A/31/PV.1 General Assembly

I would like, Mr. Presi- dent, to associate myself with the sentiments which have been expressed by you on the death of Chairman Mao Taetung. Today, the world is poorer for the loss of this great statesman. 25. Internationai terrorism and violence have during the past weeks and months assumed, we must all admit, alanning proportions. In its most revolting form, namely the hijacking of irlrcraft and the taking of hostages, this phenomenon not only increasingly endangers the lives of many completely innocent individuals, but also seriously threatens the security of all our States wiiliout a single exception. No State can benefit from allowing this anarchic disturbance of international life to continue. It -is therefore essential tlIat this Assembly should fulfd its special respon- sibilities in the matter and succeed in adopting urgent and energetic steps. 33. The whole life of Chairman Mao Tsetung was devoted to his country. He was a source of constant inspiration to his people in the drive to build a new China. His leadership will remain a cherished memory for his nation in its future endeavours. 34. Chairman Mao was a great political thinker, philos- opher and poet and, for almost half a century, his influence has been felt throughout the world. His ideas will leave a lasting imprint cn our times and ensure him a unique place in history. 26. Instead of dealing with the problem of terrorism as a whole, the moment may have .:ome to concentrate our immediate efforts on one aspect of terrorism, tL ~ most important aspect-tlIat of defending the most innocent victims by taking decisive action against ilie seizing of hostages. 35. On this occasion I wish again to express, on behalf of the United Nations, my deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the Government and people of China and to the bereaved famny. 27. In a few moments, the General Assembly will proceed to the election of the person who will preside over the debates during the coming w.;eks and months. I feel sure that you will elect to this office someone whose compe- tence for such a task will need no confmnation and who will, witll exceptional lucidity, successfully carry out a task which is often difficult and sometimes trying. I hope too, and in so doing I am honestly confessing my own snort-cornings, that he will be able to maintain, for the numerous tasks that await us, a discipline and a level of debl'.te which have often been lacking in t1Ie past. The import.ance and urgency of those tasks are worthy of the prestipe and universal character of the Organization which I hope w, .,hall shortly be happy and able to strengthen and consolidate.

The passing of Chairman Mao Tsetung, the esteemed and beloved great leader and teacher of tlte Chinese neople, has plunged the entire Chinese people into boundle~ll grief and is deeply mourned by the people throughout the world. Today, at the opening of the thirty-first session of the General Assembly, the President and the Secretary-General have expressed deep condolences on the passing of Chair- man Mao Tsetung. In the name of the Chinese delegation to tlIe thirty-fll'st session of the United Nations General Assembly, I would like to extend our deepest thanks to the President, tlIe Secretary-General and other representative-s, and I shall convey their heartfelt sentiments to ilie Chinese Government and people. 37. Since the passing of Chairman Mao Tsetung, the representatives of many countries, regional groups, or- ganizations and national liberation movements have ex- pressed their profound condolences on the death of Chairman Mao at the meetings of tlIe Security Council, the fifth session of tlIe Third United Nations Confenmce on the Law of the Sea, tlIe Special Committee on decolonization,3 28. The TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): And now I have one last and sad duty to perform. 29. A few days ago, as you know, the whole wcrld learned of the death of Chairman Mao Tsetung. This Assembly must bow before tlIe memory of this pioneer of his great countty, the man who was called the Great Helmsman, an 3 Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Imple- mentation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 38. Chairman Mao Tsetung WIIS the founder and wise leader of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese People's liberation Army and the People's Republic of China. He dedicated all his energies throughout his life to the liberation of the Chinese people and to the emanci- pation of the oppressed nations and oppressed people the world over. Chairman Mao led the Chinese people's revolution to victory Which transformed the old semi- colonial and semi-feudal China into thll new socialist China. All the victories of the Chinese people were achieved under the leadership of Chairman Mao; they lIre victories for Mao Tsetung thQught. The radiance of Mao l'setung thought will forever illuminate the road of advan,:e of the Chinese people. Chairman Mao will live forever in the hearts of the Chinese people as well as of people all over th~ world. 39. Turning grief into strength, the entire Chinese people are determined to cm)' on the cause left behind by Chairman Mao md, fonowing his behest, "act according to the principles laid down". continu~ to implement fmnly his reVOlutionary line and policie$ in foreign affairs, adhere to proletarian internationalism, strengthen· ta'le militant unity between the people of our country and the people ofother countries, particularly those of the third-world countries, unite with all the forces in the world that can be united and carry the struggle against imperialimn, colonialism and hegemonism through to the e~d. Loyal to the teachings of Chairman Mao, we will never seek hegemony and will never be a super-Power. We must strive to build our country into a powerful socialist State and make a greater contnbution to humanity.

