United Nations FOURTH COMMITTEE, 1281st GENERAL MEETING ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 6 February 1962, at 11.10 a.m. SIXTEENTH SESSION Official Records • NEW YORK CONTENTS resolution 1579 (XV) the General Assembly had Page stipulated that the elections should take place in "an atmosphere of peace and harmony" and "in Agenda item 49: proper conditions so that their results are completely Question of the future of Ruanda-Urundi: free of doubt or dispute 11 • While that had been more report of the United Nations Commission or less the case in Burundi, the atmosphere pre­ for Ruanda-Urundi (continued) vailing in Rwanda before the elections had been such General debate (continued . . . . • ...... 767 as to arouse serious reservations as to their result~. Requests for hearings continued)...... 773 The Administering Authority, so far from creating conditions of "normal, democratic political activity", Chairman: Miss Angie BROOKS (Liberia). had actively supported the Parti du mouvement de !'emancipation hutu (PARMEHUTU) and helped to AGENDA ITEM 49 muzzle the opposition. The Commissioners had ac­ knowledged in their report (A/4994 and Corr.l, para. Question of the future of Ruanda.Urundi: report of the United 460) that "the physical organization of the popular Nations Commission for Ruanda-Urundi (AI 4856, AI 4865 consultations and the voting operations proper were, and Corr.1, A/4970, A/4994 and Add.1 and Corr.1, A/ on the whole, calculated to enable the mass of voters 5086; A/C.4/516 and Add.1, 517 and Corr.1, 518, 519, representing 95 per cent of the electorate to vote according to their rights 11 • It remained to be seen 521, 522 and Add.1-4, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529 if the electors' choice had been free. However, his and Corr .1, 530) (continued) delegation was prepared to regard the elections as an unfortunate and regrettable episode and to accept GENERAL DEBATE (continued) their results as valid once it was convinced that the 1. Mr. DOE (Liberia), speaking on a point of order, Rwandese parties were ready to settle their differ­ recalled that in his statement at the 128oth meeting ences and work harmoniously for the good of the the Tanganyikan representative had mentioned certain Territory as a whole. It hoped that the conciliation new facts which had come to light about Ruanda-Urundi group would soon report to the Committee some which had led him to propose the appointment and measure of success in that direction. immediate dispatch to the Territory of a fact-finding committee. The seriousness of the facts mentioned 4. With regard to the unity of the Territory, he had aroused the apprehension of some delegations, stressed that Ruanda-Urundi had been placed under including those of Czechoslovakia and the United Arab Belgian administration as one complete entity. More­ Republic. For its part, his delegation hoped the over, on resolution 1579 (XV) the General Assembly Tanganyikan representative would be in a position to had acknowledged that "the best future for Ruanda­ provide further details in the near future. Urundi lies in the evolution of a single, united and composite State". It was therefore difficult to accept 2. Mr. COLLIER (Sierra Leone) congratulated the the request of the representatives of the two countries United Nations Commissioners on the way in which for separate existence, with nothing but a loose and they had carried out their mission. He regretted that ill-defined economic union. The fact was that the their statements and those of the Belgian Ministerfor Administering Authority was responsible for the Foreign Affairs, the representatives of the .Territory present state of affairs and it would be logical, in view and the petitioners had been far from encouraging. of the faci that the two parts of the Territory were What his delegation wanted above all was the real not economically viable, for the Authority to exhaust independence of Ruanda-Urundi, and it looked to the all possible means to bring about unity. Consequently, Belgian delegation to help restore order in the it was inexplicable that the Belgian Government should country. The statements of the petitioners and the have signed separate Protocols with the Governments Government representatives had shown the disunity of Rwanda and Burundi (A/C.4/517 and Corr.l/ which plagued Ruanda-Urundi, but only a frank state­ without giving the United Nations a chance to make ment of the differences could lead to the realization, a pronouncement on that question, and it might be as Sierra Leone had itself found, that the forces of wondered what had been the real motives which had cohesion and unity were indeed superior to the others. prompted it to behave thus. While conceding that it He therefore hoped the populations of Rwanda and would be difficult to impose the Assembly's will for Burundi would realize the bonds which united them unity on a Territory which did not desire it, his and that their leaders would sink their differences delegation believed that the Administering Authority and agree to work out a form of federation as little should have given the United Nations an opportunity centralb:ed as possible. The present trend in Africa to try to achieve that unity. The Assembly could yet was towards unity, and the ills which balkanization make one last effort to try and set up a political had brought to the continent were well known. federation. His delegation was in favour of sending a 3. One crucial issue before the Committee was that goodwill mission to the Territory as soon as possible of the validity of the election results in