UN Secretariat Item Scan - Barcode - Record Title 26 Date 22/05/2006 Time 4:29:41 PM
S-0886-0005-04-00001
Expanded Number S-0886-0005-04-00001
Title items-in-Secretary-General's statements - XIV, 1 January 1967 - 30 April 1967
Date Created 08/03/1967
Record Type Archival Item
Container S-0886-0005: United Nations Documents of the Secretary-General: U Thant: Secretary-General's Statements
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SGf/T/157 20 April 196T
U THANT. LEAVES KARACHI FOB NEW YORK
(The following i/as received rrpm a United Nations Information Officer
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party left Karachi for London en routs to Nev York at 7i50 a.m. (local time) today, after a tvo-day visit to Pakistan. . He was seen off at the airport in Karachi by the Commissioner of Karachi, Syed, Darbar All Shaw, members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the Government of P^istan and United Nations officials. In a statement to correspondents at the airport, the Secretary-General expressed his thanks to the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality extended to him during his stay. He also reaffirmed his earlier statements on Viet-Nam, The Secretary-General, U Thant, arrived in Karachi from Lahore on Wednesday night, and was greeted on his arrival "by high Government officials, including tha Commissioner of Karachi, and members of the diplomatic corps. Foreign^Minister' s_ Dinner at Rawalpindi Earlier, on Tuesday, 18 April, following his arrival in Rawalpindi from Kabul, the Secretary-General was the guest of honour at a dinner given that night by the Minister for External Affairs of Pakistan, Syed Sharif uddin Pirzada, In a brief statement, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Pirzada, referred to U ThantTs efforts for peace in Viet-Nam, Pakistan's support for non- proliferation, the Secretary-General's role in establishing peaceful conditions in the sub-continent, and to the Kashmir dispute. Mr. Pirzada declared that Pakistan would continue to support the United Nations and the Secretary-General.
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/T/157 20 April 196?
Responding, U Thant expressed his gr-'ia.t pleasure in visiting Pakistan, and added that he had had useful talks with the President and the Foreign Minister on several subjects. On Viet-Nam, he stated there was agreement between his assessment of this tragic problem and that of the Government of Pakistan, namely, that the solution must be a political one, and not a military, one; and that the people of Viet-Nam should be allowed to settle their problems without outside interference, within the framework of the Geneva Agreements of 195^- The Secretary-General added thatthere was also agreement that the cessation of the "bombing of North Viet~Wam was essential for creating the conditions for meaningful talks. Regarding Kashmir, he said that the subject understandably came up in his talks with the leaders of Pakistan. He said that the Kashmir item was before the Security Council and that it would not be proper for the Secretary-General to make any consent other than to express the hope that, in due course, there will be a peaceful and amicable settlement. U Thant stated that humanity was looking forward to complete nuclear disarmament, for the world could not go on living under the shadow of the hydrogen bomb. Concluding, he recalled one historical truism that there were no permanent friends nor permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Leaves Rawalpindi for Lahore The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party, accompanied by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, left Rawalpindi for Lahore on Wednesday morning. On leaving Rawalpindi, the Secretary-General was asked by a correspondent why he took the initiative on several occasions for peace in Viet-Wam, but never regarding Kashmir. The Secretary-General anr./ered that Kashmir was before the Security Council, the principal organ of the United Mations, and that it was up to the Council; whereas, Viet-Nam was not before the United Nations.
(more) ~ 3 - Press Release SG/T/157 20 April 1967
Ar r i val in Lahore The Secretary-General arrived in Lahore at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, 19 April, and was met at the airport by the Governor, Muhammed Musa, and other officials. After a "brief rest at the Governor's House, the Secretary-General visited the Allam Iqbal's Tomb and laid a -wreath. From there, he went to Badshabi Mosque and Lahore Fort. He had a private lunch at the home of Syed Amjad Ali, former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations. At 5:00 p.m., the Secretary-General toured the Shalimar Gardens. At 5:30 p.m., he attended a tea reception given by the Minister for Finance and Taxation, Syed Ahmed Saeed Kiramani. At 7:30 p.m., the Secretary-General attended a dinner given in his honour by Governor Musa at the Governor's House. Attending the dinner were all the Cabinet Ministers of West Pakistan. The Secretary-General and party left Lahore for Karachi at 9:^0 p.m. (local time).
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UNITED H A T I 0 H S Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H,Y. (FOR USE o? HSIOHMAJETON MEDIA — HOT ATI OFFICIAL EECOBD)
Press Release 18 April 19oT
, u 3EAP, AaaEVES IN RAWAIPDIDI FROM jagJL,
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Rawalpindi, Pahistin, frosi Kabul, Afghanistan, by United Nations plane this morning (local tine). FiX;t'=>-
At 4:00 p.2i.., the Secretary-General visited Islamabad and was invited to inspect some of its new buildings. CouraentinG on the new capital, he said: "I am very impressed with what I have seen. This is a sort of Asian Brasilia. It is a very ambitious project and I hope that it will be a model for other Asian countries". A-*-, 6:30 p.m., the Secretary-General visited the headquarters of UMMOGIP, •where he was racr-i'^d "by General Tassara Gottsalezand his staff.
At 8;00 p.inJ; the Secretary-General attended a dinner given in his honour by the Foreign Minister at the Hotel Sharzzade in Islcuaabad. Also attending were Cebiuec Ministers and members of the diplomatic corps. . TLa Secretary-General and party are staying at the State Guest House in Pi The p.oot'i/amme for tomorrow, Wednesday, starts at 9?30 a.,r,,, when the Secretary-General leaves by air for Lahore, .where he will be received by Governor Mohasiced Maria. At 10:30 a.m., he will visit Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. At 1:00 p.m., he will lunch as the guest of Syed Arajad Ali, former Permanent Represent a:1; ivo of Pakistan to the United Sations, At 5;00 p.ii., he will visit Shaiimar Gardens. At T*30 p.m., he vlll attaad a dinner £lvea ia his honour by the Governor. At 9:to p.m., he leaves for Karachi by plane, as scheduled.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y, (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Pres-? Release 18 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL, U THAHT, LEAVES KABUL FOR RAWALPINDI
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant and party left Kabul at 9:00 a.m. (local time) for Rawalpindi in a Caribou plane of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIB). He was seen off at the airport by the Prime Minister, Mohammad Hashim Maiwandval, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nour Ahmad Etemadi, other Cabinet Ministers, and heads of diplomatic missions. The Secretary-General made a brief statement to correspondents expressing his great pleasure in visiting Kabul for the second time. Ee congratulated the Government and the people of Afghanistan on the enormous visible progress since his last visit 12 years ago. Asked if his discussions with the leaders of Afghanistan gave him, new points of view on Viet-Nam, he replied that he had found a perfect agreement between the Government of Afghanistan and his assessments of the situation and of the necessary conditions and basis for peace. The Secretary-General also thanked the Government for its very warm and friendly hospitality, and stressed the full accordance of Afghanistan's foreign policy with the principles and aims of the United Nations Charter.
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UHITE-D NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations,, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IEIFOEMA.TIOW MEDIA -- HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/15^ 18 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S SCHEDULE IN KABUL OH 17 APRIL 196?
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, had the following schedule during his visit in Kabul on Monday, IT April: At 9:30 a.m. (local time), he visited Kabul Museum. At 10:3^- a.m., the Secretary-General held talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Prime Minister Mohammad Hashim Maiwandawal, and the Foreign Minister, Hour Ahmad Etemadi. They discussed several matters of interest to Afghanistan and the United Nations, including United Nations Development P rogramme (iMDP ) ope rat i ons. The Secretary-General then attended a luncheon at the Foreign Ministry with the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions and United Nations officials. At 3:00 p.m., the Secretary-General visited the new compound housing all the United Nations offices in Kabul. He was welcomed by Arsene Shahbaz, UNEP Resident Representative. At 7:30 p.HI., the Secretary-General gave a reception at Chelsetoon Palace, where he is staying. The reception was attended by 200 guests, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, United Nations officials and others. At 8:00 p.m., the Secretary General attended a private dinner given in his honour by His Majesty, King Mohammed Zahir Shah at Gulkhana Palace.
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V" UNITED WAT. IONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~- HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/153 17 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL, .U THANT^ ARRIVES| IN KABUL FROM NEW DELHI
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, at 11:30 a«m. (local tire), on Sunday, 16 April. He was received at the airport by Mohammad Hashira Maiwandawal, Prime Minister of Afghanistan; Hour Ahmad Etemadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs; and other Cabinet Ministers. After reviewing the Guard of Honour and meeting the heads of diplomatic missions, the Secretary-General made a brief statement to correspondents expressing his great pleasure on the visit to Kabul at the kind invitation of the Government of Afghanistan, and added that he was looking forward to his talks with His Majesty King Mohammed Zahir Shahj the Prime Minister and other leaders of Afghanistan. Asked if he had received, in his recent talks in Colombo and New Delhi, any new initiative for peace in Viet-Nam, he replied that he had received no such initiative. Asked if he would confirm the rumour about postponing the special session of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General said that he had no information to that effect, and that the Assembly was scheduled to meet on 21 April under the able leadership of Abdul Rahman Pazhwak of Afghanistan. The Secretary-General proceeded to Chelsetoon Palace, where he and his party are staying as guests of the Government of Afghanistan.
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Folio-wing a private luncheon in his suite, the Secretary-General proceeded at J:00 p.m. to JDeliisha Palace to'sign the Royal Book. At 5:30 p.m., he laid a wreath at the Mausoleum of King Nader Shah, father of the present King. At luOO p.m., the Secretary-General called on the Prime Minister at the latter*s office. The talks lasted one.hour and lj-0 minujbes a»d dealt with the Viet-Nam problem. The Foreign Minister, Mr. Etemadi, also participated in the discussion. . • At 8jOO p.m., the Secretary-General attended an'official dinner given in his honour by the Prime Minister.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF ESFOHMAHON MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/152 17 April 1967
Uf.THANTA CLEAVES MEW DELHI FOR AFGHANISTAN
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party left New Delhi for Kabul at 9;00 a.m. (local time) on Sunday, 16 April. He was seen off at the . airport by Asoka Mehta, Minister for Planning and Social Welfare; Surendra Pal Singh, Deputy Minister for External Relations; C.S. Jha, Foreign Secretary; Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations; other senior Indian Government officials; and • members of the diplomatic corps. Before emplaning, the Secretary-General, addressing a group of correspondents said; t10n my departure from New Delhi, I want to express my very sincere thanks to the Government and people of India for the very warm hospitality extended to me and my aides during my stay here. I had very useful exchanges of views with the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and other leaders of the Government on matters of mutual interest to India and the United Nations.and, particularly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) programmes. "As you know, the scope and variety of the UNDP programmes • 'here are very extensive and the cost of UNDP programmes operating in India is, by far, the largest in the world. I am glad to be able to know that the Government of India is very much satisfied with the operations of the UNDP under the leadership of John McDiarmid, and I, myself, am impressed with the operations. "The question of Viet-Nam came up inevitably in the course of our discussions I found myself in complete agreement with the assessment of the Government of India regarding the developments in Viet-Nam, as well as the background of the problem and also regarding the nature of the objectives which we should have.
(more) - 2 - . Press Release SG/T/152 IT April 196?
"The Government of India and 1 agree that the first step which could lead towards meaningful negotiations is the cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Nam. We also agree that the objectives diould be the implementation of the Geneva Agreements of 195^, with the twin objectives for making Viet-Nam both independent and non-aligned. •--'•• "If there is agreement on the part of all those directly involved in the Viet-Nam war — on these two aspects — I believe the solution will be near." In answer to a question whether he was proposing any modifications, the Secretary-General said: "No, I am not thinking of any modification. My plan still stands." Replying to another question, he said: "Any truce, however short, would be very desirable; but, in my view, if there is a truce on Buddha's birthday, it should be extended indefinitely." .In answer, to a question on North Viet-Nam1 s reactions to his proposal, the Secretary-General said; "Interpretations can be put in any way, but I do not regard the reactions from the parties primarily involved as categorical rejections." Asked about his views on India's stand on the non-proliferation treaty, the Secretary-General said: "It is understandable, but, as I have said on a previous occasion, since the matter is before the Eighteen-Nation Committee on Disarmament, I do not think the Secretary-General should project his own personal views on the matter. But I believe that the big Powers will take into consideration the peculiar needs, requirements and safeguards in the interests of those countries like India." Visit in Nepal Earlier, during his visit in Nepal, the Secretary-General had the following schedule on Friday, lU April: At 8:00 a.m. (local time), the Secretary-General laid wreaths at the . Martyrrs Memoria. At 8:15 a.m., he flew to Lumbini by special helicopter to visit the birth- place of Lord Buddha. Describing his impression, he said that it was one of his life's ambitions to pay respects to this sacred spot and he felt gratification that his wish had been fulfilled.
(more) - 3 - Press Release SG/T/152 IT April 196?
He returned from Lvjnbjni at lls 50 a.m. and proceeded to visit Swayambhu Temple situated on a high hill just outside Katmandu, where he attended a Buddhist ceremony. At 1:00 p.m., he met at the Royal Guest House with the representatives of United Kations agencies and eicperts working on various United Nations Dsvelopzaent Programme projects. At 4:30 p.m., •'rhe Secretary-General and party attended a reception given in . his honour by Andr-ff" Joseph, Resident Representative of UHDP. Members of the Cabinet, diplomats., high Nepalese officials and United .Nations staff members were present at the reception, At 6s 00 p.m., the Secretary-General addressed a joint meeting of the H.-.pnl Council of ^orld Affairs and the United Hations Association at Goaltee Hotel. In his rena.vrs, he paid tribute to Nepal's foreign policy, explained his concept of his functions as Secretary-General and stressed the importance of practising tolerance, the philosophy of live and let live, and added: "If we do not have co-existence, there will be no existence," The Secretary-General later had a quiet dinner in his suite. Departure from j-jfeggj: The Secretary-General and party departed from Katmandu at $ihQ a.m. on Saturday, 15 April, for Dolhi, and were seen off by Kirti Widhi Eista, Depdv/ Prime Minister; Major General Sher Bahadur Malla representing his Majesty Krlr.g Mahendra; Cabinet Ministers; and members of the diplomatic corps. After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Secretary-General was escorted to the aircraft by the Deputy Prime Minister. In a concluding statement, both the Secretary-General and the Deputy Prime Minister expressed the utmost grati- fication for the successful visit and the satisfactory talks between them.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United nations, N.Y, (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/693 17 April 1967
MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA
Following is the text of a message sent today by the Secretary-General, U Thant, to Roland Michener, Governor General of Canada:
"IT IS AN HONOUR FOR ME TO OFFER YOU MI MOST SINCERE CONGRATULA- TIONS, ON THE DAY OF YOUR SWEARING IN AS TWENTIETH GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA> A. MDST. FAITHFUL MEMBER OF THE UNITED-NATIONS. W THIS .CENTMHIAL YEAR, AND AT THIS TIME OF CHALLENGE, I TAKE GREAT.PLMSURE IN PRESENTING-TO YOU, AHJXTBRCHGH-YOU.TO ALL.. GANADIANS> iET BEST HJESOESL WISHES FOR THE.FUTURE OF CANADA."
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/151 15 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN NEW DELHI FROM NEPAL
(The following was received from the United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in New Delhi today from Katmandu, Nepal at 1250 hours (local time). He was received at the airport by Ambassador Parthasarathy and United Nations officials, and vas the guest at an informal luncheon given by John McDiarmid, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, at the latter's house. At 15^5 hours, the Secretary-General received the High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi, Arshad Husain. At 1600 hours, the United States Ambassador to South Viet-Nam, Ellsworth Bunker, paid a courtesy call on U Thant. Both meetings took place at Rashtrapathi Ehavan. At 1TOO hours, the Secretary-General visited the India International Centre and expressed his admiration for the good work being done by the Centre. At 1730 hours, he visited the Nehru Memorial Museum. At loOO hours, U Thant attended a reception given in his honour by Mr. McDiarmid at the new premises of the World Health House in New Delhi. The reception was attended by some 600 guests, including high Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and members of United Nations offices in New Delhi. At 2050 hours, the Secretary-General had a quiet dinner in his suite. At 21JO hours, he was scheduled to witness a special "son_et luEiere" (light and sound) show at Red Fort. He was scheduled to depart for Kabul, Afghanistan at 0900 hours Sunday (local time).
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATIOIT MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/C/72 Ik April 196?
MONGOLIA CONTRIBUTES $1,000 TO TRUST FUND FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The Secretary-General, U Thant, has received a contribution of $1,000 from the Government of the Mongolian People's Republic to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, established in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 205*4- B (XX) of 15 December 1965.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nat ions, H,Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — WOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/150 lh April 1967
SECRETARY-GENSRAL ARRIVES IN NEPAL
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Katmandu, Nepal yesterday at 1510 hours (local time). U Thant was met at the airport by Shri Kirti Nidhi Bista, Deputy Prime Minister; Major General Slier Bahadur Malla, representing His Majesty King Mahendra; cabinet ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, members of the United Nations Association, and United Nations officials, including Andrew Joseph, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Following an honour guard inspection, Mr. Bista made a speech welcoming U Thant and lauding his efforts for peace in South-East Asia. Responding, the Secretary-General expressed great pleasure in visiting Nepal, and said he was looking forward to Ms talks with King Mahendra and other leaders of the Government. Referring to the conflict in South-East Asia, he said: "We must keep on trying to find a solution for this problem." From the airport, the Secretary-General proceeded to the Royal Guest House, where he is staying. At 16^5 hours (local time), U Thant called on Mr. Bista at the latter's office. In their talk, which lasted 25 minutes, they discussed UNDP projects in Nepal and Viet-Nam. At 1715 hours, the Secretary-General had an audience with His Majesty King Mahendra at the Royal Palace for 35 minutes. They discussed a variety of subjects of common interest, including Viet-Nam and UNDP projects. The audience was followed by a reception given by the King, and attended by cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and United Nations officials. These guests also attended a banquet given by Mr. Bista, in honour of the Secretary-General, at 2000 hours in the State Hall at Singha Durbar. At, .VirV v. y.
UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/1^9 IM- April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPARTS FROM INDIA FOR NEPAL
(The following was received, from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General,)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party departed from New Delhi (Palam) Airport on Thursday, 13 April, at 12:50 p.m. (local time), en route to Katmandu, Sepal. On his final day in New Delhi, U Thant received an honorary degree of doctor of laws at a special convocation at Delhi University. The citation, read by B.N. Ganguli, Vice-Chancellor of the University, stated: "Our university community honours in U Thant a teacher who has projected the ways of a teacher to the handling of complex international issues, A former headmaster, he reduces complex issues to simple terms and tries to speak for the ear of the common man. Like a teacher, he utilizes the prestige of his high office to improve the moral climSte of the world. Like a school- master, again, he never tolerates deceit. "What has endeared D Ibent to the world ccEinunity is his ceaseless quest for peace. A distinguished American once said: 'A United Nations soldier is like no other soldier in the world — he has no mission but peace and no enemy but war'. U Thant is a United Nations soldier with the mission of world peace. We would prefer to say that he is a mendicant in the Buddha's sense — a Samana_, a Toiler who can know no rest until he is one who has done what there was to be done. He is a Samana in the quest of world peace." The honorary degree was conferred by the Chancellor of the University, Zanir Husain.
