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U.N. Address 9/23/91 [OA 8328] [6]
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U.N. Address 9/23/91 [OA 8328] [6]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
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Folder ID Number:
13771-006
Folder Title:
U.N. Address 9/23/91 [OA 8328] [6]
Stack:
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Position:
G
26
21
6
3
oecd Ev.g annual Deal 6N1 growth
Cathy Mam
3.1% 1981-1989
CEA
Room 325
x 3375
NSSR 1.9
EE 1.1
chinai 9.0.
Yugo. 0.4.
1989 Real GNP en terms)
USSR 2664
EE 651
China 427
yngo. 130
Communest me GNP avg. annual (INCL China
.69 (1.9) + 617(1.1) + ,03 (0.4) + .11(9.0)
= 2.5 =
excluding China
.77 (1.9) + ,19(1.1) + 0.04 (0,4) =
=1.5-
Source: C/A, Handbook of Economic Itatistics 1990
CPAS 90-10001 Sept. 1990
Tables 7,9.
CONFIDENTIEL/CONFIDENTIAL
ESD/EDR/TAB(91)22
Table 25. Emissions trading activity to 1985
Estimated number
Estimated number
Estimated cost
Activity
of internal
of external
savings
transactions
transactions
(millions)
Netting
5 000 to 12 000
none
$500 to 12 000
Offsets
1 800
200
unknown
Bubbles
Federally approved
40
2
$300
State approved
89
0
$135
Banking
small
small
small
Source: Hahn, R.W. (1989), "Economic Prescriptions for Environmental
Problems", Journal of Economic Perspectives. vol.3, no.2.
28
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
302
fewish
atomic age. It is providing sound advice and guidance for the manage-
ment of the many new atomic projects underway in its member states.
The Agency is making substantial contributions on an international
basis in such fields as education and training and technical assistance.
ays a pleasure
It is making great strides in spreading the knowledge of the many uses
of the radioisotopes in the fields of medicine, agriculture and industry.
ionored tradi-
In addition, the Agency has a paramount role in the development of the
rition, thanks-
necessary health and safety standards.
ower of their
This Agency is an organization that has no secrets; an organization
devoted to the sharing of effort, research and information; one in which
ccasion but as
the major powers can lay aside political differences to work for the com-
)ays each year
mon good.
In broad outline, I can see the Agency fulfilling the basic purposes of
its historic charter and thereby contributing to world peace. I can see
it as a unique forum where technical skills and resources are pooled for
the benefit of mankind.
onference
The United States is gratified and encouraged at what has been done
y.
in three short years. My country will continue to support this organiza-
tion and I wish for it continued progress and success.
Sincerely,
S delegation ]
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
NOTE: The opening words "Mr. Presi-
The conference was held in Vienna, Sep-
dent" referred to Gueorgui Nadjakov,
tember 20-October 1, 1960.
ssembly, it was
chairman of the Bulgarian delegation.
any minds and
302
9
Address Before the I 5th General Assembly
r the benefit of
of the United Nations, New York City.
proposal dem-
September 22, 1960
force of atomic
of mankind.
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, members of the General Assembly,
ression of that
and guests:
new approach
The people of the United States join me in saluting those countries
peaceful atom
which, at this session of the General Assembly, are represented here for
the first time. With the admission of new members, mainly from the
e international
giant continent of Africa, almost 100 nations will be joined in a common
lating much of
effort to construct permanent peace, with justice, in a sorely troubled
of this still new
world.
707
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
The drive of self-determination and of rising human aspirations is creat-
ing a new world of independent nations in Africa, even as it is producing
a new world of both ferment and of promise in all developing areas. An
awakening humanity in these regions demands as never before that we
make a renewed attack on poverty, illiteracy, and disease.
Side by side with these startling changes, technology is also in revolu-
tion. It has brought forth terrifying weapons of destruction, which for
the future of civilization, must be brought under control through a work-
able system of disarmament. And it has also opened up a new world of
outer space-a celestial world filled with both bewildering problems and
dazzling promise.
This is, indeed, a moment for honest appraisal and historic decision.
We can strive to master these problems for narrow national advantage
or we can begin at once to undertake a period of constructive action which
will subordinate selfish interest to the general well-being of the interna-
tional community.
The choice is truly a momentous one.
Today, I come before you because our human commonwealth is once
again in a state of anxiety and turmoil. Urgent issues confront us.
II.
The first proposition I place before you is that only through the United
Nations Organization and its truly democratic processes can humanity
make real and universal progress toward the goal of peace with justice.
Therefore, I believe that to support the United Nations Organization
and its properly constituted mechanisms and its selected officers is the road
of greatest promise in peaceful progress. To attempt to hinder or stultify
the United Nations or to deprecate its importance is to contribute to world
unrest and, indeed, to incite the crises that from time to time so disturb all
men. The United States stands squarely and unequivocably in support
of the United Nations and those acting under its mandate in the interest
of peace.
Nowhere is the challenge to the international community and to peace
and orderly progress more evident than in Africa, rich in human and
natural resources and bright with promise. Recent events there have
brought into being what is, in effect, a vast continent of newly inde-
pendent nations.
Outside interference with these newly emerging nations, all eager to
708
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
9
302
is creat-
undertake the tasks of modernization, has created a serious challenge to
roducing
the authority of the United Nations.
eas. An
That authority has grown steadily during the I5 years since the United
that we
Nations pledged, in the words of its own Charter, "to bring about by
peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and inter-
n revolu-
national law, adjustments or settlement of international disputes or situa-
which for
tions which might lead to a breach of the peace."
1 a work-
And during those years, the United Nations successfully supported
world of
Iran's efforts to obtain the withdrawal of foreign military forces; played a
lems and
significant role in preserving the independence of Greece, rallied world
resistance to aggression against the Republic of Korea; helped to settle the
cision.
Suez crisis; countered the threat to Lebanon's integrity; and most recently,
dvantage
has taken on an even more important task.
on which
In response to the call of the Republic of the Congo, the United Nations
interna-
under its outstanding Secretary General, has recently mounted a large-
scale effort to provide that new Republic with help. That effort has been
flagrantly attacked by a few nations which wish to prolong strife in the
h is once
Congo for their own purposes. The criticism directed by these nations
is.
against the Secretary General, who has honorably and effectively fulfilled
the mandate which he received from the United Nations, is nothing less
le United
than a direct attack upon the United Nations itself. In my opinion, he,
humanity
the Secretary General, has earned the support and gratitude of every
peace loving nation.
h justice.
anization
The people of the Congo are entitled to build up their country in peace
the road
and freedom. Intervention by other nations in their internal affairs
would deny them that right and create a focus of conflict in the heart of
or stultify
Africa.
: to world
isturb all
The issue thus posed in the Congo could well arise elsewhere in Africa.
The resolution of this issue will determine whether the United Nations
1 support
e interest
is able to protect not only the new nations of Africa, but also other coun-
tries against outside pressures.
It is the smaller nations that have the greatest stake in the effective
to peace
functioning of the United Nations.
nan and
If the United Nations system is successfully subverted in Africa, the
ere have
vly inde-
world will be on its way back to the traditional exercise of power politics,
in which small countries will be used as pawns by aggressive major
powers. Any nation, seduced by glittering promises into becoming a
eager to
catspaw for an imperialistic power, thereby undermines the United Na-
709
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
tions and places in jeopardy the independence of itself and all others.
It is imperative that the international community protect the newly
emerging nations of Africa from outside pressures that threaten their inde-
pendence and their sovereign rights.
To this end, I propose a program which contains five major elements:
First: A pledge by all countries represented at this Assembly to respect
the African peoples' right to choose their own way of life and to determine
for themselves the course they choose to follow. And this pledge would
involve three specific commitments:
To refrain from intervening in these new nations' internal affairs-by
subversion, force, propaganda, or any other means.
To refrain from generating disputes between the states of this area or
from encouraging them to wasteful and dangerous competition in
armaments.
And to refrain from any action to intensify or exploit present unsettled
conditions in the Congo-by sending arms or forces into that troubled
area, or by inciting its leaders and peoples to violence against each other.
These actions my country-and many others-are now avoiding. I
hope this Assembly will call upon all its members to do likewise, and that
each speaker who follows me to this platform will solemnly pledge his
country to honor this call.
Second: The United Nations should be prepared to help the African
countries maintain their security without wasteful and dangerous compe-
tition in armaments.
United Nations experts are being asked to train the Congo's security
forces. If the Secretary General should find it useful to undertake in-
creased activity in order to meet requests of this nature elsewhere, my
country would be glad to join other Member States in making essential
contributions to such United Nations activity.
More importantly I hope that the African states will use existing or
establish new regional machinery in order to avert an arms race in this
area. In so doing, they would help to spare their continent the ravages
which the excesses of chauvinism have elsewhere inflicted in the past. If,
through concerted effort, these nations can choke off competition in arma-
ments, they can give the whole world a welcome lesson in international
relations.
The speed and success of the United Nations in dispatching substantial
forces to the Congo should give these states assurance that they can rely
710
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
I
302
others.
on the United Nations to organize an effective response if their security
the newly
is threatened. This should reduce any pressures on them to raise larger
their inde-
forces than are required to maintain internal security. Thus they would
help to free their resources for more constructive purposes.
elements:
Third: We should all support the United Nations response to emergency
to respect
needs in the Republic of the Congo which the Secretary General has shown
determine
such skill in organizing. I hope that states represented here will pledge
dge would
substantial resources to this international program, and agree that it
should be the preferred means of meeting the Congo's emergency needs.
ffairs-by
The United States supports the establishment of a United Nations fund
for the Congo. We are prepared to join other countries by contributing
is area or
substantially for immediate emergency needs to the $100 million program
etition in
that the Secretary General is proposing.
Fourth: The United Nations should help newly developing African
t unsettled
countries to shape their long-term modernization programs. To this end
t troubled
The United Nations Special Fund and Expanded Technical Assistance
ach other.
Program should be increased so that in combination they can reach their
oiding. I
annual $100 million goal in 1961. The Special Fund's functions should
, and that
be expanded so that it can assist countries in planning economic
pledge his
development.
