Title items-in-Secretary-General's statements - IV, 1 July ......Secretary-General U Thant has communicated the following views to the Governments concerned; Communications concerning

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VOLUME IV - SECRETARY-GENERAL - STATEMENTS

No.

213.

214.

215-

216.

217-

218.

219.

220.

221.

222.

223-

22k.

225-

226.

227-

228.

229.

230.

231.232.

233.

23^-

235-236.237-

SG address to the Hungarian Academy of Science2 July, in Budapest, Hungary

SG arrives in Budapest for visit to Hungary, has'free, frank and useful' discussion with PM

SG completes visit to Hungary

SG statement at Budapest Airport before his de-parture on 3 J"uly

SG address on 9 July to the Economic and SocialCouncil in Geneva

SG address on 11 July to the Societa italiana per1'organizzazione internazionale in Rome

SG address to 36th session of ECOSOC, Geneva,8 July, on UN Conference on Science and Technology

SG statement regarding investigation of use ofpoison gas in Yemen situation

SG arrives in Rome

SG remarks at memorial ceremony for Italian air-men killed in the Congo, held at Pisa, on 12 July

SG remarks on the occasion of the conferment onhim of honorary citizenship of Florence, on 12/7

SG cables to Chairman Khrushchev, PM MacMillanand President Kennedy

Transcript of the SG's press conference

SG message to Governing Board of Int'l Instituteof Educational Planning in Paris

ILO Delegation confers with SG on apartheid

SG cable to President Tito - earthquake

SG cables to FM of Ethiopia and Commander UNForce in the Congo

SG to attend signing of test-ban treaty inMoscow

SG letter to PR of US appreciation USNS Blatchford

SG statement at ceremony of signing of Nuclear .Test-Ban Treaty in Moscow on 5 August

SG planning to present ideas on disarmament inMoscow to representatives of three powers

SG confers with Chairman Khrushchev and FM Gromyko

Message from Pope Paul VT to SG and SG reply

SG statement on arrival at New York Airport

SG communication to the FMs of Malaya, Indonesiaand Philippines

Date

2 July 1963

tr

3 July 1963

k July 1963

9 July 1963

8 July 1963

8 July 1963

10 July 1963

11 July 1963

15 July 1963

15 July 1963

16 July 1963

15 July 1963

19 July 1963

25 July 1963

26 July 1963

30 July 1963

30 July 1963

31 July 1963

5 August 63

5 August 63

6 August 63

6 August 63

7 August 63

9 August 63

Symbol

SG/1529

SG/1531

SG/1532

SG/1533

SG/153

SG/1535

SG/1536

SG/1538

SG/1539

SG/15 2

SG/15 3

SG/15

NN/2776"

SG/1546

SG/15 7

SG/1548

SG/1551

SG/1552

SG/1553

G-G/1557

SG/1558SG/1560SG/1561SG/1562

/ X"-SG/1563

- 2 —

No.

238.

239.240.

24l.

242.

243.

244.

245.

246.

24?.

248.249.

250.

251.252.253.

254.

255-

256.

257-258.

259-

260.

261.262.263.264.265.266.

SG introduction to the Annual Report onthe work of the organization

SG statement in SECCO on 23 Aug. 63

SG message to peoples of Africa in Syncom

SG statement in SECCO on 28 Aug. 63

SG message to Congress of Int'l Red CrossSocieties meeting in Geneva

Exchange of letters between the Governmentof Portugal and UN SG

Representative of SG leaving for talkswith Portuguese Government

SG address at opening meeting of l8th plen-ary Assembly of WFUNA

SG Press Conference

SG statement at press conference

SG statement on Staff Day

SG cable to PM of Burundi (condolences)

SG's final conclusions re Malaysia

SG letter to the FM of Indonesia

SG note to all Member States

SG meets with members of the French NationalAssembly

Conversation between SG and Alistair Cooke

SG statement at the consecration ceremonyof the Church Center for the UN

Offers of 'Stand-%1 military units

SG cable to President of Haiti

SG cable to Prime Minister of Cuba

SG message on occasion of internationalRadio Week

Exchange of letters between SG and thePermanent Representative of Trinida andTobago

Date

20 Aug. 63

23 Aug. 63

23 Aug. 63

28 Aug. 63

28 Aug. 63

2 Sept. 63

6 Sept. 63

9 Sept. 63

12 Sept. 63

12 Sept. 63

13 Sept. 63

13 Sept. 63

13 Sept. 63

13 Sept. 63

16 Sept. 63

17 Sept. 63

1 Oct. 63

22 Sept. 63

1 Oct. 63

7 Oct. 63

7 Oct. 63

Symbol

SG/1568

SG/1569

NW/2784

SG/1572

SG/1573

SG/1575

SG/1577

SG/1578HH/2798SG/1580SG/1581SG/1582

SG/1583SG/1584SG/1585

SG/1586

M/2827

SG/1587SG/1588SG/1591SG/1592

8 Oct. 63

8 October 63

9 October 63

10 October 63

SG Telstar address

SG cable to Foreign Minister of Italy

SG statement at the UN Pledging Conference 15 October 63

SG statement in the Fifth Committee l6 October 63

SG statement to GA on 17 October 17 October 63

SG/1593

SG/1594/Rev.l

SG/1596

SG/1600

SG/1602

SG/1604

SG/1605

SG address at memorial tribute to EleanorRoosevelt 21 October 63 SG/1607

- 3 -Mo.

267.

268.

269.

2?0.

271.

272.

273.

275-

276.

277-

278.

279-280.

281.

282.

283.

28U.

285-

286.

287-

288.

289-

290.

SG address at UN Day Concert

SG UN Day message

SG comments on Algerian-Moroccan Agreement

SG statement in GA on 6 Nov. 63

SG cable to Pres. Soekarno on deathof Chief Minister Djuanda

SG address at AAUN dinner

SG message to FM of Japan

SG expresses condolences at deathof Philippine Member of UNCURK

SG statement in GA on extendedparticipation in general multi-lateral treaties concluded underLeague of Nations auspices

SG letter to Lt. Gen. Gyani on lea-ving the Yemen Mission

SG appeals to PM of the Congo toapply diplomatic procedures toSoviet diplomats

Date

2k Oct. 63

21 Oct. 63

30 October 63

6 November 63

7 November 6j

11 November 63

11 November 63

18 November 6j

19 November 63

21 November 63

22 November 63

22 November 63

SG cable to PR of the US

SG cable to Mrs. Kennedy

SG statement in GA on death of JFK 22 November 63

SG message of condolence to Mrs. K. 22 November 63

SG Human Rights Day message 26 November 63

SG message to Asian Editors'Roundtable meeting 26 November 63

SG statement in GA on 26 Nov. 26 November 63

Federal Republic of Germany makessecond purchase of UN bondsvalued at $US 2 million

SG appoints personal representativeto stimulate financial support forUN Training and Research Institute 6 December 63

SG decides to establish KennedyMemorial Fund for UNIS 6 December 6j

SG designates RJB as his PersonalRepresentative at the independence 7 December 63celebrations of Zanzibar and of Kenya

SG address at special meeting of GAcelebrating 15th anniversary ofHuman Rights Declaration

SG message of condolence to FMof Thailand

9 December 63

9 December 63

Symbol

SG/1608

SG/1590

SG/1609

SG/1612

SG/1613

SG/i6i4SG/i6i5

18 November 63 SG/l6l7

SG/l6l8

SG/1620

SG/1621

SG/1622

SG/1623

SG/1624

SG/1625

SG/l6lO

SG/1626

SG/1627

2 December 63 SG/1628

SG/1629

SG/1630

HE/2S61J.

SG/1631

SG/1632

No. Date Symbol

291- SG statement at stamp exhibitionhonouring 15th anniversary ofHuman Rights Declaration

292. SG announces arrangements tostrengthen technical assistanceand special fund operations inEastern and Southern Africa

293. SG statement on l6/12 at flag-raising ceremony for Kenya andZanzibar

294. SG statement in GA on l6/12(apartheid)

295- SG announces appointment of Gen.Oswaldo Araujo Motta as Cmd.of IMEF

296. Zurkey buys UN bond for $100,000

297« General A. Irons! of Nigeria ap-pointed new commander of ONUC

298. SG Hew Year message

299. Major-General C. F. Paiva Chavesof Brazil appointed new commanderUNEF

9 December 6j

11 December 63

l6 December 63

l6 December 6j

18 December 6j

19 December 63

20 December 63

27 December 63

30 December 63

SG/1633

SG/1635

SG/1636

SG/1637SG/1638

SG/1639SG /l6Uo

SG/l&H

U N I T E D N A T I O N S

Press ServieasOffice of Public Information

United Nations, H.Y.

(FOR USE OP DTFOEMATIGN MEDIA .. HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Frees Release SS/15927 Octobar 1963

CABLE FROM SECBST1RY-GENERAL.TO.JREECMB migSTER OF CUBA

Secretary-General U Thant sent the following cable today to Prime Minister

Fidel Castro Ruz of Cuba:

"Me he enterado con ansiedad da la maseria y devastacidn causadas en

Cuba por el reciente huracefn y desearfa expresarle mi profunda pena a

Vuestra Excelencia, a vuestro Gobisrno y a vuestro pueblo, asf como mis

coadolencias a las familias de las vfctimas de tan terrible desastre."

Translation from Spanish;

"I have learned -with anxiety of the misery and devastation caused in

Cuba by the recent hurricane and would like to express my deep concern to

Your Excellency, to your Government and your people, as veil as my

condolences to the families of the victims of such a dreadful disaster."

*


Press ServicesOffice of Public Information

United Nations, N.Y»

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — WOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD)

Pi-ess Ee? eass SG/L5917 October 1963

CABLE FROM SECRETARY-GEISHA!, TO PRESIDENT. OF .HAITI

Secretary-General U Thant today sent the following cable to President

Frangois Duvalier of Haiti5

"C'est avec une grande tristesse que j'ai appris la soorae de degats et

de misers qu'a provoque a Haiti l*ouragan qui s'y est abattuu Je voudrais

adresser a votre Excellence 1'assurance de ma profonde inquietude et lui

transinettre les condoleances que j'adresse a votre Gouvernement et aux popu-

lations qui out souffert de ce terrible desastre."

Translation froa Fr ench;

"I was sorry to hear the sad news of the misery and devastation caused

in Haiti by the recent hurricane and wou3.d like to transmit to Your Excellency

the expressions of my deep concern^ as well as my condolences to your Govern-

ment and people for the losses suffered as a result of such a dreadful disaster.'!

-55-


ri ServicesOffice of Public Information


(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD).-

Press Release SG/15881 October 1963

0?FEES OF ' STAND-BY r MILITARY UNITS TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Secretary-General U Thant has communicated the following views to the

Governments concerned;

Communications concerning offers of "stand-by" military units which could

be made available to the United Nations on request have been addressed recently

to the Secretary-General by the Governments of Denmark, Finland, Netherlands,

Norway and Sweden. Informal approaches on the same subject have been made

by some other Governments. The units in question would be for use in United

Nations peace-keeping operations and would be kept in readiness for assignment

to United Nations duties,

The Secretary-General, in welcoming and accepting these offers, has

emphasized the conditions implicit in them, namely that the troops thus designated

would be available to the United Nations whenever they might be called for by the

Organization to meet a peace-keeping need, and that unless and until the troops

should be called for, the offer to make them available would have no financial

consequences for the United Nations.

The Secretary-General has also pointed out that generally the peace-keeping

operations of the United Nations in which military personnel are employed are

undertaken on the basis of specific authorization by one of the competent United

Nations organs. The exact composition of the military ',ody required by the

specific operation, as regards particularly such factors as nationality and

language, is necessarily and largely influenced by the locus and the nature of

the situation giving rise to the need for the peace-keeping operation. There is,

of course, no authorization for the creation of a standing or stand-by United

Nations force as such,

»



United Nations, N.Y.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

< _ _ 3 _ TEXT Press Release SG/1587Not for release before 22 September 1963U:30 PM (EDT), Sunday, 22 September

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U TBMT AT THE CONSECRATION

CEREMONY OF THE CETJRCK CENTER FOR THE UNITED NATIONS*

"The Church Center for the United Nations which is being consecrated

today is aimed at serving as a Christian symbol and a focal point of Christian

education in international relations. As such, it has considerable

significance and its activities will render, no doubt, a most useful purpose.

"I see in the establishment of this Center, however, an even larger

meaning — one which is close to the very roots of the United Nations and is

shared by the great number of non-governmental institutions devoted to the

teaching and to the support of the principles of the Charter. The United

Nations, in effect, was intended to be not only an organization of governments

but in a sense also an association of the peoples of the world. The chain of

non-governmental institutions supporting the United Nations from one confine

to the other of the globe and promoting a clearer understanding of the aims,

the limitations and the activities of the United Nations, constitute a most

important link between the Organization itself and people everywhere. It is

fitting in this context to recall that the opening words of the Charter are

not attributed to the Governments signatories of the covenant, but are spoken

on behalf of the 'peoples of the United Nations'.

"in reading the statement on the purposes of the Church Center, I have

noted that it not only intends to establish relationships, amongst others,

with the United Nations and its related organizations, but also stresses the

fact that it is an act of faith in the present and future of the United.Nations

and of the work of the churches for peace. It thus emphasizes, since its very

inception, a broad spirit of service, one which goes beyond any narrow or

sectarian conception.

(more)

*The dEurcn center is situated- at United Nations Plaza, in New York City, and isa religious institution under the direction of the National Council of Churchesof the United States.

- 2 - Press Release SG/158722 September 1963

"I am sure that I can say without fear of contradiction that there are

many provisions in the Charter of the United Nations which conform to the

tenets of all great religions. One of them cen be found in the Preamble where

'the peoples of the United Nations' are asked *to practice tolerance and live

together in peace with one another as good neighbours'.

"Experience shows us that dogmatic belief and intolerance go hand in

hand. Wherever the one appears, the other is not far off. A peaceful progress

in social development, in morality, knowledge, art, science and philosophy, is

possible only in a society where tolerance and freedom of thought prevail.

"What above all helps to promote this sense of tolerance in a people is

that universal and all-embracing kindness and love which, I believe, is the

key to all great religions, and which is the foundation on which all moral

and social progress is based.

"Your building of sober architecture ~ the newest addition to the fast-

growing family of constructions in the United Nations Plaza — will serve as

a timely and constant reminder of the need to strive for the realization of

spiritual as well as of material values. The quest for peace, whether in the

minds of men or in the relations between States, can be successful only if

adequate satisfaction is given to the basic aspirations of mankind for a

better life, a life of ethical fulfilment as well as of material well-being.

To sacrifice one or the other is to mutilate the essence of man.

"Much has been said about the rapid scientific and technological advance

and how far behind this progress lags our ability to solve the basic problem

of living in peace with our fellow men. This is a generally accepted estimate

of a rather obvious situation. But what is not so widely recognized as yet

is that the solutions have now to be found thro\igh the means and in the

context of international cooperation as much as through national efforts."Your Center is being inaugurated at the time when the United Nations

General Assembly Is meeting at its eighteenth regular session. Leaders of

Governments of every continent are gathered together once again to examine

the state of the world and to deliberate about ways and means of solving

international problems.

(more )

- 5 - Press Release SG/1587f 22 September 1963\i "The eighteenth session has opened in an atmosphere of renewed hope.

The partial Test Ban Treaty signed in Moscow on 5 August, while in itself

is an agreement of modest proportions, has opened the door to further and

more meaningful steps in the direction of peace and disarmament,

"I have no doubt that the Church Center has been founded with the aim,

amongst others, of promoting awareness for international cooperation.

"I have very great pleasure in welcoming its establishment and look

forward to its contribution towards furthering tolerance, understanding and

friendship between peoples everywhere."





Note No. 2827

1 October 1963

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS

Attached is the text of a filmed conversati6n between Secretary-General U Thant and Alistair Cooke, host of the United Nations

Television series "International Zone",

The programme is being carried today, 1 October, by 60 United

States television stations. It will also be carried by television

stations in Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, Nigeria, the Philippines

and the United Kingdom.The programme -was filmed in the Secretary-General's conference

room some weeks ago; it vas informal and unrehearsed.

(more)

UNITED NATIONSO F F I C E O F P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N

R A D I O A N D V I S U A L S E R V I C E S

NATIONS UNIESS E R V I C E D E [ ' I N F O R M A T I O N

R A D I O E T M O Y E N S V I S U E L S

I

N A C I O N E S UNIDASS E R V I C I O S D E I N F O R M A C I O N P U B L I C A

R A D I O E I N F O R M A C I O N V I S U A L

"INTENTIONAL ZONE"

withAlistair Cooke as Host

"Conversation with U Thant"

Producer:Director:Camera:

Film Editor:Sound:

George MovshonV. R. SarmaClaude HoulbrequePierre DesbonnetHsin-Teh-ChenVincent RamelloChristopher LankesterWilliam Van Vyne

63-41858

-1 -

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am. Alistair Cooke andtoday we are on the thirty-eighth floor of theUnited Naoions Secretariat building in New Yorkin the office of the Secretary-General. Nowsince November 1961 the Secretary-General hasbeen U Thant, and once again we are privilegedto sit and talk with him about the state of theworld, about the progress of the United Nations,about many things that had not come up when welast talked with him,

Mr. Secretary-General there seems to be a greatdeal of misunderstanding abroad. about thefinancial condition of the United Nations, Wowwould you tell us what caused the crisis in thefirst place? And what the present financialcondition of the United Nations is?

Yes, Mr. Cooke, I agree with you that there hasbeen a great deal of misunderstanding regardingthe financial difficulties of the United Nations.If I may put it that way, the U.N. finances canbe classified into two categories: The normalexpenses, and the abnormal expenses, or in otherwords, the regular budget and the peace-keepingbudget.

Now by peace-keeping, this is for emergencyoperations like the Gaza strip, the Congo.

Yes, as far as the regular budget is concernedthe U.W. is quite solvent. Almost all theMember States paid up their dues and if I rememberrightly there is a very, very small amount ofarrears outstanding. But the problem arisesin regard to the peace-keeping operations for,as you have just said, in the Congo and in theMiddle East. Regarding this financing of thepeace-keeping operations there are two schools ofthought in the U.N. The first school maintains,that the General Assembly is quite competent toallocate financial responsibility on MemberStates towards the peace-keeping expenses, while,of course, a minority of the Member Statesincluding two big powers, two permanent membersof the Security Council don't agree with thatview. They maintain that the Security Council,which is the principal organ of the UnitedNations for peace-keeping operations, is the onlycompetent organ to allocate financial responsib-ility for peace-keeping operations. In my view,Mr. Cooke, the 1964 session of the GeneralAssembly will be historic, in that the MemberStates have to decide one way or the other.

— 2 —

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKS:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

Now in the meantime is the United Nations indecent financial shape?

No, I am afraid not. And as you know the UnitedNations has spent over $350,000,000 for the Congoalone and for the Middle East operations theUnited Nations has been spending at the rate of$20,000,000 a year.

Well now how much,is that fund in arrears fromnon-contributors?

If the Member States which have refused to payfor these peace-keeping operations still maintaintheir position my guess is that the U.N. will bein the red by $140,000,000 at the end of 1963.

Well now doesn't this situation inhibit thepossibility of further peace-keeping operations?If there is a crisis somewhere, won't you thinktwice, won^t. the U.H, think twice, the Assembly,.everybody, about initiating another operationthat's going to cost money that will take youfurther into the red?

Yes, I feel very strongly that if some memberscontinue to maintain their present position theUnited Nations will not be able to. discharge itsobligations under the Charter. As you no doubtwill agree with me, there are two schools ofthought regarding the functions of the UnitedNations. One school maintains that the UnitedNations must be a mere forum for debates anddiscussions and nothing more. The other schoolwhich is, of course, shared by the vast majorityof the,Member States maintain that the UnitedNations must develop into a really effectiveinstrument for maintaining peace and for thecreation of a congenial climate for better inter-national, relations. Needless to say I subscribeto the second school.

Something else, occurs to me •'Mch is a kind ofpeace-keeping oneration, a very early stage, which wasused in the League of Nations and which has beenused all the way through the history of the UnitedNations. Iftat I am thinking of is the observersthat were sent for instance to Malaysia and toWest Irian, and to Yemen, to look into a dispute.Now, under what' conditions do you send observersout?

U THAWT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THAWT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

Well this ib a new phenomenon in the performanceof the United Nations functions, particularlyclosely relating to the Office of the Secretary--General, Hell, as I have just already pointedout, there are three instances in the past yearor so. First of all, there was the case ofWest Irian* In that instance the Governmentsconcerned, the Governments of Indonesia and theNetherlands, came to an agreement, of coursewith my good offices. And they wanted me tocomply with the terms of the agreement and I hadto send a United Nations temporary executiveauthority, which is known as UNTEA, to thearea...

Excuse me, Sir, but is the new thing about thisthe fact that these disputing Governments cameto you in the first place and not to a bodyof the United Nations? ... is that the new thing?

That is a new development,

Well now, isn't this very delicate? There havebeen charges that possibly you are going beyondyour function as is sanctioned by the Charter.What does the Charter say about this?

Actually the Secretary-General, being a principalorgan of the United Nations, has certain functionsto perform and certain responsibilities to under-take. I uon't share the view that the Charterdoes not provide for such performance on the partof the Secretary-General. Actually, the Charterdoes not prohibit the Secretary-General from theperformance of such functions. But in all suchcases in 1Test Irian, in Yemen, in Malaysia, Icomplied -with the request of the relevant govern-ments concerned on the definite understanding thatall expenses to be incurred would be shared bythe principal parties concerned.

Oh, by the Governments, not by the United Nations?

Not by the United Nations. There is no financialimplication whatsoever to the United Nations. Andin all such cases in the 'Test Irian, for instance,I reported to the General Assembly of my actionand the General Assembly took note of my action.I propose to do the same thing in regard toYemen and of course for the assessment of publicopinion in Sarawak and North Borneo, it belonged

•"•/(,*-

U THANT:(contd)

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THAHT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

.ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

to a different category. It didn't involveU.N. administration, it didn't involve a prolongedperiod of U.N, observation, it involved the U.N.assessment of public opinion in these tiro countries.

It has to do with elections.

Yes.

Excuse'me, was this the elections that had alreadytaken place, to see that the elections had beencorrect and that the result was as it was statedto be?

Primarily, yes, and also it does not precludethe assessment of opinion outside the elected bodies.

Now that is quite new,,.

The agreement of the three heads of Governmentsin Manila mentioned a fresh approach. So thatmeant in effect that the investigation or assess-ment or ascertaining cf the views of the peoplein these two areas should not be confined primarilyto the views of the elected members only.

And the 'fresh approach was the one that was takenby you?

Yes, it was stipulated in the agreement itself,.,by the summit.

What is the — I know you don't agree with itobviously - but what is the argument that you haveexceeded or may be exceeding your proper initiative?

To my knowledge there has not been a single MemberState who questioned my actions.

But it is in the press .,, in the British...

In the press, in a section of public opinion, forinstance.

Yes

But in the performance of my duties, of course, Ihave to be sensitive to the views of the MemberStates, that is Member Governments, not a sectionof a population, or a section of the Press.

Do you see any change in the development of theSecretary-Generalship that might possibly begin toarouse suspicion or make some Member Nations thinkyou are exceeding? This did happen after all withMr. Hammarskjold,

c _

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

W THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

.Yes, of course, one can. ot rule out such a prospect.Sooner or I ter I aia afraid I have to run into suchcriticism, but so far I have not run into any suchopposition„

I -wonder if the explosion that we all talk about ofAsia, Africa and the great multiplying of members ofAfrican and Asian states - if this is having aneffect on the structure of power in the UnitedNations?

Well., the entry of many new States, particularlyfrom Asia and Africa give a certain character,certain new aspect to the functioning of the UnitedNations - I have no doubt about it. And also, youare no doubt aware, I believe in the universalityof its membership, of the membership of the UnitedNations, I am convinced that the admission of newmembers from Asia and Africa is a good trend, itmakes for strengthening of the United Nations andI don't share the viextf that the entry of manyAfrican States weakens the structure of the UnitedNations, In the first instance, I believe inuniversality and secondly,..

One man, one vote...

One man, one vote, and secondly, in my experience,many new states are exercising their functions withmaturity and with a level headed approach to allproblems as is indicated by the performance of manyAfrican States, not only inside the United Nat'.ons,but also at thft historic summit conference in AddisAbaba in May 1963. And, I may as well make someobservations, brief observations, on this aspect oftransition from the dependent status to the inde-pendent status. As I see the situation, there aretwo Aspects to the problem. It is true, I am sure,that some countries gain independence completelyunprepared for the new types of responsibilities theyare expected to shoulder. The other aspect of theproblem is, if independence is too long delayed,unnecessarily deferred, my experience is thatextreme forces come to the surface and dominate thescene, Such a situation does not help the causeof peace, or progress, and far from that, thesesituations actually contribute towards the compli-cation of international relationships. So myfeeling is that it is a very good thing for the•world community as well as for the cause of peaceand progress that more and more independent countriesjoin the United Nations.

- 6 -

ALISTAIR COOKS:

U THANT:

ALIST-«IR.''COOKE:

U THANT:

Now we believed in the last days of the Leagueof Nations, before the second war destroyed it,that we were approaching an age where nationalismwould mean less and less, but now we find that weare getting more .and more nationalistic States vathpride, natural pride, in their new nations. Now,doesn't this mean with 111, 112, 120 it is goingto be - new nations, that we are -oing to have amuch harder time inside the United Nations gettingthe general concensus?

Yes, in a way, of course, it will complicate theoperation of the United Nations in the ... almostall of its principal organs. But my feeling isthis complication will be just a passing phaseas in all human developments; and the future isfor more stability and the increased contributionof these smaller states for the stability, notonly of this world organization but for thepeace and progress of mankind.

Uhat is the United Nations doin~people grow?

to help these

ALISTAIR COOKE:

As you are no doubt aware, Mr. Cooke, the UnitedNations has been doing all it can. Not only theUnited Nations, but all its sister agencies, likeILO, FAO, '''HO, UNESCO are doing their utmost toraise the living standards of the peoples,particularly in the underdeveloped areas. Forinstance, look at the Congo. In the Congo, theUnited Nations and its sister agencies have beendoing a splendid job in the last three years.Even now, we have more than one thousand threehundred non-military personnel in the Congo inthe form of teachers, engineers, judges, tech-nicians and so on... Even after the irilitarydisengagement from the Congo, it is my feelingthat the continued presence of non-militarypersonnel, like teachers*«.

Doctors and so on...

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THAWT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT.:

ALISTAIR COOKE)

U THANT':

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

,.fare very, essential. So my feeling is that themood everywhere is to help. It is evident fromthe last 'meetir£ of the Conference on the Applica-tion of Science and Technology to the UnderdevelopedCountries which took place in Geneva early in 1963.The mood -of the developed countries and the goodwill of the developed countries towards the lessprivileged countries was very evident from thenature of the discussions, the resolutions andthe recommendations adopted. Aid and developmentare two concepts which cannot be separated* Themore rapid the pace of the development of theunderdeveloped countries is, the more affluentwill be the developed countries also. So thedonors in the experience of the last fifteen yearshave been in a position of effecting a very rapideconomic growth, in spite of the fact that theyare shelling out billions of .dollars and sterlingto the underdeveloped countries. So this is anobvioua case of a mutual benefit to both thedonors and the recipient countries,,

Do you see the possibility that one day foreignal.d, which is such a political issue in semecountries - that foreign aid will be all channeledthrough the United Nations? Wouldn't that be agood thing?

That is 'the wish of the majority members of theUnited Nations, Of course, all aid should be multi-lateral as far as possible, but there are suchsentiments.- as national sentiments,, national pride,national glories and these motivations also playtheir part»

I wonder, Sir, i£ you would care to tell us aboutwhat the United Nations itself is dcing t« help thetwo thirds of the hungry people of the world in whatyou call the development decade programme?

The development decade programme was launched in the.General Assembly Session of I96l» And since thelaunching of this programme, the United Nations andall its sister agencies have been devising ways andmeans and phased steps and priorities to implement.their decision. So far the response has been mostencouraging.

Does it work entirely through the sister agencies?

Through the sister agenciea%

First of all,Sir,what is the point of decade?Why ten years?

Now, it is sufficiently longi my view to achieve,results, and sufficiently short to focus publicsattention on the histeric character of that programme»

U THABT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

The philosophy behind this progx'airme is the convic-tion that th« division of the world between the richand the poor is much more real and much more seriousand in the long rum much more e plosive^ than thedivision of the world on ideological grounds* Withthis conviction, the Member Nations of theUnited Nations launciied that programme of thedevelopment decadee The primary aim of thatprogramme was and still is, to raise the living jstandards of the unfortunate two thirds of humanity

tI am just thinking what giant strides you couldtake in this programme, if the Member States de-cided at some halcyon date, to take all the moneythey are putting into arms and give it intosomething creative.

Yes, 'Shis is one aspect of the disarmament problem,which is being seiaed of by the Economic; andSocial Council* The item is called the ecwnomicand social consequences of disarmament, which inmy view is one of the most important items beforethe Economic and Social Council and for thatmatter before the General Assembly, To illustratemy point, I think it is interesting to note thatwhat the United Nations has been spending in. allspherea, political, economic and social andtrusteeship is just a very tiny fragment of whatthe countries, particularly the major powers havebeen spending on armament. They must have verygood reasons to spend that huge sum for the sakeaf national security, but my point is what onegreat power spends on the military budget alonefor one hour is equivalent to what the UnitedMations has been spending for one month,

Well, I think the question is grim but verysimple, and it is -. tiari" you have disarmamentwithout economic chaos?

I am convinced, Mr, Cooke, that vre can have dis-armament without chaos — without economies chaos,Ihis view has been corroborated by eight eminenteconomists who met last year. As a result of aGeneral Assembly Resolution, they studied thisproblem from all aspects. When I say eighteminent economists, they are economists from bcthEast and West, They came to the unanimous con-clusion that disarmament will not only nrotaffect the economic development of the countries,but they can even accelerate the economic progressof the Member States, This view has never beencontested by any Member State or from any quarter*

- 9 -

ALISTAIR COOKEi

THANI:

ALISTAIR COOKE:

U THANT:

Mr» Secretary-General, tell me^ werve been hearingfrom many heads of States and all of them speakingquite cautiously that the recent partial nucleartest ban treaty is a first step towards disarm-ament, now I wonder what your opinion is, and ifyou think it is, why?

Well, I had the privilege of being invited by thethree big powers to be present at the ceremony ofthe signing of this partial test-ban treaty inMoscow on 5 August 1963* In my view, it is adefinite breakthrough in the cold war and it issymbolic of the improved international relations,particularly relations between the Bast and theWest and it seems to me that it is a dawn of anew era. Apart from the psychological andpolitical aspects, it is common knowledge thatthe conclusion of this partial test-ban treatywill deny these atomic powers from furtherpoisoning the atmosphere, which in itself is avery significant step forward, and the mood inMoscow at the signing ceremony was one of hope andoptimism all around» And everybody seemed tohave a cautious optimism about the future progressof disarmament negotiations. Of course, there arestill several steps to be taken in the light ofthis initial agreement,, I have indicated someareas in Moscoiir in which the big powers can use-fully exchange views. I don't know, of course,how far these ideas will take roots, but every-body seems to be convinced that the signing ofthe partial test-ban treaty is a forerunner ofmore agreements, not only in the field of nucleartesting, but also in the field of general andcomplete disarmament, which is the aspiration ofall humanity. And for the conclusion of such atreaty, I want to take this opportunity of payinga tribute to the very valiant and persistentefforts of these non-aligned countries which havecontributed more or less in a psychological waytowarda the successful conclusion of this treaty.

And what is the contribution that you think theyhave made?

Their contribution has been all along for thebanning of all nuclear tests. That has been theirtheme, year after year, in the General Assemblyand in the Disarmament Commission in Geneva also.I think this moral impact, this psychologicalimpact also has yielded some fruits.

