissionof these two countries with special joy. The jOy is allthe greater and deeper in that. during the two and ahalf months which have passed Since .their attainmentof independence, the two States have given Pi'oof ofthe maturity and ability needed for the ocoupymg oftheir place among the members of the comm.mityof nations.· ..

85. My delegation wished to be a co-sponsor of draftresollltions A/L.391 and Add..! 8.ndA/L~392andAdd.l.and considers it necessary to eJqJress briefly: her~. atthis his~oric moment for the two countries •. the V'ie~s

of its Government. not only because of our historicalaftinlties and our common fate, but because of thenew and increasmg brotherhc>od batween the Congo.Burundi, Rwanda, the other Mrican peoples andcoun­tries, and all tile States from the other continentswhich are collabOrating for peace and development· inthe·worId-a new brotherhood which,· without breakingthe links of our past or conflictingwithour traditions,inspires in my Government the soledeslre topromot,ethe well-being of. the two new States and to help createa better future for them.

88. Such wltsthe a.ttitude which my Governmenttook,from the rostrum in. this Organization, thr'\)ughout thesixteenth.session of the General Assembly. .

87. On behalf of the Congolese Government, my dele­gation warmly. and with deep gratitude,cong'.£'atulatesthe Governments of. the Kingdom of Buruncll· and theRwandese Republic. as J.lsothe qovernmellt of Bel­gium, on tlle wisdom,intelligence and foresight.tJ:lathave characterized their inauguration of their newrelationships.

88. My .delegation. reaffirms its· confidence. In thei:rintentions ·to. seek to establish between them, ana·newand equitable basis, a. form oico-operation which isin keeping with the requirements of the times. accordswith the vocation of Members of the United. Nations ingeneral and ofthe African countries in particular, andwUl permit the harmonious. development of Burundiand Rwanda in a peaceful world;

89. I should also like, onbehalfoftheCongolese GoV'';'ernment. to extend our heartycongratulati6nstothetwo other new States~Jamaica. and Trinidadand,To..bago. My delegation is convinced lliat they will COn­scientiously .discharge all the responsibilities andobligations. incumbent. upon them as. Members of theUnited Nations. It also 'congratulates the General As­sembly on its vote in their favour.

8 General Assembly - seventeenth session - Plenary Meetings

90. Mr. GORE (United States of Aroerica): On bebalfof the people of the United States. permit me. Mr.:president. to extend congratulations upon your e1eo­tion al~d to pledge our fullest co-operation.

91. Just outside the halls of the United States senate.where I am privileged to serve. there is a bust of myfellow townsman and benefactor. Mr. Cordell Hull. Onthat bust is carved "Father of the United Nations". Iam sure he would be pleased to knowthat the fifty-onenations which composed the United Nations at the timeit was organized have now grown to more than onehundred. '\92. Today. in common. I believe. with mankind of allthe world, the people of the U:tited States regard withhope. not unmixed with awe, the .marvellous growth ofthe United Nations Organization. We welcome inte themembership today four nations, each newlypossessedof the fruits of self-determination-realindependence.genuine national sovereignty-two of them set in themidst of a sunnyoceanclose to our shores, two of themnestled in the majestic reaches of the central Africanhighlands almost half a world away. Yet for all thedistance that separates them. Rwanda, Jamaica. Trini­dad ,and Tobago. and Burundi share a common strainof blood and experience, and today. joining with us inthe United Nations. each of them makes a commitmentto the single comm<mity of man, which in previousepochs was obscured and hidden but which today isplain for all mankiad to see. This commitment bestexplains why each of us andthe countries we representare hare. On behalf of the people of the United Statesand the President of the UnitedStates. Isay: welcome.

93. Mr. BINDZI (Cameroon) (translated fromFrench): Mr. President. the delegations ofthe Africanand Malagasy Union-composed, as you know, ofSenegal. Mauritani.t, the Upper Volta. thelvoryCoast.Dahomey. the Niger, Chad. the Central African Re­publiC, the Congo (Brazzaville) • Gabon. Madagascarand the Federal Republic of Cameroon-have done methe honour of asking me to express their warm con­gratulations to you on your splendidelection as Presi­dent of the United Nations General Assembly's seven­teenth session. For almnst two years we have beenable. here, to appreciate your eminent qualities. whichhave made you the honoured and worthy leader justchosen by this Assembly. It is our hope that underyour enlightened guidance the Assembly will solve inthe best }Iossible way the different problems before it,and thus .hasten the coming of peace and fraternity ina world so much in need of them.94. Those States have also asked me to express fromthis rostrum their joy at seeing our Organization ex­pand. and to welcome on their behalf the delegationsof Rwanda. Burundi, Jamaica. and. Trinidad and To­bago._Our joy is great ind(:led, not only because yearby year tb.e United Nations is"~pproachingtheday whenit Will attain the universality called for byits Charterand its destiny. but also and especially because thosewho.·have just achieved their ·freedom are very closeto us in sentiment,pastandorigin. We feel deep joybecause we know that this is the res~tof many .efforts,struggles and hardships. We exp'3rience this joy par­ticularly because· history has proved that liberation ofthe colonized promotes greater compr~hension andco-operation among peoples.which subjectionhadpre­vented from understanding ,and liking-eu--ch other.

