United Nations 2264th GENERAL PLENARY MEETING ASSEMBLY Thursday, /0 October /974, TWENTY-NINTH SESSION at 11./5 a.m.

Official Records NEW YORK

CONTENTS devastating of all wars, is to ensure world peace, for that is the greatest treasure of all nations. Pag/, Address by Mr. Edward Gierek, First Secretary of the Central 6. The Polish nation has had to pay an exceptionally Committee of the Polish United Workers' Party (Poland).. 625 high and tragic price for peace. And it has learned to Agenda item 9: appreciate the inestimable value of peace over the General debate (continued) past 30 years of construction, thanks to which the Speech by Mr. Khalatbari (Iran) 628 country has risen from ruins and its economic potential has been multiplied; education, science and culture President: Mr. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA developed; and favourable living conditions created. (Algeria). 7. Our deep conviction of the indivisibility of peace and of the overriding importance of preventing a new world war is based on our experiences as well as on an appraisal ofthe state ofaffairs in the world oftoday. Ensuring lasting peace in our socio-economically and Address by Mr. Edward Gierek, First Secretary of the ideologically divided world depends above all on full Central Committee of the Polish United Workers' implementation of the principles of peaceful coexis­ Party (Poland) tence among countries with different social systems, principles which the socialist countries have ..espoused 1. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): and consistently put into practice. On behalfof the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome Mr. Edward Gierek, First Secretary of 8. We believe that the most appropriate approach the Central Committee of the Polish United Workers' to that objective lies in the continuation, further de­ Party, to the United Nations, and to invite him to velopment and consolidation of the process of inter­ address the Assembly. national detente in an effort to make it irreversible, in contrast to the aims of the forces of aggression and 2. Mr. GIEREK (interpretation from French): It cold war. This process ofdetente is essential in order is with profound satisfaction that I address you from to overcome the political and military confrontation the rostrum ofthe United Nations on behalfofPoland, imposed by the imperialist forces, which constitutes one of the founding Members of the Organization and the main cause of the arms race, tensions and threats an ever active participant in its activities, which are to world peace. so vitally important to the world. 9. The improvement of Soviet-American relations 3. I am happy, Mr. President, that this session is in recent years is of exceptional importance in easing taking place under the guidance of an outstanding and overcoming this global confrontation. We attach representative of Algeria, a country. to which Poland great importance to the agreements concluded between is linked by bonds of mutual solidarity, sympathy and these two great Powers, which serve to further the friendship. I wish to extend to you my congratulations overriding cause of all mankind: the prevention of on your election to a post of such eminence, and to all nuclear war and the consolidation of the process of participants in this session my best wishes for all detente. The Soviet-American dialogue exercises a success in dealing jointly with the important problems positive influence on the entire world situation and is on the Assembly's extensive agenda. conducive to a general improvement in international (Continued in Polish)* relations. Hence, we are gratified at the prospect of 4. I am addressing you in the year when the Polish further progress in that direction. That dialogue in no People's Republic is celebrating its thirtieth anniver­ sense limits but on the contrary creates more propi­ sary. Its emergence marked a major turning point in tious conditions for a constructive contribution by all the more than one-thousand-year-long history of the States,including medium-sized and small countries, Polish nation, and its present development and policies irrespective of their social system and level of eco­ stem from our nation's most significant experiences. nomic development, to the solution of the important It is from the standpoint of those experiences that problems facing various regions and the entire world. I wish to address myself to certain problems which 10. My present official visit to the United States is are the subject of the constant attention of the United one of the manifestations of the positive results of Nations. detente. I believe that the further development of 5. The pre-eminent objective of the United Nations, Polish-American relations, for which we are jointly an organization which came into being during the most opening up new opportunities, and the exchange of views we have had will serve to shape international * The English version of Mr. Gierek's statement was supplied relations successfully on the basis of peaceful coexis­ by the Polish delegation. tence and mutually advantageous co-operation. 625 A/PV.2264

------~------626 General Assembly-Twenty-nlnth Session-Plenary Meetings 11. We favour detente throughout the world. The Europe, which was initiated by the treaties concluded growing role ofthe non-aligned countries in the struggle between the socialist countries and the Federal Re­ for peace and international relations based on equal public of Germany, as well as by the Quadripartite rights is an important factor in the consolidation Agreement on West Berlin. of the positive processes in international life. 18. Europe, which in the past has been both the 12. The great significance of the process of detente source and the major theatre of both world wars, has also lies in the fact that it is helpful in containing and enjoyed peace for nearly 30years, thanks to the victory extinguishing local conflicts and in the effort to settle of the great anti-fascist coalition, the emergence of many critical problems in accordance with the prin­ the socialist community and the appearance of a new ciples ofthe sovereignty, territorial integrity and secu­ relationship of forces. The necessary conditions exist rity of nations. Poland favours precisely such a per­ today for maintaining in the future the present state manent settlement of the Middle East conflict, which of affairs in Europe. which is so vital to world peace. above all calls for completely