2428Th GENERAL PLENARY MEETING ASSEMBLY Thursday, 4 December /975, at 3.40 P.M

United Nations 2428th GENERAL PLENARY MEETING ASSEMBLY Thursday, 4 December /975, at 3.40 p.m. 7HlR7 IE7 H SESSION

Official Records NEW YORK 6. The ties between the Netherlands and Surinam date back to the seventeenth century. Without dwelling too long on the past, I might recall that the territory Agenda item 22: of Surinam was taken from the British by a Dutch Admission of new Members to the United Nations/m/l­ fleet in 1667. Dutch sovereignty was confirmed by duded): the peace treaty of Breda of 1667 between England (h) Other reports of the Security Council...... 1131 and Holland. The same treaty legitimized the British President: Mr. Gaston THORN hold on Nieuw Amsterdam, later named New York. . (Luxembourg). 7. The relationship between Surinam and the Neth­ erlands as that of a colony with its metropolitan coun­ try came to a definitive end more than twenty years ago with the adoption of the Charter for the Kingdom AGENDA ITEM 22 of the Netherlands. That Charter entered into force on 15 December 1954, and gave full autonomy and Admission of new Members to the United Nations equal partnership to the three parts of the Kingdom: (concluded): * the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles, and (b) Other reports of the Security Council Surinam. The termination of the colonial relationship was re~ognized by the General Assembly at its tenth I. The PRESIDENT (illterpretation from French): session when, on 15 December 1955, by its resolution The General Assembly will continue consideration of 945 (X) it expressed the opinion that the cessation of agenda item 22. In document A/I0413 the Security the transmission of information under Article 73 (e) Council recommends the admission of Surinam to of the Charter was appropriate. During that session membership in the United Nations. A draft resolution, of the General Assembly the Netherlands delegation in document A/L.781/Rev.1 and Add.I, has been cir­ declared that each of the partners of the Kingdom culated. would be entirely free to leave the constitutional framework of the Kingdom, if and when it should so 2. May I take it that the Assembly accepts the recom­ wish. mendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/L781/Rev.1 and Add.l? 8. It was, therefore, fully consistent with this policy The draji resolution was adopted (resolution 34/3 that the Netherlands Government wholeheartedly and (XXX)). fully co-operated with the Government of Surinam, when it recently expressed its desire to dissolve 3. The PRESIDENT (illterpretation jhnll French): Surinam's ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I declare Surinam admitted to membership in the I am happy to state that the consultations between the United Nations. two Governments that preceded Surinam's full inde­ The dele!fatioll ofSul'inam was escorted to its pla('(' pendence took place in an atmosphere of traditional ill the General Assembly hall. friendship, genuine understanding, and wiIlingness to reach mutually acceptable solutions on all points 4. The PRESIDENT (illterpretatioll jhnl1 Frellch): ~~hat were subjects of discussion. On behalf of the General Assembly, it is an honour and a pleasure for me to offer sincere congratulations 9. It will be evident from what I said before that to the delegation of Surinam and to welcome it to the the Netherlands welcomes Surinam as a newly-inde­ United Nations. pendent and sovereign State. The Government of the Netherlands is pleased to have been able to take the 5. Mr. KOOIJMANS (Netherlands): On behalfofthe initiative in submitting the resolution which has just Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I am been adopted unanimously. In this connection, I should honoured and privileged to have the opportunity of like to express my Government's appreciation to the being the first to congratulate from this rostrum the sponsors of that resolution and to all those States Republic of Surinam on its admission to the United which during the general debate in this thirtieth session Nations and to welcome in this hall the delegation desired to welcome Surinam as a new meClber of the of Surinam headed by Prime Minister Henck Arron. world community. It is fitting that the Netherlands representative should be the first speaker on this happy occasion, since until 10. Surinam has been an autonomous and self­ the day of its independence, 25 November 1975, governing country for more than 20 years. Diplomats Surinam was united with the Netherlands and the of Surinam, furthermore, have, as members of the Netherlands Antilles in the Kingdom of the Neth­ Netherlands foreign service, made a valuable contribu­ erlands. tion to the diplomacy of the Kingdom of the Nether­ lands. For example, representatives of Surinam have been members of the Netherlands delegation to the * Resumed from the 2402nd meetlllg. United Nations ever since 1948. As another example