Rwanda. In so that the accession to independence should not be 767 A/C.4/SR.1281 768 General Assembly - Sixteenth Session - Fourth Committee too long delayed; such a mission could, with the co­ which were still felt, the Administering Authority had operation of the Administering Authority, try to es­ wanted to confront the United Nations with a fait tablish so:ne form of central control embracing accompli and make it sanction the measures it had Rwanda and Burundi which would be responsible for taken. However, the United Nations had refused to do foreign policy, defence and economic planning. so and, during the resumed fifteenth session of the General Assembly, it had again requested the Ad­ 5. The question of fixing a date for independence ministering Authority properly to fulfil its obligations was closely linked to that of the appointment of such under the Trusteeship Agreement. The General a mission: if it were decided to appoint the mission, Assembly now had to decide how far its decisions it would be logical to wait for a supra-regional had really been carried out and whether the Ad­ political union to emerge before fixing a date for the ministering Authority had really co-operated as it termination of the trusteeship. The United Nations should in the implementation of all the provisions understood the desire of the representatives of of General Assembly resolution 1605 (XV). Rwanda and Burundi to see their countries accede to independence as soon as possible, but it could not 9. The report of the United Nations Commission for abandon its responsibility to the people of the Ter­ Ruanda-Urundi (A/4994 and Add.1 and Corr.1), the ritory as a whole. If, as some observers feared, a statements made in the Committee by the petitioners small delay in the date for final independence were and the divergent views of two of the Commissioners, to plunge the people into further disorder and blood­ Mr Rahnema and, in particular, Mr. Gas sou, raised shed, they would only be demonstrating to the world serious doubts about the validity of the measures their ·unreadiness for independence. In the interval, taken by the Administering Authority to carry out the the newly elected Governments should be allowed to recommendations of the General Assembly. exercise to the full all the functions of internal self­ 10. Since the situation in Burundi appeared to be government and an effort should be made to give stable for the time being and the results of the the Territory its independence before the end of 1962. elections did not raise any controversy, he would The conciliation mission should be instructed to consider only the situation in Rwanda which was recommend a date for the accession to independence particularly disquieting. The measures essential and to report to the General Assembly as early as for the creation of a favourable pre-electoral atmos­ possible, and in any case before the seventeenth phere had only been partly taken. The amnesty session. recommended had been granted, but it had been 6. Turning to the question of economic and technical insufficiently implemented. The establishment of a assistance to the Territory, he said he appreciated broad-based caretaker government had been one Belgium's declared intention to continue its aid if it of the principal pre-conditions for the elections; it was true that such assistance would be given without had not been achieved either, because the Adminis­ strategic strings attached. However, if the proposed tering Authority had not really intended to carry out conciliation mission were to be sent to the Territory that recommendation. It was the Administering Au­ it should be asked to examine the economic and thority which had been running the affairs of the technical needs of the country and advise on possible Territory and it had therefore been the duty of the United Nations assistance, in addition to that of Administering Authority, which was responsible for Belgium. In particular, the mission should estimate the regrettable situation in the Territory, to prepare the number of technicians and specialists needed to the country for the general elections. It could not man the essential services after independence. At the have been expected that Belgium, which had done same time, the Administering Authority and the everything to destroy the Opposition, would guarantee Governments of Rwanda and Burundi should set about all the political parties the freedom of expression the rapid training of indigenous technicians to replace which was indispensable in an electoral campaign. the present Belgian personnel. 11. Finally, the refugee situation, instead of im­ 7. The Administering Authority was still responsible proving, had deteriorated as a result offurther flights. for the maintenance of order in the Territory, and the 12. The Committee had thus been shown how the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs had said at the political campaign had been deliberately rigged. 