(more) - 2 - : . Press Release SG/T/1^9 Ik April 1967
In his speech, the Secretary-General commented on the present-day educational system, stating that, in the highly advanced technological societies today, the stress in education was on the development of ohe intellect. "To my way of thinking", he said, "this mere intellectual develop- ment or technological development, unaccompanied by a corresponding moral and spiritual development, is cure to lead humanity from one crisis to another." Traditionally, in Asia, at least in many parts of Asia, the stress in education -ras on the moral and spiritual aspects of life, he declared. "What is necessary in these tense times," the Secretary-General concluded, "is ths development of man in all aspects; in other words, what we need is a fuJ ...y integrated development of man — intellectual, social and moral. Only then, the world ve live in will be a much happier place." At 11:00 a.m. (local time), the Secretary-General paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mrs, Indira Gandhi, at her office. The meeting lasted 30 minutes.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/:U8 12 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S SCHEDULE FOR 12 APRIL ..IN NEW DELHI
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The schedule of the Secretary-General, U Thant, in New Delhi today began with the presentation ceremony of the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding held at the Vigyan Bhavan. At noon, the Secretary-General called on M.C. Chagla, Minister for External Affairs at the Foreign Office. The talks lasted for one hour. They discussed matters of interest to India and the United Nations, with an emphasis on Viet-Ham and Indo-Pakistani relations. At 1:15 p.m., the Secretary-General attended a luncheon given in his honour by the President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. Also attending the luncheon were the Vice-President of India, Zakir Hussain; the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi; Mr. Chagla, External Affairs Minister; Mr. Kamaraj, President of the Congress Party; and other Cabinet Ministers. At 4:00 p.m., the Secretary-General paid a farewell call on the President at the latter's office. At k;k5 p.m., the Secretary-General laid wreaths at Mahatma Gandhi's cremation ground and at Pandit Nehru's cremation ground. At 5:00 p.m., he inaugurated the Centre for Applied Politics in New Delhi. In a brief statement, he compared the aims of the Centre with those of the United Nations Charter, and expressed his great pleasure at being able to participate in the function. At 7:00 p.m., T. Sen, Minister for Education, paid a brief courtesy call on the Secretary-General at the latter's residence. At 8:30 p.m., the Secretary-General attended a dinner given in his honour by M.C. Chagla, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, at the Ashoka Hotel. •* #•#* *
UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/lif-7 12 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL. U THAMT, RECEIVES. .TAWAKAPLAL _NEERTJ AK FOR. IJ^5RNATiN/.L U
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer acco?ipaying the Secretary-General. )
At an ia.prer.sive and dignified ceremony in New Delhi today, the Secretary- * General, U Thant, received the first Javaliarlal Nehru Award for International Understanding. The presentation vac made by the President of India, Sarvepalli Badhakrishnan. The ceremony started at 10:00 a.m. '(local time) at the Vigyan Bhavan. Also participating in the ceremony were the Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi; External Affairs Minister, M,C. Chagla, who is also President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations; other Cabinet Ministers; members of diplomatic corps, and about 1?000 guests. In an opening address, Mr. Chagla lauded U Thant's great compassion for humanity and his cpest for peace. He referred to U Thant's efforts towards achieving a peaceful solution to the Viet-IIaai conflict, and wished ell success to those efforts to ultimately result in the establishing of an independent and neutral Viet-Nam in South-East Asia. He said that it was most fitting that the first Nehru Award should go to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, U Thant. The next speaker, the Prime Minister of India declared: "No choice could have been more apt than this one." Mrs. Gandhi reiterated India's full support for the United Nations and its truest for world peace. She recalled Mr. Nehru's words: "No peace could possibly be achieved without freedom and equality."
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/T/Ikf 12 April 1967
Inam Rahman, Secretary., Indian Council for Cultural Relations, read the citation of the Award, which stated, inter alia; "The first Javaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding rightly goes to the man who has become the articulate conscience of the United Nations and its inner voice, a man of vision with a profound understanding of the problems of the world, a man of quiet courage and dedication, of steadfast devotion to the cause of peace and understanding "between nations." The citation continued: "In his utterances, marked by the force of conviction, U Thant has given a powerful expression to mankind's need for an undisturbed peace and progress. "While working towards enlarging the areas of agreement, he has established a clear connexion between social and econcwi.:; development and peace and security in the world. With his belief that the basic issus is the battle for the minds of men, he has carried on a campaign for an education for peace." The citation concludes: "U Thant's work carries forward,a vision of a world for which Javaharlal Nehru lived and worked, and his life is an example of human cpiality on which Jawaharlal Nehru set a great value. The peace-loving peoples of all countries will appreciate that the Award named after Jawaharlal Nehru goes to this chosen and proved servant of the world." The next speaker, President Radhakrishnan, paid tribute to U Thant r.r^. his efforts to settle peacefully the Viet-Nam conflict. He added that, as a .r-ua Buddhist, U Thant believed in a peace without the defeat of either side, tud concluded by calling him "a great servant of peace and understanding". The last speaker was the Secretary-General (for text of statement by Secretary-General, see press release SG/SM/^a).
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, M.Y. (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/1^6 12 April 196?
SECRETARY-GENERAL,. U THANT, ATTENDS PINNER IN HIS HONOUR IN NEW DELHI
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
At the dinner given in honour of the Secretary-General, U Thant, on Monday night, 10 April, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Hew Delhi, the Prime Minister of India, Mrs, j^r'Lra Gandhi, made the following statement: "Last y<. :-j!.% we heard of your reluctance to accept a second term as Secretary- General of the United Nations, and I a£_..-ealed to you to reconsider your decision. We were all glad when you. did so. As Asians, we take pride in the fact that you have the unanimous support and confidence of the United Nations family. "We wish you every success in your patient and persistent endeavours to maintain peace everywhere. We have admired your efforts to bring peace to the unfortunate people of Viet-Nam. On several occasions, peace in that land appeared to be within reach, but has so far eluded all efforts. Yet, we are not discouraged. You put your finger on the problem when you said in your Annual Report to the United Nations General Assembly last year that 'the basic problem in Viet-Nam is not one of ideology, but one of national identity and survival. I see nothing but danger in the idea so assiduously fostered outside Viet-Nam that the conflict is a kind of holy war between two powerful political ideologies'.' There is, indeed, no alternative to a continuing and collective quest for peace, and it is our earnest hope that the leading role, which you have been playing in this, will produce results that we all so anxiously desire. "If our planet is to survive, then it must be saved from a nuclear holocaust. For that, we have to evolve a solution that will really and truly prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons among both nuclear and non-nuclear countries, and which will lead ultimately to nuclear disarmament. To be effective and meaningful, such a treaty must take into account the fears and anxieties of all
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nations, without exception, and be a meaningful step towards disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament. We'are against the proliferation of nuclear •weapons, and hope that the deliberations in the Disarmament Committee in Geneva will result in an acceptable and balanced treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, in conformity with the principles laid down by the United Nations." The Secretary-General, responding, stated: "It is a particular privilege for me to have been the guest of the Govern- ment of India on this occasion, as on previous occasions, and to be the recipient of such gracious words from you, Madame Prime Minister. :'You have mentioned my decision late last year not to offer myself for a second term, and I remember vrith happy memories our meeting in Hew York and you were among the first to induce me to reconsider my decision. I am very grateful to you r.ncl your Government for the kindness and consideration shown to me all al^ri*. - - • "You have also alluded to the very tragic conflict in Viet-Nam. As your Excellency is aware, this has been one of my obsessions for many years. I have said on previous.occasions that it seems to me that this is one of the most barbarous wars in history. The United Nations has been impotent for a long time, for reasons known to all of you. The basic issue in the Viet- Nam war, it seems to me, is to be clear about the objectives. What should be the objectives? In my view, the objectives should be the implementation of the Geneva Agreements of 195^« la a nutshell, there are only twin objectives. One is independence. Another is non-alignment. I think that, most important of all, the participants have to agree on the objectives. If there is agree- ment on the objectives, a solution-will be nearer. "Then, about the causes of the conflict in Viet-Ram. Of course there are conflicting views. The United States maintains that all the trouble started with the invasion of South Viet-Nam by the North; and North Viet-Wam, on the other hand, maintains that the trouble started with the massive introduction of United States troops into South Viet-Nam. Whatever the divergence of opinions may be, my personal feeling is that it is a very unequal combat. It is a very tragic war. It has the potentialities of widening into a larger war, with the prospects of spilling over frontiers. And that is why I have been advocating a cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Wam as the
(more) - 3 - Press Release SG/T/1^6 12 April 1967 first preliminary requisite, which alone can create the conditions for the conduct of meaningful negotiations. "I am glad to be able to find myself in complete agreement with your Government, Your Excellency, in this particular respect. "Secondly, Your Excellency, you have referred to nuclear disarmament and the current topic of non-proliferation which is a matter before the Eighteen- Nation Committee on Disarmament. Since it is before one of the Main Committees of the General Assembly, I do not want to project my own personal views on the subject. But, in this context, we should ponder a little over the human situation today. I think it is worthwhile recalling that human history is just a million years old. In the course of these million years, man has created tremendous things. Man has achieved tremendous accomplishments in the fields of art, science, architecture, poetry, literature, religion, philosophy, engineering and so on and so forth. All these wonderful creations of man are in danger of obliteration under the shadow of the hydrogen bomb. This is the real stark fact facing human society today. I think it should be the concern of every one of us about these potentialities, that, in one brief moment, all these wonderful creations of man can be wiped out with these terrible weapons of mass destruction. So, from this point of view, I thing that we should all strive towards the noble objective of complete nuclear disarmament. Of course, this is not a practical proposition in the context of human society today; but, in any case, I agree with you, Your Excellency, when you say that any non- proliferation treaty must take into consideration the real facts of life, the facts of the international situation and the safety and security of the small countries which are non-nuclear for the moment."
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/C/71 12 April 1967
UNITED REPUBLIC OF 'TANZANIA CONTRIBUTES $1;000 TO TRAILING PROGRAMME FOR SOUTH AFRICANS
The Secretary-General,, U Thant, has received a cheque for $1,000 representing the contribution of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Education and Training Programme for South Africans, which was established in pursuance of operative paragraph 11 of the Security Council resolution S/577J of 18 June
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/692 11 April 196?
MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL ON DEATH OF PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
The Secretary-General, U Thant, has sent the following mpssr.ge to the Perr-nnent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations, E.R. Richardson, concerning the death of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Donald Sangster, K.C.V.Oi
"I WAS LZ:vFLY GRIEVED TO LEARN OF PASSING AWAY OF SIR DONALD SANGSTER AFTER HIS Rl-;c:£:iT ILLNESS, HAVING BEITS ^LECTED TO THE POSITION OF PRIME MINISTER OF HIS COUNTY ONLY RECENTLY HE HAD SO MUCH TO HOPE, WORK AND LIVE FOR. HIS TRAGIC DEATH AFTER AN ILLNESS WHICH WAS SO UNEXPECTED HAS COME TO ALL OF US IN THE UNITED NATIONS AS A GREAT SHOCK. PLEASE ACCEPT, AND CONVEY TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF JAMAICA, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY."
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, W.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
CAUTION: ADVANCE TEXT Press Release SG/SM/691 Not for use before 0050 hours (EST) 11 April 196? (0530 GMT) Wednesday. 12 April 196?
TEXT OF STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL ON RECEIVING NEHRU MEMORIAL AWARD
Following is the text of a statement by the Secretary-General, U Thant, on his receipt of the first Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Under- standing, which was presented to him i£ Wew Delhi on 12 April by the President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrislinan: I am most grateful to His Excellency, the President, for his very gracious words about me and for his wise observations on the human situation today. I also wish to thank Her Excellency, the Prime Minister, for her kind and generous remarks and especially for her reiteration of India's full support of the United Nations and its efforts tovards world peace. May I also express my appreciation to the Honourable Minister for External Affairs for his warm words of welcome, and to Mr. Rahman for the citation which he has just read. 1o be the first recipient of the Nehru Memorial Award would be a special honour : <.. r anyone, but for a Secretary-General of the United Nations, it has a particular significance. The award is given "for outstanding contribution to the promotion of international understanding, good will and friendship among the peoples of the world". To receive such an award in memory of Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru adds inspiration and encouragement to the honour. Mr. Nehru was a towering figure in the years of transition which transformed the world after World War II. His greatness did not spring from physical power or political manoeuvering, but primarily from the depth and wisdom of his own nature. He saw the modern world, with all its changes, promises, dangers and problems in the clear light of his own intellectual and spiritual calm. The belief that an ethical approach must be taken to all aspects of life,
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/691 11 April 1967 including large-scale public activity, and a deep respect and love for the dauntlessness of the human spirit, allowed him to face the risks, disappoint- ments and difficulties of public life, both national and international, with calmness and courage. On one occasion he said: "How amazing is the spirit of man! In spite of innumerable failings, man throughout the ages has sacrificed las life and all he held dear for an ideal, for truth, for faith, for country and honour. That ideal may change, but the capacity for self-sacrifice continues, and because of that much may be forgiven man, and it is impossible to lose hope for him. In tha midst of disaster he has not lest his dignity or his faith in the values he cherishes, at the mercy of nature's mighty forces, less than a speck of dust in this vast universe, ha has hurled defiance at the elemental firea and with his mind, cradle of revolution, has sought to master them." Mr. Nehru, for all his great stature, was not, of course, entirely immune to the occupational dilemma of all public men, and so there were times, as there are for all national leaders, when his actions had to be adjusted to the needs of political realities. Mr. Nehru was, after all, human like the rest of us. In the international world, Mr, Nehru, in a period of great tension, played a leading role as a statesman, in the best sense of the word. Under his leadership, India assumed the pre-eminent place in the councils of the world which she has enjoyed ever since. He could be relied on to raise his voice in strong support of peace, of common sense, of decency and of inter- national co-operation. He was one of those statesmen of deep and firm conviction, whose service to his own country was combined and enhanced by his service to the international community as a whole. In the United Nations, Mr. Nehru was known as a great internationalist, and as one of the most eloquent exponents and one of the most authoritative interpreters of the theory of non-alignment. Everyone remembers the speech he made at the United Nations General Assembly in November 19&L, shortly after I had assumed my present responsibilities. He said then:
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"More and more we live Under a kind of regime of terror. Terror of what? Terror of some kind of catastrophe like war descending upon us? Some kind of disaster when nuclear weapons are used and the future of the world's survival is imperilled. The choice today before the world is a choice of self-extinction or survival. Many people think and talk about escaping the disaster of a nuclear war by burrowing into the earth and living like rats in a hole. Surely it's a strange commentary on our times that we should be driven to this conclusion instead of diverting all of our energies and all of our strength to the prevention of the catastrophe." "The essential thing about this_ world is co-operation and, even today,, between countries tha.tare opposed to each other in the..political or other field there is a vast amount of co-operation. Little is known, or little Is said, about this co-operation that is going on, but a great deal is said about every point of conflict, and so the world is full of this idea that the conflicts go on and we live on the verge of disaster. Perhaps it would be a truer picture if the co-operating elements of the worM today were put forward and we vare made to think that the world depends upon^co-operation and not conflict." And he went on to suggest that: "Perhaps this Assembly might resolve to call upon all countries of the world to devote a year, not to speeches about peace, I do not think that is much good, but to the furtherance of co-operative activities in any field, political, cultural, or whatever fields there may be, and there are thousands of fields." It was following this speech that the United Nations decided to observe the year 1965, the twentieth year in the life of the United Nations, as International Co-operation Year. Mr. Nehru did not confine himself to mere words in support of the principles of the United Nations Charter. Under his leadership India, whatever her own difficulties might be, gave strong practical support, as she continues to do, to many United Nations programmes and efforts. In particular I must
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mention Mr. Nehru's support of United Nations peace-keeping operations in the Middle East and in the Congo. His decision to provide a "brigade in March 196l for the Congo operation — a decision which was far from popular at home and was, as he knew full well, liable to misinterpretation in some quarters abroad — was a turning point in the history of the United Nations Congo operation. Before I conclude, let me present a thought which has a direct bearing on the award which 3, have been privileged to receive. The award is very significantly named "Jsvaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding". Although the obvious meaning of the word "Understanding" is clear to all of us, I w^i.ild like to go a little more deeply into its true meaning. This word has been used time and time again as denoting an indispensable attribute for those who seek an amicable co-operation among peoples as well as among nations. A well-known wribcr once pointed out the nature of the "understanding" between the spider and the fly. They understand each other only too well, but do not achieve amity. Clearly a more extensive type of understanding is necessary in' order to achieve the desired ends viiich we all have in mind. We should ask ourselves what kind of understanding the world really needs in order-to achieve peace and amity among nations. One thing is clear: the understanding that we need is not simply "to know" or "to have knowledge about". It is rather "to have sympathetic acquaintance and to establish communication". We need to differentiate between knowledge about a man or a country and the understanding that would reveal their true nature. It is not enough to know a man or a country; it is necessary to understand them in their own terms. To foster international co-operation and human solidarity, which is one of the aims of all great religions as well as the objective of the United Nations itself, our understanding of each other must therefore include respect — respect for the person and respect for the culture or society he represents. The will to understand implies open-mindedness and sympathy. It is clear from his actions, his writings and his sayings that Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru was a prime exponent of this comprehensive kind of understanding. That is one of his many attributes which this award especially commemorates. In receiving it, I join all the people in India and in the world at large who revere his memory and are resolved to continue to work in his spirit and towards, his ideals.
UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.I. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA « NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/690
11 April 1967
. ®L I'STTER TO SECRETARY-GFJTSPAL FROM LAQg COST OF PfrAC::-- KEEPING FORCE IN CYPRUS
Following is the text of a letter dated 6 April 196? to the Secretary-General, U Thant, from the Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations, regarding the expenses of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP):
Original in French
"Le Repre'sentant Permanent du Royaume du Laos aupres des Nations Unies pre'ser.te ses compliments au Secretaire General de 1' Organisation des Rations Unies et a 1'honneur de lui communiquer, en reponse a" Ba lettre FI 323/3(lS) du 5 Janvier 19^73 que le Gouvernement Royal du Laos a decide de verser cinq cents dollars U, S. (US$ 500, 00 ) en tant que contribution volontaire pour le maintien de la Force des Nations Unies & Chypre. "Le Repre'sentant Permanent du Royaume du Laos saisit cette occasion pour renouveler au Secre'taire Ge'ne'ral de 1' Organisation des Nations Unies les assurances de sa tres haute consideration."
Unofficial Translation
"The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Laos to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has the honour to inform him, in reply to his letter FI 323/3(18) of 5 January 19°~7, that the Government of the Kingdom of Laos has decided to give $US 500 as a voluntary contribution towards the maintenance of the United Nations Peace- keeping Force in Cyprus. "The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Laos takes this opportunity to renev to the Secretary-General the assurances of his highest consideration. "
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FCR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/689 11 April 1967
TEXT,. OF ..LETTER fnO SECRETARY-GENERAL FIxQM TUTKEY ON COST OF PHACJj-XL'EPINGr FO.P,fV3 IN CYPF'US
Following is the text of a letter dated. 7 April 1967 to the Secretary- General, U Thant, from the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations, Orhan Eralp, regarding the expenses of the United Nations Peace- keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP): "I have the honour to refer to your letter FI 323/3 of 5 January 1967, and to inform Your Excellency that in response to the appeal contained therein, the Turkish Government has decided to make a voluntary contribution of $292,907.86 to the UNFICYP expenses for the period of 26 June 1966 - 26 December 1966. Trie cheque for this amount is enclosed herewith. "Pleaee accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,"
UNIl TED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IO-OSMATION MEDIA — NOT AR OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/1^5 11 April 1967
SECBETARY-^ENEBAL * S SCHEDULE IN NEW DF.LHI ON 11 APRIL
(The fallowing was received from the United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The schedule of the Secretary-General, U Thant, during his visit in New Delhi on Tuesday, 11 April, was as follows:
At 6:35 a.m. (local time), he left by special plane for Bhopal, He was accompanied by C.S. Jha, Foreign Secretary, and Gopala Swami Parthasarathi, Permanent Representative' of India to the United Nations. From there, the Secretary-General motored to Sanchi, where he visited Sanchi Stupa. After having been welcomed by high priests, who lauded his efforts for peace, the Secretary-General declared: "Today was a memorable day in. my life for I had always wanted to visit this shrine." The Secretary-General returned to New Delhi at 3^00 p.m. At 7*00 p.m., the Secretary-General will call on Zakir Hussain, Vice- President of India. At 8:00 p.m., the Secretary-General will attend a private dinner given by Mr. Jha, Foreign Secretary.