eliminating the conse­ It is here that the shift froin "cold war" and "power quences of aggression and ensuring the Arab people politics" to normalization and detente has been of Palestine its legitimate rights, We are also in favour most pronounced. Universal recognition of the terri­ of a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus conflict, which torial and political realities which came into being as will restore that country's sovereignty, neutrality a consequence of the Second World War and of the and territorial integrity. We are convinced that this post-war development has been achieved. On this objective would be attained by convening a repre­ basis, mutual trust has grown and peaceful co-opera­ sentative international conference within the frame­ tion has developed more extensively. An awareness work of the United Nations. that there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence 13. We are hopeful that through the full implementa­ is taking ever stronger hold. tion of the Paris Agreements, the heroic, war-weary 19. Under those circumstances, the convening of Vietnamese nation will be able to live in peace and the Conference on Security and Co-operation in that peace will be restored throughout Indo-China. Europe, advocated by the socialist countries, became Poland, which has been involved in peaceful missions possible. As win be recalled, Poland first advanced in those regions, will do its best to continue to work the idea of such a conference in this Assembly a de­ in that direction. cade ago.' The great achievement of the Conference, which may well be able to terminate its deliberations 14. The cause of peace is inseparable from the cause within the next few months, will have been the adop­ of freedom. The Polish nation is well aware of that tion of the principles governing mutual relations among fact. In its striving for independence it has made the European States-a sui generis charter of their rights greatest of sacrifices. We have always linked our and duties. struggle for independence with that of other nations under the banner "For your freedom and ours". A 20. At a time when the Conference's activities are deep conviction of the indivisibility of the freedom drawing to a close and talks on troop and arms reduc­ of all nations and of its links with the revolutionary tions in Europe are under way at Vienna-talks which forces of progress stems from our experiences; hence will, we hope, also produce positive results-a per­ our solidarity with those nations. The issue which tinent question arises. What should be done next in today arouses the strongest protest by world public order that the process of consolidating European opinion is the brutal suppression of democratic free­ peace and security may continue and become irre­ dom in Chile. versible? 15. Decolonization, which is nearing completion, and 21. It is our conviction that the peaceful future of the struggle to put an end to all forms of neo-colonial Europe is linked to the construction of a system of domination, are of great, historic significance, as is the collective security. At stake is a system in which right of all nations to be represented in the United prohibition of the use of force would become the Nations. Accordingly, I wish to express our satisfac­ supreme law, a system which would provide for tion that new Members, the People's Republic of durable security guarantees to each country. An es­ Bangladesh, Guinea-Bissau and Grenada, have taken sential precondition for a joint programme for the their rightful place in the United Nations. future of Europe must always remain an awareness of the importance of the inviolability of frontiers 16. International detente also promotes the joint con­ and the territorial integrity of all States as well as sideration and solution of major world problems. We respect for the principle of non-intervention in their are in favour of that process becoming universal, internal affairs. Only in this way can the division into encompassing all regions and ensuring continued pro.. opposing political..military blocs be overcome. We gress in all key questions relating to the consolida.. also attach great importance to the creation of machin­ tion of peaceful international relations. ery for further consultation and common efforts 17. By virtue of its geographical location, true to its aimed at consolidating security and developing mu­ interests and convictions, and in concert with its so­ tually beneficial eo..operation in all fields. The all­ cialist allies, Poland is making its contribution to the European body which we hope will be established consolidation of detente, particularly in Europe. We by the Conference could become a forum for seeking are working towards that end through our participation common solutions to common problems. To this end, in the overall improvement of the situation on our Europe's existing regional organizations, including continent, through the all-round development of those of the United Nations system, could and should friendly relations with France, the Scandinavian coun.. also be properly utilized. ' tries and other States, and through our involvement 22. Bilateral, regional and subregional co-operation in the process of normalizing relations in Central also promotes favourable developments on the Euro- 2264th meeUng-l0 OctOber 1974 627 ded pean scene. We believe, for example, that the state achievements and experience in this field. We favour Re­ of relations thus far achieved by the Baltic States has broad co-operation among all countries in the training tite created conditions conducive to the transformation of of qualified personnel. that region into a zone of peace and friendly co-opera­ 27. At its recent sixth special session the General the tion. Owing to the process ofdetente, all the traditions Assembly drew attention to a series of urgent prob­ has of positive, peaceful relationships have come alive lems of international economic co-operation which ory and efforts are now being made for the joint solution ~ call for joint solutions. Such co-operation is ofcrucial of of problems relating to navigation, fishing, utiliza­ importance in eliminating the gaps between levels of iew tion of maritime resources and protection of the development and in consolidating peaceful world xist natural environment. On the basis of the progress relations, since it creates the material basis for those tate already achieved and in order to consolidate it, Poland