1274th meeting that the Territory's National Guard .The Opposition parties had not been able to express included 1,300 Belgian officers and men. Such a themselves. However, the Commission reported that situation could not continue after independence. His the new Belgian Government had co-operated with the delegation would therefore suggest an immediate United Nations. It was in comparison with the attitude drive to recruit indigenous soldiers and an intensified formerly adopted by Belgium that the Chairman ofthe programme of training for indigenous officers to United Nations Commissions regarded that as a mir­ take over command of the National Guard once the acle (1258th meeting). But the realmiraclewouldhave Trusteeship Agreement was terminated. He reserved been for the Administering Authority to implement his delegation's right to speak again later, and ex­ all the recommendations of the General Assembly pressed the hope that a resolution would be put fully and quite impartially. before the Fourth Committee which could command 13. In the face of such a situation, the Yugoslav dele­ unanimous support and take into account the best gation had the most serious reservations to make interests of the peoples of Ruanda-Urundi in particular with regard to the results of the elections in Rwanda. and of Africa in general. If the General Assembly recognized them as valid, 8. Mr. IIJC (Yugoslavia) said that for two years the it would be forgetting what it had expressly requested. Gene)'al Assembly, which wanted the Territory of Before sanctioning the elections, fresh efforts should Ruanda-Urundi to attain independence as soon as be made to persuade the present leaders in Rwanda possi~le and which was sparing no effort to achieve that to tolerate the presence in the country of a group goal, had been faced with new difficulties due to the opposed to them. policy followed by the Administering Authority. A year 14. The second important question facing the General after the disturbances of 1959, the consequences of Assembly was that of deciding how the two parts of 1281st meeting - 6 February 1962 769 the Territory should be linked. In the past it had could be only those offered by the circumstances as appeared logical that a territory which had been united they really existed in Rwanda and Burundi. The for a long period under one mandate and under one Greek delegation understood the views of those who Trusteeship Agreement should attain independence as objected to the atmosphere in which the elections had a si,ngle entity. However, at the current session, the been held in. Rwanda, but it noted that, according to Administering Authority, even before the Assembly the most authoritative accounts, the results of the had taken any decision concerning the events in the elections had apparently not been substantially affect­ Territory in 1961, had again wished to confront it ed. It also understood the views of those who, in order with a fait accompli by informing it of the signature not to break up African unity, wanted Ruanda-Urundi to of protocols dividing the Territory into two separate attain independence in unity, but it also considered States connected by an economic union. that, since the principle of the election of separate Ck>vernments for each part of the Territory had been 15. The representatives of the existing Ck>vernments admitted, the elected leaders should also be allowed categorically stated that a political community was to request their independence separately. The re­ impossible. Apart from those statements, there had presentatives of Rwanda and Burundi had said that been no persuasive arguments on the subject. The they accepted and even wanted economic unity, but that concern of the leaders of Burundi about the instability they considered political union to be inopportune, and in Rwanda was quite understandable. The report of they had added that any outside interference in their the United Nations Commission on the assassination advance towards separate independence might ir­ of the Prime Minister of Burundi (A/5086) was indeed reparably frustrate their efforts to achieve close alarming. However, the Yugoslav delegation, like co-operation in all other fields. It would be in­ other deklgations, thought that the creation of a advisable to assume responsibility for a new conflict single State, united but composite, was essential. in the heart of Africa. That was not the kind of re­ All the possibilities had not yet been explored and sponsibility which the Charter imposed as far as the all the necessary measures for that purpose had not Trust Territories were concerned. On the contrary, yet been taken. He therefore urged the representatives it appeared that, by helping the peoples of Rwanda of Burundi to postpone independence for some time and Burundi to attain independence as soon as possible, so that a new United Nations commission could try to the United Nations would given them a better chance stabilize the situation in Rwanda, which would facilitate of developing along the lines it wanted them to follow. the work of the United Nations with regard to the The Greek delegation was convinced that the peoples relations to be established between the two parts of Rwanda and Burundi would eventually appreciate of the Territory and the decision to be taken on the the advantage of political union. Again, the Deputy actual date of independence. Prime Minister of Burundi had stated at the 1264th 16. The Committee had already heard many pro­ meeting that his Ck>vernment realized that the future posals, on the basis of which a draft resolution could of Africa lay in unity. be drawn up. The Yugoslav delegation would support 19. In his statement at the 1274th meeting on 30 all measures to remedy the unhealthy situation in January, the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Rwanda and guarantee the real independence of the behalf of his country, had asked for the co-operation Trust Territory. of the United Nations in dealing with the Territory's political, economic and internal problems. Since the 17. Mr. BITSIOS (Greece) said that it was the duty matter concerned a Trust Territory, the United Nations of the Committee to evaluate the difficulties and was in duty bound to furnish such assistance. In