S/PV.1952 Security Council

In accordance with rule 60 of the provisional rules of procedure, I shall immediately request the Secretary-General to transmit this recommendation to the General Assembly. PIYTP/I~: The representatives of the following States: Benin, China, France, Guyana, Italy, Japan, Libyan Arab Republic, Pakistan, Panama, Romania, Sweden, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America. 4. A number of representatives have asked to speak after the vote, and I shall now call on them.

At the outset I should like to perform two pleasant tasks. First of all, I should like to congratulate the representative of Italy, who presided so well, so expeditiously and so efficiently over the deliberations of the Council during the past month. It was a difficult month, as I think all of us would agree. The fact that the Council emerged from it as it did is in very large measure due to the skill with which Ambassador Vinci presided over OUI discussions. Secondly, Mr. President, 1 should like to welcome you to your post as President of the Council for the month of August. Your diplomatic skill, I am sure, will stand us in as good stead for the month of August as did Ambassador Vinci’s for the month of July. Provisional agenda (S/Agenda/l952) I. Adoption of the agenda 2. Admission of new Members: Report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of the Republic of Seychelles for admission to membership in the United Nations (S/12177) Adoption of the agenda 6. My delegation is delighted to have this opportunity to support the application of the Republic of Seychelles. I am only sorry that the Council is not meeting in Seychelles itself. I have been looking again at some photographs which the President of Seychelles, Mr. Mancham, left with us when he visited New York last year, and I can only say that Seychelles must be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Admission of New Members: Report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of the Republic of Seychelles for admission to membership in the United Nations (S/12177) I. The PRESIDENT: The Council has before it the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of Seychelles for admission to membership in the United Nations [S//2/77]. In paragraph 3 of its report the Committee recommends to the Council the adoption of a draft resolution on the application for admission of the Republic of Seychelles. In accordance with the procedure followed on previous occasions, I propose that the Council should vote on that draft resolution and that those who wish to speak should do so after the vote. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the procedute is acceptable to the members of the Council. 7. This is perhaps not the occasion to embark upon a long survey of Seychelles history. These islands in the Indian Ocean were almost certainly to the great Arab explorers of the Middle Ages, and we find them on Portuguese maps as early as 1501. My own country’s connexion with Seychelles dates from 1609, when;a naval squadron, under the command of Alexander Sharpleigh, anchored in Seychelles waters. FOI over a century thereafter the islands were largely unvisited by the European Powers. In 1756, however, a French squadron landed on Mah@, the main island in the group, set up there a Stone of Possession engraved with the arms of France and named the islands Seychelles, after an eminent Comptroller-General of Finances of King Louis XV. It mus be the only country in the world named after a tax collector! During the Napoleonic wars, the islands came under British possession, and in 1814 they were formally ceded to my country under the Treaty of Paris. I mention this 2. Accordingly, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote. I 8. It was not until 1903 that the territory was detached from the Government of Mauritius and separate executive and legislative councils established; and it was only in the post-war period that the pace of constitutional development accelerated. My delegation has had occasion to speak about Seychelles a number of times in the Special Committee of 24’ these past few years, and I need only say here that successive constitutional changes in 1967,197O and 1975 prepared the way for the full independence of SeycheIles at midnight on 28 June 1976, and that recent discussions have led to the transfer to Seychelles of the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches. My Government warmly welcomed these developments. We believe in self-determination and we have consistently respected the wishes of the people of Seychelles. On this occasion I should like once again to pay a tribute to the wisdom of the leaders of the two main Seychelles parties, President Mancham and Prime Minister Rem% who last year formed a coalition government which will remain in being until at least the next elections in 1979. 9. I wish also to assure the Seychelles Government, which is now an equal partner of ours in the Commonwealth, of our continuing support for the economic and social development of the country. To this end my Government has agreed to provide some f10 million in capital aid for the first two years after independence, and some &I million annually in technical assistance for the next few years. In addition, we shall provide up to f1.7 million in budgetary aid in the period 1976-1979. We hope that this will assist Seychelles in attaining self-sufficiency and true economic independence. The construction of an international airport in MahP. in 1971, with British funds, and the extension of the port of Victoria in 1974 have both made Seychelles much more accessible to international traffic and.commerce than was the case in the recent past. More and more people have had the opportunity to visit these happy, multiracial islands and to enjoy their natural beauty. 10. We are convinced that the new independent Government of Seychelles will play its full part in the affairs of the region and the world as a whole. The country is small, both in size and in population, but it has its own unique contribution to make to the peace of the area. It is a country where people of African, Indian, Chinese and European blood five side by side. Its potential for tourism is great, and its fishing resources are still largely unexploited. We welcome