relations. ice. plans to submit further proposals for governmental wer and public endeavours aimed at developing mutually 28. The growing utilization of the achievements of een advantageous, peaceful co-operation among the Baltic the scientific and technical revolution, combined with :rri­ countries. detente and the steady consolidation of the forces of progress in the world, offer an opportunity to create ~ as 23. The consolidation of security in Europe renders the a just international division of labour and to develop an important service to world security, for the creation the mechanisms needed to regulate international eco­ this of regional systems points the way to the construction era­ nomic relations. Our Governments and, to a large of universal security. Hence, we fully support Soviet extent, the United Nations must assume the historic less proposals calling for the creation of such a system in nee re sponsibility for making proper use of that oppor­ Asia and we shall support other endeavours with tunity. Are special regional interests, the interests similar aims in view. of more or less closed groups and inequality of access : of to the world market to continue to dominate the world? in 24. The halting of the arms race, full implementa­ ime tion of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Or should we not rather set out to build a new open Weapons [resolution 2373 (XXII), annex], and the world system which would ensure each participant Iced identical benefits? Poland, like the other socialist de­ elaboration ofagreements which would ban the use and production of such weapons and open the way to countries, has supported and will continue to work in lce, the latter direction. ions general and complete disarmament are measures lop­ inextricably linked to the consolidation of interna­ 29. The sovereign right of each nation to the re­ long tional security. 'Ihe steps that have been taken in these sources it possesses and the equality of all countries ghts vital areas in recent years have laid the groundwork are our fundamental assumptions. On the strength for the early convening of a World Disarmament of these elementary principles we favour a scheme Conference and for progress in the implementation of of world economic relations which will ensure the are other important proposals, such as the reduction of equitable, non-discriminatory flow ofthe raw materials Iuc­ military budgets, a ban on chemical weapons, and the and technology indispensable to development. hich elaboration ofa convention 011 the prohibition ofaction per­ to influence the environment and climate for military 30. The formulation of suitable principles in that .t in purposes, as proposed by the Soviet Union at the regard is, in my opinion, one of the major tasks facing lean current session [2240th meeting]. Poland will continue : the United Nations. It is of great importance to base irre- to make a constructive contribution to the realization international economic relations on long-range ties and of all those initiatives. the co-ordination of development plans. Such a step would provide more advantageous conditions for e of 25. The experience of our nation has shown that the [l of world trade and economic co-operation for the benefit natural rights of each country, in conditions of peace ofall countries, especially the developing ones. Poland hich and security, is the creation of favourable opportu­ will continue to contribute to the achievement of the nities for its development. Not so long ago, Poland such solutions. for was a country marked by socio-economic backward­ . es- ness, and the consequences. of that fact adversely 31. I have presented our views on certain issues the affected the nation's standard of living and its inter­ connected with the development of peaceful relations [less national standing as well. In a relatively short span among States. Let us continue to promote those rela­ tiers of time, our nation has tackled the unfinished work tions in a spirit of detente, co-operation and peace. .1 as of many centuries and carried out a basic reconstruc­ I should like to emphasize, however, that it is ofequal :heir tion of the country, which now ranks' as the world's importance to mould among nations and societies a into tenth largest industrial producer. At present, we are consciousness that reflects these lofty aims. That is We dynamically expanding the country's potential. the special duty of our generation, which has known hin­ the tragedy of war, hatred and destruction. It is our 'orts 26. The sources of this progress have been many. obligation to overcome prejudice, distrust, intolerance, mu- They include the transformations carried out by the chauvinism and racialism, to inculcate in the younger all­ socialist policy, fraternal co-operation with other generation a respect for other nations and a convic­ shed socialist countries, particularly the Soviet Union, and tion ofthe right ofall people to live in freedom, equality king the planned concentration of the nation's resources. and peace. These ideals, deeply ingrained in the tradi­ end, The most important factor is the nation's toil: the tions of freedom and progress of the Polish nation, ding liberation of its creative resources and the involve­ have in my country been transformed into the essential ould ment of minds, hands and hearts in a common cause. element in the system of education and upbringing in Also of great importance are human qualifications a socialist society. Let us make the cause of raising -the intensive training of,personnel capable offacing the younger generation to live in international peace uion the challenge of rapid, all-round development. We are and friendship one of our principal aims. Let us give uro- willing to share with the developing countries our practical expression to the deeply humanistic ideals 628 General Assembly-Twenty-nlnth Session-Plenary Meetings contained in the United Nations Charter. Let us in­ tions I wish to say a few words on the situation in the troduce them into the educational and training pro­ Middle East, in the Indian sub-continent and in Cyprus. grammes of all countries. Let us do everything pos­ 40. The October war last year changed the whole sible to make the remaining quarter of this century, picture of the Middle East. The establishment of the a century which has seen untold suffering brought United Nations Emergency Force last OCIGber at the upon mankind, an era of peaceful construction and height of the crisis, followed by agreements on disen­ of peace-oriented education. gagement offorces, marked the beginning ofa new era 32. The thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations in the tragic history of the Middle East pro..