-lo-

ll TH&NTs As I indicated to you on a previous occasion,I think there are two concepta regarding allproblems.* In the West, the stress is on. thedevelopment of the intellect,, I think the aimof education generally, when I say the West, ofcourse 1 mean to include the United States, theUnited Kingdom, Europe and Russia also. The \aim of education generally is to create doctors,scientists, engineers and to discover outer space, 1to go to the moon, and Kara and the stars» That.is the primary aim of Western education* In theEast traditionally, the aim has been the develop-ment- of the moral and spiritual aspects of manwWe are being taught to discover ourselves, tcdiscover what is. happening inside of us., to tryto appreciate the values, for instance, of humility,tolerance, the philosophy of life and let live,and the desire to understand the other man's pointof view* These qualities were traditionallydeveloped in the East, at the expense of intellectuaJdevelopment. So my feeling is the pure intellectualdevelopment unaccompanied by a. corresponding moraland spiritual development is sure to lead humanityfrom one crisis to another* This intellect musbbe tempered by the moral and spiritual aspects oflife* So, I feel very strongly that for the.development of man, a-ll three aspects must befully integrated. This development must be in allthree fields, intellectual, moral and. spiritual,and I have definite indications of this harmonisingtrend also* As you are no doubt aware, I am a be»-liever, a strong believer in the Hegelian conceptof thesis, antithesis and synthesis, and I am.alsjo confident that there are unmistakable trendstowards the synthesis*

CLOSING TITLE CLOSING THEME




(FOR USE OP IKPORMA.TICJH MEDIA — HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/L58617 September 1963

SECRETARY-GENERAL MEETS V7ITH MEMBERS OF THE FRENCH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The Secretary-General today received the Chairman and the members of the*

Finance Committee of the French National Assembly, who are at present visiting

the United States. He had an exchange of views with them on the problems

facing the United Nations General Assembly. The visitors were accompanied by

Ambassador Roger Seydoux, Permanent Representative of France to the United

Nations, who introduced them to the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General took advantage of this occasion to clarify a

statement related to French policies which he had made at his last press

conference and which seemed to have caused some surprise in French circles.

It had certainly not been the Secretary-General's intention to give his

own interpretation of French policies but rather to draw the attention of the

press, in the context of long-range political developments, to the fact that

new ideas were developing in France in regard to international problems.

These ideas were important in the current world situation and should be

studied seriously by all — including the press — as they were bound to

have an influence on the course of world events.

* y y \tK K A

* Members of the Committee included the following: Jean-Paul Palewski, Chairman;Philippe Nivain; Jacques Weinman; Andre Voisin; Yvon Bourges;Louis Jaillon; Louis Salle; Roger Souchalj Rene Samson; Paul Borgniet.



United Nations, N.Y,

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — EOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)Press Release SG/158516 September 1963

NOTE FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO ALL MEMBER STATES

The following note verbale, dated 13 September 1963, was transmitted

by Secretary-General U Thant to the Permanent Representatives of all

Member States of the United Nations:

"The Secretary-General of the United Nations presents his compliments

to the Permanent Representative of to the

United Nations and has the honour to transmit herewith, for his

information, the report of the United Nations Malaysian Mission to the

Secretary-General, as well as the conclusions which the Secretary-General

has communicated to the Governments of the Republic of Indonesia, the

Federation of Malaya and the Republic of the Philippines, following the

joint request addressed on 5 August 1963 to the Secretary-General ;by their

Ministers for Foreign Affairs. Copies of the report and the conclusions

have been made available to the Government of the United Kingdom as the

Administering Authority",

# *•&•# *



United Nations, ELY.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- EOT AM OFFICIAL RECORD)

C A U T I O N Press Release SG/1584

Not for release before 15 SePtember *&11 a.m.__(EDT)_Satui-day, Ik September 1963

LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF INDONESIA

The following letter, dated 13 September 1963, was sent by Secretary-General U Thant to Dr. Subandrio, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia:

"Sir,

"I have the honour to refer to the request that you addressed to me

jointly with the Foreign Minister of the Federation of Malaya and the Foreign

Minister of the Philippines, on August *}, 1963, and to my reply of 8 August

1963 concerning the ascertainment of the wishes of the people of Sabah

(North Borneo) and Sarawak prior to the establishment of the Federation of

Malaysia.

"I attach herewith the conclusions which I have undertaken to communicate

to your Government on the basis of the report of the United Nations Malaysian

Mission.

"I should like to take this opportunity to convey to your Government my

deep appreciation for the confidence it has placed in me by requesting my

assistance regarding the implementation of this part of the Manila Accord

and the Manila Joint Statement.

"My acceptance of this request was made in full awareness of the difficulties

of the task, but, I would like to assure you, and through you, your Government,

that my sole desire in this matter has been to be able to contribute to the

objectives of a better understanding and closer co-operation between the States

of the region, as reaffirmed in the Manila declaration of August 3, 1963.

"Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration."




(FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/1583C A U T I O N 13 September 1963

Not for release before". a. ;. un>J's £:-vx-da.y Ik September 1963

FINAL CONCLUSIONS OF TEE SECRETARY-GENERAL REGARDING MALAYSIA

"In response to the request made by the Governments of the Federation of

Malaya, the Republic of Indonesia, and the Republic of the Philippines, on

5 August 1963, I agreed to ascertain, prior to the establishment of the Federation

of Malaysia, the wishes of the people of Sabah (North Borneo), and Sarawak.

As foreseen in my communication cf 8 August 1963, a Mission was established,

comprising two teams, one for Sarawak and the other for Sabah (North Borneo),

working under the supervision of my personal representative. The Mission has now

completed the inquiry assigned to it, and has reported to me.

"I wish, first of all, to express my gratitude to the three Governments

for the confidence they placed in me by requesting that I should undertake the

task of ascertaining the wishes of the population of Sarawak and North Borneo

(Sabah) prior to the establishment of Malaysia. I also wish to express ray

appreciation to the Government of the United Kingdom and to the authorities of

the two territories for having given their agreement to the inquiry and their

full co-operation to the Mission.

"It was always understood that the ascertainment would be completed within a

limited period of time, and my communication of 8 August noted that every effort

would be made to complete the task as quickly as possible. I later informed the

Governments concerned that I would endeavour to report my conclusions to them by

Ik September. During the course of the inquiry, the date of l6 September 1963

was announced by the Government of the Federation of Malaya with the concurrence

of the British Government, the Singapore Government and the Governments of Sabah

and Sarawak, for the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia. This has led

to misunderstanding and confusion and even resentment among other parties to

the Manila agreement, which could have been avoided if the date could have been

fixed after my conclusions had been reached and made known.

(more)

4- 2 - Press Release SG/1583 *

13 September 19 3 *

"There was no reference to a referendum or plebiscite in the request

which was addressed to me. I was asked to ascertain the wishes of the

people 'within the context of General Assembly resolution 15 -1 (XV),

Principle IX of the Annex, by a fresh approach' which in my opinion was

necessary 'to ensure complete compliance with the principle of self-

determination within the requirements embodied in Principle IX1, taking

into consideration certain questions relating to the recent elections.

The Mission accordingly arranged for consultations with the population

through the elected representatives of the people, leaders of political

parties and other groups and organizations, and with all persons who

were willing to express their views, and every effort was made to ascer-

tain the wishes of the special groups (political detainees and absentees)

mentioned in the Manila Joint Statement. The Mission gathered and studied

all available documents, reports and other material on the governmental

institutions, political organization, electoral processes in the two

territories, and other matters relevant to its terms of reference,

"The Governments of the Federation of Malaya, the Republic of Indonesia

and the Republic of the Philippines deemed it' desirable to send observers

to witness the carrying out of the task, and the Government of the United

Kingdom decided that it also wished the same facility. Although I did

not -consider the arrangements for observers to be part of the Secretary-

General 's responsibility, I endeavoured to help the Governments concerned

to reac".a agreement, and I am pleased that an understanding was finally

arrived at so that observers of all the Governments concerned could be

present during at least part of the inquiry. It is a matter for regret

that this understanding could not have been reached earlier, so that all

observers could have been present in the territories for the entire period

of the inquiries and that questions of detail pertaining to the status of

the observers unnecessarily delayed even further their arrival. A more

congenial atmosphere would have been achieved if the necessary facilities

had "been granted more promptly by the Administering Authority. The Mission,

hoover, made its records, including tape recordings of all its hearings,

available for the use of the observer teams to enable them to inform

themselves as fully as possible of what had occurred before their arrival.

(more)


"The basic assessment which I was asked to make has broader implications

than the specific questions enumerated in the request addressed to me by the

three Governments. As mentioned previously, I was asked to 'ascertain, prior

to the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia, the wishes of the people

of Sabah (North Borneo) and Sarawak within the context of General Assembly

resolution 15 1 (XV), Principle IX of the Annex, by a fresh approach, which

in the opinion of the Secretary-General is necessary to ensure complete

compliance with the principle of self-determination within the requirements

embodied, in Principle IX'.

"Concerning the integration of a non-self-governing territory with an

already independent state, Principle IX provides:

"'Integration should have come about in the following circumstances:

(a) The integrating territory should have attained an advanced stage of

self-government with free political institutions, so that its peoples would

have the capacity to make a responsible choice through informed and democratic

processes;

(b) The integration should be the result of the freely expressed wishes of

the territory1s peoples acting with full knowledge of the change in their

status, their wishes having been expressed through informed and democratic

processes, impartially conducted and based on universal adult suffrage.

The United Nations could, when it deems it necessary, supervise these processes.'

"I have given consideration to the circumstances in which the proposals

for the Federation of Malaysia have been developed and discussed, and the

possibility that people progressing through the stages of self-government

may be less able to consider in an entirely free context the implications

of such changes in their status, than a society which has already experienced

full self-government and the determination of its own affairs. I have also

been aware that the peoples of the territories are still striving for a more

adequate level of educational development.

"Having reflected fully on these considerations, and taking into account

the framework within which the Mission' s task was performed,! have come to

the conclusion that the majority of the peoples of Sabah (Worth Borneo) and

of Sarawak, have given serious and thoughtful consideration to their future,

and to the implications for them of participation in a Federation of Malaysia.

(more)

- k - Press Release SG/158313 September 1963 «

I believe that the majority of them have concluded that they wish to bring

their dependent status to an end and to realize their independence through .

freely chosen association with other peoples in their region with whom they

feel ties of ethnic association, heritage, language, religion, culture,

economic relationship, and ideals and objectives. Not all of these

considerations are present in equal weight in all minds, but it is my

conclusion that the majority of the peoples of the two territories, having

taken them into account, wish to engage, with the peoples of the Federation

of Malaya and Singapore, in an enlarged Federation of Malaysia through which

they can strive together to realize the fulfilment of their destiny.

"With regard to the more specific questions referred to me, my conclu-

sions concerning the recent elections in Sarawak and Sabah (Worth Borneo),

and after the examination and verification reported by the Mission, are:

"(a) Malaysia has been the subject of widespread and intensive

public debate, and was a major issue in the recent elections

in the two territories;

"(b) Electoral registers were properly compiled;

"(c) The elections took place in an atomsphere free enough to enable

the candidates and political parties to put their case before

the electorate, and the people were able to express themselves

freely by casting their votes in a polling system which provided

the basic safeguards for secret balloting, and measures for the

prevention and correction of abuses;

"(d) The votes were properly polled and counted;

"(e) Persons otherwise eligible to vote but who were unable to do so

because of detention for political activities, or imprisonment

for political offences, numbered somewhat less than 100 in

Sarawak, and even less in Sabah (Horth Borneo) at the time of

the elections. Testimony given by this group, especially in

Sarawak, indicated that they would have opposed the Federation

of Malaysia if they had participated in the election. The actual

votes of this group would not have been sufficient to have had

a material effect on the result. The Mission has given much

attention to the possible effect which the absence of these persons,

some of whom were officials of the anti-Malaysia party, might have

had on the campaign. The Mission considered the similar question

concerning some 1.6k persons whose activity was restricted to some

extent, "but who retained the right to vote.

(more)

Hoting that the anti-Malaysia party scored convincing electoral

victories in many of the areas to which these persons belonged,

I accept the Mission's conclusion that a substantial limitation

of the campaigning potential of the group opposed to the

Federation of Malaysia has not occurred, so as seriously and

significantly to have affected the result of the election.

"(f) The Mission made special efforts to obtain reliable information

regarding persons who were absent from the territories at the

time of the election, particularly as a result of possible

political or other intimidation. The evidence available

indicated that the number of such persons, otherwise qualified

to vote, did not exceed a few hundred, and that their number

could hot have affected the results of the election. I note

that the principal officials of the party in Sarawak opposed

to the Federation of Malaysia, agree with this assessment, and

I accept it.

"Bearing in mind the fundamental agreement of the three participating

Governments in the Manila meetings, and the statement by the Republic of

Indonesia and the Republic of the Philippines that they would welcome the

formation of Malaysia provided that the support of the people of the territories

was ascertained by me and that, in my opinion, complete compliance with the

principle of self-determination within the requirements of General Assembly

resolution 15 -1 (XV), Principle IX of the Annex, was ensured, my conclusions,

based on the findings of the Mission, is that on both of these counts there

is no doubt about the wishes of a sizeable majority of the peoples of these

territories to join in the Federation of Malaysia.

(more)

-6- Press Release SG/1583 i13 September 1963

"In reaching my conclusions, I have taken account of the concern expressed

with regard to the political factors resulting from the constitutional status of the

territories and about influences from outside the area on the promotion of the

proposed Federation. Giving these considerations their due weight, in relation

to the responsibilities and obligations established in Article 73 and General

A-7~er;,bly resolution IJlii- (XV) in respect of the territories, I am satisfied that

tae conclusions set forth above take cognizance of, and are in accordance with,

the requirements set forth in the request addressed to me on 5 August 19&3 by "t 6

Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia, the Federation of Malaya and the

Republic of the Philippines.

"Before concluding, I would like to pay a tribute to my Personal Representa-

tive, Mr. L. Michelmore, my Deputy Representative, Mr. G. Janecek, and to all

the members of the United Nations Malaysia Mission who accomplished a sensitive

and difficult task in a relatively short period, but at the same time in a

thorough and wholly adequate manner. In a sense, it was a pity that the work of

the Mission had to be accomplished within certain deadlines. But I do feel that,

while more time might have enabled the Mission to obtain more copious documentation

and other evidence, it would not have affected the conclusions to any significant

extent.

"From the beginning of this year I have been observing the rising tension in

South-East Asia on account of the differences of opinion among the countries most

directly interested in the Malaysia issue. It was in the hope that some form of

United Nations involvement might help to reduce tension that I agreed to respond

positively to the request made by the three Manila Powers. I would hope that the

exercise in which my colleagues and I have been involved in this regard will have

this effect, and that the coming into being of Malaysia will not prove to be

a continuing source of friction and tension in the area.

"The emergence of dependent territories by a process of self-determination to

the status of self-government, either as independent sovereign States or as

autonomous components of larger units, has always been one of the purposes of the

Charter and the objectives of the United Nations»

"Whatever the origins of the proposal of Malaysia may hove been, it seems to

me in the light of actual events, including the present exercise, that we have

witnessed in Sarawak and North Borneo the same process leading to self-government.

I fervently hope that the people of these territories will achieve progress and

prosperity, and find their fulfilment as component States of Malaysia."

* *** *



(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — WOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/158213 September 1963

CABLE FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE PRIMS MINISTER OF BURUNDI

The following cable, dated 13 September 1963; was sent by Secretary-General

U Thant to Pierre Ngendandumwe, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Burundi.

"I have learned with deep regret of the sudden death of His Excellency

M. Lorgio Nimubona, Minister of External Affairs. I ask Your Excellency to

transmit to His Majesty the King, to the members of the Royal Government and

to M. Mmubona's family the expression of my most sincere condolences."

y Jjr ULAA. \*TV A A A TV

STAPP COMMIE BULLETIN

STAFF ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

SCB/9618 September 1963

To All Staff Members:

The Staff Committee has decided to distribute the addresses given by the

Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Staff Committee on the occasion of Staff

Day, 13 September 1963, in the General Assembly hall.

ADDRESS BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT

I am happy to welcome you in this Hall on the occasion of the United Nations

Staff Day. I should also like to address a word of welcome to our musical colleagues,

who have just returned from their special assignment overseas where they carried,

both literally and figuratively, the voice of the United Nations. It was gratifying

to read that the United Nations Singers successfully accomplished their voluntary

mission to the United Kingdom. I am sure you would all wish me to thank them now

for their contribution to the programme of today.

This Staff Day is, I believe, the seventh occasion, in the 18 years of the•V

Secretariat, on which we gather together, as we did last year, outside the daily

business of the office, to share a few hours of informality. I feel it is a

good thing for all of us, coming as we do from over 100 different countries, to

leave our respective floors and meet, both physically and metaphorically on the

same level, on our common ground as servants of the Organization. And we are

fortunate that the generous response of outstanding artists is going to make this

evening not only a social event but also a truly festive occasion.

Since we last assembled in this Hall a year ago, I have met most of you in

your offices. I have seen some of you at duty stations away from Headquarters.

And I have listened and spoken to your elected representatives on matters of concern

63-19925

-2- ;,cE/96

to particular categories of staff members or to the staff as a whole.

Let me first say that throughout the vicissitudes of the past year, the

Secretariat has remained the solid and dependable instrument of the Organization.

If the United IVations has been able to face its challenge in the Congo, to

assist in the transfer of authority in toest Irian (VJest Kew Guinea), to assume

new responsibilities in Yemen and elsewhere, and to carry forward its growing

programme of international co-operation in the economic and social fields, it

was due, to a very large extent, to the loyalty, devotion and the willing

response of the staff members of the Secretariat. I know that many of you had

often to be called back from hor;.e leave to undertake mission assignments at

short notice, and that very often such assignments were accompanied by less than

ideal conditions. But I also know how much your personal participation in the

manifold activities of the Organization has meant to you.

It is, I think, a recognition of the importance of maintaining the

Secretariat as an efficient organ that so much attention has been given to its

problems during the past 12 nonths. I believe it was a helpful development when

the General Assembly, at its seventeenth session, for the first time since 1947*

agreed on a number of principles to be used as guidelines in our continuing

efforts to ensure an adequately representative composition of the staff. A

well-balanced Secretariat is the marl; of a truly international organ as it will

increase the confidence of the Lember States in its impartiality and objectivity,

which in an international civil service are important attributes in addition to

the paramount criteria of efficiency, competence and integrity.

AS part of this policy, recruitment of new staff members was, to the extent

possible, directed towards nationals of 1.ember States hich are either not

represented or under-represented on the Secretariat.

At the same time, a series of steps was taken to strengthen the career

service in the Secretariat. In consultation with the other organizations

participating in the United Nations common system, we have set in motion a study

of the career prospects in the international civil service. Cn the basis of this

inter-agency study, it may be expected that proposals will be formulated next

year for appropriate action.

'.ithin the • ecretariat, we have consciously striven to increase and ac-

celerate the opportunities for advanceiaent. It may be of interest to you that

-3- bCB/96

the promotion registers for 1963 carried a total of 346 names, as compared with

331 in 1962 and 261 in 1961. For the first eight months of 1963, a total of

229 promotions were approved in the General Service category, as against 192

for the corresponding period in 1962. In the professional category and above,

the total number of promotions for the same period of eight months was 220 in

1963, as against 130 in 1962.

Curing the year, certain posts have been reclassified in the hanual Corkers

category, for security personnel in the General Service category and for

language personnel in the Professional category. This has provided a wider

career range for the staff members concerned. I have further authorized a

study to be undertaken of post gradings for the purpose of determining what

'~ action should be taken to improve the advancement opportunities of qualified

'. staff in the General Service category. On the basis of this study, I shall

I give my most earnest and sympathetic consideration to the proposal to provide

' an additional salary level, or levels, within that category or in a separate

technical service category, or in a combination of both.

| Kuch remains to be done and, I am confident, will be done, heanwhile It1 hope that your sense of participation in this international effort to promote

better understanding and to reconcile differences among nations will sustain

I your faith and your morale,i! As the opening of the eighteenth session of the General Assembly draws'K nearer, you will once again be called upon to support the variety of activities

that will be taking place in these halls. Voices will reverberate through the

'• Assembly and its committees giving expression to the hopes and fears, the

\ frustrations and aspirations, of the peoples of the world. Nations large and

i' small, old and new, look upon this Organization as a harmonizing centre for the

; attainment of common ends. As you take time out from your daily occupations toi.' celebrate this Staff Day, I am sure you have the gratifying feeling of being

close to the heart of a great experiment in building a. better world.•

!I STATEMENT BY BASILE YAKOVLLV

CHAIRS. STAFF COMJTTEE

Mr. Secretary-General, Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Staff Day is an important and festive institution. This formal session is

especially valuable for it gives the staff an opportunity of meeting with the

-4- SCB/96

Secretary-General and of hearing his thoughts on matters directly affecting the

Secretariat as one of the principal organs of the Organization. It is on this

yearly occasion that an exchange may take place in your presence between the

Secretary-General., as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization, and me

as your elected spokesman where we can both voice our hopes, our expectations, and

our problems.

However, before I develop my thoughts in this respect, I should like to thank

the Secretary-General for continuing the Staff Day tradition and, in particular, for

his presence at these gatherings. It is in many ways thanks to the personal

interest he has taken in Staff Day as a United Nations institution that some dif-

ficulties have been overcome in arranging it. I should like to thank all those who -J

have given so much of their time and energy to ensure its success. A special word

of thanks to the Credit Union and to the U.fti. Cooperative who have made generous

contributions to the Staff Day fund. encouraged as we are by the Secretary-General's

sympathetic attitude towards Staff Day, we of the staff feel that its significance

would be enhanced still further if it could be given official recognition and

status on a par with other ceremonial Days of the United Nations. It might, in

fact, eventually become an International Civil service Day celebrated by all the

members of the United Nations family. At a time when the Federation of International

Civil servants' Associations is called upon to play an increasing part in the

policy-making process of the organizations brought together in the common system,

such manifestation of unity and solidarity among our respective secretariats would '

undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of our common objectives.

These opening words lead me to the theme of my address: Our career in the

United Nations. I propose to discuss this question today, approaching it from a

critical point of view, so that we may see, perhaps more closely, what we can do for

the Organization and what it can do for us, thereby coming still closer to the

standards of competence and efficiency set out in the United Nations Charter. In

his introduction to the Annual Report, the Secretary-General, while he had essen-

tially political considerations in mind, reached one conclusion which is equally

applicable to the administrative field. He said "that it is reasonable to assume

that as the Organization succeeds in solving one difficult problem after another ...

it is gaining in strength and effectiveness almost imperceptibly". I do not pro-

pose to list the problems we were able to solve. I say "we" purposefully for it is

through businesslike cooperation that the oecretary-General and the staff can work

-5- SCB/96 .

{ out the best solution to problems where staff interests and welfare are involved.

S There has been a substantial improvement in the working of the consultation1I machinery, he shall continue to try and contribute to its success. I can assure

you that the Secretary-General looks forward to bold and constructive initiative

being taken by the staff. Cur voice would be heard still better, however, if the

staff at large took even greater interest and participated more actively in matters

of its direct concern. > e must never forget that it is in numbers as well as in

j careful thought that lies the greatest influence of the Secretariat.I

| Alongside with success, however modest in the short-run* we have also had our

J share of disappointments. I shall mention but one because I feel very strongly

about it. As you know, for a number of years succeeding Staff Councils have made

strong requests for the establishment of an additional level (and later possibly

another) in the General Service category. It had been our hope this year that at

last our legitimate claim would be met so that the most obvious cases of career

stagnation could be remedied at least partially for the technical and supervisory

staff concerned. Lven as a temporary measure, pending a review of the situation

on a much broader front, it would have had a beneficial impact upon morale, that

eternal companion of devotion to duty. I can only express the hope that the study

which the secretary-General has decided to undertake and to which he just referred

'will, even belatedly, further the career prospects of the staff in the General

Service category. AS I voice my disappointment, however, I cannot help being

impressed by the complexity and the magnitude of the problem when viewed in the

context of all the other component parts of \>hat is described by this disarmingly

simple term of "career." hardly any measure could be taken in isolation, in respect

of one of the component parts, without having an effect upon the others and without

the risk of upsetting precarious balances. It seems to ire, therefore, that long-

term planning is required, for it alone can provide all the interacting and inter-

twined elements with the rational setting needed for their solution. Let us hope

that it will be found in an overall reappraisal of the present system and that the

serious impediments to professional careers will be removed. Indeed, this involves

not only an evaluation of the situation in each category separately but also of the

effects of promotion from one category into another. This, in turn, will require

a Secretariat-wide survey from the point of view of post classification, as well as

a comprehensive review of appointment and promotion policies. Salary problems will

also continue to arise, not only as a consequence of an ever-rising cost of living

but also as a result of the need to retain experienced staff in the face of outside

-6- SCB/96 ji

competition. Finally, but it might just as well be the beginning, for the big /

question is — where to begin — there will be the search for a new formula for j

a more rational grading of the staff. It may be that for some of these problems, j

no ideal solution can be found. But it is my contention that regarded as an 'i

aggregate, however heterogeneous, they would be more tractable, or at least less j

awesome, than if tackled piecemeal and haphazardly. The latter has been the

case so far; for this we and the circumstances surrounding the growth of the

Organization share equally in the blame. But we must learn from the experience

gained in the last 17 years and bring about the changes which would lead the •

Organization from its formative years into maturity.

Before leaving this subject, I shall refer to two more aspects of the career

problem where the Administration is to play a significant part. One is flexibility

in assignments; the other is training, in-service or otherwise. Inter- and

intra-departmental transfers should be encouraged more widely so that a staff j

member, provided he had the will and all the required qualifications, would be

given a better chance to assume new and possibly greater responsibilities,

enhancing at the same time his chances of promotion. 1 hilst fresh talent is essen-

tial, existing staff must be given at least an equal chance to compete for positions

where it can fully prove its worth. As to training, various avenues are open which

require careful investigation. In fact, plans are at present being made for the ;

eventual creation of a United Nations Institute for Training and Research. i>e hope

that it will afford additional opportunities of advancement and service. Sabbatical

leave, in-service training, and other means would introduce into the Secretariat the :

latest tools of analysis and research.

I have dwelt at some length upon these problems where we can expect action ,!

by the Secretary-General because in the final analysis the Organization is bound

to benefit from such an integrated approach.

I shall now conclude. In this glass building of ours, we form the nucleus of

an experimental supra-national community. Irrespective of race, nationality, cul-

ture, and creed, we live together in peace, devoted as we all are to common tasks

and ideals. Our duty, and this is what the Organization expects from us, is to '

serve the best we can. The oecretary-General himself, on more than one occasion, :

has expressed appreciation of the dedication of the Secretariat to the highest

interests of the United Nations. There has been, over the years, a remarkable cap-i

ital of enthusiasm and goodwill which it is necessary to preserve. Staff morale and !

-7- SCB/96

mutual confidence are in the long run essential prerequisites for efficiency. To-

gether let us spare no effort in seeking solutions to the many problems at hand.

Serving the United Nations is, after all, more than a profession, more even than a

career, it is a meaningful life, and in many ways, the genuine expression of

our beliefs.

G

r




(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — WOT AS OFFICIAL RECORD)C A U T I O N Press Release SG/1581Wot for release before 13 September 1963k p.m. Friday, 15 September

TEXT OF STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT ON THE

OCCASIOW OF UNITED NATIONS STAFF DAY

I am happy to -welcome you in this Hall on the occasion of the United

Wations Staff Day, I should also like to address a vord of welcome to our

musical colleagues, who have just returned from their special assignment

overseas "where they carried, "both literally and figuratively, the voice of

the United Wations. It -was gratifying to read that the United Wations Singers

successfully accomplished their voluntary mission to the United Kingdom. I

am sure you would all wish me to thank them now for their contribution to the

programme of today.

This Staff Day is, I believe, the seventh occasion, in the 18 years of the

Secretariat, on which we gather together, as we did last year, outside the daily

business of the office, to share a few hours of informality. I feel it is a

good thing for all of us, coming as we do from over 100 different countries, to

leave our respective floors and meet, both physically and metaphorically on

the same level, on our common ground as servants of the Organisation. And we

are fortunate that the generous response of outstanding artists is going to make

this evening not only a social event but also a truly festive occasion.

Since we last assembled in this Hall a year ago, I have met most of you

in your offices. 'I have seen some of you at duty stations away from Headquarters,

And I have listened and spoken to your, elected representatives on matters of

concern to particular categories of staff members or to the staff as a whole.

Let me first say that throughout the vicissitudes of the past year, the

Secretariat has remained the solid and dependable instrument of the Organization.

If the United Wations has been able to face its challenge in the Congo, to

assist in the transfer of authority in West Irian (West New Guinea), to assume

new responsibilities in Yemen and elsewhere, and to carry forward its growing

programme of international co-operation in the economic and social fields, it

was due, to a very large extent, to the loyalty, devotion and the willing

response of the staff members of the Secretariat. I know that many of you had

often to be called back from hone leave to undertake mission assignments at

(more)

-2- Press Release SGA53113 September 1963

short notice, and that very often such.assignments were accompanied by less than

ideal conditions. But I also know how much your personal participation in the

manifold activities of the Organization has meant to you.

It is, I think, a recognition of the importance of maintaining the

Secretariat as an efficient organ that so much attention has been Given to its

problems during the past 12 months. I believe it -was a helpful development -when

the General Assembly, at its seventeenth session, for the first time since 19 7,

agreed on a number of principles to be used as guidelines in our continuing,

efforts to ensure an adequately representative composition of the staff. A

•well-balanced Secretariat is the mark of a truly international organ as it -will

increase the confidence of the Member States in its impartiality and objectivity,

which in an international civil service are important attributes in addition to

the paramount criteria cf efficiency, competence and integrity.

As part of this policy, recruitment of nev staff members was, to the extent

possible, directed towards nationals of Member States which are either not

-represented or under-represented on the Secretariat,

At the same time, a series of steps was taken to strengthen the career

service in the Secretariat. In consultation with the other organizations

participating in the United Nations common system, we have set in motion a

study of the career prospects in the international civil service. On the basis

of this inter-agency study, it may be expected that proposals •will be formulated

next year for appropriate action.

Within the Secretariat, we have consciously striven to increase and ac*

celerate the opportunities for advancement. It may be of interest to you that

the promotion registers for 1963 carried a total of 3 -6 naaies, as compared with

331 in 1962 and 26l in 1961. For the first eight months of 1963, a total of

229 promotions were approved in the General Service category, as against 192

for the corresponding period in 1962. In the professional category and above,

the total number of promotions for the same period of eight months was 220 in

1963, as against 130 in 1962.

During the year, certain posts have been reclassified in the Manual Workers

category, for security personnel in the General Service category and for

language personnel in the Professional category. This has provided a wider

career range for the staff members concerned. I have further authorized a

•study to be undertaken of post gradings for the purpose of determining what

action should be taken to improve the advancement opportunities of qualified

(more)

-3- Press Release SG/158113 September 1965

staff in the General Service category. On the basis of this study, I shall

give my most earnest and sympathetic consideration to the proposal to provide

an additional salary level, or levels, within that category or in a separate

technical service category, or in a combination of both.

Much remains to be done and, I am confident, will be done. Meanwhile, Ihope that your sense of participation in this international effort to promote

better understanding and to reconcile differences among nations -will sustain

your faith and your morale.

As the opening of the eighteenth session of the General Assembly draws

nearer, you will once again be called upon to support the variety of activities

that will be taking place in these halls. Voices will reverberate through the

Assembly and its committees giving expression to the hopes and fears, the

frustrations and aspirations, of the peoples of the worid. Nations large and

small, old and new, look upon this Organization as a harmonizing centre for the

attainment of common ends. As you take time out from your daily occupations to

celebrate this Staff Day, I am sure you have the gratifying feeling of being

close to the heart of a great experiment in building a better world.

# ### #

I/U N I T E D N A- T I 0 N S



(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/158012 September 196?

STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT HIS PRESS CONFERENCE

AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS ON THURSDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 196?

I am sorry I have not had an opportunity to meet with you since 28 June 1963.

As you know, immediately after my last Press Conference at Headquarters I went on

a visit to certain European countries and I also attended the meetings of the

Economic and Social Council at Geneva. I had an opportunity to meet with the

press in Geneva and at practically all of the European capitals that I visited.