The United Nations Operational and Executive Personnel program for
le African
making available trained administrators to newly developing countries
us compe-
should be expanded and placed on a permanent basis. The United States
is prepared to join other countries in contributing increased funds for this
's security
program, and for the Special Fund, and for the United Nations Technical
ertake in-
Assistance Program.
where, my
The World Bank and International Monetary Fund should be encour-
5 essential
aged increasingly to provide counsel to the developing countries of Africa
through missions and resident advisers. We should also look forward to
visting or
appropriate and timely financial assistance from these two multilateral
ce in this
financial sources as the emerging countries qualify for their aid.
e ravages
Of course, many forms of aid will be needed: both public and private,
past. If,
and on a bilateral and multilateral basis. For this assistance to be most
in arma-
effective it must be related to the basic problems and changing needs of
national
the African countries themselves.
Fifth: As the final element of this program, I propose an all-out United
ibstantial
Nations effort to help African countries launch such educational activities
can rely
as they may wish to undertake.
711
9
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
It is not enough that loud speakers in the public square exhort people to
freedom. It is also essential that the people should be furnished with the
mental tools to preserve and develop their freedom.
The United States is ready to contribute to an expanded program of
educational assistance to Africa by the family of United Nations organ-
izations, carried out as the Secretary General may deem appropriate,
and according to the ideas of the African nations themselves.
One of the first purposes of this assistance, after consultation and ap-
proval by the governments involved, might be to establish, staff and main-
tain-until these governments or private agencies could take over-
Institutes for Health Education, for Vocational Training, for Public
Administration and Statistics, and perhaps other purposes.
Each institute could be appropriately located and specifically dedicated
to training the young men and women of that vast region, who are now
called upon to assume the incredibly complex and important responsi-
bilities inherent in an explosive emergence into nationhood.
If the African States should wish to send large numbers of their citizens
for training abroad under this program, my country would be glad to set
up a special commission to cooperate with the United Nations in arrang-
ing to accommodate many more of these students in our institutions of
learning.
These then are the five ingredients of the Program I propose for Africa:
Non-interference in the African countries' internal affairs;
Help in assuring their security without wasteful and dangerous com-
petition in armaments;
Emergency aid to the Congo;
International assistance in shaping long-term African development
programs;
United Nations aid for education.
III.
Such a program could go far to assure the African countries the clear
chance at the freedom, domestic tranquility and progress they deserve.
The changes which are occurring in Africa are also evident elsewhere.
Indeed, Africa is but one part of the new world of change and progress
which is emerging in all the developing areas.
We must carry forward and intensify our programs of assistance for
the economic and social development in freedom of other areas, partic-
712
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
I
302
t people to
ularly in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
d with the
Beyond this, we must never forget that there are hundreds of millions
of people, particularly in the less developed parts of the world, suffering
rogram of
from hunger and malnutrition, even though a number of countries, my
orís organ-
own included, are producing food in surplus. This paradox should not
propriate,
be allowed to continue.
The United States is already carrying out substantial programs to make
n and ap-
and main-
its surpluses available to countries of greatest need. My country is also
ready to join with other members of the United Nations in devising a
e over-
or Public
workable scheme to provide food to member states through the United
Nations system, relying on the advice and assistance of the Food and
dedicated
Agriculture Organization.
I hope this Assembly will seriously consider a specific program for
are now
carrying forward the promising Food for Peace Program.
responsi-
IV.
ir citizens
lad to set
In the developing areas, we must seek to promote peaceful change, as
well as to assist economic and social progress. To do this-to assist
1 arrang-
peaceful change-the international community must be able to manifest
utions of
its presence in emergencies through United Nations observers or forces.
Africa:
I should like to see member countries take positive action on the sug-
gestions in the Secretary General's report looking to the creation of a
qualified staff within the Secretariat to assist him in meeting future needs
us com-
for United Nations forces.
To regularize the United Nations emergency force potential, I proposed
in 1958 creation of stand-by arrangements for United Nations forces.
lopment
Some progress has been made since that time. Much remains to be done.
The Secretary General has now suggested that members should main-
tain a readiness to meet possible future requests from the United Nations
for contributions to such forces. All countries represented here should
he clear
respond to this need, by earmarking national contingents which could
leserve.
take part in United Nations forces in case of need.
:where.
The time to do it is now-at this Assembly.
I assure countries which now receive assistance from the United States
rogress
that we favor use of that assistance to help them maintain such contin-
nce for
gents in the state of readiness suggested by the Secretary General. To
partic-
assist the Secretary General's efforts, the United States is prepared to ear-
mark also substantial air and sea transport facilities on a stand-by basis,
713
9
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
to help move contingents requested by the United Nations in any future
emergency.
Over the long run, further progress toward increasing the United Na-
tions' ability to respond to future needs is surely possible. The prospects
for such progress, however, will remain just that-prospects-unless we
move now to exploit the immediate possibilities for practical action sug-
gested by the Secretary General.
V.
Another problem confronting us involves outer space.
The emergence of this new world poses a vital issue: will outer space
be preserved for peaceful use and developed for the benefit of all man-
kind? Or will it become another focus for the arms race-and thus an
area of dangerous and sterile competition?
The choice is urgent. And it is ours to make.
The nations of the world have recently united in declaring the con-
tinent of Antarctica "off limits" to military preparations. We could ex-
tend this principle to an even more important sphere. National vested
interests have not yet been developed in space or in celestial bodies.
Barriers to agreement are now lower than they will ever be again.
The opportunity may be fleeting. Before many years have passed, the
point of no return may have passed.
Let us remind ourselves that we had a chance in 1946 to ensure that
atomic energy be devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes. That chance
was missed when the Soviet Union turned down the comprehensive plan
submitted by the United States for placing atomic energy under inter-
national control.
We must not lose the chance we still have to control the future of outer
space.
I propose that:
I. We agree that celestial bodies are not subject to national appro-
priation by any claims of sovereignty.
2. We agree that the nations of the world shall not engage in warlike
activities on these bodies.
3. We agree, subject to appropriate verification, that no nation will put
into orbit or station in outer space weapons of mass destruction. All
launchings of space craft should be verified in advance by the United
Nations.
714
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
302
4. We press forward with a program of international cooperation for
future
constructive peaceful uses of outer space under the United Nations.
Better weather forecasting, improved world-wide communications, and
ed Na-
more effective exploration not only of outer space but of our own earth-
ospects
these are but a few of the benefits of such cooperation.
less we
Agreement on these proposals would enable future generations to find
n sug-
peaceful and scientific progress, not another fearful dimension to the arms
race, as they explore the universe.
VI.
But armaments must also be controlled here on earth, if civilization is
space
to be assured of survival. These efforts must extend both to conventional
man-
and non-conventional armaments.
ius an
My country has made specific proposals to this end during the past year.
New United States proposals were put forward on June 27, with the hope
that they could serve as the basis for negotiations to achieve general
: con-
ld ex-
disarmament. The United States still supports these proposals.
ested
The communist nations' walk-out at Geneva, when they learned that we
odies.
were about to submit these proposals, brought negotiations to an abrupt
halt. Their unexplained action does not, however, reduce the urgent need
for arms control.
d, the
My country believes that negotiations can-and should—soon be
resumed.
that
Our aim is to reach agreement on all the various measures that will
iance
plan
bring general and complete disarmament. Any honest appraisal, how-
nter-
ever, must recognize that this is an immense task. It will take time.
We should not have to wait until we have agreed on all the detailed
outer
measures to reach this goal before we begin to move toward disarmament.
Specific and promising steps to this end were suggested in our June 27
proposals.
If negotiations can be resumed, it may be possible to deal particularly
pro-
with two pressing dangers-that of war by miscalculation and that of
like
mounting nuclear weapons stockpiles.
The advent of missiles, with ever shorter reaction times, makes meas-
put
ures to curtail the danger of war by miscalculation increasingly necessary.
All
States must be able quickly to assure each other that they are not prepar-
:ted
ing aggressive moves-particularly in international crises, when each
side takes steps to improve its own defenses, which actions might be mis-
715
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
interpreted by the other. Such misinterpretation in the absence of
machinery to verify that neither was preparing to attack the other, could
lead to a war which no one had intended or wanted.
Today the danger of war by miscalculation could be reduced, in times
of crisis, by the intervention, when requested by any nation seeking to
prove its own peaceful intention, of an appropriate United Nations sur-
veillance body. The question of methods can be left to the experts.
Thus the vital issue is not a matter of technical feasibility but the polit-
ical willingness of individual countries to submit to inspection. The
United States has taken the lead in this field.
Today, I solemnly declare, on behalf of the United States, that we are
prepared to submit to any international inspection, provided only that
it is effective and truly reciprocal. This step we will take willingly as an
earnest of our determination to uphold the preamble of the United
Nations Charter which says its purpose is "to save succeeding generations
from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold
sorrow to mankind
The United States wants the Soviet Union and all the nations of the
world to know enough about United States defense preparations to be
assured that United States forces exist only for deterrence and defense-
not for surprise attack. I hope the Soviet Union will similarly wish to
assure the United States and other nations of the nonaggressive character
of its security preparations.
There is a more basic point: in an age of rapidly developing tech-
nology, secrecy is not only an anachronism-it is downright dangerous.
To seek to maintain a society in which a military move can be taken in
complete secrecy, while professing a desire to reduce the risk of war
through arms control, is a contradiction.
A second danger which ought to be dealt with in early negotiations is
posed by the growth and prospective spread of nuclear weapons stockpiles.
To reverse this trend, I propose that the nations producing nuclear
weapons immediately convene experts to design a system for terminating,
under verification procedures, all production of fissionable materials for
weapons purposes.
That termination would take effect as soon as the agreed inspection
system has been installed and is operating effectively, while progress in
other disarmament fields is also being sought.
