S/PV.2084 Security Council

I slz~ll immediately request the Secretary-General to transmit this recommendation to the General Assembly. 6. I shall now give the floor to those representatives who asked to speak after the vote.

Before coming to the matter which is before the Council today, I should like to welcome you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and to congratulate you on having the good fortune, as your first task for the month, to preside over the discussion of the admission of a new Member. I should like also to pay a tribute to the representative of Canada for his skilful conduct of the Council’s business during July. 8. My delegation was very pleased to support the draft resolution which the Council has just adopted recommending the admission of Solomon Islands to membership. My country has a long and intimate relationship with the peoples of the South Pacific. Fiji became a member of the Commonwealth and a Member of the United Nations in 1970. Since then, two other Commonwealth countries in the arca have joined the Organization-Papua New Guinea in 1975 and Samoa in 1976. We have equal pieasure in supporting the application of Solomon Islands, which achieved its independence on 7 July this year and became the thirty-seventh member of the Commonwealth. 9. Solomon Islands gained its name when a Spaniard, Alvaro de Mendana, sighted Iand in 1.568 and spent some 1 Set resolution 433 (1978). 10. My country’s association with Solomon Islands is more recent. During the nineteenth century, sugar plantations developed in neighbouring areas, and subsequently people began to recruit labourers in the islands for these plantations, The methods of some of the recruiters were not of a kind which the International Labour Organisation, or indeed anyone else, would approve. In 1893 the United Kingdom therefore declared a protectorate over Solomon Islands in order to stop the brutalities which were occurring. Since that time the association between the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands has, I believe, been satisfactory to both parties. 11. My delegation has kept the Committee of 242 informed of the successive constitutional changes which have paved the way for independence. Briefly, in 1960 nominated legislative and executive councils were established to which elected members were introduced for the first time in 1964. In the short time that has elapsed since then, Solomon Islands has progressed to complete internal self-government, and now to independence. My Govemmerit has warmly welcomed the speedy progress of the people of Solomon Islands to self-determination, I should like particularly to pay a tribute to the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Mr. Kenilorea, under whose wise stewardship the country has spent its last two years as a British colony. 12. Even so brief a sketch of Solomons history as I have given should not end without a reference to the blows which the Islands and their people, like many elsewhere, suffered during the Second World War. They were the centre of much fighting; it is perhaps sufficient to recall the battle of Guadalcanal. 13. My Government has assured the Government of Solomon Islands of the wish of the United Kingdom to retain close ties with the new State, and has agreed to contribute some L26 million in the form of grants for development aid in the four years following the achievement of independence. In addition, of course, existing grants will continue to be paid, 14. Solomon Islands, with its population of 200,000, and a land area of 11,500 square miles, is by no means the smallest country to seek membership in the United Nations, and we are sure that it has as much to contribute to the Organization as it has to gain by joining. 15. In the confident assumption that the General Assembly will in due course take the same view of Solomon Islands’ application as the Council has done today, my delegation Iooks forward with great pleasure to seeing a delegation from Solomon Islands, led by Mr. Kenilorea, 2 Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 17. Once again we have the pleasure and the honour to welcome a new Member to the family of the United Nations. Canada has a number of reasons to be pleased that Solomon Islands submitted a request for membership in the Organization. Solomon Islands is a member of the Commonwealth, another international organization to which Canada attaches the greatest importance. This new country, which gained independence on 7 July last, is also a country of the Pacific, where, we must not forget, Canada has interests. Politically and geographically, Canada will intensify its contacts with Solomon Islands in the United Nations, as well as in other organs, and consequently it is with great pleasure that we supported the resolution just adopted. 18. We are also pleased that the independence of this new country was the outcome of a process of peaceful development. The representatives of this new country will occupy their deserved place in the General Assembly this year. We wish to bid them a most cordial welcome, wish them prosperity and assure them of our total co-operation.

