United Nations 4·70th GENERAL PLENARY MEETING ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 8 December 1953, EIGHTH SESSION at 2.45 p.m. Official Records New York

CONTENTS Brazil and India. In that draft it is proposed that the General Assembly should resolve to recess the eighth The Korean question: (a) report of the United Nations session and request the President of the General Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Assembly to reconvene the session under specified con­ Korea: report of the First Committee 443 ditions. Election of two members of the Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories: report of the 6. During the discussion in the First Committee, it Fourth Committee 446 was pointed out that certain serious difficulties had Complaint by the Union of Burma regarding aggression arisen in the negotiations at Panmunjom, Mr. Menon, against it by the Government of the Republic of China: one of the authors of the present draft resolution, report of the First Committee 447 pointed out, on the basis of information he had re­ Address iby Mr. Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the ceived from Panmunjom, that although the position United States of America 450 with regard to the negotiations in Korea was not catastrophic, it was extremely serious. The representa­ tive of the United States, Mr. Lodge, also pointed out President: Mrs. Viiaya Lakshmi PANDIT (India). that serious difficulties had arisen at Panmunjom, 7. The very difficult situation which had developed in the negotiations there is also referred to in the letter The Korean question: (a) report of the United [A/2616] from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nations Commission for the Unification and People's Republic of China, Mr. Chou En-lai, which Rehabilitation of Korea: report of the First was distributed to delegations today. Mr. Chou En-lai Committee (A/2621) draws the General Assembly's attention to the fact that [Agenda item 18] the situation tin Korea has reached a critical stage. Then he states that the explanations to prisoners of 1. The PRESIDENT: We turn now to the report war by the Korean-Chinese side were carried out for of the First Committee on the Korean question [AI only seven days out of the appointed ninety-day period. 2621]. In addition to the draft resolution contained Since the explanations were for:ced to come to a halt therein, the Assembly has before it an amendment pro­ for the fifth time-they had already been thus stopped posed by the Polish delegation [AIL.173]. Does any four times-twenty days have already elapsed and there member propose a debate should take place on this has been no resumption, so that the agreement on the item? repatriation of prisoners of war set forth in the Korean 2. In the absence of any proposal under rule 67 of Armistice Agreement has already been seriously vio­ the rules of procedure, the. Assembly will proceed im­ lated. Mr. Chou En-lai also states in his letter, which mediately to a decision on the proposals now before representatives have probably read, that the Panmun­ it. The draft resolution recommended by the First jorn discussions on the question of the political con­ Committee would recess the present session of the ference have encountered serious difficulties, and that General Assembly. Inasmuch as there still remain the convening of the conference is deliberately being reports from some of the Main Committees which must delayed. be dealt with before any recess takes place, I believe 8. Certain representatives ,in the First Committee that the Assembly should take this fact in.to account nevertheless expressed the certainty that these difficul­ when it votes upon the present draft resolution. I ties would be overcome without any assistance from therefore suggest to the Assembly that in voting on the' General Assembly. They maintained that the dis­ this draft resolution it should do so with the under­ cussion of the Korean question in the General Assembly standing that, if it is adopted, the recess will take at the present time could o~]y aggravate the situatfon ; effect only after the Assembly has disposed of the main they said that such discussion would not only fail to reports now pending. lead to any positive results, but might even have an 3. The adoption of the draft resolution proposed by adverse effect on the negotiations at Panmunjorn. the First Committee would have the effect of changing 9. The USSR delegation cannot agree with those , the previous decision of the Assembly with regard to views, being deeply convi?c~d that, if a real desire the closing- date of the session. I consider, therefore, exists to advance the negotiations, the General Assem­ that it will require a two-thirds majority for adoption. bly could succeed in removing al~ obstacles to the 4. If there is no objection, we shall proceed to the convening of a political conference In Korea. Accord­ vote on the draft resolution with these understandings. ingly, the Assembly could also pr~mote the successful solution of the whole Korean question. 5. Mr. VYSHINSKY (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (translated from Russian): The General 10. It should be noted that, in spite ?f .a11 obstacles, Assembly has before it the draft resolution on the the Korean-Chinese side in the negotIatIons at Pan­ Korean question which was originally submitted by munjom is making great efforts to reach agreement on 443 AjPV.470 General Assembly-Eighth Session-Plenary Meetings

questions relating to the convening of the political con­ on whether such reconvening is warranted by "develop­ First Comm ference on Korea. This cannot be said of the other ments in respect of the Korean question". Absolutely Polish amen: side, which is permitting breaches of the Armistice no explanation is given, however, of the turn which mitted by th Agreement and, in particular, of the annex to that these "developments" should take before the President USSR deleg _agreement on the terms of reference of the Neutral decides to reconvene the eighth session of the General now, We the Nations Repatriation Commission. In particular, I have Assembly. The third condition is that one or more resolution at in mind paragraph 11 of that annex, which lays down Member States should make a request to the President 20. The PI 'the time limits and procedure for explanations. to reconvene the eighth session of the General Assem­ for the Asse bly by reason of such developments. 11. Although the agreement stipulates a ninety-day present item time limit for explanations to prisoners of war, this 16. A close study of these conditions shows that the tives to adhe period has now become a mere fiction, since explana­ reconvening of the eighth session is a very complicated 21. ,Mrs. I tions to Chinese and Korean prisoners of war have procedure. Moreover, as I have already said, the main As the Firs been sy~ema.tically obstructed by all kinds of acts of question, that of the nature of the "developments" members of provocation and other illegal activities engaged in referred to in the draft resolution as the basis for . resolution p by agents of Syngman Rhee and Chiang Kai-shek. reconvening the eighth session, is left unanswered. and India. ] This has been pointed out by the Repatriation Com­ There are no explanations and not even a hint of resolution s mission, which has recognized the need to prolong the what particular "developments" should be regarded the situation period of explanations by the whole amount of time as factors in deciding to reconvene the eighth session. lost as a result of the illegal activities of the aforesaid This remains an absolutely unknown quantity, the con­ 22. Under