obstacles involved in the operation of terminating the the present instance, the United Nations presence in trusteeship and to take them into account in its Rwanda and Burundi during the period preceding decisions, without however forgetting that the objective independence could consist of a good offices com-' of the whole undertaking was the independence of mission, the nucleus of which would be the three the peoples of Ruanda-Urundi. It appeared from the members of the present Commission for Ruanda­ report of the United Nations Commission for Ruanda­ Urundi. Urundi and from the personal opinions of the three Commissioners that it. would be wise not to dwell on 20. The representatives of the two Ck>vernments in the past-the atmosphere in which the elections had the Territory had requested the termination of trustee­ been held in Rwanda-but to look to the future. With ship as soon as possible after the month of April the signing of the Brussels Protocols on 21 December 1962, and had proposed dates which the Administering 1961, Rwanda and Burundi had entered a period of Authority was prepared to accept. They had also "assisted self-government" which would last until clearly explained that an over-long postponement of independence was proclaimed. In addition to the the proclamation of independence might disturb the duration of this period, other problems arose: order and ca}.m now prevailing. In his view, the political problems concerning the reconciliation of Fourth Committee should defer to the wishes of the the parties and the politicalfuture of the two countries, peoples, because it was unlikely that independence economic questions and the maintenance of law and would complicate the solution of the remaining order. problems. 18. The Greek delegation hoped that the efforts of 21. His delegation was among those which considered the conciliation group would be successful, since it that the United Nations could not and should not thought the United Nations should strive to maintain assume the grave responsibilities which the con­ and promote African unity. After hearing the repre­ sequences of a postponement would place upon it, sentative of the Administering Authority, the elected especially since in present circumstances the Organ­ representatives of the people and the petitioners, the ization was not, if only for financial reasons, in a Greek delegation had reached the conclusion that, position to undertake an operation commensurate despite the complexity of the problem, a constructive with those responsibilities. solution was still possible: it was sufficient to have 22. Action should therefore be taken in accordance the will to build and, in the case in point, the materials with the principles of the Charter. The objectives of 770 General A~sembly- Sixteenth Session- Fourth Committee Article 76 b had been attained with regard to the 28. He then turned to the question of the Territory's peoples of Rwanda and Burundi, They now had their future. He noted that the elected representatives of own .Governments and had expressed their wishes Rwanda and Burundi had asked the Committee to with regard to their political future. Morally, therefore grant independence to the two countries separately­ the Trusteeship System no longer applied. That fact on 15 May 1962 in the case of Burundi, and on 30 should be officially recognized and the United Nations June in the case of Rwanda. The Belgian Minister should express its concern for the peoples of Rwanda for Foreign Affairs thought that an early granting and Burundi in a new way. of independence to the Territory was essential, not only for the maintenance of law and order but also for 23. Mr. GOEDHART (Netherlands) thanked the the bringing of stability to it. It was obvious that, by members of the United Nations Commission for delaying independence, the General Assembly would Ruanda-Urundi for their excellent report. A heavy run the risk of giving rise to emotional outbursts in task had been laid upon them by General Assembly the Territory. It was therefore incumbent on the resolution 1605 (XV), andtheyweretobecongratulated General Assembly to put an early end to the Trustee­ on the way in which they had been able to discharge it. ship Agreement, in conformity with the wishes ofboth Since the co-operation of the Administering Authority local Governments and of the Administering Authority. had been a sine qua non for the success of their Such a decision would have a salutary effect in the mission, the Belgian Government was to be congrat­ Territory by terminating once and for all the agitation ulated for having fully co-operated in the implementa­ of opposition factions, which would then, particularly tion of certain provisions to which it did not entirely in Rwanda, be induced to direct their activity into more subscribe and which entailed serious political risks. positive channels. He also paid a tribute to the Special Amnesty Com­ mission for the rapid and competent way in which 29. The ideal solution would, of course, be to grant it had discharged the duties placed upon it by General independence to a single, united and composite State, Assembly resolution 1605 (XV), as the United Nations Visiting Mission to Trust Territories in East Mrica, 1960 and the General 24. The Fourth Committee's first task was to weigh Assembly in resolution 1605 (XV), had recommended. the results of the elections. In addition to the report The Netherlands would be among the first to welcome of the United Nations Commission forRuanda-Urundi, such a union. The fact remained, however, that the the Committee now had at its disposal