145

A 2—6

this bridge must be maintained and strengthened by every means short of surrender of principle. For this reason we whole-heartedly endorse the Secretary-General's opinion that " the United Nations has become the chief force that holds the world together against all conflicting strains and stresses that are pulling it apart." This Assembly is the meeting ground of all peoples. Let us strengthen and preserve this valuable concourse, in the knowledge and belief that we can, if we so desire, make the United Nations a truly effective instrument for harmony and for serving the welfare of the world. The central principle of the Charter is that all members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. It cannot be said that the present position is satisfactory. There are cases which will occur to every one where such threats, more or less active and immediate, have within the past year weighed heavily on international relations and negotiations. Further there is the provision that all members shall give to the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter. Can we say that this obligation is fulfilled by those who withhold their co-operation from United Nations organs appointed by the Assembly to attempt the peaceful adjustment of situations likely to impair the general welfare or friendlv relations among the nations ? While there may be ground for apprehension, the record is not one of unrelieved failure —substantial beneficial achievement stands to the credit of the United Nations. Unfortunately, it is not the patient constructive work, nor success won in the face of many difficulties, which reaches the headlines —the headlines which distort the real play into the hands of cynics, and cause large numbers of well-disposed people to doubt whether the United Nations can really play an effective part in overcoming problems and in inducing the nations to act in friendly co-operation. Nevertheless, the truth is that much progress has been made, and especially in fields in which material advantage can be, or has been, brought to millions of ordinary people. Thus the Economic and Social Council, of which I speak from personal experience, has done much to offset disappointment encountered elsewhere. It is directing and co-ordinating work in many fields. It is also receiving and dealing with reports from the international specialized agencies ; and these reports give cause for gratification that international work is extending every day rather than diminishing. Let me give the Assembly some examples of what is being done. The Food and Agriculture Organization is proving not only that international bodies can collaborate with each other, but that advances are being made in co-operation by member States. The continuing food crisis is being approached by the FAO in a manner which involves coordination with the World Health Organization, so that the whole field of food and nutrition is being covered. To relieve the food crisis the FAO is working with the regional economic commissions, the Economic and Social Council, and with individual Governments. It is also giving technical advice on agriculture, the processing of foodstuffs, and the promotion of activities for increasing the world's food-supply! My delegation feels that the FAO is a progressive organization which is proving that international action is a reality.