S/PV.1450 Security Council

I should like to draw the attention of members of the Council to the draft resolution, which is co-sponsored by the delegations of Algeria, Canada, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Senegal and the United Kingdom (S/881 o/ 1 2. Lord CARADON (United Kingdom): I am happy this morning to put aside for a while the many anxious preoccupations which beset us in this Council and to recommend to the Council the application of Swaziland for membership in the United Nations. 3. Swaziland is a country of outstanding natural beauty with its spectacular mountain ranges, plentiful rivers and vast pine forests. It is a comparatively small country of 6,700 square miles, with a population of just under 400,000; but it has a vigorous people, fertile soil and mineral wealth. It has good cause to look forward with confidence to growing economic strength and prosperity, 4. My country has contributed to the encouraging start which Swaziland now makes in independence. In political development, an honest administration and impartial courts and a parliamentary system with full adult suffrage have been built up, In economic advance, the Commonwealth Development Corporation, established under a British Act of Parliament, has since 1948 committed over ;E21 million in Swaziland projects. Other British financial aid has reached more than $11 million in the five years ending in 1967, and a further c3 million in 1967-68. 5. The celebration of independence in Swaziland last Friday marked not only the birth of a new African State, but also the closing of a chapter in British history: the end of the British colonial era in Africa. That is an event in which we both rejoice and take pride. I like to reflect, and to remind my Soviet colleague, that my country has done more to end imperialism than any other country in the history of the world. 6. Apart from the special case of Rhodesia-with which we in this Council are not unfamiliar and which raises a political and racial challenge rather than a colonial question-Swaziland is the last of the British colonies in Africa to achieve independence. 7. It is the seventeenth of those African countries to advance to independence, and today those countries, previously under British administration, represent well over a third of the total population of Africa. 8. Swaziland is the twenty-eighth member of the Commonwealth to apply for membership of the United Nations. So it is to the Commonwealth that not far short of a quarter of the United Nations membership now belongs. 9. It is not just the numbers we are proud of, It is the methods that we have employed; it is the principles in which we believe; it is the common heritage which we share. And by the same methods, and in accordance with the same principles, we shall finish the task now almost completed of transforming an empire into a free commonwealth. 10. We have no doubt that Swaziland wiIl faithfully and loyally fulfil its obligations as a Member of the United Nations. It is with sincere congratulations and the utmost good will to the Government and people of Swaziland, and in the belief that the friendship of their countrymen and mine will thrive and flourish, that, on behalf of my country, I join with Commonwealth, African and Asian countries in recommending this application to the Council. 11. Mr. BOYE (Senegal), (translated from French): Mr. President, first of all, I should like to reaffirm my opinion of the eminent qualities of your predecessor, Mr. de Araujo Castro, Ambassador of Brazil. As for you, Sir, we already know with what professional conscientious- 13. Senegal and many French-speaking countries are proud of having acquired international sovereignty without bloodshed and in friendship with the former colonial Power. 14. As regards Swaziland, we know that it is bordered on three sides by the racist Republic of South Africa and that it will have to protect itself against the shameful actions of that State. Senegal, for its part, extends to Swaziland all its sympathy and all its support regarding the consolidation of its territorial integrity. 15. On the other side of its territory, Swaziland is unfortunately still bordered by a country which is strug gling tenaciously, but with courage and bravery, for its independence. 16. The example of Swaziland which has just attained international sovereignty will be an additional reason for Mozambique to struggle tenaciously against the colonial domination to which it is subjected. 17. We note the fact that the Government of Swaziland, which is a small but hard-working country determined to emerge from under-development, will fulfil all its obligations to the United Nations and will respect the fundamental principles contained in the Charter. 