The United States is prepared, in the event of a termination of pro-
716
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
302
sence of
duction, to join the USSR in transferring substantial quantities of fis-
er, could
sionable materials to international stockpiles. The United Nations
Disarmament Commission has already heard the proposal of Ambassador
in times
Lodge, to set aside not pounds, as was proposed by the United States in
ceking to
1954, but tons of fissionable materials for peaceful purposes. Addi-
ions sur-
tional transfers would be made as progress in other aspects of disar-
rts.
mament is accomplished.
the polit-
If the USSR will agree to a cessation of production of fissionable ma-
n. The
terials for weapons purposes, some production facilities could be closed
without delay. The United States would be willing to match the USSR
t we are
in shutting down major plants producing fissionable materials, one by
nly that
one, under international inspection and verification.
;ly as an
The proposed working group of experts could also consider how to
United
verify the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, which is part of the
herations
third stage of our proposed disarmament program of June 27. There is
it untold
as yet no known means of demonstrably accomplishing this; we would
hope that the experts could develop such a system.
is of the
United States officials are willing to meet immediately with representa-
ns to be
tives of other countries for a preliminary exchange of views on these
efense-
proposals.
wish to
Some who have followed closely the many fruitless disarmament talks
haracter
since the war tend to become cynical-to assume that the task is hopeless.
This is not the position of the United States.
ig tech-
Men everywhere want to disarm. They want their wealth and labor
ngerous.
to be spent not for war, but for food, for clothing, for shelter, for medi-
aken in
cines, for schools.
of war
Time and again, the American people have voiced this yearning-to
join with men of good will everywhere in building a better world. We
ations is
always stand ready to consider any feasible proposal to this end. And
ckpiles.
as I have said so many times, the United States is always ready to nego-
nuclear
tiate with any country which in integrity and sincerity shows itself ready
inating,
to talk about any of these problems. We ask only this-that such a
rials for
program not give military advantage to any nation and that it permit
men to inspect the disarmament of other nations.
pection
A disarmament program which was not inspected and guaranteed
gress in
would increase, not reduce, the risk of war.
The international control of atomic energy and general and complete
of pro-
disarmament can no more be accomplished by rhetoric than can the
717
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
economic development of newly independent countries. Both of these
immense tasks facing mankind call for serious, painstaking, costly, labo-
rious and non-propaganda approaches.
VII.
I have specifically avoided in this address mention of several immediate
problems that are troubling the United States and other nations. My
failure to do so does not mean in any sense that they are not of great
concern both to the United States and to the entire international
community.
For example, accumulating evidence of threatening encroachments to
the freedom of the people of West Berlin continues to disturb us deeply.
Another instance, though, of special concern to the United States, the
shooting down of an American aircraft last July first over international
waters, the apparent killing of four of its crew members and the imprison-
ment of two others on trumped-up spy charges, is a shocking affront to
the right of all nations to peaceful passage on and over the high seas.
By its veto in the Security Council the Soviet Union prevented a full
investigation of the facts of the case. But these facts still demand to be
heard as a proper matter for the consideration of an impartial tribunal.
The particular problems I have just mentioned are not merely isolated
instances of disagreements among a few nations. They are central to
the issue of peace itself, and illustrative of the continuous and interde-
pendent nature of our respective national concerns. They must be con-
fronted with the earnestness and seriousness which their settlement
demands.
VIII.
The basic fact today of all change in the domain of international affairs
is the need to forge the bonds and build the structure of a true world
community.
The United Nations is available to mankind to help it create just such
a community. It has accomplished what no nation singly, or any limited
group of nations, could have accomplished. It has become the forum of
all peoples, and the structure about which they can center their joint
endeavors to create a better future for our world.
We must guard jealously against those who in alternating moods look
upon the United Nations as an instrument for use or abuse. The United
718
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
9
302
th of these
Nations was not conceived as an Olympian organ to amplify the propa-
ostly, labo-
ganda tunes of individual nations.
The generating force behind a successful United Nations must be the
noble idea that a true international community can build a peace with
justice if only people will work together patiently in an atmosphere of open
immediate
trust.
tions. My
In urging progress toward a world community, I cite the American
ot of great
concept of the destiny of a progressive society. Here in this land, in what
ternational
was once a wilderness we have generated a society and a civilization drawn
from many sources. Yet out of the mixture of many peoples and faiths we
chments to
have developed unity in freedom-a unity designed to protect the rights
) us deeply.
of each individual while enhancing the freedom and well-being of all.
1 States, the
This concept of unity in freedom, drawn from the diversity of many
ternational
racial strains and cultures, we would like to see made a reality for all
le imprison-
mankind. This concept should apply within every nation as it does among
gn affront to
nations. We believe that the right of every man to participate through
e high seas.
his or her vote in self-government is as precious as the right of each nation
ented a full
here represented to vote its own convictions in this Assembly. I should
mand to be
like to see a universal plebiscite in which every individual in the world
ial tribunal.
would be given the opportunity freely and secretly to answer this ques-
rely isolated
tion: Do you want this right? Opposed to the idea of two hostile, em-
e central to
bittered worlds in perpetual conflict, we envisage a single world com-
and interde-
munity, as yet unrealized but advancing steadily toward fulfillment
nust be con-
through our plans, our efforts, and our collective ideas.
settlement
Thus we see as our goal, not a super-state above nations, but a world
community embracing them all, rooted in law and justice and enhancing
the potentialities and common purposes of all peoples.
ional affairs
As we enter the decade of the 1960's, let us launch a renewed effort
true world
to strengthen this international community; to forge new bonds between
its members in undertaking new ventures on behalf of all mankind.
ate just such
As we take up this task, let us not delude ourselves that the absence
any limited
of war alone is a sufficient basis for a peaceful world. I repeat, we must
he forum of
also build a world of justice under law, and we must overcome poverty,
their joint
illiteracy, and disease.
We of the United States will join with you in making a mounting effort
moods look
to build the structure of true peace-a peace in which all peoples may
The United
progress constantly to higher levels of human achievement. The means
719
302
Public Papers of the Presidents
are at hand. We have but to use them with a wisdom and energy worthy
of our cause.
I commend this great task to your hearts, to your minds, and to your
willing hands. Let us go forward together, leaving none behind.
Thank you, and God bless you.
NOTE: The President spoke at 11:12 a.m.
H. Boland, Permanent Representative to
His opening words "Mr. President, Mr.
the United Nations for Ireland, and Sec-
Secretary General" referred to Frederick
retary General Dag Hammarskjöld.
303
У
Remarks at a Luncheon for Latin
American Delegates to the U.N. General Assembly,
New York City. September 22, 1960
THIS IS the time, I think, to re-affirm some of our convictions and our
beliefs that are important to all of us. I have, someone told me today,
2 days less than 4 months still to serve in my present office, and possibly
this is the last time I shall have an opportunity to tell you, as representa-
tives of your several governments, something of my affection for the
people of Latin America with whom I have worked, and the affection of
my government for these governments, all of which have served and
worked so closely with us.
I tried to tell you this morning something of the importance that we
of America attach to the functioning and indeed the existence of the
United Nations, and the possibility it has for furthering the aspirations
of men. But I want to tell you in somewhat more intimate fashion how
deeply I believe in the Organization of American States, organized
within the limits prescribed by the charter of the United Nations.
Gentlemen, our nations are bound together not merely by inescapable
ties of geography. We are strong, and we are worthwhile only because
we are bound together by things of the spirit. The dedication we have
to imperishable values, of human dignity and liberty, and the sovereignty
of our respective nations-these are the things that are worthwhile.
But because we do believe in these values and have these same dedi-
cations, we must devote ourselves as a unit to the production of that kind
of atmosphere, that kind of situation in the world that will let us progress,
with the help of the God in which we all believe, toward a better life, not
merely for such people as sit around this table, but for the lowliest peon,
720
[385] Sept. 22
Public Papers of the Presidents
man Harris during the hearings on this legis-
tions which I can consider for presentation to
lation that the Board would take up its re-
the Congress.
sponsibilities to keep the system financially
Sincerely,
JOHN F. KENNEDY
sound.
[Honorable Howard W. Habermeyer, Chairman,
I also indicated to the Congress my hope
Railroad Retirement Board, 44 Rush Street, Chi-
that we might soon have some recommenda-
cago II, Illinois]
tions designed to remedy the financial situa-
NOTE: For the President's statement upon signing
tion of these systems. Accordingly I would
S. 2395, see Item 384.
like you to undertake immediately a review
In his letter the President referred to U.S. Repre-
sentative Oren Harris from Arkansas, Chairman of
of the situation and to develop recommenda-
the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee.
386 Statement by the President Upon Signing Bill Relating to the
Office of Emergency Planning.
September
22,
1961
I HAVE TODAY approved H.R. 8406, a
formulation in connection with our pre-
bill "To Change the Name of the Office of
paredness effort.
Civil and Defense Mobilization to Office of
These functions of the Office of Emer-
Emergency Planning."
gency Planning may be of critical impor-
Effective August I, I assigned to the Sec-
tance to our very survival. The national
retary of Defense major Federal responsi-
security requires that there be soundly con-
bilities for civil defense. The remaining
ceived and well-tested plans for every
responsibilities can more accurately be de-
emergency.
scribed as emergency planning functions,
for they deal with responsibilities for investi-
NOTE: As enacted, H.R. 8406 is Public Law 87-296
(75 Stat. 630). See also Item 295.
gation, advice, coordination, and policy
The statement was released at Hyannis, Mass.
387 Address in New York City Before the General Assembly of the
United Nations. September 25, 1961
Mr. President, honored delegates, ladies and
challenges of our age, or it will be gone with
gentlemen:
the wind, without influence, without force,
We meet in an hour of grief and chal-
without respect. Were we to let it die, to
lenge. Dag Hammarskjold is dead. But
enfeeble its vigor, to cripple its powers, we
the United Nations lives. His tragedy is
would condemn our future.
deep in our hearts, but the task for which
For in the development of this organi-
he died is at the top of our agenda. A
zation rests the only true alternative to
noble servant of peace is gone. But the
war-and war appeals no longer as a ra-
quest for peace lies before us.
tional alternative. Unconditional war can
The problem is not the death of one
no longer lead to unconditional victory. It
man-the problem is the life of this organ-
can no longer serve to settle disputes. It
ization. It will either grow to meet the
can no longer concern the great powers
618
John F. Kennedy, 1961
Sept. 25 [387]
entation
to
alone. For a nuclear disaster, spread by
strengthened first of all by the selection of
wind and water and fear, could well en-
an outstanding civil servant to carry forward
ENNEDY
gulf the great and the small, the rich and
the responsibilities of the Secretary Gen-
the poor, the committed and the uncom-
eral-a man endowed with both the wisdom
Chairman,
mitted alike. Mankind must put an end to
and the power to make meaningful the
Street,
Chi-
war-or war will put an end to mankind.
moral force of the world community. The
on
signing
So let us here resolve that Dag Hammar-
late Secretary General nurtured and sharp-
skjold did not live, or die, in vain. Let us
ened the United Nations' obligation to act.