agents. tent of which we do not know. Thus each of the sixty General Ass 12. The fact that special agents infiltrated into Ko­ Members of the United Nations is free to interpret ity of Mem rean-Chinese prisoner-of-war camps in order to these developments and their significance in its own eighth sessi obstruct the explanations and to prevent the repatria­ way. There can be no doubt that such procedure is respect of tl asked to re tion of Korean and Chinese prisoners of war is clear not only complicated, but also dangerous, if we take 0 f from the .incident which took place on 2 December into account the need for rapid action in such cases, currence more Memt 1953, when the Repatriation Commission intercepted without any delay or postponement. Such a procedure procedure, t a letter from a secret agent of Syngman Rhee who was cannot serve our purposes, On the contrary, it can only Korean que trying to penetrate into a prisoner-of-war camp at play into the hands of those who want to ruin all Taejon, under the control of the United States Corn­ work for the peaceful settlement of the Korean ques­ 23. As the mand. The letter contained instructions from the chief tion. It is absolutely obvious that no one who really the First Cc of the South Korean police and the "Embassy" of the wishes to make it possible 1::0 reconvene this session have been l Kuomintang about the necessity of preventing expla­ for the discussion of the Korean question, if necessary, has been m, nations in the camp and doing away with Korean and can agree with such a complicated and absolutely un­ Ierences, Tl Chinese prisoners who insisted on repatriation. justified procedure. of the Uni 13. At the same time, the negotiations ate being sys­ 17. It is also obvious that the stipulation laid down overcome a tematically protracted. To this end, all kinds of ques­ in paragraph 2 of the First Committee's draft to the reasonable. tions giving rise to lengthy and fruitless arguments effect that the majority of Member States must concur beyond the are deliberately raised. One of these questions is that in the decision to reconvene the eighth session weakens come to a s of the participation of neutral countries in the political the assurance that the work of the session will be re­ circurnstanr conference: This is a question which, despite the clear sumed at the proper time. The words "with the con­ vene the eif and just position of the Korean-Chinese side, has been currence of the majority of Member States" must, under the t turned by the other side into one of the obstacles to the of course, be deleted from paragraph 2, if the whole First Comr successful conduct of negotiations at Panmunjom, matter is not to be complicated and if there is a real representat wish to facilitate as far as possible the reconvening Nations, h. 14. Such is the position which has arisen in the Pan­ of the eighth session to continue the discussion of the communica munjorn negotiations. It is self-evident that the Gen­ Korean question. and they I eral Assembly cannot disregard such a situation if it ments' vie wishes to carry out ilbs bounden duty of promoting the 18. That is the p1.l!J:'lpose of the amendment submitted peaceful settlement of the Korean question, which by the Polish delegation [A/L.173] to the draft resolu­ 24. We t affects the question of the maintenance and strengthen­ tion of the First Committee. The USSR delegation sup­ tion adopt ing of peace and international security. This means that ports this proposal, considering that it is useful and rejoice in the conditions laid down in the decision to reconvene that its adoption would make it far easier to resume the Comrr the eighth session to discuss the Korean question if the work of the eighth session of the General Assembly, dian repre necessary should he such as 110t to hinder the if necessary, than would the adoption of the draft tive and, a implementation of that decision, but as to ensure the resolution as it now stands. by the Co most rapid and easiest resumption of the session. 19, In conclusion, I should like to state on behalf of 25. The 15. A perusal of the draft resolution submitted by the the USSR delegation that the reason why the General Polish ar First Committee to the General Assembly shows that Assembly does not insist on discussing the Korean adopted, 1 paragraph 2 of the draft absolutely fails to meet the question now is that it believes that, should such discus­ be a mat: aforesaid prerequisite. Paragraph 2 of the draft puts sion become necessary, it win be possible to reconvene tion. In ( considerable difficulties in the way of reconvening the the eighth session at any time. We should do everything would not session of the General Assembly, if that should prove we can to facilitate the reconvening of the session; to or the ri necessary. We must say that this paragraph is quite that end, the President of the General Assembly should regard to unacceptable. It lays down a number of conditions be empowered to reconvene the eighth session without bly shouk for reconvening the eighth session, The first condition any limiting conditions, which can only obstruct the were to < is the concurrence of the majority of Member States resumption of the work of the present session and departing in the decision to resume the session. The second con­ prejudice the peaceful settlement of the Korean ques­ in conne: dition is that the President should express her opinion tion. The USSR delegation held this position in the sion to cl • .70th Meeting-8 December 1958 445

V-elop_ First Committee when the vote was taken on the (VII)]. We shall therefore vote against the Polish 11U.tely-­ Polish amendmenc and on the draft resolution sub­ amendment. \lVhich mitted by the Indian and Brazilian delegations. The sident USSR delegation intends to adhere to that position 26. Mr. NASZKOWSKI (Poland) (translated from eneral now. We therefore abstained from voting on the draft Russian) : I should like to state briefly the position of U10re resolution at that time and will do the same now. the Polish delegation on the draft resolution adopted si<:lent by the First Committee on the question of recessing .Ssem- 20. The PRESIDENT: Since it would be desirable the eighth session of the General Assembly. for the Assembly to complete its consideration of the 27. The Polish delegation does not share the view, present item by 3.40p.m., I would request representa­ I' at the tives to adhere to the seven-minute time limit. expressed by certain delegations in the First Committee, ! icated that a debate on the Korean question might react 21. Mrs. BOLTON (United States of America): main unfavourably on the conduct of the Pat11111.111jom :l.ents" As the First Committee's report indicates, fifty-five negotiations for a political conference. On the contrary, is for members of the Committee voted in favour of the draft given the fact that the taotics of the United .States l\TerOO. resolution proposed by the representatives of Brazil representative at Panmunjom-e-the statement which i.nt of and India. It would therefore appear that that draft the United States. representative has just made here -resolution satisfactorily meets the requirements of rarcled notwithstanding-are to create absolutely unjustified ~ssion. the situation confronting the General Assembly. obstacles to the settlement of questions relating to the covening of the conference, and given also the rejec­ e con­ 22. Under the draft resolution, the President of the tion of the compromise proposals made by the Korean­ ~ sixty General Assembly, with the concurrence of the major­ :erpret ity of Member States, is requested to reconvene the Chinese side, it would be very proper for