S/23/PV.1714 Security Council

At the 1710 plenary meeting, on 7 November 1968, the General Assembly agreed to a proposal that the President establish a committee to consider measures to be taken for the appropriate celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Uluted Nations in 1970. Several representatives have made certain suggestions to me regarding the composition of the committee, and after having had some consultations, I believe that it would be best to entrust the matter to the General Committee, since that Committee has been con· stituted on the basis of the principle of equitable geographical distribution according to a formula approved by the General Assembly itself. 2. If I hear no objection, I shall ?ssume that the Assembly agrees to that proposal.

I shall convene the General Committee at an early date. Meanwhile, I should like to request delegations which are not members of the General Committee to submit in writing, and not later than 291'::1 ~i lber 1968, any suggestions that they may have regardL'\:ul'. ~clebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United·,r:.dons.

The Assembly will now take up item 20 of its agenda in * Resumed from the 1710th meeting. ** Resumed from the 1674th meeting. Tuesday, 12 November 1968, at 3p.m. NEW YORK 5. I should like to ask the Assembly whether we can take it that the Security Council recommendation has been accepted and that we can consider the draft resolution A/L.551 and Add.l, admitting Equatorial Guinea to membership in the United Nations, as adopted by acclamation. If there is no objection, we mall so proceed.

I declare Equatorial Guinea admitted to membership in the United Nations. 7. The PRE'SIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): On behalf of the General Assembly I am very pleased to welcome Equatorial Guinea as a Member of the United Nations, and I wim to extend to its Government and people the sincerest congratulations of tlrls Assembly on this happy occasion, together with our best wishes for the future. 8. On my own behalf I mould like to express my pleasure in welcoming the fIrst Spanish-speaking African Member to the United Nations. I should also like to congratulate Spain on the speedy and effective manner in which it has implemented the principles of t.he Charter.

Mr. President, first of all, I mould like to express to you my delegation's pleasure at seeing you conducting our deliberations once again. We are very pleased to see that you have fully recovered, and tlrls is a source of great pleasure to us on tlrls day when you are presiding over the deliberations of the General Assembly as we welcome a brother Africa...'l country. 10. On this solemn occasion for the new State of Equatorial Guinea and for our Organization, it is a matter of great pride and unconcealed joy for me as I take the floor, first, to congratulate Equatorial Guinea upon its admission to memberslrlp in the United Nations. 12. Equatorial Guinea achieved independence after an orderly process of decolonization which had special features. First of all, Spain has acted in accordance with the standard principles of decolonization, respecting the principles of the Charter, abiding faithfully by the resolutions ami providing the infonnation requested of us. We have twice invited a United Nations Committee1 to travel through Equatorial Guinea, with the maximum facilities for obtaining infonnation, inviting it to participate directly in the supervision of the referendum relating to approval of the Constitution of the new State, and the elections which led to the constitution of the fIrst parliament and the election of the first President of the Republic. 13. Spain has implemented the right of self-determination as set forth in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV). We believe that indigenous peoples-and those peoples alonehave this right. For this reason only the indigenous inhabitants participated in the process of decolonization. Throughout the entire process Spain precluded participation of the Spanish settlers who had been in the Territory for generations, for it was our belief that only the indigenous inhabitants, and not those who had been i..inported over the years, had the right to decide their own future. Any other procedure, such as is claimed to exist in other territories, would have been tantamount to flouting resolution 1514 (XV). 14. Secondly, and rather unusually, the process of decolonization was carried out peacefully, with no violence, in perfect harmony between the people of Equatorial Guinea and the administering Power. When we know that there was bloodshed as many countries were in the process of attaining independence, and a cruel struggle on the part of the indigenous inhabitants, we cannot fail to say that on this occasion the Spanish Government and the people of Equatorial Guinea have walked hand in hand and set a splendid example of peaceful decolonization at this time. 15. Lastly, we believe that the emergence of an African Republic enjoying cultural, spiritual and linguistic ties with all Spanish-speaking nations of the New World is another special feature. In order to reaffIrm this identity, Equatorial Guinea celebrated its independence on 12 October, commemorating the date of the discovery of America by Spain. Once again, the Atlantic Ocean does not separate us, but serves as a bridge between the peoples of the world. 16. I should like, from this rostrum, to express my appreciation of the words of praise by many delegations regarding Spain's record leading to the admission of Equatorial Guinea as the one hundred and twenty-sixth State Member of this Organization. I would express my best 1 United Nations Mission for the Supervision of the Referendum and the Eh ,~, .IllS in Equatorial Guinea. 17. Equatorial Guinea has demonstrated its maturity, and Spain is confIdent that the new State will continue to enjoy political stability, economic prosperity and social progress. In this way it will govern its life at the international level, guided by the slogan on its flag: "Unity, peace and justice". 18. The wann relations which existed when Equatorial Guinea acquired independence ensure furtller close relations which exist and will continue to exist bet "een this Republic and my country, Spain. 19. As a sponsor of draft resolution A/L.551 and Add.!, I am pleased indeed that this Assembly has adopted it unanimously.

My delegation wishes to join those which have already spoken in expressing our great pleasure in your return to us, Mr. President, after your sojourn in the hospital. We hope that your restoration to health is complete and that you will now be able to resume the arduous but noble responsibilities entrusted to you. 21. It was the pleasure and the agreeable duty of my delegation to welcome from this rostrum the accession of Equatorial Guinea to independence on 12 October this year: The admission today of this brother and neighbour country to membership of the United Nations is for us, as well as for the entire international community, a matter of particular importance. At a time when the crystallization of nation:li egoisms is a serious obstacle in the search for solutions to the conflicts threatening international peace and security, at a time when the United Nations is standing by helpless in the face of these dangers, the happy outcome of our Organization's efforts concerning decolonization is for us a sign of encouragement. 22. While strengthening our firm belief in the irreversible nature of the process of the emancipation of peoples under colonial domination, the accession of a State to interna· tional sovereignty emphasizes the futility of those who claim to an outmoded outlook. The realistic and enlightened attitude and the spirit of co-operation displayed by Spain in the case of Equatorial Guinea are matters for our full satisfaction, and I should like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my delegation, to congratulate the Government of Spain for its positive contribution to this chapter of decolonization. May a new wind blow in the Iberian Peninsula and cause the virtues of decolonization to be appreciated by the obdurate. 23. It is for me a special privilege to welcome on behalf of my Government the brother State of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations. Our good wishes are all the wanner and our satisfaction the greater since, despite the vicissitudes of history, age-old and brotherly ties have been forged between our peoples. To the political leaders of Equatorial Guinea, especially its Chief of State, H.E. Francisco Madas Nguema, whose perseverance, courage and political wisdom have contributed so greatly to the achievement in peace and

Before I make my remarks on the happy occasion of the admission of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations, allow me, Mr. President, to express to you our profound pleasure at your full and complete recovery and your return to your seat as President of the General Assembly at its twenty-third session. 25. It gives me great pleasure, in the name of the Iranian delegation, to welcome the admission of Equatorial Guinea to ;nemrership in the United Nations. We rejoice in the birth of all new nations, especially since they add to the universal character of the United Nations. The Iranian delegation has not only followed Equatorial Guinea's pathway to independence with interest and actively sought that objective through various United Nations bodies but has also enjoyed the special privilege of attending the birth of that new nation. The presence of the United Nations during the evolution towards independence accorded me, as a member of the United Nations Mission to Equatorial Guinea, the opportunity and privilege of assisting in the process leading to the establishment of a sovereign and democratic State. In that process I was particularly struck by the mature and orderly manner in w.\ich the people of Equatorial Guinea took actual part in establishing their future status. The efforts of the people of Equatorial Guinea to achieve freedom and independence have in rer.ent years been marked by toil and travail. Its pathway to indPpendence has been punctuated with perilous pitfalls. Its hard-earned success therefore represents a real achievement. 26. The political leaders of Equatorial Guinea have played a vitally important role in this venture. His Excellency Francisco Macfas Nguema who, in an unexpected electoral victory, emerged as the choice of the people for the presidency of the Republic has long been associated with his country's striving for independence. In various capacities of leadership he has consistently helped to bring his countrymen forward in unity to their ultimate destination. In this process he has won the admiration of those of us in the United Nations who deal with colonial matters. 27. I was struck throughout my visit to various parts of Equatorial Guinea~not only to the beautiful capital, Santa Isabel, but also to Bata, the capital of Rio Muni, and the interior-by the harmonious relations which so happily exist between the local population and the nationals of the administering Power. I should like here to pay a tribute to Spain for its co-opl~ration and for enabling the United Nations to supervise all the processes leading to the exercise of the right of the people of Equatorial Guinea to self-determination and independence. 28. In the wake of independence, in which the old colonial relationship has been replaced by one based on equality and mutual respect, it is not only fitting, but also auspicious, that harmony should characterize the new order. The new State has high potentials. Its rich soil, its forests and the diversity of its people will enable it, I am sure, to meet the challenges of independence with confidence. J have no doubt that the people of Equatorial