U.S. Repre-
call a truce to terror. Let us invoke the
But he did not invent it. It was there in the
hairman of
nmittee.
blessings of peace. And, as we build an
Charter. It is still there in the Charter.
international capacity to keep peace, let us
However difficult it may be to fill Mr.
join in dismantling the national capacity to
Hammarskjold's place, it can better be filled
the
wage war.
by one man rather than by three. Even the
three horses of the Troika did not have three
II.
drivers, all going in different directions.
our
pre-
This will require new strength and new
They had only one-and so must the United
roles for the United Nations. For disar-
Nations executive. To install a triumvirate,
of
Emer-
mament without checks is but a shadow-
or any panel, or any rotating authority, in
impor-
and a community without law is but a shell.
the United Nations administrative offices
national
Already the United Nations has become
would replace order with anarchy, action
con-
both the measure and the vehicle of man's
with paralysis, confidence with confusion.
every
most generous impulses. Already it has
The Secretary General, in a very real
provided-in the Middle East, in Asia, in
sense, is the servant of the General Assembly.
Africa this year in the Congo-a means of
Diminish his authority and you diminish the
87-296
holding man's violence within bounds.
authority of the only body where all nations,
Mass.
But the great question which confronted
regardless of power, are equal and sovereign.
this body in 1945 is still before us: whether
Until all the powerful are just, the weak will
man's cherished hopes for progress and
be secure only in the strength of this
of
the
peace are to be destroyed by terror and dis-
Assembly.
ruption, whether the "foul winds of war"
Effective and independent executive ac-
can be tamed in time to free the cooling
tion is not the same question as balanced
with
winds of reason, and whether the pledges
representation. In view of the enormous
force,
of our Charter are to be fulfilled or defied—
change in membership in this body since its
it
die,
to
pledges to secure peace, progress, human
founding, the American delegation will join
we
rights and world law.
in any effort for the prompt review and re-
In this Hall, there are not three forces,
vision of the composition of United Nations
organi-
but two. One is composed of those who are
bodies.
native
to
trying to build the kind of world described
But to give this organization three driv-
as
a
ra-
in Articles I and II of the Charter. The
ers-to permit each great power to decide
war
can
other, seeking a far different world, would
its own case, would entrench the Cold War
ctory.
It
undermine this organization in the process.
in the headquarters of peace. Whatever ad-
putes.
It
Today of all days our dedication to the
vantages such a plan may hold out to my
powers
Charter must be maintained. It must be
own country, as one of the great powers, we
619
[387] Sept. 25
Public Papers of the Presidents
reject it. For we far prefer world law, in
It is in this same spirit that we in the United
the age of self-determination, to world war,
States have labored this year, with a new
in the age of mass extermination.
urgency, and with a new, now statutory
agency fully endorsed by the Congress, to
find an approach to disarmament which
III.
would be so far-reaching yet realistic, so
Today, every inhabitant of this planet
mutually balanced and beneficial, that it
must contemplate the day when this planet
could be accepted by every nation. And it
may no longer be habitable. Every man,
is in this spirit that we have presented with
woman and child lives under a nuclear sword
the agreement of the Soviet Union-under
of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of
the label both nations now accept of "general
threads, capable of being cut at any moment
and complete disarmament"-a new state-
by accident or miscalculation or by madness.
ment of newly-agreed principles for nego-
The weapons of war must be abolished be-
tiation.
fore they abolish us.
But we are well aware that all issues of
Men no longer debate whether armaments
principle are not settled, and that principles
are a symptom or a cause of tension. The
alone are not enough. It is therefore our
mere existence of modern weapons-ten
intention to challenge the Soviet Union, not
million times more powerful than any that
to an arms race, but to a peace race-to
the world has ever seen, and only minutes
advance together step by step, stage by stage,
away from any target on earth-is a source
until general and complete disarmament
of horror, and discord and distrust. Men no
has been achieved. We invite them now to
longer maintain that disarmament must
go beyond agreement in principle to reach
await the settlement of all disputes-for dis-
agreement on actual plans.
armament must be a part of any permanent
The program to be presented to this
settlement. And men may no longer pre-
assembly-for general and complete dis-
tend that the quest for disarmament is a
armament under effective international con-
sign of weakness-for in a spiraling arms
trol-moves to bridge the gap between those
race, a nation's security may well be shrink-
who insist on a gradual approach and those
ing even as its arms increase.
who talk only of the final and total achieve-
For 15 years this organization has sought
ment. It would create machinery to keep
the reduction and destruction of arms.
the peace as it destroys the machinery of war.
Now that goal is no longer a dream-it is
It would proceed through balanced and
a practical matter of life or death. The
safeguarded stages designed to give no state
risks inherent in disarmament pale in com-
a military advantage over another. It
parison to the risks inherent in an unlimited
would place the final responsibility for veri-
arms race.
fication and control where it belongs, not
It is in this spirit that the recent Belgrade
with the big powers alone, not with one's
Conference-recognizing that this is no
adversary or one's self, but in an interna-
longer a Soviet problem or an American
tional organization within the framework
problem, but a human problem-endorsed
of the United Nations. It would assure
a program of "general, complete and strictly
that indispensable condition of disarma-
an internationally controlled disarmament."
ment-true inspection-and apply it in
620
John F. Kennedy, 1961
Sept. 25 [387]
: in the United
stages proportionate to the stage of disar-
I therefore propose, on the basis of this
, with a new
mament. It would cover delivery systems as
Plan, that disarmament negotiations resume
now statutory
well as weapons. It would ultimately halt
promptly, and continue without interrup-
Congress, to
their production as well as their testing,
tion until an entire program for general and
ament which
their transfer as well as their possession.
complete disarmament has not only been
et realistic, so
It would achieve, under the eyes of an inter-
agreed but has been actually achieved.
ficial, that it
national disarmament organization, a steady
tion. And it
reduction in force, both nuclear and con-
resented with
IV.
ventional, until it has abolished all armies
Jnion-under
and all weapons except those needed for
The logical place to begin is a treaty as-
pt of "general
internal order and a new United Nations
suring the end of nuclear tests of all kinds,
-a new state-
Peace Force. And it starts that process now,
in every environment, under workable con-
les for nego-
today, even as the talks begin.
trols. The United States and the United
In short, general and complete disarma-
t all issues of
Kingdom have proposed such a treaty that
ment must no longer be a slogan, used to
is both reasonable, effective and ready for
that principles
resist the first steps. It is no longer to be
therefore our
signature. We are still prepared to sign that
a goal without means of achieving it, with-
treaty today.
et Union, not
out means of verifying its progress, without
We also proposed a mutual ban on at-
eace race-to
means of keeping the peace. It is now a
mospheric testing, without inspection or con-
stage by stage,
realistic plan, and a test-a test of those only
trols, in order to save the human race from
disarmament
willing to talk and a test of those willing to
the poison of radioactive fallout. We re-
them now to
act.
ciple to reach
gret that that offer has not been accepted.
Such a plan would not bring a world free
For I5 years we have sought to make the
from conflict and greed-but it would bring
nted to this
atom an instrument of peaceful growth
a world free from the terrors of mass de-
rather than of war. But for 15 years our
complete dis-
struction It would not usher in the era of
national con-
concessions have been matched by obstruc-
the super state-but it would usher in an
etween those
tion, our patience by intransigence. And
era in which no state could annihilate or be
ch and those
the pleas of mankind for peace have met
annihilated by another.
with disregard.
total achieve-
In 1945, this Nation proposed the Baruch
Finally, as the explosions of others be-
nery to keep
Plan to internationalize the atom before
clouded the skies, my country was left with
inery of war.
other nations even possessed the bomb or
no alternative but to act in the interests of
alanced and
demilitarized their troops. We proposed
its own and the free world's security. We
give no state
with our allies the Disarmament Plan of
another. It
cannot endanger that security by refraining
1951 while still at war in Korea. And we
from testing while others improve their
ility for veri-
make our proposals today, while building
arsenals. Nor can we endanger it by another
belongs, not
up our defenses over Berlin, not because we
long, uninspected ban on testing. For three
t with one's
are inconsistent or insincere or intimidated,
an interna-
years we accepted those risks in our open
but because we know the rights of free men
framework
society while seeking agreement on inspec-
will prevail-because while we are compelled
ould assure
tion. But this year, while we were negotiat-
against our will to rearm, we look confi-
ing in good faith in Geneva, others were
of disarma-
dently beyond Berlin to the kind of disarmed
secretly preparing new experiments in
pply it in
world we all prefer.
destruction.
63930-62-43
621
[387] Sept. 25
Public Papers of the Presidents
Our tests are not polluting the atmosphere.
that all member nations earmark special
Our deterrent weapons are guarded against
peace-keeping units in their armed forces—
accidental explosion or use. Our doctors
to be on call of the United Nations, to be
and scientists stand ready to help any na-
specially trained and quickly available, and
tion measure and meet the hazards to health
with advance provision for financial and
which inevitably result from the tests in the
logistic support.
atmosphere.