the Assembly s own eighth session if, in her opinion, developments in to hold a debate on the Korean question. The telegram -Ure is respect of the Korean question warrant it. She is also received yesterday by our Organization from the Min­ ister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of e take asked to reconvene the session-again with the con­ currence of the majority of Member States-if one or China, Mr. Chou En-lai, addressed to the President of cases, the General Assembly and to the Secretary-General, ~edure more Member States make a request to her for such a serves as a fresh proof of the face that the present n procedure, by reason of developments in respect of the only position in Korea calls for the most careful attention all Korean question. -.in on the part of the United Nations. ques­ 23. As the representative of my delegation stated in 28. Moreover, even if we take into account the posi­ really the First Committee, although the negotiations in Korea iession have been and continue to be difficult, some progress tion of the delegations which consider that the discus­ ~ssary, has been made. There are signs of a narrowing of dif­ sion of the Korean question at this stage of the Pan­ Jy un- ferences. The United States, representing the Members munjorn negotiations is undesirable, and if we do not of the United Nations, is straining every nerve to insist on its discussion at the present time, the Polish clown overcome all difficulties. If the Communists show a delegation still considers that the reconvening of the to the reasonable spirit of accommodation.dt is by no means session should not be governed by conditions which would seriously complicate and undoubtedly delay the ~oncur beyond the realm of possibility that the discussions will eakens come to a successful conclusion. If, on the other hand, discussion of the question at a time when such a be re­ circumstances arise which make it desirable to recon­ discussion became very urgent. e con- vene the eighth session, that can be readily accomplished 29. Nevertheless, there are such conditions in the rnust, under the terms of the draft resolution adopted by the draft resolution adopted by the First Committee, The v"hole First Committee. Most Member States have permanent draft resolution does not confine itself to empowering a. real representatives at the Headquarters of the United the President of the General Assembly to reconvene vening Nations, here in New York. The President can easily the session, which would be quite enough, but makes of the communicate with those permanent representatives, this depend on the concurrence of the majority of the and they can, on short notice, present their govern­ Members of our Organization. Thus a limiting con­ .rrxitted ments' views. dition is established a Pl'i01'i, which will obstruct the r-e sclu­ 24. We therefore strongly support the draft resolu­ further discussion of the question and enable delega­ n sup­ tion adopted by the First Committee. We particularly tions which do 110t want a solution of the Korean L11 and rejoice in the high order of statesmanship exhibited in question to postpone its settlement indefinitely. "esume the Committee, particularly by the Brazilian and In­ 30. The Polish delegation, which has always been embly. dian representatives, who helped to achieve a COnstruc­ guided by the wish to make a constructive contribution draft tive and, at the same time, virtually unanimous decision to the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, by the Committee. cannot approve of such an attieude to the problem and will therefore abstain from voting on this draft resolu­ 1alf of 25. The United States delegation cannot support the ;'eneral Polish amendment, since, if that amendment were tion. Corean. adopted, the reconvening of the eighth session would 31. Mr. MENON (India) : In normal circumstances, :1i sCUS--. be a matter completely within the President's discre­ my delegation would not desire to repeat the arguments ::J11.ven~ tion. In our view, the procedure which would result and statements it made in the Committee, but, given 'ythin~ would not be in the spirit of the United Nations Charter the special connexion that my country and my delega­ on; to or the rules of procedure, which indicate that, with tion have with the whole of this problem, in relation to should regard to decisions of importance, the General Assem­ the present phase of repatriation and the present or 1'1th0111: bly should act through a majority vote. If the Assembly impending deadlock, and given the gravity of the cir­ let th~ were to adopt the Polish amendment, it would also be cumstances to which I referred yesterday, and given In ancl departing from the satisfactory precedent set last year also the references which have been made by the repre­ L quea., in connexion with the reconvening of the seventh ses­ sentative of the Soviet Union and others who followed in th~ sion to deal with the Korean problem [resolution 705 him, I feel it incumbent upon me to say a word or two. 446 General Assembly-Eighth Session-Plenary Meetings

32. My delegation took the initiative in asking for relying upon the wisdom or the initiative of the Presi­ r;vacanci the recession of this session of the General Assembly dent. Yesterday, this matter was mentioned from one Self-G and for its reconvention on a specific date. That date quarter, and today it has been mentioned from another that El was not limited by our whim, but by the facts govern­ quarter, and we take the strongest exception to this COrnmi ing the situation contained in paragraph 11 of the annex particular approach. We did this as part of the pro­ bly is r to the Armistice Agreement, namely, the repatriation cedure, knowing very well that you, Madam President, as elected President, would desire the concurrence of agreement. We also provided that that fixed date could COtnp] be moved at the discretion of the President, by which everyone. What is more, that is the best possible solu­ tion we could have found. g.ret we meant her individual judgment, "for good and Rep sound reasons". 37. Therefore, thanks to the willing co-operation of rnitt 33. We found at that time that there were other views the delegation of Brazil, we were able to agree on this in the Committee, which took form in an amendment formulation of words, which means that if develop­ submitted by the representative of Brazil, In the con­ ments in respect to the Korean problem reach a stage Mr. versations that went on outside the Committee, we when the reconvening of the General Assembly is I~littce, discovered that, while there was considerable realiza­ warranted, we shall look to the President to take the ?607). initiative in calling the Assembly together, and, in tion of the necessity for the General Assembly to meet 42. 