The principle of equitable geo- graphical rotation of the office of President of the Generll1 Assembly and the unfailing respect of the entire Assembly for the established convention of accepting the nomination presented by the geographicail group concerned have com- bined to bring me to the position I occupy today as President of the thirty-first session of the General As- sembly. My thanks are due primarily to the members of the Asian group of States for the trust and confidence in me they have displayed by making me their choice for the presidency. SS. The world recently lost one of the most heroic fIgures of our times, Mao Tsetung, Chainnan of the Central Committee cf the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China, the creator of modern China and the revered leader of the Chinese people. To the Government and people "f the People's Republio ofChina and to his bereaved family I offer my sincere sympathy. 47. To all you distinguished representatives and, through you, to your Governments I extend my thanks wit.'l the utmost sincerity for electing me as your President for this session of the General Assembly. 56. In addressing you as a national of Sri Lanka, I should like to stress the implications of, and tIle benefits we derive from, our association with the widest possible cross-section of nations in several distinctive groupings. Geogmphically we belong to the Asian group of States. With many countries in Asia we share the priceless legacy of an ancient culture and a long history of varied experience which has equipped us fully, more in the spiritual than in the material sense, to face the problems and trials of the world of today. Our continued ass~iation with the group of Common- wealth countries-once known .as the British Common- wealth-gives usilie advantage of consultation within a unique mstitution which, by the very reason of its heterogeneous composition, serves as ail excellent forum for the harmonization of conflicting attitudes. 48. Without any pretence at modesty, I must confess that I regard my election not as a recognition ofpersonal merit, but as an honour conferred on my country ll.'1d as an acknowledgement of the positive and constructive impact of the policies of our Govem..nent urlder the leadership of Prime Minister Sirimavo R. D. Bandaranaike on inter- national affairs. These policies are founded on justice, good will and understanding in the search for harmony among nations. 49. I succeed to an office which has been adorned by statemlen and stateswomen of rare distinction and excep- tional achievement not only in their own countries but also in the sphere of foreign relations. It is therefore with a deep sense of humility and a consciQusness of my personal limitations that I assume this office. 57. Economically we belong to perhaps the laIgest group of States functioning as such in the United Nations sphere of activities, the Group of 77-a numerical misnomer- which is an alliance for the advancement of the economic interests of developing countries through active co-opera- tion, which is now directed primarily towards the establish- ment of the new international economic order and the fulfdment of the principles of the Otarter of Economic Rights and Duties of States [resolution 3281 (XXIX)). Both these endeavours are designed to mitigate and ultimately eradicate the injustices and inequalities of the past and substitute for them a pattern of international economic co-operation based on equality that would bring justice and equity to all. SO. It will. be my constant endeavour to live up to your legitimate expectations and, as the rules of the General Assembly prescribe, to remain under your authority, which makes it my duty to ascertain the will of the Assembly and to be guided by it in the discharge of my responsibilities. I shall at all times act with comple~e impartiaHty and remain faithful to the Charter. 51. last year we had the rare distinction ofhaving a Prime Minister as our President. Mr. Gaston Thorn of Luxem- bourg has earned the thanks and approbatiOJil of us all for his smooth and efficient conduct of the work of the thirtieth session of the General Assembly. 58. Finally, there is the group of non-aligned countries, which we helped found and which recently held its Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Govermnent in Colombo, Sri Lanka, under the presidency of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. We accord to our membership in this group a prc-eminent position because its principles and philoso!,hy are aimed at the attainment of the supreme objective of the United Nations, the maintenance ofinternational peace and 52. Our distinguished Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Wald- .heim, has continued to serve us with exemplary conscien- tiousness, industry and integrity. He has not spared himself in his efforts to use the prestige and authority ofhis office in order to preserve for the United Nations its proper role and status in international affairs. t~nets. 60. With the thirty·fll'st session, the General Assembly enters upon the last quarter of the twentieth century. There has been no other period in the history of the human race which could claim such a glittering record of achievement in scientific progress but which has also been besmirched by such 88vage destruction of human life and property in two wo:tld wars and other no less brutal conflicts and by the most infamous affronts to the dignity of the human Filrsonality in ~e name ofethnic superiority. 65. For more than 25 years the United Nations has . devoted much of its attention to political problems. Many of those problems still plague us and are an imminent threat to international peace and security. The United Nations cannot relax its vigilan;:e. The scourge ofapartheid and the repressive measures adopted by the white minority regimes in southern Africa have brought the world to the brink of disaster, which can only be averted by honest, resolute and united action on tlle part of the entire United Nations membership, especialiy the countries best placed to in- fluence those offending and offensive regimes. 61. Even as the secrets of the universe unfold themselves to the penetrating scrutiny of the fecund and versatile genius of human science, the legitimate expectation that the advance of technology would produce a corresponding degree ofprogress in the solution of the political, social and economic problems that beset the international community has fallen far short of even modest realization. 62. During the 31 years of its existence, the United Nations has advanc\1d steadily towards the attainment of the ideal of universality ofmembership. In 1945 it counted 51 countries among its Members. Today we expect t..'te one hundred and forty-fifth Member to be admitted. Almost tluee fourths of the countries admitted to membership since 1945 were once under colonial rule. This has resulted ill a radical change in the pattern of voting which has formed the subject of caustic and even offensive criticism. An induilgent observer may explain this reaction as attri- butable to frustration, but it fails to show a proper appreciation of the sensibilities of those who constitute the majority. if the criticism were treated as only a natural human reaction to a loss of influence it could have been dismissed without comment. But when it is taken into the realm of political theory and the behaviour of the so-called new majority is ascribed to irrational antagonism or partisanship and a repudiation of principles, the charge should not go unanswered. 66. In the Middle East, a state of tension continues as the occupied population becomes increasingly restive and des- perate. The agreements on the disengagement of forces on the Sinai and Suez and the Golan Heights have provided a respite and offered some hope of progress towards a just and honourable settlement. This result can be achieved ifall parties to the dispute accept without qualification certain elements as indispensable to a fmal settlement. None of these elements commands priority; they form a composite whole. One of them is the principle of the inadmissibility of -the acquisition of territory by war. The acceptance of this principle would require Israel to withdraw its armed forces from territories occupied by it as a result of war. Another element is the acknowledgement, both.in policy and in practice, of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and po- litical independence of every State in the area and of the right of every State in the Middle East, including the State of Israel, to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries, free from the threat or use of force. This does not, however, mean that the expression "secure and recognized boundaries" entitles any State to determine for itselfwhat those boundaries should be. 63. The Charter expresses the determination of the peoples of the United, Nations to practise tolerance, which implies mutual respect for different political and economic systems. The nations that have chosen the democratic system of government are too prone to claim that the system automatically endows them exclusively with the virtues of infallibility of judgement .and impeccability of conduct. This is a presumptuous ,:laim. What i~ most 67. The third and perhaps the most important element is ilie need for restoring to the Arab people ofPalestine their legitimate rights, which will give them a separate Palestinian State a.s prOVided for and endorsed by the United Nations 64. last year in the General A~embly 123 nations asked the Security Council to admit the two Viet Nams to membership in the United Nations [see resolution 3366 (XXX)]. This year the two Viet Nams have sought admission as one country, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. After 30 years of bitter fratricidal conflict during which they were a divided nation they have succeeded in achieVing their unification through the free will of their people. This is a unique and unparalleled achievement during the post-Second World War era and by itself establishes beyond cavil their credentials. They have demonstrated clearly their intention and capacity to dis- charge the obligations of a Member of the United Nations. 