95~ .We therefore welcome tbose who have nowjoinedus. We >greet, in particular,their v'illoroue', peoples.May God grant theirle~ders Hi.swisdom.• and may

they guide their peoples toward. the radiant paths ofhappines~ and prosperity.

96. Mr. KAYffiANDA (President of the Rwandese Re­public) (translated from French): It is a source ofgreat pleasure and deep satisfaction for me. as Presi­dent of the State of Rwanda. to speakfor the first timein this Assembly and express to the United Nationsthe good wishes conveyed to it, in all sincerity. by theentire Rwandese people.

97. For this opportunity I express my warm thanks.which are addressed in particular to the President ofthe Assembly and to the Secretary-General. I likewisethank all those who. from near or far,have helped theRwandese P.~public to achieve its independence andtake its place among the free and full-grown nations.That is today a source of great joy to me, to the Gov­ernment of Rwanda and to the people of the RwandeseRepl},blic which is now a Member of the Uni.ted Nationsand can thus contribute to the achievement of the Or­ganization's purpose-the progress ofmankind inpeaceand co-operation. This· has always been the ideal ofRwanda and its leaders during all the developmentswhich resulted in the liberationofthe people of Rwanda,represented by my humble person here today.

98. You yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, with thepurposes of our Organization in view, have adoptedresolutions designed to help 11S solve our problems.Those problems, have been solved. Rwanda has beenliberated, both from a domestic r~gime conflictingV'nth the elementary principles of freedom, and froma colonial r~gime outdated for all peoples; and thatliberation was effected gradually and smoothly. Eventhe withdrawal of foreign troops took place withoutdifficulty.

99. Thanks to the training in discipline of our youngforces of law and order, the Rwandese Republic isenjoying peace. Our people are at work. Our Govern­ment is working steadily, spiritedly a.1'J.d courageously.Our methods, attitudes and expenditures are charac­terized by a C6rtain austerity. reflecting a realisticappraisal of the means available to a newly independentState, as well as the desire of Rwanda's leaders toplace everything in the service of the cause which wehave set before us-thesy,:.'emati!',; raising of ourpeople's level of living, and tl '" ...cmocratic develop­ment of om.- nation.

100. The Government of the Rwandese RepUblic isredoubling its efforts to establish or strengthen tiesof friendship and co-operationwith the various nations.That-to mention only one example-is why I made apoint of attending in person the conversations whichbrought together the States of the African and MalagasyUnion and my country· will always share in everyeffort to promote the effective solidarity of groupsand nations.

101. In the same spirit. Rwandese governmental mis­sions-led by the Minister for Foreign Relations, bythe Minister· for Finance and Economio Affairs :mdPlanning, or by the Minister for Agriculture and LandSettlement-were dispatched on the morrow of inde­pendence toesta.blish contacts so as to secure forindependent Rwanda. the means, first of expeditingourcountry's development, and secondly of contributingtq general progress towards co-operation in friendshipand freedom, to which the United Nations is dedicated.

102. In this. spirit. the RwandeseRel?ublic is happyto be a Member of this Assembly. Peace within andbetween nations, the freedom of peoples and their

co-operationethical valueaid betweenin the form ofwill be the "I

103. The Rof those whodecolonizationdevelopmentare striving fIfits derivingtechnical andthose who seecriminationare endeavourjoint organs fbeside all thguaranteeingfundamentalalways standthe progresstechnical assiThose nationswould be a soif the less dedue share of .