Now that the eighteenth session of the General Assembly is about to begin --as

you know, I observe silence while the Assembly is in session -- I felt that I

should meet you before the 'Assembly started.

If I may anticipate, I feel confident that we will have a very successful

Assembly session. I believe the Assembly discussions will be dominated, as in

recent years, by the three D's -- Disarmament, Decolonization and Development,

As far as disarmament is concerned, I believe the Assembly would wish to

endorse the Test Ban Treaty concluded on 5 August 1963 in Moscow, which has

already been signed by about 90 countries. As you all know, I was invited by the

three Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom

and the United States, to be present in Moscow on 5 August 19&3, and I made a

brief statement at the signing ceremony drawing attention to the need for a

fCllr J-up of the Test Ban Treaty by concrete measures. The measures that I

suggested had all been approved by the General Assembly at one time or another,

and I believe they provide a useful starting point. I also believe that the time

is now propitious for further discussions on concrete stepj to make further

progress in the direction of general and complete disarmament. I am very glad to

know that the Foreign Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the

United Kingdom and the United States will be attending the eighteenth session of

the General Assembly, and I venture to express the hope that they will take

advantage of their presence at United Nations Headquarters at the same time to

engage in discussions on possible next steps. I would also hope that, they would

(more)


include in their discussions the question of a comprehensive Test Ban Treaty,

including underground testing, on terms to be agreed upon among themselves.

I know that there is much interest amongst you in regard to three current

questions. On the subject of the Congo, I have already made my views known

publicly on more than one occasion and most recently in the Introduction to the

Annual Report of the Organization. I have since had a series of informal dis-

cussions with all members of the Congo Advisory Committee, and I intend to present

my report to the Security Council on this subject, most probably by the

beginning of next week.

So' far as the Yemen is concerned, my report to the Security Council has

already bees published, and I believe it sets the record straight.

Regarding Malaysia, the team that I sent out to Sarawak and Worth Borneo

has returned and submitted its report to me. I had premised to make my conclu-

sions available to the three Governments which requested me to undertake this

mission, as also to the Government of the United Kingdom, by Ik September 1965.

I hope to be able to meet that deadline and in fact to inform the Governments of

my conclusions by tomorrow evening. I would also hope to make available my

representative 's report and my own conclusions to you, ladies and gentlemen of

the press, tomorrow night, with an embargo for 1100 hours on Saturday,

Ik September 1963.

Ladies and gentlemen, the floor is now yours.

*





Note Wo, 280112 September


With reference to Note No. 2798 of 12 September 1963, containing the

transcript of the Secretary-General's press conference, the following foot-note

should be included at the end of page 26-JO:

"When speaking of certain 'elements', the Secretary-General was not

referring to Governments, but to certain sections of the public and the press."



United Nations, K.Y.


Note No. 279812 September 1963


PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT UN HEADQUARTERS

ON THURSDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 1963

Note Wo. 279812 September 1963

Mr. WOLFF; ¥e are delighted to see you, Mr. Secretary-General, after

your somewhat lengthy absence from our press conferences, and we are eagerly

awaiting your words of wisdom since we know that they come naturally to you.

I know that you have an opening statement to make and I do not want to delay

you any longer but would like you to deliver it to us.

The SECRETARY-GEMERAL; Thank you, Mr. Wolff, and ladies and gentlemen.

• I em sorry I have not had an opportunity to mfeet wi/fch you since 28 June 1963,/

As you know, immediately after my last press conference at Headquarters I went

on a visit to certain European countries and I also attended the meetings of

the Economic and Social Council at Geneva. I had an opportunity to meet with

the press in Geneva and at practically all of the European capitals that I

visited. Now that the eighteenth session of the General Assembly is about to

begin — as you know, I observe silence while the Assembly is in session — I

felt that I should meet you before the Assembly started.

If I may anticipate, I feel confident that we shall have a very successful

Assembly session. I believe the Assembly discussions will be dominated, as in

recent years, by the three D*s — Disarmament, Decolonization and Development.

As far as disarmament is concerned, I believe the Assembly -would wish

to endorse the Test Ban Treaty concluded on 5 August 1963 in Moscow, which

has already "been signed "by some 90 countries. As you all know, I was

(more)

2-5 Hote Ho. 279812 September 1963

by the three Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the

United Kingdom and the United States, to be present in Moscow on 5 August

and I made a brief statement at the signing ceremony drawing attention to the

need for a follow-up of the Test Ban Treaty by concrete measures. The

measures that I Fiiggested had all been approved by the General Assembly at

one time or anot'v r, and I believe they provide a useful starting point. I

also believe tbat tlie time is now propitious for further discussions on

concrete steps to make further progress in the direction of general and

complete disarmament.

(more)

6-10 Note 'No. 279812 September

I am very glad to' fenov that the Foreign Ministers of the Union or Soviet Socialist

Republics, the United Kingdom and the United States will be attending the

eighteenth session of the General Assembly, and I venture to express the hope that

they will tcke advantage of their presence at United Nations Headquarters at the

same time to engage in discussions on possible next steps. 1 would also hope that

they would include in their discussions the question of a comprehensive test ban

treaty, including underground testing, on terms to be agreed upon among themselves.

I know that there is much interest amongst you in regard to three current

questions. On the subject of the Congo, I have already made my views known

publicly on more than one occasion, and most recently in the Introduction to the

Annual Report of the Organization. I have since had a series of informal

discussions with all members of the Congo Advisory Committee, and I intend to

present my report to the Security Council on this subject, most probably by the

beginning of next week.

So far as the Yemen is concerned, my report to the Security Council has already

been published, and I believe that it sets the record straight.

Regarding Malaysia, the team that I sent out to Sarawak and North Borneo has

returned and has submitted its report to me. I had promised to make my conclusions

available to the three Governments which requested me to undertake this mission,

as also to the Government of the United Kingdom, by Ik September 1963 -- ttoat is,

this coming Saturday. I hope to be able to meet that deadline and, in fact, to

inform the Governments of my conclusions by tomorrow evening. I would also hope

to make available my representative's report and my own conclusions to you, ladies

and gentlemen of the press, tomorrow night, with an embargo for 11 a.m. on

Saturday, Ik September 1963.

Ladies and gentlemen, the floor is now yours.

QUESTION: I&ny weeks ago, you told us of your quiet diplomatic efforts to

help to end the persecution of the Buddhists in Viet-Nam. Now seme of the key

figures in this terrible drama are coming to Wew York: the Archbishop, brother of

the President, has arrived; the sister-in-law is coming. My questions are these.

Po you intend to establish personal contact with these people? And, secondly, in

what way do you think that the United Nations can most usefully take action

to help to resolve the situation ?

(more)

- 11 - Note Ho. 2T9812 September 196?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; Regarding the first question, so far I have

not received any intimation that some of the leading figures of the Republic

of Viet-Nam are coming to New York or to the United Nations. If I

receive any request from any one of them, I will be glad to receive them here.

Regarding your second question, the item has already "been inscribed on the

draft agenda of the forthcoming session of the General Assembly. Actually

fourteen Member States have requested the inscription» ' Therefore, the

possibilities are that the question will be discussed in the forthcoming

session. Of course, I have no means of knowing the trend of the discussion

or the outcome of the debates, but all I want to say at this stage is that I

am sure you will agree with me that the situation in the Republic of Viet-Nam

is going from bad to worse.

I cannot think of any other country today where the situation is as

chaotic as the situation in that unfortunate country. As you all know, one

of the great virtues of democracy is its ability to change governments by peaceful

constitutional processes and without resort to force — a feature which is

completely absent in the Republic of Viet-Naia. Another great virtue of

democracy is that it uses persuasion and not force in the conduct of its

public affairs — again, a feature which is completely absent in the

Republic of Viet-Nam.

QUESTION; In the recent resignation of General von Horn, he mentioned

certain differences with Headquarters. I was wondering whether you would care

to comment or elaborate on his resignation*

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; There has been a lot of coverage in the press

in the last week or so regarding the resignation of General von Horn. I hope

my report on the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission, submitted to the

Security Council on 4 September set the record straight. But I just want

to add a few more observations on this. The United Nations has to performits operations in Yemen with one major consideration. It has to operate within

the financial resources available for that purpose. As you are aware, the

(more )

: ... 12-15 Note No. 279812 September 1963

United Arab Republic and Saudi iArabia:had-agreed., to contribute $200,000 each

towards the 'expenses, .of .the-'operation "for .two months. 'So in the conduct of

the observation mission in Yemen, the primary consideration is that this must be

confined within the four corners of the financial'resources available for that

particular period.* And General von Horn's main complaint, obviously, was that

Headquarters had not been able to comply'with all his requests — a complaint

which has been contested by other observers in Yemen. So on 20 August he

submitted' his resignation. On 21 August, after due consideration, I accepted

his resignation.

(more)

*The fact is, however, that despite the financial situation, all of his requestswhich were considered reasonable were met.

- 16 -


On 25 August, from Cairo, General von Horn withdrew his resignation. Since I had

given sufficient thought to this matter, it "became ay painful duty not to be able to

accept his withdrawal. Therefore, his resignation stood.

By way of passing, I wish to say that I have a very high esteem for

General von Horn, for his past dedicated service in the cause of the United Nations,

and also because of the country from which he comes — Sweden, whose

people have consistently dedicated their resources in the cause of the

United Nations, and shown their faith and trust in this world Organization. I

hope his resignation and my acceptance of his resignation will be understood in

this light, and there is -nothing personal in this whole affair.

>•.QUESTION: Mr. Seeretary-General, with respect to the report you

requested last week from General Bull, to be submitted within two months,

concerning general observance of the General Armistice Agreements in the

Middle East — in which ways do you expect this report may help to ease tensions

in this area of the world?

The SECKCTARY-GENERALt I have asked General Bull on the basis of a

recpast in the Security Council, and as I have indicated at the Security Council

meeting, General Bull will be able to complete his report within two months. Of

course, at this stage it will be difficult to .anticipate any particular area where

the United Nations or the Mixed Armistice Commissions can operate more

successfully than in other areas.

QUESTION; In view of the special position of the United States in

South Viet-Nam, have you conveyed your views on this problem to President Kennedy

and Secretary of State Rusk? And since you are a Buddhist and also a man

interested in peace, have you any suggestions as to what the United States can do

in order to ease this crisis?

(more)

17-20


The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I have been in constant contact with the

Permanent Representative of the United States regarding the situation in theRepublic of Viet-Nam. I cannot, say more than that,

QUESTION: Considering the situation in Yemen, had you earlier ever

asked for more money from both sides for the operation than had been suggested?

And if you did not, what considerations led you and your advisers to believe that

this money would be sufficient for the operation they had agreed to?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; When I was asked to send an observation team to

Yemen, I asked General von Horn, who was at that time Commander of UNTSO,* to."

.proceed to Yemen to survey the situation and report to me his requirements, that

was before the actual constitution of the observation mission. He went/;to Y<3jnen

and observed the situation and reported to me. On the basis of his report the

United Nations Headquarters here worked out the anticipated expenses. It wasreported to me that the rough estimates of expenditure would be in the neighbourhood

of $300,000 for four months. That figure was based on General von HornTs report.

But, as you know, the two Governments agreed in the first instance to contribute

only $200,000 each for two months.

(more)

* United Rations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine.

- 21 - Note Ho. 279812 September 1965

QUESTION; It has been said that the time in which the United Nations

team had to make its survey in North Borneo was rather too short to ascertain

with certainty the true sentiments of the people there. Would you care to comment

on that?

The jECRErAKif-GHJERAL; As I indicated earlier, I received the reportfrom the team only on Tuesday night. The report is a lengthy document covering,

I "believe,, 120 pages. I am still studying this, and X em going"to--make..'this report available to the press tomorrow night, with an embargo

for Saturday morning, together with my conclusions. Before that time, I am sorry,

I cannot make any observations.

QUESTION; In previous years, as the session of the General Assembly

was about to open, you have given us your ideas on universality of membership

in the Assembly and in the United Nations. Wow there have'been some changes in

the world. I wonder if you would give us your comments on the status of your

ideas about universality of membership, particularly with reference to the

People's Republic of China and the maintenance of Portugal and South Africa

within the Organization.

The SECRETMY-GMERALt There are two issues involved here. The first

issue is concerned with universality, a principle which is Iraplifedi in the Charteritself and a principle to which I fully subscribe. I still maintain this position.

I believe in the desirability of universality of membership in the United Nations.

Regarding the question of Portugal and the Republic of South Africa, I have

no views to offer except that if the General Assembly or any other competent organ

of the United Nations wishes to take any action, there are definite provisions

in the Charter. If I may point them out-'td-you Hicles ^arid &"Eu 4%9£¥&i& • Inthis context.

(more)

22-25 Note No. 279812 September 196?

QUESTION; I have two questions, Mr. Secretary-General. Do ij?r&i-still

expect the over-all deficit of the United Nations at the end of 196? to be in

the neighbourhood of $1 0 million? If the deficit is maintained, is there any

danger of your 'Slaving to give up other peace-keeping operations, just as you are

doing in the Congo?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; I still estimate that the over-all deficit

at the end of this year will be in the neighbourhood of $1 0 million, and I still

maintain that without authorization to me by any competent organ of the

United Nations, I cannot undertake to discharge any operations in any part of

the world for the purpose of peace-keeping.

QUESTION; Would you have to give up any others besides the Congo?

~ • --The SECRETMY-GENERAj.;" There are two major United Nations ailitary •

Operations, UKEF and the Congo. As you all know, I em guided primarily

by the availability of financial resources. Regarding the Congo, the special

session of the General Assembly authorized me to spend certain specific sums

for ONUC and UNEF up till 31 December 1963, and I will not have a single cent to

spend for these operations beyond 31 December 1963. Of course, it is for the

General Assembly or any other competent organ of the United Nations to come to

a decision very quickly, particularly regarding the Congo operations, I have

suggested to certain Member States and to all the members of the Congo Advisory

Committee that if I am. to proceed with the military operations in the Congo beyond

1963, I would need a financial authorization very quickly, in any case not

later than the first week of October this year, because I have to readjust the

supply pipe-lines and I have to readjust the logistics. If I am authorized

very late in the year -- for instance, in November or December -- the pipe-lines

have to be restored at tremendous expense.

(more)

26-30 Note Ho. 279812 September 196?

While on the subject, I want to clarify one point which is not properly

understood in certain quarters. As I indicated on 15 May this year in the

Fifth Committee, it is not -unreasonable to anticipate the complete withdrawal, of

United nations military forces from the Congo by the end of 1963, for two reasons.

The primary reason is financial. The secondary reason is related to the fulfilment

of the Security Council mandates.

Regarding the financial aspect, as I just said a moment ago, I am authorized

to spend only up to 31 December 1965. If I am asked to operate beyond the

year, there are a few factors which should be taken into consideration. The first

factor is the size of the armed forces. In my position, I have to abide by the

advice of my military commanders and military adviser. The advice tendered by my

military people for the effective discharge of United Nations obligations in the

Congo is that the minimum force required in the Congo is 6,000 officers and men,

and not less. Otherwise, in their view, the United Nations would be so exposed to

the risk that the world Organization way be discredited ot some time or another. If

OKUC is not in a position to discharge its obligations effectively, then it is

better for us not to have a token force there.

The second point relates to the. functions of OMJC. As you know, certain

elements all over the world were very critical of the way in which OKUC

discharged its responsibility in the Congo because of the exercise of a

requisite measure of force in certain circumstances. These same elements are now

coming out with a proposal to maintain United Nations forces for another six

months beyond 1963. Of course it is a difficult situation. When I'say that

some elements were very critical of OMJC for its exercise of a requisite measure

of force in certain circumstances and that these same elements now want the United

Nations to stay on, I wonder if they -rant the United Nations

forces in the Congo to perform the functions of Boy Scouts or Sunday school teachers,

a proposition, of course, which I cannot accept.

If it is agreed that there must be a certain police force in Manhattan, how

can you restrict the activities of the policemen? How can you instruct them

never to use force in any circumstance37 I cannot understand such

an attitude. If the United Nations is to perform its legitimate

functions in the Congo for the maintenance of law and order and for the performance of

its obligations as instructed by the Security Council, then it must be free to use

a requisite measure of force if neceesary in certain circumstances. This is a

point that I want to stress. (more)

- 31 - Note Ho. 279812 September 1963

Of course, Prime Minister Adoula made a request, on 22 August, that

consideration be given to retaining a force of 3,000 troops beyond December

As you all know, I yield to no one in my desire to see the Congo peaceful and

prosperous, but we also have other considerations — military considerations,

financial considerations -- which I cannot overlook without a specific mandate

from a competent organ of the United Nations.

QUESTION; Coming back to East-West relations and the coming session

of the General Assembly, I was wondering whether you think it is possible that

this may be the first session — that the Assembly could make it the first

session — without the spirit of the cold war. The second part of my question

is: Do you expect President Kennedy and Premier Khrushchev to come here?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; So far, I have no information about a possible

visit by President Kennedy or Premier Khrushchev. As a matter of fact,

Premier Khrushchev indicated to me, when I met him in Moscow early in August,

that he had no intention of attending the forthcoming session of the General

Assembly. As far as President Kennedy is concerned, I have had no official

information, one way or the other. But I very much hope that the forthcoming

session of the General Assembly will be productive of results in view of the

new psychological climate which has dawned over the world in the last two months.

QUESTION; Do you expect the United Nations to play any role in the

context of the discussions which may take place on the future of the city of

Berlin and related matters? I have in mind a suggestion made recently by

Foreign Minister Gromyko, in a two-hour meeting in Moscow with Dr. Thomas Dehler,

Vice-President of the West German Bundestag, that a German peace treaty should

sanction the wall around West Berlin and turn it into an enclave between sovereign

States, presumably administered by the United Nations as a corpus separatum.

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; The question of Berlin is completely outside

the competence of the United Nations. As I have indicated on a previous occasion,

(more)

32-35. • Hote Wo. 2798

12 September

is a question which can be settled only with the agreement of the four

"big Powers- primarily concerned. So far, to my knowledge, there has been no

indication on-, the part of any of these four big Powers of apt intention to

involve, the United Nations in a settlement of this question,

QUESTION: Returning to Viet-Ham, would you care to comment at all

on the suggestion that a unified and neutral Viet-Nam might make a. contribution

to world peace? •••.. .. . . . ;..

(more)

. 36 - Note No. 279812 September 1963

The SECRETARY- GENERAL; According to newspaper: reports, I think the

French Government seems to "be in favour of such a trend, but this is a subject,

as you know, which is completely outside the United Nations. The United Nations

has never "been involved in this. The French position, I understand, has evoked

very wide interest. Speaking of the French attitude, it might "be of

interest to you if I gave a piece of my mind about French foreign policy in

general.

If my understanding of the French attitude is correct, French foreign policy

is based on the conviction that there is no danger of the Soviet Union launching a

nuclear attack on Western Europe, and the French Government feels that even EATC might

not be needed. The French Government feels also that even if NATO is-needed United

States participation may not be necessary. That is my interpretation of French

foreign policy as far as European matters are concerned,

QUESTION: You have just outlined your basic philosophy on what one

might call the active peace-keeping of the United Nations, as in the Congo. My

question relates to what might be called, also in this context, passive peace-

keeping -- observation, as it goes on in Yemen. If at the beginning of November

the fighting in Yemen still continues, as reports indicate it may well do, what kind

of scar will that leave on the visage of the United Nations as a peace organ?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; We have to look at these problems in this light.

When I received the request of the two Governments — actually three Governments --

to undertake certain functions based on the agreement of the Governments concerned,

I felt that I had no alternative, as in the case of Malaysia. In the case of

Malaysia also, when three Heads of Government met in Manila and came to a

unanimous agreement, and asked me to undertake certain functions based on that

agreement, I felt I had no alternative but to comply with their joint

request.

Of course, in the case of Malaysia, as you know, I undertook to discharge these

responsibilities on three conditions: firstly, the Administering Authority of the

territories must agree to the operation as indicated by the three Heads of

Government; secondly, the three Governments involved must agree to contribute towards

the expenses of such an operation; and, thirdly, I made it clear to the three

Governments that my findings or my conclusions would not be subject to any

ratification or confirmation by any Government.(more)

37- 6 Note No. 279812 September 1963

On that basis I sent a team to undertake the work requested by the

three Governments.

In the case of Yemen, also on the basis of the agreement arrived at

between the Governments of the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia, and on

the basis of the agreement of the two Governments concerned to contribute towards

the expenses of the United Nations operations, the United Nations observation

team in Yemen has started operations. There was no alternative, to me. Of course,

if I refused to comply with their jo'int request there were certain possibilities,

none of which would be conducive to peace. That much I can say.

(more)

- la - Note.Wo. 279812 September 1965

QUESTION; As you know, there has arisen in Jakarta, including the

voice of the Foreign Minister, questions as to whether or not your ascertainment

team in North Borneo and Sarawak has fully complied with the terms of the

Manila agreement. As you know, the terms of that agreement placed as the

framework for the survey resolution 15 1 (XV).* That places something of a

cloud, some people think, on the report of the team and on your ultimate

report. Would you care to comment on just that aspect?

Secondly, do you think that the nine days that were taken by the team to

ascertain the wishes of the people there were sufficient, as the provisions of

the Manila statement said, to comply with the resolution of the General

Assembly?

Thirdly, will your report "be submitted to the Assembly for approval?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: For the answers to your three questions

I would suggest that you wait until Saturday morning.

Regarding your last question, I do not propose to submit this question to

the Assembly for consideration, "but I propose to circulate the report of the

team, as well as my conclusions, as a third person note, to all Members of the

United Rations.

QUESTION; When you were in Budapest did you find any signs' that there

had been compliance with resolutions of the General Assembly relating to Hungary?

And are you going to make a report on Hungary to the Members of the United Nations

or the Assembly on your visit there? Do you think that there is any prospect of

this question coming up in the Assembly?

The SECREIARY-GEMERAL; As I stated at my last press conference here,

I am not obligated to submit a report to the Assembly under the resolution.

But after my visit to Hungary I reported my findings to some Members of the General

Assembly, particularly those Members which are very much interested in the

Hungarian question, on a private basis. Beyond that, I do not propose to make

a written report to the Assembly.

(more) --

* Principles which should guide Members in determining whether or not an obligationexists to transmit the information called for under Article 73 e of the Charter.

U2-45 Note No. 279812 September 1963

QUESTION; The World Federation of United Nations Associations,

which is holding its meeting here and represents, as you know, largely non-

governmental organizations working with grass roots public opinion, has before

it a proposal for the formation of an international commission representing

these organizations to work with various United Nations bodies on problems

of United Nations, affairs. Would you welcome that proposal?

Secondly, I understand that George. Ivan Smith is, among other things, your

personal representative in East Africa. Do you have any reports from him on

the situation in Rhodesia, and do you feel that there is any

kind of United Nations activity which could avert "what many consider

chaotic eruptions there?

The SECBEIARY-gEMERAL: Regarding your first question, I have to

await the report of WFUNA at the conclusion of its session here, so "before

I receive the report I do not think I can comment. • -. .

Regarding your second question, my personal representative, George Ivan Smith,

has been reporting to me periodically on his contacts with leaders of the African

States in the region, and I dp not -think that I should reveal any substantive

part of his report pertaining to Southern Rhodesia at this stage.

QUESTION; With your usu$l candour, you gave an interpretation of

French foreign policy as you see it, but you just stopped short of interpreting

the. French attitude toward the Daitscl Rations -and what, you think of the general

attitude of France towards the United-Natipns ---the absence of the French

Foreign Minister from Hew York when the three Foreign Ministers of the other

most important countries will meet here* And what do you think of France Joining

the Soviet bloc in financially strangling the United Nations?

(more)

- k6: - Note 'No- 279812 September 1963

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; Regarding the French attitude towards the

United Nations, I think you all know as well as I do that the attitude is based

primarily on the French interpretation of the relevant provisions of the UN Charter,

As I have indicated on a previous occasion, the French attitude towards the

financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations is also governed

primarily by the French interpretation of the relevant provisions of the UN Charter,

I do not believe there is any other motivation. I do not know,

of course, the circumstances leading to the presence or absence of the French

Foreign Minister at the forthcoming session of the General Assembly.

QUESTION; Mr. Secretary-General, over the summer there have been a

number of significant preliminaries towards expanding the non-political work of

the United Nations. I might cite your own proposals to the Economic and SocialCouncil on the transfer of technology to the developing countries and the proposalsfor broadening the United Nations role in trade. My question is, what effect, ifany, will the United Nations financial crisis have on the non-political work of theUnited Nations?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: On this matter the ECOSOC is submitting a report

to the General Assembly, which will be discussed perhaps in October or early in

November. Although the United Nations has been faced with the financial crisis in

regard to peace-keeping operations, the implementation of the projects

related to the Development Decade has not run into any serious financial

difficulties. So I would hope that the prospects in regard to the implementation

of the non-political activities of the UN are brighter than the prospects in the

political field.

The Press Conference rose at 11;50 a.m.




(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD)


TEXT.OF ADDRESS BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT AT OPENING MEETING

OF EIGHTEENTH PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS

ASSOCIATIONS, 9 SEPTEMBER, AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

It gives me particular pleasure, on the occasion of the eighteenth Plenary

Assembly of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, to greet you

here at United Nations Headquarters today.

The contribution to the cause of peace and international understanding made

by the Federation throughout l&e le M S&&B& ifes establishment in 19 6 is well

known. The very purpose of' the Federation arid the spirit which guides its ••

manifold activities have throughout these years given valuable support to the

purposes and activities of the United Nations itself. It is, therefore, a matter

of deep personal satisfaction to me to have this opportunity of welcoming you

at this Assembly, which is meeting .for the first time in this hemisphere and in

this building.

I would also like to take this opportunity of recording here my deep and

sincere recognition of the notable contribution which the Federation^ Secretary-

General, Adrian Pelt, has made, firstly as a distinguished international civil

servant for many years, and latterly as your Secretary-General, to the promotion

of the ideals of the Charter. With his ability to find constructive solutions

to difficult problems, and with his spirit of dedicated service, Mr. Pelt has

not only provided a most active and creative leadership for the Federation, but

through it has spread far and wide the concept of progress through co-operation.

The period of eighteen months si,nce you last met in Monrovia has been marked

by the continued progress of United Nations work in many fields 6f its activity.

It has been a period in which the special values whiob the United Nations can

contribute to a diplomacy aimed at conciliation and the preservation of peace

have been demonstrated on more than one occasion, as in the Caribbean and West

Irian. It has also been a period in which together we have continued t6 mobilize

the support of people all over the world for the United Nations Development Decade

(more)


through, for example, the first United Nations Conference on Science and

Technology, and also by participating in the Food and Agriculture Organization's

Freedom-from-Hunger Campaign and the recent World Feed Congress. Since my call

to your Assembly last year for the Federation's support of the Development

Decade, we at the United Nations have been grateful for the measure of success

that you have achieved, for example, in the special educational task undertaken

at two summer schools and for the numerous programmes carried out by your member

associations.

In particular, I have observed with interest the increasing number of

programmes organized by the Federation's office at United Nations Headquarters

for visiting members of United Nations Associations and I have been happy to

co-operate in these undertakings. Such educational programmes are of benefit

to the United Nations itself by spreading a better understanding of its purpose

and functions.

To you who devote yourselves to the task of promoting this understanding,

I wish to express my appreciation of your most essential service and I commend

the Federation's recent efforts to gain a broader base through membership

missions. As new members are admitted to the Federation, I wish, at the same

time, to urge you to fresh endeavours as new opportunities are thereby presented.

When I report jointly with the Director—General of the United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on teaching about the United

Nations in schools, colleges, and universities to the thirty-seventh session of

the Economic and Social Council next year, I shall be particularly interested in

the report that you submit for the consideration of the Council» In this context,

the .work of the Federation in undertaking studies, organizing seminars and con-

vening meetings is becoming increasingly important to people everywhere.

You have the responsibility to disseminate information concerning the United

Nations, to persuade people to think about it, to discuss it and to express

opinions on it and to provide opportunities for individuals from many countries

to meet on this common ground and to make their views heard.This Assembly is, I believe, an important link in a world-wide effort to up-

hold the spirit of the Charter and to translate its principles arid purposes intoconstructive action. Your organization can make the United Nations truly thepeople's concern, since this is a common task in which there is a useful rcle forall of us to play.

Over the years you have accomplished much and have acted with an ever-increasing sense of your great responsibilities. The opportunities for exercisingthose responsibilities have never been greater than they are today.

I would like to conclude by wishing you a fruitful end successful session.

*#.



United Nations, N»Y.



REPRESENTATIVE OF SECRETARY-GENERAL LEAVING FOR TALKS

WITH PORTUGUESE GOVER3MENT

The Secretary-General announced today that Under-Secretary Godfrey K.J.

Amachree will depart for Lisbon on Sunday, 8 September, as his Representative

for talks with the Portuguese Government. The Portuguese Government had

invited the Secretary-General for direct contacts with them, in a letter of

29 August replying to a communication addressed to Portugal regarding the

adoption of a resolution by the Security Council on 31 July 19&5

(Doc.S/5580, resolution dealing with the situation in the territories under

Portuguese administration).

The Secretary-General, due to the heavy pressure of work, was prevented

at this stage from leaving Headquarters, but in a wish to meet the spirit by

which the Portuguese Government was animated and in pursuance of the mandate

given him by the Security Council, proposed to assign Mr. Amachree to visit

Lisbon and to represent him in direct contacts with the Portuguese Government,

to which the Portuguese Government subsequently agreed. Mr. Ataachree will

be received by the Prime Minister of Portugal, the Foreign Minister and other

members of the Government.

Mr, Amachree, who will be accompanied by John A. Miles, is expected

to return to United Nations Headquarters in the latter part of next week.

y v y jtK n Jv TV


Press ServicesT Office of Public Informationl United Nations, NuY.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA. — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release S8/15752 September 1965

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF PORTUGAL

AND UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL U THft.KT

On 29 August, the following letter addressed to the Secretary-General was

received from the Government of Portugal through the Permanent Representative of

Portugal to the United Nations:

"I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that I have been

instructed by my Government to convey to Yow Excellency the following:

"In connexion with Note TR 300 PORT, dated 19 August 1965, and

without prejudice to the position of principle which is generally

well known, and which has been reiterated by the Portuguese delegation

at the meetings of the Security Council held from 22 July 19&3 to 51 July

1965, the Portuguese Government has the honour to state that it is pre-

pared to give to the Secretary-General all its co-operation for the

clarification of some problems which were raised during the said

sessions of the Security Council, and which in terms of the Charter

may be legitimately considered to be matter within the specific competence

of that Organ.

"For this purpose, and in the conviction that conversations within

that context could be advantageous to the objective in view, the Portuguese

Government, acting in the constructive spirit by which it is animated,

invites the Secretary-General to visit Lisbon, as soon as possible, on

a date which His Excellency may find convenient, for direct contacts

with the Portuguese Government.

"I take this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances

of my highest consideration."

On 31 August, the Secretary-General sent the following reply:

"I have the honour to refer to Your Excellency's letter of 29

August 1963, by which you conveyed a communication from your Government

to me, and to request you to convey to your Government the following

reply:(more)

Press Release SG/15752 September

11 'The Portuguese Government, by the above-mentioned communication,

informed the Secretary-General that in connexion with note TR 300 PORT

dated 19 August 1963, and without prejudice to the position of principle

which is generally well known, and which has been reiterated by the

Portuguese delegation at the meetings of the Se .urity Council held from

22 July 1963 to 31 July 1963, the Portuguese Government has the honour

to state that it was prepared to give to the Secretary-General all its

co-operation for the clarification of some problems which were raised

during the said sessions of the Security Council, and which in terms of

the Charter may be legitimately considered to be matter within the specific

competence of that Organ* For this purpose, and in the conviction that

conversations within the context could be advantageous to the objective

in view, the Portuguese Government, acting in the constructive spirit by

which it was animated, invited the Secretary-General to visit Lisbon,

as soon as possible, on a date which the Secretary-General may find

convenient, for direct contacts with the Portuguese Government.