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UNITED UATIOHS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, K.I, (FOR USE OF IFFOr^lATIClT MEDIA -- NOT AK OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/11^ 11 April 1967
U THAKT, APEIVES IN NEW DELHI
(The following was received fron a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Sac rotary -General. )
The Secretary-General,, U Thant, and party arrived in Hew Delhi at 5:09 p.m. (local time) on 10 April by special plans provided by the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, for the flight from Madras to New Delhi. At an official rsception held at the airport, the Secretary-General was welcomed "by M.C. Chagla, Minister for External Affairs of India; Sardar Swaran Singh, Minister for Defence; Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Minister for Industrial Development and Company Affairs; 3urenda Pal Singh, Deputy Minister for External Affairs; the chiefs of the three armed services; other Cabinet Miniate rs; heads of diplomatic missions; General Luis Tassara Gonzalea, Chief Military Observer of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UMMGGIP); and United Nations officials in Hew Delhi. After reviewing the guard of honour representing the three armed services, the Secretary -General was welcomed by Mr. • Chagla, who expressed the great pleasure of his Government at U Thant's visit to India. The Secretary -General, responding, stated how happy he was to visit India and to "ba able to receive the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding. He added that he was looking f orward to his talks with the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and other leaders of the Indian Government on matters of mutual concern, which will inevitably include Viet -Nam and how to find ways and means for a peaceful solution to this tragic problem . The Secretary-General and party are staying at Eashtrapati Bhavan. Immediately after his arrival at this residence, the Secretary-Genera*}- paid a courtesy call on the President at 6:30 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. he called on (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/T/lM 11 April 1967 the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, at her residence. The talks lasted for 35 minutes, and they discussed matters of common interest, including the problem of Viet-Naii in general terms. At 8:00 p.m., Mr. Chagla called on the Secretary-General at Rashtrapati Ehavan, At 8:20 p.m. Mrs. Gandhi called on the Secretary-General to accompany him to the dinner she is giving in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The
dinner will be attended by all Cabinet Ministers} high Indian and United Nations officials.
UHITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations,, N.Y. (FOR uss OF INFORMATION MEDIA — HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/1^5 11 April 1967
FOtJITOATIOH STO.'ffi CEREMONY FOR UNITED NATIONSEUIIDING IN COLOMBO
(The following was received, from the United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary -General.)
At a brief ceremony on Monday morning (lO April), the Secretary-General, U Thant, laid the foundation stone for the new United Nations building in Colombo. The Secretary-General and party arrived at 9: JO a.m., (local time) at the headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Colombo for the ceremony. Traditional Kandyan dancers conducted the Secretary-General, accompanied by the President of the Senate, A. Ratnayakej President of the United Nations Association and Minister of Trade and Commerce, M.V.P. Peiris^ Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Works, Montague Jayawickreme; Minister of Justice, Fairlie Wijemannej Acting Minister of Health, Mrs. Vimala Kannangara, the UNDP Resident Representative, A. Gromov; and Deputy Resident Representative, Himalaya Rana. In a colourful traditional ceremony, the Secretary-General, jointly with the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Works, laid the foundation stone. U Thant unveiled a commemorative tablet in the presence of a large gathering of heads of diplomatic missions, high Government officials, IMDP experts and United Nations staff. The Resident Representative, A« Groaov, in a brief speech, said "I hope that this stone will be the foundation not only of a new office building but a symbol for world''peace." Following the ceremony, the Secretary-General posed for a photograph with the entire UNDP staff. At 11:50 a.m. U Thant drove to Ratmalana airport with the Minister of State, J.R. Jayawardene, and upon arrival at the airport, the
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Secretary-General bade gnodbye to Government Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions and high officials of the Government and United Nations organizations. In a statement to the press, the Secretary-General expressed sincere thanks to the Government and people of Ceylon for the wazm -welcome accorded him and party during their brief stay as guests of tha Government;, He also expressed gratitude to tha Mahanayak.es and Trustees of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the Dalada Maligawa in Sandy., and recalled it was the second occasion for him to worship thsre, having visited .r!ey^.cn 1J years ago and t-aid that the worship was one of the major thrilling expsriences in fcis life« He particularly expressed thanks to the Governor—jor^jpsl, William Gopallawa; Prims Minister, Dudley Senanayake; and Minister cf State J.R<. Jayavardene\ Minister of Commerce and Trade^ M.V.?., Peiris and Minister of Communications, E«,L«B» liurulle, for the special efforts made to make his stay pleasant and profitable. The Secretary-General further stated he had discussions on 9 April with the Prime Minister on matters of mutual interest to Ceylon and the United Nations, The subject of Viet-Nam which inevitably came up was also discussed at length, and the question of pricing of primary commodities which was important fox under-developed countries. The Seczetary-Gener&l remarked that rich countries had become richer and poor countries poorer and the gap was widening; that the United Nations had launched the Development Decade in 19^1, but progress had been far from satisfactory, one intpe1?iiie.it to this being the question of prices of primary commodities. The Secretary-General concluded his statement and replied to a few questions, Asked about his recent efforts for peace in Viet-Nam, U Thant said that in his view, it was important to arrange a cease-fire. In this connexion, he . mentioned the formula for peace in Viet-Nam suggested by the Ceylon Government during his discussions that the question of Viet-Kam be settled by the Vietnamese themselves, without outside interference. Tha Secretary-General observed that he considered this formula sound and correct and in conformity with the Geneva Agreement of
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When told "by one news correspondent that it had teen said in certain quarters that the Secretary-General's pee.ce plan had not been formulated in writing, the Secretary-Goners1 replied that, in his view, it was the plan which was important, and it should not make any difference whether the plan was put forward orally or in writing. The Indian Airlines Flight 17^, carrying the Secretary-General and party tool: off from Ratmalaua airport at 11:55 a.m.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
' Press Release SG/T/1^2 10 April- 1967
m MPISTER; VIGIT3 K
(The following was received from the United -Nations luformatioii Officer accompanying the Secretary-General. )
The Secretary-General, tJ Thaiat, had discussions yesterday (9 April) with Ceylon's Prime Minister^ Dudley Senanaysko, at the latter (s pi-irate residence, "Woodlands" . The discussions lasted little over one hour and. covered. Viet-TIam, the United nations Development Programme prujeets in Ceylon and other subjects of coEsnon interest. At 10i^5 a-KL. (local time)/ the Secretary-General and party 'left for K£,ndy. The first function there was a call on the -Venerable Kahan&yake of the Malwette Chapter, The Mahan^ake, who is High Priest of this Chapter, Invoked the blessings of the "Triple Gem" '(the Buddha, Dharma and the Banana) on U Thant and lauded his efforts for peace in Viet-Nam as weUL as his over-all work for the United Nations. ' ' • • Respording, the Secretary-General said he- felt stronger by these kind blessings and stated that in discharging his functions, he -rould always keep in mind the teachings of Lord Buddha which constituted a guide towards peace. The Sccretary-Genaral then called on the Mahanayake cf the Aeciriya Chapter, where a similar cereincny took place. After lunch at "Castle Hill" at Kandy, the Secretary-General acd party went to the Dalada Maligawa where he attended an impressive special eicposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic with hundreds of people including women and children participating. In a brief speech, the Diyawardene Wilame, official custodian of the Sacred. Tooth, welcomed U Thant aa a parsonage of international eminence, Buddhist leader and renowned statesman. The Nilame added that enmity, violence, discord and conflict were anathema to the Buddhist creed of peace, understanding and concord among men. These were cardinal tenets of Buddhism.
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Responding, U Tharvb expressed his deep thanks for these words and said it was a great honour to attend this special exposition. After the ceremony, the Secretary-General donated rupees 1,000 to the temple. At 4:50 p.m., the Secretary-General planted a commemorative tree (Lagerstroemi TurMnata) at the Royal Botanical Gardens, in Peradeniya (four miles from Kandy), On Ms return to Colombo, he attended a reception at 7:00 p.m. in his honour by the Priae Minister at "Temple Trees", the official residence of the Prime Minister. Cabinet Ministers and members of the diplomatic corps attended. At 9:00 p.m., U Th?;nt attended a dinner given by the United Nations Association at Galle Face Hotel with some 400 guests present. Today'e Programme The Secretary-General's programme for today (10 April) is as follows: 9:30 a.m. — U Thant will lay the Foundation stone for the United Nations offic.fi building in Colombo. 11:15 a.m. — The Secretary-General will leave for Ratmalana airport. He will be seen off by Ceylonese leaders, officials, heads of diplomatic missions and United Nations officials. 11:55 a.m. - • Departure for New Delhi as scheduled.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOE USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/688 10 Aoril
TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY THE,aBCRE]?ARYrGEfffi!RAL. U THARP. AT A LUNCHEON
GIVSH BY n Tins _ UNITED.. NATIONS C03Ki:3PONDEr-7;'S, ASSOC.IAT13K.
FALA.IS DES HATIpNSt.. GENEVA ,r _j.. APl-jT'L_l_96j
(The following was received from the United Nations Information Service, Geneva.) - 1 - Press Release SG/SM/688 10 April 1967
Introductory remarks by the President of the United Nations Correspondents' Association.
The SECRETAKf>GMEPAL: I feel it a great honour to be thus entertained by the Association of United Nations Correspondents. As you have rightly pointed out, Mr. President, it is very necessary to establish a close relation- ship between the Press corps and the United Nations Office, wherever it may be situated. I am sure most of you are aware that as far as the relationship between the Headquarters in New York and the United Nations Correspondents1 Association in New York is concerned, it could net be better. I was involved in journalism myself for a nroober of years iii my own country. I was Information Secretary for se^ml y&ar® euid in that capacity I was involved daily with the Press corps ia $& pcr.mtry, and I contributed several articles as a free-lance journalist,, while I was serving in other capacities. So I still regard myself as a member of the Fourth Estate and, as you are no doubt aware, in some of my unguarded moments I am afraid I speak and act, unconsciously of course, as a journalist. I do not know whether it is an asset or a liability, but I^eel very strongly that it is necessary from time to time to be candid in my assessment of the situations which involve the United Nations and the maintenance of international peace and security. As you have rightly pointed out, Mr. President, before I leave Geneva I shall have discussions with Mr. Spinelll, Mr. Palthey and Mr. Lindstrcm on ways and means of still further improving the relationship between the Geneva Office cf the United Nations and your Association. You have also rightly pointed out that I should establish a tradition of giving a formal Press conference in Geneva at least once a year. My last
Press conference? if I remember rightly, was in July last year and I would be very happy to give another formal Press conference in July this year when I come to Geneva to attend the Economic and Social Council meetings. Of course, I am privileged to be thus entertained by your Association at this luncheon and I shall be happy also to meet with you informally in this way on my next visit. I am not saying you should give me a luncheon every time I come here but I shall be glad to have more contacts with you as I believe very strongly that closer contacts between the United Nations Secretariat and the Correspondents' Association will make for better understanding, because I am
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a believer in greater contacts, greater exposure and greater communication. This applies equally to international relations. In the course of the short time at our disposal I want to make some general observations on the situation of the United Nations at present and the state of the world today. As far as the United Nations is concerned, as you are no doubt aware,many of the conraittees and commissions are now very active. I must refer particularly to three or four of them. First of all, we have the Committee of 33 dealing with the peace-keeping operations of the United Netioas. The Committee was in session until the day I le:?fc Hew York, and I understand it is expected to submit its report to the General Assembly socae time in the middle of this month. Ta'sa, there is another Committee, the Committee of 14, dealing with the question of South West Africa, This Committee of Ik also has to submit its report before the commencement of the special session of the General Assembly which is scheduled to begin on 21 April. Those are the two primary items to be taken up by the special session of the General Assembly when it meets. Of course, nobody has any means of knowing what the outcome of these discussions will be but there is a general feeling at United Nations Headquarters that as far as the general question of peace-keeping operations is concerned there may be some perceptible progress in the financial aspects of peace-keeping, if not in other aspects. As far as the question of South West Africa is concerned, there are three proposals before the Special Committee of 14 and I understand that all those three proposals will be submitted to the special session of the General Assembly for consideration. Apart from these two important Committees there are also other Committees which are functioning at Headquarters today. One is the Committee of 2^, as you know, and one outcome of the deliberations of that Committee is the dispatch of a Special Mission of three members to Aden. Under the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, I had to organize this Special Mission after consultation with the Committee of 2k and the administering authority — that is, the Government of the United Kingdom, After due consideration I dispatched this Special Mission to Aden, and it is now there. Before the submission of the report of that Mission I am not in a position, of course, to say what the prospects or possibilities are, so I have to reserve my Judgement until I receive that report, (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/688 10 April
And there is, of course, the Special Committee on Apartheid, which is also actively engaged, in the discussion of that very important question. Apart from these active committees and commissions within the United Nations, in the international scene I understand that you are very much interested in developments in Viet -Nam. As you are no doubt aware, in my private capacity — not as the Secretary-General of the United Nations — I have been involved in the discussion of this problem and even from time to time in the presentation of some ideas, considerations or proposals to the parties primarily concerned with a view to contributing to the peaceful solution of this very tragic problem, but so far without success. I do not think I should go into the specifics or any elaboration of these proposal." since I have on many previous occasions tried to clarify my position and present my own evaluation and assessment of the situation; therefore, it might be redundant to reiterate those observations and assessments on this occasion. All I need to emphasize today is the fact that when you assess the situation in Viet -Nam and when you attempt to understand the background to the developments there, it is also necessary for you to understand the basic approach, the > basic understanding and the basic concepts of the two contending forces . If you understand the basic differences in their approach, I am sure you will be in a better position to assess the situation more objectively, With these few observations I should be very happy to give the floor to anybody who wishes to pose any questions,
QUESTIONt I have many questions, and the first one is of great concern to most of the correspondents here. It is a rather specifically Geneva question concerning the future Convocation, Pacem in Terris . I will simplify the many questions I have had and make them into one . Do you still intend to take part in the second Convocation even in the light of the fact that the Investors* Overseas Service is the main financing source?
The SECRETARY -GENERAL? I think it is necessary and desirable to give a little background to my acceptance of the invitation to participate in the second Convocation of Pacea in Terris here, I participated in the first Convocation, which took place in New York, for the following reasons. First of
(more) - It - Press Release SG/SM/688 10 April 1967 all, I believe that the sponsor of the Pacem in Terris Convocation, the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, under the. very wise and able leadership of Dr. Robert Hutchins, is genuinely anxious to contribute towards the peaceful solution of international problems and genuinely interested in contributing to better understanding among the peoples of the world. Secondly, I have a high personal esteem for Dr. Robert Hutchins, who is universally recognized as an eminent educationist. For these reasons I participated in the first Pacem in Terris Convocation which took place in New lork. When the invitation came to me to participate in the second Convocation, which i.s scheduled to take place in Geneva towards the end of May, I accepted it fc~ the same reasons. Of course, my acceptance of the invitation does not mean that I am in agreement with the method of financing, of which I am not fully aware. To give one instance: I am grateful to you, Mr. President, and your colleagues for very kindly inviting me to lunch today. I am here as your guest. When I accept your invitation it is not my business to question how you finance the lunch — by subscription or donation; it is not my business, it is yours. Since I want to do honour to your organization, I accept your very kind invitation and I am Jbere. So unless there are very compelling reasons to justify the reversal of my decision, I believe I shall be here towards the end of May to participate in the Pacem in Terris Convocation. As regards the initials 1,0 ,S*, frankly, I do not know what they stand for although I have read bits and pieces in the local newspapers.
QUESTION; The second question is from Mr. MacGregor of the British Broadcasting Corporation, London, and concerns the situation in Aden. In view of the fact that the United Nations Mission in Aden is being boycotted by the Front for the Liberation of Occupied South Yemen, does the Secretary-General envisage some initiative for establishing contacts with that organization and are there plans for a United Nations peace-keeping force to replace the departing British troops? -
The SECRETARY -GENERALi As I said in my introductory statement, since I have not received any report from the Special Mission of three members, which is still in Aden, I am not in a position to describe the future line, of action which must be followed. I am sure you will understand that in the (more) - 5 - I-ress Release SG/SM/688 10 April 1967 absence of such a report I am not in a position to commit myself in any way at this stage.
QUESTION: The third question is on the subject of the private capacity of the Secretary-General. Does the Secretary-General expect to be treated as a private citizen by Governments, or by public opinion?
The SEC'giTAEY-GMEPAL; It all depends on the type of work I am engaged in. For those matters which are outside the United Nations and which are not before any of the principal organs of the United Nations I cannot operate in my present capacity as Secretary-General. On the question of V'.et- Eara particularly, it is impossible to perform any function as Secretory-Co. '.•-.- ral of the United nations as the attitude of some of the parties principally involved in the conflict is veil know. To give one instance: When the Government of North Viet-Kara decided to allow its representatives to receive me in Burma, it was made very clear to me that the meeting took place because of personal consideration^ not because of the fact that I &a the Secretary- General of the United Nations. According. to the representatives of the Government of North Viet-EFam, they talked to me, not as the Secretary-General of the Unite.1 Nations, since in their view the United Hr,ti ons has no role to play in Viet-Nam, but as an Asian and one who understands what it means to struggle for the ^.rdapeaclence of one's country. So I have to make this distinction when I an dealing with the question of Viet-Haia.
QUI'SJETW: In spite of the persistent deadlock on Viet-Nam as far as psace talks are concerned, are prospects for a peaceful solution rather better today than a year ago? Do you fear that your efforts to end the Viet- Nam war have been prejudiced by the attitude taken by the Government ia Washington towards your latest peace plan?
The SECRBT-ARY-GENEPAL: As far as the prospects for peace in Viet- Nam are concerned, my personal assessment is that they are as distant today as they were a year ago. I might add that because of the increasing intensifica- tion of the war there are more prospects of its widening into a larger war, spilling over the frontiers, as I have said on previous occasions.
(more) - 6 - Press Release SG/SM/688 10 April 1967
Regarding the second part of the question, I think it is not for me "but for observers to assess vnether my future usefulness has been damaged by the declared reactions of some of the parties primarily involved in the question. I do not think it vould be proper for me to pass any judgement on this aspect.
QUESTION: The las'c question concerns disarmament. What is the opinion of the Secretary-General concerning the reservations expressed by some of the non-aligned countries about the proposal for a non-proliferation treaty prohibiting peaceful explosions?
The SZCF:STARy-(jEKgR/\L'. The position of seme of the non-aligned countries on this question is veil known and because of the need for more time to enter into private $i#£l&af$QS?9 %ft£ Consultations on some of the knotty problems, including safeguards and nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes, the Eighteen-Hation Committee on Disarmament has gone into recess for six veeks. However, personally, I am hopeful that some sort of an agreement will be reached when the Eighteen-Nation Committee on Disarmament resumes its work in May.
The PBagiggH^ of U.N.C.A.; Thank you very much, Sir, first of all for accepting our invitation and joining us today, and secondly, for being kind enough to answer the questions that have been put to you. I hope this is not the l;..,st time that you will be our guest of honour. 4k
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
CAUTION; ADVANCE TEXT Press Release SG/SM/680 Not for use before 10:00 a.m. (EST) ECS/153 (1500 GMT) Tuesday, 11 April 10 April 196?