104. I wish tsembly and thconeern in thcountry. Expequests from 0secretariat, 0

ment projectsundertake. I aprove the requance submittethem favourablrequests forwhicn, like ourFor it is clearof the Organizathe granting 0is time for thethe preliminarto more intensocial and culcalled the "non105. I wouldmore, thosejoined in ourof good wishesexpediting thehave the bestRepublic. Thatzation will helpfor Rwanda anobjectives of th

106. On behapeopleofRwanhope that aftertive-namely denter a longerat consolidatingand· effectivelydeveloped regioand balance, inconstitute the 0

107. I would cthe previous sp

1122nd meeting - 18 September 1962 9

co-operation in all fields of progress. respect for theethical values. of justice and tolerance, and mutualaid between the rich cou.ntries and the poorer nationsin the form of technical andfinancialassistance-suchwill be the llleU-motifs" for our representatives.

103. The Rwandese Republic will be found in the ranksof those who have already worked so hard for truedecolonization, which leads to better conditions fordevelopment and progress. We stand beside those whoare striving for an equitable distribution of the bene­fits deriving from progress, in the various forms oftechnical and financial assistance. We stand besidethose who seek the abolition of methods based on dis­crimination and violence. We stand beside those whoare endeavouring to create or strengthen, realistically,joint organs for co-operation among nations. We standbeside all those who seek every peiaceful means ofguaranteeing and promoting the fullest exercise offundamental freedoms. The Rwandese Republic willalways stand beside those who effectively encouragethe progress of the contemporary movement towardstechnical assistance for the less advanced nations.Those nations make up a considerable group, and itwould be a source of disequilibrium for all countriesif the less developed nations failed to receive theirdue share of aid from the more favoured countries.

•104. I wish to ta.'lte this opportu.'.1ity to thank the As­sembly and the Secretary-General for their constantconcern in the matter of technical assistance for mycountry. Experts are already there; they receive re­quests from our Government for transmission to theSecretariat, or study with our services the develop­ment projects which we have undertaken or wish toundertake. I ask that all who have to examine or ap­prove the requests for technical and financial assist­ance submitted by our Government should considerthem favourably. I make the same appeal in regard torequests for assistance presented by other nationswhicn, like our own, have recentlybecome independent.For it is clear that such assistance is but an extensionof the Organization's liberating action. directed towardsthe granting of independence to colonized peoples. Itis time for the liberation movement to proceed, fromthe preliminary stage of the granting of independence,to more intensive action-namely, to the economic,social and cultural development of what today arecalled the "non-aligned countries".

105. I would also take this occasion to thank, oncemore. those Members of the United Nations whiohjoined in our 1 July festivities or sent us telegramsof good wishes and encourarement. and all Membersexpediting the procedure w dch will enable them tohave the best diplomatic relations with the RwandeseRepUblic. That Republic's membership in the Organi­zation will help to ma.ke those relations more effectivefor RwaIlda and for the successful achievement of theobjectives of the United Nations.

106. On behalf of myself and of the Government andpeople of Rwanda, I express once agaLll our ferventhope that after reaching the first stage of its objec­tive-namely decolonization-the United Nations willenter a longer phase, that of intensive action aimedat consolidating peace and co-operation amongnationsand effectively promoting the progress of the under­developed regions. Such action will maintainprogressand balance. in the world-which, in the final analysis,constitute the Organization's ultimate goal.

107. I would conclude by associating myself with allthe previous speakers in congratulating,once more,

the President of the United Nations GeneralAssettlblywho has just been so splendidly elected, as well asthe sister nations which, together with Rwanda, havejust been admitted to the Organization.

108. Mr. RICHARDSON (Jamaica): Pleasepermitme,Mr. President, to add a newcomer's voice to thosewhich have been offering you congratulations on thehigh office to which this world Assembly has electedyou. Then, on behalf of the people and Government ofJamaica, I wish to thank you and the other represen­tatives in this Assembly for your kind and cordialwords of welcome to the Jamaican delegation. I wishalso to express the gratitude we feel to the countrieswhich sponsored the resolution leading to our admis­sion, and I should like to say how pleased we were tohear representatives from countries in allparts of theglore making cordial and friendly references to us.We were particularly pleased at the reference by therepresentative of Mexico to our connexion with thatgreat liberator, Sim6n Bo.l1'var. a connexion of whichwe are proud. We are glad that we gave him refugeand restored his energies in his fight _for the :inde­pendence of the countries of South America.

109. Jamaica could have taken its place among theindependent nations of the world many years ago. Wechose, however, to mark time on the march to inde­pendence in an effort to see whether all the dependentBritish territories in the Caribbean could take thefinal steps t.ogether within a federal union. After fouryears of trial, a satisfactory basis for such a unioncould not be found and Jamaica therefore proceededto take its final steps to national sovereignty alone.We are pleased, however. that our sister country ofTrinidad and Tobago is being welcomedinto the familyof nations at the same time as ourselves and we hopethat the other British Caribbean territories will notbefar behind us.