" 'The Secretary-General, in expressing his appreciation of the

kind invitation, has the honour to inform the Portuguese Government

that due to heavy pressure of work he is prevented at this stage from

leaving the Headquarters of the United Nations. Nevertheless, the

Secretary-General, in the wish to meet the spirit by which the Portuguese

Government is animated and pursuant to the mandate given to him by the

Security Council, will be glad to assign one of the Under -Secretaries of

the United Nations, Mr. Godfrey K.J* Amachree, to visit Lisbon and to

represent the Secretary-General in direct contacts with the Portuguese

Government. Mr. Amachree will arrive in Lisbon on 9 September, should

these arrangements be convenient to the Portuguese Government.'

"I take this opportunity to renew, to Your Excellency, the assurances

of my highest consideration."

The Portuguese Government has today informed the Secretary-General that it

would be happy to welcome Mr. Amachree in Lisbon on 9 September.

* ###• #

U N I T E S N A T I O N S


United Nations., N.Y.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MSL'-IA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/157323 August 1963

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS RED CROSS SHARES

COMMON ANCESTRY WITH UNITED NATIONS

Following is the text of the message by United Nations Secretary-General

U Thant addressed to the Congress of International Red Cross Societies meeting in

Geneva on the occasion of the centenary of the Red Cross:

" I wish to extend to the International Red Cross my sincere congratulations

on its centenary. The Red Cross and the United Nations share a common ancestry:

although the time and circumstances of their inception were different, both organi-

zations were born of the same generous impulse -- the recognition that all mejn are

members of one human race and that the suffering of any man anywhere is a matter

of concern to all men everywhere. From this have developed the basic concepts shared

by our two organizations: that the unity of mankind transcends all boundaries

and walls of separation and that no man can live unto himself alone.

"The Red Cross was born of one man's horror before the appalling suffering

caused by war. The United Nations was born of the determination of its peoples to

save succeeding generations from this scourge.

"The Red Cross pioneered in the efforts to establish international co-operation

in matters of humanitarian concern. The United Nations and its specialized agencies

seek to extend international co-operation to all fields of human activity.

"It is only natural, therefore, that from the beginning, the United Nations

has sought and received the help of the Red Cross in a great number of different

emergencies. I am glad to have this opportunity of paying tribute to the Red Cross

for its quick, effective and unstinting assistance.

"The essentially voluntary character of your organization enables you to

surmount difficulties that an inter-governmental organization would find intractable.

For this reason, the General Assembly, in its very first session in 19 6, recommended

that the Members of the United Nations should encourage and promote the establishment

and co-operation of duly authorized voluntary Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,

and that at all times the independent and voluntary action of those societies should

be respected.(more)

• ' • ' • " • j 2 - • ' • ' • • Press Release SG/1573: 28 August 1963

"The Assembly's resolution reflected the desire of the world organization for

the closest relations with the Red Cross. You have properly set two conditions

essential to collaboration; first, the preservation of your independence and

second -- one clossly linked to the first -- strict adherence to the principles

on which the Red Cross is based. The United Nations has the highest respect for

both conditions.

"The actual progress of our co-operation must, of course, be kept under constant

scrutiny. You have on the agenda of this Congress an item which has this end in

view. Last month the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, for its

part, initiated further study on one -aspect of the question, viz, international

action in cases of emergency resulting from natural disasters. :

"In congratulating you on your centenary, I wish to place on record my

gratitude that in a world beset by many dangers arising from our past history and

our physical environment, the ,Red Cross exists and that through the network of

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the benefits of its activity are extended to

all the peoples of the world. :

"I -can assure you that all Members of the United Nations support you in your

great and inspiring work for the good of mankind."

"Jy'A 'A"

U K I T E D N A T I O N S



(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — KCT -IT OFFICIAL RECOUP)

Press Releaase SG/157228 August 1963

TE)?! OF STATEMENT MADE BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON 28 AUGUST 196?

"I would like to make a very brief statement. Members of the Council will

recall that at the Council's meeting on 25 August I reported that General Bull

had obtained the agreement of the two parties to a simultaneous investigation

.of the defensive areas on both sides by UNTSO* observers and that there had been

favourable response to General Bull's appeal for observance of the cease-fire. I

am happy to report to the Council that in general the cease-fire is being observed.

I am also pleased to report that General Bull has informed me of the completion

on 26 August of the inspection visits to the defensive areas and the

demilitarized zone.

"The purpose of the inspection was to determine whether or not either party

had developed a concentration of troops, equipment and weapons in the areas con-

cerned. No evidence of a military build-up on either side was found in the

demilitarized zone nor of any build-up or concentration by either side in the

defensive areas in excess of the military strength permissible under the General

Irmistice Agreement."

* *** #

* United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.

rJ II 1 T E D N A T I O N S

Press ServicesOffice of Ribllc Information

United Matrons, N.Y.

01-' BEPCBMATIOK MEDIA -- HOT AN OFFICIAL RECCED}

Note No. 27814.23 August 1963


United Nations Secretary-General U Thant delivered a message today to the

peoples of Africa in a Syncom satellite transmission between the United States

and Lagos, Nigeria.

United States President John F. Kennedy and the Prime Minister of Nigeria,

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, also took part in the inauguaration of the new

communications system. Other participants included United States Vice President

Lyndon B. Johnson; the Foreign Minister of Nigeria, Jaja Vfc.chuku; Olu Alcifonsile,

Nigerian Minister for Communications; G. Mennen Williams, United States

Assistant Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Udochi, Nigerian

Ambassador to the United States; ar?d Joseph Green, United States Charge d'Affaires

in Lagos.

The following is the text of the message delivered by U Thant:

"I am glad to have been invited to take part in this experiment in

space communications between the two great continents of the Americas and Africa.

"In agreeing to deliver this message to you -- the people of Nigeria —

and also to all the peoples of Africa, I was glad to have the opportunity of

emphasizing the importance which the United Nations attaches to the development

and extension of communications systems in various parts of the world. Through

this development, all Member States, regardless of their economic, scientific

and technological development, will be able to benefit from international

spa ce communi cat i on s.

"The United Nations is interested in any technological progress that may

contribute to economic and social progress in the developing countries, in Africa

and elsewhere.

"Will this experiment contribute to the promotion of social goals and to the

exchange of cultural programmes on an international, national or regional basis?

Will it assist in spreading literacy and basic skills needed for a new age of

rapid progress?

(more)

• • Note No. 278423 August 1963

"These questions, wiiica you have in- mind in witnessing this new

accompliBhcsent in the field of cou:muai cations, were also raised at the United

Nations Conference on the Application of Science and Technology for the Benefit

of the Less Developed Areas which stressed the fundamental role that

communications satellites may play in furthering the cause of humanity and the

course of its development.

"in space communications, there is an unprecedented need for action at the

international level. Furthermore, international co-operation itself is

promoted by space communication.

"it is my sincere hope that new systems of communications by satellites

will strengthen the framework of international co-operation. The General

Assembly of the United Nations has etrsssed the importance of e-.rd.ce-communications

as a means of promoting the economic and social progress of developing countries.

In doing so, it has stressed also the importance of measures to ensure

co-ordination and access for all to space communications.

"The International Telecommunication Union is already active in this

field. It is my conviction that if mankind is to derive all the benefits it

can hope for in the field of telecomtnunications, it will only be through a vastly

enlarged and expanded international co-operation. In concluding this message

I wish tbe peoples of Africa peace and progress."

« y -y \f s*fi A /* "Tv

U H I T E D N A T I O N S


United Nations, H,Y.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ,- HOT A;J OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/156923 August 196?

TEXT OF STATEMENT MADE BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON 23 AUGUST 1963

"At this stage of the consideration of the issue now before the Council I wi^h

to make only a very brief statement. I am, of course, deeply concerned about the

new troubles that have arisen in a long troubled are.-}. Within the next day or so

I expect to receive from General Bull, the UNTSO*Ch?'ef of Staff, a full report on

the investigations made by the U7TGO Observers of tae incidents referred to in the

complaints of the two parties and I will, of course, make this information

immediately available to this Council.

"General Bull and his staff have been doing everything possible to ease the

tension and to prevent any further incidents in the area. The agreement of the

two parties has been obtained by General Bull to a simultaneous investigation of

the defensive areas on both sides by UETSO Observers. Both parties have also

responded favourably to General Bull's appeal that the cease-fire be observed.

"I take this opportunity to request the Governments of Israel and Syria to

exert every possible precaution to ensure that the cease-fire will be actually and

fully observed and to prevent the occurrence of any further incidents. This would

have the additional advantage of enabling the Council to consider this issue in an

atmosphere free of any new tension,"

#**

United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.



United Nations, N.Y./"

(FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

''CAUTION; ADVANCE RELEASE

The folloving must not be published Press Release SG/1568or quoted by press or radio before 20 August 19656 p.m. (EDT)Sunday, 25 August 1965

INTRODUCTION TO THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

ON THE WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION

16 June 1962 to 15 Junel965

The year under review has been marked by a number of developments which on the

whole may be said to have brightened the international outlook and strengthened the

United Nations as a result. The Cuban crisis., which erupted rather suddenly in

October 1962, provided the United Nations with the opportunity to help avert what

appeared to be impending disaster. A large number of Member States not directly

involved in the crisis consulted with me on the need for action to ward off a

confrontation of the two major nuclear Powers which seemed inevitable and I was

encouraged to take the initiative in making certain proposals which had the immediate

effect of tending to ease the situation. As a result of the high sense of responsi-

jbility and statesmanship demonstrated by the leaders of the Powers directly concerned,

as well as the assistance which the United Nations was able to give, the danger of

a major conflagration was averted. The United Nations also provided, both through the

Security Council and the Secretariat, an opportunity for dialogues amongst the

interested parties. By the end of the month, the situation had ceased to present

the aspects of an imminent crisis, and by the end of the year had reached a point

where it ceased to give rise to anxiety.

The turn of the year also marked a sudden change for the better in the Congo. As

a result, the terms of the United Nations mandate in the Congo, as far as the military

force is concerned, have now largely been fulfilled. External military interference

in the Congo has ceased, the territorial integrity of the country has been secured,

and law and order have generally been restored and are being maintained, although

the situation in one or two areas still gives some cause for concern. There were,

however, moments of anxiety in December 1962 and January 1963 when it appeared that

(more)

- 2 - Press Release SG/156320 August 1963

major acts of sabotage -- some already comic;'.tted and many more threatened — by the

secessionist regime in Katanga might disrupt the economic life, not only of Katanga, "»

but also of the Republic of the Congo itself. Fortunately, good sense prevailed in

the end and the most serious of the threatened acts of sabotage did not take place.

In the subsequent months there has been a steady improvement in the Congo situation,

which is reviewed in greater detail below.

The year also saw the successful conclusion of the operation of the United Nat.'.ous

Temporary Executive Authority in West New Guinea (West Irian) and the first occasion

for the exercise by the United Nations of executive authority, however temporary, over a

vast region. Thanks to the co-operation of the two Governments primarily involved,

the United Nations team was able on 1 May 1963 to hand over the administration of the

territory to the Republic of Indonesia, as envisaged in the Agreement between the

Governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands on 15 August 1962.

Towards the end of the year under review the United Nations has had to assume

new-responsibilities. The Yemen operation is now in full swing and is discussed in

greater detail below. At the request of the Governments of Malaya, Indonesia and the

Philippines and with the concurrence of the United Kingdom, I have sent a team of

United Nations officials to Sarawak and North Borneo to carry out certain tasks as

envisaged.by the three Governments. Both the Yemen operation and the Malaysia

mission have their special difficulties and problems, but they are continued evidence

of the usefulness of the world body in reducing tension and facilitating a peaceful

solution of issues which might otherwise lead to strained relations among the

interested Governments for a protracted period.

The year is closing on an optimistic note on account of the signing of the

partial nuclear test ban treaty. This has given the whole world a feeling of hope

and I trust that the year to come will justify the current mood of optimism.

There has been much constructive work in the various fields of activity which are

briefly mentioned in the succeeding sections of this introduction, and described in

the annual report. In the field of outer space there has been some progress, though

no spectacular results have been achieved. Some progress has also been made in the

process of decolonization, although a, few chronic problems remain to be solved.

The United Nations Conference on Science and Technology was a milestone in the

Development Decade, and preparations are now under way for the United Nations Conference

on Trade and Development. Both the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the

Special Fund are continuing and stepping up their fruitful activities. However, the

financial problem posed mainly by the cost of certain peace-keeping operations remains

unsolved; and although the proposals I have in mind for winding up the

(more)


military phase of the Congo operation may, if accepted, reduce the impact of the

problem to some extent, the financial issue is a priority item, the solution of which

is the primary responsibility of Member Governments,, if the Organization is to

continue to be effective in the cause of peace, and of constructive effort for "the

promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples",

II

The achievement of disarmament continues to be the most important problem of our

time. After many years of persistent but fruitless effort, two events took place

recently, in the context of the disarmament negotiations, which I believe are of

major significance -- the signing in Geneva on 20 June 1963 of the memorandum of

understanding establishing a direct communications link between Moscow and Washington

and the signing in Moscow on 5 August 1963 of the treaty banning nuclear weapons testf

in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water.

In the field of disarmament, as elsewhere, certain pre-conditions have to be met

'before substantial progress can be registered. The agreements recently concluded do

constitute important first steps, and help to meet these pre-conditions.

Many countries, and in particular the non-aligned countries, both in the General

Assembly and in the Eighteen-Wation Committee on Disarmament, insisted that in the

absence of a test ban treaty no real progress could be envisaged in other fields of

disarmament, and that the cessation of tests should therefore receive the highest

priority. The signature of the treaty is a recognition by the major nuclear Powers

of the validity of this approach.

The test ban treaty, although limited to three environments and marginal to the

central problem of disarmament, is an important objective in itself. It will directly

jserve the humanitarian aim of ending the danger of ever-increasing radio-active fall-

resulting from nuclear explosions. But it will also help restrict the spread of

nuclear weapons and impose limitations on the development of new weapons of mass

destruction, and thus be a factor in slowing down the arms race. This treaty could

also point the way to the conclusion of a comprehensive treaty including a ban on

underground tests.

Equally if not more important are the political implications of the test ban

treaty. If this treaty is followed by agreement on other measures aimed at lessening

international tension and establishing confidence among States, it may be the beginning

Df a new era of better understanding between nations, and create a more favourable

international climate that would facilitate progress towards general and complete dis-

armament and the goal of stable international peace and security, which remains the

(more)

- k - Press Release GG/156820 August 1963

primary purpose of the United Nations. It would seem, therefore, all the more urgent

that the partial test ban treaty now concluded."by the main parties be made universal

by the accession of all States.

I believe that the opportunity so eagerly awaited by mankind will not be missed

because of considerations of national interest, and that the enduring cause of world

peace will prevail over short-range political considerations. I am strengthened in

this belief by the improved relations between the Soviet Union and the United States,

which have come about in spite of the difficulties of these two great world Powers in

reconciling new developments and requirements in the fields of defence with their

diverse interests and those of their respective allies.

The process of negotiating disarmament measures tlirough the long years of mistrui

about the intentions of the "other side" has been a formidable and sometimes baffling

task. The usefulness and timeliness of the work of the Eighteen-Wation Committee on

Disarmament has been amply proved in the short span of its existence. The Committee

provides an effective forum for harmonizing the responsibilities of the great Powers

with the interests of other countries and thus of humanity as a whole. In conditions

of reduced international tension arid of improved political climate, the role of tthe

Committee may become even more significant than heretofore.

It will require the collective effort and wisdom of all members of the inter-

national community to ensure that the momentum generated by the recent agreements is

maintained until the goal of global security and freedom from fear of war is reached.

Ill

In the course of the year, the development of co-operation in outer space

exploration and use continued in an encouraging manner, especially in the scientific

and technical field.

The Scientific and Technical Sub-Committee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses

of Outer Space, at its second session held in Geneva in May 1963, agreed upon a serie

of new or revised recommendations concerning the exchange of information, encourage-

ment of international programmes, education and training, potentially harmful effects

of space experiments and the organization of international sounding rocket facilities^

The meeting of the Sub-Committee provided once more the occasion for the scientists

of the two leading space Powers to continue their private talks on co-operative space

programmes.

The VJorld Meteorological Organization, the International Telecommunication Union

and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization continued to

participate actively in the field of peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

No agreement was reached on legal problems relating to outer space, but a

valuable exchange of views took place in the Committee and its Legal Sub-Committee.(more)


The discussion revealed areas of agreement as well as disagreement, and also indicated

that on some questions there were encouraging indications of rapprochement. It must be« --"l¥1~IJ"-~"~ r"---i- • — -••"*

borne in mind that tlie principal legal problems _*e.l&te to issues of military security,

and that in some respects it is difficult to separate the legal questions of peace-

ful use from problems of disarmament. Yet the effort should continue to be made to

formulate more concrete principles of law and procedures that will foster the peace-

ful use of outer space. This is a task that cannot be left to the slow processes of

customary law, but needs to be pursued vigorously by United Nations bodies in viev of

the rapid development of space technology, and the accelerated rate of space launchings.

IV

During 1963, United Nations activities in the economic and social field have been

conducted with constant reference to the United Nations Development Decade. The United

Nations Conference on the Application of Science and Technology for the Benefit of the

Less Developed Areas (UNCSAT) has already been described as a milestone in the Decade,

and the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Trade and Development should be

another of no less importance. The'spirit of the Decade has enlivened the discussions

in the Economic and Social Council and in its subsidiary organs; it has inspired many

resolutions and it will no doubt stimulate the work required for their implementation;

it has sharpened the sense of purpose within the United Nations family, and is spurring

their efforts towards a greater concentration of resources on tasks cf recognized1 priority; and it is fostering a closer co-operation among all the organizations and

agencies concerned.

The milestones already passed or in sight in the drive to move forward are,

however, not enough. We have embarked on a long journey, and on the road ahead we

also need guideposts which could indicate to us how to match resources and requirements.

When the time comes, in a year or so, to assess the progress made, to project current

developments into the second half of the Decade, to identify and remedy shortcomings

and imbalances, it would certainly be most useful if achievements and advances could

be seen against a background of well-defined objectives, at least for those sectors

and areas of activity in which intentions can be translated into programmes of action.

The more projects undertaken, at the national level or through international co-opera-

tion in any given field, can be related to each other in a framework designed to

produce a combined and cumulative effect over the period, the greater will be the

chances of sustaining and justifying the hopes that the proclamation of the Decade

has aroused.

The Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, which was initiated at a time

when the highly developed nations were becoming more conscious of the vital importance

of extending technical help to those which were less fortunate, was a prelude to the

Development Decade, in which it is now playing a very leading part.

1 .' - 6 - ' Press Release SG/1568• 20 August 1963

The improved financial situation .of. the Programme has ...been one encouraging signj

for the period 1963-6U, it has become possible to plan for the first time on the basis

of an incorae of slightly over $100 million, for the two years together. The increased •

resources have .made it possible to meet,, fairly satisfactorily, the rapidly increasing

demands arising from the emergence of many independent countries in Africa, although

these resources are not enough to allow for badly needed expansion in other regions.

However, there is still no assurance that contributions will continue to increase at

the rate which is necessary for the continued progress of a growing prog-'srnme. Spea!;-

..-ing generally, there is no:doubt_ that the efficiency of the programme has been

steadily improving. It seems clear that this is partly due to improved techniques on

the part of the participating organizations; it is also very largely due to more care-

ful selection of projects by Governments, which, in turn, can be partly accounted for

by the spreading practice of national economic pla-nniug.

The Special Fund, for its part, has continued to fulfil the General Assembly's

intention that it be "a constructive advance in United Nations assistance to the less

..developed countries". The pace of its operations accelerated during the period under

review. New priority development.projects approved for its assistance extended both

the scope and the geographic distribution of the Fund's activity. The total programme

approved to date amounts to 327 major projects in 120 developing countries and terri-

tories. Towards the programme's cost of $672 million, the Special Fund is contribut-

ing k2 per cent, and the developing countries the remainder.

These accomplishments reflect not only sound criteria on the part of Governments

and wise management principles on the part of the Special Fund. They are also the

result of effective contributions by the United Nations and its related organizations

which serve as Executing Agencies for the Special Fund. There is, however, one major

disappointment which must be voiced: Governmental pledges to enable the Fund to

finance new projects in 1963 were some 25 per cent below the $100 million target. It is

therefore to be hoped that all participating Governments will help the Fund to obtain

the $100 million it urgently requires in 1964. The scale of this major programme in

the United Nations Development Decade must be raised somewhat more closely to the needs

of the low-income countries, more closely to their capacity to absorb its assistance

and more closely to the ability of the Special Fund and the Executing Agencies to help

meet those needs., The need, for more multilateral development assistance is very real.

The time for meeting that need is rapidly growing shorter, because the processes of

• development are inevitably protracted -- training is a vast, long and difficult as well

as essential task, social and economic transformations are not easily prepared nor

speedily accomplished, and investment on the scale required to achieve the aims of the

Development Decade will not be forthcoming unless pre-investment work is completed in tiue.

.(more )


The gums required and which can be effectively used, "both for pre-investment

and investment, are not nearly so large ae many imagine. The resources required

•from the industrialized countries are within their capacities to provide; there are

perhaps only one or two among them which are as yet devoting even one-half of the

proposed 1 per cent of their steadily increasing national income for development

in the developing countries. However, many of the political leaders of the

industrialized countries are aware of the growing danger to their prosperity and

world peace represented by the widening gap between their affluent and dynamic

economies and the nearly static situation in so iaany of the developing countries,

where progress is slow and inadequate in relation to population increase.

V

The operations of the United Nations involving the use of military personnel

are varied in. character and objectives, Th<? truce observation missions in the

Middle East and Kashmir and the United Nations Emergency Force in the Middle East

have continued to perform their essential peace-keeping duties without notable

incidents. Three other more recent operations, the United Nations Operation in*

the Congo (ONUC), the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority in West Irian and

the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission, have attracted considerable attention.

The United Nations commitment in the Congo has now lasted for more than three

years. In that time it has proved an exceptionally heavy burden on the resources

of the Organization and of its Members, and there have been times when it seemed that

hopes of positive results were not very bright.

In 1965, however, the situation has improved very considerably and , as I

mentioned earlier, the United Nations mandate in the Congo, especially in its

military aspects, has been largely fulfilled. While good reasons have been put

forward for the continuation of the United Nations military commitment in the

Congo, I sincerely believe that the time has come when, for various reasons, it

is necessary to envisage the early withdrawal and winding-up of the United Nations

Force in the Congo. It can no doubt be argued that some useful tasks could still

be performed by the Force, but I am of the opinion that the time has now come when

the Congolese Government should assume full responsibility throughout the Congo for

the maintenance of law and order. I believe that in the past three years the

Government and people of the Congo have begun to develop the means by which they

can assume this responsibility. The retraining of the police and the array is, of

course, a vital factor in this development, and as this progresses, there will be

(more)


a parallel increase in the ability of- the -Congolese authorities to maintain law and

order throughout the Republic. . • -.-.-•-.

Originally, it was envisaged that the greater part of the assistance to "be

rendered to the Government of the Congo "by the United Nations would be in the

field of technical assistance, or what.is.now called civilian operations. Here,

despite the great difficulties of the last three years, the United Nations has,

with the help of the specialized agencies, played an indispensable role in the

Congo in providing experts for the maintenance of the essential services of the

country, while at the same time providing training facilities designed to make it

possible for the Congolese themselves to assume these responsibilities quickly. It

is extremely important that this part of the United Nations effort should not

suddenly be allowed to lapse for financial reasons. If it proved necessary

suddenly to pull out these essential experts and close down the programme of

training in various fields, the Government and people of the Congo would suffer

a severe setback, and much of the effort of the United Nations in the pa.sfc three

years would have gone to waste.

I therefore hope that Governments will continue to support the civilian

operations in the Congo by contributions to the Congo Fund, until such time as

it can become a normal technical assistance programme under the usual auspices.-

As in many countries, the future in the Congo is unpredictable and many

diffic\ilties and problems certainly lie ahead. I believe that the United Nations

operation in that country, allowing for all its shortcomings and despite the

violent criticism which has been levelled against it at various times and from

various quarters, has provided a bridge from the desperate situation which existed

in July 1960 to a solid basis from which the Government and peoples of the Congo

can now progress towards a prosperous and peaceful future. If this belief is

justified, it will mean, quite apart from the benefits that accrue to the Congo,

that a great and novel experiment in international co-operation has proved its

worth in a very difficult situation. For that success, great credit is due to

all concerned, and in particular to the Governments which have so generously

provided assistance in many forms. Much is still required, but it is perhaps a

measure of what has been achieved that we are now able to envisage a great

reduction in the scope and cost of this operation.

(more )


VI

Coring to the loyal co-operation of the Governments of the Republic of Indonesia

and of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United Nations operation in West New

Guinea (West Irian) did not encounter any major difficulties and was successfully

concluded on 1 May 196? with the transfer of the administration of the territory froc

the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UKTEA) to the Republic of IndonesiE

The United Nations military observer team, the small international staff under the

United Nations Administrator and the security force were guided solely by the

provisions of the Agreement of 15 August 1962, which the General Assembly took note

of in its resolution. 1752 (XVII). After the cease-fire arrangements had been

successfully implemented, the main responsibility of the international administra-

tion, from October 1962 on was to ensure that there was no disruption in the public

services and economic life on account of the departure of the Netherlands adminis-

tration, and also to prepare the population for the important political changes

which were taking place. Whatever may have been usefully accomplished during this

brief period of seven months, the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority owes

its success to the unfailing assistance from the Government parties to the Agreement

(which also shared the expenses of the operation), the devotion of all those from

many different nationalities who served with UNTEA, and the calm and friendly

attitude of the population. On 13 March 1963, I was in a position to announce the

decision of the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands to resume

normal relations and to exchange diplomatic representatives. This was a happy

outcome of the solution of the question of West New Guinea (West Irian). The

United Nations stands ready to assist the Government of Indonesia in the Implementa-

tion of the remaining part of the Agreement relating to the act of free choice by

the inhabitants of the territory and to help the same Government in the economic

development of West Irian through a voluntary fund open to contributions from

Member States of the United Nations and the specialized agencies.

VII

In the course of 1962, I received communications from Thailand and Cambodia

concerning certain difficulties which had arisen between them. At the same time

the two Governments expressed a desire to find a solution to their dispute through

one of the procedures enumerated in Article 33 of the Charter concerning peaceful

(more)

. - 10 - Press Release SG/156820 August 1963

settlement of disputes by negotiation, and they requested me to appoint a personal

representative for this purpose. On 19 October 1962, I informed the members of the

Security Council of my affirmative response to the above request, and my. appointment

of a personal representative.

According to the terms of reference, my personal representative is at the

disposal of the parties to assist in solving all problems that have arisen or may

arise between them, and the Governments of Cambodia and Thailand have both agreed

to share equally all the costs involved. The two Governments also requested me,

at-'the end of 1962, to 'extend the term of my personal representative for a period

of one year, beginning 1 January 1963.

'From 26 October 1962, my personal representative has remained in the area in ...

continuous contact with the Governments and high officials of both countries. A .

number of investigations have been made at the requests of one or the other party,.

and certain suggestions advanced for their consideration on appropriate steps that

could lead to improved relations between^ them. As long as the two Governments ... .

consider that my personal representative can help them in dealing with a delicate

and often tense situation,'! am'willing to continue to provide such services,•;••.• •••;''.; -..••' \".'r. •"'• • "•• ' '' :' <*•'••'•'• '•''•'.

whose value and efficiency will depend very much on the goodwill of the two

Governments and their sincere desire to normalize their relations.

' VIII

The United Nations Yemen Observation Mission was established, after the Security

Council had adopted its resolution of 11 June 1963, to facilitate the implementation.-;:.;; • . . . . ^

of the disengagement agreement by the parties concerned in Yemen. The operation"is' t ' i

agreed upon and financed by the parties themselves, and its success will depend'upon

the good faith of the two parties in carrying out the agreement.

In the conditions prevailing in Yemen, the implementation of the disengagement'

agreement is not an easy matter for either side, and it is as yet too early to make

a judgement on the effectiveness of the Mission in assisting in bringing about the

actual disengagement. It is to be hoped, however, that the efforts of this Mission

in very difficult conditions, combined with the efforts of the parties themselves,

will bring about the disengagement and the restoration of peace in Yemen, which isT • ' .

the desire of all concerned,

(more)


It will be clear from the preceding sections on the Congo, West Irian and Yemen

"that many Member States have made available to the United Nations military personnel

for various very constructive tasks of peace-keeping. I have accordingly designated

as my military adviser a senior military officer who was formerly the military

adviser for the Congo operation. He and the small "but expert military staff working

under him in my office have played a truly valuable role in the support and function-

ing of the operations I have just mentioned.

IX

One of the major developments of recent years has been the attainment of

independence by a large number of countries and peoples formerly under colonial

rule, whose right to freedom and equality is written into the Charter. Without

intending to minimize the efforts of the peoples themselves in securing their

freedom and of the contribution of the respective administering Powers, it may be

said that the Organization, through its various organs, has made an important

contribution towards this welcome development. The significance of this historic

and dynamic process to the international community and to the future course of world

events can be gauged from the transformation of the. United Nations itself, as a

result of the increase in its membership from the original 51 to the present 111

Ifembers. The widening of the membership has also brought the Organization nearer

to its goal of universality.

In this connexion, it is relevant to recall the year 1960 when, at its

fifteenth session, the General Assembly admitted 17 newly independent countries —

'l6 of them from Africa — to membership in the United Nations, bringing the then

total membership to 100. By that time there was overwhelming recognition of the

need for bringing about, by peaceful means and in an orderly manner, the inevitable

transformation -of the remaining colonial areas from dependence to independence as

speedily as possible. This, coupled with the belief of the Member States that

the emancipation of all dependent peoples would remove one of the major obstacles

to the maintenance of peace, led to the adoption by the General Assembly on

lit- December 1960, by resolution 151 (XV), of the Declaration'on the granting

of independence to colonial countries and peoples.

(more)

> 12 - Press Release SG/156820 August 1963

The inrxx'tance of this question to the Organisation is evident from the amount

of attention devctid to it by the General Assembly, The progress of implementation

of the Declaration was extensively discussed in general terms, and also in relation •

to individual territories, by the General Assembly at its sixteenth and seventeenth

sessions as well as by the Special Committee which the General Assembly established '

for that purpose. It is a matter for satisfaction that progress towards independence

is being made in a number of the territories which the Special Committee has examined

this year; and mention may be made in this connexion of Kenya, Northern Rhodesia,

Nyasaland and Zanzibar.

With regard to Portuguese Territories and South West Africa, the Member States

responsible for their administration have refused to co-operate with the United

Nations or to implement its resolutions. In the caea of Southern Rhodesia, the

United Kingdom has continued to maintain its constitutional position concerning that

territory, but has co-operated with the Special Committee in its study of this question^

and has discussed the matter with a Sub-Committee of the Special Committee in London.

The question of the territories under Portuguese administration has lately been

the subject of discussion in the Security Cosgacil on the initiative of the African

Member States. In its resolution of 31 July 1963, the Security Council has requested

me to ensure the implementation of the provisions of that resolution, to furnish such"»*«*••assistance as I may deem necessary and to report to the Security Council by 31 October

1963. The resolutions of the General Assembly on South West Africa /l805 (XVII}7 and

Southern Rhodesia /1760 (XVIIJ7; had already entrusted to me certain functions in

relation to these territories.

X

The situation in the Republic of South Africa continued to be a source of

increasing concern during the period under review. The question of the racial

policies of the Government of the Republic of South Africa has been before the United

Nations, in one form or another, ever since 19 6. Successive resolutions of the

General Assembly and the Security Council, expressing their serious concern at the

racial policies of the South African Government, which not only are not in conformity

with its obligations and responsibilities under the Charter, but are also a source of

international friction, have been ignored by the Government of the Republic of South

Africa. The Security Council has again been seized of this matter recently, and the

participation in the meetings of the Council of several Foreign Ministers of indepen-

dent African States reflects the urgency and seriousness of the problem. I sincerely

hope that, in response to the repeated recommendations and decisions of the United

Nations organs, the Government of the Republic of South Africa will abandon its

(more)


policies of apartheid, and also implement measures aimed at "bringing about racial

harmony based on equal rights and fundamental freedoms for all the people of South

Africa.