«: . will be universally celebrated next year. This Organ­ Thus, a glimmer of hope emerged on the horizon v~ ization was brought into being by nations which sought a political landscape which had remained sombre for peace, freedom and equality and by a desire for friendly such a long period of time. However, there is not coexistence and collaboration. Let us honour this much reason to be over-optimistic, and there can hardly anniversary with the greatest possible contribution be any doubt that unless the root causes of tension by our Organization to the construction of a world are removed, military conflicts may recur. in which the attainment ofthese goals will be ensured. 41. As I said in this Assembly last year, negotiations 33. Poland will continue to give its full support to among parties can only be undertaken if there is a the United Nations in the implementation of these reasonable guarantee of withdrawal by Israel from lofty ideals. occupied Arab territories and of implementation of all 34. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): the other provisions of Security Council resolution On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank 242 (1967), including recognition ofthe legitimate rights His Excellency the First Secretary ofthe Central Com­ of the Palestinian people.! I do not intend to stress the mittee of the Polish United Workers' Party for the serious potential consequences of the intransigent important statement he has just made. policies pursued by Israel, nor do I need to emphasize the adverse effects of such policies on the sorely needed trust which must be painstakingly built between the parties involved in the Middle East tragedy. AGENDA ITEM 9 42. As was demonstrated by the war last October, General debate (continued) the physical security of Israel can by no means be guaranteed by the occupation of Arab lands, and the 35. Mr. KHALATBARI (Iran) (interpretation from only viable alternative continues to be the implementa­ French): Mr. President, I wish at the outset to con­ tion of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), which gratulate you most sincerely on your unanimous provides the best practical framework for the realiza­ election to the presidency of the present session of tion of a just and lasting peace. the General Assembly. We recognize your numerous 43. Peace and security in the Indian sub-continent qualities, ' oth as a diplomat and as a statesman, and is one ofthe essential elements of my country's foreign we are certain that you will conduct our work here policy, and in order to preserve it we shall continue with distinction and success. Your election is not only to seek the friendship and co-operation of all parties a recognition of your persc--al qualities but also a concerned. In this connexion I should like to express homage to your country, to the Arab nations and to the the satisfaction of my Government over the develop­ great continent of Africa where a great step towards ments in the sub-continent, culminating in the recent decolonization has been made, Which we hope will be agreement which will open the channels ofcommunica­ a decisive one. tion among the countries concerned and pave the way 36. Another reason to rejoice is the admission of for the resumption offull diplomatic relations between three new Member States, to the representatives of Pakistan and India. It is hoped that further efforts which I should like to extend a welcome in the name will be made to settle outstanding problems between of my country and of my delegation. We are con­ the parties concerned through peaceful means. vinced that the contribution of Bangladesh, Guinea­ Bissau, and Grenada will be most fruitful for the Organ­ 44. Regarding the 'implementation of the Declaration ization in its strides towards achieving universality. of the Indian Ocean as a Zone ef Peace, which is item 31 on the agenda, I should like to make a brief 37. I should also like to express our thanks to His reference to a statement made by His Imperial Majesty Excellency Mr. Leopoldo Benites for the admirable to the countries of the Indian Ocean for the purpose way in which he presided over the twenty-eighth ofstudying and establishing extensive t~es ofeconomic session and the sixth special session of the General co-operation between the countries bordering on that Assembly. ocean. Such co-operation is bound to assist the efforts 38.· Finally, to our Secretary-General I wish to renew that have been undertaken here in the United Nations our su.pport and the expression of our confidence. for that same purpose. I would also add that we are maintaining friendly relations that are constantly 39. Significant events have happened in the period growing with all the other nations of the subcontinent since the preceding session of the General Assembly, as well as with adjacent countries. In this connexion some of which have changed the world scene beyond I wish to emphasize the excellent state ofour brotherly recognition. At this late stage of the general debate, relations with Afghanistan. however, I do not wish to comment upon all, or even most, of these developments. I shall dwell only upon 45. In Cyprus, we were most concerned when the the global economic situation and the question of the military coup took place, and we immediately said establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the that the status of Cyprus as an independent and sov­ Middle East. But, before reviewing these two ques- ereign State, based upon international agreements, 2264th meetlng-IO O«:tober 1974 629 In in the should be safeguarded as should the rights of the immediately, the world could be heading towards Cyprus. Turkish community on the island. While the reasons disaster. There have even been implied threats that e whole which prompted the turkish military action in Cyprus the flow of foodstuffs to the oil-producing nations It of the are understandable, we are convinced that in the long might be cut off. run the problem can only be solved through negotia­ ~r at the 50. Such assertions might impress the uninitiated n disen­ tions among the countries and communities concerned layman, but they fail to convince the sober, worldly­ new era on the basis of the independence of Cyprus and the wise