Mr. President, allow me first to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of August. Your long experience and dedication are well known to us. We are confident that under your leadership the Council will benefit greatly from its deliberations and its efforts to seek solutions to the problems before it. 12. Allow me also to congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Vinci of Italy, on the outstanding way in which he led the deliberations in the trying month of July, when the Council was faced with the difficult and most intricate problems of southern Africa. The smooth and tactful manner in which he conducted the debate, which could otherwise have easily been stormy; was possible only because of his skill as a diplomat. 13. Now let me turn to the item on the agenda. It gives my delegation great pleasure and satisfaction to welcome the application of the newly independent State of Seychelles for admission to membership in the United Nations. The independence of Seychelles is a step in the right direction towards the total elimination of colonialism. The remaining task in decolonization remains one of the most difficult, but with the liberation of each territory from colonial rule the world derives ever greater confidence that the day is near when the entire world will be free. We are very happy to recommend the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. It will not be the first time the Republic of Seychelles has been a member of an international organization, Seychelles is already a member of the Organization of African Unity and a member of the non-aligned movement. Its membership in the United Nations will complete its involvement in the affairs of the world community. 14. Not only are Seychelles and Tanzania in the same geographical area, but both have pledged to pursue the same foreign policy of non-alignment. They are both members of the Organization of African Unity, through which its members fight for the total liquidation of all forms and manifestations of foreign and racist domination. Both countries have: the same ideal of making the Indian Ocean a zone of peace, as the then Chief Minister of Seychelles, Mr. Mancham, said back in 1974. He said that Seychelles would follow a policy of non-alignment and that the 15. We lock forward to having stronger ties and co-operation between our two countries and to OUI combining our endeavours to promote peace and security in the world.

