18111957 Text of the Speech made by Mr. Tsiang (China) in the Security Council Meeting No. 803 held on 18 November 1957

 Text of the Speech made by Mr. Tsiang (China) in the Security Council Meeting No. 803 held on 18 November 1957

The consideration of the present item on the agenda of the Security Council, namely, the India-Pakistan question, began on 6 January 1948. As an item of our agenda, the India Pakistan question is unique in two respects. In the first place, it is the only territorial dispute between two Asian States on the books of the United Nations. In the second place, this question has lasted longer than any other territorial dispute before the United Nations.

The consideration of this question has undergone a number of crises. I remember particularly one crisis on 10. February 1948. On that day, the distinguished leader of the Indian delegation, the much respected Mr. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, severely criticised the Security Council for what he considered an over-emphasis on the problem of the plebiscite and neglect of the Indian charge of Pakistani aggression. He told the Council that he would cease to participate in the debates of the Security Council and that he and the members of his delegation would leave New York for New Delhi.

I was by sheer accident asked by the President of the Security Council, General McNaughton, to speak. For very good reasons, I ask the President's permission to quote three paragraphs from my statement on that date..

"It was a pure accident that the President called on me to speak after the representative of India had spoken. I do not think the President had in mind that I desired to make a reply to the very grave and serious speech of the representative of India. However, I should like to take advantage of this present occasion to make one point, mainly to the delegation of India. The representative of India is disappointed with what we have done here. Whatever reasons he may have on that ground, I should like to call his attention to one fact that, I think, the Security Council is right in recommending that the plebiscite should be free and impartial. I think, in emphasising that point, that no member of this Council is guided by any prejudice. I think advocates of this idea are guided by the deepest concern for the welfare of the people there."

"The plebiscite is right in itself. It has been announced. and accepted by the Indian Government. We are not imposing anything on the Indian Government. If you agree to a plebiscite, it must be a free and impartial plebiscite. Furthermore, it seems to me that the announcement and the establishment of a scheme of a free and impartial plebiscite would be the most potent means to pacify the Muslims and the tribesmen. I cannot think of any other way of carrying across to the people in revolt the message that it is unnecessary for them to resort to violence and that, for their own good, they should stop violence as early as possible, because they will have a fair chance to decide their own future."

"Therefore, as to that part of Mr. Gopalaswami Ayyangar's speech, I must confess I was somewhat disappointed, I hope that he will take advantage of his return to India to explain exactly to his Government the reasons why this Security Council hopes that a really free and impartial plebiscite will be held in Jammu and Kashmir." [243rd meeting, pp. 72 and 73].

Since that time, one material difference in the circumstances has intervened. On the day when I made the speech from which I have quoted, there was bloodshed and the threat of greater bloodshed. Now, fortunately, the cease-fire has been observed, thanks to the wisdom and restraint of the two Governments concerned-and thanks, in part, to the efforts. that the Security Council has made in the last ten years. In spite of this one difference in the circumstances, the sentiments which I expressed on 10 February 1948 are the sentiments that 1 hold today. For that reason, my delegation will support the draft resolution submitted to the Council by five States.