XI

•- In the course of the year under review, the financial situation of the Organiza-

tion has remained serious, owing to the continued failure of a number of Member State.1

to pay their assessed contributions to the costs of the United Nations Emergency Fore.-

and the United Nations Operation in the Congo. Thus, at 50 June 1963, arrears for

UHEF totalled $27.3 million and for ONUC, $72 millionj at the same date the United

Nations was operating under a deficit of some $11 4- million.

The drain on available resources was increased by the fact that for the period

1 July 1962 to 30 June 1963 the General Assembly authorized expenditures for UNEF and

ONUC up to a certain maximum, without appropriating the amount involved. The proceeds

of the bond issue during this 'period compensated in some measure but fell considerably

short of covering total expenses during the 12 months involved, as well as the

accumulated arrears in contributions dating back to 1957 in the case of UNEF and to

I960 iu the case of ONUC.

In a report to the General Assembly at its special session in Kay-June 1963* at

which it considered the financial position of the Organization,it was indicated that,!

all existing factors continued to operate, the deficit might reach a total of $lUO

million at 31 December 1963, and that cash resources would have been reduced to a

dangerously low level.

Certain actions taken by the General Assembly at its special session may be

expected.to alleviate the situation to some extent. Thus, for the period 1 July 1963

to 31 December 1963, an amount of $9«5 million was appropriated for UNEF and $33

million for ONUC, to be financed by a combination of assessed and voluntary contribu-

tions. By a resolution on arrears in assessed contributions for these two operations,

the door was opened to more flexible arrangements, within the letter and spirit of the

Charter, for bringing payments up to date, including the possibility of payment by

instalment. The authorized period during which United Nations bonds might be sold was

extended from 31 December 1962 to 31 December 1963. Moreover, as plans for the syste-

matic reduction and eventual termination of the military component of ONUC proceed,

the main financial burden giving rise to present difficulties will gradually be lifted

These are bald figures which have to be faced; and while it is to be hoped that

the prospects for improvement referred to above will yield some favourable results,

the fact remains that the Organization is likely, for some time to come, to operate

under a. serious financial deficit and a cash position causing constant concern.

I trust that Member States will not fail to bear in mind the vital nature of this

problem, which if allowed to persist without adequate and timely measures for its

(more)

„ Ib _ Press Release SG/1568£0 August 1965

solution, must inevitably impair the effectiveness of the Organization and jeopardize

its very existence. To the same end, the further endeavours to evolve a satisfactory

method of financing future peace-keeping operations involving heavy expenditurei

deserve the attention and support of all concerned.

XII

Towards the end of May 1965 a historic meeting took place in Addis Ababa — the

meeting of the heads of 52 independent African States. It was a matter of deep regr«

to me that, although I had been invited to be present at this meeting by the Head of

State of the host Government, it was not possible for me, for personal reasons, to

attend the conference. Besides adopting a number of important resolutions on various

questions of general interest, as well as problems of special interest to Africa, the

Conference also approved a Charter and decided to establish an "Organization of

African Unity". I was deeply impressed by the statesmanship shown by the African

leaders at this conference and the reasonable and moderate tone of the resolutions

which they approved. In regard to the Organization of African Unity, it is of course!

well-known that regional organizations are not precluded under the Charter of the

United Nations, provided that "their activities are consistent with the purposes and

principles of the United Nations". The Charter of the Organization of African Unity

specifically states that one of its purposes shall be "to promote international co-

operation, having due regard to the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights", I was also impressed by the recognition by the

leaders of the independent African States of the basic fact of their interdependence

not only amongst themselves bxit as members of the international community.

I said in the introduction to the annual report a year ago that the Organization

was facing a so-called "crisis of confidence", which was due to the emergence of so

many independent States in Asia and Africa and the consequent change in the original^

balance of forces within the United Nations. Today, a year later, I feel I can say,

without being charged with undue optimism, that this "crisis" has largely disappeared

I see on the other hand increasing recognition of the usefulness of the United Nation?

not only among statesmen, but also among ordinary citizens. I believe that today ther

is a better awareness of the United Nations, both on the part of those who support it,

and of those who criticize it — mainly because of an inadequate understanding of the

limitations under whi6h we work; and oftentimes the United Nations is taken to task

merely because it mirrors the complex problems and the shortcomings of the world. How-

ever, the public pronouncements of leaders in every walk of life and the statements

made recently by both spiritual and temporal heads show that much hope is placed in

the United Nations as an instrument for the promotion of better understanding and an

enduring peace.

(more)


One ftiefcent in the strength of the United Notions is the progress towards

universality that the Organisation has made so steadily during recent years. I

Relieve that this progress should be maintained and encouraged, and should not "be

reversed^ even when situations arise involving deep emotions and strong convictions.

*I also "believe that there should be room in the United Nations for Member Governments

with widely differing political, economic and social systems. It is only by providing

and maintaining a common meeting-ground for all peace-loving States which accept, and.

are willing and able to carry out, the Charter obligations, that the Organization can

fulfil one of the basic purposes of the Charter: "to be a centre for harmonizing

the actions of nations".

Recent developments which have already been reviewed at some length in this

introduction support on encouraging view of the future. These developments have been

taken in certain quarters, perhaps with somewhat more optimism than is justified, as

ushering in a new era. The General Assembly has already recommended several measures,

which could now be followed up as a result of the improved political climate following

the signature of the partial test ban treaty; and I referred to most of them in a

statement I made on that occasion. There are no doubt other steps which have not, so

far, been discussed by the General Assembly, which could also usefully be taken. In

this regard, the next 12 months may prove to be an interesting and perhaps even a

fruitful period.

There is much discussion nowadays on ways and means to improve the peace-

keeping capacity of the United Nations and its effectiveness as a dynamic instrument

for safeguarding international peace and security. I welcome such discussion because

it reflects an appreciation of what the Organization has already been able to achieve,

sometimes under great handicaps. It is, no doubt, true that very often the problems

that are left at the door of the United Nations are the difficult ones. This is as

it should be; and in view of this circumstance, the United Nations cannot be expected

to find without exception a satisfactory solution to every problem. At the same time,

looking ahead, it is reasonable to assume that, as the Organization succeeds in

solving one difficult problem after another, and resolving differences between Member

Governments, it is gaining in strength and effectiveness almost imperceptibly.

It Is my earnest hope that this process will provide us with en ever-widening

field of useful service in the cause of peace•

20 August 1965 U ThantSecretary-General



United Nations, N.Y»


Prt,ss Release SG/156?9 August 1963

COMMUNICATION FROM SECRETARY-QEHERflL U THfiflT TO T3S

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF MATAYA, INDONESIA AM) PHILIPPINES

The following communication., dated 8 August 19&*, was sent by the United Nations

Secretary-General to the Foreign Ministers of the Federation of Malaya^ the

Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of the Philippines, through the Permanent

Representatives of these Governments:

"I acknowledge receipt of your communication dsted 5 August sent through Mr.

Alfred MaeKenzie, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Technical

Assistance Board in Manila.* I regret the delay in sending this reply which was

due to my absence from Headquarters.

"I have noted the terms of reference which I or my Representative would be

expected to follow. I believe that this task can be carried out by my Representative.

"I intend to set up two working teams under the over-all supervision of my

Representative, one of which will work in Sarawak and the other in Horth Borneo.

"I note that the Federation of Malaya has undertaken to consult the Government

of the United Kingdom and the Governments of North Borneo and Sarawak requesting

them, to co-operate with the Secretary-General and to extend to him the necessary

facilities to enable him to carry out his task.

"I have always made it clear that I can undertake this responsibility '

only with the consent of the Government of the United Kingdom. I am in contact

with the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom and shall take the first

steps in regard to this mission only after I have received an affirmative answer

from him in behalf of his Government.

"I n-ite that the three Heads of Government deem it desirable to send observers

to witness the carrying-out of the task by the working teams» I wish to make it

clear that the working teams working under the supervision of my Representative will

be responsible directly and exclusively to me.

(more)

* See Press Release SG/1559.

-2- • Press Release SG/15639 August .196

"I note that the costs necessary to the accomplishment of the task will be bcrne

:>y the three Governments. I estimate that'the 'entire 'mission uey consist of some

LO officials'and the total ext^a cost, on account of travel, ocr dle: - etc. but not

salary, may 'be of the order of some $20,000, Separate aceonncs of these e::penses

dll 'be maintained and reimbursement claimed from the three Governments in due course.

"When they have completed the task,, the working teams will report through my

epresentative to me, and on the basis of this report I shall-communicate my final

onclusions to the three Governments and the Government of the United Kingdom, It

s my understanding that neither the report of my representative nor my corclusicns

Duld be subject in any way to ratification or confirmation by any of the Governments

oncerned.

"My representative and his colleagues will of course make every effort to complete

he task as quickly as possible. An exact time-table.can be worked out and reported

o me for approval only after my Representative has had the opportunity to discuss

le problems involved, on the spot with all concerned.

"I am sending identical messages to the Foreign Ministers of the other two

:>vernments which met in Manila. In view of the public interest in this question,

.am.also publishing this reply tomorrow.

"Highest -consideration."

*






STATEMENT BY SECRETARY -GENERAL ON ARRIVAL AT NEW YORK AIRPORT

The following is a statement made by Secretary-General U Thaiit at Idlewild

Airport in New York on his return .from Moscow at 7:3° P»m«

"I just came back from Moscow after attending the ceremony of the signing of

the partial test-ban treaty. The mood in Moscow was one of hope and optimism. The

psychological climate was better than at any other time.

"I believe -that the agreement on a partial test-ban treaty was a break-through.

It means the dawn of a new era of improved international relations. The Big Three

are now consulting on the next step to take, which will cover a nuclear testing and

general and complete disarmament treaty,

"My feeling is that there is progress in sight, very early, particularly in

the field of nuclear testing* It is early to predict the prospects of a non-

aggression pact now, but a declaration of non-aggression is a definite possibility."

* #•** *



United Eat ions, H.Y.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


MESSAGE FROM POPE PAUL VI TO SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT,

AND THE SECRETARY -GENERAL'S I&PLY

'The following message was received by Secretary-General U Thant in Moscow

from His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on 5 August 1963:

"The signing of the Treaty banning nuclear experiments has also touched very

intimately our heart because we see therein a proof of good will, a pledge of

harmony and a promise of a more serene future.

"Welcoming in our soul, always solicitous for the welfare of hums,rity, the echo

of satisfaction and hope which rises from every corner of the world, we cypress our

felicitations on the conclusion of an act so comforting and so significant, and we

pray God that He prepare the way for a new and true peace in the world."

The following reply was cabled to Pope Paul VI by the Secretary-General on

6 August 1563* through the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Amleto

Cicognani:

"I should be grateful if Your Eminence would kindly convey the following

message to His Holiness Pope Paul VI:

"I was deeply touched by the gracious message which Your Holiness so kindly sent

me on the occasion of the sluing of the Treaty banning nuclear tests. We all share

the hope so eloquently expressed by Your Holiness that this may point the way to a

new and true peace in the world. With profound respects."

* #** *




(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD')


SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT CONFERS WITH CHAIRMAN

KHRUSHCHEV AND FOREIGN MIpSTBR_GROMYKO IN MOSCOW

(The following was received from the UN Information Centre, Moscow.)

United Nations Secretary-General U Thant, in Moscow for the test-ban Treaty

signing ceremony, yesterday called on Nikita Khrushchev, Chairman of the Council of

Ministers of the USSR, and later held a 30-minute conversation with him. The

Secretary-General also had a 45-minute talk with the Foreign Minister, Andrei Gromyko.

U Thant attended a luncheon given by Chairman Khrushchev in honour of the

signing of the test-ban Treaty.

Speaking in reply to the welcoming speech by Chairman Khrushchev at the luncheon,

the Secretary-General said that there exist two schools of thoughts one -which

considers the United Nations as a forum for the extension of views and ideas on

international affairs, and a second which considers it an effective instrument for

the preservation of peace. He himself, he explained, belonged to the second school.

Referring further to the role of the United Nations, the Secretary-General seid

that the Organization would be as strong or ES weak as its meabers wished it to be. In

conclusion, the Secretary-Genera^, premised to give ell his energy end devotion to the

principles of the United Nations which would ensure the maintenance of international

peace and security.

At the formal ceremony of the signing of the Treaty, the Secretary-General made

a statement (see Press Release SG/1557). Statements were also made by Mr. Grcmyko,

the Soviet Foreign Ministerj Dean Rusk, the United States Secretary of State; and

Lord Hume, the British Foreign Secretary.

The Director-General of UNESCO, Rene Maheu, also attended the signing ceremony.

In the evening, the Secretary-General attended the reception given by the Soviet

Government in the Kremlin. Present were ever 500 guests, including the members of the

delegations of the signatory Powers, the diplomatic corps, high Soviet officials and

other prominent citizens.

Chairman Khrushchev made a statement at the reception on the signing of the

Treaty and the further development of international relations.

# **•# #




(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


SECRETARY-GENERAL FLAMING TO PRESENT IDEAS ON DISARMAMENT

IN MOSCOW TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THREE POWERS

Arrives in Moscow to Attend Test-ban Treaty Signing

Secretary-General U Thant arrived in Moscow yesterday by air from New York to

attend the signing of the nuclear test-ban Treaty by representatives of the USSR,,

the United Kingdom and the United States.

Replying to press questions at Sheremetievo Airport, U Thant said he brought

with him "thoughts and ideas" which he planned to put to the Soviet Foreign Ministry

for discussion. In an airport statement he also expressed the hope that the test-

ban Treaty would pave the way for a new treaty completely prohibiting weapons of

mass destruction.

The invitation extended him by the three Governments to attend the Treaty

signing signified that the United Nations had a role to play in the prevention of

war, he continued. The signing of this Treaty — after the conclusion of an under-

standing to set np a direct communication link between the Kremlin and the White

House — meant the establishment of contacts between east and west.

U Thant observed that this was his second visit to Moscow and that he still

had fresh memories of his first visit and the warm welcome he received on that

occasion from the people and from Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev.

Questioned by reporters, the Secretary-General said he had some hopes about

the discussions he planned to have in Moscow, but would talk about this matter

later. Asked for his opinion on the Geneva disarmament talks, he said he was not

ready to give an answer at this stage.

The Secretary-General sent Moscow newspaper readers his best wishes for

"prosperity, happiness and peace".

London; Proposals on Disarmament

Earlier, on his arrival in London on Saturday, 5 August, U Thant said if he

were given an opportunity to make any brief observations in Moscow, they would

deal with the next steps which the big Powers might take in the field of disarmament.

(more)

- -2 - Press Release SG/15585 August 1963

The test-ban Treaty, he considered, would contribute to the easing of tensions and

create -a more congenial atmosphere for further negotiations.

On the subject of Malaysia, he said he had presented three alternative ways in

which the United Nations might be involved, and was awaiting a reply from the

Governments concerned. Asked if the United Nations could participate in seeking toe

opinion of the people of British Worth Borneo only with the approval of the United

Kingdom Government, he said consultation with that Government was necessary.Discussing the United States statement in the Security Council announcing that

the-Waited States Government would halt the export of arms to South Africa, U Thant

said this was an important statement of policy, but he could make no further- public

comment until-the Council had discussed the matter.

* ##•#

—*#**»-




(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECCED)


TEXT OF STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U T3ANT AT CEREMONY OF

SIGNING OF NUCLEAR TEST-BAN TREATY ITJ MOSCOW ON 5 AUGUST 1963

"On this happy occasion, I should like, first of all, to thank the Governments

of the Soviet Union, the United States and the United Kingdom for having invited me

to be present here at this historic ceremony. I regard this gracious gesture more

than anything else as an expression by the three Governments of their deep faith and

confidence in the United Nations and all that it stands for.

"In the situation that confronts humanity today, with the accelerating arms race

and with no significant abatement in mutual suspicions and mistrust, any agreement

between the Major Powers is a significant event. What makes this present occasion a

truly historic one is the fact that today for the first time we are witnessing an

important and, I have no doubt, significant breakthrough in the protracted and often

seemingly frustrating negotiations that have been conducted in the field of disarma-

ment over the years.

"This agreement has been made possible by the statesmanship and courage displayed

by the leaders of the three powers and equally by the untiring and devoted efforts of

their able negotiators, to all of whom I extend my sincere and heartfelt felicitations.

It is my earnest hope that, in the same spirit of accommodation and understanding

that has characterized the recent negotiations, every effort will be made to reach

agreement on the discontinuance of all test explosions of nuclear weapons for all

time. This is clearly envisaged by the preamble to the present Treaty itself, and is

devoutly hoped and prayed for by peoples the world over.

"The agreement signed today will not eliminate the risk of war: only general

and complete disarmament and the establishment of adequate and effective international

machinery for maintaining peace will achieve this. This same thought has no doubt

prompted the signatories of the Treaty to proclaim in its preamble that their princi-

pal aim is the speediest possible achievement of an agreement on general and complete

disarmament under strict international control in accordance with the objectives of

the United Nations. However, as the three-power communique" so rightly puts it, the

present agreement constitutes an important first step toward the reduction of

international tension and the strengthening of peace.

(more)


"Although the test*ban issue has virtually monopolized the agenda of successive

sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, other equally important

measures aimed at the relaxation of tension have "been repeatedly broughi up for dis-

cussion. I should like to refer briefly to some of them, but the order in which I

deal with these measures will not, I hope, be construed in any way as an indication

of priorities or their relative importance.

"Firstly, there is the question of the wider dissemination of nuclear weapons.

Repeatedly, the General Assembly has referred to the danger of the proliferation of

nuclear weapons and has called upon all Governments to make every effort to achieve

a permanent international agreement, subject to inspection and control, on the pre-

vention of the wider dissemination of these weapons of mass destruction. It is sig-nificant that while the resolutions of the General Assembly place a special responsi-

bility on the nuclear powers to refrain from relinquishing control of such weapons toothers not possessing them, they recognize at the same time that the countries not

possessing nuclear weapons have a great interest and an important part to -play, which

they could do by refraining from manufacturing or otherwise acquiring such weaponsand, further, by refusing to receive such weapons in their territories.

"The problem of the means of delivering nuclear weapons is an equally important

one. There have been proposals for limiting the production of delivery systems and

for the destruction of all but an agreed limited number in the early stage of an

agreed programme of general disarmament. It is my hope that this important issue will

receive further consideration by all the concerned parties with a view to reaching a

satisfactory solution."The problem of surprise attack has also figured in the past in debates at the

United Nations. Proposals made during recent weeks could lead to the early renewalof the surprise attack talks which have been adjourned since December 1958.

"I would also hope that the proposal, initiated in the fall of 1961, for conveninga special conference for signing a convention on the prohibition of the use of

nuclear and thermo-nuclear weapons for war purposes, will now receive wider support."Finally, I should like to mention the problem of denuclearized zones in different

geographical areas in the world. Various proposals bearing on this.have been made

from time to time. Obviously, the initiative must come from the countries in the

regions as has been the case in respect of Africa and Latin America. But it is

equally clear that the proposals must have the support and the backing of the nuclearpowers themselves. I should like to express my earnest hope that such support will beforthcoming.

"I have touched upon only some of the more important measures that are directedat further relaxation of existing tensions. I am happy to note that there are indica-tions that the three Governments who participated in the recent talks will continue tonegotiate in a determined effort to find further ways and means for the maintenance ofinternational peace and security. I should like to close by wishing them all success intheir endeavours." # #** •*





Press Release SG/1555C0/3te

31 July 1963

LETTER FROM TEE SECRETARY -GENERAL TO THE

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES

The following letter, dated 2k July 1963, was sent by Secretary-General U Thant

to the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Adlai

Stevenson:

"My dear Mr. Ambassador,

"I understand that on 30 July 1963 the U.S.N.S. Blatchford will complete

a service of almost three years in support of the United Nations Operation in the

Congo. During this period it has transported thousands of troops from Member

Nations of the United Nations to and from the Congo together with large quantities

of equipment. This operation, often conducted under the most difficult of circum-

stances, has been carried out in a most exemplary manner.

"I should appreciate if you would convey to your Government my gratitude for

making the U.S.N.S. Blatchford available to the United Nations, and in particular,

if you would inform the officers and men of the U.S.N.S. Blatchford of our apprecia-

on for the co-operation and sense of duty which characterised their service.

The assistance provided by the U.S.N.S. Blatghford has been a major contribution

to the conduct of the United Nations activities in the Congo,"

« ,y.y, y.Aw A



United Nations, NOT.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)Press Release SG/155230 July 1963

SECRETARY-GENERAL U THAM? TO ATTEND SIGNING

OF TEST-BAN TREATY IN MOSCOW

The Permanent Representatives of the Soviet Union, the Unite! Kingdom and the

United States have extended an invitation, on behalf of their Governments, to the

Secretary-General of the United Nations to be present on the occasion of the signing

the nuclear test-ban treaty which will take place in Moscow on Monday, 5 August

1963. The Secretary-General has accepted the invitation and hopes to be present at

the signing ceremony.

*


Press ServicesOffice of Pubi:,c Information

United Nations, M.Y.


Press Release SG/1551

30 July 1963

CABLES FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO FOREIGN MINISTER OF ETHIOPIA

AND TO COMMANDER OF UNITED NATIONS FORCE IN THE CONGO

Text of cable dated 29 July 1963 from Secretary-General

U Thant to Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Ato Ketema Yifru:

"On the occasion of General Kebbede Guebre's departure from the Congo at the

termination of his term as Commander of the United Nations Force* I request you

to convey to His Imperial Majesty my warm appreciation of the great service which

General Kebbede has rendered to the United Nations in the Congo, and my gratitude

that this distinguished officer could be made available at this critical period

for service with the United Nations in the Congo.

"Since General Kebbede assumed his responsibilities as Force Commander,

bur continuing efforts in the Congo have met with a greater degree of success,

and we are in a position to envisage the withdrawal of the United Nations Force.

During this crucial period I have been much impressed by the firmness and calmness

with which General Kebbede has carried out his most difficult responsibilities.

"May I also request you to express to His Imperial Majesty my great

appreciation for the very great contribution which Ethiopia has made to the

United Nations Operation in the Congo. Please convey to His Imperial Majesty

the assurances of my profound respects and homage. Highest consideration."

(more)

* See Press Release SG/15 5.

- 2 - - Press Release RG

°i~ cable elated 2$ July 1963 from Secretary-General

U Thant to ONUC Commander^ Lt, Gen. Kebbede Guebre;

"On the occasion of your leaving the service of the United Rations to take up

once again your duties in your own country, I wish to express, on behalf of the

Organization, my warmest appreciation of the manner in which you have discharged

your responsibilities as Commander of the United Nations Force in the Congo.

"The period of your command in the Congo has seen a remarkable change for the

better in the situation of that country, so that it is now possible to envisage

the withdrawal of the United Nations military force. Your wise and firm direction

has been a major factor in this development which is of the greatest importance not

only to the Congo but to the United Nations. Please accept my warm congratulations

on your achievements in the service of the United Nations and my best-wishes for

the future."

-*## #

U N I T E D K A T I 0 H S


United Nations, M.Y.

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/15 826 July 1963

CABLE FROM SECRETABY-GEMERAL U THANT

TO PRESIDENT TITO OF YUGOSLAVIA

The following cable, dated 26 July, was sent by Secretary-General U Thant

to Marshall Josip Broz Tito, President of the Socialist Federal Republic of

Yugoslavia:

"I was greatly shocked to learn of the recent earthquake in your country and

the great suffering it has brought upon the people of Yugoslavia. I wish to convey

to you, and through you to the people of Yugoslavia, my profound sense of grief

on this occasion. The United Nations stands ready to offer every assistance within

its resources to alleviate the distress caused by this calamity. I have requested

the organizations in the United Nations family to consider urgently the assistance

which might be provided."

*

\ U N I T E D N A T I O N S




Press Release SG/15^7rLO/157>4

25 July 1965

ILO DELEGATION CONFERS WITH SECRETARY-GENERAL

ON APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA

A de].egation from the Governing Body of the International Labour Office (ILO)

met this morning with United Nations Secretary-General U Thant to convey to him the

"grave concern" expressed in the ILO Conference and the Governing Body on the

question of the Republic of South Africa's apartheid racial policies,and to consult

the United Nations concerning the problem of the membership of South Africa in

ILO.

A statement on this question was made during the meeting by Emilio Calderon Paig,

Chairman of the Governing Body of ILO. In reply, the Secretary-General assured the

delegation that the United Nations shared its "grave concern".

Participants in Meeting

The ILO delegation participating in the meeting today included the following

persons:

David A. Morse, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation.

C. W. Jenks, Assistant Director-General^

Government members:

Emilio Calderon Puig (Mexico), Chairman of the Governing Body; PermanentRepresentative of Mexico to the international organizations in Geneva;Representative of the Government of Mexico on the Governing Body ofthe International Labour Office»

Habibur Rahman (Pakistan), Ambassador of Pakistan, Berne.

Daoud Akrouf (Algeria), Adviser, Cabinet of the Ministry of Labour and SocialAffairs.

Employers' members:

Sir George Pollock, Q.C., Director, British Employers' Confederation.

Mohammad Ali Rifaat (United Arab Republic), Member of the Board of Directors,Federation of Industries; Deputy Member of the Governing Body of theInternational Labour Office.

Naval H. Tata (India), Director, Messrs. Tata and Sons Ltd.

(more)

- 2 - Press Release 'J3,/'J;\1ILO/157 '

'•' • 25 July 1963 '

Workers' members: '' ' ~ •

Jean Mori (Switzerland), Secretary, Swiss Federation of Trade Unions; Viee-Chairman of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office.

K. Kaplansky (Canada), Director, International Affairs Department, CanadianLabour Congress.

Mahmoud ben Ezzeddine (Tunisia), Deputy General Secretary in charge ofExternal Relations and Social Legislation, Tunisian General Labour Union(U.G.T.T.}; Substitute Deputy Member of the Governing Body of theInternational Labour Office.

'Besides the Secretary-General, other participants on the United Nations side

were:

C. V, Narasimhan, Under-Secretary for General Assembly Affairs and Chef deCabinet.

Jose Rolz Bennett, Deputy Chef de Cabinet,Oscar Scbachter., Director of the General Legal Division of the Office ofLegal Affairs,,

George Ivan Smith., Spocial Representative of the Secretary-General in East andCentral Africa end Resident Representative of the Technical Assistance Boardand the Special Fund in East Africae

Statement on Behalf of ILO Delegation

At the outset of the meeting, the Chairman of the Governing Body of the ILQ,

Emilio Calderon Puig, made the following statement:

"Mr. Secretary-General,

"We have come here as a delegation from the Governing Body of the

International Labour Office, appointed to visit you with the Director-

General for the purpose of conveying to you the grave concern expressed

in .the Conference and the Governing Body on the subject of apartheid.

"We in the International Labour Organisation are dedicated to the

pursuit of lasting peace based on social justice. Our Constitution

affirms the right of all human beings, irrespective of race, creed or

sex, to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual

development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security

and equal opportunity. We are unalterably opposed to apartheid. It is

the negation of everything we believe in and everything we stand for.

(more)

- 3 - Press Release SG/15 7HO/137

25 July 1963

"In saying this we are not speaking only for ourselves or only for the

Governing Body. We are speaking for the International Labour Organisation.

On 29 June 1961, the International Labour Conference condemned the racial

policies of the Government of the Republic of South Africa and expressed the

utmost sympathy with those people of South Africa whose fundamental rights

are suppressed by the apartheid policy of the Government of the Republic of

South Africans well as those courageous people who irrespective of race and

colour are opposing apartheid. The Conference took that decision by 230 votes

to none, with-6 abstentions.

"in conveying to you, ia accordance with our mandate from the Governing

Body, the grave concern expressed in the Conference and the Governing Body

on the subject of apartheid, we ask you to convey that concern to the

appropriate United Nations bodies. We ask you also to convey to them our

fervent hope that the United Nations will take effective action to protect

the inborn equality and dignity of man.

"We have also a further mandate. Under our Constitution there is a

close relationship between membership of the United Nations and membership

of the International Labour Organisation. Any Member of the United Nations

may become a member of the International Labour Organisation "by acceptance

of the provisions of the Constitution of the Organisation.

"South Africa is a member of the International Labour Organisation today

by reason of its original membership of the League of Nations. For this

reason the Governing Body has commissioned us to emphasize, and jointly seek

a solution appropriate to each organization of the problems posed by the

membership of the Republic of South Africa so long as it continues to

maintain its present pllicy.

"in 1961 the International Labour Conference, by 163 votes to none, with

89 abstentions, declared that the continued membership of the Republic of

South Africa in the International Labour Organisation is not consistent with

the aims and purposes of the Organisation, and requested the Governing Body

to advise the Republic of South Africa to withdraw from membership of the

Organisation until such time as the Government of the said republic abandons

apartheid which is against the declared principles embodied in the Constitution

of the Organisation.

(more)

Press Release SG/15U7ILO/1371^

25 July 1963

"South Africa has not withdrawn from the International Labour Organisa-

tion. This year the matter "became so acute at the 7th Session of the

International Labour Conference as to precipitate a crisis in the course

of' which all of the African and Arab delegates withdraw from the Conference.

"A full account of these events is contained in the memorandum and

documents which the Director-General of the International Labour Office

has communicated to you. We would appreciate it if you would arrange for

this memorandum and the documents accompanying it to be drawn to the

attention of the appropriate United Nations bodies.

"¥e are now confronted with a major problem, that of deciding how to

deal with this matter in the future. While the final responsibility for

ILO action rests with the International Labour Organisation and we must

necessarily discharge that responsibility on the basis of our own

convictions, problems and needs, we would wish to do so in the light

of a full knowledge of the general policy of the United Nations. It is

for that reason that we have come here to explain our preoccupations in

full and to ask that they be brought fully to the attention of the

appropriate United Nations bodies so that we, when subsequently

endeavouring to take into account whatever action may be taken by

the United Nations, can do so in the knowledge that our preoccupations

'have been fully considered.

"The Governing Body has already taken a number of steps in addition

to the appointment of this delegation.

"The Governing Body has pled§=d the full co-operation of the ILO

in United Nations action relating to South Africa.

"The Governing Body has, within the limits of its competence,

excluded the Republic of South Africa from meetings of the ILO, the

membership of which is determined by the Governing Body, but not from

the International Labour Conference which South Africa, as a member of

the Organisation, has a constitutional right to attend.*

"The Governing Body has decided to consider as an urgent matter at

our next session this coming November such amendments to our Constitution

and/or Standing Orders and any other action within our competence as may

be necessary in order to achieve the objectives of our 1961 resolution on

(more)

*' See Press Release 3X0/1373.

- 5 - Press Release SG/15 7ILO/137July

- olicy of the Republic of South Africa, with a view to placing

on the agenda of next year's session of the International Labour Conference

consideration and adoption of such changes.

"We recognize, however, that this is a political matter which may have

far-reaching consequences throughout the United Nations family, and we have

therefore come to seek the views and co-operation of the appropriate bodies

or organs of the United Nations.

"The ILO is unique. We are a tripartite organisation in which the

representatives of Governments, employers and workers cone together with

equal status to discuss and resolve social and labour problems. If we

fail in this, our allotted ts.sk, the United Nations cannot hope to succeed

in maintaining the peace. For, as our Constitution proclaims, 'universal

and lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice'.

But if the United Nations fails to maintain conditions in which the nations

of the world 'practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another

as good neighbours', we cannot hope to play our allotted part in the common

task of ' saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war'.

"From time to time, political questions inevitably arise in the course

of, and may tend to disrupt, our work. It is not our responsibility as an

organisation of Governments, employers and workers, to attempt to resolve

these questions as they affect the United nations family as a whole. But

we may have to deal with their consequences as they affect ourselves. We

may also have views concerning them, which we can and should bring to your

attention in the hope that they may be taken into account by the competent

organs of the United Nations in reaching their decisions; to these decisions

we in turn will naturally look for guidance.