1131 A/PV.2428 1132 General Assembly-Thirtieth Session-Plenary Meetings of Surinam's involvement in international affairs, decision of an entity in tutelage to undertake the 27. I wish to recall its participation in the work ofthe Third direct assumption of plenipotentiary responsibility I n United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. and to don the mantle of sovereignty in the congrega­ Pak 11. The Netherlands Government is fully confident tion of equals. beh that a close bond with Surinam will be maintained. 17. Nothing is more gratifying than to witness a 28. The two nations possess a common language. and people which has recaptured its nationhood proclaim imp a continuing far-ranging co-operation in the economic from the tribune of the peoples of the community of nes and technological fields has been provided for. Thus nations that it is willing and able to assume the obliga­ SafJ a new relationship does not mean the rupture of an tions and responsibilities of a State Member of the Co old friendship. This is also underlined by the fact that United Nations. consistent with Article 4 of the now Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands was repre­ Charter. tod sented at the independence celebrations by her eldest 18. The delegations I represent today rejoice with the 29. daughter. Crown Princess Beatrix. and her husband. people of Surinam in this their finest hour of glory. Org Prince Claus. As far as relations between Surinam And our jubilation will subside only when every the and Western Europe are concerned. there will remain Territory on the continent of Latin America and the den a strong connexion through the continuation of Suri­ region can proclaim its freedom within secure and achi nam's association with the European Economic Com­ recognized boundaries and the sanctity of territorial yet munity in a new context. integrity. stru 12. Surinam has now entered the United Nations. 19. I am happy to observe that the Kingdom of the the It will be able to participate in the work of the Organ­ Netherlands. which shares a common language with that ization as a Member State in its own right. as a member the Republic of Surinam. will continue its far-ranging peo ofthe group ofLatin American States, and as a member co-operation with the Government and people of nati of the large group of developing nations. Once more, Surinam in the economic and technological fields. mat on behalf of my Government and of the Netherlands Thus the new relationship between those two States the delegation, I extend a warm welcome to Surinam. will be both dignified and rewarding. The Government ofp an a 13. The PRESIDENT (ill1erpretation ji"O/lI French): of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is to be congrat­ I now call on Mr. Waldron-Ramsey of Barbados, ulated further on the quality of the good stewardship 30. who will address the Assembly on behalfof the Group which it has maintained throughout the colonial the of Latin American States. experience ofSurinam. The Government ofthe Nether­ nece lands has always respected the right to self-determi­ has 14. Mr. WALJRON-RAMSEY (Barbados): I have nation of the people of Surinam. in S come to this podium to salute the Government and the gallant people of the Republic of Surinam upon 20. Prime Minister Arron. on his part. is to be ap­ 31. their accession to complete independence and their plauded for the peaceful and successful termination ther admission to membership of the United Nations. of the colonial status of Surinam and his triumphant we Mr. President, in the name of the delegations of the march into this assembly of sovereign States today. side Latin American States, I beg your leave to congratulate 21. The Latin American States welcome Surinam and the delegation of Surinam, led by its Prime Minister. to our midst as a gallant sister-State. and extend the the Mr. Henck Arron. hand offriendship and full co-operation to the Govern­ 32. ment and people of the Republic of Surinam. look 15. The Republic of Surinam is a sister republic peo located on the continent of South America. Its people, 22. The PRESIDENT (ill1erpretation ji'ol1l French): in ot history and culture reflect the richness of the diversity I now call on Mr. Essonghe, the representative of the and vitality of the nation and of the continent itself. Gabon, who will address the Assembly on behalf of cons But there has always been another geo-political and the Group of African States. nom social dimension to the Republic of Surinam. for othe Surinam has always kept open a window of spiritual 23. Mr. ESSONGHE (Gabon) (interpretation ji"Oll1 French): It is with deep' satisfaction that, on behalf just contact and communication on the panorama of that Caribbean experience. And, indeed, that