68. The policy of annexation Imd of the establishment of pennanent settlements in the occupied territories cannot but create serious misgivings as to Israeli intentions in regard to the future of the occupied territories. The riglJt of every State to live within secure and recognized boundaries cannot be construed as conferring on the State of Israel the special prerogative of determining at its own discretion where those boundaries should be established as a means of ensuring its security. The exercise of such a right by all nations in general would plunge the world into chaos. I have stated b"'fore and I take this opportunity of stating again that the question of safe and secure boundaries is a matter for negotiation but ~at it cannot be divorced from the recognition of the right of Israel to exist as a State or from the renunciation of belligerency. No boundary drawn on the ground can serve as a guarantee of security. Peace and friendship are the sole guarantees, and they can exist only in the hearts and minds of peoples and, more especially, their leaders. 69. The events in southern Africa, especially the increasing death toll in townships such as Soweto, are a presage of dire catastrophe. The white minority regimes of South Africa and of Rhodesia must come to their senses or must be brought to their senses b)' concerted action on the part of those who believe in civilized conduct. 70. IJt Cyprus there has, unhappily, been no progress towardll a peaceful settlement that would preserve the integrity of Cyprus as a single State. It is to be hoped that the appzehensions of the minority can be allayed without destroying the territorial integrity of that island and that a fonnula can be found that will enable the communities to live in hannony with each other as one people and one . nation. 71. It is impossible within the compass of a statement of this nature to cover the numerous other political issues that will come before this session. I have drawn attention only to those which constitute a grave threat to international peace and llecurity. 72. rIle items on disarmament increase from year to year. , Progress in the matter of disarmament is in inverse ratio to the time spent on the question by the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament and the two Co-Chairmen of that Conference. Every year a new item which has little to do with the heart of the problem is brought before the As!lembly. The time has come for the General Assembly as a whole to take up this issue, whether in a special session or in a world conference. We should liberate ourselves from the fallacy that war can be prevented by a reduction in annaments.. It is this fallacy that has proved the greatest impediment to real' disarmament. A new and positive approach is needed. It is the causes of war that should be eliminated ifpreparation for war is to be avoided. 74. World military expenditure in 1975 was equivalent to the tl);~iil gross national product of 65 countries in Latin America and in Africa. The time and effort devoted by the two most powerful nations at working out an equation of their relative military strength could be put to better use by an examination of the reasons for their engaging in this frenzied competition to produce even more sophisticated and more lethal weapons. Growing military strength, far from preventing a war and ensuring security, could provoke a war that would bring the combatants to the point of extinction and consign all humanity to oblivion. 75. It took the United Nations more than 25 years to realize that the solution of economic problems could prOVide a key to the easing of political tension. The First United Nations Development Decade was no more than a modest start. The real turning-poinl\ came with the sixth special session on the subject of· raw materials and development, convened at the imaginative initiative of President Boumediene of Algeria. That session produced the Declaration on the Establishment of a New Inter- national Economic Order [resolution 3201 (S-V/)] and a Programme of Action relating to it [resolution 3202 (S-VI)]. The inability of certain powerful developed market economy countries to subscribe in its entirety to the latter resolution should not, however, discourage our efforts to bring into being a new and more equitable international economic order. To fail to do so would only be to perpetuate an order that, even when it was working at what appeared to be its best, did not serve the interests of the developing world. 76. The Declaration on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order was soon reinforced by the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States, adopted in General Assembly resolution 3281 (XXIX). These instru- ments were further complemented and reinforced by the Lima Declaration and Plan of Action on Industrial Develop- ment and Co-operation adopted at the Second General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization [UN/DOl in March 1975,4 as well as by the resolutions adopted at the fourth session of UNCTAD at Nairobi in May 1976.5 77. The most striking achievement of the fourth session of UNCTAD was the acceptance of the principle and the bases of negotiation in three crucial sectors of international trade and development, namely, primary commodities, manu- factures and technology. 78. The integrated programme for commodities, contained in resolution 93 (IV) adopted at Nairobi, of which the principal element is the common fund for fmancing buffer stocks, forms the core of our effort to restructure the trade in primary commodities. A happy augury for the success of that effort was the pledge made by 14 developed market- 79. In thll area of manufactures, UNCTAD at its fourth session has given its approval to an over-all strategy for manufactures which takes into account the main objectives of the UNIOO Conference at Lima. In the area of technological development, there is now agreement to negotiate a code of conduct for tb.e transfer of technology, as well as a commitment te strengthen the technological capacity of developing countries. 83. We have a haavy agenda, but I am confident that I can rely absolutely on the help and support of repr~sentatives in approaching all our problems in a disciplined and states,manlike manner and so prove to the world that the United Nations is fully aware of its responsibmties and is determined to live up to them. 80. There is, however, an important area ofinlmediate and critical concern to tile developing countries, particularly those most adversely affected, wliere UNCTAD at Its fourth session gave little or no satisfaction to the developing world. I refer to the area of money and fmance, where no progress was made on solutions to the pressing fmancial problems created in a large number of developing countries by the shinp decline in commodity prices or on adequate measures to give prompt relief to developing coun~ries burdened with critical debt problems or· on measures for the transfe:r of adequate resources from those in possession of them to tIlose who need them. In this area the only satisfaction given to the developing world was an agreement to continue the dialogue. There is, however, a glimmer of hope in this agreement. 81. OJle of the great challenges of our time, and a task with which I have had the privilege of being very closely associated, is the establishment of a new international regime for the world's oceans. This co·operative endeavour is, in scope, complexity and impact, ';rlthout parallel in history. A universally acceptable international agreement regulating the use of such a vast area of the earth's surface, and assurillc; to all countries, rich and poor alike, an equitable share of its wealth, would be an outstanding contribution to tile rational, just and stable order, both political and economic, which the United Nations is striving to create. The Third United Nations Conference on tile Law of tile Sea, which only last Friday concluded its futh session inconclusively, and the preceding deliberations have now been going on for 10 years. Although some areas of contention have been m.rrowed down to the point where agreement appears to be within reach, on many issues of a fundamental nature there are still sharp divergencies among tile participants. We have reached a stage where the successful conclusion of an agreement could be imperilled by impetuous and precipiinte action. We have, one and all, an obligation to act 'with extreme caution and patience and witll a proper appreciation of the untllinkable risks and consequences of failure. It is my hope that we shall be able to look back witll satisfaction on the 1970s not merely as having encompassed a decade of the oceans but as having seen the creation of a new spirit of understanding and co-operation among the nations of the world. .