The calling of a Security Council meeting is almost always a cause for concern to its members, but this time that is not the case: the present meeting is characterized by a spirit of peace and brotherhood. 20. It would seem that the presidency being held by time-honoured China, so worthily represented by you, Sir, has allayed the ill winds which at times blow in our midst as an echo of the afflictions of peoples. Under your presidency, we have the opportunity of acting pursuant to Article 4 of the Charter and admitting a new country to membership in the United Nations. 21. As far as my delegation is concerned, we do this with the natural joy which is aroused by so pleasant an event. This young South Pacific State, which extends as a vast constellation of luminous islands, will enrich the ecumenical significance of our Organization. 22. FOT that plausible reason, MT. President, I wish to voice our satisfaction at seeing you preside over our work for the month of August, a satisfaction which is enhanced by the reason for our convening today. 23, We are also pleased to take part in this profession of faith in the tenets of the Charter expressed by the “youngest nation in the world”, as it has been called by its Prime Minister, MT. Kenilorea, because it embodies the experience of a country which, although a mere child in terms of the date of its constitution as an independent 25. My delegation would be remiss if, in concluding our remarks, we failed to congratulate Ambassador Barton, through his worthy colleague Mr. Lapointe, on the wise and efficient manner in which he conducted our work in the month of July, It was not his luck to preside over the birth of a new State, but he came close to it, and we hope that his tireless, well-directed efforts will soon enjoy a full measure of success.

Sir, it is a pleasant task for me to congratulate you on behalf of the Kuwait delegation on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to recall the excellent relations between our two countries. It also gives me great pleasure to express our gratitude to our President for last month, the representative of Canada. Under the guidance of Ambassador Barton, the Council was able last month to take historic decisions. 27. Kuwait has always supported the principle of universality in the United Nations. This support has been reaffirmed by statements made by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, during various sessions of the General Assembly. Today we are pleased to support the recommendation to admit a new member to the family of nations. We congratulate Solomon Islands on attaining independence, its declaration to accept the obligations enshrined in the Charter and its undertaking to fulfil those obligations. Kuwait welcomes Solomon Islands as a Member of the United Nations. We are gratified to see the membership of the United Nations grow and another country achieve independence. We are confident that Solomon Islands will play a constructive role in the work of our Organization. We wish it peace and progress and we assure it of Kuwait’s co-operation. 28. Mr. ADMINA (Gabon) (interpretation from French). Mr. President, first allow me to congratulate you on your accession to the very important and responsible post of President of the Security Council. I am convinced that your long experience and your recognized competence are very appropriate for the carrying out of the delicate task YOU have before you this month. I ,also wish to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Ambassador Barton of Canada, for the masterly manner in which he conducted the proceedings of the Council in July. 29. Having studied the letter dated 24 July 1978 from the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands to the Secretary-General [see S/12801] relating to the application of his country for admission to membership in the United Nations, the delegation of Gabon notes that the valiant people of Solomon Islands justly deserves the right to take a place in this vast international community. The United Nations, in 31. The delegation of Gabon is fully convinced that that people not only has shown that it is faithful to the lofty principles of the Charter but also has expressed its resolve to ensure their implementation in all honesty. The United Nations, in welcoming Solorno~l islands to its ranks, is welcoming a Member State which will firmly support the struggle for peace, international security, mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of the third world. 32. Furthermore, we should not forget the fact that most of our countries began their independent existence as fragile and weak sovereign States and that, with the passage of time, many of them are now able to make a positive contribution to the quest for the well-being of all the peoples of the world. Consequently, in a spirit of cooperation and understanding, we wish to offer all possible aid and friendship to this newly-independent country and warmly welcome it to our ranks. We are all firmly convinced that Solomon Islands, like other Members of the United bkitioIlS, will firmly endeavour to fulfil the ideals of the Charter.