observer. Indeed, in the course of the present observance of the legitimate rights of both the Turkish debate, two heads of State and many foreign ministers, rizon Vl and Greek communities. The Government of Iran including representatives of some non-oil-producing nbre for hopes that the problem will be solved as soon as nations, have already rebutted those assertions and possible because, apart from the political problem, the e is not have dealt with the subject in a most convincing n hardly fate of more than 200,000 refugees is at stake. fashion. Nevertheless, considering the fact that Iran tension 46. The plight of refugees is not unfamiliar to us. is a major oil-producing country, I consider it my duty Indeed, we are at present confronted with such a prob­ to set the record straight. lem ourselves. About 100,000 Iraqi-Kurdish refugees 51. It is often said that the plight of the world eco­ niations -all of them women, the elderly and children-have ere is a nomy and inflation were by-products of the rise in the flooded into Iran as a result of calamitous and heart­ price of oil. The fact is, however, that the rate of infla­ iel from rending bombings. The Government ofIran has already on of all tion began to escalate and to assume astronomical allocated more than $100 million for the care of these solution proportions some few years zgo, thereby eroding the refugees. But it is evident that money, food and housing purchasing power of the oil-producing countries. te rights alone cannot alleviate all their sufferings. .ress the Each year the producers of raw materials have had ansigent 47. It was not my intention to speak here today ofthe to give more of their products to import the same, if iphasize relations between my country and Iraq. Indeed, fol­ not a lesser, amount of machinery and manufactured ~ sorely lowing upon the talks between the delegations of the goods from the industrialized countries-a process between two countries at Istanbul last August, it was agreed that, as we have stated time and again in the past, has Iy. that I should meet my Iraqi opposite number here in led to a systematic impoverishment of the developing October so as to enter into discussions with him, and nations, while at the same time the industrially de­ )ctober, I felt that, in accordance with the very spirit of a veloped natlons have proceeded to enrich themselves eans be bilateral agreement reflected in Security Council re­ further. and the solution 348 (1974) for the "creation of a favourable ementa­ 52. At the same time, despite assertions to the con­ atmosphere" that would encourage these talks, we trary, the higher oil prices have had little inflationary ), which should abstain from repeating what all Members of realiza- impact; for according to the statistics-and I am not our Organization are already familiar with, particularly referring to ourown statistics, but rather to those made through the letters addressed by our permanent rep­ available by experts of the industrialized countries ontinent resentative to the President of the Security Council. themselves-imported oil accounts for as little as sforeign 48. I note once again that, to my great surprise, at 0.45 percentofthe rate ofinflation in theUnited States, continue the very time when the talks are to be resumed, the and only about 1.5 per cent of the current inflationary I parties representative of Iraq [2262nd meeting] has once again trend in the Western European countries, while in express launched groundless accusations in the United Na­ all those countries the general price rise approximates develop­ tions. This strange conduct has been repeated over an average of 12 per cent. In other words, the disorder e recent the years, and is all too familiar. Our wish, neverthe­ in the world economy and in monetary markets pre­ munica­ less, as we have indicated on a number of occasions, ceded the oil price rise and was due mainly to misma­ the way is to settle our differences peacefully and on the basis nagement of the economy in the European States and between of the United Nations Charter and the recognized in America, as well as to excessive consumption in r efforts principles of international law and international the more advanced countries. between practice. Of course, I could take up, point by point 53. The reasons that prompted the oil-producing here, all the allegations of the Minister for Foreign countries to raise the price oftheir product were, how­ elaration Affairs of Iraq and reply to 'them, but since no new ever, manifold. vhich is point has been raised, the refutation of those ground­ e a brief less accusations can be found in the many letters ad­ 54. First of all, in a competitive market the price of Majesty dressed to the Secretary-General and to the Security any commodity should be comparable to the price of purpose Council, distributed as official Council documents. its closest substitute, which in the case ofoil must take conomic Moreover, our position in this respect has been stated into account the cost of obtaining energy from other : on that on numerous occasions from this rostrum, and I shall sources, such as coal, shale oil and atomic energy. e efforts therefore not dwell on these matters. Nevertheless, Similarly, the price should reflect what is termed the Nations I am prepared, if necessary, to provide all the neces­ "opportunity cost" of the commodity. Thus the price t we are sary clarifications that may be called for, should it be ofcrude oil used as a source offuel should correspond Instantly the intention of the head of the Iraqi delegation to to its alternative value when used as a base for pet­ ontinent enter into further controversy. rochemicals. mnexion 49. Before dealing with the world economic situa­ 55. Secondly, the components of the selling prices irotherly tion, I should like to clarify one point. Voices have in the major importing nations were in no way equit­ been heard in recent weeks trying to relate the present able to the oil-exporting countries: for every dollar /hen the economic disorder to the increase in the price of oil. paid by the consumer for oil, only nine cents reached :ely said There has been talk about artificially rigged, distorted, the producer, and the rest went mainly to the oil com­ and sov­ exorbitant and outrageous prices. According to their panies in the form of profits, and to the Governments sernents. ominous prophecies, unless these prices are lowered of oil-importing countries in the form of taxation. !.

