29121949  Text of the Speech made by Mr. Chauvel (Frauce) in the Security Council Meeting No. 458 held on 29 December, 1949

Text of the Speech made by Mr. Chauvel (Frauce) in the Security Council Meeting No. 458 held on 29 December, 1949

Although France was not one of the authors of the draft. resolution which set up the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan [S/654], it participated, by its vote, in the establishment of that body and has never ceased to hope for the success of its mission.

Ever since the Security Council began to consider the matter, we have felt that two fundamental reasons make it expedient for a peaceful settlement of the problem to be reached as quickly as possible. The successful mediation of a complex question which is causing conflict between two States which have only recently attained their independence could not be a matter of indifference to the United Nations. The success of that mediation would constitute a promise for humanity and an example for the other Members of the United Nations.

Finally, the geographical position of the two States concerned, the size of their populations, and the splendid future which seems to lie before them, make the consequences of a prolonged dispute particularly serious.

We must not shut our eyes to the fact that because of the period of history through which we are passing and because of the great responsibility their Governments assumed when the two nations acquired independence, these States are faced with many problems. It would be regrettable if the question of Kashmir, which is one of those problems, were to be prolonged to the point of appearing practically insoluble, for we would then see India and Pakistan devoting a large part of their resources to preparing and carrying on a struggle which, because of their common history, would actually be fratricide. We would see the future of these States endangered, perhaps beyond recovery, and a magnificent promise disappearing in chaotic upheavals.

The French delegation gladly associates itself with the tribute the representatives of Norway and of the United Kingdom have paid to the President for the devotion to duty he has shown in his conduct of this matter. He has been very favourably impressed by the practical and concrete nature of the proposals he has presented. It thinks that it is indeed by adhering to the facts of the case and by facing the practical objective to be reached, disregarding as far as possible the sentimental respects of the problem, that progress can be achieved.