The Security Council has recom- mended tile admission of the Republic of Seychelles in . document A/31/176. In this connexion a draft resolution has been submitted in document A/31/L.l'and Add.l and 2. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the .recommendation of the Security Council and adopts the, draft resolution by acclamation? 84. The United Nations system provides a unique forum for establishing a bond of unity in the pursuit of a common purpose among the nations of the world and for deriving from that unity fresh vigour and strerigth. But the strengtll derived from unity requires to be governed by a discipline that will lead us all to the objectives we so devoutly desire to attain. In stressing this principle, which I consider to be vital to the success of our efforts, I echo tile wOids of the SakYamuni, Gauthama Buddha, tile sage whose teachings have had such a profound influence on the lives of the people of my country, as of many other countries in Asia, who once said: "Sammag8niun tapo sukho"'-"'Happy is the discipline of tIlose who are united." It is with that message that 1wish to conclude my address today.

I am sure that all members of this Assembly rejoice at the admission of the Republic of. Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. I extend a cordial welcome to the delegation cf Seychelles to the United Nations and wish its people the blessings of peace, progress and happiness. 94. My own country has had occasion to work with Seychelles as a Commonwealth member country since the British occupation of that country. I recall, fOl' instance, that I personally had occasion to visit the Republic in 1972 when I flew to Mah6 on the Air Malawi inaugural flight. I was privileged to be received by the President himself and one of his senior Cabinet Ministers. It is my sincere hope, therefore, that the relationship between the two Republics will wax from strength to strength, to theii' mutual benefit. 89. It is appropriate that I should, at the same time, congratulate the Govermnent of the United Kingdom on its furCler demonstration of its adherence to the principle of self·determination. 95. The African group notes with great satisfaction the commitment by the Seychelles Government to the policy of non·alignment, as well as its determination not to create a climate in the Indian Ocean capable of attracting big·Power confrontation. As that commitment reflects the Organization of African Unity's desire for peace and determination to achieve human dignity and equality for the people of Africa, representatives can well understand my group's joy on the admission of our sister African country to membership in this august body. Therefore, we look forward to working side by side with our brothers and sisters from Seychelles until Qur goal has been realized. 90. Several representatives have expressed a desire to speak at this juncture. I call frrst on the representative of Malawi, who will speak on behalf of The: Mrican States.

