Text of the Speech made by Mr. Seydoux (France) in the Security Council Meeting No. 1241 held on 18 September 1965

Text of the Speech made by Mr. Seydoux (France) in the Security Council Meeting No. 1241 held on 18 September 1965

Before speaking on the item on our agenda, I should like to say that my delegation is very sorry to witness the departure of our friend Mr. Rifa'i, who has occupied an eminent place in this Council. Several of my colleagues have referred to his qualities of intellect, his high mindedness, and the moral authority which attached, one might say almost naturally, to his opinions and his conversation. My colleagues and I associate ourselves unreservedly with these expressions of praise. We also admire his unfailing courtesy, his unusually keen diplomatic sense, the strength of his convictions and the courage with which he has expressed his ideas.

Since the adoption of resolution 210 (1965) of 6 September, fighting has not ceased on the subcontinent. Despite the personal efforts of the Secretary-General, who was in a particularly favourable position-perhaps more so than anyone else-to persuade the two parties to listen to the voice of wisdom, they have continued along the dangerous path of war. Such a situation is profoundly alarming, and harmful for India and Pakistan, for the United Nations itself, and for the peace of the world.

My delegation wishes to add its voice to those which have been raised to urge the two Governments to comply with resolutions 209 (1965) and 210 (1965) unanimously adopted by the Security Council on 4 and 6 September last: it hopes that these resolutions will be reaffirmed here in the most forceful manner because it is essential, in the interests of these two great friendly nations, that the military operations in progress should be ended with the utmost possible speed.

My delegation considers that the urgent nature of the emergency action required does not relieve the Security Council from the duty of giving the closest attention to the causes underlying the crisis which has been coming on over the last few weeks. The present phase of our debate should not, in our view, be concluded without at least opening the door to discussions in which a settlement of the basic political problems between India and Pakistan-in the first place, that of Kashmir -could be sought under conditions justifying the hope of a reasonable outcome. But, I repeat, nothing reasonable can be obtained by prolonging a fratricidal struggle. It is high time that the two camps-whose eminent speakers we have heard yesterday and this morning, with interest but also with sadness-should be made aware of this.

I shall limit myself now to these few general comments, reserving our right to speak again when a draft resolution is before the Council.