Mr. President, allow me first of all to congratulate you on your assumption of the very responsible duties of President of the Security Council for this month. I should like also to say how grateful we are to the representative of Canada, Ambassador Barton, ~110 SO ably guided the proceedings of the Council during July. 34. Today we are witnessing a momentous event in the history of the United Nations. The Security Council has just adopted a recommendation to admit SO~O~IIOII Islands as a Member, the youngest independent State in the world. 35. It is natural and right that that State should wish, as one of the first steps in its independent existence, to become involved actively in the world community, to be a full-fledged member. In the application for admission to membership made by the Prime Minister of that country we see a declaration to the effect that Solomon Islands accepts the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations and solemnly undertakes to fulfil them. 36. The delegation of the Soviet Union supported with satisfaction the positive recommendation of the Council on 37. The Soviet people sympathize with and understand the aspirations of the people of Solomon Islands. When the independence of that country was proclaimed, the Soviet Government sent to the Prime Minister, Mr. Kenilorea, its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the progress and well-being of its people on the way to independent development. The telegram from the President of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, Mr. Kosygin, said: “The Soviet Government, pursuing its unswerving policy based on the principles of the equality and self-determination of peoples and the development of friendship and co-operation among all countries, by this communication recognizes Solomon Islands as an independent and sovereign State and expresses willingness to establish diplomatic relations with that country.” The telegram also expressed the hope that the Soviet Union and Solomon Islands would develop rcIations of friendship and co-operation for the well-being of the peoples of our countries and the cause of peace. 38. I should like to mention that the admission to the United Nations of a State newly liberated from colonial dependence detnonstrates every time the historic significance of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which was adopted on the initiative of our country. 39. The Soviet Union, true to its policy of principle supporting the struggle of colonial peoples for freedom and independence, will consistently back those peoples until colonialism has been completely eliminated throughout the world. This also refers to the peoples in the colonial Territories of the Pacific. It is no secret that in that region of the warld we still find a policy depriving the people of their inalienable right to self-determination and independence. The people of Guam are still biding their time, as indeed are those of so-called American Samoa, Tuvalu etc., as well as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Micronesia). The Security Council, in accordance with Article 83 of the Charter and the Trusteeship Agreement of 1947 between the Security Council and the United States, bears full responsibility for the latter, since the Council is the only body that exercises all functions on behalf of the United Nations for such Territories. In this connexion, the Soviet delegation would draw the attention of tnembers of the Council to the statement of the Permanent Mission of the Soviet Union to the United Nations, dated 14 August 1978, contained in document S/12811. Our delegation believes that it is a matter of urgency for the Council to follow carefully the situation in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and, if necessary, to examine it. 40. In the south-west Pacific Ocean region a new independent State is beginning its life. The elimination of the

Mr. President, I should like to congratulate you on your assumption of the responsible post of President of the Security Council for the month of August. I should also like to take this opportunity to thank the representative of Canada, Ambassador Barton, for his able and competent guidance of the work of the Council during the month of July.. 43. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic consistently supports the inalienable right of all countries and peoples to self-determination and independence in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution 15 14 (XV). Therefore, the proclamation of independence by Solomon Islands is considered by us to be a new important achievement in the process of decolonization In this connexion, we should like to point out the fact that in the Pacific Ocean region there are still Territories, such as Micronesia and others, whose peoples are not able to enjoy their inalienable right to self-determination and independence. 44. The delegation of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic supported the application of Solomon Islands for membership. We are convinced that the positive recommendation of the Security Council welcoming Solomon Islands to membership in the Organization will be one more step along the road to destroying completely the colonial system, to promoting the implementation of the principle of universality in the United Nations and to encouraging the development of relations of equality and co-operation among ail States. 45. At the time Solomon Islands gained its independence, the Prime Minister of our Republic, Comrade Lubomir Strougal, sent a telegram to the Prime Minister of Sofomon Islands, Mr. Kenilorea, stating the following: “The Czechoslovak people have followed very sympathetically the efforts of the people of Solomon Islands to achieve freedom, the right to self-determination and national sovereignty. We welcome the proclamation of independence of your country with all our heart and we wish your people prosperity in freedom and continued well-being.” The telegram further emphasizes that: “The all-round development of friendly relations between the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and Solomon