Mr. President, please accept the warmest congratulations of my delegation on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of August. It gives my delegation great pleasure to see a distinguished colleague from Asia occupying the presidency. The wisdom, tact and skill you have demonstrated give us confidence that the Council will be able successfully to tackle the problems which may come before it during the current month. 17. I should also like to take this opportunity to convey my delegation’s warmest appreciation and congratulations to your predecessor, Ambassador Vinci, for the manner in which he guided the Council’s proceedings during the month of July. 18. The Council is meeting today to consider the application of the Republic of Seychelles for admission to membership in the United Nations. We are gratified to note that the accession of Seychelles to independence was peaceful and orderly. The main political parties and their leaders have committed themselves to working together in a spirit of peace and friendship for the welfare of the country. These circumstances augur well for the evolution of the newly independent State and the solution of the problems all such States have to face. 19. My country, which attained its independence through the exercise of the right of self-determination, welcomes the independence of Seychelles. We accorded recognition to the new republic on the very day of its birth, and have established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. As a token of the friendship my people feels for the people of Seychelles, we have also offered 500 tons of rice to the new country. In a message to the President of the Republic of Seychelles on the occasion of its independence, the Prime Minister of my country, Mr. Bhutto, voicing the profound happiness of the people of Pakistan at the event, expressed the hope that the friendship and co-operation between our two countries stemming from their common historical experience and shared 20. My delegation supports the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to full membership in the United Nations. The admission of Seychelles to the Organization will enable the new country to make a useful contribution to the United Nations and its efforts to‘promote peace and justice in the world. 21. We are pleased at the Council’s unanimous adoption of the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members, and we look forward to Seychelles taking its place as a full and sovereign member of the Organization when the General Assembly approves, as we have no doubt it wili, the Council’s recommendation. 22. Mr. LECOMPT (France) finterpretution Jiw171 Fwtd~): Mr. President, may I congratulate .you on your assumption of the presidency of our Council for the month of August, which is by reputation a calm month but which has apparently already given you quite a lot of work. On behalf of my delegation 1 am very pleased to promise you the complete co-operation of France and to express our conviction that you will conduct our work with the greatest possible skill and competence. 23. I should also like to address to Ambassador Vinci the deep thanks of the French delegation for the devotion, authority and effectiveness he displayed in conducting the particularly difficult work with which we had to deal in the month of July. 24. The Council has just recommended unanimously to the General Assembly the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. I hardly need say that my delegation associated itself whole-heartedly with this recommendation. This was our duty under the Charter. Undoubtedly we must act in this way as soon as a State agrees to accept the provisions of the Charter and undertakes to respect them and as soon as the conditions required by our Organization are met. In accordance with its unchanging position, the French delegation could not but support the admission of this new State, particularly as its admission will bring us even closer to the goal of universality to which my country is deeply attached. 25. But other, more deep-lying reasons of a more sentimental nature enjoined this decision upon us. The ties between France and the Seychelles Islands go back a long way in history. France cannot forget that the very name of those islands was chosen to perpetuate the memory of the Viscount Moreau de Seycheiles, who was the Comptroller-General of Finances under Louis XV, nor can the French fail to be moved at seeing that the numerous islands in this archipelago extending over the sea often have very 26. These are just a few of the islands whose admission we are recommending today, and I need hardly emphasize how closely their history, language and culture bind them to my country, even if this is a rather ancient history. These particular ties, as President Giscard d’Estaing stressed on 1.5 July last, when the Head of State of Seychelles made an official visit to Paris, stem from the “mutual feelings of attachment and the musical names which adorn our villages” --I have given a few examples of these-“these country churchbells which ring out to celebrate the faith we share and even the family names which are typical of old France”. President Mancham was kind enough to recall those ties himself on the occasion of the celebration of independence at MahC on 28 June last: “The 40 years of French administration in the eighteenth century, which in fact marked the very first days on which Seychelles embarked upon the human adventure, have withstood the test of time.” 27. France is of course desirous not only of maintaining the ties which link it with Seychelles but also of further developing them in a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect. President Giscard d’Estaing further recalled on the same occasion that “despite the distance between them, France and Seychelles remained true to each other and continued to keep up their friendly relationship”. It is in the spirit of friendship that a general agreement on cultural, scientific and technical co-operation was signed between the two States on 15 July 1976 in Paris. 28. In view of the very close ties and the sincere friendship which bind our two peoples, the French delegation would like to announce here and how that it intends to sponsor the draft resolution which will be submitted to the General Assembly to admit the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations. 29. I should like to add that my delegation has no doubt that this new State will make a valuable contribution to our Organization. We are convinced, in particular, that the exceptional human qualities and spirit of tolerance which are typical of the people of Seychelles will be an example and a guiding star to us all. I am convinced that the delegation of Seychelles, starting with the next session of the General Assembly, will be able to make the voice of its people heard, a people which is united in its differences and which is anxious for a deep understanding of others and for entry into the world, as was proclaimed in one of his poems by the President Mancham, some lines of which have already been quoted by the representa- These lines, I believe, testify to the universal vocation of the Republic of Seychelles and justify having this State and this people among LIS. 30. The French delegation could not conclude its statement without addressing its very warm and sincere congratulations to the President of the Republic of Seychelles as well as to all the members of his Government. We should also like to express 0111 warm wishes for happiness and prosperity to the people of Seychelles as a whole. 31. Mr. DATCU (Romania) (intc~p/.clatio/z ,/i,~jflr Frc/rc*/rl: Mr. President, may I at the outset address to you my warmest congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of August. The Romanian delegation welcomes the opportunity to co-operate closely with you, the distinguished representative of a country with which Romania enjoys excellent relations of frienship and is developing co-operation to our mutual benefit. On a personal note, Sir, I always recall with great pleasure the years that I spent in Japan, where I had both the privilege and the honour to represent my country. 32. May I express the deep satisfaction that the delegation of Romania feels following the unanimous decision just taken by the Council to recommend the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. Our satisfaction is all the greater since Romania welcomed from the very beginning the proclamation of the independence of Seychelles, a memorable event having deep significance for the future of the country and of the people of the entire archipelago of Seychelles. Addressing, on behalf of the Government and people of Romania, the warmest congratulations and wishes for progress and prosperity to the people of Seychelles, the President of the Socialist Republic of Romania, Nicolae Ceaugescu, expressed in the message he transmitted to the President of Seychelles, Mr. Manchnm, the hopes of Romania that relations of friendship and co-operation between the two countries and peoples would develop and thus contribute to a better mutual understanding in order to ensure the free and independent development of all peoples and the encorn’- agement of a new policy of peace and co-operation among nations. Imbued with the same spirit, on 30 June last, Romania established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Seychelles, being deeply convinced that that act would contribute to the development of close co-operation between the two countries. 34. It is with those ideas in mind that I wish once agnin to address to the Government of the Republic of Seychelles our best wishes for its success in building up its country’s economy and for the international activities il will be undertaking with a view to fulfilling the aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Seychelles.