factor has of the Group of African States, I welcome the entry of the Republic of Surinam into the great universal stre helped to forge a special link between Surinam and of it those of its neighbours which make up the Caribbean family. community. And, further afield, a community of inter­ 24. I congratulate the Netherlands. which, with 33. ests has always sufficed to provide an intimate fraternal intelligence and generosity. has led Surinam to inde­ And bond amongst the States of the whole region. pendence. It is my hope that the Netherlands will Eur Rom 16. The Netherlands Government had exercised fulfill its moral obligations by assisting Surinam as it a benign imperium over Surinam since 1667; but since takes its first steps in independent life. 34. a so 1954, the Government of Surinam, in its turn, has 25. A country 142.822 square kilometres in area, enjoyed full internal self-government, while it remained occa with 400,000 inhabitants, the world's third-ranking the a full and integral part of the constitutional Kingdom producer of bauxite, Surinam is a country possessing of the Netherlands. Today the cortstitutional nexus its all the qualifications for statehood as it comes onto to a which joined these two political entities together is the international scene. now formally broken, and the Republic of Surinam ofth stands here today in this Assembly in the resplendent 26. On this solemn historic and memorable day, when 35. majesty of a sovereign State. And we, members of the heart ofthe people ofSurinam beats with happiness, inde this Assembly, rightly pay homage to this exercise the group of African States, that is to say, Africa, uswi offreedom by the Government and people of Surinam; wishes it every success as it sets out on its road of will for nothing is more deserving of respect than the independence. the c 24281h meeling-4 December 1975 1133 27. The PRESIDENT (il/terpretl/tioll./i"oll/ Frel/ch): activity of the Organization while at the same time. in I now call on Mr. Akhund. the representative of its turn. reaping the fruits of that co-operation. Pakistan. who will address the General Assembly on 36. The presence of Surinam in our midst. as it joins behalf of the Group of Asian States. the five other States that have recently achieved inde- 28. Mr. AKHUND United States. to speak as ship in this world body. Contrary to any pessimistic the representative of the host country. views about the United Nations. its viability and its effectiveness. the sharp increase in the membership 58. Ms. BAILEY (United States of America): Just of States in this Organization is an indication of the as we warmly supported Surinam's candidacy in the fate of the peoples of the world in the United Nations. Security Council. the United States has co-sponsored whole-heartedly the resolution on the admission of 49. Today. with the admission of the friendly State Surinam to membership in the United Nations. We of the Republic of Surinam. the United Nations is extend our enthusiastic greetings to Surinam as the coming ever closer to its goal of universal representa­ newest member of the United Nations. tion of all peoples-large and small. It is a happy 59. As host country representative. my delegation occasion to see the people of Surinam attain its inde­ extends a warm welcome to Surinam's representatives pendence and sovereignty in an orderly and smooth at this Headquarters. My delegation otTers a partic­ manner. We trust that other Territories and peoples ularly cordial welcome and greeting to Prime Minister still under colonial rule will be able to attain indepen­ Arron and Mrs. Arron. and the others members of the dence and enjoy membership in the United Nations. Surinam delegation who have come to the United 50. I should like once again to welcome the delegation Nations on this historic occasion. It is the sincere of Surinam and wish its friendly people progress and hope ofmy delegation that this day marks the beginning prosperity. ofeven closer and friendlier ties between the Govern­ ment of the United States and the Government of 51. The PRESIDENT (interpretation ji'om French): Surinam as we engage in a common etTort to realize I call on the representative of Uganda. Mr. Kinene. the goals of the Charter of the United Nations. to speak on behalf of the Organization of African Unity. 60. Surinam's achievement of independence is a tribute to the dedication and capacity of its elected 52. Mr. KINENE (Uganda): Once again. and in less leaders and their ·commitment to the well-being of than one month. we are gathered here to welcome their peoples. It is also a tribute to the progressive yet another fully-fledged Member of our Organ­ policies of the Government of the Kingdom of the ization-the Republic of Surinam. Netherlands. 