I should like first to join my colleagues, Mr.. President, in congratulating you on your assumption of the office of President of the Council for this month and in recording our appreciation of the skill with which your predecessor, Ambassador Barton, presided over the historic actions of the Council during the month of July. 48. The United States is pleased to support the application of Solomon Islands for membership in the United Nations. Solomon Islands achieved its independence on 7 July this year in peace and concord, and with the support and friendship of the United Kingdom and many other countries, among which we count ourselves. We have followed the progress of Solomon Islands towards independence with satisfaction at the smooth transition which has been effected. Both the former administering Power, the United Kingdom, and the leaders of SoIomon Islands are to be congratulated for the manner in which this took place. 49. The inhabitants of the new democracy will now guide their own destiny. We note that they have already begun to shoulder international responsibility as the future headquarters of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Organization. We wish them well as they pursue internal development and economic well-being, and we are pleased that our Government, through the Peace Corps, has had an opportunity to play an active role in this. 50. We support the application of Solomon Islands for membership in the confidence that the principles which inspired the leaders of the new State to guide their people successfully to independence will continue to guide them in our common effort to establish a world of peace, justice and prosperity. 51. Mr, CHADERTON MATOS (Venezuela) (irztcrpwtation from Spanishl: Mr, President, 1 should like to congratulate you, on behalf of my delegation, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August in your aapacity as representative of the People’s Republic of China. We are certain that your knowledge and experience will enable you, as President of the Council, to perform your duties successfully. We &O wish to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Ambassador Barton, the worthy representative of Canada, a supremely peaceful and peace-loving country, for the wise manner in which he conducted our historic deliberations last month. 52. Faithful to the traditional policy of Venezuela in support of the self-determination and independence of all peoples and the elimination of the last vestiges of CO~Onialism and in the light of the background information on 53. We have also taken note of the fact that, in the letter he addressed to the Secretary-General on behalf of Solomon Islands (see S/12801/, Prime Minister Kenilorea expressed his acceptance of the obligations contained in tile Charter of the United Nations and his solemn undertaking to fulfn them. 54. The advent of this new State and its entry into the Organization will contribute to the strengthening of the principle of universality, for our Organization includes a concert of countries irrespective of their political, social or economic systems, the race or creed of their inhabitants, their military or economic power, their size or density of population. That is why we expect Solomon Islands to make a valuable contribution to the promotion and protection of the principles and purposes that are the raison d’etre of the United Nations. 55. My delegation understands that the Government of the administering Power of the former colonial Territory, the United Kingdom, has adopted important decisions in terms of ensuring its co-operation towards the future development of the new State. We consider this to be a positive and healthy step. 56. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to express its faith in the future of Solomon Islands in continued progress and prosperity and in a climate of work, peace and freedom. 57, Mr. HUSSON (France) (interpretation from Frer~lz): Mr. President, it is my pleasure to extend to you heartfelt congratulations on your accession to the Council presidency.. My delegation cannot but be delighted to see the representative of the People’s Republic of China, a great country with which France enjoys excellent relations, once more giving us the benefit of his vast experience and wisdom. Nobody doubts that under your guidance our Council will be able to accomplish the tasks entrusted to it. I wish, furthermore, through the Charge d’Affaires of Canada, to thank Ambassador Barton for the very effective way in which he conducted our very delicate work during the particularly busy month of July. 58. France warmly welcomed the application by Solomon Islands for admission to membership in the United Nations. The French recall that when, in December 1766, the Count of Bougainville left for a tour of the world on the frigate La Boudeuse, he passed through the Magellan Straits and visited Tahiti, Samoa and the New Hebrides before reaching Solomon Islands. 59. The archipelago, formerly under United Kingdom sovereignty, is now reaching a new stage in its history.. As an independent and sovereign State, it will now be making its own contribution to the activities of the international community. There is no doubt that in requesting admission to membership in the United Nations Solomon Islands is 61. My country has already indicated its wish to establish diplomatic relations with the new State, which is its neighbour in the Pacific. France is ready to have relations of friendship and co-operation with it in all fields. That is why France unhesitatingly voted in favour of the admission of Solomon Islands as the 150th Member of the United Nations.