It is with joyful enthusiasm' that, in my capacity as spokesman [or all the forty African delegations, I have the privilege of welcoming the admission of Equatorial Guinea to the world community. Thanks to the irresistible tide of the movements of the African peoples towards the reconquest of their respective national sovereignties, in the course of a single decade thirty-five African countries have been able to accede to independence. Today our continent has the happy experience of celebrating the birth of the forty-first member of the Organization of African Unity [OAUJ. This event is without doubt such as to evoke certain present-day characteristics of Africa which must be given serious consideration. 30. Despite its intrinsic weaknesses, our Organization deserves a great deal of gratitude for its incontestable contribution to the wave of decolonization in Africa. 31. More9ver, an objective observer must admit that our highly respected Secretary-Gener'll, whose integrity in the face of every trial has compelled universal admiration, has breathed new life into an Organization threatened by premature old age and has played a key role in the progressive liberation of the young continent. We pay to him a lively tribute of eternal gratitude. Africa must keep a very special place in its heart for U Thant for having shown himself on many occasions a steadfast supporter of both its unity and its liberation. 32. Equatorial Guinea's accession to independence is a source of the most exemplary lessons in many respects for all minds that are inclined to go to the heart of things. 33. First, when the administering Power facilitates ~he progress of its colony towards independence, once that independence has been reconquered the relations between the former metropolitan country and the new-born State are in almost all cases characterized by co-operation which is as natural as it is spontaneous. On the other hand, if the colonial Government endeavours to obstruct that reconquest of sovereign freedom by the nationals who are entitled to it, the ward must necessarily revolt against his guardian and recover his dignity despite and in the face of the latter. In such circumstances, two countries which are compelled for historical reasons to co-operate closely find themselves condemned to subsequent mutual misunderstandings and the young nation, despite the difficulties of all kinds inherent in its infancy, will accept relations with the former metropolitan country only in the absence of any alternative. Without wishing to claim any special credit, I had an opportunity a year ago to express similar ideas to the present permanent representative of Spain in regard to Equatorial Guinea. In this connexion, the Spanish Govern- 34. Secondly, the advent of young, vital countries to the ranks of tlle Organization of African Unity, as in the case of its new member, cannot fail to inspire fear mingled with bitterness among the beneficiaries of the fruits of colonization. For them, the independence regained by a single African State represents a two-edged sword. It represents on the one hand a reduction of their field of exploitation and on the other a mere moratorium which is only one stage on the way to the fatal moment when the definitive death-knell of the colonial empire will sound. 42. The new Member State acceded to independence on 12 October in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual regard with Spain, the former administering authority. Equatorial Guinea is a small country, though one with considerable resources, and, like other Member States, it has a definite rol,~ to play in its appropriate regional organization and in this wider world body. Like other small countries, and in common with those which have recently obtained independence, Equatorial Guinea faces considerable problems; and, like other Member States, it has the right to look to the United Nations for guidance and assistance in the solution of these problems. 35. Thirdly, for the OAU the accession of Equatorial Guinea to the Organization of sovereign nations is a matter of particular moment. It reflects the irreversible nature of the era of world-wide decolonization and it is tantamount to a newly forged-weapon, which is consequently more effective in the hands of the OAU on its battle-field against colonial rule, wherever it may be. 43. All the Members of the group for whom I have the honour to speak extend their best wishes to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on this happy occasion, to its people and to its President and to its other leaders. We assure them of our friendly willingness to co-operate with them in all aspects of the work involved in their Membership of this Organization. 36. The young nation is doubtless aware that it has emerged victorious from the battle, while at the same time preparing to enrol in a much vaster war, and a war which will perhaps last longer, the war of Africa as a whole against foreign domination.

I should like first of all on behalf of my delegation to express the satisfaction that we feel at seeing you, Sir, resume the conduct of our proceedings after the illness which deprived us for a time of tIle pleasure of working under your enlightened Presidency. We hope that you have now been completely restored to health. 37. This war must be won, for there is no alternative in the interests of the United Nations and the human rar;e; and everythillg prompts us to hope that those who would perpetuate the enslavement of Africa, those who wouJJ delay if not finally frustrate the definitive reconciliation between the young continent and the former metropolitan countries, are now anticipating the certain failure of their attempts. 45. After the statement which has ju:>t been made by the representative of Burundi on behalf of the African and Malagasy countries on the occasion of the admission of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations, my delegation could have refrained from taking the floor, but because of the special bonds arising from geographical proxinlity and ethnic affiliation which unite Gabon to the newly-independent State, we could not let pass this opportunity to express once again from this rostrum the greeting of the President of the Republic of Gabon, and the Government and the people of Gabon, to a brother country which has recently joined the United Nations, and to express our joy and satisfaction at welcoming that country into the great family of the United Nations. 38. If, through its growing cohesion and harmony, the OAU has succeeded in frustrating all the attempts made to discredit it and to undermine its achievements, if the members of our regional organization have been able to transcend the various ethnic, cultural, religious and other labels which have been brought into play in order to nip the organization in the bud, it may be noted that Africa is searching for a true synthesis, which is an essential launching-point for the assault against the Portuguese bases in the colonies where colonial rule still exists: in Rhodesia, where the political subterfugts of the administering Power are making it possible to transfer power secretly while a simulated war is loudly declared against a fictitious rebellion, in Namibia and in South Africa, where nazism has been elevated into a legislative principle. 46. As our Minister of Foreign Affairs said in his statement on 2 October last, and I quote him: "In a few days, Equatorial Guinea, another country formerly under colonial domination, will be acceding to independence. At least, that is the pledge the Spanish Government, which is responsible for that territory, has made before the world, and we regard everything it has done so far to further the speedy and regular development of the decolonization process in that country as an assurance that Spain will keep its word." [1677th meeting, para. 111/ 39. This is the dual ideal which the OAU has assumed: total unity and fmal liberation. The new mission of Equatorial Guinea is to contribute to these objectives to the full extent of its means.

May I first of all convey to you personally, Sir, our best wishes for your recovery and our appreciation of the determination witIl which you are carrying on your duties in this Assembly. 47. Scarcely 10 days elapsed after that statement when Spain-whose rights to. a part of the land in tIl:: Gulf of 48. It is pleasant and reassuring to see Equatorial Guinea accede to full sovereignty and thus swell the ranks of the free African countries and the free countries of the world, thanks to the generous action of Spain. We can here and now congratulate ourselves for having once offered assistance anci asylum to those Equatorial Guineans who had engaged in the struggle for their political emanicipation, for contrary to what might have been tho.'lght, Gabon has never cherished the slightest expansionist intentions. It was simply a response to an impulse of generosity which was in no way divergent from the natural virtue of our people: namely, a smiling, disinterested and uncalculating hcspitality. 49. It is pleasant and reas&uring to see that once again the incessant efforts of our Organization in the matter of decolonization have been crowned with success, and all countries, organizations and individuals who have contributed to this happy outcome may congratulate themselves today. 50. It is pleasant and reassuring, lastly, to witness once again the transfer of authority from an administering Power to its former colony; in peace, friendship and dignity, without clashes, bitterness or bloodshed; a magnanimous example which should give pause to that other colonial Power, Portugal-its neighbour-which in the name of an outdated principle thinks it is its duty to perpetuate for ever its dominion over other peoples and to maintain indefinitely under its colonial yoke large tracts of Africa \0' ich it purports to present-an ironic matter-as an IIltegral part of its territory which it calls overseas provinces. It thus unnecessarily calls down u;:on itself the contempt and disapproval of all fair-minded and peaceloving countries, whereas it could spare itself this experience, as others have done, and as Spain has just done in the same continent of Africa, and could thus have secured friendship on the basis of frank and sincere co-operation, on the basis of common history, common language, common culture-and why not-common interests. 51. It is both surprising and depressing to see that that country which used to be so proud and always in the van of new ideas, is now falling behind the times and is unable to keep up with this century, whereas it gave birth to Magellan, to Vasco da Gama, and other distinguished Portuguese who, through their science, their discoveries, their universalist vision of things and of the world, helped to add considerably to the heritage of which mankind is so proud. 52. I hope the representative of Spain will convey to his Government and people the wann and sincere congratulations of the delegation of Gabon, and assure them of my l:Ountry's friendship. 53. We welcome the young Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations, a haven which, according to the Preamble of its Charter, is the foundation on which rests the maintenance of peace by saving mankind from the 54. May I ..:xpress the hope that Equatorial Guinea will make good use of its newly-won freedom. 55, My delegation would not claim here to remind the Assembly that political independence, which inspires us with legitimate sentiments of pride, should prompt any young nation to seek by all possible means to acquire the other independence which is no less essential, namely economic independence, without which the former, with its train of obligations and enslavements, would merely be a poor substitute. 56. It is my firm conviction that Equatorial Guinea will draw upon the experience of other nations that have preceded it, and in so doing, it will be delivered from some of the disappointments that have afflicted others. 57. In conclusion, I should like to express my delegation's gratitude for the attention you have been so good as to give me, and to pay a deserved tribute to the United Nations and to Spain which have allowed us to experience this solemn ffi:lment.