53. This is indeed a very happy occasion which 61. The United States and Surinam have historical once again confirms that the days of colonialism are links which go back to the early colonial days of the numbered. It also once more confirms the inalienable Western Hemisphere. In fact. in 1667 the colonies right of all peoples-large or small-to self-determina­ of Surinam and Nieuw Amsterdam. as New York tion and independence. We are quite, sure that those 70. was called at the time. were exchanged by the then tio peoples still under colonial rule will defeat their metropolitan Powers. The United States Consulate enemies and also join us here as Members of the he in Surinam. established in 1790. was elevated to an shi United Nations. embassy on 25 November 1975. when Surinam became Un an independent nation. 54. It is with this in mind that I have the great pleasure 71. Surinam's diverse and capable population. its rich and honour. on behalfof my President and the current 62. tha natural resources and varied agricultural production. Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. me along with a commitmer'lt to liberal trade policies. AI Hadji Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada. his Govern- sio 2428th meeting-4 December 1975 1135 provide the basis for continued economic development. 72. It is also a model ofits kind to be able to note that The new Republic's long history of democratic tradi­ the representative who was elected by the majority tions and self-government. including the establish­ of the new Republic can represent his country here ment of a legislative council over a century ago. are with the representative of the opposition party sitting grounds for anticipation that Surinam will make beside him. important contributions to the whole United Nations. 73. Belgium is all the happier since these develop­ 63. My delegation truly wishes Surinam all the ments have been carried out by a neighbouring and benefits of independence and of membership in the friendly country. namely. the Netherlands. with which United Nations. We look forward to a strong contribu­ we have so many ties that unite us. It is precisely tion from Surinam to the deliberations and activities several aspects of the traditional and fruitful Belgian­ of the Organization. Once again. welcome. Surinam. Netherlands relations which will in the future be 64. Before finishing. I would like to say something extended to Surinam if it so wishes. more. I watched your delegation. Surinam. walk in. 74. First ofall. Belgium and Surinam have a common I watched you as you proceeded down the aisle. heritage and cultural potential since Dutch is spoken You walked very proudly. and I felt very proud to in both countries. Even before the independence ofthe watch you walk in. because you walked with some­ Republic. on 4 June last. Belgium had signed a cultural thing that men should walk with. It is called dignity. agreement with Surinam. In the course of the cere­ Not one of you'looked back. You alllcoked forward. monies organized on the occasion ofthe independence And that is the only way a man should walk. of the new Member State of the Organization. my Mr. Mutuale Tshikankie (Zaire). Vice-President. Government had signed with it another agreement on took the Chair. the abolition of visas. Furthermore. my Government has examined at length every possibility ofestablishing 65. Mr. GADGIL (India): This is a particularly happy agreements between the two countries on technical occasion for India. for we are today welcoming the co-operation and. to that end. a Belgian mission has independent and sovereign nation of Surinam into gone to Surinam to study the problem. the Organization. On behalf of the Government of India and the people of India. I would like to extend 75. The Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs has on our warm greetings and sincere good wishes to the several occasions. and in particular before the Par­ Government and the people of Surinam. liament of our country. stated the intention of Belgium to provide Surinam with technical assistance on the 66. The attainment ofSurinam's independence is one basis of its priority needs in the fields of economic more milestone in the process of decolonization. and social development. which has continued steadily over the years. bringing freedom to a large number ofcountries in Asia. Africa 76. On the multilateral level. Surinam will continue and the American continent. But that is not the only to benefit from its association. in a new context. with reason why we rejoice with the people of Surinam. the European Community. of which my country is an For us in India it is a matter ofparticular gratification. active member. for our ties with the Caribbean. of which Surinam 77. Lastly. Belgium is pleased to be able to con­ forms an integral part. go back to the last century tribute to the development of Surinam through the when Indians were taken therf,: to develop what was Lome Convention which extends its benefits to the then a virgin country. new Republic. 