18. As it is convinced of all these facts, the Government of Senegal warmly recommends the admission of Swaziland to the United Nations. 19. Lij Endalkachew MAKONNEN (Ethiopia): My delegation is delighted at the event which has occasioned this meeting of the Security Council, convened for the auspicious purpose of admitting to the United Nations yet another independent African State. 20. On 6 September of this year we rejoiced at the birth of a new African sister State, and today we reiterate the same sentiments of joy and gratification and welcome the communication from the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland whereby he expresses the desire of his country to be admitted to membership of our world Organization. 21. As a founding Member of the United Nations and as a member of the Special Committee charged with the task of following the situation with regard to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Ethiopia has every cause to be both proud and gratified by Swaziland’s attainment of independent status and by the fact that it now assumes its rightful place in the family of free nations. 22. While we thus rejoice at this happy and historic event and warmly support and recommend the admission of 23. On this occasion, when we register a significant achievement for freedom in southern Africa, I wish to sap to those in Southern Rhodesia, South Africa and Portugal, who are still trying to stand against the tide of history ia a vain effort to arrest the emancipation of the people of Africa, that they should stop looking backward to the dark age of tyranny and join the international community instead in uplifting the human family from the pit of oppression to the height of freedom and equality. That is the universal and lasting interest of all mankind. In spite of the obstinacy of those who, even at this late stage, try to perpetuate oppressive rules in southern Africa, the torch of freedom is burning ever brighter and the land that the prophets of doom once called the Dark Continent is gradually but surely turning into the Continent of Hope for mankind. And today, whilst we congratulate Swaziland oa the attainment of independence and also express our satisfaction at the co-operative spirit shown by the United Kingdom in this matter, we cannot accept without chal. lenge the contention of Lord Caradon that the United Kingdom’s task in Africa is finished because we consider that Southern Rhodesia is a colony of the United Kingdonr for whose freedom the United Kingdom assumes direct responsibility. 24. It is indeed with profound pleasure that my delegation has co-sponsored the draft resolution before the Council which we hope will be adopted unanimously. 25. On behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia I once again express our sincere felicitations and our best wishes for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Swaziland. 26. Mr. AZZOUT (Algeria) (translated from Fknch,b The admission of a new independent State to our Organizatiotr has always been regarded by Algeria as strengthening the great hopes placed by mankind in the United Nations: hopes which will assume a more concrete form as the universal role of the United Nations becomes more corn plete. 27. In recovering its national independence, this nation, Swaziland, joins not only the international community of free peoples, but also the community of sovereign African peoples, whose heads of State are holding, at this very moment, their annual summit meeting in the Algerian capital in order to build together the future of their continent and to speed its emancipation and devehp:r !rdrrt 28. To greet this African country is for us an additional source of joy because its attainment of independence means 36. My delegation wholeheartedly welcomes Swaziland to its rightful place in the United Nations and wishes the people of Swaziland every success in the immense tasks of consolidating freedom and laying the foundations for greater well-being and prosperity. 29, While we are aware of the difficulties which, inevitably, this new nation will encounter, we are convinced that Swaziland will overcome the difficulties common to all young States, and will assert its independence and play a constructive role in our Organization. 37. We are happy to see in this hall, Dr. Sukati, the permanent representative-designate of Swaziland to the United Nations. We offer him our congratulations and wish him a most successful tenure. 30. We wish that country progress and prosperity, and its people joy and happiness.