In addition, the American delegation will
But to halt the spread of these terrible
suggest a series of steps to improve the
weapons, to halt the contamination of the
United Nations' machinery for the peaceful
air, to halt the spiralling nuclear arms race,
settlement of disputes-for on-the-spot fact-
we remain ready to seek new avenues of
finding, mediation and adjudication-for
agreement, our new Disarmament Program
extending the rule of international law.
thus includes the following proposals:
For peace is not solely a matter of military
-First, signing the test-ban treaty by all
or technical problems-it is primarily a
nations. This can be done now. Test ban
problem of politics and people. And unless
negotiations need not and should not await
man can match his strides in weaponry and
general disarmament.
technology with equal strides in social and
-Second, stopping the production of fis-
political development, our great strength,
sionable materials for use in weapons, and
like that of the dinosaur, will become in-
preventing their transfer to any nation now
capable of proper control-and like the dino-
lacking in nuclear weapons.
saur vanish from the earth.
-Third, prohibiting the transfer of con-
trol over nuclear weapons to states that do
VI.
not own them.
-Fourth, keeping nuclear weapons from
As we extend the rule of law on earth, so
seeding new battlegrounds in outer space.
must we also extend it to man's new do-
-Fifth, gradually destroying existing
main-outer space.
nuclear weapons and converting their ma-
All of us salute the brave cosmonauts of
terials to peaceful uses; and
the Soviet Union. The new horizons of
-Finally, halting the unlimited testing
outer space must not be driven by the old
and production of strategic nuclear delivery
bitter concepts of imperialism and sovereign
vehicles, and gradually destroying them as
claims. The cold reaches of the universe
well.
must not become the new arena of an even
colder war.
V.
To this end, we shall urge proposals ex-
To destroy arms, however, is not enough.
tending the United Nations Charter to the
We must create even as we destroy-creat-
limits of man's exploration in the universe,
ing worldwide law and law enforcement as
reserving outer space for peaceful use, pro-
we outlaw worldwide war and weapons.
hibiting weapons of mass destruction in
In the world we seek, the United Nations
space or on celestial bodies, and opening the
Emergency Forces which have been hastily
mysteries and benefits of space to every na-
assembled, uncertainly supplied, and inade-
tion. We shall propose further cooperative
quately financed, will never be enough.
efforts between all nations in weather pre-
Therefore, the United States recommends
diction and eventually in weather control.
622
John F. Kennedy, 1961
Sept. 25 [387]
mark special
We shall propose, finally, a global system
On the one hand is the fact that, since
med forces-
of communications satellites linking the
the close of World War II, a worldwide
ations, to be
whole world in telegraph and telephone and
declaration of independence has transformed
vailable, and
radio and television. The day need not be
nearly I billion people and 9 million square
inancial and
far away when such a system will televise the
miles into 42 free and independent states.
proceedings of this body to every corner of
Less than 2 percent of the world's popula-
legation will
the world for the benefit of peace.
tion now lives in "dependent" territories.
improve the
I do not ignore the remaining problems of
the peaceful
traditional colonialism which still confront
VII.
the-spot fact-
this body. Those problems will be solved,
dication-for
But the mysteries of outer space must not
with patience, good will, and determination.
ational law.
divert our eyes or our energies from the
Within the limits of our responsibility in
r of military
harsh realities that face our fellow men.
such matters, my Country intends to be a
primarily a
Political sovereignty is but a mockery with-
participant and not merely an observer, in
And unless
out the means of meeting poverty and il-
the peaceful, expeditious movement of na-
veaponry and
literacy and disease. Self-determination is
tions from the status of colonies to the part-
in social and
but a slogan if the future holds no hope.
nership of equals. That continuing tide of
eat strength,
That is why my Nation, which has freely
self-determination, which runs so strong, has
1 become in-
shared its capital and its technology to help
our sympathy and our support.
like the dino-
others help themselves, now proposes offi-
But colonialism in its harshest forms is
cially designating this decade of the 1960's
not only the exploitation of new nations by
as the United Nations Decade of Develop-
old, of dark skins by light, or the subjugation
ment. Under the framework of that Reso-
of the poor by the rich. My Nation was once
lution, the United Nations' existing efforts
a colony, and we know what colonialism
V on earth, so
in promoting economic growth can be ex-
means; the exploitation and subjugation of
an's new do-
panded and coordinated. Regional surveys
the weak by the powerful, of the many by
and training institutes can now pool the
the few, of the governed who have given no
osmonauts of
talents of many. New research, technical
consent to be governed, whatever their con-
horizons of
assistance and pilot projects can unlock the
tinent, their class, or their color.
n by the old
wealth of less developed lands and untapped
And that is why there is no ignoring the
and sovereign
waters. And development can become a
fact that the tide of self-determination has
the universe
cooperative and not a competitive enter-
not reached the Communist empire where
a of an even
prise-to enable all nations, however diverse
a population far larger than that officially
in their systems and beliefs, to become in
termed "dependent" lives under govern-
proposals ex-
fact as well as in law free and equal nations.
ments installed by foreign troops instead of
harter to the
free institutions-under a system which
the universe,
knows only one party and one belief-which
ful use, pro-
VIII.
suppresses free debate, and free elections,
estruction in
My Country favors a world of free and
and free newspapers, and free books and free
1 opening the
equal states. We agree with those who say
trade unions-and which builds a wall to
to every na-
that colonialism is a key issue in this As-
keep truth a stranger and its own citizens
r cooperative
sembly. But let the full facts of that issue be
prisoners. Let us debate colonialism in
weather pre-
discussed in full.
full-and apply the principle of free choice
ther control.
623
[387] Sept. 25
Public Papers of the Presidents
and the practice of free plebiscites in every
But now the negotiations over Laos are
corner of the globe.
reaching a crucial stage. The cease-fire is
at best precarious. The rainy season is com-
ing to an end. Laotian territory is being
IX.
used to infiltrate South Viet-Nam. The
Finally, as President of the United States,
world community must recognize-and all
I consider it my duty to report to this Assem-
those who are involved-that this potent
bly on two threats to the peace which are
threat to Laotian peace and freedom is indi-
not on your crowded agenda, but which
visible from all other threats to their own.
causes us, and most of you, the deepest
Secondly, I wish to report to you on the
concern.
crisis over Germany and Berlin. This is
The first threat on which I wish to report
not the time or the place for immoderate
is widely misunderstood: the smoldering
tones, but the world community is entitled
coals of war in Southeast Asia. South Viet-
to know the very simple issues as we see
Nam is already under attack-sometimes by
them. If there is a crisis it is because an
a single assassin, sometimes by a band of
existing peace is under threat, because an
guerrillas, recently by full battalions. The
existing island of free people is under pres-
peaceful borders of Burma, Cambodia, and
sure, because solemn agreements are being
India have been repeatedly violated. And
treated with indifference. Established in-
the peaceful people of Laos are in danger of
ternational rights are being threatened with
losing the independence they gained not so
unilateral usurpation. Peaceful circulation
long ago.
has been interrupted by barbed wire and
No one can call these "wars of liberation."
concrete blocks.
For these are free countries living under
One recalls the order of the Czar in Push-
their own governments. Nor are these ag-
kin's "Boris Godunov": "Take steps at this
gressions any less real because men are
very hour that our frontiers be fenced in by
knifed in their homes and not shot in the
barriers.
That not a single soul pass
fields of battle.
o'er the border, that not a hare be able to
The very simple question confronting the
run or a crow to fly."
world community is whether measures can
It is absurd to allege that we are threaten-
be devised to protect the small and the weak
ing a war merely to prevent the Soviet
from such tactics. For if they are success-
Union and East Germany from signing a
ful in Laos and South Viet-Nam, the gates
so-called "treaty" of peace. The Western
will be opened wide.
Allies are not concerned with any paper ar-
The United States seeks for itself no base,
rangement the Soviets may wish to make
no territory, no special position in this area
with a regime of their own creation, on
of any kind. We support a truly neutral
territory occupied by their own troops and
and independent Laos, its people free from
governed by their own agents. No such
outside interference, living at peace with
action can affect either our rights or our
themselves and with their neighbors, assured
responsibilities.
that their territory will not be used for
If there is a dangerous crisis in Berlin-
attacks on others, and under a government
and there is-it is because of threats against
comparable (as Mr. Khrushchev and I
the vital interests and the deep commit-
agreed at Vienna) to Cambodia and Burma.
ments of the Western Powers, and the free-
624
John F. Kennedy, 1961
Sept. 25 [387]
Laos
are
dom of West Berlin. We cannot yield these
solution in which my country profoundly
cease-fire
is
interests. We cannot fail these commit-
believes.
is
com-
ments. We cannot surrender the freedom
We are committed to no rigid formula.
is being
of these people for whom we are responsi-
We see no perfect solution. We recognize
The
ble. A "peace treaty" which carried with it
that troops and tanks can, for a time, keep
nize-and all
the provisions which destroy the peace would
a nation divided against its will, however
this potent
be a fraud. A "free city" which was not
unwise that policy may seem to us. But
edom is indi-
genuinely free would suffocate freedom and
we believe a peaceful agreement is possible
to
their
own.
would be an infamy.
which protects the freedom of West Berlin
you on the
For a city or a people to be truly free, they
and allied presence and access, while recog-
This
is
must have the secure right, without eco-
nizing the historic and legitimate interests
immoderate
nomic, political or police pressure, to make
of others in assuring European security.
is entitled
their own choice and to live their own lives.
The possibilities of negotiation are now
as
we
see
And as I have said before, if anyone doubts
being explored; it is too early to report what
because an
the extent to which our presence is desired
the prospects may be. For our part, we
because an
by the people of West Berlin, we are ready
would be glad to report at the appropriate
under pres-
to have that question submitted to a free
time that a solution has been found. For
are being
vote in all Berlin and, if possible, among all
there is no need for a crisis over Berlin,
tablished in-
the German people.
threatening the peace-and if those who cre-
eatened with
The elementary fact about this crisis is
ated this crisis desire peace, there will be
circulation
that it is unnecessary. The elementary tools
peace and freedom in Berlin.
wire
and
for a peaceful settlement are to be found in
the charter. Under its law, agreements are
Czar
X.
in
Push-
to be kept, unless changed by all those who
steps
at
this
made them. Established rights are to be
The events and decisions of the next ten
fenced in by
respected. The political disposition of peo-
months may well decide the fate of man for
soul pass
ples should rest upon their own wishes, freely
the next ten thousand years. There will
be
able
to
expressed in plebiscites or free elections.
be no avoiding those events. There will be
If there are legal problems, they can be
no appeal from these decisions. And we
are
threaten-
solved by legal means. If there is a threat
in this hall shall be remembered either as
the Soviet
of force, it must be rejected. If there is
part of the generation that turned this planet
signing
a
desire for change, it must be a subject for
into a flaming funeral pyre or the genera-
The
Western
negotiation and if there is negotiation, it
tion that met its vow "to save succeeding (VN
paper
ar-
must be rooted in mutual respect and con-
generations from the scourge of war."
charter)
to make
cern for the rights of others.
