Text of the Speech made by Mr. Nielsen (Norway) in the Security Council Meeting No. 1115 held on 12 May 1964

Text of the Speech made by Mr. Nielsen (Norway) in the Security Council Meeting No. 1115 held on 12 May 1964

For the third time this year the Security Council is debating the India-Pakistan question. In our view there can be no doubt about the seriousness of this question which is straining relations between two great neighbour States and which involves the fate of more than four million inhabitants of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, an area of strategic significance.

The former sessions of the Council this year took place against a background of communal uprisings and violence in both countries, leading to bloodshed and loss of human lives. This time the Council is meeting after new developments have lead to a definite improvement of the situation. I am aware that this assessment may appear optimistic or even unrealistic against the background of some of the statements made to the Council by the parties during this session. The facts which nevertheless make me believe that the situation has improved are the following. Both parties in the dispute have taken strong action to put an end to the communal uprisings and violence, and no major outbreaks of communal riots have occurred in recent months. This development, in our view, is a tribute to the sincere desire of the parties to improve relations between themselves. Furthermore, in accordance. With the desires expressed by a number of members of the Security Council at earlier sessions, the matters have reopened discussions on ministerial level.

Another important step has been taken with the release from prison of one of the most prominent spokesmen of the population of Kashmir, Sheikh Abdullah. My Government sincerely welcomes this conciliatory gesture. The talks that are now taking place between the Prime Minister of India and Sheikh Abdullah have greatly strengthened our belief that a peaceful and amicable solution can be found to the question of Kashmir.

It remains the view of my Government that a solution. to the Kashmir question will prove to be durable only if it is satisfactory to the population of Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, its main features must also be acceptable to both States involved in the dispute, that is to say acceptable to India as well as to Pakistan. We do not believe, however, that the Security Council should proceed in any manner that could be interpreted by the parties as a prescription for a particular solution. It is our view that in the present improved circumstances the most constructive role for the Security Council would be to consider what encouragement and assistance it can render to the parties in order that they may utilise vigorously the more promising circumstances now prevailing.

We have noted as yet another positive element the fact that both parties during the present session of the Council have stated that the way to overcome their differences is to be found in negotiations or conversations between them. Admittedly, they have also stated their differences concerning the procedure and scope of these conversations. In these and in other regards where the need may arise the parties would, in our view, benefit greatly from having recourse to the impartiality and wisdom of the Secretary-General. We have no doubt that he will be prepared to help and be in the best possible position in this regard, as both parties have repeatedly stated their confidence in him. If 2ndwhen the parties deem it appropriate and useful, the Secretary-General could also be of assistance in providing the good offices of a country or a statesman that would, of course, have to be acceptable to both parties.

We also believe that the Security Council ought to renew its appeal to the parties concerned to refrain from any action or attitude which could lead to a renewed tightening of relations between them.

I would finally venture to express the hopeful view that a new and more promising stage has been reached in this tragic dispute that divides two great nations. Naturally, the Council will remain seized of the question. It therefore appears to us that the Council should be kept informed, as appropriate from time to time, of the progress achieved towards a settlement as well as of further assistance the two parties may desire if the need arises.

With your permission, Mr. President, I would waive the interpretation of my statement into French, it being understood that this will not create a precedent.