Mr. President, I should like at the outset to offer a word of welcome to you, Sir, as President of the Council for the month of September and to express our full confidence that, under your wise leadership, the Council will discharge its functions during this month effectively and expeditiously.

Mr. President, as I speak in the Security Council for the first time this month, allow me, first of all, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of September. We are confident that the Council will discharge its responsibilities with notable success under your wise leadership. 32. I should also like to take this opportunity to express my delegation’s sincere admiration for the great qualities of impartiality, wisdom and tact of your predecessor, Ambassador de Araujo Castro of Brazil. During his presidency last month Ambassador de Araujo Castro presided over the informal consultations and meetings of the Security Council with consummate skill and statesmanlike leadership which enabled it to deal effectively with the difficult problems with which it was faced. 33. My delegation feels privileged to co-sponsor the draft resolution recommending Swaziland’s application for membership in the United Nations which, we have no doubt, will be adopted unanimously. The independence of Swaziland on 6 September was acclaimed the world over as a further milestone in the extension of the frontiers of freedom. The valiant people of Swaziland have waited long in the ranks of dependent territories to obtain their freedom and to join the community of nations. For the people of Swaziland this is the beginning of a new era. TO use the words of His Majesty King Sobhuza II, “the Swazi tribe will be like a nation being born again”. 34. Swaziland’s attainment of independence is a manifestation of the new life that is pulsating through Africa. The battle for decolonization in Africa has been long and arduous and, inevitably, a great deal remains to be done. However, the independence of Swaziland brings the great continent of Africa a step closer to the ideal of complete freedom. My delegation earnestly hopes that Swaziland’s independence will be a precursor of the speedy liquidation of colonialism in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Rhodesia and elsewhere in Africa. 43. with its admission to membership in the United Nations, Swaziland will, we hope, participate in full measure in the activities of the family of international organizations and benefit from international economic and technical co-operation under the United Nations system. 35. India and Swaziland have shared a common experience in the struggle for freedom; we now look forward to sharing with the people of Swaziland the common goal of peaceful economic development and prosperity for our peoples. We 44. It is with much pleasure that the delegation of Pakistan recommends to the Council, for unanimous 38. Mr. PRESIDENT: I thank the representative of India for the remarks which he addressed to me. 40. We should also like to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Ambassador de Araujo Castro of Brazil, for the consummate skill with which he conducted the Council’s proceedings last month. 41. Pakistan has great pleasure in supporting Swaziland’s application for admission to the United Nations, Swaziland’s accession to independence and membership of the Commonwealth is an important step in the process of decolonialization which the United Kingdom initiated, with foresight and wisdom, after the end of the Second World War. This process has not come to an end yet, as has been pointed out by other speakers before me. 42. My delegation warmly welcomes Swaziland to the community of nations and extends on behalf of the President, the Government and the people of Pakistan sincere congratulations to His Majesty the King, the Government and the people of Swaziland. We wish them Godspeed in the great task of construction and develop ment. A free, strong and prosperous Swaziland, will, we are confident, make a significant contribution to the promotion of world peace and respect for fundamental human rights. 46. Speaking now as the representative of CANADA, a co-sponsor of the draft resolution contained in document S/8810, submitted on 10 September 1968, I am pleased to join in sponsoring that draft resolution, which is now before us, recommending to the General Assembly that Swaziland be admitted as a Member of the United Nations, and which I hope will be adopted unanimously. We are particularly happy to co-sponsor this draft resolution because Swaziland and Canada, in spite of the distance which separates our two countries, share the common heritage on which the Commonwealth of Nations is based. 47. In place of the former High Commission Territories, there are now three independent countries-Botswana, Lesotho and, as of 6 September last, Swaziland. 48. With the independence of Swaziland, yet another State has taken its place as a free and independent member of the Commonwealth. Our welcome of Swaziland into the Commonwealth is as warm and sincere as is our recommendation to the General Assembly that Swaziland become the 125th Member of the United Nations. My Government is convinced that Swaziland will live up to the high ideals of our Charter and will actively contribute to the accomplishment of our goals; 49. Speaking again as PRESIDENT, may I add that I consider myself particularly fortunate, as a representative of one CohmonweaIth nation, to preside over the Council’s deliberations on the request for admission to the United Nations by ano,ther member of the Commonwealth.