11 again in circumstances of gravity, and, indeed, in many order to effect that, in seeking the concurrence of the Member States. If the concurrence of the majority of questio quarters the feeling that it would have to meet, it was always not our estimate of the opinions that the particular the Member States is forthcoming, then the General Assembly will be reconvened. only tc presentation we had made would have gathered to vation itself the necessary support for it to pass through 38. Finally, there is no doubt at all in our mind that my G this Assembly, or, indeed, to gain the unanimity or the situation in regard to Korea, whether it be the promis near-unanimity which is necessary in these circum­ political or the repatriation issue, is one which re­ perfor stances. quires the 'consideration of the General Assembly if 4-3. I 34. So far as my delegation is concerned, we still there is a further deterioration. We do not subscribe to the view that the discussion by the General Assembly state 1 consider a fixed date, with freedom of movement in tions ( the individual judgment of the President, as the proper of an important matter is likely, in all circumstances, to be an impediment to its solution. Therefore, before hope 1 and wise course. But wisdom does not stand isolated will fa from the practical realities of the situation. We claim the General Assembly votes on this draft resolution, we want our own position to be made quite clear. We so far no monopoly of this wisdom, and our wisdom must be to be conditioned by the collective wisdom of the rest of moved from OUT original position in order to obtain the widest degree of support and to ensure that the asked the Assembly. For these reasons, and realizing that Confe the Committee itself had an appreciation of the gravity General Assembly would meet again. If we had in­ of the position, because, on the motion of the repre­ sisted on our own position, and if our draft resolution 4-4. I sentative of New Zealand, there was an adjournment for the recessing o.f the General Assembly had not April for discussion among those concerned, and as a result been carried, we would have defeated our own purpose. over ( of long consultations and exchanges of views over the It was for that reason, and as a matter of taking into cised t weekend, it was possible for us to agree with the account the views of many delegations, that we put and tl: representative of Brazil on the draft resolution we forward what may appear to be a draft resolution different from our original one. It is different, cer­ 45. I have before us. be fn tainly, in formulation and different in its provisions, 35. At this moment, it is necessary to point out what but certainly it is the same in purpose and, we hope, part ( preset became evident yesterday in the Committee, that I if circumstances should warrant it, the same in its cembe believe there must be errors in the translation of this effect. draft resolution in the Russian and other texts, because numb there is no question in this matter of imposing three 39. The PRESIDENT: We shall now vote on the adequ different conditions. What we have said is, first, that Polish amendment [A/ L.173J to the draft resolution beyon the initiative for reconvening the General Assembly now before the General Assembly. This amendment time 1 rests with the President on the basis of the develop­ WOL1ld delete from paragraph 2 the words "with the ment ments in regard to the Korean question; secondly, concurrence of the majority of Member States". cease­ having decided to -take that initiative, the President The amendment was rejected by 48 uotes to 5, tsnth. purpc will seek the concurrence, not the previous assent, of 5 abstentions. and b tion, the majority of the Member States, and also her 40. The PRESIDENT: We shall now vote 011 the initiative would be affected by the fact of a request draft resolution of the First Committee [A/2621J. atmos for a reconvening made by a Member State-but that evact: The result of the vote' was 55 in favour, none against, take is an alternative and not a separate condition. Therefore and 5 abstentions. the judgment of the President, and the seeking, on her milits The draft resolution was adopted, hm'ing obtaine'd own initiative, of the concurrence of the Member \ stopp States, is a factor which governs both these proce­ the required two-thirds major'it'j'. 46. dures. army Election of two members of the Committee on 36. 'vVe have no reason to think, from the conversa­ is in Information from Non-Self-Governing Terri­ Li :r.. tions we had over the weekend or from the speeches tories: report of the Fourth Committee (A/ which were made in the First Committee, that the riona 2556/Add.l) men majority of the Member States would refuse to con­ [Agenda item 35] sent to the initiative of the President in a matter of this of B /kind. As the representative of my country here, I feel 41. The PRESIDENT: In its report, the Fourth We :tribe ? it is quite needless for me to assure the General As­ Committee informs the General Assembly of the elec­ sembly that there is 110 question in our mind of not tion which was held in the Committee to fill the two paWl Q tJ I 470th Meeting-8 DecernbeT 1958 447

le Presi­ 1ji vacancies on the Committee on Information from Non- be in the thousands, whereas the number of tribesmen ram one 'i Self-Governing Territories. The Committee reports would be at most in-the hundreds. Iz is only this feel- I another I that Burma and Guatemala have been elected to the ing of comradeship between the Chinese and _the l to this J Committee. No further action by the General Asse111~ tribesmen in General Li Mi's army that my Govern- the pro­ 'j bly is required on this matter. ment must keep in mind. resident, rence of 47. If the Government of Burma should co-operate ble solu- Complaint by the Union of Burma regarding ag­ with my Government in these respects-namely, strict gression against it by the Government of the observance of the cease-fire, extension of the cease-fire Republic of China: report of the First Com- and a liberal interpretation in regard to the nationality .ation of mittee (A/2607) . of the evacuees-s-I state again that my Government has ~ on this [Agenda item 25] good reason to hope that the number to be evacuated develop­ will far exceed the present agreed number of 2,000. I a stage Mr. Thors (Iceland), Rapporteur of the First COl1Z- .mbly is . mittee, presented the report of that Committee (AI 48. Since this problem is so near to its solution, I take the 2607). should like to say a word in regard to the character of and, in these men. They did not go to Burma to violate the e of the 42. Mr. TSIANG (China): In connexion with this sovereignty of Burma. They did not go to Burma to jority of question, my Government and my delegation here have occupy the territory of Burma. They had no enmity General always followed a policy of extreme caution. We know whatever towards Burma. On the contrary, they had only too well that the Anti-Communist Nationalist Sal­ and still have friendiy feelings towards the people of vation Army of General Li Mi is beyond the control of Burma, But the love of family and the love of country rind that rny Government. We have, therefore, consistently have driven them to the jungles of Burma and to take t be the promised less rather than more than what we could an anti-communist stand there. They are, therefore, hich re­ perform. not anti-Burmese, but they are anti-communist. It embly if is for this reason that my Governrnenz and people iubscribe 43. I am glad, however, that I am in a pOSItIOn to state to the General Assembly upon specific instruc­ have given these men returning from the jungles of rssembly Burma the welcome of heroes. 1stances, tions of my Government that there is good reason to ~, before hope that the number to be evacuated from Burma 49. My delegation did not participate in the First solution, will fur exceed the 2,000 which we have agreed upon Committee in the vote 011 the draft resolution now lear, We so far. We have reason to hope that the final number recommended by the Committee. We regard it as su­ o obtain to be evacuated may even exceed the figure of 5,000 perfluous and, if it is put to the vote now, my delega­ that the asked by the representative of Burma in the Bangkok tion will again not panticipate in that vote. had in- Conference. Sir Gladwyn Jebb (United Kingdom), Vice.