67. Geographically we are far apart. but we share the 78. We extend. therefore. congratulations and same aspirations and the same cultural bonds. Like brotherly greetings to Surinam in the conviction that India. Surinam enjoys a diversity of culture and reli­ the ties which unite our two countries will develop gion which contribute to its national identity. The to our mutual benefit and satisfaction and we look regard and affection we have for the people ofSurinam forward to working together usefully within this was manifested in our decision to send a special envoy Organization. to be present at the historic occasion when it became independent. a few days ago. 79. Mr. CAESAR (Grenada): The admission of Surinam to full membership of the United Nations is 68. We would like to take this opportunity to express yet another great step forward in the fulfilment by our satisfaction at the manner in which the adminis­ the United Nations of the principle of universality of tering Power. namely the Netherlands. discharged membership and the upholding ofthe inalienable rights its responsibility. paving the way for the eventual ofall colonized peoples to freedom and independence. independence of Surinam. 80. For Grenada. Surinam's attainment of indepen­ 69. I would once again like to express our profound dence and its admission to full membership in the JOy at Surinam's entry to the United Nations as a United Nations are great historic achievements which sovereign independent State. merit our sincere and warm congratulations to the 70. Mr. LONGERSTAEY (Belgium) (illterpreta­ Prime Minister. Mr. Henck Arron. and the Govern­ tion jj'OIn French): It is a most pleasant duty to greet ment and people of Surinam. here today. on behalf of Belgium and with its sponsor­ 81. My delegation has been motivated to endorse ship. the entry of the Republic of Surinam to the the statement of welcome which has already been United Nations. extended to Surinam on our behalf by the Ambassador 71. We must first of all note the exemplary fact of Barbados in his capacity as Chairman of the group that the Government of The Hague and the Govern­ of Latin American States because of the special and ment of Paramaribo were able to prepare the acces­ excellent realtionship which exists between my Prime sion of Surinam to sovereignty in perfect harmony. Minister. Mr. Eric M. Gairy. and the Prime Minister 1136 General Assembly-Thirtieth Session-Plenary Meetings of Surinam, Mr. Henck Arron, as well as between dence of a people and welcome a new State to the the Governments and peoples ofGrenadaand Surinam. United Nations. The satisfaction is all the greater The existing excellent relationship between our two when the new Member is. as in this case, a nation Governments and peoples was clearly demonstrated with the same historical and geographical background during Surinam's recent independence celebrations as that which I represent. which were attended by a delegation from Grenada 89. The occasion we celebrate today once again headed by none otherthan the Prime Minister, Mr. Eric confirms that independence is the only valid solution M. Gairy, himself. and, in the long run, the only feasible one, for the 82. During his brief but most pleasant stay in Suri­ problem ofcolonialism and dependence. This confirms nam, Prime Minister Gairy had the great pleasure of us in our certainty that some day in the not too distant meeting the leaders of all the ethnic groups and was future, colonialism will have been totally banished particularly heartened by the spirit of oneness and from the Caribbean area. brotherly love which emanated from and highlighted the entire independence celebrations, in the emotional 90. We are bound to recognize the honourable embracing of the leaders of all ethnic groups, thus conduct of the Government of the Kingdom of the creating a sound spirit of nationalism. Grenada would Netherlands, which has contributed to the happy cul­ wish that this spirit of nationalism and brotherly love, mination of the process which enables the people of so touchingly demonstrated, would continue beyond Surinam fully to exercise its right to self-determi­ the independence celebration. as it is bound to be an nation. important factor in the consolidation of Surinam's 91. The entry of Surinam into the United Nations is independence and in its contribution here at the United a further encouragement to the endeavour to make Nations and to world peace. of our Organization a genuinely universal one. It 83. In extending a warm welcome to our sister recalls to us the need to resolve promptly and in accord­ nation of Surinam. I should also like to congratulate ance with the almost unanimous will of the Assembly the Administering Power. the Kingdom of the Nether­ the question of the admission of the representatives lands. for the manner in which it has discharged its of heroic Viet Nam. responsibility with respect not only to ensuring the 92. We also trust that the United Nations will shortly exercise of the right of the people of Surinam to full be able to welcome the People's Republic of Angola. independence but also for the manner in which it The independence of Surinam and its entry into the has encouraged the participation of the people in the United Nations coincide with the fifteenth anniversary process of the decolonization of the Territory and in of the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution negotiating the security of the people of Surinam. 