Mr. President, allow me at the outset to congratulate YOU on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the current month. We are glad to work under your wise leadership in the auspicious deliberations on the admission of a new Member to the United Nations. The relations between the People’s Republic of China and my country are high& valued by my Government. We are pleased to note the extent to which these relations have been developed in recent years. 63. I should also like to express the gratitude of my delegation for the efficient way in which Ambassador Barton of Canada conducted our deliberations on a very complex issue last month. We appreciate the important progress achieved by the Council under his presidency. 64. My delegation voted in Favour of the draft resolution recommending the admission of Solomon Islands to membership in the United Nations. We welcome its independence as a further step in the process of decolonization, giving effect to the principle of the self-determination of peoples. The Federal Republic of Germany was among the first to recognize Solomon Islands as a sovereign State. To this effect, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany addressed a message to Solomon Islands on 7 July 1978. My Government feels that the region of the South Pacific is becoming more and more important. This fact will be underscored by the admission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations. Its admission will bring us closer to the Organization’s aim of universality. 65. The Federal Republic of Germany welcomes the fact that regional co-operation in the South Pacific is being constantly enhanced within the framework of the South Pacific Forum, The progress of Solomon Islands itself towards independence demonstrates goodwill and fruitful regional co-operation. These are necessary prerequisites for peaceful development promoting political stability in the interest of the community of States and particularly of the people of Solomon Islands. 66. The States in the South Pacific, including of course Solomon Islands, need assistance for their development. The Federal Republic of Germany is ready to make its contribution towards their economic and social development. We hope that Solomon Islands will become a party to the Convention of Lome. The Federal Republic of Germany looks forward to developing its relations with

Allow me, Sir, at the outset to offer you my delegation’s compliments on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. We are confident that the Council will benefit from your personal qualities of prudence, wisdom and understanding, and your skill and experience as a diplomat are guarantees of the successful outcome of our meetings. 69. My delegation wishes also to express to the representative of Canada, Ambassador William H. Barton, its varm and most cordial appreciation and gratitude and its admiration for his devotion and statesmanlike efforts in presiding over the Council during the month of July. 70. My delegation is delighted to support the application by Solomon Islands for admission to membership in the United Nations. 71 I I should like to state that it is my delegation’s firm belief that the achievement of the universality of the United Nations is an essential condition for the fulfilment of the task of promoting world peace and co-operation, entrusted to our Organization by its Charter. 72. Mauritius has constantly favoured the progressive completion of the process of the self-determination of peoples all over the world, and we take this opportunity to congratulate both the United Kingdom and the people of Solomon Islands on this happy day. 73. At the same time, the increasing number of Members of the United Nations is in our view the best evidence of the most significant and positive development in the history of mankind. We feel it is a privilege to have been in a position to contribute with our vote in the Council to the fulfilment of the aspiration of the new State in recommending that it should be allowed to join this international Organization. When a new State joins the United Nations, it brings to it a wealth of particular values and a variety of experience which are in our view important, indeed essential, for the work and the world.wide range of the Organization. 74. My delegation was glad to cast a positive vote on the draft resolution recommending to the General Assembly the admission of Solomon Islands, and we look forward to friendly co-operation with that new State both on a multilateral and on a bilateral basis.