In coming to the podium to welcome the new State of Seychelles, I wish, on behalf of the African group of States, to extend to you, Sir, our sincere congratulations 011 your election to the presidency of the thirty·first regular session of the United Nations General Assembly. The African group, of which I have the smgular privilege of representing as Chairman of the current month, is proud of your contribution to the work of this august body and is therefore happy and delighted to see you grace that office. The African group recalls the distingUished role you have played and are continuing to play in the adjourned Conference on the Law of the Sea. It is therefore the hope and prayer of my Group that you will bring to the thirty-first regular session of the General Assembly the same wisdom, understanding and dedication which you generously placed at the disposal of the adjourned Conference. Above all, it gives the African group a great sense of pride and satisfaction that the thii:d world should, within a period of two years, be privileged once again to provide positive and qynamic leadership for the highest international body. Accordingly, the African group can do no more than assure you of its unflinching support and co-operate throughout the duration of the current session. 96. Finally, in extending a warm welcome to our brothers and sisters of the Seychelles, I should like to say that the African group at the United Nations strongly believes that their admission to the United Nations will enable them to make a useful and positive contribution to the efforts and activities of the world body in the promotion of world peace and justice.

I call on the representative of Bhutan, who will speak on behalf of the Asian States.

Mr. President, my Foreign Minister will be participating in the general debate and I am quite sure that he would like personally to express his felicitations on your assumption of the presidency of the Genaral Assembly. In the meantime, it is most opportune for me, in my capacity as Chairman of the Asian group of States and on behalf of my own delegation, to extend our warmest congratulations on your election as President of the thirty·fust session of the General Assembly. 92. It will be recalled that onfl of the priorities which the African group has set itself at the United Nations is, you will agree, the total elimination of colonialism and neo· colonialism where they exist in any form. Therefore, the African group feels excited and inspired to note that the official opening of the thirty-first regular session also marks the admission to membership in this 'World body of the Indfan Ocean Republic of Seychelles on the continent of Africa. Accordingly, on behalf of both the African group and my own country, Malawi, I wish to join all those who have extended and will extend congratulations to President James Mancham, the Government and people of that young Republic on their well·earned and well-deserved indepen· dence. 99. It gives me great pleasure indeed to see a distinguished citizen from the same subcontinent of Asia occupying the high post of President and it is a fitting tribute also to your ancient country. We are very happy because we are familiar with you by now in your important roles in various ad I-.oc committees and as President of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, in which you have already demonstrated your wisdom, tact and skill. Those qualities reaffmn our co-nfidence that the Assembly at this session will be able to tackle successfully the problems that will come before it. 93. The Mrican group is par*icularly happy at the fact that the transfer of power there has taken place without any ugly incidents, thereby ensuring the continued eco- 101. On 18 August 1976.l:lis Majesty the King of Bhutan, while addressing the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government (If Non-Aligned Countries in Colombo, welcomed the accession to independence of the Republic of Seychelles and its entry into the fumily of the non-aligned movement. It is now with great plea&ure and honour that I, as Chairman of the Asian group ofStates, and on behalfof my own delegation, welcome the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. The Kingdom of Bhutan respects the important principle of self-determination as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. In the present case, we welcome the collective efforts of the people of Seychelles, the former adminis- tering Power, the United Kingdom, and the Special Com- mittee on decolonization, whose efforts successfully and peacefully brought about the independence of the Republic of Seychelles. We believe that constitutes great progress in the efforts of our Organization and offers one more proof of the fact that decolonization efforts of the United Nations are bearing fruit. 102. The admission to membership of the Republic of Seychelles is an act in keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter and strengthens the goal of universality'of the United Nations. The Kingdom of Bhutan is fully committed to the goal of universality of the membership of the United Nations. It is our sincere hope that, as in the case of Seychelles, other States which are still outside this great Organization, will be admitted as full members in complete conformity and compliance with the principles of our Organization. 103. We wish the Republic of Seychelles every success in realizing the aspirations of the people and in their efforts at nation-building. We also look forward to working in close co-operation with the Seychelles in the belief that the Republic of Seychelles will make great contributions to the work of our Organization. 104. Before concluding, I should like also to associate myself with the sentiments that were expressed at the opening of the session on the sad demise of Chairman Mao Tsetung. Chairman Mao Tsetung was a poet, a philosopher and a beloved leader ofhis people. He was also the architect of the modern history of China and devoted his life. completely to his country. His d.votion and outstanding statesmanship will long be remembered not only in his own country and in Asia but throughout the world. The Kingdom of Bhutan is an immediate neighbour of the People's Republic of China, and I should like once again on behalf of the Asian group of States and on behalf of my own delegation to convey to the representative of China, and through him to his delegation and Government and to the bereaved family, our sincere condolences and sympathy at their great loss.

I call on the representative of Romania, who will speak on behalf of the Eastern European States. 107. The General Assembly has just admitted by acclama- tion a new Member State, the Republic of Seychelles, to the family of the United Nations. I should like, on behalfof the countries of Eastern Europe, to offer on this occasion our warmest congratulations to the representatives of that country. 308. The entry of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations is yet another practical confirmation of the right of all peoples to be represented in this world forum and it is, at the seme time, a new step towards complete universality of our Organization. 109. We rejoice at this event, which gives us !lI1 oppor- tunity to express our most sincere conviction that the Republic of Seychelles will make avaluable contribution to the development of international co-operation within the fields of activity of th" United Nations, while benefiting from international co-operation and the support of our Organization. 1l0. The admission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations once again illustrates the role and the importance which all peoples that love peace and justice accord to the United Nations. This is proof that the international community still considers the United Nations to be a vital and irreplaceable instrument for co-operation among all States, as equals in rights and in duties. 111. It is up to all of us not to disappoint those who place their hopes for peace and progress in the United Nations. This is the central idea which should guide our political will towards the achievement of the universality of the United Nations, by admitting all States which apply and which meet all the conditions prOVided for in the Charter, both in their words and in their deeds. 112. Every step such as the one we have taken today brings mankind doser to the end of a shameful chapter in its history, marked by colonialism and imperialist domina- tion. We are coming closer to the day when the last remaining peoples still subject to colonial domination will, by their arduous struggle, conquer the legitimate and inalienable right to freedom, to life and to national and human dignity. 113. We are happy to note that this course is marked by the efforts undertaken within our Organization, the most important of which was the adoption·in 1960 of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 1514(XV)J. It is now the duty of all of us to redouble our efforts in solidarity, so that we shall as soon as possible put an end to colonialiSt and neo-colonialist practices which still persist throughout the world and build a better world.