1514 (XV). This is the time to proclaim our determina­ 84. Again. I take great pleasure. on behalf of my tion to persevere in our struggle against colonialism delegation and particularly on behalf of the Prime in all its forms and manifestations. until we bring about Minister and Government of Grenada. in congrat­ the emancipation of all the peoples still subject to ulating the Prime Minister and the Government and foreign domination. To them we renew today our people of Surinam and in thanking them for the hospi­ assurances ofCuba's complete solidarity. In particular, tality they extended to the Prime Minister during his we transmit our message of solidarity to the people short stay. of Angola and to the fighters of the Popular Liberation 85. The delegation of Grenada extends a warm Movement ofA:tgola, which is struggling to consolidate welcome on the admission of Surinam to full member­ the independence of the country. and with untlagging ship of the United Nations and looks forward to courage and determination is confronting the com­ working closely and co-operatively with it in the bined aggression of the imperialists and racists. achievement of peace on earth and goodwill towards 93. We are convinced that Surinam will make a all men. which is the aim of all the peoples of this positive contribution to the common endeavour of the Organization. Latin American countries and the Caribbean to estab­ Mr. Thorn (Luxembourg) resumed the Chair. lish a new international order which will enable their peoples to consolidate their independence and promote 86. Mr. ALARCON (Cuba) (interpretation from economic and so~ial development. Spanish): Those delegations which happene:d because of their alphabetical order to be at the sides of the 94. Barely a month ago. members of the Committee hall have had an unusually good opportunity to see on Co-operation and Development of the Caribbean how the map ofour Organization has been transformed of the Economic Commission for Latin America. in the course of this session. meeting in Havana. stated our common wish to have 87. For my delegation it is most gratifying to have the complete and active participation of independent had to move from one end of the General Assembly Surinam. Consequently. it gives us profound satisfac­ hall to another so as to be able to welcome a new tion to welcome its entry into the United Nations Member State to the Organization. And we hope that today. and we extend our warmest welcome to its in the future. too. the Organization will be able to representatives and offer its delegation our willingness generate this great internal movement which makes it to co-operate with. it in its future tasks within our possible for us to welcome other States here whose Organization. presence would complete the necessary universality of 95. Mr. ANWAR SANI (Indonesia): It is a partic­ the United Nations. ular honour and privilege for me. as the representative 88. I should like to add the voice of my delegation of Indonesia. to extend. on behalf of the Government to those voices which have been raised here to welcome and people of Indonesia. our warmest congratulations Surinam. It is always a pleasure to greet the indepen- to the Government and people of Surinam on the

.. 1 ;1 \:I' 2428th meeting-4 December 1975 1137 j' i admission of their country to membership in the 104. The PRESIDENT (i1ltC'l'pr('tat;onfml1l French): great family of the United Nations. I am very happy to see that the regional groups of this 96. I am particularly happy to welcome the birth of Assembly have spoken with so much sympathy. con­ the new State. and its admission to the United Nations. viction and warmth in welcoming Surinam. since Indonesia has special links with Surinam by 105. I should now like to invite Mr. Arron. the bonds of history and kinship. Both Indonesia and Prime Minister of Surinam. to address the General Surinam have experienced centuries of colonial domi­ Assembly. nation by the same Power. the Netherlands. And 106. Mr. ARRON (Surinam): I come to this forum as partly because of this common experience many the representative of the Government and people