TEXT OF MESSAGE FROM SECRETABY-GEIgRAL TO ECE'S TWENTY-SECOKD SESSION IN GENEVA ON 11 APRIL
Following is a nessace 1'rcu the Secretary-Geceral, U Thant, to the twenty-second session or the Economic Commission for Europe, to be read by Jfertin Hill, Under-Secretary for Inter-Agency Affairs, at the opening of the session on 11 April in Geneva:
"I regret that I am not able personally, to be present on this important occasion when the Economic Commission for Europe celebrates its twentieth anniversary. But I want to convey to you my best wishes for a successful session and my confidence that, in the future as in the past, the Commission will prove to be a valuable instrument to your governments for economic cooperation on a region-wide as well as on a global scale. A unique contribution of the United Nations system of regional commissions is that it not only provides neighbouring governments with a means of dealing with concrete practical problems of primary concern to them, but it also encourages a more universal cooperation through links with United Nations bodies in a world-wide setting, "The Economic Commission for Europe marks at this session its twentieth year under conditions which seem favourable for greater economic cooperation among countries having different ideologies. Indeed, it is all too easy now to forget the diffiotutt years of the "cold war" through which we have, let us hope, permanently passed. The ECE has survived during this period by the faith and work of those who saw in it a bridge to the future. The Ccrcmission's past achievements lead me to believe that the key to its future may be found in its methods of work which have been developed patiently over the years: its persistent concentration on real problems whose solution requires practical cooperation between governments; its systematic avoidance of ideological debate and procedural disputes; the balance it maintains (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/680 ECE/155 10 April 1967 between the majority and the minority; and the facilities it offers for the inter-penetration of expert knowledge oa problems of trade and technology in the basic sectors of the European economy. Furthermore, ECE ard its subsidiary bodies have been effective because they have linked their work to three basic integrating elements, in the ECE region since the war. First, there has been the realisation by governments that the exchange of technological information and ideas end of goods and services across frontiers —. not least across the lines that divide the different systems of economy and politics »- cannot be left to pure chance or to conssercial forces alone but must be actively promotad and organised by governments as a natter of deliberate policy. Secondly, the awareness that iaternat:,ooal trade is not simply the exchange of products, and certainly not o£., chance surplus, but that it requires as a basis a prior trans-national cooperation in the production and even in the planning process. Thirdly _, the recognition that at the present time economies of sc*,4,e require ever larger units of production, ever broader sales horizons and the ever increasing application of new technology.' "But ECS cannot merely rely on these elements of integration and the "tforlsing methods developed in the past to make it the kind of instrument needed for international cooperation in the future. The member governments must decide how they wish to use this institution effectively to meet the needs of the changing times. This is, indeed, the propitious moment for taking bold steps towards improved international cooperation, greater in depth and wider in scope than ever before. The opportunity, at this critical juncture of history, should not be missed. "In the period ahead the ECE should, I believe, keep in mind a principle founded on the re&lities of our times, namely, that normalisation and improve- ment of political relations among countries in its region is essential not only for Europe but also for the world as a whole. I have underscored, in the Introduction to my Annual Report on the Organ. Ration's "Stork, submitted to the last session of the General Assembly, the need to relate current world problems to the^fact that the United Nations has not yet attained the goal of universality of membership. As the achievement of this goal may take some time, I reiterate the view expressed in that Report that all countries should be encouraged and enabled, if they so wish, to follow the Organisation's work more closely. (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/680 EGE/153 10 April 196? "The multilateral facilities afforded by your Gemini sisi on should be fully utilised not only to further economic and social progress in Europe but also to promote effective aid to, and mutually beneficial trade with, the developing countries outside your region, The ICE has, in this matter, a special challenge to meet as the continent it primarily serves and Worth America are the two most developed areas, while most of the other two-thirds of the worJd remains underdeveloped, in many cases pathetically so. The accelerated development of the developing countries is an international res- ponsibility vtdch cannot be e;bunned without grave consequences to world peace. Europe has so much to offer. The ECE countries have in this Commission an instrument through which they can — and-I earnestly hope they will —• make an ever greater contribution to the developing countries and to the world at large. "I wish you all success in your deliberations."
UNITED NATIONS Pi-ess Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF INFOMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release 8 April 196?
SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN COLOMBO
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Colombo, Ceylon at 1220 hours (local time) today. Ee was met at the airport by Minister of State, j.R. Jayawardene; Minister of Communications E.L.B. Hurulle; Minister of Commerce and Trade M.V.P. Peiris, who is also President of the United Nations Association; as well as heads of dip."1 xuJtic missions in Colombo, and Anatoly G-romov, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Ceylon. In a statement at the airport, U Thant expressed his great pleasure in visiting Ceylon at the kind invitation of the Government. He recalled that it •was his second visit; he had attended, in a different capacity, the first Conference of Prime Ministers at Colombo in 195^• The Secretary-General said he looked forward to his discussions with leaders of the Government on matters of mutual interest to the United Nations and Ceylon, At 1615 hours (local time), he called on Governor General William Gopallawa. They exchanged views on several questions, and touched briefly on Viet-Nam, At 1700 hours U Thant paid a courtesy call on Minister of State Jayawardene. At l8jO hours he attended a reception in his honour given by Mr. Gromov, and at 2030 hours, attended a dinner to which all Cabinet Ministers were invited. The Secretary-General and party are staying at Temple Trees, official residence of the Prime Minister.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/lhO SA/217 8 April 1967
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE ON CQ-ORDINATION CONCLUDES MEETINGS
(The following was received from the United Nations Information Service, Geneva.)
The executive heads of the specialized agencies and other organizations and programmes of the United Nations system met in Geneva on 5 and 6 April under the chairmanship of the Secretary-General, U Thant. The participants included David Morse (international Labour Organisation); B.R. Sen (Food and Agriculture Organization); Rene' Maheu (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization); Marcolino Candau (World Health Organisation); George D. Woods (international Bank for .Reconstruction, and Development)j .Frank A. Southardi'(International Monetary Fund); Sigvard Eklund (international Atomic Energy Agency); Bernard T. Twigt (international Civil Aviation Organization); Michel Rahi (Universal Postal Union); Mohamed Mili (international Telecommunication Union); David A, Davies (World Meteorological Organization); Jean Roullier (inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative ": Organization); E. Wyndham White (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade); Philippe de Seynes (United Nations Secretariat); Paul Hoffman (United Nations Development Programme); Raul Prebisch (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development); Henry R. Labouisse (United Nations Children's Fund); Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan (High Commissioner for Refugees); Addeke H. Boerma (World^FSod Programme); Gabriel d'Arboussier (United Nations Institute for Training and Research); Lawrence Michelmore (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees); and Ibrahim H. Abdel-Rahman. (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). Intensive consultations took place regarding co-operation and co-ordination in a number of fields of activity in which organizations have far-reaching responsibilities, including: technical co-operation programmes, international
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/T/1^0 SA/217 8 April 1967 trade, science and technology, the development of water resources, the peaceful uses of outer space, utilisation of the resources of the sea, marine pollution, the development and utilization of human resources, and the forthcoming tntfemational Year for Human Rights. In the course of the session, tribute was paid to His Holiness Pope Paul VI for the appeal addressed to all men of goodwill in his encyclical, Populorum Progressio, a document which the Committee considered to be a significant contribution to the promotion of peace and development, to which the organizations of the United Nations system are dedicated.
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IHFOEMA.TION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/139 8 April 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL*5 ACTIVITIES Iff ROME
(The following was received from the United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, arrived in Rome on 7 April at 15^5 .hours (local time) from Geneva, and departed for Colombo, Ceylon, at 20JO hours (local time). The Secretary-General was greeted on behalf of the Italian Government by Ambassador Carlo Marchiori, Chef de Cabinet of Foreign Minister Amintore Fanfani, and Ferdinando Quaranta di San Severino, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Secretary-General and party proceeded in a motorcade to the Italian Chamber of Deputies, where he was welcomed by Foreign Minister Fanfani, with whom he met for approximately UO minutes. U Ihant then proceeded to Quirinale Palace, official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, Guiseppe Saragat, After meeting with President Saragat for approximately 35 minutes, he went to Vatican City. At the entrance of the Vatican, he was greeted by Msgr. Paul Marcinkus of the Secretariat of State of His Holiness Pope Paul VI. His Holiness Pope Paul VI met with the Secretary-General for U5 minutes. The Secretary-General and party then returned to the airport, where he met with the Aden Mission for \*) minutes. (The Mission had arrived in Rome from Aden.) Before his departure, the SeCretan-General told the Press that during his brief stopover in Rome, at the kind invitation of the President of the Italian Republic and Foreign Minister Fanfani, his very esteemed personal friend, he had very useful exchanges with President Saragat and with Foreign Minister Fanfani. Afterwards, he had had a most useful, cordial and inspiring audience with the Holy Father. In their exchange of views, matters of common interest were discussed, and, of course, the problem of Viet-Nam had also come up. Press Release SG/T/139 8 April 1967
The Secretary-General said he had nothing new to say on the Viet-Nam situation, since he had "been absent from Mew York for the last few days. He adled that it was going to be a long and bloody war, and the prospects for peace were as distant as they had been last year. U Thant concluded by expressing his best wishes to the people of Italy. Before his departure from Geneva, the Secretary-General had also met briefly with correspondents. In reply to a question as to whether he intended to send another Mission to Aden, U Thant said: "Ho, this is out of the question." The Mission had been sent after due consultations with the administering authority and the Special Committee of 2H, under terms of relevant General Assembly resolutions, he commented. He added that it was also out of the question that he would stop in Aden on his present trip. Aden was not on his itinerary, he declared.
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UNITED NATIONS , Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
:__A2!£^JE£D Press Release SG/SM/687 Not for use before 11 a.a. EST IDO/12 (_1600 GMT) Monday, 10 April 7 April 1967
TEXT OF MESSAGE EY SECRETARY-GENERAL, U THANT, TO FIRST SESSION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVSLOPMEKT BOARD
Following is the text, of the message by the Secretary-General, U Thant, to the first session of the Industrial Development Board, opening at United Nations Headquarters on 10 April (to be read "by I.E. Abdel-Rahman, Executive Director, United Nations Industrial Development Organization):
"The first meeting of the Industrial Development Board marks an important milestone in the development work of the United Nations. I deeply regret that the pressures of office have made it necessary for me TO be avay from Headquarters at this particular time and thereby jrevented re from attending personally the opening of this important session. I wish, however, to express on this occasion my conviction that the establishment by the General Assembly of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization as a major addition to the spectrum of international organs and programmes in the economic and social field, will give a r_ew and pragmatic dimension to the United Nations development efforts. "The renewed emphasis on industrialisation is a further expression of the concern of the international community with closing, or at least bridging, the 'development gap'. Industrialisation is not an aim in itself. It is primarily an instrucent, and an essential one, for spearheading economic grouth. It should provide a basis for a balanced development of all economic activities, and primarily of the development of the human potential which has remained largely dormant in the less developed areas. Extending the prodigious possi- bilities opened- up by the Industrial Revolution to those two-thirds of the world population who have not participated so far in the mounting prosperity of the more industrialized areas will also make a major contribution to improved conditions of political and economic equilibrium throughout the world. (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/687 IBO/12 7 April 1967
"The creation at this stage of a central machinery to deal with industrial development reflects not only a desire for brcaderaulg the aucpe of the United Nations work in this field, but also a larger preoccupation with the practical problems of development. It is particularly gratifying that, at a time when major donors of foreign aid programme3 are showing signs of weariness, direct action in the field of industrial development is gaining wide support. A concrete example of the willingness of the -major industrial powers to share the responsibility for more effective action in this field were the pledges made over and above their regular contributions to UNDP to finance the programme of Special Industrial Services proposed at the twentieth session of the General Assembly. Indeed, it takes a measure cf enlightened foresight on the part of the industrially advanced countries to be willing to share their current resources of technology and capital with a view to realising the enormous benefits that the world as a whole would gain from upgrading the productivity of two-thirds of mankind to levals compatible with the immediate possibilities of our technology. "I am sure an atiaocphere of optimism and anticipation will pervade the first meeting of the Industrial Development Board. For those who have united their efforts to give tangible expression to the universal desire for intensified and conceia±3?€tted action in the field of industrial development, this will indeed be a, most gratifying occasion. It should also serve as an inspiration to further efforts. While United Hations machinery can play en important role when there is willingness to co-operate in the attainment of common objectives, it would be misleading to view it as a substitute for action by individual countries. Just as the industrially advanced countries have special responsi- bilities because of the magnitude of their resources and technology, the major effort to accelsrate industrialization must come from the developing nations themselves. In the last analysis, the extent to which existing and new opportunities for international co-operation will contribute to the coranon goals depends on the degree of initiative, purposefulness and sustained interest V shown, by all member countries.
(more) - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/687 IDO/12 7 April 1967
"The time may "be ripe now for a concentrated attack on the problems of industrial development, undertaken as a co-operative effort of industrialized and industrializing countries. To lead this effort may be the raost important role of the Industrial Development Board. May I express the hope that the crucial needs of mankind in this area will be well served by the Board. In e:ctending my welcome to all members of the Board, I wish to convey to each one of you ay best wishes for the success of your first session."
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UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOP. USE OF IHFQR.lATinH MEDIA »~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
__ _ Press Release SG/SM/681 (Not for use befor-3 Monday, 10 April 1967) ^ Apri1 ^l
Wh£t_Coul.d We Build ifJJe_Wprke d ^Together?
The following is the text of a statement by Secretary-General U Thant which will appear in sever?! publications during April*:
"What could we build if we vcrked together? "This simple but tantalising question is a sharp reminder of the irony of the present state of mar.kj ;:d. It dramatizes the persistent struggle between our wisdom a?id our foolishness, our strength and our weakness, our creativeness and our self-destructiveness, our idealism and our baseness. It serves to remind us -chat the predominant rivalries of cur era, political, military, or ideological, are also the most wasteful consumers of our time, spirit, talent, resources and even of life. It reminds us of the strange fact that even now, with an unprecedented range of knowledge at their dis- posal, men in all parts of the world passively continue to accept policies and programmes of all kinds which not only fritter aiTay their substance and the bountiful legacy of nature, but at times endanger their very existence. "The simplest citizen ean grasp the fact that a fraction of the money that will be spjnt throughout the vorld on armaments in 19^7 could finance economic and social programmes, both national and global, on a scale hitherto undreamed of• It is obvious that a small part of the ingenuity, effort, expertise and resources deployed in building an intercontinental missile system, for example, would almost certainly, if applied to the more
* This is the first of a series of messages by leaders in various fields sponsored by Alcan AliHiiniam limited. The statement is scheduled to appear in Time Magazine (April 21st edition), Saturday Review, US News and World Report, Atlantic, Harpers, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times Sunday Magazine. - -2-- Press Release SG/SM/681 1 April 1967 immediate problems of human misery or of future human development, produce a series of breakthroughs wl.ich might well illuminate and inspire man's whole concept of his own futrre. It is a commonplace that, if options could only lay down the sword and live in harmony, the world might, with judicious leadership and management, well become a place which could rival all the Utopias of the philosophers - and certainly be far more interesting. "Why do these totally obvious and desirable developments fail to come about - fail, moreover, in an age which prides ibself on its new mastery of comrminications of every kind? Why do we have to live in fear rather than in hope, in antagonism and distrust rather than in harmony and co-operation? 111Human natnra' is popularly held tc be responsible for this deplorable state of affairs, the assumption being that 'hinn^n nature' is in some way a force which cannot possibly be controlled or improved. It is high time this comfortable pretext was exploded. Men should aspire to be the masters of their I'ate, rather than the victims of their ovn 'nature'. If we presume, as ve do, to change and improve everything else in nature, why do we leave ourse-lves cut of the process? Improvement and progress should surely begin at home. "If, then, we discard the facile notion that 'human nature' is to blame and that nothing can be done about it, what is the real reason for our inability to shape our affairs as reason and self-interest toll us that they shovJ.dbe shaped? How does it come about that greed, prejudice, arrogance, envy, fear., misunderstanding and all the other less dejiraV.e huw:-:.n charac- teristics play such a large part in r.he affairs of the world, so that the common denominator of international life is fear and lack of mutual confidence? It is perhaps because ve thii-1: zaore of our difference? than of oar oppor- tunities. We are still in a state of mir.d where the traditional attitudes born of our past wants and conflicts influence us more than the abundant, and so far largely unexploited, opportunities of the hopeful present. The note of hope and idealism in the world is still tremulous at best, and tends all too often to be drowned out by a jangle of qualification, compromise and cynicism. We must sustain that note of hope, which our achievements in many fields so amply justify, until it overpowers the voices of fear, cynicism and reaction. We must gain enough confidence in ourselves and in each other to turn our ideals and our potential into reality. (more) * - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/681 4- 7 April 1967 4
"The opening question - What could we "build if we worked together? - certainly provides us with a powerful incentive to solve this basic problem, and it may even provide us with a clue to the problem itself. It is a historic fact that when men have worked together in enthusiasm and loyalty to a commonly held ideal the results have benefitted all succeeding ages, and have even on occasion - as for example in Athens or Florence in their greatest days - inspired enduring works of genius of an extraordinary quality, vitality and variety. We may not hope to find the conditions of Athens or Florence in ierge modern states, let alone in the world. But we can at least recognize that working together in the pursuit of practical aims provides men with an unusual solidarity and vitality, an environment in which their differences are a stimulus rather than an obstacle. "In this century political ideology has taken the place formerly occu- pied by reljgion as a main source of strife in the world. We have been, perhaps, too anxious to define and agree, by force if necessary, upon the ideal to be pursued before unking a practical start in co-operation on fundamental problems= The world is, mercifully, an infinitely varied place. If we could start pragmatically by working together on the problems which urgently concern all peoples,, differences of ideology and other apparently insoluble conflicts might be seen in a new light as wasteful and unnecessary, and may thus work themselves out over a period of time. "If we were to ask ourselves: What could we work on together now?, a vast range of fascinating possibilities for enhancing the condition and the quality of human life opens up before us. This range of possibilities will, I hope, be explored in succeeding articles in this series. We have too often in the past been forced to regret some aspects of scientific progress, and been driven to act belatedly to mitigate them. We are now in a position, if we work together, to foresee and, to some extent, to determine the future course of human development. We can do this, however, only if we cease to fear and harass each other and if together we accept, welcome and plan the changes that must inevitably come about. "If this really means a change in 'human nature', then it is high time we began to work toward such a change. What is certainly required is a change in some human political attitudes and habits. Intelligent self-interest (more) - k - Press Release SG/SM/681 ' 1 April 1967 i
is reason enough for making this change, already long overdue. In this process, I believe that the United Nations, as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations, may have a vital role. "I hope that this series, by showing vhat shining possibilities could be within our reach, and by inspiring people to concentrate on their opportuni- ties for working together rather than on their differences, may contribute to the urgently required improvement of the attitudes of peoples and nations to one ar.o-cher. Then only will we begin to build as we should."
UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/138 7 April 196?
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S SCHEDULE FOR 7 APRIL
(The following was received from the United Nations Information Officer accompanyiag the Secretary-General.)