630 General Assembly-Twenty-nlnth Session-Plenary Meetings 56. Thirdly, it must be recognized that oil is a non­ adopted by the special session, we cannot deny that contributioas renewable commodity, and therefore the Govern­ that session was a turning-point in the economic ance relative ments of oil-producing nations have a duty to their environment of our world, and, more particularly, the contribu peoples and to future generations not only to take in relations between the industrialized and the de­ history of de measures to conserve this highly valuable asset, but veloping countries. More vividly than ever, they 66. Further also to trade it on optimum terms. have brought out in bold relief the new reality of the with UNDP 57. Fourthly, for nearly a quarter of a century, the condition ofinterdependence prevailing among nations the assistance uninterrupted supply of cheap oil from the developing regardless of whether they belong to the'developed countries tlu countries served as the main factor enabling the in­ or developing regions of the world. has become a dustrialized countries to raise their production levels, 61. It has also been conclusively demonstrated that substantial e expand their exports, improve their balance of pay­ the time when certain industrialized countries ruled to the devek ments and, accumulate excessively large foreign and were able to take decisions that committed the it has never exchange reserves, as well as save their own solid fuel whole world belongs to the past. Instead, a new era of $20 milli resources. It therefore follows that in the period in has dawned in which it is, clear that the seemingly operations. question there was a net transfer of resources from overwhelming problems of the world can be tackled 67. It was a the developing countries to the developed countries. adequately .only within the framework of relations imposed upc based on co-operation and equality among sovereign 58. Throughout that period, the multinational oil risingprices I companies controlled the flow of supply-and there­ States. goods, and fore the demand-and fixed the price of. oil at their 62. That is the kind of potential transformation in the bridging the own discretion, unilaterally. Their price policy bore international economic situation to which my august effecting, for no relation to the true value of petroleum: it was a Sovereign was' referring in his message of 5 April, that, on 22 deliberate policy of the rich countries of the world, 1974 to the General Assembly on the opening of the proposed the designed to keep energy prices below their true value. sixth special session when he said: ment fund v Thus, for example, the posted price of Iranian crude " ... Nothing better reflects the spirit of our time urgent need oil was fixed by the oil companies at $US 2.17in 1947. than the fact that this special session, unlike pre­ countries. Thirteen years later, the posted price had dropped vious ones, emanates not from war and conflict to $US 1.79, and remained the same throughout 68. That sp among nations but comes out of a growing recogni­ with an inith the 1960s. At the same time, the developing countries tion of interdependence among them.... had to import their requirements from industrial coun­ lion to be fin tries at ever-rising prices. Between 1947 and 1973 the "The time has now come to make a beginning as the indust price of28commodities, excluding crude oil, increased towards a more rationalized world economy. This tive, fair anc by an average of more than 350per cent. The increasing means, among other things, that the raw materials administered consumption of low-cost petroleum combined with its in the hands of the developing nations should main­ oil-exporting declining price in industrialized nations contributed tain constant and real value in relation to the prices tries would b greatly to the widening of the gap between the rich of goods imported from the industrialized market. vote basis. T and the poor countries-that is, the developed coun­ Trade must be made an instrument of progress for nism would tries advanced at a rapid rate at the expense of the all while recognizing that the prosperity of the poor multilateral ~ oil-producing.countries. However, those countries that need not diminish the affluence of the rich." 3 69. Yet the had become rich at our expense never paid any atten­ 63. However, the economic imbalance persisting in lishment of 1 tion to the tragic problems ofthe developing countries relations between developing and developed countries so far. HoV! and did not even consent to allocate 1per cent of their is so serious and the process that continues to widen international gross national product to the development of the the gap between them seemingly so inexorable that faith been fo . under-developed countries. action can no longer be confined, as in the past, to on a bilatera 59. As regards Irar ~ have constantly taken into corrective or ad hoc measures. If we are to succeed, the lines I fu account the problems ictcing the developing countries, we shall have to make a concerted effort to carry out 70. In any and as soon as readjustment of the price of oil became a major reviewof the concepts and practices underlying nobly conce a reality we started giving bilateral as well as multi­ the international economic system. Real structural by now assur lateral aid to developing and developed countries changes will have to be instituted if we are to evolve a tion of the F alike-a matter to which I shall refer later. We are new economic order' based on equity, sovereign has been ass also aware that recycling is necessary and have there­ equality, interdependence, common interest and co­ of the Gener fore begun negotiations to that effect. But that can operation among all States. And in this context it is international be done only through reasoned deliberation and to be hoped that the industrialized countries of the world willnot failto take advantage of the opportunities next year pr mutual discussion. Accusations or threats against the haps by ther oil producers do not solve anything. The sixth special which now exist for co-operating with others in finding the adoption session of the General Assembly had the merit of suitable solutions. tion on the seeing the problem from the right .angle and devoting 64. For its part, Iran remains fully aware of the Economic 0 itself to examining and recommending practical solu­ need to co-operate