-Presi­ .solution 44. I stated in the debate in the First Committee in dent, toole the Chair. had not April that whatever influence my Government had 50. Mr. KATZ-SUCHY (Poland): The delegation purpose. over General Li Mi's army would certainly be exer­ of Poland wishes to explain its position on the draft .ing into ci sed to further wishes of the Government Burma the of resolution submitted by the First Committee on the we put • and the wishes of the United Nations. .solution complaint of the Union of Burma regarding aggres­ .nt, cer­ 45. In order that the efforts of my Covernrnent may sion against it by the Kuornintang bands. ! be fruitful, a certain measure of co-operation on the rvisions, 51. The aggression of the Kuomintang bands in le hope, : part of the Burmese Government is essential. The . present cease-fire agreement is good up to 15 De- Burma makes it clear that despite the resolution adopted :: in its at the seventh session of the General Assembly cember. For the evacuation of the present agreed [re­ number of 2,000, the target date, 15 December, is solution 707 (VII)) ,tlle situation has not improved. on the adequate and sufficient. For the evacuation of soldiers On the contrary, the threat to the independence and solution beyond and above the number of 2,000, the present sovereignty of Burma resulting from the presence of Kuornintang bands on its territory has grown, both .ndrnent time limit is obviously insufficient. I hope the Govern­ ,ith the ment of Burma will see fit to continue the present because of the numerical increase of the bandits and because of fresh deliveries of weapons and equipment. cease-fire agreement beyond 15 December for the 5, with purpose of conducting the evacuation of others above The general threat to international security and peace and beyond the present 2,000. The process of evacua­ in Asia has also increased because of the operations of Chiang Kai-shek's military units,shielded by the tion, in order to be smooth, must be conducted in all on the armed forces of the United States, in Asia and on the 521]. atmosphere of confidence. If the men about to be evacuated should feel that the army of Burma would open seas surrotmding the far-eastern part of the con- aqtunst; tinent of Asia. ~ take advantage of the evacuation process to resort to rruilitary action, the evacuation would be instantly 52. During the discussion in the First Committee, btained stopped. the United States delegation concentrated its efforts on 46. Furthermore, in the ranks of General Li Mi's dragging out the debate in order to gain time both for the purpose of concealing the responsibility of the tee on army, there are a number of people whose nationality is in dispute. Now, the tribesmen who joined General Kuomintang and to create conditions which enable the Terri­ Li Mi's army, whether of Chinese of Burmese na­ Kuomintang to avoid carrying out the recommendations ,e (AI t i onality in a technical sense, are regarded by Li Mi's for evacuating Burma. men as comrades in arms. I hope that the Government 53. At the same time, it is well known that the United of Burma will see fit to allow these tribesmen to leave. States Government exercises political, military and eco­ Fourth We in Taiwan have no desire whatever to get the nomic control over the Kuomintang clique, which i,t le elec­ :tribesmen to my country. We are not short of man­ supplies with arms, planes and ships. Moreover, it is the he two - power. In the end, the Chinese to be evacuated would United States Navy and Air Force which have under- 448 General A!I8embly-Eighth Se!l8ion-Plenary Meetings taken the illegitimate defence of the Kuomintang rem­ 57. These facts were presented by the Polish delega­ tinuing nants on the American-occupied island of Taiwan, a tion during the discussion in the First Committee. Our troops sovereign and integral part of Chinese territory. It is delegation pointed ouc that attacks upon peaceful vessels 64. Ir this armed defence and the extensive military and eco­ on the open seas-vessels bearing the flags of sovereign ex.olude nomic shipments which alone have enabled the Kuo­ States-were violations of the elementary right to free the effr rnintang clique to survive until today. In the light of navigation and might result in international complica­ served these facts, it is clear that the aggressive activity of the tions. Despite our clear accusations, we have to date was de Kuomintang in Burma has been able to continue only received no reply to the Polish Government's note of which J because of the assistance of the American groups 26 November 1953, nor to the charges presented before vincing responsible for implementing the foreign policy of the the First Committee. In the First Committee, the against United States in the Far East. United States representative found himself in an awk­ which, ward position and chose to remain in deep silence. 54. The only argument which the United States withou delegation has constantly used is the so-called repa­ 58. This piratical aot of the Kuomintang aroused pro­ 65. T triation of the members of the Kuomintang bands in found resentment in the wide circles of world public Commi Burma, a repatriation which, as the facts show, is a opinion. It particularly aroused the indignation of the persper pure farce. For we know from official data and from Polish people who, at numerous protest rallies, de­ and ou the Press that this so-called repatriation has consisted manded that the Polish ship be returned and that ports t only of a few hundred ill, wounded and aged men, and those guilty of the attack should be punished. receive of 200 women and chjldren, The true character of this 59. I wish to make it clear that the Polish Gov­ 66. U repatriation is also highlighted by the fact that, despite ernment will not cease its efforts to recover the vessel expres: the United Nations recommendation, the evacuees and its cargo and to have the crew released from the delegat turned in only nineteen weapons, a sub-machine-gun hands of the Kuomintang. In conformity with the its pre: and a few knives. This so-called evacuation has there­ rights of nations to free and peaceful navigation on the aggres: fore enabled the leaders 0 f these Kuomintang bands open seas, we continue to demand that the United and w to regroup their forces and to improve their fighting States liberate the 'ship and its crew, and we shall claim lines. potential. According to official data, they have more payment for all damages incurred as a result of this Mernbr than 10,000 individuals equipped with the most modern attack. We shall continue our peaceful navigation on is one heavy weapons. Furthermore, the statement made by the Pacific Ocean and we shall continue to maintain not be the Kuomintang representative, George Yeh, to the n0l111a1 international trade relations with all the coun­ 67. R effect that the Kuominrtang authorities do not bear tries of Asia. I seek responsibility for those who have refused to be repa­ I shall triated, is designed to reject guilt fOT the continuing 60. The threat to the independence of Burma, the attacks against peaceful navigation, the conspiracy of olution criminal activity of these bands and to make a new mous intervention by the U nited Nations more difficult. Chiang Kai-shek and Syngman Rhee aiming at a renewal of military operations in Korea-i-all this clearly thoritir SS. The discussion on the problem of Burma in the points up the danger to peace constituted by the United dernne Committee showed that the aggression against Burma's States policy of maintaining and supporting reaction­ 68. I independence and sovereignty was not an isolated fac­ ary and aggressive circles such as the Kuomintang the eh tor. I have no intention at this time of listing the clique. colleag various aggressive actions carried out by the Kuomin­ nearly tang in the Far East. Nevertheless, as