"We therefore look to the United Nations to assume the responsibility

for grappling firmly with the political problems of our time in such a

manner as to ensure that they do not paralyse the constructive work of

human betterment in which we seek to play our part."

Reply by Secretary-General

Secretary-General U Thant then made the following statement in reply:

"I have listened carefully to your statement conveying the grave concern

expressed in the Conference and the Governing Body of ILO on the subject of

apartheid and I fully umierstsmd and appreciate the views which you set forth.

I wish to assure you that the United Nations shares this grave concern. The

latest expression on the part of the General Assembly is contained in(more)

- 6 - Press Release SG/15 7ILO/157 i

25 July 1965 -

resolution 1761 (XVII) of 6 November 1962, and the Special Committee established

by tliat resolution has reported on the continued worsening of the situation.

The problem is now before the Security Council at the request of thirty-two

African States."The question is not only an issue of humanity but deeply concerns the

principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In view of the nature of the

issues involved, it is particularly appreciated that the International Labour

Organisation has decided to take a question of this kind to the United Nations.

"The serious political issues and their bearing on the fundamental prin-

ciples and specific provisions of the United Nations Charter make it appro-

priate that these questions be considered by the principal political organs of

the United Nations. At the same time, as you have pointed out in your state-

ment, these questions do affect, and may even tend to disrupt, your work. It

is therefore desirable that your views should be known to the United Nations

when it is considering these issues.

"I have already taken action to bring the views of the ILO to the attention

of all Member States by circulating your memorandum* as a document of the

General Assembly. Any Member State may bring these views to the attention of

the Security Council should they appear relevant to the consideration of the

item on the agenda of the Council. They will also be available to the Special

Committee on the Policies of Apartheid of the Government of the Republic of

South Africa, which was established by General Assembly resolution 1761 (XVIl).

I am certain that your views will be taken into account by the competent United

Nations organs.

"I also wish to assure you that my Office will keep the ILO appropriately

informed of developments in the United Nations and particularly of any decisions'"

which are taken which may bear on issues facing the ILO or which may have

consequences for your Organisation. Documents of all relevant organs will of

course be made available to your Organisation.

"In concluding, I should like to emphasize how important it is that the

organizations in the United Nations family should avoid divergent action in

matters of this kind gravely affecting their constitutional processes. I am

accordingly confident that full regard will be given by the agencies to whatever

position is taken by the principal political organs of the United Nations, and

that a course will be followed which will enable your constructive work of

human betterment to proceed unimpaired."

(more)

^ * See Document

- 7 - Press Release SG/15 7ILO/137

25 July 1963

Concluding Remarks

At the conclusion of the meeting the Director-General of ILO, Mr. Morse,

thanked the Secretary-General for receiving the delegation and expressed

appreciation of his efforts to strengthen the bonds between the United

Nations and the specialized agencies. The ILO attached great importance to

the closest co-operation with the United Nations, to which it looked for

leadership in political matters.

The Secretary-General thanked the Director-General for his views on the

concept of the relationship between the ILO and the United Nations, which he

fully shared. He trusted that this consultation with the delegation of the

Governing Body would provide guidance for the other agencies of the United

Nations family, which might find themselves in a similar situation. It was

essential to ensure co-ordination in political matters, and in that respect

the initiative taken by the ILO in consulting the United Nations should set

an example for the future.

* y Ty; y. jtA « ff w




(P3R USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — WOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release19 July 1963

MSSSAGE FROM SECRETARY.GENERAL U TEAM! TO GOVERNING BOARD

OF.INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING IN PARIS

The following message from Secretary-General U Thant was presented on his

behalf by his representative, David Owen, Executive Chairman of the Technical

Assistance Board, at the inaugural session on 18 July of the Governing Board of the

International Institute of Educational Planning, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris:

"It gives me special pleasure to send greetings to the distinguished members of

the Governing Board of the International Institute for Educational Planning at its

first session. The establishment of this Institute is a development of first

importance in the work of the United Nations family of international organizations.

In our common concern to raise the standard of life of the people of the earth, it

is well that we do not forget the condition of men's minds and hearts, nor under-

estimate its importance in all that we do.

"Thus, the creation of this Institute, which begins its active life today, is

a reaffirmation of our recognition of the vital rtle of education expressed not

only in resolutions and decisions of our various assemblies, councils and committees,

but in the countless projects of practical co-operation and assistance by inter-

national bodies throughout the world. It is also a reaffirmation of the value which

we attach to foresight and to planning as part of the broad strategy of our

campaign for economic and social betterment in this United Nations Decade for

Development.

"in our campaign for economic and social betterment, the United Nations family

already has a formidable armoury of instruments and weapons, and to these we have

recently started to add a group of institutes specially devoted to research,

planning and training in special fields and in particular regions. Thus, the new

International Institute which we launch on its active life today, will join a group

of other bodies including regional economic planning institutes which are to be

associated with the United Nations regional economic commissions, the Economic

(more)

- 2 - . Press Release SG/15 619 July 1963

Institute of the World Bank which has already done such admirable work

in WasM/igton, tne Institute of Labour Studies which the International Labour

Organisation has set up in Geneva, and the United Nations Research Institute for

Social Development which has recently been established. I look forward to the

closest possible co-operation between these and other kindred institutions. They

complement each other and, properly deployed, should greatly reinforce each other1s

efforts in their respective fields.., . -

"May I say a few brief words on the spirit which may inform the endeavours of

those whose responsibilities it will be to guide the work of this new International

Institute. May I say a word about the importance both of the past and of the future

without overlooking the present. In your eagerness to plan ahead, I know that you

will not fail to take full account of the rich and varied heritage of man in all our

homelands and cultures. In your concern to respect this heritage of the past, I

know that you will not be timid in planning for a dynamic future, the lineaments of

which are not always easy to discern at any one time. And in your concern for both the"

past.-and the future, I know you will nevertheless attend to these urgent and insistent

needs of the present with which today1s makers of the future are most imperatively

concerned,"

*



\ United Nations, N.Y.

| (FOR uss OF INFORMATION MEDIA — HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Note No. 277615 July 1963


TRANSCRIPT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S PRESS CONFERENCE

Held at the Palazetto Venezia. Romeon Thursday, 11 July 1963

i. 1 . Note No. 27','615 July 1963

Introductory statecjint Tr* the Director, UN Information Centre. Rome.i •!*«•**• ji.», *a., *^- TT.i-riPTi—irmi—i -i--n-r-tn TL~ »i F" •»• '"i». inwvTiiii"Mr»ia«MiiMri I <~ ir~ni'», i i nnLiiii"nmn_ i iji riirfr—T - T - n - i - ' n • • i fn —

La die G and. Centlerten of the Press: .There is no need for me to make any

introduction to you today. The Secretary-General, U Thant, is known to you all and

I am sure you will wish me to welcome him on your behalf and to say how happy we

are to have him here in Rome, although his stay is, unfortunately, all too brief.

There are just two things I would like to mention on how the conference will be

conducted. First of all, the Secretary-General will speak in English, but there

will be a consecutive interpretation into Italian. Questions may be put in English,

Italian or French and there will be replies in English and Italian. Before putting

your questions, would you kindly give your name and also whatever paper, or agency

you represent.

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; Ladies and Gentlemen: I am certainly delighted to be

able to meet with you today during my first official visit to this historic city.

I am particularly grateful to the Government and people of Italy for having very

kindly extended the invitation to me. Italy, as you know, has been one of the

more active members of the United Nations Organization. Italy has served at one

time as a member of the Security Council and one of its distinguished sons served

as Head of the UNESCO until a few years ago and another distinguished son, Mr.

Spinelli, is still heading the European Office of the United Nations. Thirteen of

its most distinguished sons gave their lives in Kindu in the Congo in 1961 in the

service of the United Nations for the cause of peace. My visit to this country is,

in a way, a tribute to those eminent Italians who are dedicated to the principles

of the United Nations Charter. Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, I will ask for your

questions.

QUESTION; Lately, the African countries in the International Labour

Organisation have boycotted the work of the 7th Assembly, in order to expel

South Africa owing to its segregationist policy. I suppose these African countries

mean to follow this policy in UNESCO, and what is more important, within the

United Nations. Do you think, Sir, in this case, Article IV of the Charter, which

envisages expulsion of embers, should be applicable?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Regarding this particular case, which happened at the

ILO Conference a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity of discussing it with David

Morse, Director-General of ILO in Geneva last Monday. We exchanged views on this

(more)

- 2 . Note Ho. 277615 July 1965

question and under the decision of the ELO Governing Board, David Morse and the

delegation of the ILO are coming to New York, most probably in the third week of

this month to discuss with me the implications of their decisions. As you know,

so far this problem is not before the United Nations Organization. So, after

discussing with David Morse and the delegation, perhaps I shall have to discuss

with the African delegations, with a view to formulating a satisfactory plan of

procedure, which will lead to an amicable settlement of the problem. Personally,

I do not think it will lead to a very serious crisis.

QUESTION; I should like to ask if you think that the United Nations could

give a proper solution to the Berlin crisis to solve it at least temporarily, or

do you think that a definite solution could be given only by a general election on

a free basis in both parts of Germany?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; The Berlin question is primarily the concern of the

big Four Powers — United Kingdom, United States, France and the Soviet Union.

So, constitutionally-speaking and from practical considerations too, only the big

Four Powers are in a position to settle this problem. I do not think that at this

stage the United Nations can usefully contribute towards a solution of this problem.

Of course, if the big Four Powers agree to do so, the United Nations should take

up this question in one of its principal organs,

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary-General, there have been several press reports stating

that you have ordered observers from the United Nations in Yemen to investigate

charges that the Egyptians have been using poison gas against the population of

Yemen. Is this information correct, and in case these charges prove right, what

action would the United Nations take against Egypt?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; About four weeks ago an American journal carried a

story with the allegation that the United Arab Republic planes dropped some poison

gas bombs Inside Yemen over the Royalists. About the same time, the Permanent

Representative of Saudi Arabia +-o the United Nations saw me and brought to my

attention the same charge, I icmediately asked General von Horn, who is in charge

of the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission, to investigate the charges and

report to me immediately. He did the investigation and he reported to me that he

was unable to substantiate these charges. That was about four weeks ago and then,

when I got to Geneva last Sunday I got a cabled complaint from the Saudi Arabian

Permanent Delegate to the same effect. I immediately asked my office in New York

(more)

- 3 - Note Wo. 277615 July 1965

to ask the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission to investigate the charges

again, and I asked my office also to ascertain the full facts from both Governments,

the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia. Up til'.l last night I was in contact

with my office and the replies were not yet received. On this I want to make

one observation which I hope is relevant to this question. It is common knowledge

that there are Soviet planes and Soviet technicians in the United Arab Republic,

and also it is common knowledge that there are American planes and American

technicians in Saudi Arabia. So, the situation in Yemen is really delicate if we

consider this in the context of the Cold War.

I would like to take this opportunity of appealing to the press and all

fielders of mass media who are actual moulders cf public opinion, to be objective

in their reporting and in the coverage of news which is likely to have repercussions

in the context of the Cold War. Most of you, I am jure, know that certain news-

papers and periodicals have certain attitudes towarls the United Arab Republic,

and certain newspapers and certain periodicals havf certain attitudes towards

Saudi Arabia, because journalism, like diplomacy, is a case of conditioned reflex

— if you know what I mean — their reactions and their assessments and their

observations of situations, in a particular area, are generally influenced by

their own attitude towards the countries primarily involved in such situations.

So, just for the sake of peace and for the sake of justice and fair play, I would

appeal to journals and periodicals to try to be as objective as possible in the

coverage of news, particularly of news emanating from Yemen.

QUESTION: In case one day you get a report from- General von Horn confirming

that poisoned gas has been really used, what will you do?

The SECRETARY -GENERAL: My action has to be based on the actual findings of

our man on the spot. It all depends on the results of the investigations. As

you know, we have provisions in the Charter and the Rules and Regulations of the

United Nations to resort to a certain course of action on the basis of these

findings, but it will not be very helpful, I am afraid, to discuss the potential

actions to be taken in such a hypothetical situation.

(more )

- If. - Note No. 277615 July 1965

QUESTION: It was reported that one of the topics of your audience with His

Holiness the Pope this morning dealt with the persecution of the Buddhist majority

in Saigon some weeks ago, and I just wanted to know if these reports are false or

if they are true?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: During my audience with His Holiness the Pope, we

exchanged views on some of the items directly concerned with the United Nations

and with the Catholic Church. Of course, I do not think it will be in the public

interest for me to reveal the nature of the questions discussed, but this much I

can say. From all accounts, the developments iu the Republic of Viet-Nam are

disturbing, and on a previous occasion, before I left New York, I made a public

appeal to president Diem to exercise tolerance and to redress the legitimate

grievances of Buddhists in his country, and to exercise justice and fair play

for the sake of peace and amity. Of course, I am very much concerned with the

developments in that country, since I have been getting many complaints and

requests, not only from private organizations, but also from certain Member States

of the United Nations.

QUESTION; Could you tell us your general impressions during your recent trips

in Hungary and Bulgaria, above all regarding the possibilities of development in

peaceful co-existence between the two blocks, East and West, especially in the

light of the Chinese-Russian split?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; I am getting more and more convinced that every leader

of Government in the world today wants genuine peace, and nobody in his senses wants

war. That applies both to the East and West, as I discovered from my personal

meetings and discussions with leaders of Governments everywhere. Regarding the

current discussions in Moscow between the Soviet leaders and the Chinese communist

leaders, of course, it is difficult, if not impossible, to speculate on the outcome,

but I just want to make one brief observation on this. China is passing through a

phase which the Soviet Union passed through in the '20's and 'SO's. In the early

stages of nation-building on their own concept of the economic and social philosophy,

we have to be prepared to hear more rigid positions and more drastic measures taken

by those countries, which are going through this phase. I think it is a common

phenomenon also with newly independent countries. I am convinced that it is just

a question of time. In course of time, China will also liberalize its attitudes

as the Soviet Union has done.

(more)

- 5 - Note No. 277615 July 1965

4I fflriSTTQN: I would "Like to know from the Secretary-General what steps the

United Nations intends to take in order to overcoine the present financial difficulties

due to the non-payment of contributions "by some Member States?

The SECRETARY_-GENERAL: I think it is necessary to know the distinction between

payment towards the regular budget and payment towards the peace--keeping budget. The

United Nations budget is classified into two categories, the regular budget and the

budget for the peace-keeping operations. As far as the regular budget is concerned,

almost every Member of the United Nations has paid up. There is no problem regarding

arrears, but the problem arises in regard to the budget for the peace-keeping

operations. As you know,, there are two operations of this kind: in the Middle East

and in the Congo. For the Middle East operations the United Nations has been spending

US$20 million a year. For the Congo the United Nations has been spending US$10 million

a month for the last three years. The problem arises regarding non-payment of contri-

butions towards these two peace-keeping operations. As you know, some Member States

refuse to pay for these peace-keeping operations, mainly based on their own inter-

pretation of the relevant provisions of the Charter. They maintain, for instance

the Soviet Union and France maintain, that allocation of financial responsibility

for the peace-keeping operations must be made only by the Security Council. Other

Member States maintain that allocation of financial responsibility for these peace-

keeping operations can be made by the General Assembly. So, assessments for these

peace-keeping operations have all along been made by the General Assembly, in the

face of protests by the Soviet Union, France and others. So, non-payment for these

peace-keeping operations, in my view, is purely motivated by their own understanding

of the relevant provisions of the Charter. The United Nations is therefore faced

with a very serious financial crisis. This matter was taken up at the recent

special session of the General Assembly, and it came out with resolutions

authorizing me to spend certain sums of money for these two operations up to

51 December 1965. So the problem will arise only after the present year but not

now. I hope with a spirit of conciliation and understanding, and with a spirit of

faith and trust in the United Nations Organization, the Member States will arrive

at a satisfactory formula acceptable to all.

QUESTION; The problem of Hungary has been present on the international scene

for many years, but it has now come apparently to an end, and this is simply one of

the reasons for your recent trip to Budapest. Of course, I understand that it must

be one of the duties of the United Nations to have a broader view of the problems,

(more)

- 6 - Note No. 277615 July 196J

and to put aside some of them which may be of concern to only some States,

in order to achieve a broader view of the p*'oble:.as thct are of interest to mankind

as a whole. Now I want to ask you, Mr. Secretary-General — you who are a strenuous

defender of democracy — if you believe that, as the United Nations has put aside

the problem of Hungary, so should the free world forget the vicissitudes of a people

who strenuously wonted liberty?

The SECRETARY-GSNERAL; The question of Hungary was discussed at the last session

of the General Assembly, as you no doubt remember, and the General Assembly adopted

a resolution asking me to use my initiative in any manner 1 wished regarding the

problem of Hungary. You will notice that the resolution and the debates leading to

its adoption are not very clear regarding my responsibilities. Of course, on one

thing I am clear. I am not obligated to report to the General Assembly on my visit

to Hungary. The Government of Hungary invited me long before I was appointed

Secretary-General of the United Nations. The invitation was renewed to me in my

present capacity, so when I visited Hungary in my present capacity I could not, of

course, divorce myself completely from the resolution adopted at the last session.

I had certain functions to perform in the context of that particular resolution.

At the same time, my primary motivation was to ease tension, to bring about better

international understanding, and to see for myself how far the Hungarian Government

has.gone towards liberalizing in its attitudes and its concepts. I came back with

one thing clear in my mind. I noticed difinite signs of stability.

Regarding the question of forget and forgive, it is my feeling that the General

Assembly has passed many resolutions in the last 17 years and many of these resolution

although passed with the endorsement of the vast majority of the Member States, were

just ignored by those Member States primarily concerned. So it is not just a case of

all the Member States complying with the provisions of the resolutions adopted at the

General Assembly. There are many cases, let me repeat, there are many cases where

some Member States just ignore the recommendations of the General Assembly in the

past 17 years.

QUESTION; The increase of the number of Member States in the United Nations

has recently worsened the situation of the national minorities in new States.

Particularly, these new States have passed legislation seriously curtailing

property rights, and also these national minorities have been curtailed in the

social security situation. Do you think that the time has come now to discuss

before the United Nations this problem mainly with regard to the importance, which

international emigration has on the international scene. It seems that these new

(more)

- 7 - Note No. 277615 July 1965

4Member States, which are particularly interested in problems of racial discrimination,

are themselves seriously discriminating at home against foreigners. Bo you think

that-, t'je time has come to discuss seriously in the United Nations this problem?

The 3ECRETAPY-GMERAL: Any matter can be brought to the attention of the

General Assembly or the Security Council, if any Member State wishes to inscribe

a particular item. Of course, in my position, I cennot inscribe any item of such

a nature. If a Member State or Member States desire the inscription of any item

on the agenda of -the General Assembly, they are free to do go, but this is actually

beyond my control .

QUESTION; Are you interesting yourself in the question of Cardinal Mindzenty?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL; The name of Cardinal Mindzenty did not feature in any

of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions, but since I feel that it has

some relevance to the easing of tension and the restoration of better intei-national

relations, I tried to understand the situation regarding Cardinal Mindzenty, while

I was in Budapest. I do not think it will be in the public interest for me now to

reveal the nature of my exchange of views with Prime Minister Kadar, but I am

hopeful that this problem will be settled in due course.

QUESTION: Apparently, in your talk with Foreign Minister Plccioni you

discussed the problem of increase of the number of Member States in the Security

Council and other organs of the United Nations. We would like to know ..wi- ,..1.-..!

regarding this?

The SECRETARY -GENERAL: I am sorry that I am not authorized to reveal.

the nature of the questions and issues I raised with the Foreign Minister.

QUESTION: I understand a few days ago a decision was taken by you and the

Government of my country, Sweden, according to whi-h the Swedish t.t-oops serving

in the Congo will leave the country in a few months' time. Has any similar decision

been taken with regard to troops of other Member States serving in the Congo?

The SECRETARY -GENERAL: As you are no doubt -.ware, the Security Council has

authorized the Secretary-General to perform certain specific functions in regard

to the Congo. For instance, the restoration of law and order, prevention of civil

war and the expulsion of foreign mercenaries and maintenance of unity and territorial

integrity of the Congo. I feel that after more than three years of United Nations

involvement in the Congo, almost all these requirements have been fulfilled. So it

is my intention to recommend to the Security Council that the United Nations should

be completely disengaged militarily from the Congo before the end of this year.

(more )

- 8 - Note No. 277515 July 1963

Of course, I am not competent to decide definitely on this line of action. All I

propose to do is to submit the report to the Security.Council in August with ray

specific recommendation to disengage militarily from the Congo before the end of

this year. Of course, the decision rests with the Security Council. Particularly,

because of the financial crisis, I feel very strongly that the United Nations should

not carry on with these peace-keeping operations in the Congo beyond 19 3, and I

feel it is now time for the United Nations to regard the Congolese Government like

a government of any other independent country, and that the Government should be

allowed to stand on its own feet.

QUESTION: Both the Western economies and economies of other types have aimed

at the highest possible level of social security. Have studies in this direction

been made within the United Nations or within ILO?

The SECRETARY-GEIflSRAL: Yes, the matter has been before the Economic and Social

Council at almost every session. It has been t-aken up by the United Nations and

also in the Social Commission.

Mr. AGNS HAMRIN; On behalf of my Italian colleagues and fellow members of the

foreign press in Rome, and on ray own behalf, I wish to thank you most warmly for

the opportunity you have given us to meet you. We thank you also very much for

the clear and frank answers you have given to our questions.

* *** *



United Nations, II.Y*

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


CABLES FROM SECRETLY-GENERAL U THANT TO CHAIRMAN KHRUSHCHEV,

PRIMS MINISTER MACMILLAN AND PRESIDENT KENNEDY

Following is the text of identical cables sent on 15 July by United Nations

Secretary-General U Thant to Nikita Khrushchev, Chairman of the Council of Ministers

of the USSR, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, and Harold MacMillan,

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom:

"On the occasion of the opening of the test-ban negotiations in Moscow, in

which your Government is participating, I send you this message of good wishes and

express the hope that the talks which have begun well in a spirit of co-operation

and accommodation may lead to a successful outcome. May I also express my confidence

at the propitious atmosphere created by your personal interest and determination

in seeking a solution to this problem and by recent efforts made by the Governments

concerned in this regard will ensure positive results.

"The United Nations, bearing in mind the vital interests of mankind, has

through successive resolutions consistently regarded the cessation of nuclear

weapon tests as urgent, and essential for progress towards a relaxation of tension

and the ending of the arms race.

"I should like to add my personal good wishes to the negotiators in the work

they have just begun."

•**•* -*•





Press Release SG/15 315 July 196?

REMARKS BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OH THE OCCASION

OF THE CONFERMENT OH HIM OF HONORARY CITIZENSHIP OF FLORENCE,

HELD AT FLORENCE ON 12 JULY 19o5

"It is with particular pleasure that I am visiting Florence today and my sole

regret is not to have been able to come here "before.

"Florence is truly a place of pilgrimage for anyone concerned with culture

and the artistic achievements of mankind. It is, indeed, a living monument to the

genius of man. Its churches, its palaces, its monuments, its museums are all

testimony to the creative spirit which has found such fertile expression and such

universal meaning in this city throughout the centuries. The artistic wealth of

Florence is such -- I am told -- that it spills out of the walls of its buildings

into the piazzas and the streets, for everyone to share, for everyone to enjoy —

as if it were a part of the natural scenery.

"But Florence, I know, is more than an artistic showcase. It has seen history

being made within its confines and what has happened here on many occasions has had

repercussions throughout Italy and throughout the world. Florence has also had its

share of suffering and whether in past centuries or in the present, its sacrifices

have not been light. Out of each crisis, however, it has emerged with renewed

vigour, and its ever increasing patrimony has continued to enrich the world.

."Florence is today an active participant in the remarkable economic surge of

Italy, and it has developed in many fields with impressive strides. The contributions

made in recent years by Florence and its Mayor, Professor La Pira, toward peace and

international understanding are well known. May I take this opportunity of expressing

my appreciation for these efforts which are directed to the attainment of the goals

enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

"I certainly feel it a distinct honour to be conferred Honorary Citizenship of

this historic city of peace and culture under the distinguished administration of

its Mayor, Professor La Pira, whose record of activities for the cause of peace

and international understanding is most impressive. I have very great pleasure to

accept this gracious conferment."# #-** *

U N I T E D N A T I O N SServices

Office of p. \hlic InformationUnited Nations, K.Y.

(FOR bS3 OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- HOT A3 OFFICIAL RECORD)


REMARKS BY__S^CPST.ARY-GEnERALU THANT A.T MOEIA L CEF2MORY

FOP. j

ESLD AT PL3A, ITaLY., CJM 12 JULY Ig^S

"This memorial commemorates a most poignant tragedy. The thirteen Italian

airmen who were massacred at Kindu, in the Republic of the Congo, on 11 November 1961

were serving the United Nations in perhaps the cost difficult mission it has ever

undertaken.

"They were bringing help, in the name Of the community of nations, to a member

of that conmunity in distress. They met their death at the hands of the very

people they had come to help.

"Their death was the result of fear, suspicion and complete misunderstanding

-- a situation which was characteristic of the situation in the Congo at that time.

These very circumstances were one of the greatest obstacles which the United Nations

has had to overcome in the Congo. By the devoted efforts of men from many countries

it has now gone a long way in overcoming them, and the Congo and its people are

vastly the better for it.

"Although the circumstances of this tragedy were peculiarly brutal, fear,

suspicion and misunderstanding are the enemies which we in the United Nations are

fighting in many places and on many levels. Those who fight them must believe

utterly in what they are doing and must be prepared to offer the extreme sacrifice,

as these men did, to advance the cause of peace. There is no personal reward in

such work other than a sincere belief in its necessity and the universal recognition

of such heroism.

"These thirteen distinguished sons of Italy should be remembered not only for

what they were as individuals, but as the heroic vanguard of those, and they are

many, who strive ceaselessly in many lands for a better and more peaceful world.

"In them Italy has given to the cause of peace thirteen of its finest sons, and

I salute them in the name of the world organization I have the honour to represent."

* ##* *

U N I T E D S A T I X) H S


United Nations, K.",

(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- HOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/153911 July 1965

SECRETARY-GENERAL U THAKT ARRIVES IN ROME

(The following was received from the United Nations Information Centre, Home.)

United Kations Secretary-General U Thant arrived in Rome from Genevayesterday and was welcomed by the Italian Ifinister for,-Foreign Affairs,

Attilio Piccioni. Later he held talks with the Italian Prime Minister and also

called on the President of Italy.

At the ceremony welcoming him, the Secretary-General U Thant stated that he

was glad to be in the historical city of Rome, and he thanked the Italian

Government for its kind invitation.

He added that it was his constant aim to carry out his duties according to

the Charter and, in that respect, he was gratified to know that he had the full

support of the Government and people of Italy, who had never ceased to show their

faith in the United Nations.

He paid homage to the 13 Italian airmen who hed given their lives in the

Congo., and said that he was glad he would have the opportunity of going to Pisa

to pay his respects "to those heroes who had sacrificed their lives for the ideals

and principles of the United Kations".

Following the ceremonial welcome the Secretary-General proceeded to the

Palazzo Chigi and held discussions with the Italian Prime Minister Giovanni Leone.

Later, the Secretary-General proceeded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for

further talks with the Italian Foreign Minister.

Following these talks, the Secretary-Genenal called on the President of the

Republic of Italy, Antonio Segni, at thai Quirinale, where he was the guest of

honour at a luncheon party.

The Secretary-General proceeded after the luncheon party to the Campidoglio

(Town Hall), where he was accorded welcome by the Mayor of Rome, Glauco Delia Porta,

and presented with a silver medal specially struck for the occasion.

(more)

- 2 - Press Release SG/155911 July 1963

In the evening, the Secretary-General was the guest of honour at a formal

dinner held by the Italian Government at the Villa Madama.

Today, the Secretary-General will be granted a private audience with His

Holiness Pope Paul VI. Following this, he will deliver a major address on human

rights at a meeting organized by the Societa Italiana Per L'Organizzaione

Interaazionale (see Press Release SG/1535).




(FOR uss o? INFORMATION MEDIA -- HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


TEXT OF STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT

REGARDING INVESTIGATION OF USE OF POISON GAS IN YEMEN SITUATION

(The following was received from the Information Service of the European Officeof the United Nations, Geneva.)

The following is the text of a statement made by the United Nations Secretary-

General, U Thant, at the airport in Geneva prior to his departure for Rome:

Various statements and allegations have been made in the past few days concern-

ing the use of poison gas in the Yemen situation. While no evidence of such use has

yet been forthcoming, I have instructed the United Nations Yemen Observation M5ss.im.iiy>

make all possible inquiries and investigations, within the means at its disposal; to

establish the truth in this matter. I have also requesbed the parties concerned to

make available any relevant information.

#*•* *




(FOR USE OP INFOE'IA-Tira i«EDIA -~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


TEXT OF ADDRESS BY SECRETARY -GSpRAL U TEANT

TO, 56TH SESSION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL IN GENEVA ON 8 JULY

On United Nations Conference, on Science and Technology

"The United Nations Development Decade could be a phrase conceived in hope,

but destined only to lead to a cycle of debates, resolutions and reports; or, it

could be a period of action that improves the lot of the general run of mankind

to a greater extent than during any comparable period. I know that all of us want it

to be the latter. All representatives of Governments here today, and all other

persons, wherever they may be, who understand the gravity of the issues that are

posed by the widening of the gap between the rich and the poor nations, undoubtedly

hope that the will and the means can be found to meet the great challenge which

was laid down by the General Assembly in its resolution on the United Nations

Development Decade.

"In one section of that resolution 1710 (XVI), the Secretary-General was

requested to develop proposals for 'the intensification of research and demonstra-

tion as well as other efforts to exploit scientific and technological potentiali-

ties of high promise for accelerating economic and social development'.

"Let me illustrate what this could mean, and its relationship to international

co-operation. Suppose that the world had a way of producing electric energy,

economically and safely, in any village, by means of small generating units utili-

zing power from the sun or from any other source. When this technological point

is reached, a demand would arise for several millions of dollars of capital aid,

for the purpose of locating such an energy unit in every village. Additional

demands for capital would soon also arise from the impetus that the wider availa-

bility of electric power would give to economic development and, especially, to

industrialization. Training courses would be urgently required for the persons

who would operate and maintain these units once they were installed. Here, we are

again reminded that the development of human resources; surely the •true aim of techno-

logical advance, is also an essential condition for it.

(more )

- 2 - Press Release SGA5368 July 1965

"But it is not just a question of being put in a position of needing more

capital and more training. Once the new technological device is ready for adoption,

capital can be embodied in more useful forms and training courses can become more

useful than before. By the same token, earlier programmes of capital and technical

aid may become supersededv National development plans, too, may need revision;

as also economic projections.HI have purposely chosen an unusually dramatic example. Most technological

advances, however, are relatively small --a slight improvement in a plow, a

machine that reduces the amouat of heavy manual work in a factory, a new cost-saving

way of managing an operation or organizing the layout of work. Thus, even while we

recognize the cumulative effeit of the many smaller improvements in techniques

that can undoubtedly be made in every field, we must also be prepared for the

revolutionary impact to be'expected from some of the larger break-throughs. If weare to realize the aims of the Development Decade, we have a job to do that will

not be easy. Therefore> to strengthen our resolution, let us proclaim in a high,

rather than a low key> the inspiring possibilities. Technology can be the most

powerful force in the world for raising living standards, and 6ur task is to

harness it for that purpose.

"You have before you in documents E/J772 and in E/3772/Add.l a summary report

of the United Natioas1 Conference on the Application of Science and Technology for

the Benefit of the Less Developed Areas. An account of the genesis, preparation

and organization of the Conference appears in the main report. One aspect to which

I wish to call special attention was the extremely solid and valuable support which

was given from the beginning by the entire United Nations family of agencies. The

co-operation of our colleagues from ILO, FAO, UJSESCO, WHO, ITU, WMO a~d IAEA was out-

standing, both in arranging for the Conference and in contributing to the substance

of it, and we return sincere thanks to them.