of thousands of Indonesians migrated during the decade the Republic of Surinam. On 25 November 1975. our before the last World War from Indonesia to Surinam. country attained its independence and joined the ranks These people of Indonesian origin have integrated of sovereign States. The General Assembly has just themselves into the multi-racial society in Surinam unanimously admitted the Republic of Surinam as a and have participated in the political. social and Member State of the United Nations. Consequently economic development of the country. My delegation we are grateful for this decision and deeply touched is certain that the Surinamese of Indonesian origin by the warm welcome given to our country. will continue to contribute to the progress and welfare of the country. in loyal co-operation with their co- 107. We wish to express our thanks as well to the citizens. . members of the Security Council for having recom­ mended our admission to the General Assembly. Our 97. My delegation would also like to congratulate sincere appreciation also goes to those Members who the Government and people of the Netherlands for have sponsored our admission to the United Nations. the role they played in the process of decolonization in Surinam. and for their contribution towards the 108. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to extend emancipation of what was once a Dutch colony into our congratulations and best wishes to the Democratic the independent and sovereign State of Surinam. Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. the People's Member of this world organization. Republic of Mozambique. the Republic ofCape Verde. Papua New Guinea. and the Comoros on their member­ 98. In admitting Surinam to the Organization. the ship in the Organization. and we are honoured to have United Nations has advanced one step closer towards been admitted with those countries during the thirtieth full universality. My delegation warmly welcomes session of the General Assembly. in our midst the delegation of the newest member of our Organization under the leadership of Prime 109. Allow us. Sir. to express our congratulations Minister Henck Arron. We wish them every success to you on your election as President. Coming our­ as they participate in our work. and my delegation selves from a small country. we are inspired by your looks forward to co-operating closely with them. election. which reminds us of Victor Hugo's words: "There is no such thing as a little country. The great­ 99. Mr. CONSALVI (Venezuela) (interpretation ness ofa people is no more determined by their number ji-OI1l Spanish): On behalf of the people and Govern­ than the greatness of a man is determined by his ment of Venezuela. it is a great pleasure and honour height" . for me to say a few words ofwelcome on the admission to the United Nations of a new country from our 110. The 25th of November 1975 signifies for us an region. end and a beginning. The end to our status as a partner of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the beginning 100. Venezuela has awaited with interest and. at of our identity as an independent and sovereign State. times. with anxiety the hour of independence of It is only fitting that we pay tribute to those courageous Surinam as we await the hour of independence of the men and women who made the supreme sacrifice other Territories in our region which have not yet and whose bloody rebellion against enslavement acceded to it. resulted in the abolition of slavery cn I July 1863. 101. I welcome Surinam on behalf of the delegation Ill. We have been an autonomous country since of Venezuela. and join preceding speakers in rec­ 15 December 1954 as far as our internal affairs are ognizing that the Government of the Netherlands has concerned. and we are confident that the experience shown flexibility and intelligence in guiding Surinam gained during all those years will enable us to partici­ along the road to independence. pate in international affairs as a fully-fledged nation. 102. In welcoming Surinam to this world organ­ 112. I avail myselfofthis opportunity as well to thank ization I am perhaps anticipating by also welcoming you for the congratulations directed to the Government it. on behalf of Venezuela. to our specific regional and people of Surinam and for your statement that organizations. such as the Latin American Economic the independence of Surinam marks an important System. I mention it because. as we are well aware. example of how independencf: can be achieved in Surinam is an important country in the production of conditions of peace and security and in accordance raw materials and because Surinam enters the United with the provisions ofthe Charterofthe United Nations Nations at a propitious time for countries which. for when there is goodwill and understanding by all more than a hundred