a representative 61. In the First Committee, the delegation of Poland, very g of Poland, I cannot remain silent on the armed attack considering that the draft resolution did not correspond along' carried out by a military vessel of the Kuomintang, to the seriousness of the situation which had arisen 69. V as a result of the threat to the independence of Burma with the active assistance of units of the United States the ev: created by the aggression of the Kuomintang troops, Air Force, against the Polish merchant marine vessel the Cl Praca. and taking into consideration that paragraph 3 of the 1,4001 operative part expressed appreciation 0 f the efforts the lai 56. The Pram was intercepted on the open seas on of the United States in this problem, which, in the that n, 4 October 1953-while the present session was meet­ light of an the existing facts, is unwarranted and aurren ing-and forcib.1Y taken to the port of Ka~-Hs.il.1l1g, on unjustified, abstained in the vote. However, taking into more j the island of Taiwan, The Praca crew was illegitimately consideration the faot that the most interested party that it interned and its further fate is unknown. The Polish in this case, Burma, attaches certain hopes to this Cornl11l Government, fully a ware of the fact that the rcspon­ draft resolution, we shall vote for it in the Assembly ing tlu sibility for the activities and the very existence of the in spite of its shortcomings. behind Kuomintang clique rests upon the United States, and l~d 62. Mr. CAREY (United States of America) : The do hoj possessing proof that the military vessel was to the United Nations, in dealing with this matter of the the au Polish ship by a unit of the United States AIr Force, complaint by the Union of Burma, is carrying out one and th addressed on 12 October a note of protest to the Gov­ of its primary functions under the Charter of the instea: ernment of the United States in which it demanded United Nations: the pacific settlement of an inter­ is, lib­ that that government take immediate steps to bring rnese about the release of the merchant vessel and its cargo national controversy. and to free the crew and enable the ship to continue its 63. As was pointed out in some detail during the com­ ·70. I peaceful course. In reply to this note, the United States mittee discussions, there has been considerable pro­ pathy Government attempted to make a blanket denial of the gress in securing the evacuation of the forces which are 71. ~ facts and to reject any responsibility for the situation. the subject of Burma's complaint. The reports of the public In a second note, the Polish Government confirmed Joint ]\1 ilitary Committee which is supervising the legatic its attitude and placed upon the United States Gov­ evacuation indicate that, as of today, 1,843 persons it was emmerut full responsibility for the infringement of the have been evacuated. These include 1,574 troops and 72. "'\ rights of the Polish flag on the open seas. 269 dependants. The movement of personnel is con- a wlu 470th Meeting-8 December 1953 «9

tinuing and may easily exceed the target figure of 2,000 paragraph proposes that appreciation should be ex­ troops by the end of this week. pressed to the United States for its alleged efforts in 64. In the First Committee, a motion was made to striving forthe evacuation of Chiang Kai-shek troops exclude paragraph 3, which expresses appreciation of from Burmese territory. We consider that there is no .the efforts of the United States and of those who have reason for adopting such a proposal. served in this matter. May I point out that that move 73. The evacuation of these forces, which are in was defeated by a vote of 49 to 5, with 2 abstentions, Burmese territory illegally and for aggressive purposes, which my delegation regards as a resounding and con­ has not yet begun. The removal of sick and wounded vincing reply to the unwarranted slander directed Chiang Kai-shek soldiers and officers unfit for service against the Government of the United States, an attack and of women and children cannot be regarded as which, as I have said before, was waged with heat if evacuation. As many representatives rightly stated without light. in the First Committee, such evacuation not only does 65. The draft resolution which was adopted by the not weaken the Chiang Kai-shek bands in Burma, but, Committee with no dissenting votes places in proper on the contrary, strengthens them from a military point perspective the progress that has already been made of view. Such a situation increases the military threat and our hopes for the future. The United States sup­ against the Burmese peopleconstituted by these bands, ports this draft resolution and believes that it should which are armed with the larest American weapons, 'receive the unanimous approval of this Assembly. and therefore represents a threat to peace and security. 66. U MYINT THEIN (Burma}: As I ventured to 74. The General Assembly resolution adopted in April express in the First Committee yesterday, the Burmese of this year directly and unequivocally declared that delegation is not enamoured of the draft resolution in the Ghiang Kai-shek troops must be disarmed and must its present form. Our case is that nobody can deny that leave the territory of the Union of Burma forthwith. aggression has been committed against my country, Since then, seven months have passed, but only 8 per and we should have liked a resolution along these cent of the total number of these forces have been lines. But life is one long compromise, and if the evacuated and these, as has already been noted, are Member States feel that the draft resolution before us only the sick, women and children. As for disarmament, is one that the General Assembly should adopt, I shall as has also been pointed out, only nineteen rifles and not be obstreperous and argue with them. carbines, most of them unfit for use, have been handed 67. Representing as I do a country dedicated to peace, over. Such a situation shows that both the Kuomintang I seek a solution of problems by peaceful means, and clique and its protectors have ignored and violated I shall therefore pledge Burma's support of the res­ General Assembly decisions. olution which shows unanimity of thought, a unani­ 75. In the light of these facts, it is absolutely obvious mous decision which should forcibly remind the au­ that not only have 110 efforts been made to implement thorities at Formosa that they stand morally C011­ the General Assembly resolution on disarmament and demned for what they have done to the Burmese. evacuation but on the contrary, that efforts have been 68. I arn grateful to the representative of Po~and for made to P~OIOl~g the stay of these bands in Burmese the change in his stand, and I expect that his ~t~er territory and to increase their military strength for colleagues will do likewise. That will make the decision specific aggressive purposes. nearly unanimous, and I am grateful to them an? ar!'1 ud, 76. The USSR delegation cannot accept paragraph 3 very glad that they have decided to put up With It of the draft resolution before us, because that para­ od along with me. ren ~ar.nestness graph does not reflect the real situation. The United 69. We have been sceptical about the of Stares has not only done nothing to bring about the 111a the evacuation. During the last month, It IS true that ps, evacuation of the Kuomintang troops, but, on the the Chinese have been forced into removing some contrary, is encouraging the l~wles~ behaviour of those :he 1,400 men, even if they included the dea~, the wounded, 1~ ~he rts troops in Bu.rmese .terntory. That precisely why the lame and the infirm. Bua the tragic part of It lS First Committee nghtly notes in 1tS draft resolution :he that no arms worthy of being called arms have been nd that the evacuation is limited in character, expresses surrendered. I hope that Mr. Tsiang's statement that concern that the Chiang Kai-shek troops haye sur­ rto more than 2000 would leave has a basis in fact, and rendered few arms, and urges that the c01~ntnes con­ rty that it will come to pass. But, as I said before in the cerned should continue their efforts .for disarmament his Committee, if some 2,000 or 3,000 should leave, le~LV­ res~rvatlOn )ly and internment. With the aforemenhoned inz their arms behind them with those who are staying with regard to paragraph 3 of the draft resoluh.on, the behind the situation will remain as bad as ever. We USSR delegation will support the draft resolution, 'he do hOI;e, however, that wQorld public opinion wip make ~he ~he the authorities in Formosa see the folly of their ways 77. The question of Polish ship Praca .raised .by the Polish representaJt1ve shows that the .