I wish, on behalf of my delegation, to extend to you, Sir, our warm greetings and good wishes on your assumption of the office of President of the Security Council for this month, and to express OUT conviction that your amiable personality, your good sense and your wide experience will be of great value to the Council during this month and later on too. 77. We were happy to learn from the British delegation how these Pacific islands came to be called the Isles of Solomon by a Spanish explorer. This is an important clarification in case the descendants of King Solomon should entertain any wrong notions. 78. I should like to take this opportunity to extend to the Government and people of Solomon Islands our congratulations on their attainment on 7 July this year of political independence from British colonial rule. The British GOVernment also deserves our congratulations for having brought yet another Territory to that stage of political evolution when it is in a position to join this Organization of sovereign nation-States as an equal Member. In doing SO in this case, the British have certainly put Solomon Islands firmly on the world map, thereby rectifying the inaccuracies of well-meaning Spanish cartographers.

The next speaker is the representative of Australia. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement.

I should like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Security Council for allowing me to take part in this debate on the admission of Solomon Islands to membership in the United Nations. 81. It is always a pleasure to welcome a new Member to the United Nations. For an Australian representative, it is particularly satisfying when the new Member is one of Australia’s neighbours, and when its application is considered at a meeting of the Security Council presided over by the distinguished representative of another member country of the Asian-Pacific region. 82. As a neighbour with long and close ties with the Solomons and as a member of the Committee of 24, Australia has followed closely the process of decolonization which led to the independence of Solomon Islands on 7 July this year. The process was peaceful and harmonious, and the United Kingdom, the former administering Power, deserves commendation for the way in which it responded to the wishes of the people of the Territory. This was demonstrated particularly during the Constitutional Conference in London in September last year, when agreement was reached on a new Constitution, on new regulations on land titles and citizenship and, of most importance, on the termination of colonial rule on 7 July 1978. 83. The task facing Solomon Islands does not end with independence; in many ways it has only begun. We are therefore pleased to note that the United Kingdom will continue to co-operate with and provide developmental assistance to the Government of Solomon Islands. My own Government will also continue to help. It has allocated 84. In conclusion, I am confident that the membership of Solomon islands and its participation in the work of the United Nations can only strengthen the Organization. At the same time as it is seeking membership in the United Nations, Solomon islands is also assuming its new role as an independent member of our region, where we welcome it as a member in the South Pacific Forum. As I mentioned earlier, Solomon Islands has achieved independence as the consequence of an orderly constitutional process which is an example to others participating in the process of decolonization. Australia has close and friendly ties with the Solomons, and we look forward confidently to the further development of this relationship in the future.

The next speaker is the representative of Papua New Guinea. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement.