The people of the Seychelles had to carry on protracted and unremitting struggles to attain its national independence. In recent years they have continued to advance along the road to complete independence. Having freed themselves from the colonial rule that had lasted several centuries, the people of the Seychelles finally proclaimed their independence and established the Republic of Seychelles on 29 June 1976. This is the result of the protacted struggles of the people of the Seychelles and another victory of the national liberation movements which have established ternselves in Asia, Africa and Latin America and which support and encourage one another. It is a new achievement scored by the African people in their work of national liberation, following the indepen- &rice of Mozambique and four other African States last year, and a proof of the success of the current struggle against imperialism, colonialism and hege- , monism on the African continent. 1 36. Aft& independence the Seychelles solemnly / proclaimed its adherence’to the policy of non-alignment, its refusal to provide military bases to anY country, opposition to the establishment of military bnses in the Indian Ocean by any big Power and its desire to see the Indian Ocean become a peace zone. Furthermore, it is determined to strengthen the loads of unity with other Africans counlries in order to provide more support for the national liberation movements in the non-independent regions of southern Africa. All this demonstrates the political outlook of 37. Both China and Seychelles belong to the third world. The peoples of our two countries have always supported and sympathized with each other in their struggles against imperialism and colonialism. The Chinese Government and people sincerely rejoice over the independence of the Seychelles. Formal diplomatic relations were established between the People’s Republic of Ghina and the Republic of Seychelles on 30 June of this year. We are deeply convinced that the friendly relations between our two Governments and peoples will steadily develop and grow stronger. 38. At this juncture, we sincerely wish the people of Seychelles more and more successes in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism and in their efforts to .safeguard their national independence and State sovereignty and to build their country. 39. The Chinese delegation is of the opinion that, in accordance with the relevant provisions and requirements of the Charter relating to the admission of new Members, Seychelles is fully qualified for admission to membership in the United Nations. Therefore, we fully support the Council’s recommendation to the Genera1 Assembly that the Republic of Seychelles be admitted to membership in the United Nations. We believe that, upon admission to membership in our Organization, the Republic of Seychelles will, together with all the other justice-upholding Member States, make a positive contribution to the realization of the purposes and principles of the Charter.

Permit me first to pay my respects to you, Sir, and to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for August. My delegation is convinced that under your able leadership the Council will tackle its business in the most efficient manner. 41. Also, the warm thanks of my delegation go to Ambassador Vinci of Italy, who so ably conducted some very difficult deliberations in the Council during the month of July. 42. The Swedish Government has already, in June of this year at the independence celebrations in Victoria, had the opportunity to congratulate the Republic of Seychelles on its new-won independence. Today, we were glad to vote for the draft resolution recommending. membership of the Republic of Seychelles in the United Nations. Sweden has always maintained that universality is one of the fundamental preconditions for an effective United Nations. We therefore find it a very happy occasion when we are able to bring our Organization one step closer to that goal by welcoming a new Member. 44. My delegation will take great pleasure in welcoming the delegation of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations. We are looking forward to future close co-operation in the conviction that the Republic of Seychelles will make an essential contribution to the work of our Organization.