Denmark also wishes to let its voice be heard today and to congratulate His Majesty the King of Swaziland, its Government and its people, on their newly attained independence, and to welcome yet another free African State to the community of nations. 51. We direct these words of congratulation and welcome to Dr. Sukati, the distinguished Ambassador-designate of Swaziland to the United Nations, whom we are most gratified to greet in our midst today. Denmark certainly supports the application of Swaziland for membership of the United Nations. 52. We are convinced that the future participation of Swaziland in the work of this Organization will be to our mutual advantage. 53. The benefits and privileges of independence are, as we all know, accompanied by many problems, external and internal. Swaziland is no exception to that ruIe. This is not the day or the occasion for going into the details of such questions. Suffice it to say that we all are aware of their existence and we trust that, as an independent nation and as a Member of this Organization, Swaziland will be able to cope with its problems in the future and, in so doing, to

May I, Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation say, rather belatedly, how happy we aE to see you in the Chair. I should also like to associate my delegation with the well-deserved tribute paid to your distinguished predecessor, Ambassador de Araujo Castro of Brazil, who presided over the Council during the eventful month of August with so much skill and wisdom, 56. The admission of a pew Member to the world community is, to us, always an auspicious occasion, It therefore gives my delegation great satisfaction to welcome to membership in the United Nations another new11 independent State from Africa, the Kingdom of Swaziland. Only a few days ago, on 6 September, a special envoy from my country was privileged to participate in the indepen. dence celebrations with the happy people of Swaziland in the capital city of Mbabane, bringing with him the greetinge and good wishes of the Chinese people and Government. 57. Few countries have emerged from colonialism to independent statehood in happier circumstances or with greater promise for the future. Under the inspired leadership of its monarch and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Swaziland has enjoyed economic prosperity, social progrcu and political stability. Swaziland, of course, is not a vet large country, but it is endowed with a variety of valuable mineral resources and rich agricultural land. It thus ofre’ers great potentials for development. The Government arld peoples of this newly independent State can look Forward to the future with confidence. 58. In voting for the draft resolution contained in docv. ment S/8810, my delegation anticipates a happy arid fruitful co-operation with the representatives of Swazilaild in: the United Nations in the common search for a just and peaceful world.

The French delegation, together with the community of nations, welcomes the attainment of independence by the Kingdom of Swaziland. It greets this happy event and will vote in favour of the admission of this new State te membership of the United Natiqns, as has been proposed. in particular, by the delegation of the United Kingdom. which has successfully guided the people of Swaziland to international sovereignty. 60. Swaziland, which is a fertile and well-irrigated COUP try, enjoys a prosperous agriculture. In addition to than resources there are the resources which it derives from timber industry and the exploitation of large asbestos and iron ore mines. This means that nature has generously endowed Swaziland, whose exports are rapidly increasing. 61. Swaziland, which has enjoyed a long period of peace under the wise administration of its sovereign, His Majesty 62. To the Kingdom of Swaziland and to Dr. Sukati who will become our colleague, the French delegation is pleased to extend a welcome among the United Nations. To the leaders and inhabitants of that country, we extend our best wishes for happiness and prosperity.

Mr. President, first of all I should like to express my delegation’s pleasure at seeing you as President of the council for this month. Your experience, your ability and your tact assure us that the Council will perform its tasks effectively. 64. The delegation of Paraguay associates itself with the other delegations that have paid tribute to the outgoing President of the Council, Ambassador de Araujo Castro, for the ability and wisdom with which he guided our deliberations in a difficult debate which aroused intense feelings. 65. The independence of Swaziland constitutes a further stage in the process of decolonization which is being carried out and which is one of the aims of our Organization. The Council has now under consideration the application for the admission of this new country to membership of the United Nations, which is the subject of the draft resolution contained in document S/8810. My delegation will vote in favour and, in so doing, expresses its best wishes for the progress and happiness of the people of Swaziland.

I thank the representative of Paraguay for the remarks he addressed to me.

There is no more gratifying a task for a delegation in the Security Council than to address itself to a request such as that submitted by Swaziland, which is before the Council in document S/8808. It is not that we underrate our responsibilities. On the contrary, we are aware of the seriousness of our task in recommending’ the admission of a new Member to the United Nations under Article 4 of the Charter. We do, however, deem it a privilege to witness the birth of a new State and we feel very much encouraged by the pledges made by a young State on joining the community of nations in its efforts towards peace and mutual understanding. 68. Brazil warmly welcomes the independence of Swaziland and its admission to the United Nations as its 125th Member. The independence of any country is, in every case, an enlargement of the area of freedom in the world, and this is always an encouraging event. We wish to congratulate the Government of the United Kingdom on the positive steps taken to that effect. 69. Swaziland will be one more country to join the African family of nations which has so positively contrib- 70. We are certain that Swaziland will measure up to its new responsibilities and challenges and will bring its own contribution to the United Nations. For these reasons we hope that the draft resolution before us [S/8810] will be adopted unanimously. 71. I take this opportunity to convey to the people and Government of Swaziland the warmest congratulations of the people and Government of Brazil and our cordial wishes for their prosperity and well-being in the new path they have chosen.