other factual accredited representatives of Rwanda and Burundi, information, for which thanks were due to the elected and also the petitioners, were asking for the establish­ representatives of the two parts of the Territory and ment of two separate and independent States. He had to the petitioners. been impressed by the arguments put forward by a number of delegations, particularly those of Ceylon 25. In Burundi, the electoral campaign had been and Nigeria, which had expressed anxiety on the score carried out in a calm atmosphere; 73 per cent of the of the balkanization of Mrica. He also regretted eligible voters had gone to the polls and the Unite et this trend and conceded that the Administering Au­ parti national (UPRONA) party had gained an over­ thority could perhaps have concentrated more efforts whelming victory, winning fifty-eight out of the sixty­ to foster the development of a national consciousness four seats in the Legislative Assembly. The fact of the in the Territory. He thought that one last attempt should new elections in the three districts where the results be made to reconcile the two Governments and to had been contested producing exactly the same results establish the framework of a federal regime, which proved that the elections had been conducted impartial­ would result in the creation of a single sovereign ly, especially since UP RONA had not enjoyed the State on the international plane while giving a large support of the Administering Authority. measure of autonomy to each Government. The United Nations Commission for Ruanda-Urundi wo<1ld be 26. In Rwanda, the voting had also taken place in particularly well qualified to return to the Territory conditions of calm and, according to the United in order to help bring such a reconciliation about. Nations Commission, the secrecy of the voting had been ensured. There had been reports of disturbances, 30. It would however be unwise, and even dangerous, and it had been said that the local burgomasters had to make that reconciliation a prerequisite for the given unfair advantages to the party which had won the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. He did not elections. Nevertheless, the United Nations Com­ agree with the Nigerian representative (1277th meet­ mission had made it clear that over 90 per cent of the ing) that if the commission failed in its task, a eligible voters had gone to the polls and that referendum should be held on the issue of unity or PARMEHUTU had secured 77.7 per cent of the votes separation. If the referendum showed, as was to be cast. expected, the desire for separate independence, it would only harden the positions and make unity at 27. There could be no doubt about the results of the a later stage even more difficult. Moreover, it might elections in Burundi. In Rwanda, while it had not been well be that Rwanda and Burundi would in due course possible to establish ideal conditions prior to the be willing to associate themselves with a larger elections, the actual conduct of the voting operations had been satisfactory. Accordingly, the Committee grouping of African States. could hardly do other than accept the conclusions of 31. In any ca:se, there was a need for close economic the Chairman of the United Nations Commission for integration. Whether united or separated, Rwanda and Ruanda-Urundi (A/4994 and Corr.1, paras. 467-470). Burundi would for a number of years stand in need While the other two members of the Commission, of considerable technical and financial assistance. It Mr. Rahnema and Mr. Gas sou, placed a slightly was encouraging that the Belgian Minister for Foreign different interpretation on the results of the elections, Affairs had said that his country was willing to bear they did not favour the holding of new elections in the main burden of that assistance provided that law present circumstances. In his delegation's view, and order were maintained in the territory. As those therefore, the results of the elections both in Rwanda two questions-the provision of technical assistance and in Burundi should be fully endorsed. and the maintenance of law and order-were of great 1281st meeting - 6 February 1962 771 importance, it might perhaps be useful, as the Belgian a remarkable achievement for a Territory where the representative had suggested at the 1247thmeeting, to majority of the inhabitants were illiterate and where have a United Nations presence in the Territory. The women had voted for the first time. Nevertheless, the United Nations conciliation commission might be re­ electoral campaign had taken place in conditions quested to give its attention to the matter. which were far from ideal, and interference by the 32. Mr. KAKITSUBO (Japan) expressed his appreci­ Government party had prevented the Opposition parties ation of the way in which the members of the United from conducting their campaign in freedom. That had been confirmed by Mr. Rahnema in his statement at Nations Commission had accomplished their difficult task. He also extended his congratulations to the the 1265th meeting, while the report of the United Administering Authority and the Belgian Minister for Nations Commission for Ruanda-Urundi (A/4994 and Foreign Affairs for their full co-operation with the Add.1 and Corr.1) had made it clear that the atmos­ United Nations, and to the representatives of the phere of peace and harmony referred to in General Assembly resolution 1579 (XV) had not prevailed. Governments of Rwanda and Burundi and the petitioners Nevertheless, his delegation noted that none of the who had come to place their views before the Com­ Commissioners had held that the elections should mittee. be regarded as invalid or had advocated new elections. 