Mr. President, may I first say that my delegation is delighted to welcome you back from your recent surgery and to know of your speedy recovery. The Genera! Assembly will benefit greatly with the return to your strong and wise leadership. I wish you every success in the resumption and continuation of your work as our President. 59. One month ago today the Republic of Equatorial Guinea became the newest sovereign State. The United States is happy today to join in welcoming our 126th Member, Equatorial Guinea, to the United Nations. The passage of a people from colonial status to their full place in the family of nations is always a moment of special pride to the United States-the oldest of the ex-eolonies. We warmly congratulate the people and Government of the newest State in the world on this important occasion. 60. Our action today carries great meaning-it is the formalization of the belief of the Members that Equatorial Guinea is indeed a free and sovereign State; that it is entitled to the rights that go with that status and, specifically, to the rights of United Nations membership; and that it is able and willing to carry out the corresponding responsibilities. Our decision is the culmination of a long and sometimes difficult process, but a process now consummated by all concerned with a minimum of acrimony and a maximum of statesmanship. We congratulate the Government of Spain for the wisdom and foresight it has displayed in helping to bring this new nation peacefully to the point of independence. As was noted in the Security Council, the United Nations also played a helpful role in this process. 62. The United States of America shares Equatorial Guinea's hopes for peace and progress, because we believe in the future of the new Africa. I am delighted to have had tllis opporturlity personally to welcome the representatives of Equatorial Guinea to their well-deserved seats in this chamber.

Mr. President, my delegation would like to be allowed to welcome your return among us, to express our entire satisfaction at seeing you resume your functions as President of the General Assembly, and to wish you better health. 64. My· delegation is all the m\,re happy to see you here now because we are celebrating the admission of the first Spanish-speaking African State. This is a new and interesting event which should be duly noted. 65. The delegation of Dahomey expresses its warmest congratulations to this new African country which has come to swell the ranks of the independent States of Africa, Equatorial Guinea, a country whose great pride at this moment of its independence and of its admission to the United Nations we well understand. We understand the legitimate pride of the people of Equatorial Guinea in the struggle they have waged to secure their independence, and we warmly congratulate them on having broken the bonds of the colorlial yoke and led their people to greater and greater freedom. 71. Speaking of Portugal and of South Africa it is also fitting to express the hope that the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will find again the tradition of decolonization which it has already applied elsewhere in the world, including in Africa-that that Government wiII honour that tradition and understand the urgency and the gravity of the problem of Southern Rhodesia, wluch is a problem of conscience that, unfortunately today makes the United Kingdom the "sick man" of the century. 06. We would greet the President of Equatorial Guinea, H.E. Francisco Macfas Nguema, whose success at the recent elections has made him the leader of his country, and to wish him well. 67. May my delegation also extend its warmest congratula- tions to Spain on the striking example of co-operation with the United Nations which that country has just set. Spain deserves the approval of the Assembly, the more so since some of its neighbour States wish to learn nothing and, equally, to forget nothing. This is a good opportunity to remind Portugal of the striking example wllich Spain has just given us in Equatorial Guinea, to remind Portugal that it is time that country co-operated with the United Nations, that it is time it understood that its own interest, the interest of its own people, lies in co-operating with the United Nations and giving to its African colorlies the 72. The accession of Equatorial Guinea to independence is a victory for the United Nations, for all Members of the Organization. Many problems remain unsolved, but in relation to some we do, nevertheiess, make progress step by step, and the accession of Equatorial Guinea to indepen- dence is a triumph for us all. Once again we express great satisfactioIl at the fruitful work done by the United Nations Mission wrJch was sent to Equatorial Guinea to observe the elections, undt:r the Ambassador of Niger, H:E. Adamov Mayaki. This is In opportunity to pay a tribute to the very fruitful work which the Mission performed in Equatorial Guinea. 68. As has been emphasized, in Equatorial Guinea the local population lives in full understanding with the representatives of the former coloniul Power, the repre- sentatives of Spain, and it is useful to recall that Africa is the continent of peace, the continent of dialogue, and that Portugal is running a terrible risk, not only for itself but also for the West, whicl~ it claims to defend, if it continues completely outdated practices, practices wluch are fraught with danger for international peace and security. There are those who say that the Portuguese colonies do not yet constitute a threat to international peace, but things may change very rapidly, and we would hope that the friends of Portugal wiII bring their influence to bear on that country so that it may understand that Africa is indeed a continent of dialogue and peace and that it would be a good thing jf we were not forced to resort to violence to restore dignity to the peoples of the Portuguese African colorues. 69. It is also opportune to remind the Government of South Africa that there is a game to be played in Africa and it is not the game wluch that country is now playing. We would say to South Africa that its alliance with obscu- rantist Power~ like Portugal and Southern Rhodesia for the continued exploitation of our African brothers represents a grave danger. For the moment South Africa may be strong miIitarily, but, as I say, things may change very quickly and it w~uld be a good thing for the friends of those Powers in Africa which seek to establish what a French writer has called "the African counter-revolution" to see things in their proper perspective again. 70. Africa is waiting to see how those gentlemen who do not understand the virtue of dialogue, the virtue of African understanding, are going to react. 74. The delegation of Dahomey hopes that this new event, the admission of Equatorial Guin.:a to the United Nations and its accession to independence among the other African countries, will also help to strengthen the bonds that should unite the African countries with the great world of Latin America-countries speaking the Spanish or Portuguese language, Portuguese being easily assimilated to the former. My delegation believes that Equatorial Guinea's accession to independence will make it possible for it to tighten its bonds with the counlries of Latin America. 75. We often speak of the "third world". Perhaps it is time that, slowly but surely, tluough concrete measures, we began to understand that we have common interests and that we should endeavour, in a much more comprehensive manner, to solve the various problems which affect the majority of the countries of the third world, be they in Asia, Africa or Latin America. 76. My delegation is happy to welcome this brother country of Equatorial Guinea, its Government, and its delegation to the United Nations. We are sure that bonds of deep friendship and brotherhood will bind my country. the Republic of Dahomey, and the new country of Equatorial Guinea, so that each in its own way will be able to work for its own development with a view to the full flOUrishing of mankind.

May I express to Ambassador Arenales our deep satisfaction at his prompt recovery and at his return to the Presidency of the Assembly. 78. I am very happy, speaking on behalf of my Government and the people of Niger, to salute from this rostrum an historic and unprecedented event for the Guinean people: its accession to full sovereignty and its admission to the international community. 79. Equatorial Guinea's accession to independence has been acclaimed in the Special Committee as well as in the Fourth Committee and in the Security Council. Today it is the General Assembly's turn to welcome this new State among its Members and to pay a great tribute to the courage and civic maturity of the Guineans, to the political courage of their leaders, and to the spirit of co-operation displayed by the administering Power, Spain. 81. My C01.ifitry feels bound to this new brother nation by ties of friendship which we wish to reaffirm and strengthen, not only within the framework of our common membership in the United Nations and the OAU, but also within the framework ()f more direct and closer bilateral relations. We have no doubt that the leaders of Equatorial Guinea entertain similar feelings toward us. My country therefore feels highly honoured to have been appointed by the Secretary-General as a member of the important United Nations mission to Equatorial Guinea. We should like to take this opportunity of paying a well-deserved tribute to the mission for having honourably and faithfully discharged its responsibilities; and this, it should be emphasized, came about thani"s to the spirit of co-operation displayed by all the parties concerned. 82. It is ?Jso a great honour and a source of satisfaction for my country to have been one of the countries which today have the signal privilege of co-sponsorin~the admission to the United Nations of Eql' 'torial Guinea-R cJuntry to which! feel a great personal attachment. In this respect we should like to join our voice to those preceding us from this rostrum to express in our turn the wishes of the Government and people of Niger for the success and properity of the Government and people of Equatorial Guinea, and to assure them of our deepest friendship and solidarity. 83. Situated west of Africa in the Gulf of Benin, with its 28,000 square kilometres and its 300,000 inhabitants, Equatorial GuLtlea is composed of a continental portion and many islands, the largest of which is Fernando Poo, where the capital ofthe country, Santa Isabel, is situated. 84. A country of industry and forestry, Guinea is among the w0rld's largest producers of cocoa, a product which it exports and which is one of its major resources. It also produces wood, coffee, bananas and yams. 85. Its pOPulatioJ, made up mainly of Fangs and Bubis, consists primarily of farmers; they carry on a peaceful existence and remain attached to work in the fields. 86. Of Hispanic culture, the intellectual elite, which constitutes the vanguard of the country, is progressive, and is ready to shoulder its responsibilities in our Organization, thus bringing to bear the experience of the rich culture, open-minded yet circumspect, severe yet liberal, to which it is proud to lay claim. 87. A profoundly Christian people, the Equatorial Guineans aspire to peace and freedom, and respect scrupulously the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of 96. Equatorial Guinea has achieved independence in a world that is growing even smaller. In recognition of that reality, the preamble and the ninth chapter of the Constitution of that new State contain provisions ensuring close ties with our world Organization, The Constitution of Equatorial Guinea, in establishing the supremacy of the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter in its international relations, has taken a very important step and set an excellent example with regard to the establishment of the new international political order. 89. Mr. DUGEl\.SUREN (Mongolia): I have come to titis rostrum to fulfil a very pleasant duty, On behalf of the delegations of t':le People'~ Republic of Bulgaria, the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, the RepUblic of Cuba, the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the Hungarian People's Republic, the Polish People's Republic, the Socialist Republic of Romania, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Mongolian People's Republic, I have the great honour and privilege of extendli1g warm congratulatirJfis to Equatorial Guinea on its admission to the United Nations. 97. Finally, my delegation would like to touch on two special features of that new State. First of all, national and territorial integration were brought about before independent life was achieved, in accordance with the principles embodied in the resolutions of the General Assembly. Secondly, Equatorial Guinea will clearly take its flrst steps as a sovereign nation, with the dynamism characteristic of a political entity that is confldent that it is functioning well. Both those features should serve as an exanple for colonial Powers, which have not always correctly put into practice the principles of our Organization, 90. In welcoming that new Member State, we convey to its people the sincere feelings of goodwill and friendship of the peoples and Governments of our respective countries, who rigorously champion the sacred cause of national independence and social progress of all nations. 91. The small but militant people of Equatorial Guinea have fought hard for their freedom and their right to self-determination in the course of nearly two centuries of foreign domination. It is that struggle which, in unison with the powerful revolutionary national liberation movement of our time, has compelled the alien rulers to grant indepen· dence to that country. 98. The reasons that I have set forth here very briefly account for the joy of my Government and people as iliey enthusiastically welcome Equato:lal Guinea to membership in the United Nations. 92. On this auspicious occasion, we wholeheartedly wish the people of Equatorial Guinea every success in developing 99. Mr. fEON DEL VALLE (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish): Allow me to associate myself with those delegations that have expressed pleasure at noting the recovery of Mr. Arenales and seeing him resume his functions as President of the General Assembly. ~heir country along the road of national reconstruction and prosperity and in making a worthy contribution to the cause of peace, friendship and co-operation among nations.