Today's schedule of the Secretary-General, U Thant, in Geneva, is as followsj At 9:30 a.m. he saw Henrik Beer, Secretary-General of the League of Red Cross Societies. At 10:00 a.m. he saw Vladimir Velebit, Executive Secretary of the Economic ComMssion for Europe. At 10:JO a.m. he saw Ambassador Rene Keller, Swiss Observer, Palais des Nations. At 10:^5 a-m. he saw the Reverend D. Pire, Nobel-prize winner (courtesy call). At 11:30 a.m. he saw Peter Hayman, Uader-Secretary, United Kingdom Foreign Office. At 2;30 p.m. he left for Rome on his way to Asia where he will visit Ceylon, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
-V-.VL-V- "A A VT
UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. ' ' ' (FOR USE OP. INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
• Press • Release. SG/T/IJT """'•. .••••• - WMO/lH 6 April 1967
TEXT. OF .STATEMENT BY SECRETAKY~£ENSRAL U THANT . ' .TOJFIFTHJ^ORLP MEETOROLOrTiCftL. CONGRESS IN GENEVA
Following is the text of a statement made today by the Secretary-General, U Thant, before the fifth World Meteorological Congress, which.is being.held in Geneva ftfom 5 to 28 April:
"Mr. President? Mr. Davies and distinguished participants, . "I am very glad to be able to join you at this session of the fifth World .Meteorological Congress. I am happy that you are holding this meeting in the United Nations Office in Geneva, but I remember very veil my visit to your' own new building in Geneva some four years ago. I have also known your Secretary- General, Mr. Davies,, who is my colleague on the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination from the time that I assumed my present responsibilities over five years ago. I am also glad to know that only yesterday my friend and .colleague, Mr. Paul Hoffman, addressed your Conference. "I need hardly refer to the importance of the weather as a factor affecting human life and activity. "What I wish especially to highlight on this occasion is the fact that meteorology is a truly international science — for the atmosphere moves across the earth's surface in accordance with scientific laws and without heed to man- made boundaries. It is for this reason that an international organization is so essential and that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) therefore plays an important role in the United Nations family of organizations. It is most encouraging to see the progress being made by ¥MO in using the new tools which modern scientific and technological developments have made available to us in the task of understanding and predicting the physical processe. in the vast atmospheric envelope which surrounds our planet. I may mention in
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/T/157 WMO/lH 6 April 196? particular two such developments, the satellite and the electronic computer. The first enables the earth's atmosphere to be observed on a truly global scale •while the other enables the vast quantities of data to be rapidly processed. Indeed the stage has now been reached when, in many countries, machines may literally draw the prognostic weather maps for periods up to three or four days ahead. "You are alias/are of the way in which the WMO has responded to the request addressed to it in resolution 1721 (XVI) of the General Assembly under the general title of 'International Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space1 which started the WMO on its uni Press Release SG/T/1J6 6 April 1967 S6HEBg|B FOR 6 APRIL (The following was received from the United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General. ) Today1s schedule for the Secretary-General, U Thant, who is now in Geneva, is as follows: At 9:30 a.m. he met with members of the Indo-Pakistan Western Boundary Tribunal. At 10:00 a.m. he presided over the third meeting of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination. At 1:00 p.m.. he attended a luncheon as guest of Raul Prebisch, Secretary- General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, at the Villa, la Pelouse. At J:00 p.m. he addressed the fifth World Meteorological Congress. At 3:50 p.m. he presided over the fourth and last meeting of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination. At 6:00 p.m. he will have a meeting with Jan P. Bannier (Netherlands), Chairman of the Advisory Conmittee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. At 7«>0 p.m. he will attend a dinner given by David A. Morse, Director- General cf the International Labour Organisation; and Marcolino G. Candau5 Director-General of the World Health Organization, at the Hotel des Bergues. wV. 7 yi Av 126Q UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/A/&8 5 April 196? HILL APPCnSTED 'UNDER-SSCRET1RY FOR ITOTFJUA&itCY .AFFAIRS In view of the increasing importance attached by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council to strengthening co-operation and co-ordination among the various organizations of the United Nations system, the Secretary~General has established a post of Under-Secretary for Inter- Agency Affairs and has appointed Mi', Martin Kill to this assignment. Mr. Hill has been Deputy Under-Secretary for Economic and Social Affairs and the Secretary-General's Personal Representative to the specialized agencies since 1355* He has also, eince 1-9^8, been Rapporteur of the Administrative CoTanittee on Co-ordination, which comprises the executive heads of all United Nations agencies, under the chairmanship of the Secretary-General, and is currently meeting in Geneva. Mr. Hill, who has served in the United Nations Secretariat since its inception^ and for several years held the post of Deputy Executive Assistant to the Secretary-General, was a member of the International Secretariat of the San Francisco Conference and the United Nations Preparatory Ccomission in 19^5* Before that, he served with the League of Nations in its political as well as its economic and financial sections. Mr. Hill, who is a national of the United Kingdom, was born on 8 April 1905 in Cork, Ireland, where he jr.__ntain3 hi:; home. After taking his degree at Oxford, he did post-graduate work at the London School of Economics and, under a Rockefeller Fellowship, at the Universities of Cambridge and Vienna. He is married and has a son. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR 0SE OF ILTOKMATIQK MSDIA — NOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/T/135 5 April 196? '.+™&tbe.ntftr]~!x+~GENEVA CORESfSPOfTgEM'SL ay-*;- - •-•:• ••- • •••'y ^.-.••__'?j_.-* IJEHCHSO^ ._. N (The following was received from the United Nations Information Service, Geneva. ) The Secretary-General, U Thant, today opened the session of the Administrative Gerardttee on Co-ordination In Geneva, and was the guest of the Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents at a luncheon. Introducing the Secretary-General at the luncheon, Jean Danes, President of the Association, said it was the first time a Secretary-General of the United Nations had attended such a luncheon since Trygve Lie had some 20 years ago. U Thant recalled his own journalistic experiences and commented, "I consider myself a member of th° fourth estate, and sometimes I speak and act like a jouri.ieJ.ist, I am not sure whether this is an asset or a liability." The Secretary-General referred briefly to the work of the Special Committee on Peace -Keeping Operations and the Ac1 Hoc Coinr.ittee for South West Africa, and expressed hope that there may be progress regarding financial aspects of peace-keeping. On the Aden Mission, he said he wanted to wait fcr the report of the Mission before making any assessment, Referring to the Viet-Ham.war, he said he has been involved, in his private capacity — but so far without success -- in seeking a peaceful solution. He stressed the importance of understanding the different positions of the parties concerned, to be able to comprehend the essentials of the problem. (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/T/135 5 April 1967 Answering a question on financial arrangements for the Pacem in Terris convocation in late May, U Thant said he had participated in the first convocation in New York, and had accepted an invitation to address the second in Geneva because he believed the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions under the leadership of Robert M. Hutchins advocated better international understanding, and he had great respect for Hutchins. He added : "My acceptance does cot mean I agree with the method of financing the conference." Questioned about a possible peace force for Aden, he said he was not in a position to outline any action at this stage. Asked to elaborate on actions taken in his private capacity, U Thant replied that, in dealing with the Viet-Wara problem, it was impossible to act as Secretary-General because of the attitude of some of the parties concerned. When the Government of Hanoi decided to allow its representatives in Rangoon to receive him, they had done so out of personal considerations; he had been received not as Secretary-General but as an Asian who understood what it meant to struggle for independence. Asked about prospects for peace in Viet-Nam, he said they were as distant today as they were one year ago. Because of the intensification of the war, there was a prospect of the conflict widening and spilling over frontiers. Asked about his future utility in this regard, he answered: "This is a matter for observers, and not for me, to judge." Asked about the role of non-aligned nations in obtaining agreement on non-proliferation, he expressed the hope that some sort of agreement might be reached when the Eighteen-Hation Committee on Disarmament meets again. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N,Y, (FOR USE OF BBPOEMATIOH MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG-/T/134 5 April 1967 SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN GENEVA (The following was received from the United Nations Information Service, Geneva.) The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Genava today from Paris at 12:35 a.m. (local time). He vas met at the airport "by Pier Spinelli, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, and the Deputy Director-General, Georges Palthey; Philippe de Seynes, Under-Secretary for Economic and Social Affairs, and Martin Hill, Under-Secretary for Inter-Agency Affairs. U Thant told correspondents he would attend meetings of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination, and said he looked forward to meeting them at luncheon today. From Geneva, the Secretary-General will go to Colombo, Ceylon; New Delhi, India; Kathmandu, Nepal; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/T/133 k April 1967 SECRETARY-GENERAL, U THANT, ARRIVES IN PARIS EN ROUTE TO GENEVA (The following was received from the United Nations Information Centre, Paris.) The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Paris today at 22^1 hours (local time) and was met at the airport by Roger Seydoux, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Ambassador Rajeshawar Dayal of India, and United Nations officials. Asked by correspondents about the misunderstandings and misinterpretations of his latest peace proposal for Viet-Nam, U Thant said that he did not consider his new proposals as a deviation from his original three-point plan. Once accepted and implemented, they would amount to the cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Nam and the cessation of all military hostilities against North Viet-Nam; while, in the South, there would be a gentlemen's agreement to refrain from fighting when the standstill truce was in effect, he stated. Elaborating further, he added that, while hammering his original three-point plan for almost 1J months, the war was getting worse with more deaths, destruction and devastation, and, since the original plan was unacceptable, he had formulated the new proposals to make them more acceptable to the parties concerned. Asked whether he retained the confidence of these parties, he replied that, as long as he was engaged in this mediation effort and his intentions were not in doubt, he was not giving up hope. The Secretary-General and party left Paris for Geneva at 2J05 hours (local time). * #*# UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IKFOBMATION MEDIA -- HOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/T/1J2 k April 1967 SECREIARY-GENEPAL LEAVES FOR GENEVA AND ASIAN CAPITALS The Secretary-General, U Thant, left New York today by air for Geneva and five Asian countries. Talking to correspondents at the airport shortly before his departure, he said that he was going to Geneva to preside over the meetings of the Administra- tive Committee on Co-ordination, which brings together all the heads of the specialized agencies in the United Nations family. He said that he would later go on to Ceylon, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that he was looking forward to the discussions he would hold with the leaders of those countries on "problems of mutual interest"* Asked whether he would be discussing Viet-Nam, the Secretary-General said; "Obviously, one cannot avoid speaking of such an important question as Viet-Nam." Asked whether he intended to transmit the clarifications of his aide-memoire to the interested parties, the Secretary-General said that he did not intend to do so since his statements of clarification were public knowledge. At the airport to see the Secretary-General off were the representatives of the Asian countries he is to visit and Ralph J. Bunche, Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs, and Aleksei E. Nesterenko, Under-Secretary for Political and Security Council Affairs. Accompanying him to Geneva for the meetings of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination is Jose' Rolz-Bennett, Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs, in charge of the Office of Public Information. Accompanying him on the whole of his tour are Ramses Nassif, press aide, and Donald Thomas, personal administrative assistant. * **# UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF Btpoimnow MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/686 1 April 1967 STATEMENT BY THE SECREJEARY-GEgBRAL The following statement was issued today by the Secretary-General, U Thant: "It is my custom to refrain from public comment on positions taken publicly by officials of any Government. This statement, therefore, is most definitely an exception to the practice and is not to be taken as a precedent for the future. "I make this exception because I have been so greatly impressed by the statement made by Senator Joseph S. Clark in his speech to the National Convention of the Americans for Democratic Action on 31 March. My latest proposal was necessarily directed to both siQe-s- id the conflict and implicitly called for simultaneous action with regard to the stand-still truce by the two sides. Nevertheless, I recognize the harsh reality of the existing impasse. Indeed, this realization was the sole motivation for my latest proposal. But it becomes ever more clear to me that this impasse can be broken and a halt put to the increasingly horrible slaughter and destruction of the Viet-Nam war only if one side or the other shows the wisdom and the courage and the compassion for husaaity to take the initiative on a first step •- that is to say, by undertaking unilaterally to put the stand-still truce into effect, and thereafter to fire only if fired upon. The United States, with power and wealth unprecedented in human history, is in a position to take this initiative. I must say in all frankness that I share Senator Clark's view that the United States can afford to take such a step even though there is an admitted, but, in my opinion, limited risk for the United States in doing so." # **# •* UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF HJFOBMWIGN MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Note No. 3351 1 April 1967 NOTE TO Questioned by newsmen on his arrival at Headquarters this morning, the Besrsiary-Gecjer&l, ULTfra&t ?nadQ'-ttte following comments: Asked whether he considered it neca&sary to work out the details of a cease-fire before it went into effect, he said that preliminary talks on details would be out of the question until the bombing of North Viet-Nam stopped; that was the position of Hanoi, As to the time a stand-still truce could take effect, he said "That is for somebody to propose" . To a later question in this vein, he said "Somebody has to propose that at such and such time, on such and such a date" it would go into effect. This is a. necessary step, he added. U Thant, in response to a question regarding interpretation of his present proposals, said: "The plain fact is there has been a lot of misunderstanding." He had proposed his three-point plan more than a year ago -- 13 months ago; and there had been no move to accept it, "Shall we go on pressing those three points indefinitely without effect? Or shall we come out with an adaptation of the proposals to suit the prevailing mood of the parties?" He said more people were dying in Viet-Nam, and there was more devastation and destruction going on. Asked if he still held to the earlier three points, he said, in his view, they still applied. "Cessation of the bombing is a pre-requisite" for other moves in line with the adapted proposals, and "it must be accompanied by a general understanding on a stand-still truce. Supervision of the truce, in the present circumstances, is impractical ." He was awaiting further developments . # •*** * UNITED Hi A T I 0 3ST S Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, B.Y. (FOB USE OP IHPQSfflSfflKW MEDIA ~ NOT AH O^ICIAL RECORD) CAffHOHt Ajy/MCE gifc|AgS . Press Release SG/SM/679/Rev. Hot for use before ay, 2 April 31 March 1967 TESCT OF MS3SAGE .ffHOM SECBBTAEy^^I^AL _U THAHT TO..ECAES*S THESry-gSIRD SESSION HT TOKYO. OH .3 APP-IL The twenty-third session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East also marks the twentieth anniversary of its existence. On this important occasion, 1 should like to express my warn felicitations to the Commission for its achievements during the past two decades, and to send my good wishes for the increasing success of its efforts to improve the economic and social conditions of the peoples of Asia, It seems to me to "be most appropriate that the event should "be celebrated at this time of the year and in this country, thanks to the gracious hospitality of the Government of Japan. Spring is the time for hope and faith in the regeneration of Life and Japan, -with its recent record of remarkable economic and social progress, is an eloquent testimony to the promise which the present national and international developmental efforts hold for the still developing countries in the ECAFS region. This great nation is a living example that the material fruits of modern technology can be successfully blended with the spiritual values of an ancient culture. In the past twenty years, the Commission has witnessed tremendous political, economic and social changes in the region which it serves. Despite formidable obstacles, it has met the challenges of widespread poverty, ill-health and ignorance with confidence and determination. This has resulted in such well-known programmes as the Asian Development Bank, the Lower Mekong Basin Development and the Asian Highway. There are far-reaching implications arising out dl^ their realization. In the first place, these programmes have taught us that regional co-operation in the ECAFE region is not an idle dream but a practical reality, as neighbouring countries, whatever their political ascriptions, have shown that they can work together to achieve economic and (more) * Note change in time of embargo. -2- Press Release SG/SM/679/Sev>l 31 Marjib IS&T social development. Secondly, international co-operation, particularly aid from the developed nations, can be put to good use by its association with such group efforts undertaken by the developing countries. Last but not least, the role of the United Nations and of one of its regional arms, ECAF3, as the catalyst, the "enabling service" and the co-ordinator of such projects as those mentioned above convincingly proves the value and effectiveness of multilateral aid in the world-wide effort to uplift the developing nations. These are, indeed, the lessons of history which cannot be ignored if we are to accelerate the economic and social progress of the developing half of our world* It is my fervent hope that ECAFE's experience of these progresses vlli encourage the developed, nations, including Japan whose desire to assist the region's development is appreciated by all, increasingly to utilize the multilateral facilities provided by the United Nations in implementing their aid programme. The ECAFE region is beset with massive problems such as the tardiness of agricultural production, the runaway growth of population, the unfavourable balance of trade, and the inadequate flow of aid and investment for development purposes. In these circumstances, we should keep in mind that peace-building and peace-keeping are two sides of the same coin which mutually reinforce each other. If, despite the past twenty years of unstable conditions, ECAFE's efforts have yielded such encouraging results, how such greater would have been your success if there had been peace in your regionl The present situation, therefore, calls for an intensification on the part of your Commission of the constructive use of regional co-operation projects, as they provide a favourable climate not only for economic and social development but also for intra-regional as well as international understanding which are so essential for achieving peace and security in your region and throughout the world. On this occasion, I would like to reiterate my interest in your Commission's work and my pledge of firm support. We must all work together, sparing neither effort nor sacrifice, to promote the economic and social advancement of the developing countries as a vital element in our endeavours to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Charter. *» \f it _U_ « M Jl Jl TT UNITES NATIfNS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y- (FOR USE OF .SSFQRMkTION MEDIA — NOT £N OFFICIAL RECORD) CAUTION; ADVAHCE Rgl^ASE . Press Release SG/SM/685 Not for use before 11:50 a.m. EST JO March 1967 Friday., 31 March •. • ' . EDUCATION IH A CHANGING The following is the text of an assess to be made by the Secretary- General, U Thant, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, tomorrow., Friday, 51 March, when fee will receive am. honorary degree of Doctor of laws: I am honoured to have the opportunity to address you here at the University of Michigan during the celebrations of your 150th anniversary. I must confess., however, that it is with some trepidation that I speak to you on the subject of education in a changing world. It is now twenty years since I left my chosen career as a teacher for service with my Government and later with the United Hations. In that time education in all its aspects has seen tremendous developments, especially in this country. I speak to you now therefore as an outsider looking in on the great world of education and more from the point of view of a diplomat and an international civil servant than that of a teacher. That is not to say that I have in any way lost my interest in the problems and .possibilities of education. On the contrary, it seems to me more true than ever that -education holds the key to a large number of the world's problems, and that no public servant can ever divorce himself from a keen interest in the educational process and its possibilities. Our greatest common human problem -- the problem of living in and adapting to our constantly changing world -- has revolutionized the nature and function of education. The conventional e'lite system of education that served the old and relatively static world has already, in mot^ countries, had to give way to a comprehensive wystea that is both far more broadly- based and in much closer contact with developments in the world outside (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/685 30 March 196? the campus. The university, far now from-being the cloistered retreat of the chosen few, has, for better or for worse, become involved intimately and inextricably with the whole process of growth and change. In fact the process of education itself now plays a large part in changing and developing the intellectual, social and material framework of the world in which we live* This radical change in the nature and place of education is rich both with possibilities and with dangers. It is essential that we -- and I say we because education is the concern of all serious people -- should constantly remind ourselves of certain standards and criteria which should, in my view at any rate, govern our approach to education. They are relatively simple and obvious. Education should first and foremost be involved with truth and with the teaching of methods to arrive at the truth. This must be a continual quest pursued with vigour and with courage. In this age which prides itself upon its revolution in communications, the truth is perhaps harder to find or to pin down than ever before, and the furcation of education in teaching people to find and to recognize truth is correspondingly more important. In the pursuit of truth, education and educational institutions should not necessarily conform to the current spirit or atmosphere of the times. Teachers and students should always be prepared to question popular assianptions, trends and moods, and by questioning them, to strengthen what is good and change or eliminate what is bad. Education must obviously be linked to the realities of life without being too much overawed by them. Realism, desirable though it is, must not be allowed to discourage originality and imaginative thinking. If education must correspond and adjust to the needs of time and place, it must also always look toward the future and to the manner in which desirable changes can be brought about. This is particularly true in