~hJang Ka1­ me and that the Generalissimo will recall these troops who, la~less instead of doing what they loudly procl?-i!ll to do, that shek clique is carrying on its actiVIties not on.ly the in Burma, but also on t?e high .seas. The General er- is liberate the mainland, are antagoruzmg the Bur­ mese people and the entire world. Assembly must pay attentlOn to this also. .70. I thank my colleagues for the kindness and sym- 78. The PRESIDENT: I dshall n tco the YtO te 111­ the draft resolution propose by tlowre F1?utirst omrmt ee ro­ pathy shown to the Burmese. . ., rre 71. Mr. MAUK (Union of. Soviet Socialist Re­ [A/2607j. publics) (translated from. !Cusswn) :. The U:SSR de­ The draft resolsiio« was a~opted by 56 votes to :he th1~ .he legation explained its poslt1.on on question when none, with 1 abstention. -=\\ ~ InS it was considered by the First Committee. The meeting was suspended at 3.50 p,tIt. and re­ 72. We have no objection to the draft resolution as nd sumed at 4 p.m. >0- . a whole, with the exceptlOll of pClJragraph 3. That 450 General All8embly-Eighth Session-Plenary Meetings

Address by llfr. Dwight D. Eisenhower, President must be armed with the significant facts of today's ea of the United States of America existence. an nt: 79. Mr. Dwight D. EISENHOWER, President of 86. My recital of atomic danger and power is neces­ pr the United States of America: Madam President and sarily stated in United States terms, for these are the th Members of the General Assembly ; when Secretary­ only incontrovertible facts that I know. I need hardly General Hammarskjoki's invitation to address the Gen­ point out to this Assembly, however, that this subject 95 is global, not merely national in character. 1:'h eral Assembly reached me in Bermuda, I was j ust

's easy solution. Even against the most powerful defence, the United Kingdom and France, we were pleased to an aggressor in possession of the effective minimum see that this note did not contain the unacceptable pre­ number of atomic bombs for a surprise attack could conditions previously put forward. As you already know l- probably place a sufficient number of his bombs on from our joint Bermuda commlunique, the United le the chosen targets to cause hideous damage. States, the United Kingdom and France have agreed Iy promptly to meet with the Soviet Union. et 95. Should such a atomic attack be launched against the United States, our reactions would be swift and 101. The Government of the United States approaches resolute. But for me to say that the defence capabilities this conference with hopeful sincerity. We will bend le of the United States are such that they could inflict every effort of our minds to the single purpose of in terrible losses upon an aggressor, for me to say that emerging from that conference with tangible results .d the retaliation capabilities of the United States are so towards peace, the only true way of lessening inter­ 111 great that such an aggressor's land would be laid national tension. lh waste, all this, while fact, is not the true expression of never have, never will, propose 01' sug­ as the purpose and the hopes of the United States. 102. We and 1t. gest that the Soviet Union surrender what rightfully 96. To pause there would be to confirm the hopeless belongs to it. We will never say that the peoples of a· finality of a belief that two atomic colossi are doomed the USSR are an enemy with whom we have no desire 1y id malevolently to eye each other indefinitely across a ever to deal or mingle in friendly and fruitfttl relation­ trembling world. To stop there would be to accept In ship. !ld helplessly the probability of civilization destroyed, the 103. On the contrary, we hope that this coming con­ l1d annihilation of the irreplaceable heritage of mankind ference may initiate a relationship with the Soviet handed down to us from generation to generation, and a Union which will eventually bring about a freer Us the condemnation of mankind to begin all over again. mingling of the peoples of the East and of the West­ the age-old struggle upward from savagery towards the one sure, human way of developing the under­ decency, and right, and justice. Surely no sane member standing required for confident and peaceful relations. 11C of the human race could discover victory in such ~nt desolation. Could anyone wish his name to be coupled 104. Instead of the discontent which is now settling lly by history with such human degradation and destruc­ upon Eastern Germany, occupied Austria and the coun­ es, tion? Occasional pages of history do record the faces tries of Eastern Europe, we seek a harmonious family \ir of the "great destroyers", but the whole book of of free European nations, with none a threat to the ng history reveals mankind's never-ending quest for peace other, and least of all a threat to the peoples 0 f the and mankind's God-given capacity to build. USSR. Beyond the turmoil and strife and misery of of Asia, we seek peaceful opportunity for these peoples 97. It is with the book of history, and not with isolated to develop thejr natural resources and to elevate their pages, that the United States will ever wish to be iden­ lot. )Ur tified. My country wants to be constructive, not des­ da, tructive. It wants agreements, not wars, among nations. 105. These are not idle words 0'1' shallow VISIOns. on It wants itself to live in freedom and in the confidence Behind them lies a story of nations lately come to mc that the peoples of every other nation enjoy equally independence, not as a result of war, but through free the right of choosing their own way of life. So my grant or peaceful negotiation. There is a record already country's purpose is to help us to move out of the dark written of assistance gladly given by nations of the )11. chamber of horrors into the li:ght, to find a way by West .to needy peoples and to those snffering the ~nt which the minds of men, the hopes of men, the souls temporary effects of famine, drought and natural mc of men everywhere, can move forward towards peace disaster. These are deeds of peace. They speak more JaS and happiness and well-being. loudly than promises or protestations of peaceful intent. ast 98. In this quest, I know that we must not lack 106. But I do not wish to rest either upon the reitera­ patience. I know that in a world divided, such as ours tion of past proposals or the restatement of past deeds. rat today, salvation cannot be attained by one dramatic The gravity of the time is such that every new avenue er, ad. I know that many steps will have to be taken of peace, no matter how dimly discernible, should be re­ over many months before the world can look at itself explored. to one day and truly realize that a new climate of mutually 107. There is at least one new avenue of peace which nt­ peaceful confidence is abroad in the world. But I know, cts has not been well explored-{ln avenue now laid out above all else, that we must start to take these steps­ by the General Assembly of the United Nat.j~:l11s. In )w now. 