The emergence of a new nation' as a sovereign State following the independence of a people formerly subject to colonial control is a "red letter day" for the international community, and my country experiences great joy at seeing the pattern of our own history followed so closely. That is why my delegation has always expressed this sincere sentiment in the Security Council and the General Assembly whenever a new State has come to claim its rightful seat in this Organization. 100. On behalf of the Government of Mexico, my delegation wishes to offer warm congratulations to the Government of Equatorial Guinea and to its delegation on the occasion of the entry into the United Nations of this new Republic and its vigorous people. 101. For us this is a particularly happy event. Equatorial Guinea and Mexico have close social ties, we have a common language, and we are sure that both of us support respect for human dignity, which was at the very origin of our independence and freedom. 94. As the draft resolution before us of which my delegation is a spon:;or refers to a new State with which my country has many common ties, we should like to avail ourselves of tlUs opportunity to dwell somewhat further on these feelings. Spain has set an example worthy of being followed with its record in zealously abiding by the decisions of our Organization which accompanied the process of emancipation and established the guidelines to be followed for the independence of Equatorial Guinea. 102. The United Nations is enriched and further strengthened in welcoming this new nation to membership. We can expect from Equatorial Guinea a valuable contribution in furthering the principles of our Organization, as a result of its own experience, and especially in the arduous and difficult process of general decolonization, but we are convinced that it will not be only in this field that the Organization will be assisted and strengthened by the contribution of Equatorial Guinea. 95. My delegation fmds it especially noteworthy that the United Nations has been joined by a new State situated in a 104. After acquiring independpnce, Equatorial Guinea has set an example of what an independent nation can do, which we feel is the basis for proper international civic responSibility, and we bid this new nation welcome.

Mr. President, first allow me to convey through you to the President of the General Assembly an expression of the great joy with which we saw him resume his duties in the Assembly. In the Jewish liturgy there is a special prayer for those who have happily emerged from grave danger. It is in that spirit that we record with thankfulness and relief the return of Mr. Arenales to health and to the leadership of the Assembly. 106. It is with a sense of profound satisfaction that we add our vcice to those of the representatives who have welcomed Equatorial Guinea as a new sovereign and equal Member of our Organization. Ever since the forward march of Africa towards freedom and dignity began a decade ago, Israel, true to the philosophy underlying its own re-emergence into sovereignty after centuries of dispersion and persecution, has taken an active interest in the process of self-emancipation of the peoples of Africa. The presence among us of a new Member State of Africa, added to the two otller African countries, Mauritius and Swaziland, which have happiiy joined us recently, constitutes an encouraging sign that this process, yet to be completed, has not come to a standstill. The independence of Equatorial Guinea has instilled in us the hope that a correct understanding of historic trends will cause the boon of freedom to be enjoyed by all. 107. I take great pleasure in extending, on behalf of my delegation, a fraternal welcome to the delegation of Equatorial Guinea and giving expression from this tribune to our sincere wishes for the progress, in peace and prosperity, of the people and Government of Equatorial Guinea.

The delegation of Guatemala has already stated that it wishes to sponsor draft resolution A/L.551 and Add.!, containing the recommendations of the Security Council [A/7310J regarding the request for admission to membership submitted by Equatorial Guinea [A/7306J. The involuntary omission of our name from the list of sponsors has fortunately been corrected, and now we are pleased to reaffirm our complete support for the admission of a State which forms part of the African community and also of the Spanish-speaking community. 109. It has been said that speaking in a mother tongue means thinking within a cultural tradition. This prompts us 110. It is with great pleasure that Guaterr31a welcomes this new Member of our democratic system and we look forward to its co-operation in the work of the United Nations. We trust that internal peace and friendly international relations will preside over the prospelity which should come from its natural resources and particularly its human resources. Ill. Mr. REYES (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): First of all we would like to say how pleased we are to see Dr. Emilio Arenales Catalan presiding over the first part of this session. 112. Just one month ago it was our pleasure to celebrate Equatorial Guinea's day of independence-12 October. This territory made up of the islands of Ferrumdo Poo, Corisco, Elobey and Annob6n and Rio Muni on the mainland, is, to be sure, a small nation, but we are convinced that because of its moral significance it will bring its influence to bear in this Assembly just as we all do. 113. These people have come together to create a nation and in that process Spain, the mother of many peoples, acting in accordance with the principles of decolonization contained in the Charter, has facilitated the self-determination of Equatorial Guinea. 114. This is a particularly significant occasion for us in Chile. In 1966 we took part in the delegation of the Committee of Twenty-Four which initiated the talks leading to today, and in 1968, this year, together with Syria, Iran, Niger and Tanzania, we witnessed the success of the referendum and the elections which were recently held. By the free decision of the people H.E. Francisco Macias Nguema is now President of the Republic and a legislative assembly is now gUiding this new nation. Chile, which has always maimained the best of relations with African nations and shares the concerns of all developing nations, feels that these bonds will be strengthened by the independence of this new Spanish-speaking nation in that vast continent. 115. Our best wishes for prosperity and happiness in justice and peace go to the people of Equatorial Guinea.

As this is the first time my delegation has taken the floor since the recovery of the President of the General Assembly we take this opportunity of expressing our great pleasure at seeing him back at the helm of affairs of this Assembly. We congratulate the President for the courage and devotion to duty he has shown in assuming the heavy burden of the office of President so soon after a major operation. We extend to him our warmest wishes for a long and fruitful life. 117. It is with a great deal of pride that my delegation welcomes the admission of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to membership of this august assembly of nations. The fact that the Security Council una..'1imously endorsed the resolution on the question of the admission of lIB. In this regard we would also like to take this opportunity of expressing our sincere appreciation to the former administering Power in its efforts to bring about the accession to independence of Equatorial Guinea in a spirit of co-operation and justice. In making it possible for the United Nations presence to be established in the Territory in accordance with the wishes of the General Assembly, Spain has set an important precedent which will serve as a valuable model in the decolonization process. We than.1c Spain for this perception in understanding the realities and wishes ot the century. II9. The admission of the pef'ple of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations is a step which my delegation wholeheartedly supports. We extend our warmest congratulations to the President and the Government and the people of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on this occasion. We reiterate our firm conviction that the participation of this independent republic in the work of the United Nation., will make a significant contribution to the promotion of world peace and respect for human rights. The admirable role that the United Nations has played in accelerating its progress to independence has now culminated in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea being a sovereign amI equal Member of this great Organization.