Within the last quarter-century about one billion people-perhaps one-third of the whole human race-have made the perilous passage from some form of colonial dependence to political and juridical independence. This, I submit, is one of the brightest achievements in the long annals of our human society, and the role of the United Nations in facilitating this achievement has, it seems to me, by itself justified the high hopes and the great foresight of the drafters of the Charter. Today, marking a further heartening event in that epic development, we have before us the application of Swaziland for membership in the United Nations. It is an application that my Government heartily endorses, for we believe that Swaziland can and will play a constructive role in this Organization. 73. In the peaceful and successful progress of the Swazis towards independence and the progressive establishment of democratic institutions, we have already witnessed the dedication of gifted leaders and the determination of a steadfast people. In this same peaceful evolution we have also again seen the sense of responsibility and the resolute good faith of the United Kingdom. It is a good omen for the future, as well as a tribute to the peoples and the leaders of both countries, that the co-operative relationship forged during a sixty-five year period of guidance will continue into the period of independence. The pledge to that effect made by King Sobhuza during the independence ceremonies held earlier this month is only the most recent example of the wise leadership he has given his people for nearly half a century. 74. A nation of some 400,000 inhabitants in an area of 6,700 square miles, Swaziland is fortunate indeed in its rich endowment of mineral, agricultural and human resources. Much has been done already to develop these assets, and there is good reason for confidence that further development will not lag. Indeed, with its natural and human resources and its favourable balance of trade and with a continuation of the wise and progressive leadership it has enjoyed, the economic prospects of Swaziland at the outset of independence are truly bright. While my Government has had direct relations with Swaziland only since August 1964, we have long followed its progress with admiration and with great interest, and we look forward to broadening and deepening our relations.