I now call on the representative of El Salvador, who will speak on behalf of the Latin American States.

Mr. President, may I first ef all say to you what a tremendous satisfaction it is for the Latin American group of States and my country, Et Salvador, that you have today been elected President of the General Assembly for its thirty·first session. Your long and fruitful activities in United Nations forums constitute the best qualifications for your investiture today. 117. 'The General Assembly has just admitted the Re- public of Seychelles as the one hundred and forty-fifth Member of the United Nations, a decision to which the delegations of the Latin American group have given their unanimous consent. 118. By its. very nature, and because of its objectives, the United Nations has to be an organization of universal composition in which all States, without any distinction of allY kind, hold dialogues, debate and co-ordinate aIJtivities. Since the objective9 of the United Nations are world-wide and the problems of peace, security Md development are indivisible, the United Nations must of necessity give an opportunity to all States to assume their share of responsi- bility in the common tasks and in the attainment of objectives freely agreed to. 119. The United Nations has at the international level substantially changed the system of international relations which preceded the two world wars and which afflicted the generations of the twentieth century and, in accordance with its philosophy and objectives, all members of the international community, all States which can be con- sidered members of the international community have, owing to the interdependence in which we live, the right to participate and the duty to contribute. 120. The Republic of Seychelles will enrich this inter- national forum. Even though its independence became. formal very recently, its social, historic and cultural personality has been long established. It is cause for rejoicing when a new Member of the Unuted Nations gives proof by its presence that the last vestiges of colonialism are truly disintegrating and that the United Nations is taking further steps towards universality. 121. The Latin American group, on whose behalf! extend the warmest welcome to Seychelles, will seek every opportunity to create closer ties of friendship and 1;0- operation with this new Member and friend, in the common endeavour to organize international relations on the basis of ,justice and progress. The agreed objective is specific: to ensure for future generations peaceful enjoyment of the development of science and technology and to recognize to all peoples of the world their inalienable light to organize

I now call on tlte representative of Icr,land, who will speak on behalf of the group of Western European and other States.

Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to extend to you, on behalf of the group of Western European and other States, the warmest congratulations on your election as President of the Genei'al A~ssembly. I wish to add my personal best wishes. Your election is a great tribute to your country and to your personal qualities and great experie~ce in the affairs of the United Nations. We look forward to working under your able guidance and we assure you of our co-operation. 124. May I also express our profound thanks and appre- ciation to our former President, Mr. Gaston Thorn, who dischlll'ged his heavy duti~s as President of the thirtieth session of the General Asllembly in an exemplary manner and with wisdom and tact. 125. As Chairman of the group of Western European and other States, I am happy to welcome the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to memb~rship in the United Nations. We are gratified that this Organization is moving closer to its goal of complete universality. 126. We look forward to fruitful co-operation with this our newest Member and to its contribution to the work of our Organization. 127. Speaking as the representative of a small country, I am pleased to assure the delegation of Seychelles that smaller Members have an lmportlUlt and positive role to play in the United Nations.

I now call on the representative of Yemen, who will speak on behalf of the Arab States.

First, Mr. President, I should like on behalf of the Arab group of States to welcome you and congratulate you on your accession to the presidency of this sesSion of the General Assembly. 130. I should like also on behalf of the Arab group, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, which has become a full-fledged member of the Arab League, to express our sincerest and warmest congratulations to the Republic of Seychelles on its adnUssion to our Organiza- tion. We congratulate that young State which has just become a Member of our international Organization. We congratulate the international community also on its firm and constant support for the liberation of oppressed peoples, some of which are still suffering under the yoke of ilnperialism and foreign domination. Our international community views with sympathy the development of the situation in those countries that have not yet acceded to freedom and independence. The international community wishes to see the peoples that are still under the domination of imperialism occupy their places among us as Members of 131. The Arab group congratulates the Republic of seychelles, this young State that has now become a Member of our Organization. At the same time, we congratulate ourselves on the realization of another objec- tive of the United Nations, which develops friendly relations and equal rights among peoples, with self-deter- mination for all. 132. On behalf of the Arab group, I welcome among us the representatives of the Republic of Seychelles, which has won its independence by means of its constant struggle and its unending patience. 133. I would take this opportunity to state on behalf of the Arab group that we deeply mourn the passing of Chairman Mao Tsetung. We extend our condolences to the great Chinese people. This is a loss not only for China but for all peace-loving and freedom-loving peoples. 134. I started this statement by congratulating you, Mr. President, on your accession to your high post..May I conclude it by repeating our congratulations to you, on behalf ofthe Arab group.

I now call on the representative of the United States of America, the host country.