I wish first to congratulate His Excellency the President of the Assembly on the recovery of his precious health and to express the wish that his high office will not place too heavy a burden on him. 121. Equatorial Guinea is an African country small in size but right in the qualities of its people, the potential of its land and the maturity of its leaders. Thus its entry into the United Nations acquires special significance and its experience and con~ribution will not be minor. What must add to the satisfaction of the international community is the fact that its accession to independence has been achieved in splendid conditions of unity, peace, freedom and harmony. Both the maturity of its people and the warm and unreserved co-operation of Spain have contributed to the creation of such an excellent atmosphere. 122. From the very beginning the goal was set on independence and unity and both were achieved. The United Nations, in whose missions to Equatorial Guinea my country had the honour to participate, played a constructive role in this process of independence. Not only did Spain, by fully co-operating with the United Nations, admirably fulfU its obligations as the then administering Power, but it also set an examplc of how this process of decolonization need not be controversial., violent, or entail blood and suffering and, in the last analysis, ne<,' not deny the fundamental bases of right and justice. 123. The happy result, as exp~cted, is evident in the excellent relations now prevailing between Spain and 124. On behalf of the Arab States, we wish to express to the people and Government of Equatorial Guinea, and especially to its valiant President, Mr. Francisco Macias Nguema, our best wishes for a prosperous future. To the people and Government of Spain, its great leader and its active delegation in the United Nations, we wish to reiterate our high appreciation. To our Secretary-General we wish to express our appreciation for the vigilant and constructive role he played so successfully all through the various phases leading to this historic event. 125. Finally, to the delegation of Equatorial Guinea, all the Arab delegations wish to extend their welcome, the guarantee of their sincere brotherhood and the pledge of their full co-operation.

Like other delegations the delegation of Venezuela is indeed genuinely pleased at the speedy recovery of President Arenales and his return to his post of leadership in the GeneI'al Assembly. 127. On behalf of the delegation of Venezuela and on behalf of its people and Government, we wish to cOilgratulate very warmly the people of Equatorial Guinea on having achieved independence with the effective support of Spain in cpmpliance with the rules governing our conduct in this Organization. 128. We warmly welcome the delegation of Equatorial Gu~ea to the ~neral Assembly. We wish to express our sincerest best wishes for Equatorial Guinea's prosperity as the first Iberian colony to achieve independence in tlus century. This is a source of pride for countries of Iberian origin which achieved independence in th;; last century. This is a new bond between Latin America and the African continent. It is an example for those colonial Powers which do not yet realize that the status of a colony is transitory, and that only independence is genuinely lasting.

My delegation would like to join all other delegations in showing its pleasure at seeing the President of the General Assembly back in his office, presiding over its deliberations. 130. I have asked to speak particularly because of the special ties that have existed between Nigeria and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. It is with a deep sense of pride and honour that, on behalf of my Government, I congratulate Equatorial Guinea on its adrl.ission to full membership of the United Nations. Nigeria was also highly delighted to co-sponsor its application for admission. The birth of a new nation naturally gives us tremendous satisfaction and joy not only because it is a fulfilment of the high purposes and principles of our Charter, but also because every time a new nation is born in Africa, it is a signal that colonialism is on the way out. Its admission to membership of this Organization i3 further proof that all nations of the world can and should contribute towards the attainment of the principles and purposes of its Charter 131. In his mes3age of congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Francisc0 Macias Nguema, President of Equatorial Guinea, Major General Yakubu Gowon, Commander-in- Chief and Head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria, expressed the sincere hope of the Government and people of Nigeria that Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea would fmd increased strength in the charter of the Organization of African Unity which would bring both countries LO the goal of African unity. 132. For generations Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have maintained very cordial and fraternal relations. Many nationals of Nigeria live and work in the beautiful island of Fernando Poo and in the other integral territories of Equatorial Guinea. Their presence, happiness and contributions have enriched and will continue to enrich the ties which bind the two sister States. 133. I cannot conclude my statement without paying a tribute to Spain whose enlightened policy has led to the birth of another African State and its subsequent ad'll~ssion to membership of the United Nations. In the days ahead my delegation hopes that Equatorial Guinea anu Nigeria will continue to enjoy the very cordial and fraternal relations which historically exist between our countries.

On behalf of my delegation and of the members of the Asian group, it is my pleasure to welcome the delegation of Equatorial Guinea to the General Assembly. In full unanimity we congratulate Equatorial Guinea on its accession to independence and its admission to the international community as a sovereign and independent State. The members of the Asian group are alsc happy to see that Equatorial Guinea's accession to independence and the process of the peaceful transfer of powers by Spain took place in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV). 135. It is my pleasant duty on this historic occasion to extend to this new State Member of the United Nations the congratulations of the members of the Asian group and, on their behalf, to extend our best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the noble people of Equatorial Guinea.

Sir,ce the representative of the Republic of Burundi has already spoken on behalf of 40 independent African nations, it is not really necessary for my delegation to speak on this occasion. However, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Guinea, I wish, in the language of Cervantes, to convey to the people of Equatorial GuiP.ea our most sincere congratulations on its entry into the international community. 137. As a sovereigll independent State, we are confident that Equatorial Guinea will make an effective contribution 138. In conclusion, I should like to convey to the delegation of the Republic of Equawr;al Guinea the fact that the people, the Governlllent and the chief of State of Guinea, Mr. Sekou Toure, will always stand by it in the future.