with other countries, especially be less categ tions to the problemof raw materials and development. the developing ones. I shall not attempt here to give a detailed picture of my Government's wide-ranging 71. Wheres 60. In the main, what emerged from the sixth special efforts in this respect, but it perhaps bears repeating in the field (J session of the General Assembly was a Declaration that the total amount of Iran's bilateral and multi­ dismal aspe on the Establishment ofa New InternationalEconomic lateral commitments to other countries has already nevertheless Order and a Programme of Action [resolutions 3201 reached $9,000 million. ' the Commit (S-VI) and 3202 (S-Vl)].' Those decisions constitute an expansioi historic landmarks in the evolutionary process of the 65. Measured by any yardstick-be it gross national Committee (J international economic system. Whatever short­ product, per capita income, oil revenue, size of'popula­ finally conve comings might be evident in the two documents tionor any other criterion-that amount heads all .however, be

-_. 2264th meetlng-IO October 1974 631 632 contributions. Indeed, the total amount ofour assist­ ament no significant progress has been achieved with ance relative to our gross national product exceeds regard to substantive matters. A wi the contribution of any other country in the whole 72. As I pointed out in this same forum last y~ar,,it history of development assistance. . is our view that a disarmament programme should be 77. 66. Furthermore, negotiations have been in progress devised which will continue to maintain a constant ab th with UNDP with a view to increasing and diversifying link between the partial measures and the ultimate the assistance which Iran is supplying to the developing goal of general and complete disarmament under th to countries through that body, to which our country effective international control.4 In the absence ofsuch a programme, and until the goal of general andcom­ se has become a net contributor. Although Iran has made m substantial emergency and development aid available plete disarmament is achieved--especially when we in to the developing countries during the current year, see that the world has made no progress towards peace and ,stability and that the United Nations has nu it has nevertheless decided to make a contribution dl of million to the United Nations emergency never been weaker---countries cannot fail to look $20 ha operations. after their own defence, requirements. co 67. It was also with a view to alleviating the burden 73. We all know that meetings take place for the sake imposed upon developing countries because of. the of discussion and, once in a while, recommendations rising prices offoodstuffs, raw materials and industrial are made or decisions are taken, but we do not wit­ goods, and in order to take a major step towards ness their implementation--especially when they are bridging the gap between the rich and poor nations by concerned with the maintenance of peace and secu­ effecting, for the first time, a real transfer ofresources, rity ..Nevertheless, efforts aimed at the achievement that, on 22 February 1974, His Imperial Majesty of the goal of general and complete'disarmament proposed the establishment of a new special develop­ must continue to be pursued, and I can say that, as far ment fund which would be fully responsive to the as Iran is concerned, we have not failed to do our part urgent needs and requirements of the developing in a constructive spirit. We have felt that, in this con­ 7 countries. nexion, there appears to be no justifiable reason for p the lack of adequate and effective negotiations,es­ in 68. That special development fund would be set up pecially on the question of the cessation'of allnu­ o with an initial capital of $2,000 million to $3,()()(l mil­ clear weapons tests and the prohibition of chemical a lion to be financed jointly by the oil-exporting as well weapons, which the UnitedNations General Assembly s as the industrialized countries. To guarantee an objec­ has repeatedly requested to be dealt with as matters F tive, fair and impartial approach, the fund was to be of "first" or "high" priority. b administered by a governing body in which all the 74. While I am on the subject ofdisarmament, I wish s oil-exporting, industrialized and aid-receiving coun­ d tries would be equally represented on a one-man, one­ to express my disappointment at the lack of progress with regard to' the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation n vote basis. The establishment of such a voting mecha­ t nism would give a new content to the concept of of Nuclear Weapons which has not been as thorough multilateral assistance. or wide-ranging as expected. The world of today is 7 precariously poised on the threshold of a newage p 69. Yet the results of our efforts towards the estab­ in which countries will increasingly move from the use e lishment of the fund have not been very encouraging. of the more traditional sources of energy to that of t so far. However, undeterred by the results of its nuclear energy. A:' host of forces-social, economic, e international efforts, Iran has eagerly and in all good demographic' and" technical-have converged and e faith been following its own programme of assistance conspired to give rise to this impending revolution in on a bilateral as well as on a multilateral basis along the field ofnuclear technology. In a world, then, where the lines I have already outlined above. the uses ofatomic energy are about to be proliferated, 70. In any 'case, the continuation of the work so it becomes all the more imperative that the existing nobly conceived during the sixth special session is international framework for the non-proliferation of by now assured. The over-all review ofthe implementa­ nuclear weapons should be strengthened. tion of the Programme of Action adopted last spring 75. As a result, 'while by no means abandoning a has been assigned to the forthcoming special session global approach with regard to the non-proliferation r of the General Assembly devoted to development and of nuclear weapons, the world has become more ( international economic co-operation, which is to meet acutely aware of the pressing need for collateral meas­ f next year prior to the thirtieth regular session. Per­ ures in dealing with the problem on a partial or regional haps by then some ofthe reservations which marked