33. The question of Ruanda-Urundi was most complex 39. With regard to the referendum about the in­ and was entirely different from colonial questions of stitution of the Mwami, the Administering Authority, the classical type, where a colonial Power was trying despite the provisions of General Assembly re­ to retain its grasp of a territory where the inhabitants solution 1580 (XV), had not facilitated the return of were demanding immediate emancipation. The diffi­ the Mwami to Rwanda prior to the referendum, culty of the problem arose from the fact that the indigenous society of the Territory was undergoing a apparently because it feared that law and order would thereby be disturbed. But although Mr. Rahnema con­ process of sweeping evolution. sidered that the result of the referendum would have 34. In the late nineteen-fifties, when the Belgian au­ been different if the Mwami had been able to reside in thorities had instituted a series of measures designed the Territory during the three months preceding the to pave the way for the Territory's future independ­ referendum, neither he nor the other Commissioners ence, the indigenous population had reacted with had proposed that the referendum should be regarded unexpected vigour, which, in a traditional society, as invalid and a new one held. Political tension was had resulted in convulsions leading to far-reaching unavoidable when not only the Government of a country consequences. The all-powerful foreign administra­ but its political regime were at stake. Many re­ tion had given way and the power relationship had presentatives had expressed misgivings about the pre­ abruptly changed from top to bottom. The unfortunate electoral conditions and the manipulations by the party events which had ensued had been attended by blood­ which had won the election; only a few of them, how­ shed and destruction, especially in Rwanda. ever, had insisted that new elections or a new 35. The United Nations had deplored that tragic sit­ referendum should be held. His delegation agreed with uation. The 1960 Visisting Mission had quite rightly Mr. Dorsinville that the results of the elections shoald insisted on the urgent need to find ways and means of be accepted, in the higher interest of the peoples bringing about a reconciliation between the Territory's concerned. political leaders. Those findings of the 1960 Visiting 40. It was one of the basic rules of u.amocracy that the Mission had been endorsed by the Trusteeship Council result of an election should be accepted by all and at its twenty-sixth session. !I At the fifteenth session should not be invalidated at the request of the defeated of the General Assembly, there had been a unanimous party. Moreover, the power of any elected body was agreement on the need for political reconciliation in of a temporary nature: when the party in power was the Territory; the Japanese delegation had insisted that defeated at an election, it should yield to its successor the political parties and associations should work out without making trouble. Mutual tolerance andfairplay agreements on their basic national purposes and on between the parties should dispel any misgivings. the fundamentals of the national structure. 41. Many representatives had expressed concern 36. The main problem now before the Committee was about the question of the unity of Rwanda and Burundi. whether it should regard as valid the legislative elec­ The General Assembly on resolution 1579 (XV) and the tions in Rwanda and Burundi and the referendum about Trusteeship Council on its conclusionsY had ex­ the institution of the Mwami, which had been held in pressed their convictions that the best solution would accordance with General Assembly resolution 1605 be for the Trust Territory to become a single, united (XV). and composite State. On the oth~r hand, the General Assembly had not objected to the holding of separate 37. In Burundi, the elections had been a resounding legislative elections in Rwanda and Burundi. The success. The electoral campaign had taken place in an Governments and Assemblies thus elected had made it atmosphere of calm and the population had been able clear that they wished to be politically independent not to express its opinion freely. UPRONA had gained an only from Belgium but also from each other. It was a incontestable victory by winning fifty-eight seats out of sixty-four, the remaining six seats having gone to matter for regret that the Territory of Ruanda-Urundi, which was at present administered as a single unit, the Front commun. should wish to form two States, contrary to the modern 38. In Rwanda, the actual voting had taken place in trend towards unification and to the repeatedly ex­ a calm atmosphere; 95.2 per cent of the registered pressed views of the General Assembly and the voters had gone to the polls, and PARMEHUTU had Trusteeship Council. Nevertheless, the principle of received 77.7 per cent of the votes cast and thirty­ self-determination should prevail; the United Nations five seats out of a total of forty-four. That had been could not impose its will on the peoples concerned.

Y Official Records of the General Assembly, Fifteenth Session, Supplement No. 4, part II,, chap. II, para. 49. Y Ibid., part II, chap. II, para. 241. 772 General Assembly - Sixteenth Session - Fourth Committee