I take pleasure in inviting His Excellency Mr. !bongo, special representative of the President of Equatorial Guinea, to address the General Assembly. 140. Mr. mONGO (Equatorial Guinea, Special representative of the President of Equatorial GUinea) (interpretation from Spanish): First of all, on behalf afmy delegation and Equatorial Guinea, I should like to say how pleased we are at the return to hea!th of President Arenales. I have had an opportunity to know him, and have enjoyed fme personal relations with him, ii1. addition to our more official relations. 141. To my brother from Guinea-the Guinea which is above the equator-I should like to say that in my country on parle [rancais as well, but at present I should like to speak our official language, Spanish. 142. On behalf of the sovereign and independent people of Equatori~ Guinea and of the first President ~)f the Republic, H.E. Francisco Nacias Nguema, and his Government, it is my great honour to preside over the Equatorial Guinean delegation on this occasion which will go down in the history of our country: the admission of the independent, free and sovereign nation of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations. 143. A few moments ago, after the vote, the community of sovereign nations welcomed Equatorial Guinea as a full-fledged Member, not only within the limits of international law-art objective attained on 12 October last-but also unde.- the tel1ets of the Charter of the United Nations. For us, and for the Organization, the presence of the one hundred and twenty-sixth State is significant in the trend towards universality which has asserted itself in the United Nations in the last decade. This trend has exceeded the fondest expectations 'Jf any who atte:l.ded the San Francisco Conference. 144. Prompted by this universalist spirit and believing that genuine independence entails full acceptance of the great and small obligations of the modern world, the leaders of Equatorial Guinea, in a letter signed by our President on 25 October last, requested admission to membership in this Organization [A/7306] and accepted the obligations imposed by the Charter, pledging themselves to abide by the Charter's principles. 145. Our internatio:-lal vocation should astonish no or.e. It was through this Organization and its Committee on decolonization that the slow but decisive process which led to the independence of Equatorial Guinea took place. For this reason, on this occasion when the voice of independent Equatorial Guinea is heard for the first time in this 147. The action of an international organization in a given field is t..~e result of the common efforts of its members in that field. The independence of Equatorial Guinea has been the result of the work of many and on this happy occasion, as we assume our future responsibilities, we carmot fail to pay a tribute to those efforts. 148. On behalf of my country and my Government, I wish to pay a special tribute to our brothers in Africa and Asia. The struggle of those who were the first to free themselves was our struggle. Their triumph, leading to the independence of their countries, we praised in silence. Today we offer the fruit of our efforts to 'them since we have benefited from their support in the Fourth Committee, in particular since 1962, when for the first tinle our present Foreign Minister, Atanasio Ndong Miyone, brought our claim to independence before this Organization. 149. Only a few days ago Equatorial Guinea was admitted to membership in the OAU. Thus we achieved the first of our goals-to join our brothers in Africa in a common continental effort to pursue the political, economic and social unity of our respective peoples. For reasons beyond our control we have been kept aside from the spiritual mainstream of that great continent, which is still exploited by racism and colonialism. On achieving full sovereignty we have wished to join other nations with whom we have the same human roots and common experience as well as the same approach to the future. We shall continue to work for African unity in a forward-looking way, through regionalism or gradual integration. Everything that is designed to harmonize the human, economic and social resources of our continent will find our country and people ready to co-operate. 150. In this spirit of co-operation our country has offered humanitarian assistance to provide some relief from the horrors of the conflict the sound of whose guns, forty miles away, reaches our ears. 151. Our Government co-operates closely with all peacelOVing African nations which seek the independence of 152. There is a gr0up of countries, to which the President belongs as a S01\ of that hemisphere, to which I would give a special message. We desire close economic and cultural co-operation with the utin American peoples. They understand our cause, the cause of independence. Speaking the same language and having had the same administering Power. W~ ,1ave very powerful spiritual ties although our colonial experience is different. Four centuries ago our forefathers left our shores, and their influence can now be felt in the history, literature and arts of most of the countries of Latin America. In Ameiica, our former administering Power created a cosmic race which enabled us, without losing our African personality, to enrich that race and make it one of the most universal human and cultural forces in the world, where influence is felt throughout four continents. This is not mere wishful thinking; it is not nostalgia for the past; it is a real hope for the future. We wish to be a bridge between Latin America and Africa. 153. Our appreciation goes to all nations which love peace, progress and the freedom of peoples. We pay a tribu'te to all those Powers which supported decolonization in our country and we promise them our forthright co-operation within and outside this Organization. 154. Our decolonization has one special feature: the final stage witnessed full co-operation between the United Nations and the administering Power. At this sombre moment in the colonial proces~, when intransigence and lack of understanding have taken a more concrete form in some states which have colonized Africa, we must express our appreciation to Spain for having gUide( us towards independence. It was an arduous and difficult Cl . -:. AS in all human undertakings, the inlportant thing is the fmal result, regardless of shortcomings along the way. 155. There was an open dialogue, which has been referred to by one African representative, between our leaders and officials in Spain, and this we welcomed because our leaders have always believed that the inlportant thing is not to reject colonization but to surpass it. 156. Our independence from Spain has broad human significance over and above its political benefits which, in the short term, may be a subject for speculation. Our independence is the result of a genuine humanistic revolution: action to liberate the people politically, economically and socially. If a nation is to be liberated, it must liberate itself. This is one aspect of'decolonization which has been overshadowed by other aspects to the detriment of true human values. The wind which has blown across Spain towards Guinea is not a strong wind: it can also blow towards the Atlantic and not become a tornado. 158. A Latin American Foreign Minister, speaking in this As~embly, from this very rostrum, said that the United Nations was the Organization of last resort. Perhaps because of our enthusiasm, due to recent independence, we should like to say that it is the OrganiLtion of great expectations. 159. We are conscious that we have entered int;,;rnational life at a time of serious political crises, when there is a serious imbalance in the distribution of power and economic forces, as a result of which the international commmiity must search for new ways and means of settling the conflicts which become more acute every day because of irrationality and passion. We are living at a time when more than ever before egoistic efforts to expand areas of influence and a narrow view of national interests, identified with a unilateral interpretation of national sovereignty and independence, are increasing the imbalance which exists in the world. We are aware that in the future we must face serious problems, many of which we hardly suspected in the many years during which we were fl ihting for our independence. We are also aware that, perh,lps because of the ?pparently apocalyptic situation of the wo,ld, the entry into the community of nations of a cour. try of our dimensions might give rise to some scepticism. in certain quarters. I am pleased, however, that neither in the Security Council nor in the General Assembly have we found any scepticism. In spite of everything, some doubt the ability of the so-called small nations to take part in solving problems relating to international peace and security. 160. The irony is that the only cases of peace in this turbulent world so lacking in tolerance are the countries of our physical and political dimensions. It is they who, because of their love of peace, are called upon to comply unhesitatingly with the principles of the Charter. They can maintail1 international peace and security. They are prepared to encourage friendly relations based on respect for the equality of rights and the free determination of peoples. They advocate international co-operation in economic and social fields and can hannonize common efforts to attain such goals. Provided that the requirement that the entity concerned be a State, a subject of international law, has been met, there should be no conditions for entry into the United Nations other than those set forth in Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Charter. On a few occasions world peace has been threatened by the arrogance of small nations. We believe that although, in the last resort, power and force may be the monopoly of a few, participation in peace should be the privilege of all. 161. In that connexion, I should like to bring before you the following words uttered by a distinguished African diplomat not so very long ago in the Security Council. The statesman said: 162. We have said that this Organization is an Organization of great expectations because even the narrowest interpretation of its Charter leaves the way open to search for means of enduring international peace and security, take collective action to protect peace and do away with acts of aggression and other threats to the international order. 163. A careful consideration of the Charter shows that there are four cardinal points which guided its drafting in San Francisco. First, the question of peace and collective security and peaceful means of settling disputes arising as a result of conflicts of national interests; secondly, promotion of economic, social, cultural and educational activities as a means of promoting world peace; thirdly, faith in human rights, in the dignity and worth of the rights of men and women and of nations large and small. Finally, respect for the concepts arising from customary and conventional international law and the general principles of law. Each of these principles is expressed in various articles of the Charter of the Organization. The first principle concerns the Security Council, which reflects the influence of each of the Powers concerned with the matters falling within the competence of the Council: peace and security, when they are threatened by a dispute or situation which might lead to a violent conflict. The sanctions which are prOVided there are justified by the fact that some nations bear major responsibility for a violent breach of international peace. 164. The equilibrium I mentioned €arlier can be achieved, on the one hand, by granting special treatment to the nations which assume the main responsibility in the case of a violent breach of the international order, and on the other, by ensuring participation on the basis of a system of representation which respects the geographical and cultural composition of the world. 165. Trying to judge the United Nations solely by Chapters VI and VII of the Charter would be to minimize the great undertakings of this Organization, which is one of the great achievements of history: the establishment of a world forum where countries large and small and human beings of all creeds, races and origins discuss the whole range of problems presented by life. 166. The Charter is also an instrument for economic and social development, for it a~signs the Organization an important role, namely that of creating conditions of stability and well-being and promoting human rights, parallel to its obligations to maintain international peace and security. Perhaps this is one of the most important points relating to the presence of so-called small countries in this Organization. 167. My delegation, on entering the United Nations, believes that this part of the Charter is of major importance. Ten years ago the world picture showed a longitudinal confrontation along the line of the meridians between different economic systems with well-defmed I68. These lines diverge with regard to growth and productivity but converge when the tensions generated by opposing interests intensify. 169. Many speakers, not necessarily from our hemisphere, have described the economic and commercial imbalance in the world of today; the results of New Delhi left a bad taste in the mouths of many, including those who were not even present there. Those speakers have spoken in favour of a better and fairer distribution of the commodities produced by developing countries and of a liberalization of customs and protectionist policies of a monopolistic nature on an international scale. Many have said they were in favour of legislating questions relating to freight charges and other invisible income. This is one of the problems which wiII be of direct concern to my Government as a natural consequence of our economic infrastructure. The weakness of the position of the countries in our area vis-a-vis the large ecq,nomic units involved in international trade can be as great a threat to international peace and co-operation in the long term as can a militaristic or aggressive policy in the short term. 170. It is therefore necessary to develop new methods of trade and trade regulations aimed at redressing the present balance, which is unfavourable to our countries. 171. In the face of an exclusively bilateral approach imposed in the light of interests alien to our own national interest the Government of Guinea wiII go along with these bilateral agreements when its interests are protected, and wiII promote multilateral relations through international organizations. We know that the development of our country cannot depend on passive hopes of foreign assistance. We wish to be the first to help ourselves by developing our humaf' and natural resources to the maximum. 172. The United Nations Charter was drafted in the shadow of two spectres, that of the Second World War and that of the horrible memories of thp. violation of human rights dUring and after the war. 173. Decolonization for Equatorial Guinea will be incomplete if it does not go hand in hand with a more openminded, more dynamic and more humane society. 174. Joining the United Nations in this International Year for Human Rights, designated by General Assembly resolution 2339 (XXII), places upon us obligations which go beyond the stipulations of our Constitution. Our Constitution clearly reflects that. In Article 3 we read: "The Republic of Equatorial Guinea shall promote the political, economic and social development of its people and ensure equality before the law for all its people, regardless of origin, race, sex or religion. The State shall recognize and 175. Article 4 of our Constitution states that any act of racial, ethnic or religious discrimination or any act which is in violation of the internal or external security of the State or which infringes the territorial integrity of the State will be punishable by law. 176. On our continent, 23 years after the United Nations was founded, 20 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the southern part of Africa more than 20 million Africans live under the yoke of the vilest form of exploitation: thecolonialist dystem, imposed with impunity on our brothers in Angola, Mozambique, Silo Tome and Principe and Portuguese Guinea (flissau) and the inhuman situation of the Africans in Rhodesia, Namibia and South Africa. 177. Very little can be said here at the present time by my delegation which has not been said by others regarding those areas of human and political conflict in the southern part of our continent. We can only say that we, too, are indignant and endorse the criticism which other peaceloving and freedom-loving peoples have expressed. Together with the joy which we feel on becoming a Member of the United Nations we have a feeling of gloom, caused by the agony of our brothers in that areJ of South Africa, to whom we convey an expression of our support, encouraging them to continue the struggle until they have completely freed themselves of exploitation and the cancer of racism. It has been said that some may be incapable of abiding by the principles of the Charter. In that region the Charter has been flouted. World opinion has been silent. The advocates of that situation, more than anyone else, are the real mini-States. 178. We in Equatorial Guinea are prepared to make of our small country a great nation. We have assumed the responsibility of participating in international affairs. We have agreed to abide by the norms of international co-existence. In Article 9 our Constitution contains some of the most advanced legal tenets of the twentieth century. In Article 55 it provides that the juridical order in Guinea will be in accordance with the generally recognized norms of international law. Article 57 refers to international treaties and states that the provisions cannot be modified, derogated from or suspended except as provided therein or in accordance with general international law. 179. To many who take a selfish view of international relations, this advanced step towards the rule of the principles of international law over internal law, or so-called municipal law, may seem to be a kind of act of suicide. It is not. It is an expression of our desire to participate in everything that is happening in the world today; in history, which cannot allow anyone to move backwards. On fre other hand, we are concerned at the fact that small nations, on joining international society, have found principles and 180. The succession of sovereignty, applied to decolonzation, is perhaps the final expression of legal colonialism. We believe that with independence there emerges a new kind of sovereignty, fitting the new circumstances. The principle of rebus sic stantibus becomes even more important when not only the circumstances but also the subject itself change. A new State is different from the predecessor State and the emergence of a new subject of international law is in and of itself a new circumstance. 181. On joining the United Nations we believe that in the soirit of the Charter there are three ways in which Equatorial Guinea can participate with full rights and the same capacity for action as any other PowP.r. I am referring to economic, social and cultural development, the promotion of human rights and the creation of furtherance of common values in the acceptance of the legal principles that are to govern international relations. The people of Equatorial Guinea do not have expansionist desires and its Government does not pursue adventurist policies. 182. We have requested membership in this Organization convinced that our needs can b~, met in the many and varied operations of the United Nations. Our contribution to peace will be a contribution to economic, social and cultural development: we shall extend means of communication, implement a progressive labour policy and do away with the iplleritance of colonialism. 183. Our Government's programme reflects the aspirations of its people: to free man from exploitation by other men or by State machinery. We are a people in motion. Freedom and justice are the programme of our executive branch. As our ,President said, our Government will be a Government of law and justice, but it will be a Government essentially of freedom. We shall not sacrifice freedom for order. Our regime cannot be described in terms of "isms" or in pompous phrases. This is Equatorial Guinea. Our slogan is "Unity, peace and justice". We are the one hundred and twenty-sixth Member of the United Nations; on this great occasion for many and for Africa, this is one more day of hope in the great hope which is the United Nations.