the United States. This country's place and role in the world have changed radically within a generation, and this fact in itself presents a large educational problem. It is the problem of adapting a society which formally prided itself on a certain remoteness, to a new position of involvement and leadership in the world. (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/Sty/685 30 March 1967 .Though education must, of course, be linked with practical reality, an educational institution must be extremely careful about undue influences and pressures from the outside. An institution of higher education should be free of political domination in any form, either overt or covert. Its intellectual status and academic prestige, as well as its standard of teaching, may well depend upon its freedom from such pressures. Its role as the servant and mentor of society should never be allowed to degenerate into any kind of junior partnership with government. In the era of mass societies which we have, now entered, universities must simultaneously deal with quantity and maintain and develop quality. The United States educational system is a pioneer in the adaptation of education to the concepts and values of mass society. In such a society, education alone can allow the people to take advantage, according to their abilities, of the new opportunities of the industrial and technological era. Moreover, a democracy demands more of education than any other form of state, for in a democracy the power and inspiration of the country is "generated largely by the citizens themselves. In most countries education for a mass society is only just starting to be developed. One of the greatest problems of mass education is obviously to continue fostering and encouraging intellectual excellence, while at the same time providing for the vast numbers and varied intellectual levels of students to be educated. If standards of intellectual excellence and originality decline, the whole standard of a society will decline with them. It is increasingly clear to me, especially from my experience in the United Nations, that, in our interdependent, crowded, dangerous but also challenging world, tolerance, understanding and fresh thinking on national and international problems are the key to nothing less than human survival. This is an urgent matter, and it is also of vital importance. Education alone can work on a broad enough scale to begin the urgent task of transferring men's thoughts from their conflicts to their common interests -- from the obsession with sterile and outmoded political and military (more) Press Release SG/SM/685 30 March 195? confrontations to the far more challenging and fascinating problems of survival, peace, justice, co-existence and co-operation. This is, I repeat, a task of the utmost urgsecy. Everyone, and especially the young, should be involved, as a matter of course^ in the active consideration of the-world they, live in and of the institutions and political and social beliefs vfoieh e&al, or fail to deal, with the problems of all our lives. If they are not involved,.the effort to produce a sane and civilized' internatio&al order will lack the support it must have if we are ever to have a safer and better world. . = Underlying all of these considerations, tfcore is, of course, the • question of ethical standards. Clearly, vocational teaching — how to do a job, aad social teaching — how to live in a society, are fundamental ingredients of education. There is, I believe, a third essential ingredient which is no less 'vital for being delicate and highly elusive -- 1 mean moral teaching in the sense of'inculcating and keeping alive certain essential values. These values must both correspond to the realities of life in the world today and yet have an inner strength of their own which can withstand the destructive aspects of those realities. It is very often said that traditional morality, as our grandfathers knew it, has broken down, that the support of religion and the solidarity of family life .have been increasingly removed .as good and regulating influences on society. It is said, often with a pessimism verging on despair, that negative and destructive thoughts and values now predominate and that the simple human virtues and graces.are doomed. Personally, I cannot accept such conclusions, although I accept the reality of some of the developments which have led to them. Granted, our world has changed out of all recognition in the last hundred years. That is why the search for new, valid and acceptable standards of behaviour is the basic problem in international relations, as wall as in private life. It is not merely that life without such standards will become increasingly disagreeable and sterile; there is a very real danger that without them we may one day find that human society will cease to be tolerable (more) - 5 - Press Release SS/SM/685 30 March 196? at all. Of course, education by itself cannot build a new framework of ethics and morals. But it can be of crucial importance in showing the importance of the problem and inrvpsroviding the atmosphere in which people can work such a framework out for themselves arid with each other. Only an objective, independent and inquiring attitude of mind can hope to succeed in the search for the basic concepts and the underlying principles which can serve the needs of humanity in this century. Such a search, it seems to me, is most likely to end in a sharing and harmonizing of our beliefs. Civilized conduct and generous behaviour, the spirit of tolerance, of live and let live, and of understanding the other man's point of view are now the essence of all great religions. There is increasing evidence that the uad (more) - 6 - Press Release SG/SM/685 50 March 196? institutions of higher learning, the United Nations must steer its way through the conflicts and problems of every.day life in continual pursuit of an ideal. This pursuit of an ideal is the essence of the institution, for events contin- ually show us how far we are from its attainment. The moral and ethical con- cepts embodied in the United Nations Charter are absolutely vital if we are ever to achieve the kind of world that almost all of us agree we want; without them, bruised and dishonoured as. they continually are, the world would be a dark place indeed. The so-called realists who ridicule these ideals and deny their validity must fact the fact that in doing so they are accepting, without any real hope for improvement, a pattern of international behaviour which in the past has caused major disasters and in the future will almost certainly prove fatal. I find it impossible, especially when visiting a great university, not to feel optimistic about the future. There is so much talent and so much good in the world, and we must not be misled by the fact that bad news has on the whole far better publicity value than good news. The young, here and in an increasing number of countries throughout the world, now have opportunities and horizons which even 30 years ago would have seemed incredible to most of us. If we stick to our ideals and can-evolve new values and standards to live by, no problem, present or future, should be too great for us to face. And who knows what new wonders and horizons may then be opened up? Your task as educators in the twentieth century is a formidable one, but at least you can never complain of a lack of challenge or inspiration. I have prefaced my speech with a statement that I speak as an outsider, more from the point of view of a diplomat and an international civil servant than that of a teacher. I have also presented some thoughts especially from my experience in the United Nations, relating to the need for a new outlook and new attitudes for human survival itself. I want to conclude with a few remarks which, I believe, are relevant to the occasion and crucial to all of us. I am referring to the ominous shadow of the hydrogen bomb under which we live and the frantic race for bigger and more powerful weapons of mass destruc- tion. If the world, divided into two camps, is to remain forever deadlocked in mutual terror and if the present psychological climate continues undiminished then there is the real danger of someone somewhere triggering the thermonuclear bomb resulting in a holocaust,. (more) e I - 7 - Press Release SG/SM/685 30 March 1967 As a human "being who believes that life on this planet has some purpose, I cannot regard a permanent threat of universal destruction with equanimity. I have been trained all my life to regard human life as sacred. I abhor violence and violent death. I do not particularly worry much about my own life, but I do worry a great deal about the children of today — how they should be taught, how they should be brought up, what kind of life they should live and what values they ought to cherish. I do not particularly distinguish between the lives of my own children and the lives of the children of other people, nor do I dis- tinguish between Burmese lives and American lives and Russian lives and Chinese lives. It is life itself that is threatened. Threatened by whom? It is certainly not a threat made by the people -- American people, Russian people or the Chinese people. People all over the world are very much the same. Their material needs are much the same; their ideals and aspirations are much the same. They differ tragically in standards of living, but there is no reason at all why these inequalities, which may be a reason for envy, distrust and even bitterness, should not be resolved by peaceful means. Much of the trouble between nations arises from the exploitation of a variety of situations and conditions by politicians, ideologists, and some- times military leaders, in pursuit of power. We must recognize, however, that this exploitation would not be possible if it did not strike a responsive chord in the minds of people throughout the world. There is undeniably a strain in the collective subconscious of the human race which, in defiance of all common sense or prudence, tends on occasion to drive mankind toward con- flict and even mutual extermination. The problem is how to deal with this freakish human tendency. To my way of thinking, one important part of the answer is to be found in our schools, colleges and universities, where the far stronger and more constructive human tendencies — the impulses toward mutual aid, universal brotherhood and reverence for life -- can be cultivated. We need to revive on a broad scale some of the common feelings aroused by great religious move- ments in the past -- love, brotherhood, patience, tolerance, and above all the desire to live together in peace irrespective of differing political ideologies. The deepest and most sacred instincts must be evoked -- the instincts that bid us live and love and aid one another. This I believe to be a primary task of education in a rapidly changing world. Vf "X Vv'Jv "R" UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y- (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ NOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/68^ 29 March 196? TEXT OF CABLE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA Following is the text of a cable dated 28 March sent by the Secretary- General, U Thant, to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Donald Sangster, who is now at the Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Canada: "DEEPLY DISTRESSED AND GREATLY CONCERNED AECUT YOUR REPORTED ILLNESS. I OFFER YOU MY EEST WISHES FOR A SPEEDY AND COMPLETE RECOVERY." Af.,V A* * A' UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF rmromiATiON MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release UNITAR/39 29 March 196? GABRIEL D'ABBOOSSIER RE-APPOINTED UNITAR'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR < The Secretary-General, U Thant, announced today the re-appointment of Gabriel d'Arboussier as Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This announcement was made after consultation with the Board of Trustees of the Institute, which opened its fifth session today. Mr. d'Arboussier was first appointed Executive Director when UNITAR came into existence on 25 March 19&5- The conditions of service of the Executive Director are similar to those of an Under-Secretary of the United Nations. He will have over-all responsibility for the organization, direction and administration of the Institute, in accordance with the general policies formulated by the Board of Trustees. [ UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF MFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/68J 28 March 1967 TEXT OF AIDE-MEMOIRE OF Ik MARCH FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO PARTIES CONCERNED IN VIET-NAM CONFLICT On many occasions in the past the Secretary-General of the United Nations has expressed his very great concern about the conflict in Viet- Nam. That concern is intensified by the growing fury of the war resulting in the increasing loss of lives, indescribable suffering and misery of the people, appalling devastation of the country, uprooting of society, astronomical sums spent on the war and last but not least, his deepening anxiety over the increasing threat to the peace of the world- For these reasons, in the past three years or so, he submitted ideas and proposals to the parties primarily involved in the war with a view to creating conditions congenial for negotiations which unhappily have not been accepted by the parties. The prospects for peace seem to be as distant toclaj1 than ever before. Nevertheless, the Secretary-General reasserts his conviction that a cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Nam continues to be a vital need, for moral and humanitarian reasons and also because it is the step which could lead the way to meaningful talks to end the war. (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/685 28 March 196T The situation being as it is today, the Secretary-General has now in mind proposals envisaging three steps: (a) A general stand"still truce, (b) Preliminary talks, (c) Reconvening of the Geneva Conference, In the view of the Secretary-General, a halt to all military activities by all sides is a practical necessity if useful negotiations are to be undertaken. Since the Secretary-General's three-point plan has not been accepted by the parties, he believes that a general stand-still truce by all parties to the conflict is now the only course which could lead to fruitful negotiations. It must be conceded that a truce without effective supervision is apt to be breached from time to time by one side or another, but an effective supervision of truce, at least for the moment, seems difficult to envisage as a practical possibility. If the parties directly involved in the conflict are genuinely motivated by considerations of peace and justice, it is only to be expected that earnest effort will be exerted to enforce the truce to the best of their ability. Should a public appeal by the Secretary-General in his personal capacity facilitate the observance of such a truce, he would gladly be prepared to do so. Appeals to that effect by a group of countries would also be worthy of consideration. Once the appeal has been made and a general stand-still truce comes into effect, the parties directly involved in the conflict should take the next step of entering into preliminary talks. lflii.1e these talks are in progress, it is clearly desirable that the general hband-still truce will continue to be observed. In the view of the Secretary-General, these talks can take any yf the following forms: (1) Direct talks between the United States of America and the Democratic Republic of Viet-Wam. (2) Direct talks between the two Governments mentioned in one above, with the participation of the two Co-Chairmen of the Geneva Conference of (more) - 3 - Press Release 28 March 1967 (3) Direct talks "between the two Governments mentioned in one with the participation of the members of the International Control Commission. (4) Direct talks between the two Governments mentioned in one with the participation of the two Co-Chairmen of the Geneva Conference of 195*1- and of the members of the International Control Commission. The Secretary-General "believes that these preliminary talks should aim at reaching an agreement on the modalities for the reconvening of the Geneva Conference, with the sole purpose of returning to the essentials of that Agreement as repeatedly expressed by all parties to the conflict. These preliminary talks should seek to reach an agreement on the timing, place, agenda and participants in the subsequent formal meeting -- the reconvening of the Geneva Conference. The Secretary-General deems it necessary to stress that the question of participants in the formal negotiations should not obstruct the way to a settlement. It is a question which could be solved only by agreeing that no fruitful discussions on ending the war in Viet-Nam could take place without involving all those who are actualy fighting. Since the Government in Saigon as well as the National Front of Liberation of South Viet -Warn are actually engaged in military operations, it is the view of the Secretary-General that a future formal conference could not usefully discuss the effective termination of all military activities and the new political situation that would result in South Viet-Nam without the participa- tion of representatives of the Government in Saigon and representatives of the National Front of Liberation of South Viet -Nam. In transmitting these proposals to the parties directly concerned, the Secretary-General believes that he is acting within the limits of his good offices purely in his private capacity. He hopes that the divergent positions held by the parties both on the nature of the conflict and the ultimate political objectives will not prevent them from giving their very serious attention to these proposals. Indeed, he takes this opportunity to appeal to them to give their urgent consideration to his proposals. * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT m OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/682 23 March 196? TRANSCRIPT..OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY SECRETARY-GENERAL, U. THANT. HELP AT HEADQUARTERS ON 28 MARCH 196? --1 - Press Release SG/SM/682 28 March 1967 The SECBETARY-GSroBAL; Mr. Raghavan and friends: I am glad to be able to meet with you again. In the interval since my last press conference there have been several developments. As you know, I was able to pay a brief visit to Burma during the interval* Early next weeli I am leaving for Geneva to preside over the ACC meetings,, that is, the meetings of the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination. Thereafter, I shall visit Ceylon, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan. You are already aware of the details of my itinerary. You may also be interested to know that in the latter half of May I shall be visiting the United Kingdom and Belgium before proceeding to Geneva to address the inaugural session of the Pacem in Terris Second Convocation, on 28 May, Before returning to Hew York, I may also pay a brief visit to Vienna to sign on behalf of the United Nations the Headquarters Agreement with the Government of Austria relating to the establishment of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Vienna. ¥e are meeting again today at a time when the world, perplexed by recent developments in Viet-Ham, is looking anxiously for an alternative to the grim reality of the conflict^ continuing for an indeterminate future towards an inconclusive end. (more) .-ess Release SG/SM/682 d March 1967 Since we last met there has been more death, destruction^ devastation and consequent misery, increasing at a more rapid rate than in any comparable period in the past, and there is. an even greater danger of the war spreading "beyond the frontiers of Viet-Ham, While the United Nations at present seems incapable of dealing with the.war, many Governments and personalities have been trying to bring about conditions for the transfer of the conflict from the battlefield to the conference table, so far without success. As Secretary* General of the United Ifetions I am distressed lest the prolongation of this war bring about a suffocation of this Organization and-..in. the endvseriouslyl affect the detente therefore, while it Is all too clear that the positions of the parties have sever "been so far apart, I have continued,, end intend to 'continue, my efforts. I wish, -particularly, tat this 'stage, to urge all 'responsible worl* leaders not to resign themselves to permitting a further aggravation of the aituation. The obstacles to peace may "be enormous, tut it is not true, even at this stage, that negotiations would necessarily fail* A settlement respecting the principle* agreed upon at Geneva and the realities of Viet-Nam and yet safeguarding the long- term interests of all concerned is not beyond reach. Such a settlement would at least open the way for the new, far-reaching initiatives in other fields urgently today. • • Ifov I shall read to yout&e proposals T&ich? on 1^ March, in the form of an I presented to the parties directly involved in the Viet-Nam conflict. tsstfe reads as follows: A A R0n many occasions in the past, the Secretary-General of the Suited •*- — Jlations baa expressed his very great concern about the conflict in Viet-Ham. Sfcat concern ie intensified "by the growing fury of the var resulting in the x-~" increasing loss of lives, indescribable suffering and misery of the people, appalling devastation of the country, uprooting of society, astronomical sums spent on the war, and last, but not least, his de-epening-. 'anxiety. • rtver the increasing threat to the peace of the wbrid. For these reasons, la the past three' years or so, he submitted ideas and propeasl-s to the parties primarily involved in the -war, with a view to creating conditions congenial to negotiations, vhich, unhappily, have apt been scceptM by the parties. USie prospects for peace seem to be more distant today than ever "Nevertheless, the Secretary-General reasserts his conviction that a cassation of the bombing of North Viet-Nam continues to be a vital need, for moral and humanitarian reasons aad, also, because it is the step vaieh could lead the vsy to meaningful talks' to end the war. (more) it. . Press Release SG/SI4/682 28 March 1967 situation being as it is today, the Secretary-General has now in mind proposals envisaging three steps: "(a) A general stand-still truce w(b) Preliminary talks "(c) Reconvening of the Geneva Conference. "In the viev of the Secretary-General, a halt to all military activities fey all sides is a practical necessity if useful negotiations are to be undertaken. Since the Secretary-General's three-point plan has not been accepted "by the parties, he believes that a general stand-still truce by all parties to the conflict is now the only course which could lead to fruitful negotiations. It must be conceded that a truce without effective supervision is apt to be breached from time to time by one side or another, but an effective Supervision of truce, at least for the moment, seems difficult to envisage as a practical possibility. If the parties directly involved in the conflict are genuinely motivated by considerations of peace and Justice, it is only to be expected that earnest efforts will be everted to enforce the trace to the beet of thi&ir ability. Should a public appeal by the Secretary-General in his personal capacity facilitate the observance of such a truce, he would gladly be prepared to do so* Appeals to that effect by a group of countries vould also be worthy of consideration. "Once the appeal has been made and a general stand-still truce comes into effect, the parties directly involved in the conflict should take the next step of entering into preliminary talks. While these talks are in progress, it is clearly desirable that the general stand-still truce should continue to be observed. In the view of the Secretary-General, these talfcsi 4 can take any of the following forms: (more) Press Release SS/SM/682 28 Mirch 1967 "(l) Direct talks between the United States of America and the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam. "(2) Direct talks between the two governments mentioned in (1) above, with the participation of the two Co-chairmen of the Geneva Conference of "(3) Direct talks between the two governments mentioned in (1) above, with the participation of the members of the International Control Commission. "(4) Direct talks between the two governments mentioned in (1) above, with the participation of the two Co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference of 195^ and of the members of the International Control Commission. "The Secretary-tSeneral believes that these preliminary; talks should aim at reaching an agreement on the modalities for the reconvening of the Geneva Conference, with the sole purpose of returning to the essentials of that Agreement as repeatedly expressed by all parties to the conflict* These preliminary talks should seek to reach an agreement on the timing, place, agenda and participants in the subsequent formal meeting -- the reconvening of the Geneva Conference. The Secretary-General deems it necessary to stress that the question of participants in the formal negotiations should not obstruct the way to a settlement. It is a question vhich could be salved only by agreeing that no fruitful discussions on ending the war in Viet-STam could take place without involving all those who are actually fighting* Since the Government in Saigon, as well as the National Front of Libs-ration of South Viet-Nan^are actually engaged in military operations, it is the view of the Secretary-General that a future formal conference could not usefully discuss the effective termination of all military activities and the new political situation that would result in South Viet-Nam,without the participation of representatives of the Government in Saigon and representatives of the National Front of Liberation of South Viet-Nam. (more) -•6 - Press Release SG/GM/682 28 March 1967 "In transmitting these proposals to the parties directly concerned, the Secretary-General believes that he is acting within the limits of his good offices purely in his private capacity. He hopes that.the divergent positions held by the parties both on the nature of the conflict and the ultimate political objectives will not prevent them from giving their very - serious attention to:these.proposals. Indeed, he takes'-this^opportunity to appeal to them to give their urgent consideration to iiis proposals."