At the outset, let me say how pleased my delegation is that you, Sir, are occupying the Chair of the presidency this month; indeed, you are already providing most able and effective leadership to the Council and we look forward to working with you through this month. 46. At the same time, let me express appreciation for the contributions made to the dispatch of the Council’s work last month by Ambassador Vinci and members of his staff. As always, he gave us a very distinguished presidency. 47. The United States delegation would like to express its sincere pleasure in supporting the application of the Republic of Seychelles for membership in this Organization. Since 1971 contacts between our two countries have increased. A number of Americans have visited Seychelles. They have been awed by the magnificent natural beauty of the islands and intrigued by the unique geology and flora. We understand that tourism is a rapidly expanding part of the Seychelles economy and that many more visitors will now have the opportunity to visit that exceptional part of the world. It is our hope that economic development in that and other sectors of the economy will lead Seychelles towards a new era of prosperity well deserved by the hard work of its people. 48. The diligence and enthusiasm of the people of Seychelles will surely facilitate our task here as we work together in the United Nations towards the goals of peace, freedoti and the welfare of mankind. The admission of the Republic of Seychelles furthers the goal of making this world-wide. Organization a universal instrument through which we strive to achieve the high principles of the Charter.

Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation, I should like first of all to congratulate you on your assumption of the lofty responsibility of President of tile Security Council and to wish you success in performing these duties. 51. Today’s meeting of the Council was convened to consider the application for membership in the United Nations of the Republic of Seychelles, The Soviet delegation had great pleasure in voting in favour of the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to membership of the United Nations. 52. It is both a pleasure and an honour for the Council to recommend the admission of new Members. The positive decision we have taken will not only increase the membership of our Organization but at the same time confirm the most important principles contained in the Charter, such as the principles of universality and the equality of States large and small. It is our hope that, as in the case of the application of Seychelles, the Council will show the same unanimity with regard to the applications of other States which are already knocking at the door of the United Nations and which fulfil all the conditions laid down in the Charter both in their declarations and in their foreign relations. 53. The admission of the Republic of Seychelles, whose people was under the colonial yoke for more than 200 years, demonstrates once again the historical significance of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which was adopted on the initiative of our country. Mankind is moving ever closer to the end of that shameful chapter in its history, the era of colonialism, which was engendered by imperialism. This progressive movement, this liberation did not occur by itself; it was the result of an intense and unremitting struggle on the part of the oppressed peoples for their selfdetermination and independence. 54. The Soviet Union, true to its policy of supporting the struggle of colonial peoples for their freedom and independence, has always been and will continue to be on the side of these oppressed peoples in their struggle against colonialism throughout the world. It. is no accident, therefore, that on the first day when the independence of the Republic of Seychelles was proclaimed the Soviet Union recognized that State and, in a telegram addressed to the President of the new State of Seychelles, Mr, Mancham, on 29 June last, the Chairman of the Praesidium of the Supreme: Soviet of the Soviet Union, Comrade Podgorny, said: “Pursuant to its unwavering policy of equality and frienship among all peoples and in compliance: with the principle of se!f-determination, the Sovielt Union declares that it recognizes the Republic of Seychelles as a sovereign and independent Slate Comrade Podgorny went on to express the hope that relations of friendship and co-operation would develop between the Soviet Union and the Seychelles Islands to the benefit of the peoples of both our countries and of world peace. In the Soviet Union it was noted with great satisfaction that the Government and the people of the Seychelles Islands were also anxious to establish relations of frienship and co-operation with our country. 61. As the frontiers of colonialism shrink and dwindle away, my delegation has every confidence that newly emerging States cannot but enhance the effectiveness of this international body as we seek to find just and expe’ditious solutions to the problems which beset today’s troubled world. Conscious of the determination with which the people of the Republic of Seychelles has pursued the goal of independence, my delegation feels it none the less appropriate to take cognizance of the spirit and manner in which the Government of the United Kingdom successfully sought to discharge its obligations to the former colony. My Government would like to hope that such an attitude will serve as an example to those who, in one guise or another, seek to resist the march of other peoples to freedom and independence. 55. The path to the independent development of this young Republic will undoubtedly be fraught with many difficulties of different kinds. However, we are convinced that the resolve which has already been demonstrated by the Government and the main political parties of the country in settling those matters connected with the consolidation of their sovereignty and the removal of foreign and military bases from their territory will help this young State in time to overcome its social and economic difficulties. 62. The Government of Guyana is unwaveringly committed to the goal of universality of membership of the United Nations. The completion of a further stage and the progress of this august world body towards that goal, coupled with the achievement of independence by yet another State which has experienced the degradation of prolonged colonial domination, represents the fulfilment of principles deeply cherished by all of us and for which we have strenuously fought in the Council and in other international forums. 56. In conclusion, the Soviet delegation would like to wish the freedom-and peace-loving people of the Seychelles Islands every success on its difficult path to independent and free development.