Before commencing my remarks on the item under discussion, I would join in the objections raised by the representative of the Philippines yesterday [1711th meeting} to the wording under whit-h 185. The title of this item was accepted by the General Committee in the terms presented to it by its sponsors because the disposition of the Committee is noUo interfere with the wording which co-sponsors choose to use. But the result is that once again we have an agenda item which reflects the abuse by a certain group of delegations of the tolerance of the General Committee and of the Assembly. 186. We are not today debating "the restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations". We are discussing the question of the representation of China in the United Nations and that is how the item should be presented to us. As Confucius said: "If language is not used rightly, if what is said is not what is meant, then what ought to be done will be left undone. Morals and art will be corrupted, justice will go awry and the peoples will stand about in helpless confusion." 187. Having registered this objection, I would go on to say that the Australian delegation welcomes the opportunity to speak about China in the General Assembly. Although for some delegations this question has become a sort of hardy perennial and therefore to an extent stale and uninteresting, yet for Australia and the countries of the Asian and Pacific region which live in proximity to China, the questions raised in the item under consideration are amongst the most important matters facing the world of today. In the Gene...al Assembly we tend to be preoccupied with questions of deep and indeed emotional concern to certain groups of members elsewhere. We understand the concern of any group about regional issues close to their hearts and homes. But we think that we speak from a world perspective when we put this question of China in the forefront of the matters which require consideration by the international community. 188. Indeed, in each of the interventions made so far in this debate, there has been one common denominator. All speakers have emphasized the importance of the matter under debate, no matter what solution they themselves advocated. Over a number of years this debate has gone on in varying degrees of intensity and no one has ever regarded it as a trivial or procedural matter. It is self-evident therefore that, whatever views one may have about the representation of China, it is certainly an important question and one which falls under Article 18 of the Charter. 189. A number of those who, in this Assembly, advocate the summary expulsion from the United Nations of representatives of the Republic of China and the extension of an invitation to the Peking regime, make the charge that those opposing such action are blind to the realities of life. I would deny that. None of the co-sponsors of draft resolution A/L.548 and Add.1, or of those who we hope will vote for that resolution, are ignorant of realities. 191. To us the question is not simply one of realizing that the people of mainland China exist. H is a more difficult and complex quesHon. Let us examine some of the wider complexes of the problems which have to be disposed of before we come to any simple decisions about changLTlg the representation of China in the United Nations. 192. First of all, we cannot ignore, as do so many of the protagonists of Peking, the words and deeds of the Chinese Communist regime itself. Their first demand is for the expulsion from the General Assembly and Security Council and all other organs of L'1e United Nations nf the Republic of China. This is a condition which is unaccel-t.able to those of us who recognize the Republic of China as a founder member of the United Nations and a member in good standing. More people live in Taiwan than in two-thirds of the States represented in the United Nations, including Australia. Both the standard of living of those people and their example of help to others are enviable in terms of what other countries have achieved. We are not impressed at all by arguments sometimes advanced on the lines that thirteen million people living in the island of Taiwan should be sacrificed to the over-riding objective of reaching !>0me accommodation with the 700 million people living on the mainland. Such a proposition is objectionable both in principle and as a practical means of ensuring peaceful evolution in East Asia. 193. The second requirement of Peking has been formulated quite simply by Marshal Chen Yi on 29 September 1965. I quote: "The United Nations must rectify its mistakes and undergo a thorough reorganization and reform. It must admit and correct all its past mistakes. Among other things, it should cancel its resolution condemning China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as aggressors and adopt a resolution condemning the United States as the aggressor; the United Nations Charter must be reviewed and revised jointly by all countries, big and small; all independent States should be included in the United Nations; and all imperialist puppets should be expelled."2 194. These hectoring demands by Peking are not going to be met. Indeed, we are unable to find anything in the utterances of Peking to indicate that the communist regime at this time seriously seeks membership of the Organization. Furthermore, not even those countries which have 2 PekingReview, 8 October, 1965, p. 12. 195. Some Members tend at times to overlook what the Charter says, and does not say, about membership. I find no reference to any principle of universality in the United Nations Charter. This may be the proper aim of our Organization, a "consummation devoutly to be wished". But, considering the Charter as an international treaty with binding obligations, this concept is not incorporated in it. Universal membership of the United Nations, if and when it is achieved, wiIl imply universal willingness to accept and carry out the obligations of the Charter. 196. This may be a theoretical point, but we do have in Article 4 a description of the sort of States to which membership in the United Nations is open. "Membership ... is open to all ... peace-loving States which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter and, in the judgement of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations." 197.. Now, how does the regime in Peking measure up to this description? Its record since 1949 must be our main guide, and this gives us grounds for concern. In the Korean war, and in India in 1962, we witnessed examples of Peking's readiness to use its armed forces against its neighbours. In Tibet we have seen the tragic fate of a people, which despite its historical ties with China, was brave enough to resist conformity with all the dictatorial dogmas of Maoism. In many other countries of Asia we have been given demonstrations of Peking's encouragement of and participation in a number of terrorist campaigns, acts of infIltration and subversion, and so-called wars of national liberation which, in fact, are not genuine wars of liberation at all but the activities of militant minorities, supported from outside. 198. Indeed, we would be blinding ourselves to the most relevant consideratior; in this debate were we to overlook the backing given by communist China to the indirect aggression which has plagued Malaya, Indonesia, Burma, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet-Nam for the past twenty years. Such a record is not the result of accident, but of deliberate policy, as thp following quotation from Mao Tse-tung, reported in the Peking publication "Red Flag" of March 1964, indicates: "Revolution and revolutionary wars are inevitable in class society ...". "The seizure of power by armed force, the settlement of the issues by war, is the central task and the highest form of revolution. This Marxist·Leninist principle of revolution holds good universally, for China and for all other countries."3 3 Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung (peking, Foreign Languages Press, 1966), pp. 60-62. 200. A further opinion bearing on this question of the Peking regime's willingness to carry out international obligations was contained in an article circulated as a press release on 12 June this year in New York by the permanent mission of another country on China's periphery, the Soviet l!nion. It reproduces views expressed in a Russian magazme, and the following is a quotation: "There is no support in Peking for the idea of inviolability of State borders and settlement of territorial issues only by negotiations. The Mao group makes use of territorial issues to exacerbate relations between countries and to fan nationalistic moods in the Chinese people. Peking propaganda and the Chinese leaders have been giving the Chinese and other peoples constant reminders of China's old frontiers, which used to run over the territory of many neighbouring States."4 201. I quote again from the views expressed in that Russian magazine: "Another cover for the great power aims of the Mao group is the theory of 'people's war', which is being widely advertised by the Chinese leaders as the 'cure-all', as a 'universal truth which is applicable everywhere and at all times'. Peking's reckless calls to, and acts against, a number of Afro-Asian countries in the summer of 1967 showed that this theory ignores the real tasks confronting the peoples and is designed to impel them to overthrow Governments which for various reasons do not suit the Maoists."s 202. In the light of the foregoing analysis of the foreign policy now being pursued by the leaders in Peking, it is difficult to see how that regime can be described as qualifying under Article 4 of the Charter or how it could be said to be likely to be willing to accept the obligation of the peaceful settlement of disputes as contained in the Charter. 203. More important, any action by this Assembly which could be interpreted as endorsing or sanctioning the policies and practices of Peking would be directly contrary to the interests of the velY numerous and diverse peoples of the Asian and Pacific region. 204. In this great area there have been developments the significance of which is not perhaps sufficiently understood within this Assembly. Efforts have been made to develop a community of nations each of which in its own way is making great strides in applying technical innovation and economic development as a means of bringing about peaceful social change and progress. These efforts to build up tlle independent, diverse and peace-loving nations of Asia and the Pacific are threatened by the aggressive claims and acts of Peking. The peoples of that vast and significant 4 G. Apapin, "Ideological Bases of Maoist Foreign Policy", "Internatiofllll Affairs, No. 6, June 1968, p. 50. 5 Ibid.• p. 52. 205. An immense task confronts the peoples and nations of the Asian and ..pacific region who wish to live in peace with one another llfld with all the people of China. I repeat: no one in that area ignores China. The problem for those countries-and amongst them I include Australia-is how to come to terms with mainland China in a relationship which will be one of respect, freedom from fear and non-intervention in the internal affairs of others. That is the major task of our diplomacy, perhaps for the next few decades, and it is a task which requires firmness and patience. 206. We cannot abandon the search for accommodation in Asia, on which the peace of the region and indeed ultimately of the world may depend; but the difficulties which lie in the path of progress are largely of Peking's making. Too many of those who intervene on behalf of the communist regime call for concessions to be made and risks to be run by others rather than by Peking. Accommodation cannot be a one-sided affair. Peking must also indicate a readiness to live in harmony with its neighbours, to accept international obligations and to enter into arrangements for their effective performance. Those are some of the considerations which the Australian delegation keeps in mind in considering the three draft resolutions now before the Assembly. 207. The frrst proposition on which this Assembly will be called to express itself is that contained in draft resolution A/L.548 and Add.!, which is co-sponsored by the delegation of Australia. This asks the Assembly to confrrm what it most recently reaffrrmed last year, namely, that any proposal to change the representation of China in the United Nations is all. important question requiring a two-thirds majority in accordance with the provisions of Article 18. We consider this proposition to be self-evident and we urge that members of the Assembly support it. 208. The second draft resolution, which was introduced by Albania and a number of other sponsors, is contained in document A/L.549 and Add.1. This calls for the expulsion of the representatives of the Republic of China from the United Nations and their replacement with representatives from Peking. For reasons which I have given, we cannot support, and we shall vote against, that draft resolution. 209. The delegation of Italy and scme other delegations have put forward a third draft resolution, contained in document A/L.S50. We understand and respect the reasons which prompted those delegations to present that draft resolution. In opposing a similar draft resolution last year the Australian delegation stated that the time was not then opportune for the sort of action that the draft proposed. We know of no developments over the past year in the policies or practices of Peking which alter that judgement. We do not believe that the passage of such a resolution at this stage would help us to arrive at the goal we are seeking, that is, a situation in which all countries of Asia and the Pacific accept a relationship of mutual respect and understanding, free from threats and deeds of interference in one another's internal affairs. We consider that the views of the 210. In conclusion, permit me to quote from the statement made by the Australian Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Hasluck, in the general debate on 9 October. He was referring to that part of the world with which we in Australia are intimately concerned and of which we have direct knowledge, and where we are making a contribution, namely, Asia and the Western Pacific, and he spoke as follows: "... developments in Asia are of vital importance to the whole world. Enormous populations live there, growing in numbers as the problems of disease are overcome.... In Asia are ancient civilizations, the source of much that is prized in the civilization of the rest of the world, and the human talent in Asia could be a precious asset to all mankind. " this region is important to the rest of the world If the countries in it cannot <,olve their social and economic problems and work out stable and peaceful relationships with one another, then the peace and prosperity of the rest of the world will be in jeopardy. But if they do solve those problems, then the rest of the world will fmd that its other problems have also been eased. "Those Asians who have become free and independent are making a valiant and hopeful attempt to share the life of their own peoples in their own countries according to their will. Throughout the face of Asia today the positive and constructive element is nationalism. These free and independent newly-emerged nations want to keep their freedom and independence. They want an Asia that is not under the domination of any Power, and not under the threat of the domination of any Power, an Asia where free and independent countries can make their own decisions and carry out their own decisions. We in Australia ... also want Le' see that. That requires an Asia where there is security anc political stability and, with political stability, some real opportunity for the Governments to get on with the main job of making life better for their own peoples. It will be an Asia of change-of great economic and social changes, where the standards of living can rise, and where the economies will be economies of progress and growth, both in the way ir. which they affect the people who live there and the way in which they affect the outside world. "What does disturb the free countries of the region is the possibility that they will not be allowed time and opportunity to build their independent national institutions, to carry out economic development, and to weld their regional relationships and their harmonious dealings among themselves. What they fear are outside threats, or armed attack, or, more likely, subversion from outside. The principle source of threat today is seen as communist China; the current area of active conflict is Viet-Nam.