My delegation wishes to add its condolences to the people of the People's Republic of China on the passing of Chairman Mao. Chairman Mao was a historic figure who changed the course of events in the world and who had a tremendous impact on the present and the future of his country. As President Ford has noted, Chairman Mao's influence on history extended far beyond the borders of China itself. My country joined together with his to establish positive and fruitful relations, and together our countries promise to contn'bute to world puce and to its stability. All of us here, I am sure, echo these sentiments for a world at peace; they can serve as an InsPiration for our work in the United Nations to strive for a peaceful and secure world. I share- these sentiments del2ply and should like to express my perso!19l condolences to iny Chinese colleagues. 137. As representative of the host country for tbe United Nations, I offer smcere congmtulations on the occasion of the acce~ion to membarship in our Organization of the Republic of Seychelles. The United States delegation had the pleasure of supporting the Seychelles' application at the time of its consideration in the Security Council, on 16 August. 138. Thededicationofthe prople of Seychelles to the goals- which we an share, of peace, freedom and the welfare of mankind, surely will facilitate our joint task. For our part, we assure our newest Member of the full co-operation and assistance ofthe United States delegation.

I call on the representative of the United Kingdom.

Mr. President, when he speaks in the course of the general debate the leader of my delegation, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Mfairs, will be expressing his pleasure at your assumption of the presidency. May I, however, take this early opportunity of expressing my personal congratu- lations on your election to this distinguished office. We are particularly pleased that the representative of a fellow Commonwealth country and a fitm supporter of the Commonwealth ideal should be in the chair. You add your own particular touch of elegance. I only regret that the flower shops of New Vork were not able to provide me with a flower from your native Sri Lanka to match the English rose which you regularly ~'Port with so much grace. You bring a wealth of experience, both hard-won and recent, to the presidency. For your sake, I hope that you will find us an easier lot to deal with than the representa- tives to the Conference on the law of the Sea. 142. It is with the greatest pleasure that the United Kingdom welcomes the Republic of Seychelles as the newest Member of the United Nations. We have already had an opportunity dUring the debate in the Security Council on the admission of Seychelles to express satisfaction at the accession to independence of another Britislll Non-Self- Governing Territory. We treasure the 160 years of friend- ship between our two communities and we look forward to developing a close but equal association in the years ahead. 143. Seychelles has already taken its place in international affairs through its membership in the Commonwealth and in the Organization of Mlican Unity. It is now the turn of the United Nations to have the benefit of the fresh and vigorous ideas of this new nation-State. We look forward to close co-operation with the delegation of Seychelles. The country may be small but it has its own valuable contribu- tion to make to the affairs of the region and the world as a whole. It has historical ties not only with my countiy but with France. It is a splendid example of multiracialism where people of Mrican, Indian, Chinese and European blood all contribute to make Seychelles the fascinating place that it is. We wish them all well. 144. We are particularly happy to do so in tile presence of the distinguished President of Seychelles, Mr. James Man- cham. It affords me personally particular pleasure to welcome Mt. Mancham. I met him f1l'St in San Francisco some five years ago, when he was in the course of one ofhis 145. Much can be said about the statesmanlike way in which the Seychelles people have proceeded to indepen· dence. I should like to do no more on this occasion than to pay a tribute to the wisdom of the leaders of the two main political parties, President Mancham and Prime Minister Rene, who last year formed a coalition Government. We pledge the Seychelles Govemment the full co·operation and support of my Government in the years that lie allead, and in earnest of this we have already agreed to provide economic and technical assistance for the development of the Seychelles.

Sir, I should first of all like to congratulate you upon your election to the presidency of this august Assembly. But at the same time I would remind you of the immortal lesson of Shlikespeare, "Uneasy Hes the head that wears a crown." 153. Secondly, I should like to extend my sincere con- dolences to the Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China at the great sorrow that has afflicted his country in particular and the world in general. I hop'C that the distinguished representative will find a great deal of comfort in the words of the poet, because they apply particularly to the great man who has lately left us: "The man may disappear, but his work remains." 146. May I fmally add that this happy occasion marks the culmination of three years of co-operation between my own delegation and the Special Committee on decoloniza· tion under the able chairmanship of Ambassador Sali.m. We share a common belief in the principle of self·determina- tion. I think also that there is now a greater awareness of the particular problems of our remaining small dependent Territories, and we look forward to continuing our con- structive exchanges. 154. As Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity I greet wUh legitimate pride the Republic of Seychelles on its admission to the United Nations. Also, in my capacity as representative of a neighbouring State of the Republic of Seychelles, with which we have common interests and a long historical association as well as legal and cultural bonds, and on behalf of my Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, and the people of Mauritius, I take pleasure at this great honour which has fallen to the Republic of Seychelles. We congratulate that country. 147. May I also add, Sir, that my delegation much appreciated your own generous reference and those of other representatives to the role of the United Kingdom in bringing our former dependent Territories to independence.

At the outset I should like on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, my Government and myself to express deep grief and sincerest condolences at the passing awl.!y of the great leader Mao Tsetung, a giant among men and an immortal. 155. Great Britain warrants our admiration and praise for having with faith and determination pursued its policy of decolonization. We rightly appreciate the liberation of a quarter of the world's population, 800 million souls, in an act of faith which deserves our congratulations. 149. It gives me grest pleasure on behalfofthe people and Government of Bangladesh to welcome into the fold of the international conununity Seychelles as the one hundred and forty-fifth Member State of the United Nations. Bangladesh is particularly committed to the goal of universality of membership, and the admission of Seychelles marks another important step in the fulfilment of this eminently desirable objective. 156. I wish ilie young Republic of Seychelles a new era of prosperity and peace.