The Security Council has before it the application of a newly independent African State, the Kingdom of Swaziland, for admission to membership of the United Nations, and also a declaration by that State that it accepts the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations and solemnly undertakes to fulfil them. 77. The Soviet delegation greets with great satisfaction the birth of a new sovereign State on the African continent, where many millions of Africans are still continuing their sacred and heroic struggle against colonial and racist oppression and slavery, for their freedom and national independence. 78. For us, the people of the Soviet Union, the appearance of yet another independent country on the map of Africa is the resuit of the relentless struggle of the people of Swaziland, which it waged together with other peace-loving peoples and with their support, for the liquidation of the shameful system of imperialism and colonialism. 79. The Soviet Union has constantly spoken out in United Nations bodies in favour of the independence of Swaziland and a limitation of the activities of foreign imperialist monopolies which exploit the population and plunder the natural resources of that rich country. The USSR has always supported United Nations decisions aimed at creating the most propitious conditions for the attainment of independence by Swaziland; in particular it has advocated a just solution of the problem of land tenure in that country so that the land, which is a basic possession of the Swazi people, should belong to the indigenous population, and not to foreigners and imperialist monopolies. 80. In greeting Swaziland today as a new sovereign State, we express the hope that, upon becoming a Member of this international Organization, this State will make its contribution in the struggle for the national liberation of other peoples, for the strengthening of international peace and security and for the development of friendship and cooperation among peoples. 81. We should also like to extend to this new independent African State and to its people our sincere wishes for success on the road to independent development, progress and prosperity. 82. The feelings of the people of the Soviet Union towards the Swazi people in connexion with the proclamation of the independence of Swaziland were recently expressed in a telegram of congratulations addressed, on 5 September this year, by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, N. V. “With the highest respect, N. V. Podgorny, Chairman of the Presidium of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics” 83. Guided by the lofty principles of equality, self” determination and independence of peoples proclaimed by the great Lenin upon the creation of the Soviet State, and unswervingly pursuing its policy of developing and strength. ening relations of friendship and co-operation with the States of Africa, the Soviet Union supports the application of Swaziland and will vote in favour of its admission to the United Nations. 84. My statement would not be complete if I did not react to the remarks addressed to me by the United Kingdom representative, Lord Caradon. I deem it essential to make some corrections to his somewhat, to put it mildly, boastful statements. 85. He said that the United Kingdom had done more to end imperialism than any other country. However, he who takes most from other people’s property should do most to return it. That is quite logical. But in making such historical corrections, I must emphasize most strongly that the era of the collapse and decline of imperialism began against the will and wishes of the imperialists and imperialism. It began on 7 November 1917 with the Great October Socialist Revolution in Russia. It was precisely the lofty, noble principles proclaimed by the great Lenin-freedom, equal. ity, independence, the self-determination of all peoples, great or small-that gave a start to the downfall of the era of imperialism. 86. The facts of history show that even so outstanding a leader of Great Britain as the late Sir Winston Churchill declared, even during the Second World War-I am quoting from memory and therefore may be inaccurate, but I well remember the sense-“1 am not Prime Minister in order to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire”. 87. To this it should be added that Lord Caradon did much to preserve the integrity of the British Empire. But history pursued its course, despite the will and wishes of imperialism. 88. As a result of the Second World War, when the Soviet Union and the Soviet people bore, on their own shoulders, the main burden of the struggle against Hitlerite imperial. ism which was threatening to enslave the whole world, aad 89. You will recall that one of the outstanding leaders of Africa, stated that freedom and independence were not being handed to the peoples of Africa on a plate. They had to be fought for and won. It was as a result of the development and strengthening of the national liberation struggle and the national liberation revolutions in Africa and Asia after the October Revolution, and even more so after the Second World War, that imperialism had to yield, as a consequence of which over a thousand million people who were under the yoke of imperialism and colonialism gained independence. 90. That.is the real reason, not what Lord Caradon has stated here. 91. I thought it necessary to make this small correction to the phrase which Lord Caradon especially addressed to me in his statement.

I recognize the representative of the United Kingdom on a point of order. 93. Lord CARADON (United Kingdom): No, Mr. President, merely for a word of reply. I have no wish or desire to enter into any historical dissertation with the representative of the Soviet Union but I would merely say, having heard his words today, that when .he spoke of independence and self-determination I was happy to hear what he said. And when he says that he who takes most from others must do most to return it, I would merely add that I think his words will be heard with happiness in Czechoslovakia.

I recognize the representative of the Soviet Union to exercise his right of reply.

I categorically protest against the mention by Lord Caradon of a question that has absolutely nothing to do with the item of the Security Council agenda which we are discussing, or with the United Nations as a whole. Lord Caradon, among others who, as is well known, regardless of the Charter of the United Nations have forcibly dragged the question of Czechoslovakia into the Security Council, has already been given a deserved rebuff in the Czechoslovak Mission’s official letter, which, upon instructions of the Czechoslovak Government, requested the removal of this question from discussion in the Security Council. 96. Imperialist propaganda in Britain, the United States and a number of other countries is trying to divert attention from the imperialist aggression in various parts of the world-in Viet-Nam and in the Middle East-and from the crimes of colonialism and imperialism in southern Africa and to draw attention to Czechoslovakia and the events taking place there. 97. But this question is entirely a matter for Czechoslovakia itself and the socialist countries, and nobody is 98. The fact that today Lord Caradon-because of a lack of arguments against everything I have said on the subject of why the colonial system of imperialism collapsed, why the era of the decline and collapse of imperialism came in, from what time this decline and collapse started, and why over a thousand million people have become free and independent; and that all this has happened against the will and the wishes of the imperialists-the fact, I repeat, that Lord Caradon, finding no arguments to refute these commonly known historical facts, should attempt to mention Czechoslovakia, shows that it is the imperialist countries whose aim it is to inflame the international situation and to drag the United Nations into discussion of a question which has absolutely nothing to do with the United Nations.