First of all I wish, with your permission, Mr. President, to start my brief declaration by thanking the Ambassador of Italy for his excellent statement of yesterday when he introduced draft resolution [A/L.550] sponsored by Belgium, Chile, Iceland, Italy and Luxembourg [1711th meeting]. Because of his very clear and concise presentation I can be very brief. 212. This is the eighteenth year that the General Assembly is discussing the important question of the membership of China in this Organization. It is indeed most regrettable that we should now find ourselves practically at the same stage as when we started tackling tltis problem without finding the slightest constructive or positive direction out ef our dilemma. In other words we have made hardly any progress whatsoever in this important matter in the past seventeen years. 213. However, some time ago at the General Assembly a new element was introduced through the tabling of the aforementioned draft resolution. That draft resolution proposed the setting up of a committee appointed by the President of the Assembly to study: ", .. the situation in all its aspects in order to make the appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly at its twenty-fourth session for an equitable and practical solution to the question of the representation of China in the United Nations, in keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations." 214. That simple resolution asking for the setting up of a committee to study the matter does in no way prejudice the case in question. It does not visualize either the present situation or the expulsion of a present Member but the committee should have a completely open mind on the whole matter. We cannot possibly see what harm such a resolution can do. On the contrary it may bring out some new ideas acceptable to all and, above all, it attempts to move the matter off dead centre where it has been all too long. 216. Those then are the main reasons why Iceland is a co-sponsor of draft resolution A/L,550. We do hope that the Members of this body will realize that we are at a completely dead end and that we must make some move now. There may 'u.: other ways than that envisaged in our draft resolution but if there are we have not heard of them. Therefore, we urge all Members to consider this modest step very carefully and we hope that they will come to the conclusion that one of the ways to break the present deadlock is to vote in favour of draft resolution A/L,550. 217. Carrying this matter slightly further, we can imagine that if matters proceed as they have in the past, some member or members will table a resolution asking that draft resolution A/L,550 be considered an important matter and consequently requires a two-thirds majority to be carried. We must say that we fail to comprehend the logic in this and cannot see that the setting up of a committee can be considered an important matter. If such a resolution is tabled we shall vote against it. 218. Now allow me to turn shortly to draft resolution A/L,549 and Add.! tabled by Albania, and fifteen other States regarding the seating of the People's Republic of China and the expulsion of the Republic of China from the . United Nations. Previously, in my statement when talking about the resolution of which we are co-sponsors I mentioned the importance of a committee envisaged therein as having a completely open mind on all ideas and propositions. Therefore, we shall not go into this matter in substance but only declare that in order to be completely consequential we shall abstain on the draft resolution in A/L,549 and Add.!.

Before beginning my remarks on the subject on our agenda, allow me to take this opportunity to welcome the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations on behalf of my Government and to wish it well on its accession to statehood as an independent and sovereign Member of the world community. My delegation has every confldence that Equatorial Guinea will play a constructive role in this international body. Litho in United Nations, New York 221. Last year I outlined my Government's position on the question of the representation of China before this Assembly. In brief, the position was that the People's Republic of China should be seated in this world body. That position has not changed. The basis of our position then, as now, is a firm dedication to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. We remain convinced that the ideal of universality of membership is essential to the fulfIlment of our goal of mutual cooperation in pursuit of the cause of peace and security in the world and especially in South-East Asia. 222. My delegation remains equally firm in its conviction that the question of the representation of Cbina is a matter of great importance to the General Assembly. The representation of the most populous nation on earth and the largest in Asia is clearly a subject of grave concern. Of even greater consequence is the fact that China has in recent years become the fifth world Power to have harnessed t}.1e power of the atom for military purposes. That fact carries with it great responsibilities and obligations and makes the subject of the representation of a nuclear Power one of the most serious we have to face. 223. My delegation therefore is of the opinion that the representation of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations should be considered an important question. Those are the remarks which my delegation wishes to make at this stage.

May I remind the Members that, as decided this morning [1713th meeting], the list of speakers in the debate on item 93 will be closed at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 13 November. 68-77001-August 1975-2,300