In the endeavor to meet that vow, I pledge
creation,
on
The Western Powers have calmly resolved
you every effort this Nation possesses. I
troops and
to defend, by whatever means are forced
pledge you that we shall neither commit nor
No
such
upon them, their obligations and their access
provoke aggression, that we shall neither
or
our
to the free citizens of West Berlin and the
flee nor invoke the threat of force, that we
self-determination of those citizens. This
shall never negotiate out of fear, we shall
in
Berlin-
generation learned from bitter experience
never fear to negotiate.
against
that either brandishing or yielding to threats
Terror is not a new weapon. Through-
commit-
can only lead to war. But firmness and
out history it has been used by those who
and
the
free-
reason can lead to the kind of peaceful
could not prevail, either by persuasion or
625
[387] Sept. 25
Public Papers of the Presidents
example. But inevitably they fail, either
to that dark and final abyss, let no man of
because men are not afraid to die for a life
peace and freedom despair. For he does
worth living, or because the terrorists them-
not stand alone. If we all can persevere,
selves came to realize that free men cannot
if we can in every land and office look be-
be frightened by threats, and that aggression
yond our own shores and ambitions, then
would meet its own response. And it is
surely the age will dawn in which the strong
in the light of that history that every nation
are just and the weak secure and the peace
today should know, be he friend or foe, that
preserved.
the United States has both the will and the
Ladies and gentlemen of this Assembly,
weapons to join free men in standing up to
the decision is ours. Never have the na-
their responsibilities.
tions of the world had so much to lose, or
But I come here today to look across this
so much to gain. Together we shall save
world of threats to a world of peace. In
our planet, or together we shall perish in
that search we cannot expect any final tri-
its flames. Save it we can-and save it we
umph-for new problems will always arise.
must-and then shall we earn the eternal
We cannot expect that all nations will adopt
thanks of mankind and, as peacemakers, the
like systems-for conformity is the jailor of
eternal blessing of God.
freedom, and the enemy of growth. Nor
NOTE: The President spoke at II:30 a.m. His
can we expect to reach our goal by contriv-
opening words "Mr. President" referred to Mongi
ance, by fiat or even by the wishes of all.
Slim, President of the General Assembly and U.N.
But however close we sometimes seem
Representative from Tunisia.
388 Remarks in New York City Upon Signing Bill Establishing the
U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.
September 26, 1961
WITH THE SIGNING of H.R. 9118, there
ments to a changing world are achieved
is created the United States Arms Control
peacefully. It is a complex and difficult
and Disarmament Agency. This act sym-
task to reconcile through negotiation the
bolizes the importance the United States
many security interests of all nations to
places on arms control and disarmament in
achieve disarmament, but the establishment
its foreign policy.
of this agency will provide new and better
The creation for the first time by act of
tools for this effort.
Congress of a special organization to deal
I am pleased and heartened by the bi-
with arms control and disarmament matters
partisan support this bill enjoyed in the
emphasizes the high priority that attaches
Congress. The leaders of both political
to our efforts in this direction.
parties gave encouragement and assistance.
Our ultimate goal, as the act points out,
The new agency brings renewed hope for
is a world free from war and free from the
agreement and progress in the critical battle
dangers and burdens of armaments in which
for the survival of mankind.
the use of force is subordinated to the rule
I want to express my thanks to the Mem-
of law and in which international adjust-
bers of the Congress, particularly who are
626
John F. Kennedy, 1963
Sept. 20 [366]
the House would
of everyone that law and order in Birming-
Sunday and previous incidents.
ham will be maintained.
il assistance to im-
I urge everyone to cooperate with them in
cal and child care
In addition, I have today appointed Gen.
this effort and that all citizens of Birming-
ncidence of mental
Kenneth Royall and Col. Earl Blaik as
ham and Alabama will give these processes
a committee to represent me personally in
of law enforcement a full opportunity to
prejudice, supersti-
helping the city to work as a unit in over-
work. I urge all citizens in these next days
1 since the dawn of
coming the fears and suspicions which now
to conduct themselves with restraint and
ng about the men-
exist. They will go to Birmingham in the
responsibility.
entered a new era
next few days to start on this work of great
NOTE: For the President's initial statement on the
and enlightenment.
importance.
bombing, see Item 360. For his statement following
of an exciting and
In the meantime the Federal Bureau of
a conference with Mayor Albert Boutwell and other
is a tribute to the
Investigation, as well as the local authorities,
Birmingham civic leaders on September 23, see Item
is making massive efforts to bring to justice
372.
thousands of dedi-
onal persons, and
the persons responsible for the bombing on
the lives of millions
ized to a very large
366 Address Before the 18th General Assembly of
ts of the delegates
Conference. The
the United Nations. September 20, 1963
ge from the attic of
on the school play-
Mr. President-as one who has taken some
pressures on West Berlin appear to be tem-
d adult will move
interest in the election of Presidents, I want
porarily eased. Political unity in the Congo
institutional ward
to congratulate you on your election to this
has been largely restored. A neutral coali-
high office-Mr. Secretary General, dele-
kshop.
tion in Laos, while still in difficulty, is at
r evidence of Amer-
gates to the United Nations, ladies and
least in being. The integrity of the United
gentlemen:
Nations Secretariat has been reaffirmed. A
and humanitarian
We meet again in the quest for peace.
United Nations Decade of Development is
Twenty-four months ago, when I last had
under way. And, for the first time in 17
)HN F. KENNEDY
the honor of addressing this body, the
years of effort, a specific step has been taken
shadow of fear lay darkly across the world.
to limit the nuclear arms race.
becial Assistant to the
The freedom of West Berlin was in imme-
I refer, of course, to the treaty to ban
tion, the White House
lation]
diate peril. Agreement on a neutral Laos
nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space,
seemed remote. The mandate of the United
and under water-concluded by the Soviet
ference on Mental Re-
Nations in the Congo was under fire. The
Union, the United Kingdom, and the United
tember 19 and 20 at
financial outlook for this organization was
States-and already signed by nearly 100
a.
upon signing the bills
in doubt. Dag Hammarskjold was dead.
countries. It has been hailed by people the
I 447.
The doctrine of troika was being pressed in
world over who are thankful to be free from
his place, and atmospheric nuclear tests had
the fears of nuclear fallout, and I am con-
been resumed by the Soviet Union.
fident that on next Tuesday at 10:30 o'clock
Those were anxious days for mankind-
in the morning it will receive the overwhelm-
and some men wondered aloud whether this
ing endorsement of the Senate of the United
organization could survive. But the 16th
States.
and 17th General Assemblies achieved not
The world has not escaped from the dark-
g the situation this
only survival but progress. Rising to its
ness. The long shadows of conflict and
I will confer at the
responsibility, the United Nations helped
crisis envelop us still. But we meet today
ell with white civic
reduce the tensions and helped to hold back
in an atmosphere of rising hope, and at a
ve us information
the darkness.
moment of comparative calm. My presence
h the city has taken
Today the clouds have lifted a little so that
here today is not a sign of crisis, but of
olish the confidence
new rays of hope can break through. The
confidence. I am not here to report on a
64
48
693
[300] Sept. 20
rupiic rapers of the Presidents
new threat to the peace or new signs of war.
clashing commitments of ideology, and with
I have come to salute the United Nations
nuclear weapons still aimed at each other
and to show the support of the American
today, can find areas of common interest and
people for your daily deliberations.
agreement, then surely other nations can do
For the value of this body's work is not
the same-nations caught in regional con-
dependent on the existence of emergencies-
flicts, in racial issues, or in the death throes
nor can the winning of peace consist only of
of old colonialism. Chronic disputes which
dramatic victories. Peace is a daily, a weekly,
divert precious resources from the needs of
a monthly process, gradually changing
the people or drain the energies of both
opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly
sides serve the interests of no one-and the
building new structures. And however un-
badge of responsibility in the modern world
dramatic the pursuit of peace, that pursuit
is a willingness to seek peaceful solutions.
must go on.
It is never too early to try; and it's never
Today we may have reached a pause in the
too late to talk; and it's high time that many
cold war-but that is not a lasting peace. A
disputes on the agenda of this Assembly
test ban treaty is a milestone-but it is not
were taken off the debating schedule and
the millennium. We have not been released
placed on the negotiating table.
from our obligations-we have been given
The fact remains that the United States, as
an opportunity. And if we fail to make
a major nuclear power, does have a special
the most of this moment and this momen-
responsibility in the world. It is, in fact,
tum-if we convert our new-found hopes
a threefold responsibility-a responsibility to
and understandings into new walls and
our own citizens; a responsibility to the
weapons of hostility-if this pause in the cold
people of the whole world who are affected
war merely leads to its renewal and not to
by our decisions; and to the next generation
its end-then the indictment of posterity will
of humanity. We believe the Soviet Union
rightly point its finger at us all. But if we
also has these special responsibilities-and
can stretch this pause into a period of co-
that those responsibilities require our two
operation-if both sides can now gain new
nations to concentrate less on our differences
confidence and experience in concrete collab-
and more on the means of resolving them
orations for peace-if we can now be as bold
peacefully. For too long both of us have
and farsighted in the control of deadly
increased our military budgets, our nuclear
weapons as we have been in their creation-
stockpiles, and our capacity to destroy all
then surely this first small step can be the
life on this hemisphere-human, animal,
start of a long and fruitful journey.
vegetable-without any corresponding in-
The task of building the peace lies with
crease in our security.
the leaders of every nation, large and small.