A few minutes ago I recognized the representative of the United Kingdom on a point of order, and then the representative of the Soviet Union. Roth representatives indicated, however, that they were speaking in exercise of their right of reply. I must point out to the members that I still have the representative of Hungary inscribed on my list to speak on the.item which we have met to discuss, namely, the recommendation of the Security Council to the Assembly on the question of the admission of Swaziland as a Member of the United Nations. 100. I would suggest, unless a point of order is being raised, that we should finish hearing the speakers on the list on this question before I entertain further requests for the exercise of right of reply, it being understood that I will of course provide an opportunity for these rights of reply before I put the resolution before us to the vote. 101. With the consent of the members who have asked to exercise their right of reply, I would ask the representative of Hungary, who has been very patient in waiting his turn, to speak, after which I shall call on those representatives who wish to exercise their right of reply before I put the resolution to the vote.

On the occasion of the accession to independence of Swaziland, we should like to welcome its people and to extend our best wishes for the welfare and prosperity of this country. Our delegation greets also the wish of the newly independent Swaziland to be admitted to membership of the United Nations. 103. The Hungarian delegation wishes to state that it supports the application of Swaziland, contained in document S/8808, and is ready to vote in its favour. 104. In considering the admission of Swaziland to membership of the United Nations, we should direct our attention to the dangerous situation existing in the southern part of Africa. 106. We feel all the more contented and satisfied that another former colonial territory, Swaziland, has gained its independence. It is of particular importance that the newly independent Swaziland had more than ample bitter experience of colonialism. That is the reason why my delegation is confident that, as an independent State, Swaziland will exert all possible efforts to overcome the difficulties resulting from its colonial inheritance, and will achieve progress in every field of its national life. We hope that as a Member of the United Nations, Swaziland will contribute to our efforts to liquidate all remnants of colonialism and to preserve international peace and security. 107. The Hungarian delegation is looking forward with pleasure to co-operating with the Swaziland delegation at the United Nations in promoting the noble ideas and principles set forth in the Charter.

I now have on my list the names of two representatives who wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. It is, of course, recognized that it is the right of reply to points which were raised earlier but which are not strictly relevant to the item on the agenda of the Council at this meeting. I would ask members to try to confine their remarks as closely as possible to the subject that we are discussing at this meeting. 109. I call on the representative of the United States in exercise of the right of reply.

I want to exercise my right of reply only very briefly to respond to the comments made by the Soviet representative. The representative of the United Kingdom has said very much what I had intended to say and said it probably better than I could. But in atiy event, there are one or two points which I think are worth making. 111. First, I am always fascinated by the concept of germaneness which exists in the mind of the Soviet representative. It appears to be that this Council should discuss only what he can discuss comfortably. I would remind him that this Council has voted 13 to 2 to keep the situation of Czechoslovakia on the agenda, and let there be no doubt about the fact that this Council’rcmains seized of the inatter. 112. I find it regrettable indeed that on an occasion which should be an event for rejoicing and congratulation to a brave and admirable people that are on the point ofjoining this Organization, the representative of the Soviet Union has taken the occasion to deliver one of his all too familiar political diatribes. While there is very little in what he said that I can agree with I did find, happily, one statement that he made which seemed to me prophetic and important, and that was his statement that the downfall of imperialism has begun in spite of the efforts of the imperialists. In the light 114. Lord CARADON (United Kingdom): Mr. President, I have no wish that we should prolong this discussion and indeed I wish to respond to your appeal that we should limit it and finish it. I would say only two things. 115. When the representative of the Soviet Union makes accusations of imperialism, he surely cannot hope that discussion will be limited to charges against others, 116. Secondly, I should like to take up the main point which he made to us just now when he suggested that the advance of peoples previously under British adrninistraiioa to independence had been done and undertaken despite the efforts of the United Kingdom. I would like to give him my personal evidence that ,this advance has been undertaken with the full encouragement, assistance and co-operation of my country and my countrymen. Having spent the greater part of my life in that task, I hope that he will accept that evidence as justified.