Mr. President, allow me at the outset to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of August. The manner in which your have guided the deliberations of the Council during the course of last week eloquently confirms our expectation of your diplomatic skills. My delegation has every confidence that under your wise guidance the Council will arrive at productive decisions during the term of your presidency. 63. It was primarily in this context that my delegation welcomed the application now before the Council. We salute the Government and the people of the Republic of Seychelles in their aspiration to participate in the United Nations as a full Member. My delegation fully supports that aspiration and thus voted in favour of the draft resolution. 58. May I also take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Vinci of Italy for his able leadership during the month of July. His successful tenure of office as President of the Council served to confirm our confidence in him. 64. As we seek to intensify our efforts aimed at the creation of an international organization based on justice and equity, my delegation and the Government and the people of Guyana look forward to a prolonged period of friendship and meaningful co-operation with the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles and with their representatives here in New York. 59. The Government and people of Guyana ‘have already formally sent sincere and warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles on that State’s accession to independence. I should like, however, to add the congratulations of my delegation.

Allow me first of all, Mr. President, to offer you the compliments of my delegation on your assumption of the Presidency of the Council for this month. We have no doubt that the Council will benefit from your diplomatic skill and experience. We are delighted that this important meeting is taking place under your presidency. 60. The date of 29 June 1976 signalled the beginning of a new era for the people of the Republic of Seychelles. Now that the people of that State has recovered its fre,edom, it can, as an independent nation, chart the course of its own future according to its own dictates and desires. The opportunities as well as the challenges of nationhood are all too familiar to the peoples of the developing world, and in this context the people of Guyana shares with its brothers 66. I should also like to congratulate the representative of Italy, Mr. Vinci, on the excellent manner in which he guided our deliberations during the month of July. 68. Independence for the people of Seychelles is also encouragement in the general struggle throughout the third world to achieve the full and complete elimination of colonialism, racial discrimination and trpart- Ircid, as well as to combat neo-colonialism and imperialism. 69. Liberty and independence are sacred rights of all the people of this world, and the application for admission to membership in the United Nations is a right of all independent States that accept and undertake to fulfil the obligations contained in the Charter. Regrettably, occasions arise when this right of admission is met with obstruction. The Council was unable to take a decision last June on the application of the People’s Republic of Angola for membership in the United Nations, even though the People’s Republic of Angola, as an independent State, accepted all the obligations laid down by the Charter and the proclaimed objectives and pririciples of its policy are in harmony with the objectives and principles of the Charter. The obstruction which prevented a decision, was the gross misuse by a permanent member of the right of veto. 70. In conclusion, I should like on behalf of my delegation to extend to the new independent State of the Republic of Seychelles a friendly ,welcome and enthusiastic congratulations, and wish the people of Seychelles great success in the development and progress of their country.

Mr. President, my delegation is very happy to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. We are particularly appreciative of the skilful manner in which you are guiding our work. Furthermore, my delegation is happy at the excellent relations of friendship and mutual co-operation that have existed between Benin and Japan since my country achieved independence. 72. I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to express to Ambassador Vinci the appreciation of my delegation for the manner in which he conducted the work of the Council during the month of July. 73. The agenda of today’s meeting concerns the application of the Republic of Seychelles for membership in the United Nations. It is with a deep feeling of happiness that Benin greets the accession of new States to national and international sovereignty. Since belonging to the international community calls 74. We should like, in conclusion, to address to the Government and people of Seychelles the best wishes for happiness and prosperity of the Government and people of the People’s Republic of Benin. 75. Mr. RiOS (Panama) (inte/p~rtrrtion ./~/II S/MI/- isk): I should like, on behalf of the delegation of Panama, to begin my statement by extending to YOU, Mr. President, our warmest congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. YOUI experience and skill as a diplomat offer the best proof that our work will be crowned with success in as constructive a manner as possible. The ties that link your people and Government to those of Panama give me additional reasons for believing that your will be successful in your task. 76. My delegation also wishes to express its deepest appreciation to Ambassador Vinci of Italy, a country with which my own enjoys historic and fruitful relalions of friendship, Ambassador Vinci was President during a difficult period, but with his wisdom and well-known tact he was able to achieve results that were satisfactory to all of us. 77. My delegation is very happy to have cast an affirmative vote today for the application for admission to membership submitted by the Republic of Seychelles. It is always a source of satisfaction when we find a people breaking the ties of the past and, of its own free will, linking itself to the family of free peoples. We welcome the new State and we are sure that its membership in the United Nations will signify a positive step towards peace and a better understanding among the peoples of the area. With this step we are also fulfilling another of the goals of the Organization: that is, we are coming closer to fulfilling the principle of universality. We can now 0111~ hope that other peoples still languishing under colonial domination will soon rise and become full-fledged members of the community of free nations. Today 78. We welcome Seychelles Islands and we hold out to them a hand of co-operation and express our hopes for the prosperity and happiness of their people. 79. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to express our wish to co-sponsor the draft resolution on the formal admission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations which is to be submitted at the next session of the General Assembly.