110. It is perhaps appropriate at this moment that Ishould refer to the relations which have existed inrecent years between the Government and people ofJamaica and the Government of the United Kingdom.Jamaica has been entirely self-governing in its in­ternal affairs for many years. In this last period, theUnited Kingdom has been responsible only for ourdefence and our external relations, and she has beenas willing to surrender these remainiL\g responsi­bilities as we have been to assume them.

111. No imperial or colonial administration can inour vi~w be wholly good, for the basis of its positionas governor, without the -consent of the governed, ismorally unsound. On an occasion such as this, how­ever, we would not wish to hark backto any of the un­satisfactory aspects of the colonial relationship. Wewould prefer instead to emphasize what was good, andthere is much that was good. I should like to speakrather of the legacy of respect for the rule of law, forthe parliamentary system based on the consent of allthe people which Britain has left behind iUn Jamaica.I wish to acknowledge the contributionwhich the UnitedKingdom has made _to -the growth of sound democraticinstitutions in my country, It is on the soundness andmaturity of these, our institutions, that Jamaica basesthe confidence we feel in_our ability to safeguard theintegrity of our independence in the future. .

112. My country is a small one, but we believe wehave already set an example which older and greaternations could do well to follow. Our country has shownhow-men of many different racial origins can live andwork together in harmony and mutual respect.

____~.t=-..=:.t;;_=_=IiliiifIiIII;...........iiiiiiiiiIiIllililiiiiiiti_-__iliiiiiiiiiiI__~

10 General Assembly - seventeenth Session - Plenary Meetings

113. In our international relations. Jamaioacomes tothe family of nations with ties alreadywell established.and we look forward to extending the range of ourGlose and friendly relations with other cOl.1lltries ofthe world. The Government of Jamaica wiU naturallymaintain its position as a member within the BritishCommonwealth of Natio~. Because the large majorityof our people are African in origin. Jamaica believesit l.1llderstands and can fully sympathize with the fl.1ll­damental aspirations of the new nations of Africa. Bythe facts of geography. however. we are part of theWestern hemisphere and ineVitably we must see manyof the problems of the world from that perspective.Perhaps. therefore. in time Jamaica's contribution tothe cause of international peace will be the help it cangive to the increase in tolerance and l.1llderstandingbetween the nations of the different continents.

114. My country subscribes without reserve to theaims of the United Nations. Jamaica accepts fully theresponsibilities of membership. Within the limits im­posed by our siender resources. Jamaica hopes toparticipate in all its activities. In our approach to thedifficult problems which from time to time ,,,,ill facethe United Nations, Jamaica will be inciined towardsthe practical solution rather than the solution baaedsolely on theory.

115. We are proud now to become a Member of thisOrganization. Mankind, though endowed by its Creatorwith an essential dignity. has seemed to us at timesthrough the centuries to be diligently striving to de­prive itself of that dignity. TheGovernmentandpeopleof Jamaica are happy to become Members of this Or­ganization which in our opinion, in its short life, hasmade a most signal contribution to the restoratioil ofthat dignity.

116. Mr. CLARKE (Trinidad and Tobago): Today thenation of Trinidad and Tobago rejoices that it can layincontestable claim to two superlatives: the newestnation in the world. and the most recent Member ofthe United Nations.

117. The regularity with which this Assembly effectsadmission of new Members foredooms the continuedexistence for any protracted period of the once wellestablished and enduring system of colonialism. Be­cause the COl.1lltry. which I have the honour to represent,cherishes the priceless asset of independence andesteems the privilege of the membership it has justbeen accorded, its cup of joy will not be filled l.1lltilthese distinctions. which it wears today, have beenpassed on to others-l.1lltil. in short, every te7'ritoryon this planet is liberated and has fOUildits true homeas a Member of this Organization.

118. The Government and people of Trinidad andTobago are deeply grateful to those who sponsoredthe resolution for admission, to all the members ofthe Security Council who unanimously and in termsof the utmost kindness and friendship recommendedadniission, to all the Members of this Assembly foradopting the draft resolution and for the~r inspiringand encouraging rem:lrks •.

119. We regard it as a happy circumstance that you.Mr. President. but a short while ago visited ourshores. witnessed the birth of our new nation. p8X­ticipated in our festivities, and endeared yourself toall who had the honour to meet you. You left us withbut one regret, that your .visit was of so short aduration; .