I call on the representative of tfle Soviet Union in exercise of his right of reply.

I shall be brief. It is very touching to see how the representative of the United States has come out in support of the representative of the United Kingdom on the question of imperialism, of who started destroying it and when the downfall of the era of imperialism began. 119. With regard to the question of Czechoslovakia, Mr. Ball, it is not before the Security Council as you assert, but is suspended, precisely that, suspended; it is not before the Council, because the Czechoslovak Government officially requested the Security Council to remove the question from its agenda. And this is also a slap at you and the United Kingdom representative, because you together illegally dragged this question into the Security Council. That is all there is to be said. So stop interfering in other people’s affairs. I have already given you this advice in one of my statements: do not poke your nose into other people’s affairs. The socialist countries and socialist Czecho. Slovakia will look after their own affairs themselves, 120. There were negotiations at a high level in Moscow and normalization of the situation is continuing. Mr. Ball and Lord Caradon, do not hinder the normalization ofthe situation. Give this advice also to the propaganda organs of your countries which, day in and day out, are slandering the Czechoslovak people, that socialist country and all the socialist countries, and which are hindering normalization. This is understandable, because the imperialist plans and conspiracy have been smashed-their aim has not bees achieved and that is why there is so much spite, enmity and hatred and so much slander in the propaganda organs of the United States and Britain and even in the statements of 121. As for replying to the remarks of Lord Caradon, I said everything in my first reply and there is no need to repeat it.

No motion, of course, has been placed before the Council today on the subject of Czechoslovakia. There is a motion before the Council on the subject of the recommendation of the Security Council on the admission of Swaziland. That motion is before representatives in document S/8810, of 10 September, in the name of Algeria, Canada, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Senegal, and the United Kingdom. Representatives have heard the statements made by members of the Council. If no other member wishes to speak at this stage we shall proceed to the vote on the seven-Power draft resolution in the usual manner. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Algeria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, Senegal, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. The draft resolution was adopted unanimously. 1 1 See resolution 2.57 (1968). 124. With the consent of the Council, I should like on behalf of the Council as a whole to extend warm greetings to Dr. Sukati, the Ambassador-designate of Swaziland to the United Nations, who is with us in this chamber today, as a number of representatives have mentioned, and through him to convey the good wishes of this Council to the people and Government of Swaziland on the occasion of their independence and on the occasion of the favourable recommendation of the Council on their membership. in the United Nations. 125. As the Security Council has now completed its consideration of this item, I propose that we adjourn this meeting, on the understanding that the Council will reconvene in ten minutes to take up a separate item on the situation in the Middle East, for which I have a number of speakers on my list. 126. If I hear no objection, it will be so decided. It was so decided. The meeting rose at 11.40 a.m. HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS United Notions publications moy be obloined from bookstores and distributors throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Notions, Sales Section, New York or Geneva. COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS DES NATIONS UNIES Les publications der Notions Unies rant en vente danr les librairier et les cqences d&posit&es du monde entier. Informer-vous oupr&s de votre librairie ou adresser-vow 61 Nations Unier, Section der ventes, New York ou Get&e. KAK IlOIlYqMTb M3fiAtlIIfl OPrAHM3AL(MH 06bEAMHEHHblX tiAL(tlR COMO CONSEGUIR PUELICACIONES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS Los publicociones de IGS Nociones Unidar est6n en vcnto en librerior y colas distribuidoror en todas porter del mundo. Conrulte o su librero o dirijose o: Nocioner Unidos, Seccibn de Ventor, Nuevo York o Ginebro. Litho in United Nations, New York Price: $U.S. 0.50 (or equivalent in other currencies) 35645-October 1972-2,050