"The body of the main report, largely made up of short summations of the

written and oral discussions in the 12 major subject sections of the Conference,

draws b*>n-" ly oh a report which was submitted to me by the Conference Secretary-

v . - . A wiA^r lau^ wj. j.~u..ir,/ w^-ld be hard to imagine. Map-making, preferably

by photogratnmetry, was stressed as being often a needed first step for developing

countries. The implications of rising population pressure were debated; thus, the

prospect was noted of arable land per head of population falling, by the year 2000,>• •

(more)

* 5 - Press Release SG/15368 July 1963

to roughly half an acre, as against 1.18 acres in 1959* and the need was recognized

for strenuous efforts to conserve water. 3-,me atLeLtio:; was given to the resources

of the seas, especially to fisheries and other food possibilities, and to deminerali-

zation to help relieve water shortages. If I may digress at this point, could it not

be envisaged that our scientific knowledge would some day reach a poir.t where it

would "be possible to launch a comprehensive, co-operative project to develop the

varied and almost unlimited resources of the seas for the benefit of all mankind?

"Some other questions taken up were: the challenge to devise processes and

plants for the heavy chemical industry that will reduce the minimum size of economic

operations below the level in the advanced countries; and the somewhat contrasting

situation in the iron and steel industry, where relatively small plants can already

be built and operated economically, requiring in general only the transfer of known

technology from the advanced to the developing countries. This list could be

very much extended and still not begin to reflect the breadth of the discussions --

let alone, of course, their specific content and depth. Indeed, the whole report

should be read as merely a brief introdaction to the substance of the work of the

Conference. However, in an eight-volume report, which is expected to be available

in printed form by the year's end, an attempt will be made to provide a definitive

account of the written and oral proceedings, readably presented and reasonably

priced to commend it for wide perusal and use. In addition, the papers that were

contributed to the general and the specialized sessions, as well as the reports

of the Conference Secretary-General on the individual sessions and the reports of

the rapporteurs, will continue to be available in their original form.

"Our objectives are practical ones. The Conference was intended to have a

practical effect. The participants in the Conference having ably discharged their

function, it remains not merely to preserve an accurate record of the information

they brought, and the views they contributed, but also to follow up. Certain steps

have already been taken with the aim of determining what the follow-up action

should be. On this question, I have had the benefit of consultations, both at the

Government level and in the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination, and my

views are summarized in Part Three of the report which is before you. I solicit

your consideration of those views. They are in no sense final, but they do indicate,

I feel, the direction in which a start should be made.

(more)

. k - Press Release SG/L5368 July 1963

"Today, I think you would wish me to speak only of the main considerations,

which I believe are three. First., it ie necessary to build centres of scientific

and technological strength in:the less developed countries. Second, it is

necessary to focus more resources, in the advanced countries, on science and tech-

nology for the benefit of the less developed countries. Third, it is necessary to

make a judicious assessment of priorities, ' .

"Under 'centres of strength' I include several different things, which are

all vital if science and technology are to strike roots in- the soil of the less

developed world ---roots without which they cannot-.be expected.to grow. Science

and technology cannot be exported'or 'pushed' out from their habitat in the advanced

countries; they have to be imported or''pulled1 in by the developing countries

themselves, when and as the most forward-looking and qualified people of those

countries feel the need, and are able to define it.

"Every developing nation undoubtedly requires .its own scientific and tech-

nological 'establishment'. The heart of an establishment is people. There is no

country that does not need at least a minimum number of'its own highly trained

scientists, to help assure its intellectual independence and dynamism. Moreover,

the developing countries need to expand very rapidly the numbers of- their middle-

level technicians. We thus come back to the problem of finding practical ways to

accelerate education and training, UNESCO, of course, has considerable interest

where basic science is Involved, while the ILO, the United Nations itself and all the

agencies of the United Nations family are concerned with various aspects of

technology. Apart from training, Member Governments should also keep in mind the

crucial question of incentives. Middle-level careers, essential for national

development, are today too often regarded as unrewarding for the individual.

"An 'establishment will also include institutions and resources. Each develop-

ing country needs laboratories and other research facilities. It also requires

some organization, such as a national science council or research council, to help

guide research and formulate policy. Working closely vith the Government's national

planning body, that organization can ensure that the importance of promoting scienti-

fic advance is not overlooked or underestimated when the plan is drawn up, and it

can alsd reduce the risk that the plan may allocate scarce, resources, without first

taking foreseeable technological changes into account.

(more)

Press Release SG/15J68 July 1965

"Research facilities are as necessary to the developing countries as facilities

for training, with which they can often be advantageously combined in a local

university. I hope that research facilities in the advanced countries will be

placed more and more at the disposal of the developing countries. However, it is

also essential to establish more adequate and better oriented, as well as more

numerous, research institutions in the developing countries themselves, as was, for

certain purposes, suggested by the United Nations Conference on Hew Sources of

Energy two years ago. These then should be linked up with research institutions in

the advanced countries, so that there may be a continuous exchange of knowledge and

of scientific staff.

"There is urgent need for such research facilities in the developing countries.

Some problems can only be properly investigated in the under-developed world — for

example, problems connected with diseases or with plant life peculiar to the tropics.

Other problems can be studied in the advanced countries up to a point, but the final

stages of research and the pilot operations should be carried out close to where

the results are to be applied, so as to assure successful adaptation. Consequently,

and because research institutions can become centres of great strength for the

developing countries, I believe that we have here a subject for emphasis in the

programmes of the United Nations family of organizations in the immediate future.

The Special Fund has had useful experience in this field already, and could logically

serve as a main support for a broader attack on the problem if it were to be pro-

vided with adequate resources.

"Not all of these research institutions should necessarily be conceived of

as national institutions; some might advantageously be established on a regional,

or even an inter-regional, basis. This is obvious where the problems are common

to all humid regions in the tropics, or to all arid regions; but it may apply, too,

to some other investigations. Multi-national research institutions should make itpossible to economize skilled manpower and financial resources, encourage wider

use of the findings, and especially benefit small countries unable to proceed with

the research on their own. Such regional and inter-regional research institutions

should, in my view, be linked, in some appropriate way, with the United Nations

regional economic commissions, directly or through the three newly created develop-

ment planning institutes.

(more)

- 6 - Press Release 80/15368 July 1965

"The second essential is to focus more resources in the advanced countries on

science and technology for the "benefit of the less developed countries. The

purposes of the Development Decade require the deep involvement of the energies and

assets of the less developed countries themselves, and also a substantially increased

transfer of resources to those countries, by way of additional co-operation from

the advanced countries, many of which have already been extremely generous in their

co-operation. But, when we count not only the cost of developing the applicable

new methods -- and preparing the people to receive them -- but also the cost of the

new equipment with which to carry the new methods into practical effect throughout

the under-developed areas,the total resources required will certainly be large. In

other words, the application of science and technology in the poorer countries will

be an expensive operation. Ho useful purpose would be served by disguising that

fact.

"It is not a question of money alone. The scientific community will have to

become much more deeply involved in the whole development effort, both individually

and through its scientific organizations. Many scientists have already left their

ivory towers to engage in practical activities, but the institutional means through

which they can serve the -cause of the development of the less developed areas have

not been perfected, and their actual involvement' in such work is still rather

marginal. Fortunately, some of the best scientists and technologists are now being

associated with the work of the United Nations and its related agencies, as members

of advisory committees and panels. This kind of arrangement has proved very useful

to us, and I hope it has been mutually profitable. In this context, I would like

to acknowledge with gratitude the assistance rendered to me by the United Nations

Scientific Advisory Committee, as also the help rendered by the Scientific Advisory

Panel in connexion with the organization of the Conference. However, still more

needs to be done along these lines.

"Let me revert now to material and financial resources* In a seriously under-

taken programme of international co-operation for bringing the benefits of science

and modern technology to those who do not yet share'in'those benefits, the rewards

will be great, but so also must be the input of resources. Otherwise, as the

Council cannot but be aware, the nations whose representatives voted for the

resolution on the United Nations Development Decade -- as all did — will have

sown fine words and reaped a harvest of very meagre results.

(more)


"To say that the United Nations and its related agencies should be enabled to

dispose of some part of the necessary additional resources is surely no radical

doctrine. As I have mentioned already, it woulu seem entirely reasonable to seek

ways of channelling larger resources in this endeavo.ir through the Special Fund and

the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance. It would, however, seem to me

desirable that a larger portion of the budgets of certain of the international

organizations should be devoted to this field and, furthermore, that the budgets

themselves should be strengthened, so as to enable these organizations to play their

part on an expanded basis more nearly in consonance with the need. As far as the

United Mations itself is concerned, it would be proper to enlarge the provision for

those of its activities as are most directly related to industrial and other tech-

nology. If I am not proposing this immediately, except to the limited extent that

it may be possible to make internal adjustments within our present means, it is only

because of the overriding financial crisis of the United Nations, of which you are

fully aware.

"At the same time, I would emphasize that an important part of the role of the

United Nations family must be the catalytic role. It will be necessary to keep the

possibilities for useful further action under continuing and detailed review -~ but

often try to get others to take that action. The major contribution of resources must

be looked for, at present, from bilateral arrangements; this includes private action

-- by foundations, industries, and so on -- as well as public action. One instrument

is, of course, the bilateral aid programmes as sach. Another might be a whole array

of going programmes not tied to the aid programmes _:i any formal sense. For example,

a practice of devoting special attention to the technological problems of the devel-

oping countries, or of a particular developing country, might spread among the agri-

cultural colleges and their associated research laboratories and experiment stations

in the advanced countries. Much benefit could result from this. The same applies

to teachers' colleges, public health organizations, and other centres of technical

knowledge and skill, so numerous in the advanced countries,

"It may also be that the research and development programmes to which some

Member Governments are devoting large financial resources could be of help. Within

them, there may be certain activities that could, without any detriment to the work

for which they have been authorized, yield also the answers to certain technical

problems confronting the less developed countries. The concept of an accidental by-

product benefit to civilians from defence or space research, sometimes referred to as

the spillover effect, is already familiar. Conceivably, if thoughtwere to be given to

the matter, there could be some effort consciously to seek concurrent joint-product

effects that would help to accelerate development in the less developed countries.I would hope that some Member Governments might wish to examine their research anddevelopment programme from this new point of view.

(more)

I?!'

- 0 - Press Release8 July 1963

"To call assessment of priorities the third essential is not to suggest that the

technological needs of the less developed cov.utivl.Gs are confined to any one sector or

area. In fact, technological improvement is co-extensive with the development process

itself — almost if not quite the essence of it. That is a major reason why it would

not seem practicable to establish a new United Nations agency for science and techno-

logy. All the agencies have tasks to perform in this field, which they are especially

yell equipped to perform, and the best assurance of a vigorous, unified and concise-it

effort lies In intensifying their Individual action, while at the same time perfecting

the co-operation among them, and seeing that any gaps are closed, through the mechan-

ism of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination. Steps have in fact now been

taken to establish a Sub-Committee on Science and Technology of the ACC, to which

reference is made in the ACC's report to the Council (Doc.E/3765), as well as in my

own report. But obviously, within each field of activity, resources would be spread

too thin if no decisions were taken on priorities and points of concentration.

"Our. Department of Economic and Social Affairs has started to review its varied

work programmes at Headquarters and in the regions, from the point of view of the

scientific and technological issue. The largest and most important single concen-

tration point for the Department, tmdoubtedly, is the technological work directly

related to industrialization and natural resources — water, energy, minerals.

Cartography goes with it, and transport must also be added. What is needed might

in part be achieved by substantially accelerating the programme of building up

technological institutes to which I have already referred. We are also now

beginning to make some headway, through our Centre for Industrial Development and

our Resources and Transport-Branch, in assembling a body.of engineering and indus-

trial economic skills which can be made available on request in such areas as

manufacturing, mining, power, roads, railways and water. We plan to continue to

develop, on our staff and within our auxiliary services, such a corps of engineersand related technical experts. For example, it may be possible to regularize the

establishment of panels of individuals willing and able to serve from time to time

on suitable assignments, and also to enter into agreements with institutions and

firms under which they will furnish us with qualified personnel for such assign-

ments at our request.

"Other parts of our work have their concentration points, too, for the

application of science and technology. In housing construction, new techniques

to reduce costs are greatly needed. Community development work has an important

part to play in transfer and adaptation at the grass-roots levels, as distinct

from the level of the university, laboratory or experiment station in the developing

(more)

- 9 - Press Release SG/15?68 July 1963

country itself. The techniques of training in public administration and of develop-

ment planning may also be mentioned as illustrations.

"Fir-ally, in widest perspective and -with a view to invigorating the whole follow-

up to the Conference, I suggest that there might be established an agreed special list

of new inventions, adaptations or cost-reductions, each having a potential develop-

mental effect of extraordinary dimensions, directly or through its ultimate reper-

cussions, Tfce automobile was clearly an invention in that class for the Western

world. Would a new kind of car or truck, tailored in price, durability and other

specifications to what developing countries can afford, qualify for a place on such

a list? Certainly, better roads, more mechanical-mindedness and many other desirable

things might follow almost automatically once such &, vehicle came into general use.

Would the small energy unit to which I referred earlier be another example? Would

economical desalinization plants for areas short of fresh water be another? Would

the mass application of certain new teaching aids ard techniques, such as a system

for using radio and television for greatly accelerating all kinds of education and

training, be yet another? In the field of physical or mental health, would there

be some particular piece of technical research that should go on even a short list

of this kind?

"These questions cannot be answered today, but further study of relative needs,

on the one hand, and of the feasibility of achieving a break-through in the different

areas of need, on the other, might yield some answers, with experts from the less

developed countries playing an active part in advising both on needs, in the larger

sense, and on technical specifications. The final stages of research and field

testing would also, in. each case, be carried out in one or more of the less developed

countries, with the help, for example, of a regional or inter-regional research

institution, so as to assure acceptability of the product in the actual location

where it was to be used. Thus, transfer and adaptation would be a built-in, integral

part of the technical solution itself. It is my belief that, in addition to bilateral

governmental and United Nations resources, it will be possible to obtain the support

of foundations and similar private institutions to bring designated special priority

research tasks to a successful conclusion. For iiy part, I would certainly be willing

to lend my full support to seeking such additional assistance.

"May I in conclusion offer certain suggestions to the Council, as regards action

it may wish to consider taking at this session for Tollowing up on the Conference on

Science and Technology.

(more)

- 10 - Press Release SGA5368 July 1963

"First, it woul^ be useful if the Coui.oil's "..scr'ssioa iovJLl indicate how. much

importance the Council itself attaches to scientific and technological work — its

place among the services that the United Nations and the related agencies can and

should render during the Development Decade.

"Second, the Council's guidance .would be appreciated with regard to any of the

specific programme suggestions I have advanced, particularly the research institirc'/vs

in the less developed areas and the recruitment of stand-by auxiliaries to perform

missions in industrial and other appropriate technical fields.

"Third, the Council's help is needed in finding the best ways of securing for

the United Nations and the related agencies such additional resources for scientific

and technological work as may appear to the Council to be necessary.

"Fourth, it has been suggested, in my report and in the report of the ACC, that

the Council may wish to establish an Advisory Committee on Science and Technology.

Suggestions were also included on how, if that we're'the case, the Committee might

be constituted and how it might report to the Council, with a view to achieving the

closest possible relationship with the work of all the international agencies con-

cerned. Decisions in relation to the need for such an Advisory Committee appear

to be in order.

"Should the Council decide to establish an Advisory Committee in this field,

that Committee could clearly play an important part. For example, if the concept

of a list of especially important research items finds favour, then the drawing

up of such a list will have to be taken in hand. Again, if the Council considers

that regional and inter-regional institutions, as well as national ones, need to be

established and strengthened in the less developed areas, then it would be logical

to draw up a scheme for an effective and reasonably complete network of such

institutions for the less developed world as a whole, and a phased plan for

bringing them into operation. Arrangements for examining these or other matters,

and preparing recommendations on them, could no doubt be worked out by the Council's

Committee, in conjunction with the United Na'tions Scientific Advisory Committee and

the principal scientific and technological committees of the specialized and related

agencies.

"The United Nations Conference on the Application of Science and Technology for

the Benefit of the Less Developed Areas has focussed attention on the sort of practical

approach by which the whole effort of the United Nations Development Decade could be

accelerated. Much will depend on decisions to be taken now by the Council."

#





C A U T I O N Press Release SG/1535Not for release before 8 July 19635 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, 11 July 1963

TEXT OF ADDRESS BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT OM 11 JULY

TO THE SCCIETA ITALIANA PER L'ORGANlZZAZIONE IKTERHAZIONALE IN ROME

Development of Human Rights

"I am very happy to have this opportunity to address you on human rights,

because this year, on 10 December, we shall observe the fifteenth anniversary of

the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General

Assembly of the United Nations. It has been emphasized that the celebration of

the fifteenth anniversary should not be an end in itself, but a means of stimulat-

ing interest in, and promoting the observance of, human rights.

"I am also glad to be giving this address in Rome. We are all aware of the

great civilizing influence that has emanated from this peninsula in the southern-

most tip of Europe. In particular, Roman law, which is one of the greatest

intellectual edifices achieved by mankind, has influenced the development of most

legal systems, A great deal more could be said about this, but it will perhaps

be enough in this year of the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of the .

Universal Declaration of Human Rights if I simply remind you that it was the

great Ulpian who said that, whatever the position of slaves might be in civil law,

slavery is not sanctioned by natural law, which recognizes that all men are equal.

"I appreciate this opportunity to speak about human rights here and in this

year, also because of the publication recently of a document of historic impor-

tance. I am referring to Pope John XXIII's encyclical *Pac'em in Terris1. This

document speaks forthrightly about the dignity of the individual, fundamental

human rights, justice and an effective international order based on peace and

international understanding.

"I need not remind you about the antiquity of the struggle for human rights. ,

Concern for human rights and fundamental freedoms goes back to the dawn of history.

(more)

. . . . . ' " ' - a • Press Release 80/1535.' ,.'"..- ' 8 Juiy 1963

What I do want to remind you about is that such concern became, for the first

••f time, a universal goal only under the Charter of the United Nations.

"It is true that the peace settlement, after the First World War, resulted

in certain minorities treaties and declarations, and in some human rights being

recognized in the'mandated territories. No one,, however, thought of general

international guarantees of basic human rights. In particular, proposals to

insert, in the constitution of the League of Nations, provisions on racial equality

and guarantees against religious persecution met vith widespread opposition, and

If ' ifgre dropped. . ' • . . . . .

In between the two world wars the civilized world was shocked by the horrors

perpetrated by.man against man in Nazi Germany. As the war carried the Nazi

scourge into all the lands invaded by Hitler's forces, the feelings of mankind

became incensed. There arose a determination never to allow the recurrence of

the outrages and barbarities of the Nazis. This determination did not find

unqualified support. It required the unwavering efforts of numerous countries

p .-< g d..,,countless non-governmental organizations before the one and only reference to

human,rights in the Dumbarton Oaks Proposals could be'amplified, and due impor-

tance accorded to the provisions on human rights> which now occur in seven differ*

ent places in the Charter of the United Nations.

"I need not quote all the Charter provisions, but some of them may be . .

'mentioned. The Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations proclaims the

determination of the peoples of the United Nations to reaffirm faith in fundament f

,tal human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person.

• "Under Article 1 of the Charter, one of Uie main purposes of the United

Nations- is to achieve international co-operation in promoting and encouraging .

respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction

as to race,. sex, language or religion. •

£ •'%«> "Article 55(c) declares that promotion of universal respect for, and observ-

ance of, these rights and freedoms by the United Nations is required for the

creation of conditions of stability and well-being, which are necessary for

.peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle

, of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. And under Article 56, all

Member States pledge themselves to take joint and separate action in co-operation

with the Organization for the achievement of this objective.

(more)

• • ' - 3 - Press Release SG/15J58 July 1963

.One of the basic aims o'f the International Trusteeship system, under Article 76,

is to encourage respect for human rights' and fundamental freedoms for all -without

distinction. ' ' ' ' ' ' ""•'• ' • ' • • ' " ' ' > • - . . -

"Article 13 (l) (b) empowers the General Assembly to initiate studies and

to make recommendations for the purpose of assisting in the realization of human

rights and freedoms for all. The Economic and Social Council is similarly empowered

under Article 62 '(z], and is enjoined by Article 68 to'establish acommission 'for the promotion of human rights'. •

"What is surprising is not that provisions on human' rights were included in

the Charter., but that it took humanity so long to acknowledge the inter-connection

between human rights and its other aspirations. Foi: what purpose is international

peace and security to be maintained, if not to preserve the right to life, liberty

and the pursuit of happiness? What is the use of economic development if it does

not, in the words of the Charter, "promote better standards of life in larger

freedom1? • •

"Yet, because human rights largely concern the relationship between the State

and its citizens, the United Nations has had to, and will have to continue to, ,

contend with the claims of domestic jurisdiction of States. It has been claimed,

for instance, that when Article 2 (7) of the Charter states that nothing contained

in the Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which

are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction cf any State or shall require the-

Members to submit such matters to settlement under the Charter, it means that the

United Nations may not even discuss anything which is considered by a Member State

to relate to its domestic matters. ' ,

"There can be no manner of doubt, however, about the modes of action regard- -

ing the protection of human rights set out in the Charter. They are: discussion,

study, recommendation, convention, conference, consultation with non-governmental

organizations, establishment of commissions and subsidiary Organs -- including

specifically an injunction to set up a Commission on Human Rights — and technical

and advispry services. Although the Value of these methods should not be exagger-

ated, neither should the methods themselves be belittled. They have been used in

what can only be called an ever-increasing atmosphere of co-operation by Member

States with the United Nations in its efforts to promote and encourage human

rights. ' ' •

(more)

« k • Press Release SG/15358 July 1963

"A question frequently asked is whether there are not barriers to co-operation

when the very basis of the relationship between the individual and the State differs

amongst many countries. Such barriers have not proved insurmountable obstacles to

United Nations efforts, because countries and people are increasingly recognizing

that no country and no people has a monopoly on rightness, liberty and human

dignity. Besides, when countries can learn from each other's experiences and

exchange these experiences as they do, for instance, in the regional seminars

under the advisory services programme on human rights, they are already moving

along the road to that understanding which is indispensable to communication across

political and other barriers.

"Today, Governments are sincerely taking part in ever-increasing numbers in

periodically reporting on human rights developments in their countries, not only

on the progress made, but also on the problems met. The Governments are co-operat-

ing too in global studies of discrimination in such fields as education, political

rights, religious rights and practices, and of such rights as the right of everyone

to be free from arbitrary arrest, detention and exile. Governments are assisting

in bringing out the Yearbook on Human Rights, which keeps the world informed of

the constitutional, legislative and judicial developments in their countries.

Co-operation in finding practical solutions to many problems relating to the status

of women is most impressive. Equally, Member States are co-operating in enlisting

educative and persuasive forces, which are likely to achieve a climate of opinion

favourable to the promotion and protection of human rights.

"Co-operation of Governments was seen, most strikingly, in the proclamation

of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly on 10 December

19 8. There was no dissenting vote cast against the Declaration, although a few

countries abstained from voting. But, as we make preparations to observe the

fifteenth anniversary of the proclamation this year, we cannot fail to note the

growing willingness on the part of practically all States to look towards the

Declaration as providing a universally accepted statement of fundamental rights

and freedom, which should form a common standard of achievement for all peoples

and all nations. I need not illustrate, at length, the influence of the Universal

Declaration. Suffice it to say that the Declaration's impact can be seen in

constitutional, legislative and judicial decisions in many countries and in the

relationship of countries with each other.

(more)

- 5 - Press Release SG/t.5358 July 1963

"I "believe Pope John XXIII, in his encyclical 1Pacem in Terris', summed up the

significance of the Declaration admirably in these words:

" *An act of the highest importance performed by the. United Nations Organization

was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, approved in the General Assembly on

10 December 19 8. In the preamble of that Declaration., the recognition and respect

of those rights and respective liberties is proclaimed as an ideal to be pursued

by all peoples and all countries.

"*Some objections and reservations were raised regarding certain points in the

Declaration, •' There is no doubt, however, that the document represents an important

step on the path towards the juridical-political organization of the world communi-

ty. For in it, in most solemn form, the dignity of a person is acknowledged to

all human beings. And, as a consequence, there is proclaimed as a fundamental

right, the right of free movement in the search for truth and in the attainment of

moral good and justice, and also the right to z dignified life, while other rights

connected with those mentioned are likewise proclaimed.

" 'It is our earnest wish that the United Nations Organization --in its

structure and in its means — may become ever more equal to the magnitude and

nobility of its tasks, and that the day may come when every human being will find

therein an effective safeguard for the rights which derive directly from his

dignity as a person, and which are therefore universal; inviolable and inalienable

rights. This is all the more to be hoped for, since all human:beings, as they

take an ever more active part in the public life of their own political communi-

ties, are showing an increasing interest in the affairs of all peoples, and are

becoming more consciously aware that they are living members of a world

community. ' ;:' .

"Co-operation of Governments has also extended, to their undertaking strict

legal obligations by adhering to conventions on numerous, rights and subjects.

Over ?0 countries have subscribed to the Convention on the.Prevention and Punish- .

ment of the Crime of Genocide. There are also conventions .on slavery, political

rights of women, nationality of married women, consent to marriage and registration

of marriages, status of refugees and stateless persons, and on an international

right of correction of false and distorted news dispatches. Specialized agencies

such as the International Labour Organisation end the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization, which witln many of the other agencies are

also concerned deeply with the promotion and protection of human rights, have

(more)

- 6 - Press Release 80/15558 July 1963

recently adopted conventions relating to the abolition of forced labour, discrimi-

nation in employment and occupation and discrimination in education.

"We are all conscious, however, of the slow progress in approving the two

Covenants on Human Rights — one on civil and political rights, and the other on

economic, social and cultural rights -- which are to translate into precise legal

terms the provisions of the Universal Declaration and to set up machinery for

their enforcement. Either this year or the next, the Third Committee of the

General Assembly will discuss the problems arising out of the enforcement or

implementation of the Covenants. These problems will relate to such important

questions as to who may complain against violations of civil and political rights

and to whom; and how shall the progress in the recognition and enjoyment of econo-

aic, social and cultural rights be kept under review and assisted. Such questions

will require careful consideration.

"I have, so far, been speaking of co-operetion, but, of course, there have

been controversies in the United Nations about human rights. These controversies

have scmetime's provoked Member States to virulent jttacks, one upon the other.

They have led to interminable wrangles about what ~7as and was not intended by the

founding fathers of the Charter. All this is to be expected, so long as free

discussion prevails, as it does in the United Nations, and so long as nations and

people are zealous about human freedoms. What is also to be expected is the

adoption, from time to time, of recommendations deriving solely from idealistic or

ideological motives, without regard .for the realities. There will also be tenden-

cies, as well, to express contrasting opinions end indulge in declamations, because

in matters of human freedom,emotion and instinct often prevail over restraint and

intelligence.

"On the whole, however, United Nations efforts in the field of human rights

have not been without success. But, in any evaluation of these efforts, a proper

perspective ought to be kept. For instance, it is necessary to give legal recogni-

tion to human rights, to provide procedures and remedies for their protection, and

to build, by education and persuasion, a climate of public opinion to sustain the

enjoyment of those rights. Yet, human rights cannot be secure without there being

a determination or, if you prefer, a universal conscience, on the part of peoples

to uphold each other's rights, in full understanding of the just demands of the

individual, the community, the State, and the international order. Human rights

cannot be achieved or enjoyed, unless there is absolute freedom from fear, from

whatever source that fear may arise.(more)

/ - 7 - Press Release SG/L5358 July 1963

I

"There must be also a better appreciation of the objective of the Charter

provisions on human rights. Their objective is to promote and er.coui'aGe the

emergence of conditions, .legal and otherwise, under which, in mutual understanding

and confidence, both Governments and people will fully realize and safeguard human

rights and fundamental freedoms. Brave men and women have shown through history

that, for these basic freedoms, they are willing to fight and, if need be, to die,

These represent lasting human values, which will survive current political theories

and ideological controversies. They will, I hope, also strengthen our determina-

tion, notwithstanding the awesome power of nuclear weapons and intercontinental

missiles, to pursue, with quiet faith, the paths of co-operation and reconciliation,

which alone can show us the way to a better world where, in the words of the

Charter, 'the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small1 shall

be respected."

#**




(FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)press Release9 July 1965

TEXT OF ADDRESS BY SBCRETATf-GENERAL U THANT ON 9 JULY

TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL IN GENEVA

General Review of United Nations Programmes and Activitiesand the Development Decade

"The two items to which the Council is now turning its attention cover a vast

area. Any "brief introduction must therefore be highly selective and cannot help

omitting a good deal that is important. I am glad, however, to have the opportunity

of addressing you on these items since so many aspects of "both of them are of close

and direct concern to me.

"The general review of the programmes and activities of the United Nations

system is an annual event, but we must not allow ourselves to think that through

repetition it has become routine. Here we find brought into focus virtually all

the activities of the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy

Agency (IAEA), as well as all the programmes of the United Nations itself in the

economic, social and human rights fields. This is the only occasion in the year

on which we can assess the over-all work of the United Nations system in the world

of today. Apart from considering how our different organizations are co-operating

and co-ordinating their policies and activities, we must ask ourselves each year

certain fundamental questions. Is the United Nations making the greatest possible

impact on the problems of developing countries? Are we achieving a reasonable

balance in our efforts to assist the various sectors of development? Are there

any aspects which we are overlooking, or on which greater emphasis should be placed?

"While the general review is focused largely on the present and the immediate

past, the United Nations Development Decade looks mainly toward the future. Here we

must not limit ourselves to the programmes of our own organizations, but must bear

in mind that the concept of the Decade embraces all efforts to achieve rapid economic

and social progress in the developing world. For the Decade is at once a symbol of

hope and an exhortation to greater efforts — efforts not only by international

(more)

- 2 - Press Release SG/153. 9 July 1963

organizations "but also by the Governments of the advanced countries and, perhaps

most important of all, by the Governments of the developing countries themselves.

To is t' ese., the ]eu,c'e-.is and administrators of nations struggling to achieve a

higher standard of living, on whom the main responsibility must fall; it is on the

effectiveness of their work that the effectiveness of our own contributions must

very largely de^Tid. • . .

"I should like now to make a few observations, as Chairman of the Administrative

Committee on Co-ordination, on matters rsiating to the United Nations family and then

to take up some matters of more particular concern to the United Nations itself. I

shall say little or nothing about the activities of individual specialized agencies

and the International Atomic Energy Agency, sines the execivoive heads of many of these

organizations will themselves be introducing their annual reports.

"in the past year we have been continually conscious of the challenge of the

United Nations Development Decade and the obligations laid upon the United Nations

family to meet that challenge; so let the Decaue be my starting point.

"in terms of our efforts to expedite — o.." remove obstacles to — the processes

of development, some important steps have been ta>en during the past year. In the

first instance I must refer to the subject of our recent discussion, the United

Nations Conference on the Application of Science cjad Technology for the Benefit of

the Less Developed Areas. The debate which has *ust concluded has shown that the

intensified utilization of technological advances to speed economic development is

likely to exercise a potent influence on the activities of the United Nations, and

represent an important contribution to the objectives of the Decade. Our activitie k

this year .are also largely devoted to the organization of the United Nations

Conference on Trade and Development, which we hope will -- among other things —

lead to measures enabling the developing countries to'increase their export earnings

and thus, to finance the expanding of developicent programmes. Let me remind you too that

the joint United Nations/FAO World Food Programme formally started to operate on

1 January, last and is rapidly expanding its worlt. It will, I am confident,

demonstrate that food can be an important instrument for promoting economic

development, and that it can provide a valuable supplement to conventional forms

of multilateral development capital. I might marition, finally, the proposals,

drawn up by the. Water Resources Development Ce.itre and now before the Council, for

a priority programme of co-ordinated action ±~. the field of water resources.

(more)


Uocade has, however, meant more than the launching of new activities. It

lias brought the developmental work of all our organizations into sharper focus; it

has led to a careful examination of our own machinery, methods and procedures; and

it has provoked the most serious rethinking of priorities since 1952, when the

Council first suggested a series of priorities for the United Nations family.