^' According to tradition, I would first give the floor to. the President (of UNCA). QUESTION; Mr. Secretary-General, could you tell us whether you view the reported statement coining out of Hanoi, and published in the newspapers this morning>as a rejection of your aide-memoire proposals, or does the Implication in your opening staten^nt that you have received their views^give you a contrary impression? The SECBETARY-GENEBAL; I do not think it would be proper on my part to attempt to interpret the reactions to my_proposals of the parties .primarily concerned;:, ' I think it will be on3.y appropriate for the parties concerned to make their reactions public; and it is for everybody to interpret those reactions* QUESTIOH; Mr. Secretary-General, some United Nations representatives believe that you uay have impaired your influence with Hanoi by suggesting the "stand-still",-which, in effect, would require reciprocity from Hanoi in exchange for the end to the American bombing; in other words, they feel that you are siding now with the United States. What comment have you on this? (more) - 7 - Press Release 30/31^682 28 March 1967 The SBeB^ARY-GENERAL; Wo, I do not believe that assessment is correct. As I have repeated in the statement I made just now, I still maintain that a cessation of the "bombing of Worth Viet-Nam is an imperative necessity to create conditions for peaceful talks. My new proposals are in effect an adaptation of my three-point proposal to suit the existing circumstances and prevailing moods of the parties principally concerned. I still regard my proposals as a reiteration and an adaptation and modification of my original three-point proposal, which I presented over a year ago, to suit the existing mood of the parties principally concerned. QUESTION; Sir, vrithout giving any details at all, have you found any hopeful reaction at all to your initiative from those to whom you sent your proposals? The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I have so far received initial reactions from some of the parties principally involved, but since they are in the nature of very confidential responses, I do not think it would be proper on my part to disclose them. It is for them to do so, of course, if they feel like it. QUESTION; I have in mind your ovn personal reaction, Sir. Do you find anything hopeful? Do you feel more hopeful now than you did before you began? The SECRETARY-GENERAL; I do not want to put myself in the position of predicting the future, but my assessment of the situation in Viet-Nam is the same as I stated at the earlier press conference in January: the prospects are still far from bright and the intensification of the fighting is something that we all should deplore. I think that, if we really want a peaceful settlement of the war in Viet-Nam, some necessary concessions have to be made by both sides in a spirit of accommodation. QUESTION; Sir, I would like to ask you if you still hold to the theory or to the feeling that you so strongly expressed when you returned from Moscow and, at other times, when you said that this war was inexorably leading to a world war. These words no longer appear in your press conferences or in (more) ' - 8 > Press Release SG/SM/682 28 March 1967 your letters and have not appeared, to my knowledge, since January.. Can you tell us how you feel about it? The SECRETARY-GMERAL; Although I might have omitted these references in my subsequent statements and press conferences,. I ..still hold the view that the trend of the war is leading to more escalation and that the -war is likely to spread over the frontiers, as I stated in the previous- press conference to whic'-. you have referred. The indications are, in my view, ominous, and I am afraid that if no spirit of give and take is shown by all sides in the conflict, the war is likely to get out of hand. QUESTION; Mr. Secretary-General, we understand that,-while you were in Burma recently,you did talk with representatives of North Viet-Kara.. That was before you drew up your last proposals. Did you get any optimistic response or any encouragement from the representatives of Horth Viet-Nam at that time towards those proposals? The SECRETARY-GMERAL; I presented those proposals orally, of course, to the representatives of North Viet-Wam when we met in Rengosa. It was only on the fourteenth of this month that I put them down on paper. And, of course, even at that time, as I indicated at my press conferences on my return from Rangoon on the way to New York, the positions of the two sides were very far apart. it is very difficult to reconcile those different approaches, as I have stated on previous occasions, because the war as seen from both sides is so different; fhe perspectives are so different and far apart that it is very difficult to submit a conciliatory proposal. But, in my view, my three-point proposal,-which I presented early last year and which I formulated in my new proposals in keeping with the mood of the present time, still offers the best possible solution to the conflict. (more) - 9 - Press Release Sd/SM/682 28 March 1967 ; to. Secretary-General, did you send your aide-memoir* to the National Liberation Front of Viet-Naa as well, and have you received a reply from it? The SECKmHY^GE^MLs I att^sonpted to make this aide monoire available to all participants in the i conflict* " ' • • t Mr. Secretary-General, do you g£iii eoneidey — I am oust asking you to interpret what you said — that a cessation of bombing is a necessary precondition to peace talks? maintain this view. Does the cessation -ofJ - the military activities zaeamoihiy the cessation xjfjbombing "of. 'Korth'Viet-Naffi, ^or ? also i the llegal and logical eKErollsry of the withdrawal of the North Vietnamese invasion army from South Viet-Hsm? - • r .•-•,. The: i SECEELA^Yr^^AIi,: As all of you must have well understood, the proposal which I presented to the parties early last year, envisaged three steps. The first is the cessation of bombing of Worth Viet-Nam. In ray view, this alone could lead to fruitful talks and negotiations, and that-^as; Of course, reaffirmed by the Foreign Minister of North Viet-Nam in his Interview with a journalist, some .time. in January, ;I believe, (gJISSriON: Mr. Secretary-General, 2tay_t-:pose-%*o">- unrelated " \ questions. First, in the event that your new three-point ~ programme! ±8 accepted ) t .ther e ; is i -a. stand-still truce^ do, you not. envisage some -difficulty on the quest-- itfae supervisory irole?u ¥111 the United-Nations, playi a .role in this? My second quest ion, which is unrelated, is this. I wcnder if you c%n tell us hew the talks in the Middle East are progressing over the Demilitarized -whether General Odd Bull has made any progress* ;, (more) - 'K)/i. Press Release SG/SM/682 28 tech 1967 In reply to your first question, I do not think it is realistic to expect a supervised cease-fire in South Viet-Ham. I have given a good deal of thought to this. We all remember that in 195k, when the Geneva Conference started, the fighting was still going onj while the fighting was going on, the parties primarily concerned met and talked and came to seme agreement. Therefore, my intention was just to appeal to the parties to the conflict to comply with an appeal for a stand-still truce. Of eeurse, supervision of the truce is not practical in the circumstances. But my intention is ;just to bring the parties to the conflict to the conference table. There may be, of course, sporadic fighting here and there since a truce cannot be supervised. In a war of this dimension, I do not think effective supervision is a practical possibility. Therefore, we must bear in mind the situation in 195^-j when .the Geneva Conference was convened while fighting was still going on. In my view, it is not realistic to expect a supervised truce in the situation now-existing in-Vlst^Uam. Regarding your second question, General. 6dd-Ballll§v. trying to bring about meetings. He had already conducted three meetings, as you know, and •'at present, because of health reasons, he has gone on home leave to recuperate in his country. I am sure that, as soon as he comes back to the area, he will try to bring about a meeting of the parties involved in the conflict in the Middle-East. j&TESTIQMt I am sorry; I think I am still a little bit confused. Are you saying to us, in effect, that while you do maintain personally your earlier position that an unconditional cessation of the bombing is essential, at the same trtate you can now, in order to move something forward a little bit, afford to step away from that and offer this new proposal; and, therefore,the two proposals cannot really exist-side by side? (more) Press Release SS/SM/682 26 March 196? The SECRETAHY"GEICE§ALt As I see it, my present proposal is an adaptation of my three-point proposal to suit the existing circumstances and the prevailing moods of the parties principally concerned. I do not think it is a deviation from my original three-point proposal. QUESTION ; Given the initial replies you have received from both sides, what is your next step? The .y-GEKERAI.; I do not think it would be proper for me to reveal the initial reactions of both sides. Of course, some reactions have appeared in the Press. I do not believe them to be a categorical rejection of my proposals, and I think that efforts have to be pursued in the direction of peace . QUESTION : So you will pursue them? The SBCBETARI^-EHERAL: Yes, it is my -intention to pursue these ideas . QUESTION: Could you s&y whether your warning about the danger of the spread of var is based on new information about the intentions of China? The SECBETARY-G-EMERAL: I do not want to be specific on this point, for obvious reasons, but my feeling all along has been that, if the war is not brought to a stop, we are in for a wider war, a larger war and a more intensified war involving other areas which are not yet involved. QUESTION: We seem to be talking about the war all the time, but North Viet-Wam has hammered away at the fact that the Viet-Ham conflict can only be solved between the Vietnamese people themselves. Can you perhaps address yourself to that aspect of the situation? (more) - 12 - Press Release SG/SM/682 28 March 196? The ^SECKBrARY-GMEML; a?he position.' of -the North Vietnamese is veil known, and I do not think that I should elaborate on this. Of course, they resent interference by outside forces in Viet-Ham. That is well known to all of you, and I do not think I am in a position to interpret the attitude of North Viet-Ham in this respect. QUESTION; I should like to ask a couple of questions in cor,:.exion with your forthcoming trip to Asia. First, do you plan to meet with Ik>rth Vietnamese officials on this trip? Secondly, we know you are going to be the first recipient of the Nehru Peace Prize for International Understanding. Will this be an occasion for a major speech by you? The SECRETARY-GENERAL; First of all, I have no plans to contact representatives of North Viet-JJam during my projected trip to India and other countries. Secondly, I am still working on my speech, to which you referred, and so I am not yet very clear about the substance of the speech. QUESTION; InelPope has today released his encyclical and in it he asks for a world, fund for the development of developing countries and speaks of the growing gapt Would you comment on that, particularly in the light of a 'question which-I asked at your last press conference about how the war affects the Mekong project, which is, as we know, a multilateral development about which our news is that the Mekong development co-operation is now seriously impaired by the absence of Cambodia Because of the war? The SECRETARY-GETOSAL: On the Pope's appeal today, which I have just received, my first reaction is that it is a very wise appeal. It is also In line with the various resolutions of the principal organs of the United Nations, particularly, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. If my interpretation of His Holiness1 appeal is correct, he called for a world fund for undeveloped nations taken from the arms expenditures of the industrialized Powers. I believe it is a very wise appeal, and I support it wholeheartedly. About your second question, of course, as you know, the Mekong project is very much affected by the war in Viet-Nam to the extent that one of the principal parties involved, Cambodia, is still reluctant to participate wholeheartedly in the (more) - 13-- Press Release SG/SM/682 28 March 196? I have appealed to the Government of Cambodia to reconsider its decision, but I do not know what the response will be. The war-in Vietnam ^SoifeonS' ••' the atmosphere not only in Viet-Nam, but also in the neighbouring countries. As you all know, that has been my assessment all along. Personally speaking, I would not be surprised if Cambodia decided not to participate in the Mekong project. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary-General, in connexion with your expressed fear of a wider war if the Viet-Nam conflict continues the way it is going, could you tell us what you feel about the prospects of the Soviet Union and China openly entering this conflict? I do not think that I am competent to answer this question categorically. As far as the North Vietnamese are concerned, they are confident that their military supporters will never let them down, whatever the circumstances. So I foresee a very prolonged and bloody war. QUESTIONS Mr. Secretary-General, you. spoke earlier this morning-about • the .suffocatica; of thejUnited Nations. Are you intimating that if we cannot arrive at some solution soon to the Viet-Nam problem, the United Nations might go the way of the League of Nations? The SEGIgiTABY-QEiyjF.RAL: I would not go that far. The United Nations has so far been performing on a very different level from the level of the League of Nations, The United Nations has been involved in many peace-keeping operations in which the League of Nations was never involved. What I am ; trying to drive home is the fact that the Viet-Nam war poisons the atmosphere everywhere and has a definite impact on the United Nations. But I would not go so far as to say that the United Nations is going the way of the League of Nations. I do not think that there are omens in that direction. (more) - lh - Press F.sleaao SG/SM/68a 28 March 196? QUESTION; Does your stand-ist ill truce include the prohibition of activities of the South Viet-Nam Government or the United States forces against the Viet Cong in the South? The SECRETARY-^-EMRAL; Yes, it is comprehensive. QTJESTIOW; I have two questions to ask. The first question: the first order of business for bilateral talks vill be a total cease-fire and super- vision of the conflict* Am I right in saying that once the bombing is suspended, you expect the talks to begin and that the first order of business on the agenda will be how to supervise the elections? Ify second question is with regard to the prospects of a non-proliferation treaty, When the threat of escalation continues to dominate the region, and particularly the independence of smaller countries is threatened, how do you view the prospects for a non-proliferation treaty? The SECRETARY-GEHERAL; Regarding your first question, as I have been saying all along, the cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Haia is the first prerequisite for the next move, and I feel more convinced than ever that if the bombing of North Viet-Nam ceases, in a few weeks there will be talks. I think that in this connexion it is worth recalling what the Foreign Minister of North Viet-Nam said to a correspondent on £8 .January. 'He made'tMs -categorical statement; ••„•'•' - - . •' » "It is only after the unconditional cessation of United States bombing and all other acts of war against the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam that there could be. talks between the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam and the United fcitates". I think that that is a very categorical statement and, as I said on a previous occasion, J. am convinced that after the cessation of the bombing of Worth Viet-Nam, in a few weeks there will.be meaningful talks. (more) I - 15 - Pess Release March Begarding your second question, as you 'all know, the Eighteen- Nation I&sarmament Committee has recessed, for six weeks, because the parkkfip&ffifcd vanted to clear up some of the misconceptions and misunderstasdijigs which arose out of the preliminary talks in Geneva. There are some differences of approach and differences of emphasis, but I cannot say whether I am hopeful or optimistic about the prospects for the non-proliferation treaty, in the context of the prevailing mood of the big Bowers today. The Government of Kbrth Viet-Kam keeps talking about the unconditional end of bombing,, which is to say an end of bombing without any time-limit. You say that, after a few weeks, talks would occur. Etow can you say that? The SECREEARY-GEIffiEAT,: I do not think there is a difference between these two approaches. Hhen North Viet- Ham says "unconditional cessation of "bombing1*, it <3toes not mean that cessation of bombing must laet two years or HOiyeara or, 20 years1*:. -.(That 'is. trnreaHsfciiL.il In my! view, -unconditional ••• i cessation of bombing implies that the bombing must not be linked with, any1 reciprocity on the part of Eforth Viet-I&m. In my view — I repeat once again — once the bombing of Iforth Viet-Ifem is stopped there will be meaningful talks In a matter of a few weeks. So. the nuances of "oonditiosal" or "urwosditlomli' have no particular significance. I think that if the bombing is stopped for a few weeks there will be meaningful talks. Wiat would happen if the bombing was stopped for a few veefcs and talks did not take place? I do not want to comment ton such a hypothetical (more) - 16 - Press Release SG/SM/682 28 March 1967 QUESTION; There have been reports in the newspapers of the use of napalm against the guerillas in Bolivia, Would you care to comment on the implications of such a new development? \ The SECRSIM¥~GEIERAI,; I am not aware of that. QUESTION; It seems that Ambassador Bunker will try to forge a civilian coalition Government among the many factions there, with probably Premier Ky packing .his luggage for a Job abroad. Some dispatches from Saigon two or three weeks ago describing the demonstrations there against the French Government accuse it of giving its tacit blessing to the formation in Paris of a kind of Vietnamese Government-in-exile., headed not by the former Premier, Mr. Iran Van Huu, who came here to see you last year, but by Prince Buu Hoi, with Ifetional Liberation JVont Chief, Nguyen Hau !Tho, as Deputy Premier, Viet-Cong Chief Roving Envoy, Nguyen Van HLeu, as Foreign Minister, and the former South Viet-Namese Premier, Nguyen Khanh, as Defence Minister. Would you care to comment on that and would you care to tell us if you think that these developments could have any bearing or any usefulness in the search for peace oh Viet-Nam? The SECRgCABY-GEIEEElAL; Any arrangement is South Viet-Nam acceptable to the vast majority of the people of South Viet-Nam should be welcomed. I do not want-particularly tcMcctaeht on the piece'of information you have Just given me, because I am not aware of it, but in my view any arrangement acceptable to the vast majority of the people in South Viet-Nam should be welcomed by all of us. Of course, in a war situation it is impossible to ascertain whether any particular arrangement is acceptable to the vast majority of the people, and that is the crux of the problem. I do not think it is possible for any of us or anybody to ascertain the views of the people of South Viet-Nam in the situation as it prevails today, but in my view any arrangement which is endorsed by the majority of the people in South Viet-I should be welcomed by all of us. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, W.y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~- NOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/C/70 SOC/HR/310 21 March 1967 SWEDEN TO CONTRIBUTE $100,000 FOR RELIEF TO PERSONS PERSECUTED FOR OPPOSITION ffQ SOUTH AFRICA'S APARTHEID POLICIES In commemoration of the first International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Swedish Government has decided to make a grant in the amount of 500,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $U3 100,OCO) for relief and assistance to persons persecuted in South Africa for their opposition to the policies of apartheid, and to the families of such persons. One half of the grant will be given to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, and the other half to the International Defence and Aid Fund, London. A large part of the contribution to the latter organization will be used for support of the Defence and Aid Fund Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in South Africa. * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) CAUTION:. ADVANCE TEXT Press Release SG/'SM/6?1 For, use., on Tuesday,, 21. March^l§67 21 March MESSAGES1 ^ SECRETARY-GENERAL, U THANT. ON INTERNATIONAL " "' ' '' > ' !•" • • '•iK>™*™m» i-ii ii i, i r j-• - -.-li-^ ...... —,ift-.,•— j-.i , ., •• -- . DAY, FOR ELIMINATION OF. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION March 21 has been proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (resolution 21^2 (XXI)}. On that date, seven years ago, peaceful demonstrators against un- just racial laws were fired upon and killed in Sharpeville, South Africa. It is a date that should never be allowed to be forgotten. The United Nations firmly believes that racial discrimination and apartheid are a denial of human rights, of fundamental freedoms, and of justice, and that they are an affront to human dignity. We feel that racial discrimination and apartheid, wherever they are practised, constitute a serious impediment to economic and social development and are obstacles to international co-operation awi peace. We are deeply concerned that racial discrimination and apartheid continue to exist in some countries and territories despite the clear and fl^risive condemnation of these practices by the United Nations, which has called upon, all Member States to initiate programmes of action to eliminate racial discrimination and apartheid. This can be done, primarily through the promotion of equal opportunities for educational and vocational training, and guarantees for the enjoyment, "vri.th.out any distinction on the grounds of race, colour, or ethnic origin, of basic human rights such as the right to vote, the right to equality in the administration of justice, the right to equal economic opportunities and to equal access to social services„ At the same time, it is necessary to direct education and culture towards removing the prejudices and erroneous beliefs, such as the belief in the superiority of one race over another, which are used to justify such practices. (more) - '2 - Press Release SG/SM/671 21 March 1967 The doctrine and the practice of race supremacy in the world of today are not only wrong, they are also incalculably dangerous. In an age in which it is imperative to reduce tensions and promote the concept of one human family, none may safely indulge in race hate and race injustice. The brotherhood of man proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights nearly twenty years ago is today the equivalent of a Declaration of Survival itself. It is not only in the awareness of this fact that we, the various and varied members of the human family, must observe and mark this day — the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We can, and should, also mark and observe it in the fervent conviction that, if men could advance towards the moral and political goals of equal rights, as established in the United Nations Charter, they would be advancing towards the fulfilment of a vision bequeathed to all men by the noblest minds of all ages, all beliefs, all colours. * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y.* (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/C/69 20 March 1967 BULGARIA TO CONTRIBUTE $1,000 TO TRUST FUND FOR SOUTH AFRICA The Secretary-General, U Thant, has "been informed by the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the United Nations that his Government has decided to contribute $1,000 to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, established in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 205*4- B (XX) of 15 December 1965. y, y .y * A A fl" UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N,Y, (FOR USE OF IOJFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/6T8 CYP/i&2 20 March 196? TEXT^ OF LETTER TO SECRETARY-GEKfERAL FROM LAOS ON COST OF PEACE-KEEPING FORCE IN CYPRUS Following is the text of a letter dated Ik March to the Secretary-General, U Thant, from Khamchan Pradith, on behalf of the Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations, regarding the expenses of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP): Original in French "Comme suite a votre lettre FI 323/3(l8) du 5 Janvier 1967, j'ai 1'honneur de vous faire parvenir ei-joint un cheque No V508T de US$ 1.000,-, representant la contribution volontaire du Royaume du Laos pour le raaintien de la Force des Nations Unies a Chypre pour une nouvelle pe'riode de 6 mois prenant fin le 26 juin 1967. "Veuillez agreer, MQ&sieur le Secretaire General, les assurances de ma tres haute consideration." Unofficial translation "In response to your letter FI 323/3 (l8) of 5 January 1967, I have the honour to transmit to you a cheque, No. V5087, for $1,000.00, representing the voluntary contribution of the Kingdom of Laos towards the maintenance of the United Nations Force in Cyprus for a new period of 6 months, ending on 26 June 1967. Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration." * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEfflJA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/677/Corr.1 20 March 1967 TEXT OF CABLE FROM gECRETARY-GEIffiRA]". TO PRESIDENT OF TUNISIA CORRECTION In Press Release SG/SM/677* issued today, the unofficial translation of the cable dated 17 March 1967 from the Secretary-General, U Thant, to the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Habit Bourguiba, should read as follows: "In the trial through which you have just passed, my thoughts have been •with you. Permit me to address to you my most sincere wishes for your complete and speedy recovery. Highest consideration." y y v # A A A UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y, (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/677 20 March 196? TEXT OF CABLE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO PRESIDENT OF TUNISIA Following is the text of a cable dated 1? March 1967 from the Secretary-General, U Thantj to the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba: Original in French "Dans 1'epreuve que vous venes de traverser, mes pensees n'ont pas manque de se porter vers vous. Permettez-moi de vous adresser mes voeux les plus sinceres pour votre guerison complete et rapide. Haute consideration." Unofficial Translation "In the trial through which you have just passed, my thoughts have been with you. Permit me to address to you my most sincere wishes for your complete recovery. Highest consideration." _yy,y, .y « yi A n UNITED NA2I&NS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (F9R USE &F UtPOEMftUGS MEDIA — NOT AN 8FFISIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/67&" 20 March TE3C!C_OF LETTER TO S QHjgOS? OFL P^CE-^PINGJT'RCE. 133 CYPRUS Following is the text of a letter dated 8 March 1967 to the Secretary-Genera. U-Thant, from- the Permanent fP.epresentat ire of --Iceland to -the United Nations, Hannes Kjartansson, regarding the expenses of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in. Cyprus "Yonr Excellency, "The Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Rations has the honour to refer to Your Excellency's latter cf January 5th, FI 323/3(18) wherein an urgent appeal is made for contributions towards the Peace-keeping Operations of Cyprus. "On behalf of the Icelandic Government I am pleased to enclose herewith as a Token Contribution, a check in the amount of $2,OQO."JO to be used for the above referred to purpose." * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/675 17 March 1967 TEXT OF NOTE TO SECRETARY-GENERAL FROM PAKISTAN ON COST OF FjJlACE-KEEPING FORCE IN CYPRUS Following is the text of a note dated lif- March 1967 to the Secretary- General, U Thant, from the Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan, S.A. Pasha, regarding the expenses of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP): "I have the honour to enclose cheque No. 1J615 dated iVth March 1967 for $3,000.00 (Dollars Three thousand only) on account of Pakistan's voluntary contribution to the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus. "Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration." * -X--X-* UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Infprmation United Nations, W.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/67** IT March 196? TEKT OF STATEME^TT BY, gECH^ARY:-GgNER;iL.. U THANT. AT CEPKvIONY MARKING ISSUANCE OF 'INDEPENDENCE1 STAMPS Following is the text of the statement made by the Secretary-General, U Thant, on 1? March 1967, at a brief ceremony held at Headquarters marking the issuance by the United Nations Postal Administration of two new United Nations stamps on the theme of "Independence": s "Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: It gives me particular pleasure to associate myself with this commemorative festival of United Nations Stamp Day. "I think that it is relevant to recall the primary objectives of the United Nations when we are celebrating United Nations Stamp Day. I believe I am right in saying that, in brief, the United Nations had three primary objectives when it was founded twenty-^one years ago, "The first objective was to maintain peace and to prevent war *•- that is, fto save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind1, to use the words of the Charter, Thus, in my view, the first objective of the United Nations vas to maintain peace, to prevent war, and to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime — once in 1914 and again in 1939 — had brought untold sorrow to mankind. "The second primary objective of the United Natidns was to advance the economic and social well-being of the peoples of the United Nations — that is, the United Nations must deal with the economic and social problems of our times with a view to advancing the economic and social well-being of the peoples. (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/6?^ 17 March 196? "The third primary objective was and still is to facilitate the emergence of non-independent Territories into independent statehood — that is, the United Nations must serve as a midwife in the emergence of new nations. The fact that the United Nations had fifty-one Member States in 1945 and now has 122 Member States is a gloving testimony to the effectiveness of the United Nations in performing this third, task.. "In my view, even if the United Nations had not been able to maintain peace and prevent war — which is, of course, not true — and even if the United Nations had not been able to advance the economic and social well-being of the peoples of the United Nations — which, again, is far from true — the existence of the United Nations is justified by its performance of its third primary function; that is, facilitating the emergence of non-independent Territories to independent statehood. I am sure you will all agree with my assessment. "Today, we are commemorating the implementation of the third primary objective of the United Nations. The United Nations and its entire membership are manifesting their satisfaction at the very successful performance of the world Organization in facilitating the emergence of non-independent Territories to independent statehood. In a way, this is a commemoration of the implementation of the provisions of Article 73 of the Charter and the various resolutions on the subject adopted by the General Assembly. This fact, the birth of new nations, due primarily to the assistance of the United Nations, is one worthy of commemoration, "To honour this day, the United Nations Postal Administration has brought out two stamps, in denominations of five cents and eleven cents. It is very gratifying that most of the Member Spates are commemorating the 17th of March, today, by making important declarations and announcements and by holding ceremonies. I also understand that 107 delegations here have recommended to their Governments to commemorate this day in a fitting manner. "Having made these few remarks, I wish merely to reiterate my very sincere thanks for your kind participation in this ceremony/' * #-*# * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/673 15 March 1967 TB4K5Cir:FJ C? KS,V£3TS5 BY rSEC^E AT i:C:>,TCM AIRPC'RT ON 5 MftBCfl 196? - 1 - Press Release SG/SM/673 15 March 196? Ther SECRSTARY--GENERAL: I am now on my way back to New York, after a week's visit to Burma. As you are no doubt aware, the primary purpose of my visit to Burma was to rest and to see friends and relatives, especially my old mother; and I had occasion to discuss with the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, General We Win, and members of the Cabinet, on matters of mutual interest to Burma and the United Nations. And in my personal capacity — and not as the Secretary-General of the United Nations — I also had discussions with the Consul-General of North Viet-Nam, and also with two officials from Hanoi, who happened to be in Rangoon at that time. The discussions were friendly, and, if I may say so, very useful- But, as far as the outlook for peace in Viet~Nam is concerned, I must say with regret that the prospects are not very bright — at least, for the moment. But we all have to carry on with our efforts for peace. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary-General, you said the talks were useful and friendly. How useful? The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Useful in a sense that they have clarified some of the issues which were not very clear to me before I saw them. QUESTION: Now that you have listened to North Viet-Nam's views, is it your impression that Hanoi really does want peace, or do you think — not this year? The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Well, I think you will get a true picture of the situation if you understand the two opposing views. Hanoi's assessment of the situation is very different from the United States' assessment. I think it is very important to understand the differences between the two viewpoints. QUESTION: Have you been able to sort out the precise terms on which Hanoi would agree to a peace conference? This seems to be the biggest issue: on what terms will they agree to a peace conference? (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/675 15 March 1967 The SECRETARY-GENIAL: Well, to understand Hanoi's position clearly, it is necessary to recount Hanoi's attitude, Hanoi's attitude towards the whole problem is that the Vietnamese people have "been struggling for independence for 25 years. They have been struggling against colonialism, against imperialism, against foreign domination for the last 25 years — under one single leadership. That is their assessment of the problem. So, for them, it is a question of national independence, national survival. Of course, the United States attitude is different, completely different. As you know, the United States assessment of the situation is that the trouble started with the aggression of South Viet-Nam by the Worth Vietnamese, and also certain commitments to honour. So, with these opposing viewpoints, it is very difficult to get a compromise formula, which I am trying to seek. QUESTION: You said on your way here, Mr. Secretary-General, that the greatest obstacle to peace was the lack of trust on both sides. The SECRBTARY-GEMERAIi: Yes, that is true. QUESTION: What would you like to see both sides do to create that trust? The SECRETARY-GENERAL; To take some risk to find out the bona fides of the other side. QUESTION: What would you like to see both sides do to create that trust? The SECRETARY-GENERAL; As I have been advocating for some time, in my view the first prerequisite for meaningful talks is the cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Nam. I have been advocating this for more than a year. I still maintain this view. The first requisite for a move towards peace talks is a cessation of the bombing of North Viet-Nam. (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/673 15 March 1967 QUESTION; "What about on the other side — on the North Vietnamese side? Th e g^BCR^AgY^GENER AL : Well, that is a question of interpretation, you know. Of course, you. are familiar with the United States attitude — there must be some reciprocity, there must be some reciprocal de-escalation on the other side. But the difficulty, in my view, is how to supervise or ascertain whether there is some de-escalation on the other side or not. QUESTION: (Speaking off -mike) But — notion of reciprocity — by the North Viet names 2 — ? The SECRETARY-GENERAL: ¥ell, when you mention the question of reciprocity, the concept of reciprocity on the part of Hanoi is different from the concept of reciprocity in the mind of the United States. Hanoi's idea of reciprocity is, in South Viet-Nam there has been a civil war, there is a civil war; Eanoi is assisting one side and the United States is assisting the other side. So Hanoi's idea of reciprocity is, if the United States would withdraw its support of one side, Hanoi is prepared to withdraw its support of the other side. That is the idea of reciprocity, which is completely different from the idea of reciprocity of the other side. QUESTION: Reports out of Rangoon say that you are taking a new position on the North Vietnamese Government's attitude to New York. If this is so, Sir, is this new position softer towards the United States? Th e SECRET ARY-GMER AL : Well, I do not think it is accurate, you know, to say that I have brought a new position. QUESTION: No, the position of the North Vietnamese Government, Sir. Reports out of Rangoon say that you are taking a new North Vietnamese position back with you. The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I don't think it is true. (more) - h - Press Release SG/SM/673 » 15 March 196? ' QUESTION: Do you think, Sir, that the Americans should stop "bombing the North, without firm guarantees from Hanoi that they would not take advantage of a stopping of the bombing to build up their forces? The SECTARY-GENERAL; Well, my position has been clear for a very long time. I still maintain this. QUESTION: But twice when America has stopped the bombing, the North has used this to build up resources and pump more men and more weapons in. The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Well, I must say in all fairness that both sides are sending their forces in during the pause — both sides. QUESTION: But do you think Hanoi would give a guarantee that they would stop taking advantage of this situation? The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I do not think Hanoi will guarantee. Well, thank you very much. * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.I, (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — HOT AN OFFICIAL ..RECORD) Press Release SG/T/131 13 Marah 196? SECRETARY^GENERAL TO PAY OFFICIAL VISITg. TO FIVE ASIAN COUNTRIES IN APRIL At the invitation of the respective Governments, the Secretary-General, U Thantj will pay official visits to Ceylon, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he will have talks with the leaders of these Governments on matters of mutual interest. The Secretary-General -will leave New Ycrk on 4 April for Geneva, where he will preside over the meeting of the ACC (Administrative Committee on Co-ordination), which is attended by the heads of all the United Nations specialized agencies. From Geneva, the Secretary-General mill proceed to Colombo, Ceylon — 8 to 10 April. After Colombo, he will visit New Delhi, India — 10 to 13 April. While in New Delhi, he will receive the Jawarfa&lal Nehru Prize for International Understanding which was awarded to him in September 1966. From New Delhi, he will titttt»l to Kathsmndu* Nepal *« 13 to 15 April. After Nepal, the Secretary-General will visit Kabul, Afghanistan — 16 to 18 April. From Kabul, he will proceed to Rawalpindi, Pakistan — 18 to 19 April. U Thant plans to return to New York on 21 April. The Secretary-General will be accompanied by Ramses Nassif, Press Aide; Donald Thomas, Personal Administrative Assistant; Lucien Lemieux, Secretary; and Neil Breenj Personal Aide, * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Pelease SG/C/67 13 March 196? NORWAY TO CONTRIBUTE &2.9U6 TO TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR SOUTH AFRICANS The Secretary-General, U Thant, has been informed by the Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations that the Norwegian Government has decided to contribute $42,9^6.93 to the United Nations Education and Training Programme for South Africans, for 1967. This Programme vas established in pursuance of Security Council resolution S/5773 of 18 June 1964. * •*** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- HOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/C/66 13 March 196? BYELORUSSIA TO CONTRIBUTE $1,500 TO THE UNITED NATIONS TRUST FUND FOR SOUTH AFRICA The Secretary-General, U Thant, has been informed by the Permanent Representative of Byelorussia to the United Nations that his Government has decided to contribute $1,500 to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, established in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 205^ B (XX) of 15 December 1965. * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.I. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA --. HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/6?2 SOC/HR/301 10 March 1967 MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL.TO. SOUTH.AFRICAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONVEYING REQUEST OF. COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS The Secretary-General, U Thant^ has sent a telegram, at the request of the Commission on Human Rights, to Hilgard Muller, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, conveying to the South African Government Mthe deep distress and serious concern of the Commission" regarding the alleged treatment of political prisoners in South Africa, and re- questing that Government "to take positive action so that its treatment of poli- ties! prisoners shall conform with civilised standards of penal law and practice^ The. Commission, now meeting in Geneva, adopted a resolution (document E/CM.JJ./L.908) on 6 March, in which it requested the Secretary-General to send such a telegram to the Sosfch African-Government. In that resolution, the Commission also established an ad hoc working group of experts, composed of eminent jurists and prison officials, to investi- gate charges of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners, detainees or persons in police, custody in the Republic of South Africa. (For text of resolution, see 'page 2 of this release.) Text of Message The text of the Secretary-General's telegram, dated 8 March, reads as follows: •'His Excellency, Dr. Hilgard Muller "Minister for Foreign Affairs, "Pretoria, Republic of South Africa "I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Commission on Human Rights .meeting in Geneva, after considering a letter from the acting Chairman of the Special Committee on the Policies of Apartheid of the Government (more) - 2 - . Press Release SG/SM/6?2 SOC/HR/301 10 March 196? of the Republic of South Africa (document E/CN.4/935), together with its enclosures Documents A/AC.115/L.53» 73, 8?, 106, 116, 123, 181), adopted resolution 2 (XXIII) on 6 March 19&7, in which inter alia the Commission con- demned practices described and complained of in these documents and requested me on its behalf to-convey to Your Excellency's Government the deep distress and serious concern of the Commission at this situation and to request Your Excellency's Government Ho take positive action so that its treatment of political prisoners shall conform with civilized standards of penal law and practice'. "Highest consideration b'U Thant, Secretary-General." Messages Between Secretary-General and Chairman Hie Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, Petr Nedbailo (Ukraine), had on 7 March sent the telegram to which the Secretary-General referred, draw~ ing attention to various paragraphs in the resolution of 6 March, and asking the Secretary-General :!to take the necessary measures as requested by the Commission, and to inform me on measures taken, at your earliest convenience, so as to enable me to report to the Commission at its present session, develop- ments in the implementation of the resolution-'. On 9 March, the Secretary-General informed the Chairman in a telegram that, in accordance with operative paragraph 2 of the resolution, he had al- ready addressed a telegram to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Govern- ment of the Republic of South Africa. He said he would inform the Chairman as soon as possible of measures taken in implementation of other points in the resolution. Text of_Resolution The full text of the resolution adopted by the Commission on Human Rights on 6 March on this question reads as follows; (more) / - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/6?2 SOC/HR/3C1 10 March 196? ofn resolution. ^... (.XXIII) as .adopted by the Commission at its 914-th .meeting on 6.. Margh. 1967 The., CgnadLssipji^ori Human Rights <, Considering that the General Assembly by its resolution 2IW-4. (XXI), -.para- graph 12, invited the Commission to give urgent consideration to ways and means of improving the capacity of the United Nations to put a stop to violations of human rights wherever they may occur, C ons f7 Havir.pir ; .> -y'"_ed__g.nd^ exnj.incd the communication from the Secretary- General transmitting a letter from the Acting Chainaannof the General Assembly's Special Committee on the Policies of Apartheid of the Government of the Republic of South Africa (E/CN.V935) together with its enclosures (A/AC.115/ L,53, 73, 8?s 106, 116, 123 and 181), <|istiirbnd by the evidence in those documents of continuing torturo and ill-treatment of persons in the Republic of South Africa -who have been detained by the Police or 'imprisoned for cppostion to, or infringement of, Apartheid laws, gtrongly_ideplorin.R the continued flagrant violation of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations by the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the actions of that Government -which are contrary to international lavi and. international morality, DetjBrtr.ir.ed. to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and desirous of an urgent and immediate stop of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Republic of South Africa, Hg.ying_heard the statement of the Observer of the Republic of South Africa in connexion with this question, Jfoting. with appreciation the proclamation of the General Assembly 'in its resolution 21^2 (XXI) of the annual ccramemox'ation of the massacre of Sharpeville, 21 March, as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, ( more ) - 4 «. Press Release SG/SM/6?2 SOC/HR/3Q1 10 March 196? 1. Condemns the practices described and complained of in the above-cited documents as constituting a double injury against the victims of the inhuman policies of Apartheid of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, who are imprisoned or detained for opposing and violating those policies; 2« Requests the Secretary--General immediately to address, on behalf of the Commission, a telegram to the Government of the Republic of South Africa conveying the deep distress and serious concern of the Commission at this situation and requesting that Government to take positive action so that its treatment of political prisoners shall conform with civilized standards of penal law and practice; 3. Decides to establish, in accordance with resolution 9 (II) of 21 June 19^6 of the Economic and Social Council, an ad hoe working group of experts composed of eminent jurists and prison officials to be appointed by the Chairman of the Commission toi (a) investigate the charges of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners, detainees or persons in police custody in So'ath Africa; (b) receive communications and hear witnesses and use such modalities of procedure as it may deem appropriate; (c) recommend action to be taken in concrete cases; (d) report to the Commission on Human Rights at the earliest possible time; **•• Calls upon the Government of the Republic of South Africa to co-operate with the ad hoo working group of experts, providing it with the necessary facilities for the discharge of its task within South Africa; 5« Requests the Secretary-General to give the widest possible publicity, as soon as possible, to the documents received from the Acting Chairman of the Special Committee containing the testimony of political prisoners, victims of torture and ill-treatment in the prisons of South Africa, as well as the statements of Nelson Mandela and Abraham Fischer in their recent court trials in South Africa; (more) / - 5 - Press Release SOC/HR/301 10 March 1967 6. Calls upon all Member States of the United Nations to give the widest national publicity, through all available information media, to the substance of the contents of these documents; 7. Draws attention of all international humanitarian organisations to these documents and appeals to them to take, as a matter of urgency, any appropriate action in their power to help alleviate the inhuman situation described therein5 8. .Appeals to all Member States, governmental, non-governmental and private organizations,, as well as private individuals, to support the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa through financial and other aids5 9« Requests, the Secretary-General to circulate this resolution to the members of. the Security Council; 10. Further requests the Secretary-General to convey to the Special Committee on the Policies of Apartheid of the Government of the Republic of South Africa the desire of the Commission on Human Rights to maintain close collaboration with it in achieving their common objectives. 11, Requests its Chairman to maintain contact with the Secretary-General and to report before the end of the present session the progress of the implementa- tion of this resolution; 12. RecommQnds, that the Secretary-General in consultation with Member States, arrange to provide facilities whereby Registers for the receipt of contribu- tions from all sources, private and public, for the victims of the policies of apartheid and racism in South Africa may be opened in each country; 13, Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly, the degree of co-operation he has received from the various Member States; 1^» Dec5.des to review the situation at its twenty-fourth session* UKITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/C/65 8 March 196? UKRAINE TO CONTRIBUTE $5,500 TO TRUST FUND FOR SOUTH AFRICA The Secretary-General, U Thant, has been informed by-the Permanent Representative of the Ukraine to the United Nations, that his Government has decided to contribute $3,500 to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, established in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 205^ B (XX) of 15 December 1965. * **# *