basis. Thus, the continent of Africa was the subject the adoption of the consensus regarding the Declara­ of General Assembly resolution 1652 (XVI) of 24 No­ tion on the Establishment of a New International vember 1961 in which Member States were called upon Economic Order and of the Programme of Action will to refrain from testing, storing, or transporting nu­ be less categorical. clear weapons in Africa and to consider and respect 71. Whereas the lack of any appreciable progress the continent as a denuclearized zone. Subsequently, in the field of disarmament has been among the more by its resolution 2033 (XX) of 3 December 1965, the dismal aspects of recent international life, we are, General Assembly endorsed the Declaration on the nevertheless, pleased to note that the Conference of denuclearization of Africa issued by the Assembly of the Committee on Disarmament has recommended Heads of State and Government of the Organization an expansion of its membership, and that the Ad Hoc: of African Unity in July 1964. Committee on the World Disarmament Conference has 76, Furthermore, the outstanding success, to date, of finally convened and has completed its work. It must, the Treaty of Tlatelolco.! .which entered into force .however, be recognized.that in the field of disarm- in 1969, and which prohibits nuclear weapons in Latin 632 General Assembly-Twenty-nlnth SeSllem-Plenary Meetings United Na America, has blazed a trail which others might follow the limits ofthe denuclearized zone and ofan adequate with equal profit. safeguard system, will have to be settled. GENE 77. It is considerations such as those I have Cited st. My Government wishes to avail itself of this above that prompted my august Sovereign to propose opportunity to express its deep appreciation to the AS SE the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Egyptian Government for its valuable support in eo­ .. ,. TWENTY-NI the Middle East a few years ago and to send a message sponsoring our proposal, and to all other countries to this effect to the opening of this session of the As­ that have expressed their support. The urgency of the Official Bee sembly. Inspired by His Imperial Majesty's proposal, situation and the complexity of the road to be travelled my Government has, as you know, requested the summon us all to engage purposefully in an early inclusion of an item entitled, "Establishment of a effort to foster the establishment ofa nuclear-weapon­ nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Mid­ free zone in the region of the Middle East in as expe­ dle East", in the agenda of the current session. As we ditious a manner as possible. Agenda item General deb have indicated in our explanatory memorandum ac­ 82. By taking the necessary action, the General As­ companying this request: Speech b sembly will clearly demonstrate its concern about Speech b "While prospects for implementation of an all­ this matter, which is of such vital importance to the Speech b encompassing denuclearization scheme in the region peace and security not only of our region, but of the Speech b of the Middle East appear now to be more pro­ entire world. Indeed, it will represent the taking of mising, greater access by States to nuclear tech­ a historic step towards a more secure and a happier Preside nology has rendered the danger of nuclear weap­ future for us all. on proliferation and a concomitant collapse of the 83. To cope with the complex problems of today, non-proliferation structure, a more acute problem" . anachronistic concepts and methods must give way to [See A/9693] '''.', approaches based on new realities in the world, a 78. It should be readily apparent to any thoughtful world in which no country or group of countries can person that, given the political conditions prevailing alone provide leadership or can dictate their terms. in the region, if nuclear weapons were developed Such problems can only be dealt with through a spirit or acquired by any country, the other countries in that of mutual accommodation, dialogue and co-operation. area would be rapidly overwhelmed by a ruinous, 84. Peace for the world and prosperity for our peo­ senseless and potentially disastrous nuclear arms race. ples are goals we all seek to achieve. To this end, we 1. Mr. HI Furthermore, the astronomical costs involved in who have always acted in accordance with the prin­ who have .building an inventory of such weapons of mass de­ ciples of the Charter, are prepared to engage in a ably expre. struction and in elaborating a viable system for their dialogue to find a rational basis for the solution of the unanimous delivery, would divert resources which are urgently existing problems in a manner which would safeguard session of needed if the socio-economic aspirations ofthese coun­ the interests of all concerned without prejudice to our theless, to tries are to be adequately realized. legitimate rights under the Charter. tions of Hi 79. It is our intense sensitivity to the monstrous ment and t The meeting rose at 1.05 p.m, problems that would be created if nuclear arms were 2. Your d ever to invade the region of the Middle East and to country, the great challenge facing all of us to prevent such an experience eventuality from occurring, which makes my Gov­ eminently ernment fervently hope that the General Assembly, erations 0 during the current session, will' commend this pro­ first time posal to the attention of the States of the region and NOTES your count make a recommendation to those States as soon as a very imp possible to achieve this objective ami report back to , See Official Records ofthe Genrral Assembly, Nineteenth Ses­ the General Assembly. sion, Plenary Meetings. 130lst meeting. para. 66. 3. My del 80. Of course, many problems and complexities 2 lbld., Twenty-eighth Session, Plenary Meetings. 2127th meeting. of this Ass para. 179. ceed and c need to be faced and overcome as we move from the ~ A/954S. realm of aspiration to that of implementation at the that lie in tl .. See 01);('/111 Records 'of tire Genera! Assembl», Twenty-eiglul: national u operational level. Among others, the question of de­ Session. Plentlry Mt'etings. 2127th meetina. para. 175. fining the geographical concept of the Middle East, ~ United Nations. Trl?tlly Series, vol. 634. No. 9068. p, 326. . 4. The 0 ident, wer predecesso Ecuador, 5. The m rity, by e through t aims of t warmly w Banglades of free and three new tion, is a of dubious body.