"At its present session the Council has before it requests coming from several

different sources relating to the establishment of a framework of priorities. The

first is contained in resolution 1797 (XVII) of the General Assembly. The Cotmcil

may remember that at its last session it considered some suggestions which I put

forward in the light of that resolution, and that it accepted on a provisional basis

and subject to early revision my suggested outline for a functional classification

of United Nations projects and activities. I have returned to this subject in the

| Work Programme, which is before the Council. In this document, an attempt has been

made to present the various activities of the United Nations itself as an integrated

whole,

"A similar suggestion relating to priorities, with emphasis placed on the

establishment of a general framework for the work of the United Nations family as

a whole in the Development Decade, comes from the Council's Special Committee on

Co-ordination.

"The Administrative Committee on Co-ordination, as you will note from its

report, has made arrangements for the preparation of a draft framework of the kind

suggested.

"A third and more far-reaching suggetion on the same topic, envisaging a func-

'tional classification for all activities of the United Nations family in the economic

and social fields, is put forward by the Social Commission.

"I have referred at some length to these proposals, which vary mainly in the

range of activities to be covered, because the general adoption of some form of

functional classification is likely to have considerable significance. Apart from

providing a useful tool for analysis and assessment, and thus enabling us to obtain

a clearer view of the work of the United Nations system as a whole, it should do

much to facilitate the establishment of priorities, and the achievement of an

integrated programme and budget policy as envisaged by the General Assembly.

(more)


'tart summer 7. presented to the Council a i-eport entitled :.United jjjBuions De--e".opment Decade —- Proposals for.Action. In its resolution

916 (XXXr/) the Council requested me to prepare, in co-operation with the regional

economic commissions and other bodies and agencies of the United nations system, a

programme of detailed phased proposals for action with respect to the basic factors

of economic growth. Arrangements for the preparation of this report were made when

the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination met in October of last year, and the

final result is before you in document E/5776. A preliminary version was before

the Special Committee on Co-ordination in February last, and we have incorporated

some valuable suggestions made by certain of its members. Contributions have been

made by all the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency, as

well as by the Special Fund, the Technical Assistance Board and the World Food

Programme. In the case of some contributions from specialized agencies, the text now

before you has been specifically approved by the appropriate governing organ.

"Since the great majority of the activities described has already been approved

and set in motion by one or other of the legislative organs, the programme represents

more than a series of proposals; it is a demonstration of the manner in which the

concept of the Development Decade is at the heart of the economic and social work

planned by the United Nations system over the next year or two.

"As regards United Nations machinery and methods for purposes of development, I

can point with some satisfaction to the full agreement reached at ACC, by

successive stages, on the role of the men and women who, in their capacity of

resident representatives of the Technical Assistance Board, Birectors of Special

Fund programmes and, now, agents of the World Food Programme, constitute the focal

points of United Nations action at the country level. I draw your attention also to

the satisfactory appraisal of the effect of this agreement contained in the latest

report of ACC.

"I "am to report to the ad hoc Committee of 10 on the Co-ordination of technical

assistance activities at the Committee's next session on the feasibility and .desir-

ability of a merger, partial or complete, of the various technical assistance

programmes. ' That report is now in preparation in consultation with the specialized

agencies and IAEA, and taking into account the Committee's recent discussions,partic-

ularly as regards the possibilities of merging the intergovernmental organs of control

and the interagency machinery of the expanded programme and the Special Fund.At this

stage, and without prejudice to any such possibilities, it seems to me that an

(more)


administrative adjustment might be worth serious consideration in the interests of

the whole technical co-operation programme. What I have in mind concerns the top

management level of the two programmes which, whiL distinct and separate, are so

closely related 8nd complementary. The Special Pui d and the Expanded Programme

already possess a joint Headquarter's administrative service and a joint field service.

What might now be considered, I suggest, is a rearrangement of the duties of the

Managing Director 'of the Special Fund and the Executive Chairman of TAB with a view

to achieving maximum results, the precise division of functions to be worked out in

due course. Should the Council so desire, I should be glad to develop this suggestion

in my report to the Committee of 10. My personal view is that such a step would

strengthen the image of the action programmes of the United Nations family in the

economic and social fields and provide a more solid basis for their future growth

and development."

"I spoke last year of the potent influence in favour of co-ordination and co-

operation exercised by the United Nations Development Decade itself. The record of

the past year is,I think, an encouraging one.The special Committee on Co-ordination has

commented on certain aspects of the ACC's reports and in particular on the steps

taken by ACC to develop or improve co-ordination in new fields such as peaceful uses

of outer space and emergency relief in cases of natural disasters. It has also

pointed to the fact that former difficulties an.?- uncertainties as to com-

petence in a number of fields — for example, education and training, peaceful uses

of atomic energy, oceanography — have been largely overcome. I should like to

underline two other features of the ACC's recent reports — its clarification of

responsibilities in the complex field of rural development and the survey of co-

ordination in public administration, including OPEX. All this work should lay a

firmer basis fov co-operative action among the United Nations family and. increase

the impact of ov.r totcJ. effort. Of no less importance for that impact has been a

factor which defies precise evaluation and is difficult even to describe, but to the

existence of which I can personally testify, namely the understanding and

co-operation that has^to exist among key individuals in particular organizations.

"The Special Committee on Co-ordination has judiciously referred not only to

positive accomplishments but also to problems that remain and in some cases are

growing more acute. Some of those problems have arisen because of the rapid expansion

in the scope and range of international work and the consequent increase in the number

of points at which those activities touch. As areas particularly affected, it

mentioned international trade and the transfer of scientific knowledge and technology/t

for the benefit of less developed countries, but many others would

(more)

-6- Press Release9 July 1965

"The continued development of activities at the regional level and, as regards

the United Nations, the process of decentralization to the economic commission, has

also created new situations which call for considerable adjustment in existing

ai-i'sr-Goirnnts, if good inter-organization co-ordination and co-operation are to be

maintained. Of a different order are the difficulties resulting for Governments

and international secretariats from the uninterrupted increase in the number of

conferences and other meetings — a situation which I shall be discussing shortly from

another angle and the seriousness of which is fully known to the Council.

"I turn now from matters of concern to the United Nations family as a whole to

those relating more particularly to the United Nations itself. First, let me draw

your attention to the question of the establishment of a United Nations Institute for

Training and Research. In response to the Qeneral Assembly's resolution, I have

submitted to you a note on this subject in which I underline the importance I attach

to the creation of such an Institute as an arm of the United Nations. The Institute

is to be financed exclusively by voluntary contributions. It should enable far more

to be done than at present in furtherance of the objectives of the Charter and the

Development Decade. If the Council approves the suggestions which have been made in

very general terms in my note, I would endeavour to amplify those relating to the

Institute's programme and to explore — with the encouragement of certain preliminary

expressions of interest — the possibilities of obtaining from various Governments

and foundations the initial financing required.

"The proposed Institute would, in any circumstances, be an asset to the United

Nations at this stage of its history, it is all the more valuable in the conditions

of extreme financial stringency in which the United Nations now finds itself. For

reasons which are certainly familiar to you all, I am obliged to inform you, as I am

informing the General Assembly, that I can neither initiate nor support programme

proposals involving additions, however modest, to existing levels of expenditure.

This situation, which happily for them does not obtain in the case of most other

agencies, lends a great urgency, on the one hand, to the work on the determination

of priorities in the United Nations programme to which I have referred earlier and

which the Council is about to undertake and, on the other, to the task of rationalizin£

simplifying and (l would hope) reducing the conference schedule of the Council, which

includes of course the meetings called by regional commissions. The need for such

action has been a serious preoccupation of the General Assembly and its Advisory

Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, as well as of the Council itself,

(more)

-7- Press Release9 July 1963

for some time past. Nevertheless, the number and activity of special groups for the

* study of aspects of the programme such as industrial development, housing, commodity

and trade problems, community development, projection techniques, planning techniques,

have continued to grow apace, while the bodies recently concerned with the inter-

dependent (and largely overlapping) questions of organization and co-ordination in

different fields have come to constitute a veritable labyrinth.

"It was for euch reasons that I placed some fairly drastic proposals affecting

among other things the rhythm of meetings of the functional commissions before the

Council's last session. What I must now emphasize is that the need to cut out all

meetings which, even if useful are not indispensable, has become still more insistent,

if it is to be possible for other essential activities to be undertaken. I earnestly

hope that the majority, if not all, of the proposals I am resubmitting to the Council

in respect of meetings of Headquarters organs in 19&U will be found acceptable, and

Fthat the necessary decisions will be taken. The building reconstruction plans which

will put most of the United Nations Headquarters conference rooms out of service

during the first part of next year, provide an additional reason for sharp curtailment

in the 1964 meeting programme.

"I should like, in conclusion, to state that the personal consultations which

the Under-Secretary for Economic and Social Affairs and I have been able to have in

the past few days with the Executive Secretaries of all the regional economic

commissions have, in my view, been of real importance in ensuring the fullest co-

ordination within our Organization in the context of the policy of decentralization.

Wo less valuable have been the opportunities which I have had each day since my

arrival here at the weekend for personal consultations with the executive heads of

specialized agencies and the IAEA.

"In this connexion, may I echo a plea made by the Special Committee? It is a

plea for the development of a really close working partnership between the Council,

with its subsidiary organs, and the ACC • Such a partnership was agreed upon in 195 -j

on the basis of a proposal by my predecessor, Mr. Hamraarskjold, who pointed out how

fruitful and how essential it was for sound and orderly progress through international

action.

"Haturally, as the Special Committee indicates, full use of the ACC by the Council

requires maximum Secretariat support. This my colleagues on the ACC and I are pledged

to give. Because each of us continues to be responsible to his own inter-governmental

organs, the ACC must remain essentially an instrument for consultation; furthermore,

because of other heavy commitments, we ran meet as a body only occasionally and must

leave a considerable part of the work to our close associates. Subject to suchconditions, which it is important not to overlook, the ACC should be able, I believe,to play an ever more vital part in the work of the entire United Nations family."

-x- **•«• #

. .. U N I T E D N A T I O N S




Press Release SG/1533/Add.l5 July 1965 - ., f

SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN BULGARIA

(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officeraccompanying the Secretary-General.)

Secretary-General U Thant arrived in Sofia yesterday morning. He was met

at the airport by Jivko Zhivkov, the First Deputy Prime Minister, and Milko

Tarabanov, Bulgarian Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as heads of

diplomatic missions.

Mr. Zhivkov expressed Bulgaria's pleasure at his visit and declared his

country's faith in the United Nations Charter and the Secretary-General's

efforts to consolidate tforld peace. ' • ' .: .

U Thant thanked the Deputy'Prime Minister :fbr his welcome and for the

invitation extended'him by the people 'and Government•of Bulgaria.

After a brief rest at va residence in the outskirts of Sofia, the

Secretary-General visited Sofia University-where he was greeted by the-

President, the staff and the students.

The President said that Bulgarian scholars and students are fully

convinced of the need to consolidate international peace. They are for

complete disarmament, for the abolition of colonialism, for understanding,

equality and mutual respect among all nations, and for the bright future of

the whole human race.

U Thant spoke about his belief that the United Nations must develop

into an effective instrument for the maintenance of peace and for the

promotion of closer international relations. He explained the important

role of education in understanding the aims of the Charter,

The Secretary-General concluded by stressing that the United Nations

counts on the full co-operation of all Members, big and small, regardless

of their political and social systems.

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- 2 - Press Release SG/1533/Add.l5 July 1963

The Secretary-General was guest of honour at a luncheon given by the

Minister for Foreign Affairs and attended by Cabinet ministers. After lunch,

he called on Prime Minister Todor Zhivkov for a discussion of the international

issues before the United Nations. Foreign Minister Bachev and Ambassador

Tarabanov took part in the talks.

Accompanied "by the Foreign Minister and Ambassador Tarabanov, the

Secretary-General left by car for Plovdiv, the second largest city in

Bulgaria. He stayed overnight at Krichim, where he attended an informal

dinner with the President and the members of a local council of that area,

They discussed local matters such as the region's productivity, sale of

products and salaries of workers.

Today's programme started with a visit to the Purvenetz collective farm

near Plovdiv, where the Secretary-General was welcomed enthusiastically by

farmers, workers and children.

He and his party left by special plane for Varna on the Black Sea, where

he visited]Sands, a summer resort. After a luncheon at Euxinograd, he departed

by plane for Sofia. In the evening, the Secretary-General attended a reception

given in his honour by Prime Minister Todor Zhivkov. Some 300 guests attended,

including Cabinet ministers and heads of diplomatic missions.

Tomorrow, 6 July, the Secretary-General leaves for Geneva on a special

Bulgarian plane.

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United Nations, K.Y.

(FOB USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)

Press Release SG/1533k July 1963

TEXT OF STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT AT BUDAPEST AIRPORT

BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE OH 3 JULY

(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanyingthe Secretary-General.)

On leaving this beautiful and historic city of Budapest I wish to express my

heartfelt thanks to the Government and the people of Hungary for tL-j -warm reception

accorded to me on this first visit to your country.

As I bave said on past occasions} as long as I am performing tlie duties of

Secretary- General of the United Nations it shall be my constant endeavour to fulfil

the aims of the Charter with complete objectivity and impartiality. It is no secret

that I am a firti believer tLat the United Nations must develop into an effective

instrument for b.e maintenance of peace and for the promotion of closer international

relations. To accomplish tht,- aims and objectives of the Charter, the United Nations

counts o~ tlie effective co-operation of all its members, big and email, regardless of

their political and social systems.

I was happ;- to have the opportunity to visit the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

and to address its members. This visit enabled me to have first-hand knowledge of the

activities of the Academy and the advances made in science, technology and the arts,

and the devotion of its leadership to peace and promoting international understanding,

I am delighted to be able to say that the exchange of views with Prime Minister

Kadar and other leaders of the Hungarian Government was conducted in an atmosphere of

extreme cordiality. We had a free and frank exchange of views on matters before the

United Nations. I trust that as a result of these talks I will be able to contribute

materially to the better understanding of Hungary in the United Nations and to the

improvement of relations between Hungary and other member nations of the world

Organization.

Once again I should like to express ay sincere thanks to President Istvan Dobi,

Head of the Presidential Council, to Prime Minister Janos Kadar, to Deputy Prime

Minister Gyula Kallaito, Foreign Minister Janos Peter, and to other leaders of the

Government and to the people of Hungary for their gracious hospitality which I shall

always cherish with happy memories.Jt, It Af M _M_Tf n X ff ff


Press ServicesOffice of Public i .'ormation


" "" (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT COMPLETES VISIT TO HUNGARY

Proceeds to Sofia, Bulgaria

(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer,. accompanying the Secretary-General, in Budapest, Hungary.)

Secretary-General U Thant today ended his visit to the Hungarian People's

Republic and proceeded, at 17 5 hours (Hungarian local time), from Budapest to

Sofia, Bulgaria, aboard a special plane provided "by the Hungarian Government.

Present at the airport to bid farewell to the Secretary-General were Deputy

Prime Minister Gyula Kallai; Foreign Minister Janos Peter; Minister for Culture Pal

Ilku; Deputy Foreign Minister Peter Mod; Jozsef Bognar, President of the Institute

for Cultural Relations; and heads of diplomatic missions.

At noon today, the Secretary-General attended a luncheon party given in his

honour by the Hungarian Prime Minister, Janos Iladar, in the Parliament Building.

The luncheon was also attended by several Cabinet Ministers.

In a brief speech at the luncheon, Prime Minister Janos Kadar reiterated his

support for the positive role of the United Nations in its efforts to settle major

international problems, and noted that the United Nations was fulfilling its tasks

more and more.

The Hungarian Prime Minister said that Hungary's relation with the world

organization "is now different, because we can normalize it on a new basis". He

concluded with a declaration of support for the efforts of the Secretary-General

in relieving tensions and consolidating peace.

Secretary-General U Thant expressed his gratitude for the cordiality and

hospitality extended to him by the Government and people of Hungary, and also

regarding the frankness and confidence that marked his five-hour talk with the

Prime Minister.The Secretary-General added: "I trust that my visit here and the extensive

talks I had will contribute toward the easing of tension and the restoration of

normal relations."Earlier today, Secretary-General U Thant peid a visit to the Sallai co-operative

farm at Besnyoe, about Uo miles from Budapest. relieving the luncheon given by the

Hungarian Prime Minister, the Secretary-General made a tour of the capital, accom-

panied by Istvan Sarlos, Mayor of Budapest.

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Over 350 guests, including the President of the Presidential Council of the

Hungarian PeopleTs Republic, Istvan. Dobi; Prime Minister Janos Kadar; all Cabinet

Ministers and heads of diplomatic missions, attended a reception given in honour

of the Secretary-General at the Parliament Building by the Government of the

Hungarian People's Republic on the evening of 2 July.

At that reception, Mr. Kadar, in a brief speech welcoming the Secretary-General,

said: "We reiterate out intention to co-operate fully with the United Nations for

consolidating world peace. We support all your efforts in this direction, and we

declare, once again, that one of the main objectives of our foreign policy is to

promote friendly relations with all the peoples of the world."

Responding, Secretary-General U Thsnt spoke of his firm belief that the United

Nations should develop into an effective instrument for the maintenance of peace,

for enhancing social and economic standards for all the peoples, and for

accomplishing disarmament and putting an end to all nuclear testing.

He concluded with the statement that "the United Nations is our only hope

to avert atomic disaster".

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United Nations, b.Y.

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SECRETARY-GENERA.! ARRIVES IN BUDAPEST FOR VISIT TO HUNGARY,

HAS 'FREE, FRANK AND USEFUL' DISCUSSION WITH PRIME MINISTER

(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officeraccom-panying the Secretary-General in Budapest, Hungary.)

Secretary-General U Thant arrived in Budapest yesterday to begin a two-day

visit to Hungary. At the airport to greet him were Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister

Gyula Kallai, Foreign Minister Janos Peter, Minister of Culture Pal Ilku, Deputy

Foreign Minister Peter Mod, Ambassador Karoly Cjatorday, Permanent Representative to

the United Nations, and heads of missions of the diplomatic corps in Budapest.

"We are fully aware that in the safeguarding of peace a great responsibility

devolves on the United Nations and its Secretary-General", said Mr. Kallai, speaking

in welcome. "Our Government supports the United Nations and you personally in your

efforts to ensure that this highly important international organization may live ap

to its vocation -- the safeguarding of peace and friendship among people. We are

convinced that your visit to Hungary promotes the cause of international co-operation

and peace•

Speaking in reply, the Secretary-General -aid:"Permit me to say how very happy

I am to be here in this beautiful city and how grateful I am to the Government and

people of Hungary for the gracious and warm reception you have accorded to me on

this, my first visit to your country. I have for some time past been looking forward

to the opportunity of visiting your country and exchanging views with your Prime

Minister and other leaders on important international problems, and particularly the

problems before the United Nations. As I have hai occasion to state in the past, as

long as I am performing the duties of Secretary-General of the United Nations I

shall not cease doing everything in my power to try to fulfil the aims of the Charter

of the United Nations.

"The degree of success of the United Nations in dealing with problems that come

before it depends more than anything else on th.3 co-operation of its Members. Let me

say in conclusion that I was very happy at the decision of the Presidential Council

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- 2 - Press Release SG/15J12 July 1965

in Hungary, on the recommendation of the Government, to put into effect a decree on

broad amnesty in respect of political prisoners, and its implementation. Once

again I thank you for this touching welcome."

Meets With Prime Minister

At 4:30 p.m. the Secretary-General called on Prime Minister Janos Kadar at the

Parliament building. The Foreign Minister, Mr. Peter, participated in the discussion

which lasted about three and a half hours.

The conversation covered some major international issues before the United

Nations, and was described by a spokesman for the Secretary-General as a free,

frank and useful exchange of views.

In the evening the Secretary-General attended a gala performance by the Hungaris

State Folk Ensemble at the Cultural Centre of the Hungarian Optical Works in

Budapest. This was followed by a supper party given by Mr. Peter at a restaurant

overlooking the city.

(For a summary of the Secretary-General's programme for today, 2 July, see

Press Release SG/1530.)



United Nations, SLY.

(FOR USE OF liTFORM IOK M^DiA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)


TEXT OF ADD3ES8 BY SECRETASY-GEKERAL U THAMT

TO THE HUNGARIAN -ACADEME OF SCIENCE, 2 JULY,

IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

"The devastation and the suffering of mankind during the Second World War led

the Governments of the Allied countries to search for means which would guarantee a

lasting peace and security among nations. This was the meaning and the 'raison

d'etre1 of the United Nations and has ever since been its guiding principle. Peace,

( however, is not merely the absence of armed conflict between nations or between

peoples, although this is no doubt 'its main prerequisite. As the Preamble to the; •Charter of the United Nations makes abundantly clear, peace is a dynamic and positive

objective which has to be achieved by the establishment and effective compliance with

fundamental human rights, by the faithful respect for treaiiies and other international

commitments and by the promotion of social progress and better standards of living in

larger freedom. In a world where human problems have outgrown the national boundaries

of even the larger and mure richly endowed countries, and where interdependence has

become a necessity and not only a convenience, the realization of man's rights, the

respect for international law and the promotion of economic 'and social well-being in

freedom, require an avtitade of tolerance and understanding'both by people in their

daily lives and by nations in the conduct of their internal and international •

relations.

"The notion of man as an essentially social being, which can be traced in the

ancient philosophies of both East and West and which foand such lucid expression in

the writings of Aristotle, may in our time, perhaps, have to be redefined. For

sociability, in the sense of an inevitable relationship not only between individuals

but between societies and nations, is an inescapable fact of our age. No more can the

nations of the world remain isolated from one another as it would be absurd 'to conceive

of individuals living without contact with other human beings.

' *~ "indeed, such a recognition is found in the words of the Preamble to the Charter,

where it is stated that the peoples of the United Nations are determined to 'employ

international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of

all peoples' . National means and national resources, by themselves alone, are not

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Press Release SO-/15292 July 1962

sufficient to achieve the economic and social veil-being of mankind and therefore an

international machinery is required to stimulate, to channel and to co-ordinate the

efforts and the flow of resources in all directions where human needs so demand.

"it is no accident of history nor a fancy of our times that the United Nations

and so many other international agencies have come into existence in such a brief

span. The pressures brought to bear, amongst other factors, by the fast-growing

expansion of the economies in the advanced countries and the acute problems faced

by the developing countries in their effort to meet the increasing aspirations of

their peoples for economic and social advancement have brought into sharp focus the

necessity of expanding international relations and of creating an international

machinery suited to dealing with these questions from a much wider point of view.

"The proliferation of international bodies and meetings, both inter-governmental

and private, should not be a cause for concern as such. Their number is a response to

the demands which are already evident. What is a matter for reflection, however, is

whether in fact the response provided by the international bodies is adequate and

whether their structure, their activities and the support given to them are consonant

with present-day requirements.

"The subject is one, of course, which lends itself to endless debate and it is

not my intention to attempt to give any hard and fast reply. But I am convinced that

the growth of international action, both in scope and depth, is an irreversible trend

and that the existing machinery will have to be strengthened and improved if it is to

meet the challenge of the future. In this there can be no retreat or abdication, for

the responsibility for peace and the well-being of mankind is now a collective

obligation -- perhaps a condition for survival in which each and all of us have a

stake.

"While the international activities in the political field have been as a rule

widely reported, efforts made in the economic, social and cultural spheres have passed

comparatively unrecognized. And yet it is as important to ease tensions arising out

of poverty, ignorance or disease as it is to solve thorn;/ political problems. For

peace is not only a collective obligation but also an indivisible responsibility --

indivisible in the sense that peace cannot be split into its political, economic,

social or cultural components in the vain hope of solving one without tackling the

others.

"The concept of peace as an international and indivisible responsibility con-

stitutes one of the cornerstones of the United Nations and its family of agencies.

Their respective activities are framed within the over-all objective which is common

to all: how to save mankind from the scourge of war.

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"One avenue of action to which I would like to devote some thought on this

occasion is that of international cultural exchanges. It is an area to which I attach

great importance and where all nations should "be able to co-operate fruitfully.

"The term 'culture' is very hard to define, "but people are primarily cultured or

uncultured with respect to certain qualities of the heart. Culture connotes some

mental and spiritual excellence, just as health means a certain physical excellence.

Health 'does' not mean one thing for a Hungarian and another for a Burman. Similarly/

culture should mean one and the same thing for all. The so-called different cultures

mean either the different stages in our approximation to the ideal of civilization

or else the different expressions of cultural forms in different circumstances. But,

the ideals which constitute the essential elements of culture are universal.

"Hungary Is a country with great cultural traditions. Its history is endowed

with innumerable instances of creative expressions' in the fields of literature, music

and visual arts. Many Hungarian thinkers, writers, poets and artists have been of

international fame, and I am very happy to learn that one of the primary objectives

of the Hungarian Government 'is the revival of traditional art forms in all fields.

"Since culture has no national boundaries and since all forms of cultural

expressions are antidote to the evil of the human breast, it is highly desirable

that the peoples and Governments all over the world should pay increasing attention

to the need for cultural oxcasnges.

"All of you, I am sure, will remember the historic Asian-African Conference held

in Bandung, Indonesia, in April 1955. I had the privilege of participating in its

deliberations as a member of my country's delegation. Besides adopting resolutions

on Economic Co-operation, Human Rights and Self-Determination, Problems of Dependent

Peoples, and World Peace and Co-operation, the Conference adopted a significant

resolution on Cultural Co-operation, The Conference was convinced that among the

most powerful means of promoting understanding among nations is the development of

cultural co-Operation, and all participating Governments reiterated their dedication

to work for closer cultural co-operation. :

"The resolution further stated that true to the age-old tradition of tolerance'

and universality, the Conference believed that Asian and African cultural co-operation

should be developed in the larger context of world co-operation. Side by side with

the development of Asian-African cultural co-operation, the countries of Asia and

Africa also expressed their desire to develop cultural contacts with others, since

this would enrich their own culture and would also help in the promotion of world

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- It- - Press Release SG/15292 July 1963

peace and understanding. I have no doubt that the distinguished leaders of thought,

leaders of education and leaders of cultural activities who are assembled here today

will subscribe to these sentiments.

"Cultural exchanges through the means provided by international bodies are a

relatively new experience. The Institute for Intellectual Co-operation of the League

of nations made some interesting contributions in this field, and on a regional basis

there are examples as well which have paved the way for programmes on a broader

international scale. With the rapid development of science and technology and the

increase and improvement of mass media of communications and transportation, other

more daring and effective methods became imperative. The concept itself of cultural

exchange was considerably amplified by recognizing the close relationship between

international understanding and the interchange of knowledge, the meeting of persons

at all levels and the exchanges of scientific and artistic production.

"Bilateral and multilateral programmes of cultural exchange have increased

dramatically in the last two or three decades and even at this fast rate of increase,

they fall short of meeting the demands of our times.

"There is ample room both for increased bilateral and multilateral programmes

of cultural exchange. In this gigantic task of effecting a world-wide redistribu-

tion of mankind's knowledge and cultural expressions, all genuine efforts — whether

governmental, inter-governmental, or private — are welcome and should be encouraged,

"When dealing with the subject of cultural co-operation, one cannot fail to

mention the Agreement between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the

United States of America signed in January 1958, which provides for co-operation

in exchanges in the scientific, technical, educational and cultural fields. This

Agreement has covered periods of two years each, and has been extended twice, in

November 1959 and in March 1962.

"While the implementation of the Agreement has run from time to time into

certain difficulties, it has provided a most useful contact between the two countries.

This is evidenced by the fact that it has been renewed on two occasions.

"We see in this Agreement an encouraging indication of the importance which both

leading countries of East and West attach to the task of getting to know each other

better and thereby being able to assess more accurately each other's intentions and

actions. But it may go further in removing barriers of misunderstanding and in

easing the tensions between East and West.

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-5- Press Release SG/15292 July 1963

"Within the United Nations family, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization) has played a leading role in the area of

cultural exchange. Not only has it assisted Governments in facilitating contacts

and information and offered useful forums for discussion, but it has also pioneered

in a vast range of activities. In a broader sense, however, cultural exchange has

been also the concern of the United Nations and of all of the specialized agencies*

"I am firmly of the belief that culture in general is the patrimony of all

mankind, although it may acquire particular expressions deriving from the genius

of any given nation. It nourishes itself from the accomplishments of the past,

wherever they may have originated, and constitutes a common force which pushes

succeeding generations towards further achievements. Culture transcends all boundaries

and is truly the symbol and the instrument of international understanding.

"This has a particular significance now that the world has been suddenly ushered

into the nuclear age* For with it have come untold possibilities and hopes, as well

as terrifying dangers. Finding ourselves threatened by the gravest risks, but at

the same time on the threshold of exciting developments in the fight against the

age-old ills of mankind, we have been put face to face with the sad realization

that while scientific and technological advances have made prodigious strides, man's

ability to live in harmony with his fellow men has lacked corresponding progress.

Is it not the case, then, for science, technology, art and all other manifestations

of culture to provide an avenue for bringing peoples closer together and for helping

in. the solution of national and international problems?

"It should not be surprising, therefore, that we in the United Nations should

seek to expand the area of cultural and scientific exchange and co-operation as a

means of promoting peace and understanding between all nations. May I recall in

this connexion, the International Conferences on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy

held in 1955 and in 1958, the establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency,

the calling of the Conference on New Sources of Energy in 19&1 and, very recently,

in February of this year, the Conference on the Application of Science and Technology

for the Benefit of the Less Developed Areas.

"On 19 December 1961, the General Assembly approved a resolution designating

the 1960*3 as the United Nations Development Decade and defined the purpose of the

Decade as being 'to accelerate progress towards self-sustained growth of the economy

of the individual nations and their social advancement so as to attain in each under-

developed country a substantial increase in the rate of growth' . This accelerated

progress, of which the resolution speaks, requires not only intensified national

efforts but substantial international assistance. In the 'Proposals for Action'

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which I submitted to the Economic and Social Council in the summer of 1962 as an

outline of what the United Nations could do to ach/.eve the objectives of the

Development Decade were included within the targets of high priority, the promotion

of education and technical training and the adaptation of scientific and technological

knowledge to the needs of the developing countries.

"The United Nations Conference on the Application of Science and Technology

for the Bsnefit of the Less Developed Areas was planned to be one of the important

guide-posts for the Development Decade. Nearly two thousand papers were submitted

to its consideration. The Conference brought home vhe fact that given the will and

the means to act, the potential was available to initiate an all out, world-wide

.at/tack on poverty, sickness and ignorance.

"In addressing a message to the Conference on its opening session, I remarked

that the scientists of the world and the leaders of the developing nations together

hold one of the keys to a better future and that it was essential that they be

enabled to meet, converse and help each other. To this I wish to add now that another

key to this better future which we all seek is tha recognition of the necessity of

breaking through the barriers of mistrust and the willingness to open the door to

an era where science and technology can be utilized, not to threaten destruction

but to promote the happiness and well-being of mankind.

"Many other ways and means are being utilized to further international co-opera-

tion through cultural exchanges. The number of opportunities available to students

in the form of international fellowships has shown steady increase, both from

public and private sources; concurrently, the nuiuber of students enrolled in educa-

tional institutions outside their home countries has seen gains from year to year.

Technical assistance missions, originating from cilateral or multilateral programmes,

are an accepted feature of contemporary international life and are also on the

increase. Contacts between scientists, artists, teachers and other exponents of

cultural activity from different countries are now nore frequent and extensive

than ever before. International travel shows an upward trend as well. The formidable

advances in the transmission of news have made it possible to bring the world to

practically every doorstep.

"All of these are encouraging signs. But the total facilities combined are

still far from Meeting existing requirements and their rate of expansion is hardly

adequate to cover the increasing demand. There are also barriers still interposed

in the way of free cultural exchanges. •

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"The United Nations and its family of agencies cannot relent in its endeavour

to promote the conditions which it considers essential to ensure peace, such

as exchanges in the whole spectrum of the cultural field. To do otherwise would

be to betray its most sacred obligation. But it qan succeed only to the extent

to which the Member States of the Organization provide it with adequate support to

meet the objectives of the Charter."

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