'cd its resolution of 28 November 1953 [resolution 715 ast 99. The United States and its allies, the United King­ (VIII)] this General Assembly suggested: "that the mt dom and France, have over the past months tried to Disarmament Commission study the desirability of ve, take some of these steps. Let no one say that we shun establishing a sub-committee consisting of representa­ 011 the conference table. On the record has long stood tives of the Powers principally involved, which should 19- the request of the United States, the United Kingdom seek in private an acceptable solution and report ... on and France to negotiate with the Soviet Union the such a solution to the General Assembly and to the problems of a divided Germany. On that record has Security Council not later than 1 September 1954". .ts, long stood the request of the same three nations to 108. The United States, heeding the suggestion of the of negotiate an Austrian peace treaty. On the same record rill General Assembly of the United Nations, is instantly still stands the request of the United Nations to nego­ prepared to meet privately with such other countries nk tiate the problems of Korea. nd as may be "principally involved", to seek "an acceptable :01' 100. Most recently we have received from the Soviet solution" to the atomic armaments race which over­ )h­ Union what is in effect an expression of willingness shadows not only the peace, but the very life, of the ch to hold a four-Power meeting. Along with our allies, world. General Assembly-Eighth Session-Plenary Meetings Unit 109. We shall carry into these private or diplomatic peaceful pursuits of mankind. Experts would be mo­ talks a new conception. bilized to apply atomic energy to the needs of agri­ GE 110. The United States would 'seek more than the culture, medicine and other peaceful activities. A mere reduction or elimination of atomic materials for special purpose would be to provide abundant elec­ military purposes. Lt is not enough to take this weapon trical energy in the power-starved areas of the world. AS out of the hands of the soldiers. Lt must be put into 119. Thus the contributing Powers would be dedicat­ EIGj the hands of those who will know how to strip its mili­ ing some of their strength to serve the needs rather OfJic. tary casing and adapt it to the arts of peace. than the fears of mankind. 111. The United States mows that if the fearful 120. The United States would be more than willing trend of atomic military build-up can be reversed, this -it would be proud to take up with others "prin.. greatest of destructive forces can be developed into a cipally involved" the development of plans whereby great boon, for the benefit of all mankind. The United such peaceful use of atomic energy would be expedited. Report States knows that peaceful power from atomic energy 121. Of those "principally involved" the Soviet Union Comr is' no dream of the future. That capability, already must, of course, be one. Applica proved, is here today. Who can doubt that, .if the the 1: entire body 0.£ the world's scientists and engineers 122. I would be prepared to submit to the Congress Applica had adequate amounts of fissionable material with of the United States, and with every expectation of Statu which to test and develop their ideas, this capability approval, any such plan that would, first, encourage Procedi world-wide investigation into the most effective peace­ would rapidly be transformed into universal, efficient Statenn and economic usage? time uses of fissionable material, and with the certainty that the investigators had all the material needed for Report 112. To hasten the day when fear of the atom will the conducting of all experiments that were appropriate; Appoin begin to disappear from the minds of the people and second, begin to diminish the potential destructive s idiai the governments of the East and West, there are cer­ power of the world's atomic stockpiles; third, allow Audi tain steps that can be taken now. Nati( all peoples of all nations to see that, in this enlightened Corm 113. I therefore make the following proposals. age, .the great Powers of the earth, both of the East Admin: 114. The governments principally involved, to the and of the West, are interested in human aspirations Unit extent permitted by elementary prudence, should begin first rather, than in building up the armaments of war; the l now and continue to make joint contributions from fourth, open up a new channel for peaceful discussion Headq: their stockpiles of normal uranium and fissionable ma­ and initiative at least a new approach to the many dif­ Cam! ficult problems that must be solved in both private and Staff I terials to an international atomic energy agency. We prol» would expect that such an agency would be set up public conversations if the world is to shake off the under the aegis of the United Nations. The ratios 0.£ inertia imposed by fear and is to make positive pro­ Person contributions, the procedures and other details would gress towards peace. Qucsti( sion: properly be within the scope of the "private conver­ 123. Against the dark background of the atomic bomb, Corn sations" I referred to earlier. the United States does not wish merely to present Organ' _115. The United States is prepared to undertake these strength, but also the desire and the hope for peace. Corn explorations in good faith. Any partner of the United 124. The coming months will be fraught with fateful Supple States acting in the same good faith will find the United decisions. In this Assembly, in the capitals and military port States a not unreasonable or ungenerous associate. headquarters of the world, in the hearts of men every­ Budge ~he 116. Undoubtedly, initial and early contributions to where, be they governed or governors, may they be this plan would be small in quantity. However, the the decisions which will lead this world out of fear Suspe: proposal has the great virtue that it can be undertaken and into peace. without the irritations and mutual suspicions incident 125. To the making of these fateful decisions, the to any attempt to set up a completely acceptable system United States pledges before you, and therefore before of world-wide inspection and control. the world, its determination to help solve the fearful 117. The atomic energy'agency could be made respon­ atomic dilemma-to devote its entire heart and mind sible for the impounding,' storage and protection of the to finding the way by which the miraculous inventive­ contributed fissionable and other materials. The in­ ness of man shall not be dedicated to his death, but con­ genuity of our scientists will provide special safe con­ secrated to his life. ditions under which such a bank of fissionable material 126. I again thank representatives for the great can be made essentially immune to surprise seizure. honour they have done me in inviting me to appear 1, : 118. The more important responsibility of this atomic before them and in listening to me so graciously. COIll energy agency would be to devise methods whereby [AI this fissionable material would be allocated to serve the The 'meeting rose (Lt 4.30 p.m. whic delil ins fr~l1 upOJ 2. olut the obj: resc tab Printed in U.S.A. 1r--42000--wIarch 1954--2,000

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