It was encouraging, on the other hand, to see that thority had co-operated with the United Nations Rwanda and Burundi both appeared to be in favour of Commission for Ruanda-Urundi and put into effect maintaining the economic unity of the Territory. If the decisions taken by the General Assembly at that economic unity could be preserved after the two its fifteenth session, Ruanda-Urundi would now be countries had attained independence, there might be in a good position to accede to independence. That some chance of political unity being regained. was not the case, as the members of the Commission and the petitioners who had made statements to the 42. In his delegation's view, Rwanda and Burundi should achieve independence simultaneously; the Committee had testified. Belgium had recognized Trusteeship Agreement should be terminated at the United Nations recommendations only as a matter same time in both countries. Like many others, his of form; it had implemented them only when. they delegation considered that the date of the Territory's corresponded to its own intentions, and had continued, independence should not be unduly delayed, now that behind the scenes, to follow the policy of its own legislative elections had taken place and Governments choice in Ruanda-Urundi. based on overwhelming majority vo~es had been 46. Belgium had never co-operated with the United formed. The Japanese delegationfavouredthegranting Nations to bring about the unity of Ruanda-Urundi. of independence to Ruanda-Urundi before 31 December The results of its policy were now known, and the 1962. The fixing of the date for independence would Committee had heard many arguments to the effect facilitate the work of all concerned, including that of that the unification of Rwanda and Burundi was not the Commission, by removing any possible mis­ politically possible, although the two countries could understandings of the General Assembly's intentions be united economically. His delegation thought that by the inhabitants. His delegation had always been theory absurd, because there could be no lasting opposed to fixing a rigid target date for a Territory's economic unity between two independent political independence, but in the case of Ruanda-Urundi systems which distrusted one another. The Belgian it was convinced that the adoption of such a course Minister for Foreign Affairs had spoken with great would provide a goal towards which all efforts should unconcern of the poverty of Ruanda•Urundi and its converge and should be directed. economic unviability. Yet they were the result of 43. His delegation regarded the idea of establishing the exploitation of the Territory by Belgian co­ a United Nations presence in Rwanda and Burundi, lonialists, who had reduced the unhappy people of between the present time and the date of their inde­ Ruanda-Urundi to their present condition. If Belgium pendence, as a practical suggestion. A commission of had been equal to its task and had carried out its that type should have wide terms of reference and its obligations in good faith, in accordance with the duties, inter alia, should be: first, to assist and advise recommendations of the United Nations, the situation would be quite different. the Administering Authority and the Governments of Rwanda and Burundi in connexion with the transfer of 47. The Administering Authority had done everything powers; secondly, to assist and advise the Govern­ to prevent political unity, using tried colonialist ments of Rwanda and Burundi in the maintenance of methods. The Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs law and order through the evolving of plans for the had stated in the Committee that the Governments training of military and poli<:e forces; thirdly, to of the two countries concerned, both of which had been assist those Governments in recruiting administrative elected by the people, did not want a political union. and technical personnel through the United Nations and In view of the instability in Rwanda since the Ad­ other sources; fourthly, to lend its good offices, if ministering Av.thority had established a Government requested, for the achievement of national reconcilia­ which did not truly reflect the will of the people, it tion and the resettlement and reintegration of refugees was easy to understand why the Government of in Rwanda, since the reintegration of educated and Burundi was alarmed by the idea of union between experienced Batutsi would be essential not only for Rwanda and Burundi. The Belgian colonialists were future peace and stability but also for economic responsible for the situation because, by their policy, development; and lastly, to urge the Governments they had stirred up hatred among the people, bringing concerned to ensure that Rwanda and Burundi re­ about an atmosphere of disorder which enabled them maine1d politically united. Such an expansion in the to maintain their dominant position. terms' of reference would necessarily mean that the membership of the commission should be increased. 