It is now my pleasure to invite the President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Mr. James R. Mancham, to address the General Assembly. iSO. As a newly emerging developing country, an Indian Ocean neighbour and a sister Commonwealth nation, we haye close ties of affmity and friendship with Seychelles and their valiant people, a bond which we are confident will grow ever stron, c,particularly through our participation in the work of lJle United Nations. We look forward to working in close and friendly co-operation with the representatives of Seychelles in reaching the cormnon goals and aspirations ofour peoples and Governments.

Sil, flli"1: let me congratulate you on your assumption of the office of President of the thirty-frrst session of the General Assembly, I have no doubt that you will bring a wealth of experience to the discharge of the heavy burden which lies on you from today. IS1. May I also take this opportunity to express our pleasure at seeing you, Mr. President, preside over the deliberations of this august Assembly. Your election is an eloquent tnbute not only to your illustrious country Sri 159. Let me now thank all Member States that have spokeI'. today for all the complimentary remarks they have macie on Seychelles' achievement of independence as a 160. On looking at our past, I note that we were a French colony for 40 years, and a British colony for 160. As a matter of fact, it is the French who started the human experience in our country, and the French impact survives to this day. Britain, which took over from the French, has guided us with an attitude of friendly enlightenment over the years, and in this spirit readily and unreservedly granted us independence on 29 June this year. 161. It would, therefore, be ungenerous were I not to pay a particular tribute to the United Kingdom for all it has done for my country and for the generous spirit in which it has forwarded our progress to independence, as well as for the generous c;conomic assistance it is pr'Dviding us in this very crucial period of taking off. 162. In considering the question of whether or not my small country should apply for membership in the United N8tions I realize that one of the conditions for acceptance into this noble Organization is a commitl11fJnt to the love of peace. ~, translated into the beautiful language of modem diplomacy, should make us what is kn,')WD as "another peace.loving State". I believe it is incumbent on me today to say a few words about the modest role which my country expects to play in the complex affairs of this vast world. 163. Seychelles is an archipelago of 92 small islands scattered over an extensive surface of the Indian Ocean. On the day of our independence we inherited a defenceless shore-no army, no navy, no air force and no treatY of defence whatsoever-our only weapon being our etemal smile. Against this background I have stated that our Government would follow a policy of friendship to all, and enemy to none-sometimes described as a policy of being neither on the left nor on the right but straight forward. 164. In the speeches delivered in the Security Council debate the multiracialism prevailing in our islands was especially comment~ upon. I am of the fum conviction that in this increasingly troublesome time, when the risks of . new conflicts multiply and their causes diversify, the Republic of Seychelles represents an oasis in what seems to be becoming, if we do not stop it, an immense desert of misunderstandings directed towards continumg misgivings, dissensions and hatred. I believe, therefore, that our contribution to world peace must be in that vital area-that !s, to remain what we are, a shining example of the fact that different races of thia world can indeed live and work together in the unifying spirit oflove for others. 165. We in Seychelles must be thankful to God that there is very little hate in ourhearts, that we have never been the direct subject of war or armed struggle, that we have no hostile neighbour and only a wide ocean as immediate 166. I think the time has come when we must ask ourselves what will make the world a sane world. It is evident that only sane people can, make the wo.>rld a sane world-and among these people, to begin with, those of us who have assumed responsibility for our people. And if indeed we want a peaceful world, who else to bring this about but leaders who have peace in their minds'? 167. For too long the notion has persisted in human beings that a state of sanity and peace can somehow be produced by armed struggle and violence. That the end justifies the means is a lie which has been swallowed by almost everyone. It would be mach more accurate to say that the end reveals the means. 168. We do not have to !ook very far or very closely to see that there are simple and natural laws which work as surely in human affairs as they do in the rest of creation. If you sow a mango seed you get a mango tree. If you sow maize you get maize. No exception to this simple law has ever occurred or ever will. By the same token, if you sow the seed of contention, the seed of violence and hatred, the harvest will be more contention, more violence and more hatred. 169. Society can only change by fust changing the attitude of people who live in it-among whom, to begin with, I repeat, the attitude of those who have the responsibility to guide and to lead those people. To guide and to lead the people where'? Towards progress-which means peace-which is, after all, an essential condition for real, true, lasting progress. 170. Perhaps the Republic of Seychelles, small as it is, can start to giv'e an example of much needed universal change. I hope that in becoming the one hundred and forty·flfth Member of this intemational community, Seychelle's example, however modest it may be, will be able somehow to influence this sadly divided world towards rmding the right solutions of the many problems which confront it on all sides. The United Nations has a duty to help the Seychelles remain that light at the end of the tunnel which it bel~vesitself to be, that small light of hope foi' peace and love among all the peoples of southem Mrica, among all the peoples of the Middle East. and, indeed, wherever there is war or the threat of war. 171. This is, indeed, our conviction. This is the hope which we place in you today, Mr. President, and in all our fellow representatives in this august international body, which was, aeer all, founded to be of se!Vice t.o the whole ofhumanity. 172. Finally, may I take this opportunity to add on behalf of my Government and people our deep sentiments of condolencl!s to the Government and people of the People's Republic ofChina on the passing away of their great etemal leader, Chairman Mao.