I am honoured to be granted this opportunity to address this particular meeting of the Security Council which is considering the application of the newly independent State of Solomon Islands for admission to membership in the United Nations. My delegation is very happy indeed to speak on the application of Solomon Islands because the newly independent country is geographically our closest neighbour and also a Pacific nation. 87. The entire membership of the Security Council is aware of the ideals of newly independent nations. The adoption of the resolution recommending the admission to membership of Solomon Islands is in line with the view that nations have equal status, whether they be developing or developed, It was nearly three years ago, in 1975, when my’ . country, Papua New Guinea, attained the status of sovereignty and independence. Since our admission to membership in the United Nations in that same year we have benefited greatly from this august international Organization. During our short period of association with the United Nations, we have also come to appreciate the fact that it provides a forum where problems of the entire world or of individual nations are given equal consideration. We believe that the more new nations join the better it will become for the recognition of problems affecting mankind. 88. Papua New Guinea attaches great importance to its relations with the international community, in particular its relations with the South Pacific nations, as we see similarities in social and economic situations and, above all, we share the same ocean. We in the South Pacific, because of our small land area and population, were left almost unnoticed by the world community until recently, when our leaders started to describe the needs of the region in various international meetings, especially at the United Nations. We are equally glad to say that there is an increasing awareness of the existence of the South Pacific region. “For too long our overriding concern with north-east Asia’s security, our involvement in Indo-China and our continuing interest in normalizing relations With the People’s Republic of China have diverted attention from the south-west Pacific. As a result, we have generally failed to take note of the fact that, beginning with the independence of Western Samoa in 1962, Nauru in 1968, Fiji in 1970, Papua New Guinea in 1975 and most recently the Solomon Islands on July 7 of this year, the south-west Pacific has witnessed over a decade and a half of decolonization and peaceful change. Certainly this experience is unique in the twentieth century, and judging from all indications it will again be repeated with the independence of Tuvalu, the former Ellice Islands, later this year arid the Gilbert Islands in 1979. “Equally significant is the fact that, as functioning democracies, the emerging island nations have made the South Pacific the scene of ongoing and democratic experiments in nation building. Yet, with the exception of Nauru, serious development probiems and critical policy choices confront the island Governments”. Congressman Wolff went on to say that: “During the Sub-Committee’s January study mission to Asia and the Pacific, Government officials in Papua New Guinea and in Australia emphasized that the ability of the south-west Pacific island Governments to provide for the material well-being of their population is the key to domestic stability and to insulating the region against the destabilizing super-Power competition.” 90. As I come to the end of my brief statement, 1 should like to extend to the former administering Power, the United Kingdom, the gratitude of my delegation and my Government for its excellent efforts in leading Solomon Islands to its independence. This reflects the readiness on the part of colonial Powers to respond favourably to the desires of the peoples of dependent Territories and their eagerness to foster the Charter of the United Nations. My delegation is hopeful that, in admitting Solomon Islands, the United Nations will further fulfil its obligation, according to which the size or wealth of a nation is not a factor in its becoming a Member of the Organization. What matters is the pride of the nation and the determination of its people to join in the co-operative goal of solving the problems affecting the entire universe. 91. Along with those few remarks, my delegation thanks the Security Council for the unanimous adoption of the resolution on the admission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, We look forward with much interest to the new contributions to world peace and security and the social and economic development of mankind which will be made by Solomon islands.

The next speaker is the representative of Fiji, I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. 94. Solomon Islands is a very close neighbour of ours and is linked to us by custom, by culture, by tradition and by bonds that stretch back for several hundred years. We both belong to the South Pacific, a region that to date has been relatively peaceful. 95. Corning from Fiji, we are aware that the location of the island developing countries of the South Pacific is a major disadvantage vis-l-vis the rest of the world, including the bulk of the developing countries, As island economies which are still a long way from self-sufficiency in their primary needs, they are located far away from their main trading partners. This has severe implications for their economic development. 96. For small territories of the Pacific, there is a need for regional grouping. In this regard, we have been assisted in considerable measure by our developed neighbours. Solomon Islands has contributed in no small measure to our regional organizations, including the South Pacific Commission, the South Pacific Forum and its administrative arm the South Pacific Bureau for Economic Co-operation, all of which are committed to the over-all progress and development of the region. 97. The people and Government of Solomon Islandshave a reputation in our part of the world for kindness, frankness and loyalty. Though small in terms of population and resources, we believe that the country’s long and rich tradition will be a source of enrichment to all of us when it joins the ranks of the Organization. 98. Finally, we believe that, with the accession of Solomon Islands to membership of the world Organization, the United Nations will have moved astep closer to its ultimate goal of universality. On this important occasion, we should also like to express our belief that the remaining dependent Territories seeking independence will also be able to attain their freedom in accordance with the relevant provisions enshrined in the Charter, as well as in the historic Declaration on decolonization contained in General Assembly resolution 15 14 (XV), 99. Fiji associates itself fully with those who have indicated their support for the admission of Solomon Islands.

The next speaker is the representative of New Zealand, whom I invite to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement.