48. During the forty years of its administration of Ruanda-Urundi, Belgium had acted not for humanitar­ 44. I?espite the differences of opinion which had been ian reasons, but for reasons of self-interest, and had revealed during the discussions on the question of employed the methods ithadalreadyusedinthe Congo, Ruanda-Urundi, the United Nations had always been such as terrorism, the elimination of African chiefs, \manimous in seeking the birth of a truly independent, and murder. That explained the assassination of politiqally solid and economically viable new State. Prince Rwagasore, the Head of a Government resulting There should be no misunderstanding on that point, from the victory of a party which had not been to the least of all in the minds of the political leaders and liking of the Belgian Administration. peoples of the Territory. That position of the United Nations had been made abundantly clear by the 49. In Rwanda, acts of terrorism and violence had irreproachable conduct of the members of the United marked the election campaign and the elections Nations Commission for Ruanda-Urundi. That ap­ themselves, preventing the free expression of the proach would not change; while the proposed com­ will of the people, and the Administering Authority mission would no doubt do its besttotry and persuade had not taken the necessary steps to bring about the the peoples of Ruanda-Urundi to remain united po­ peaceful atmosphere which was required. Murder and litically as well as economically, the United Nations looting had forced thousands of refugees to flee. With should not seek to impose its views upon them. all due deference to Mr. Dorsinville and the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the result of the 45. Mr. SOKOLOV (Byelorussian Soviet Socialist elections in Rwanda had been achieved through the Republic) stressed that, if the Administering Au- crushing of the Opposition parties, and it was un- 1281st meeting - 6 February 1962 773 fortunate that the United Nations Commission for supervision of a United Nations commission, to bring Ruanda-Urundi had reached no specific conclusions about an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in the on the matter. The Byelorussian delegation thought country. Those steps should include genuine demo­ that the General Assembly should not approve the cratic reform, recognition of the complete freedom result of the elections held in Rwanda in Sept,ember of action of all parties, the establishment of a broad­ 1961, and that the present Government of Rwanda was based national Government and the return of the not in a position to administer the country democrat­ refugees. Of course all those measures should be ically or to restore the domestic peace in the taken after the withdrawal of the Belgian troops, foreseeable future. which were the main obstacle in the way of the 50. Events in Rwanda had proved once more that the country's return to normal life. Such steps would Administering Authority did not want to co-operate make it possible to grant independence to Rwanda with the United Nations in order to lead the Trust before the end of the first half of 1962. Territory towards independence in peace and tranquil­ 53. His delegation thought it would be an excellent lity. It was therefore high time to end the trusteeship thing if the Territory were to achieve both a political in Ruanda-Urundi. The Belgian Minister for Foreign and an economic union. Since the question could be Affairs himself had advocated the same solution at decided only by the peoples and Governments con­ the 1274th meeting, although it might be wondered cerned, Rwanda and Burundi might usefully begin whether he had been sincere, in view of his replies negotiations in order to determine the details of such to some of the questions put to him. Certain references a union. to technical assistance which the territory might need in future and to the need to maintain order after 54. The Byelorussian delegation would support any decision of the Committee and of the General Assembly independence showed that Belgium expected to maintain which was designed to end trusteeship in Ruanda­ its presence in the Territory. The Committee should Urundi as quickly as possible and to bring independ­ therefore be on its guard and should make sure that ence to the Territory. It hoped that the United Nations General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) was fully and the African states would help the Territory to carried out. There was a threattoRuanda-Urundi,and take over the management of its own affairs and to it was the duty of the United Nations to avert it at any take its place, as a single State, among the other cost. independent States of Africa. 51. The Byelorussian delegation thought that the elections held in Burundi in September 1961 had REQUESTS FOR HEARINGS (continued) faithfully reflected the wishes of the people. The present Government of that country might become 55. The CHAIRMAN drew the Committee's attention stable, provided that the United Nations protected it to the request for a hearing submitted by the repre­ against the schemes of the Administering Authority. sentative of the Rassemblement Populaire Africain There had already been some disturbing signs, and of Burundi (A/C.4/522/Add.l). The petitioner had it was important that the Committee should confirm arrived in New York, and could be heard by the the representative character of the Government of Committee at its 1282nd meeting. Burundi without delay and fix a date, not later than 56. Mr. Ngendandumwe, the Deputy Prime Minister 16 May 1962, for the country's accession to independ­ ence. To make matters easier, the Administering of Burundi, and Mr. Bankumuhari and Mr. Siry­ uyumunsi, petitioners from Burundi, had also asked Authority should immediately withdraw its armed the Committee to give them another hearing after the forces from Burundi and should transfer the ad­ statement by the representative of the Rassemblement ministration of the country to the elected repre­ Populaire Africain. She suggested that they should all sentatives of the people. be heard at the 128'2nd meeting. 52. With regard to the future of Rwanda, the Byelo­ It was so decided. russian delegation thought it essential that steps should be taken before June 1962, unde:r the direct The meeting rose at 1.5 p.m.

Litho in U.N. 77401-July 1962-2,525