Our conflicts, to be sure, are real. Our
For the great powers have no monopoly on
concepts of the world are different. No serv-
conflict or ambition. The cold war is not the
ice is performed by failing to make clear our
only expression of tension in this world-
disagreements. A central difference is the
and the nuclear race is not the only arms
belief of the American people in self-determi-
race. Even little wars are dangerous in a
nation for all people.
nuclear world. The long labor of peace is an
We believe that the people of Germany
undertaking for every nation-and in this
and Berlin must be free to reunite their cap-
effort none of us can remain unaligned. To
ital and their country.
this goal none can be uncommitted.
We believe that the people of Cuba must
The reduction of global tension must not
be free to secure the fruits of the revolution
be an excuse for the narrow pursuit of self-
that have been betrayed from within and
interest. If the Soviet Union and the United
exploited from without.
States, with all of their global interests and
In short, we believe that all the world-in
694
John F. Kennedy, 1963
Sept. 20 [366]
leology, and with
Eastern Europe as well as Western, in South-
of information and people from East to West
ed at each other
ern Africa as well as Northern, in old nations
and West to East.
mon interest and
as well as new-that people must be free to
We must continue to seek agreement, en-
:r nations can do
choose their own future, without discrimi-
couraged by yesterday's affirmative response
in regional con-
nation or dictation, without coercion or
to this proposal by the Soviet Foreign Min-
the death throes
subversion.
ister, on an arrangement to keep weapons
C disputes which
These are the basic differences between
of mass destruction out of outer space. Let
om the needs of
the Soviet Union and the United States, and
us get our negotiators back to the negotiat-
energies of both
they cannot be concealed. So long as they
ing table to work out a practicable arrange-
no one-and the
exist, they set limits to agreement, and they
ment to this end.
le modern world
forbid the relaxation of our vigilance. Our
In these and other ways, let us move up
:eful solutions.
defense around the world will be maintained
the steep and difficult path toward compre-
y; and it's never
for the protection of freedom-and our de-
hensive disarmament, securing mutual confi-
I time that many
termination to safeguard that freedom will
dence through mutual verification, and
this Assembly
measure up to any threat or challenge.
building the institutions of peace as we dis-
ng schedule and
But I would say to the leaders of the Soviet
mantle the engines of war. We must not let
able.
Union, and to their people, that if either
failure to agree on all points delay agree-
United States, as
of our countries is to be fully secure, we need
ments where agreement is possible. And we
es have a special
a much better weapon than the H-bomb-
must not put forward proposals for prop-
It is, in fact,
a weapon better than ballistic missiles or
aganda purposes.
responsibility to
nuclear submarines-and that better
Finally, in a field where the United States
onsibility to the
weapon is peaceful cooperation.
and the Soviet Union have a special ca-
who are affected
We have, in recent years, agreed on a
pacity-in the field of space-there is room
next generation
limited test ban treaty, on an emergency
for new cooperation, for further joint efforts
he Soviet Union
communications link between our capitals,
in the regulation and exploration of space.
onsibilities-and
on a statement of principles for disarmament,
I include among these possibilities a joint
require our two
on an increase in cultural exchange, on co-
expedition to the moon. Space offers no
n our differences
operation in outer space, on the peaceful
problems of sovereignty; by resolution of this
resolving them
exploration of the Antarctic, and on temper-
Assembly, the members of the United
oth of us have
ing last year's crisis over Cuba.
Nations have foresworn any claim to terri-
rets, our nuclear
I believe, therefore, that the Soviet Union
torial rights in outer space or on celestial
y to destroy all
and the United States, together with their
bodies, and declared that international law
human, animal,
allies, can achieve further agreements-
and the United Nations Charter will apply.
rresponding in-
agreements which spring from our mutual
Why, therefore, should man's first flight to
interest in avoiding mutual destruction.
the moon be a matter of national competi-
are real. Our
There can be no doubt about the agenda
tion? Why should the United States and the
erent. No serv-
of further steps. We must continue to seek
Soviet Union, in preparing for such expedi-
make clear our
agreements on measures which prevent war
tions, become involved in immense duplica-
lifference is the
by accident or miscalculation. We must
tions of research, construction, and expendi-
in self-determi-
continue to seek agreement on safeguards
ture? Surely we should explore whether
against surprise attack, including observa-
the scientists and astronauts of our two
le of Germany
tion posts at key points. We must continue
countries-indeed of all the world-cannot
unite their cap-
to seek agreement on further measures to
work together in the conquest of space, send-
curb the nuclear arms race, by controlling
ing some day in this decade to the moon
of Cuba must
the transfer of nuclear weapons, converting
not the respresentatives of a single nation,
: the revolution
fissionable materials to peaceful purposes,
but the representatives of all of our countries.
m within and
and banning underground testing, with ade-
All these and other new steps toward
quate inspection and enforcement. We must
peaceful cooperation may be possible. Most
the world-in
continue to seek agreement on a freer flow
of them will require on our part full con-
695
[366] Sept. 20
Public Papers of the Presidents
sultation with our allies-for their interests
sibility to the less developed nations.
are as much involved as our own, and we
The provision of development assistance
will not make an agreement at their ex-
by individual nations must go on. But the
pense. Most of them will require long
United Nations also must play a larger role
and careful negotiation. And most of them
in helping bring to all men the fruits of
will require a new approach to the cold
modern science and industry. A United
war-a desire not to "bury" one's adversary,
Nations conference on this subject held
but to compete in a host of peaceful arenas,
earlier this year at Geneva opened new
in ideas, in production, and ultimately in
vistas for the developing countries. Next
service to all mankind.
year a United Nations Conference on Trade
The contest will continue-the contest be-
will consider the needs of these nations for
tween those who see a monolithic world
new markets. And more than four-fifths
and those who believe in diversity-but it
of the entire United Nations system can be
should be a contest in leadership and respon-
found today mobilizing the weapons of
sibility instead of destruction, a contest in
science and technology for the United
achievement instead of intimidation.
Nations' Decade of Development.
Speaking for the United States of America,
But more can be done.
I welcome such a contest. For we believe
-A world center for health communica-
that truth is stronger than error-and that
tions under the World Health Organization
freedom is more enduring than coercion.
could warn of epidemics and the adverse
And in the contest for a better life, all the
effects of certain drugs as well as transmit
world can be a winner.
the results of new experiments and new
The effort to improve the conditions of
discoveries.
man, however, is not a task for the few. It
-Regional research centers could advance
is the task of all nations-acting alone, acting
our common medical knowledge and train
in groups, acting in the United Nations, for
new scientists and doctors for new nations.
plague and pestilence, and plunder and pol-
-A global system of satellites could pro-
lution, the hazards of nature, and the hunger
vide communication and weather informa-
of children are the foes of every nation.
tion for all corners of the earth.
The earth, the sea, and the air are the con-
-A worldwide program of conservation
cern of every nation. And science, technol-
could protect the forest and wild game pre-
ogy, and education can be the ally of every
serves now in danger of extinction for all
nation.
time, improve the marine harvest of food
Never before has man had such capacity
from our oceans, and prevent the contami-
to control his own environment, to end thirst
nation of air and water by industrial as well
and hunger, to conquer poverty and disease,
as nuclear pollution.
to banish illiteracy and massive human
-And, finally, a worldwide program of
misery. We have the power to make this
farm productivity and food distribution,
the best generation of mankind in the his-
similar to our country's "Food for Peace"
tory of the world-or to make it the last.
program, could now give every child the
The United States since the close of the
food he needs.
war has sent over $100 billion worth of as-
But man does not live by bread alone-
sistance to nations seeking economic viabil-
and the members of this organization are
ity. And 2 years ago this week we formed a
committed by the Charter to promote and
Peace Corps to help interested nations meet
respect human rights. Those rights are not
the demand for trained manpower. Other
respected when a Buddhist priest is driven
industrialized nations whose economies were
from his pagoda, when a synagogue is shut
rebuilt not so long ago with some help from
down, when a Protestant church cannot open
us are now in turn recognizing their respon-
a mission, when a Cardinal is forced into
696
John F. Kennedy, 1963
Sept. 20 [366]
nations.
hiding, or when a crowded church service
The United States delegation will be pre-
nent assistance
is bombed. The United States of America
pared to suggest to the United Nations ini-
on. But the
is opposed to discrimination and persecution
tiatives in the pursuit of all the goals. For
y a larger role
on grounds of race and religion anywhere in
this is an organization for peace-and peace
1 the fruits of
the world, including our own Nation. We
cannot come without work and without
y. A United
are working to right the wrongs of our own
progress.
subject held
country.
The peacekeeping record of the United
opened new
Through legislation and administrative
Nations has been a proud one, though its
untries. Next
action, through moral and legal commit-
tasks are always formidable. We are for-
ence on Trade
ment, this Government has launched a
tunate to have the skills of our distinguished
ese nations for
determined effort to rid our Nation of dis-
Secretary General and the brave efforts of
an four-fifths
crimination which has existed far too long-
those who have been serving the cause of
system can be
in education, in housing, in transportation,
peace in the Congo, in the Middle East, in
weapons of
in employment, in the civil service, in recrea-
Korea and Kashmir, in West New Guinea
the United
tion, and in places of public accommodation.
and Malaysia. But what the United Na-
ent.
And therefore, in this or any other forum,
tions has done in the past is less important
we do not hesitate to condemn racial or
than the tasks for the future. We cannot
h communica-
religious injustice, whether committed or
take its peacekeeping machinery for granted.
Organization
permitted by friend or foe.