Mr. President, I wish first of all to fulfil two pleasant duties. 81. First, I should like to convey to you my sincere and warm congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. Having known for a long time of your many talents, your open mind and YOUI deep knowledge of today’s international issues, I feel that the Council could not be in better hands in dealing with the items already on its agenda and others with which we may be confronted this month. 82. Secondly, I wish to thank you and all our colleagues around the table for the over-generous expressions used in speaking of my tenure of office as President during the month of July. Unfortunately, I never actually started the quiet vacation in Italy you kindly referred to and I arrived at the Council’s meeting on Thursday last a few minutes after your opening words, but I was able to read them the following morning and I can assure you that your words and those I have heard at previous meetings and today have warmed my heart. At the same time, they turn my mind back to Adlai Stevenson, a great man with whom, I believe, our present United States colleague, Governor Scranton, has so much in common besides title, rank and sense of humour. Governor Stevenson used to say, very wisely: “Flattery is like smoking cigars; it’s good for you provide you don’t inhale”. 83. I turn now to the item on our order of business, namely, the application for admission to membership by a newly independent country. On the basis of this application, the Council has just taken the unanimous decision to recommend to the General Assembly that Seychelles be admitted as a Member of our Organization. This is a happy event at which we all rejoice. 84. My delegation is particularly glad to welcome to the United Nations a new African State with which Italy has already established cordial relations. In 1975 Italy opened a consular office in Seychelles, where an industrious Italian community has long been living in its harmonious multiracial society. We understand that the descendant of some early settler from my own country has attained a high position in the Government of Seychelles, a fact which fills us with great satisfaction and some pride, Since the completion of the international airport. Alitalia has been considering 85. The recent history of the Seychelles Islands and the process of their advance towards independence have set a new example of a country entering peacefully and in an orderly way into the international community. This leads us to pay a tribute to the political foresight and the wise administration once again exhibited by the Government of the United Kingdom, which stated, even before the people of Seychelles expressed their desire for independence, that the British Government would not stand in the way of such an aspiration. 86. My delegation voted wholeheartedly in favour of the draft resolution just adopted. We are looking forward to establishing here with the representatives of Seychelles fruitful co-operation in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. The universality of the United Nations is today making further progress. 87. I have the honour to convey, on behalf of the Italian Government, the warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Seychelles, together with our sincere wishes for the attainment of the crucial tasks they are cafled on to fulfil in order to lead the new State towards an increasing degree of prosperity and peaceful development.

As the list of speakers is exhausted, I may be permitted to address the Council as representative of JAPAN. 59. The Japanese delegation voted wholeheartedly in favour of the draft resolution recommending to the General Assembly the admission of the Republic of Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. Jt is indeed a great pleasure for my delegation that this Council has adopted this text unanimously. Let me express my delegation’s sincere hope that the General Assembly at its coming session will decide equally unanimously to admit the Republic of Seychelles to membership in the United Nations. 30. On this auspicious occasion, we should like to extend warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles on the confidence and assurance accorded them today by the Council. We should like to express our thanks and admiration to the Government of the United Kingdom, which, as Administering Power, has succesfully and faithfully fulfilled its responsibility to co-operate with the people of Seychelles in achieving their independence. We wish to pay a tribute to the Committee of 24’ for the valuable services it has rendered in promoting the independence of the new State. ’ Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to looking forward to close co-operation with the Re- ColoniA Countries and Peoples.