Text of the Speech made by Mr. Morozov (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in the Security Council Meeting No. 1237 held on 4 September 1965

Text of the Speech made by Mr. Morozov (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in the Security Council Meeting No. 1237 held on 4 September 1965

The Security Council has before it the question of the armed conflict which has arisen between two neighbouring Members of the United Nations. In the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir there is the sound of gunfire, blood is being shed, and events are taking place which arouse the serious concern of all peace-loving people.

In view of our feelings of sympathy and friendship for the peoples of India and Pakistan, we cannot remain indifferent to the sufferings of the peaceful inhabitants of Kashmir and to the worsening of relations between the two States.

As we all know, there are substantial differences of opinion between Pakistan and India on the question of Kashmir. Unfortunately, many new States have to deal with the legacy left by the departing colonialists-the evil legacy of the well-known colonialist policy of dividing peoples and sowing enmity between them.

My delegation, at previous meetings of the Council devoted to this question, has repeatedly pointed out that the tension between these two important Asian States over Kashmir is one of the grim legacies of colonialism. The imperialists have always tried to use the Kashmir question to stir up quarrels between the peoples of India and Pakistan, to set them against each other now they have freed themselves from colonial bon dage, to undermine their solidarity, to aggravate international relations and exploit the situation thus created for their own selfish purposes, and to create in Asia yet another hotbed of tension.

It goes without saying that the conflict in Kashmir can benefit neither side: neither India nor Pakistan. Engaged as they are in the great task of developing their national economies, the peoples of India and Pakistan have a stake in peace and friendship with all countries, in friendship with each other.

The people of the Soviet Union are sincere friends of the peoples of India and Pakistan. That is why they are concerned. over the bloodshed in Kashmir and the armed conflict between these two neighbouring States.

The Soviet Union has, of course, traditionally been a friend of India. We have high esteem for India's adherence to the policy of non-alignment and to the principles of peaceful coexistence between States. The Soviet Union supports the Indian people's courageous struggle against colonialism.

The strengthening of the ties uniting the Soviet Union and Pakistan is part of my Government's general policy directed towards safeguarding peace in Asia and throughout the world.

In pursuing a policy of peaceful coexistence, the Soviet Union at times supports the settlement of disputes through negotiations and by peaceful means. It should be pointed out that India and Pakistan have already shown willingness to adopt that course with a view to establishing good-neighbourly relations. In June of this year, for example, they concluded an agreement for a cease-fire in the Rann of Kutch. In doing so, both sides showed the greatest common sense, restraint and patience.

We consider it necessary to point out that any further exacerbation of the conflict in Kashmir might further aggravate tension on the Asian continent. That is why at this time we should like to express our confidence that, above all, India and Pakistan themselves will find a way to put an immediate end to the bloodshed in Kashmir and to halt his conflict. The two neighbouring States must resolve the outstanding issues between them by peaceful means, with due regard for their mutual interests.

It is to be hoped that a cessation of the armed conflict will in turn gradually lead to the establishment of mutual understanding and cooperation between India and Pakistan. In the opinion of my delegation, settlement of the conflict in Kashmir would be an important contribution to the maintenance of peace.