years. were supplying raw concerned. has deeply touched us. Surinam's inde­ materials to the major countries ofthe affluent society. pendence is based on its people's own free will. by mutual consent ofthe Netherlands and the Netherlands 103. On behalf of Venezuela. therefore. I welcome Antilles. Surinam and extend my promise to this young country t of Latin America our complete solidarity. co-operation 113. May I inform the Assembly that. even after s and goodwill. Surinam's independence the Netherlands has under- e 1138 General Assembly-Thirtieth Session-l'Ienary Meetings taken subsequent and specific responsibilities as military power blocs. as well as the arms race. will regards our country's development. and will accept be categorically rejected by Surinam. We are of the any consequences resulting from this. This co-oper­ opinion that the use ofever-increasingly sophisticated ation is based on the extension ofSurinam's economic weapons and the growing quantity of nuclear devices strength. on the creation of new jobs. and on the for mass destruction can result in the ruin of mankind improvement of the living conditions of the people. and. joined by other countries. we shall strongly A treaty for development co-operation between the oppose such actions. Dialogue and not violence. no two countries was therefore signed on 25 November matter in what form. must be engaged in to find solu­ last. tions to disputes. If ever Surinam should become a 114. The Republic of Surinam is at the outset of a party to any conflict. it would then try to convince the new approach concerning the promotion of the social other party of the fundamental meaning of a peaceful and economic development of our country. Our raw solution. in contrast to useless bloodshed. materials. our labour resources and the funds available 117. We fully realize that our admission to the United will be used exclusively for the economic growth of Nations implies responsibilities and commitments. the entire nation. This implies. among other things. which we are ready to undertake and perform. Our that in judging the utilization of our raw materials, attitude. both nationally and internationally. will be the Government will first and foremost take the line based on the principles of the Charter and on the rules that. as far as our nation is concerned. maximum of international law. We intend to establish friendly profits are to be made from the use of our natural re­ and oeaceful relations with all nations. and whe.e such sources. Wherever possible. the Government will offer relations exist they will be reinforced. foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity. in combination with the State. to take the exploitation of the raw 118. Thus we are ready to make our entry into the materials in hand. and in granting facilities to those world community on the basis of liberty. equality, enterprises. demands will be made to such an exter.t brotherhood and human solidarity. so that a future of that finished products can be manufactured from the peace. justice and prosperity for all nations can be raw materials found in our country. built by mutual co-operation and understanding. ! 15. Many countries are more or less in the same 119. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): boat as Surinam. They are not affiuent. On account My presidency of the General Assembly will not go of a lack of funds. their resources can be utilized only down in the history of the United Nations as one with the help of others. All these countries. the so­ marked by particular understanding for interruptions called developing countries. can be elevated only if ofmeetings and for congratulationsfollowing speeches. they mutually co-operate. We shall therefore join their which interrupt the work of the Assembly. How­ ranks in order to improve one another's chances in ever. I thought that the admission of Surinam to the life under the auspices ofthe United Nations. We shall United Nations was important not only for that country co-operate with the developed countries as well. since but also for the United Nations, which is celebrating we greatly appreciate any aid and co-operation without, its admission. That is why I did not wish to interrupt however. sacrificing our own dignity. the congratulations. I should like in my turn to thank 116. The Republic of Surinam is ready. together with the Prime Minister of Surinam and to associate myself all nations. to establish and main~ain peace in the world. with the tribute which he paid to the delegation of Surinam will therefore contribute constantly to the the Netherlands. as well as to thank all who have maintenance of universal aspirations for peace among taken part in this debate. nations and in all cases concerned it will be a priori against the use of arms. The division of the world into The meeting rose a/ 5./0 p.m.