Mr. President, first, 1 should like to thank you and the other members of the Council for inviting me to participate during the consideration of the application by Solomon Islands for admission to membership in the United Nations. I should also like to 102. 1 should like to add New Zealand’s voice to those of previous speakers who have welcomed the Council’s decision to recommend to the General Assembly that Solomon Islands should be admitted to membership in the United Nations. As neighbours in the South Pacific region, New Zealand and Solomon Islands have for many years enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship, founded on a wide range of common interests of both regional and bilateral significance. The progress of Solomon Islands to independence under the positive guidance of the United Kingdom has been observed with deep satisfaction by my Government. New Zealand welcomed and marked the emergence of a fully independent Solomon Islands into the international community on 7 July by the immediate establishment of a resident diplomatic mission and by doubling the share of New Zealand’s development assistance programme allocated to Solomon Islands. The entry of Solomon Islands into the United Nations, coming after those of Fiji and Papua New Guinea and, most recently, that of the Independent State of Western Samoa, will add further to the interrelationship between the United Nations and the vast Pacific region. 107. At present, the rivalry between the super-Powers for world hegemony is becoming ever fiercer and is extending to every corner of the world. That late-coming super-Power, in particular, is doing its utmost to carry out infiltration and expansion in the South Pacific region, However, its acts have met with the firm opposition of the countries and peoples of this region. We are gratified to note that, on the occasion of the independence of the country, His Excellency Peter Kauona Keninaraisoona Kenilorea, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, solemnly declared that the people of Solomon Islands would build their country and enrich their own culture by taking “self-reliance” and “regional co-operation” as the guideline. We believe that, after their independence, the people of Solomon Islands will strengthen their unity with the other countries and peoples in the South Pacific region and make positive contributions towards safeguarding the security of this region. We sincerely wish the people of Solomon Islands continued new successes in their just cause of combating imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism, safeguarding national independence and State sovereignty, developing national economy and culture and building their own country. 103. My Government looks forward to a long and fruitful co-operation with the representatives of Solomon Islands, not only bilaterally and in our regional affairs, but also now in the activities of the United Nations, and we hope that the General Assembly will facilitate this co-operation by taking early and favourable action on the recommendation of the Security Council.

As there are no further names inscribed on the list of speakers, I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of CHINA. 108. On the occasion of the proclamation of independence of Solomon Islands, Hua Kuo-feng, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, sent a cable to His Excellency Prime Minister Kenilorea, expressing warm congratulations to him and informing him of the Chinese Government’s decision to recognize Solomon Islands. Both China and Solomon Islands belong to the third world, and the people of our two countries have always sympathized with and supported each other. It is our hope and belief that the friendship between our two countries and peoples will develop and grow stronger in our common struggles in the future. We are also convinced that, upon its admission to membership in the United Nations, Solomon Islands will make positive contributions to the realization of the purposes and principles of the Charter, together with all the other Member States that uphold justice. 105. On 7 July 1978, Solomon Islands proclaimed its independence. On 24 July, Solomon Islands applied for membership in the United Nations and declared its acceptance of the obligations contained in the Charter. The Chinese delegation holds that, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter, Solomon Islands is qualified for membership in the United Nations. We fully support its application and are in favour of the Security Council recommending its admission to the General Assembly. 106. The people of Solomon Islands have a tradition of waging valiant struggles. Over the past few centuries, they have fought dauntlessly against colonialism of all descrip- The meetingrose at 12.20 p.m. HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS United Nations publications may be obtained from bookstores and distributors throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Nations, Sales Section, New York or Geneva. COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS DES NATIONS UNIES Les publications des Nations Unies sont en vente dans les librairies et les agences depositaires du mondc cntier. Informee-vous aupres de votre libraire ou adressez-vous B : Nations Unies. Section des ventes, New York ou Geneve. KAIC l-IOJW’IHT’h EIBAAHHfl OPI-AHN 3AIJJiH OlYbEARHEHHhIX HAIWH COMO CONSEGUIR PUBLICACIONES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS Las publicaciones de las Naciones Unidas estin en venta en librerias y casas distribuidoras en todas partes de1 mundo. Consulte a su librero o dirijase a: Naciones Unidas, Seccidn de Ventns, Nueva York o Ginebra. Litho in United Nations, New York Price: $U.S. 1.00 (or equivalent in other currencies) 78-70005--February 1980-2,200