Text of the Speech made by the President Mr. Arthur J. Goldberg in the Security Council Meeting No. 1244 held on 22 September 1965

Text of the Speech made by the President Mr. Arthur J. Goldberg in the Security Council Meeting No. 1244 held on 22 September 1965

Speaking on behalf of the members of the Security Council, I should like to express the profound appreciation of the Council to the distinguished Heads of State of India and Pakistan, who, in compliance with resolution 211 (1965) adopted by the Council on 20 September 1965, have ordered a cease-fire between their armed forces so that the end of hostilities and conditions of peace can be brought about on the subcontinent.

This is an important day in the history of the United Nations and of the world. The Council and the United Nations have addressed themselves to perhaps the gravest problem of which the United Nations has been seized in the course of its history. The Council has debated this matter at length, has heard the representatives of the countries concerned at length, and has had the benefit of the profound impartial, courageous efforts of our Secretary-General, who went on a mission of peace to the subcontinent.

The end of bloodshed on the subcontinent is highly important. But, as Security Council resolution 211 (1965) clearly states, that is a first step. There are other steps which must be taken. The other steps which must be taken are for the parties involved and the Council to work together to bring about conditions of permanent peace between their two countries. Resolution 211 (1965) recognized that there had to be a cease-fire and a withdrawal of forces, and that there had to be an honourable settlement, under peaceful conditions, of the underlying political problems existing between the two countries.

In concluding our debate the other day, I said that if India and Pakistan were members of the Security Council, instead of countries presenting their cases to the Council, they would have decided as the Council decided in its resolution; I was sure of that because of their past history of dedication to the principles of the Charter and to the cause of international peace and justice.

The cease-fire must be a prelude to better understanding, so that this tragic war that has occurred will never be repeated and so that these two neighbours, for which all of us have great friendship, will resume friendly relations in a spirit of friendly cooperation, peace and amity.

The members of the Council, and the Council itself, will do everything they can to assist in what is the most noble of all tasks, that is, the task of bringing permanent peace to the area. Under the resolution adopted by the Security Council, the Secretary-General has been authorised to provide the necessary assistance to ensure supervision of the cease-fire, and that assistance is at the disposal of the parties under the text of the resolution adopted by the Council. I have noted in the course of this debate that the representatives of both India and Pakistan have stated repeatedly their confidence in the Secretary-General-in which all members of the Council are at one-and their conviction that his efforts in this and all other areas are designed to assist in the restoration of peaceful conditions.

I am sure that the announcement of the Government of India, through its distinguished Prime Minister, which is noted in the report of the Secretary-General, and the announcement made by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan will be greeted with great relief and acclaim by a very troubled world. But it is necessary, as I have said, to go on from there and to restore the conditions which will lead to a permanent peace, a lasting and honourable peace between these two great neighbours, these two Members of the United Nations, these two great members of the world family.

India and Pakistan have very much to contribute to the world and the world looks upon these two countries with great affection, concern and interest.

In view of the announcement that is made today, I, as President of the Council, on behalf of the members of the Council, wish to express our appreciation to both countries for honouring the Council's request, and the Council, of course, will continue as its resolution prescribes-its consideration of this matter so that it can make its contribution towards the resolution of the problems involved.