120. Our journey to independence has been long. slowand absolutely peaceful. Our pace has been unhurriedand we must have seemed to many to have been thevictims of a paralysing timidity, an incomp~ehensible

reluctanoe to shed the coils of colonialism and donthe mantle of freedom. May I give the assurance thatour slow and cautious tread did not betoken a distastefor independence or a failure to appreciate its bless­ings. Rather did it signifyour recognition thatpoliticalindependence is thtS; first step in a new and impor­tant phase of our life. and not the ultimate in ourachievement.

121. Our national institutions were developed andproved so as to be able to withstand the stresses ofindependence. Our management of our internal affairsdemonstrated to our friends throughout the world astability and maturity which demanded that our inde­pendence be full. free and unfettered. Only thus couldwe ensure that we wouldbe as alert to resist the subtlepressures of external domination as we would beanxious to offer the hand of sincere friendship andco-operation to those who would grasp it.122. We occupy less than 2,000 square miles of theearth's surface and our population is not quite 900.000.We are lacking in material wealth. We do not believe.however, that extent of territory or numbers of popu­lation or the possession of material resources arenecessary prerequisites of peaceful achievement ininternational affairs. We believe in the equal rights ofnations, however large or small, and in the sovereignequality of all members of the Organization. Comparedwith the large and powerful nations of the world weare. in a strictly material sense. an under-developedcountry. We have. however. developed in our societytolerance; camaraderie; respect for the rights ofothers; an unswerving opposition to oppression. in­justice and racial discrimination; a love of liberty; asupreme faith in the dignity and worth of the humanperson; and belief in the value of co-operation.

123. Not only are these principles' enshrined in ourConstitution, but they form an integral part of thedaily life of our cosmopolitan population. We proudlydraw attention to Trinidad and Tobago as a smallexperimental plot on which we have sown and cul­tivated the principles which it is the task of this Or­ganization to disseminate throughout the world. Ourpopulation, with its many faiths and its diverse racialorigins, constitutes a microcosm of the larger worldcommunity. Surely the lessons of Trinidadand Tobagomay be applied to that community.

124. We emerge into independence with a feeling offriendship for all peoples. If at the first moment aftermidnight of 30 August 1962, an Act of Parliamentdissolved the legal shackles which subjugated ourcountry to the. United Kingdom, the invisible ties offriendship, of· mutual respect, of a similarparlia­mentary and judicial sytem and of equal regard forfundamental human rights hold us firmly and fondlyattached to the centre of the Commonwealth. The firstconfere~::,e which our Prime Minister has attendedupon attainment of independence is the Common­wealth Prime Minister's Conference now in progress,and we shall constantly seek to develop still furtherour ties with the Commonwealth.

125. As members of this Assembly are aware. wehoped at one stage to achieve our independence as apart of a federation of the West Indies. but this was notto be. However, our Government places in the forefrontof its international obligations its relations with its

Caribbean neighbwith which somement will strivepossible associatand intellectual,and the countriewhich hBve traditeconomy.

126. We recogniassumed with m~

req,wnsibility wemay consult witlthan we are. butarriving at themaims of the Orgar

Litho in V.N.

1122nd meeting - 18 S6ptember 1962

t1;

Caribbean neighbours and the metropolitan countrieswith which some of them are connected. Our Govern­ment will strive at all times to achie,re the closestpossible association, political and economic, cultural~nd intellectual, with the countries of the Caribbeanand the countries on the South American mainlandwhich h~ve traditionally formed part of the Caribbeaneconomy.

126. We recognize the responsibility which we haveassumed with membership of this Organization. Thatre.cJ:}onsibility we can neither silirk nor delegate. Wemay consult with those who are more eXPeriencedthan we are, but any decisions must be our own. Inarriving at them we shall never lose sightof the basicaims of the Organization. Naturally we shallnotagree

Litho in U.N.

11

with everyone. Sometimes it may be our closestfriends from whom we differ. We expect, however,that divergencies of viewwill notweakeneither friend­ship or respect. We come to the UnitedNations neitherto dissemble nor to toady. We come to offer the pointof view of a tiny but independent nation. a point ofview which we hope will always be clearly reasonedand manifestly reasonable, however unacceptable itmay be to those who reject it. Our Constitution beginswith an affirmation of our belief in spiritualvalues anddivine assistance. Guided by these values and inspiredby that aSSistance, we look forward with confidenceto our future role.

The meeting rose at SAS p.m.

nOOl-November 1963-2,225