That machinery must be soundly financed—
d the adverse
I know that some of you have experienced
which it cannot be if some members are
ell as transmit
discrimination in this country. But I ask
allowed to prevent it from meeting its obli-
ents and new
you to believe me when I tell you that this is
gations by failing to meet their own. The
not the wish of most Americans-that we
United Nations must be supported by all
could advance
share your regret and resentment-and that
those who exercise their franchise here. And
:dge and train
we intend to end such practices for all time
its operations must be backed to the end.
r new nations.
to come, not only for our visitors, but for our
Too often a project is undertaken in the
ites could pro-
own citizens as well.
excitement of a crisis and then it begins to
ther informa-
I hope that not only our Nation but all
lose its appeal as the problems drag on and
h.
other multiracial societies will meet these
the bills pile up. But we must have the
f conservation
standards of fairness and justice. We are
steadfastness to see every enterprise through.
vild game pre-
opposed to apartheid and all forms of human
It is, for example, most important not to
inction for all
oppression. We do not advocate the rights
jeopardize the extraordinary United Nations
arvest of food
of black Africans in order to drive out white
gains in the Congo. The nation which
: the contami-
Africans. Our concern is the right of all
sought this organization's help only 3 years
ustrial as well
men to equal protection under the law-and
ago has now asked the United Nations'
since human rights are indivisible, this body
presence to remain a little longer. I believe
e program of
cannot stand aside when those rights are
this Assembly should do what is necessary to
distribution,
abused and neglected by any member state.
preserve the gains already made and to
d for Peace"
New efforts are needed if this Assembly's
protect the new nation in its struggle for
ery child the
Declaration of Human Rights, now I5 years
progress. Let us complete what we have
old, is to have full meaning. And new
started. For "No man who puts his hand
read alone-
means should be found for promoting the
to the plow and looks back," as the Scrip-
anization are
free expression and trade of ideas-through
tures tell us, "No man who puts his hand
promote and
travel and communication, and through in-
to the plow and looks back is fit for the
rights are not
creased exchanges of people, and books, and
Kingdom of God."
iest is driven
broadcasts. For as the world renounces the
I also hope that the recent initiative of
gogue is shut
competition of weapons, competition in ideas
several members in preparing standby peace
1 cannot open
must flourish-and that competition must
forces for United Nations call will encourage
S forced into
be as full and as fair as possible.
similar commitments by others. This Na-
697
[366]
Sept.
20
Public Papers of the Presidents
tion remains ready to provide logistic and
the support and the wholehearted commit-
other material support.
ment of all people. So let us not rest all our
Policing, moreover, is not enough without
hopes on parchment and on paper; let us
provision for pacific settlement. We should
strive to build peace, a desire for peace, a
increase the resort to special missions of fact-
willingness to work for peace, in the hearts
finding and conciliation, make greater use of
and minds of all of our people. I believe that
the International Court of Justice, and ac-
we can. I believe the problems of human
celerate the work of the International Law
destiny are not beyond the reach of human
Commission.
beings.
The United Nations cannot survive as a
Two years ago I told this body that the
static organization. Its obligations are in-
United States had proposed, and was willing
creasing as well as its size. Its Charter must
to sign, a limited test ban treaty. Today that
be changed as well as its customs. The
treaty has been signed. It will not put an
authors of that Charter did not intend that
end to war. It will not remove basic con-
it be frozen in perpetuity. The science of
flicts. It will not secure freedom for all.
weapons and war has made us all, far more
But it can be a lever, and Archimedes, in
than 18 years ago in San Francisco, one
explaining the principles of the lever, was
world and one human race, with one com-
said to have declared to his friends: "Give
mon destiny. In such a world, absolute
me a place where I can stand-and I shall
sovereignty no longer assures us of absolute
move the world."
security. The conventions of peace must
My fellow inhabitants of this planet: Let
pull abreast and then ahead of the inventions
us take our stand here in this Assembly of
of war. The United Nations, building on its
nations. And let us see if we, in our own
successes and learning from its failures, must
time, can move the world to a just and last-
be developed into a genuine world security
ing peace.
system.
But peace does not rest in charters and
NOTE: The President spoke at II a.m. In his opening
words he referred to Dr. Carlos Sosa Rodriguez
covenants alone. It lies in the hearts and
of Venezuela, newly elected President of the Gen-
minds of all people. And if it is cast out
eral Assembly, and to U Thant, Secretary General of
there, then no act, no pact, no treaty, no
the United Nations.
organization can hope to preserve it without
hand
1944
21,
367
Remarks in New York City to Staff Members of the
May
U.S. Delegation to the United Nations. September 20, 1963
NO ONE should have to listen to two
not taking down a wall until you know why
speeches, or even give them in the same
it is put up, if there wasn't a United Nations
morning, so I will be very brief.
we would certainly have to invent one. Even
Mr. Bunche, Governor Stevenson: I want
in the comparatively brief time that I have
to express a very warm sense of appreciation
been President of the United States, on four
which all of us feel to you for the work that
or five occasions I really think the United
you are doing. You wear two hats with
Nations has come between, if not war, the
distinction, being citizens of the United
direct confrontation of major powers.
States and also members of an International
The United Nations has served as the
Secretariat. The United Nations has been
buffer, but more than the buffer, as a means
criticized, has been under attack, for a good
by which great and small powers can adjust
many years, but as Mr. Frost has said about
their differences in a peaceful way. I hope
698
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983
Address Before the 38th Session of the United Nations General
Assembly in New York, New York
September 26, 1983
there are lots of guotes
on this if you wanted
to elaborate
Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President, dis-
Hopes became political rhetoric. Progress
tinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen
became a search for power and domination
of the world:
Somewhere the truth was lost that people
Thank you for granting me the honor of
don't make wars, governments do.
speaking today, on this first day of general
And today in Asia, Africa, Latin America,
debate in the 38th Session of the General
the Middle East, and the North Pacific, the
Assembly. Once again I come before this
weapons of war shatter the security of the
body preoccupied with peace. Last year I
peoples who live there, endanger the peace
stood in this chamber to address the Special
of neighbors, and create ever more arenas
Session on Disarmament. Well, I've come
of confrontation between the great powers.
today to renew my nation's commitment to
During the past year alone, violent conflicts
peace. And I have come to discuss how we
have occurred in the hills around Beirut,
can keep faith with the dreams that created
the deserts of Chad and the western Sahara,
this organization.
in the mountains of El Salvador, the streets
The United Nations was founded in the
of Suriname, the cities and countryside of
aftermath of World War II to protect future
Afghanistan, the borders of Kampuchea,
generations from the scourge of war, to pro-
and the battlefields of Iran and Iraq.
mote political self-determination and global
We cannot count on the instinct for sur-
prosperity, and to strengthen the bonds of
vival to protect us against war. Despite all
civility among nations. The founders sought
the wasted lives and hopes that war pro-
to replace a world at war with a world of
duces, it has remained a regular, if horribly
civilized order. They hoped that a world of
costly, means by which nations have sought
relentless conflict would give way to a new
to settle their disputes or advance their
era, one where freedom from violence pre-
goals. And the progress in weapons technol-
vailed.
ogy has far outstripped the progress toward
Whatever challenges the world was
peace. In modern times, a new, more terri-
bound to face, the founders intended this
fying element has entered into the calcula-
body to stand for certain values, even if
tions-nuclear weapons. A nuclear war
they could not be enforced, and to con-
cannot be won, and it must never be
demn violence, even if it could not be
fought. I believe that if governments are
stopped. This body was to speak with the
determined to deter and prevent war, there
voice of moral authority. That was to be its
will not be war.
greatest power.
Nothing is more in keeping with the
But the awful truth is that the use of
spirit of the United Nations Charter than
violence for political gain has become more,
arms control. When I spoke before the
not less, widespread in the last decade.
Second Special Session on Disarmament, I
Events of recent weeks have presented
affirmed the United States Government's
new, unwelcome evidence of brutal disre-
commitment, and my personal commit-
gard for life and truth. They have offered
ment, to reduce nuclear arms and to negoti-
unwanted testimony on how divided and
ate in good faith toward that end. Today, I
dangerous our world is, how quick the re-
reaffirm those commitments.
course to violence. What has happened to
The United States has already reduced
the dreams of the U.N.'s founders? What
the number of its nuclear weapons world-
has happened to the spirit which created
wide, and, while replacement of older
the United Nations?
weapons is unavoidable, we wish to negoti-
The answer is clear: Governments got in
ate arms reductions and to achieve signifi-
the way of the dreams of the people.
cant, equitable, verifiable arms control
Dreams became issues of East versus West.
agreements. And let me add, we must
1350
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983 / Sept. 26
; General
ensure that world security is not under-
572. We recommended the lowest possible
mined by the further spread of nuclear
level. Once again, the Soviets refused an
weapons. Nuclear nonproliferation must not
equitable solution and proposed instead
be the forgotten element of the world's
what might be called a "half zero option"-
arms control agenda.
zero for us and many hundreds of warheads
At the time of my last visit here, I ex-
for them. And that's where things stand
rhetoric. Progress
er and domination.
pressed hope that a whole class of weapons
today, but I still haven't given up hope that
systems, the longer range INF-intermedi-
the Soviet Union will enter into serious ne-
as lost that people
ate nuclear forces--could be banned from
gotiations.
nénts do.
the face of the Earth. I believe that to re-
We are determined to spare no effort to
ca, Latin America,
lieve the deep concern of peoples in both
achieve a sound, equitable, and verifiable
North Pacific, the
Europe and Asia, the time was ripe, for the
he security of the
agreement. And for this reason, I have
first time in history, to resolve a security
ndanger the peace
given new instructions to Ambassador Nitze
threat exclusively through arms control. I
in Geneva, telling him to put forward a
ever more arenas
still believe the elimination of these weap-
package of steps designed to advance the
the great powers.
ons-the zero option-is the best, fairest,
e, violent conflicts
negotiations as rapidly as possible. These
most practical solution to the problem. Un-
initiatives build on the interim framework
lls around Beirut,
fortunately, the Soviet Union declined to
the United States advanced last March and
e western Sahara,
accept the total elimination of this class of
address concerns that the Soviets have
alvador, the streets
weapons.
and countryside of
raised at the bargaining table in the past.
When I was here last, I hoped that the
S of Kampuchea,
Specifically, first, the United States pro-
critical strategic arms reduction talks would
a and Iraq.
poses a new initiative on global limits. If the
focus, and urgently so, on those systems that
e instinct for sur-
Soviet Union agrees to reductions and limits
carry the greatest risk of nuclear war-the
st war. Despite all
on a global basis, the United States for its
fast-flying, accurate, intercontinental ballis-
pes that war pro-
part will not offset the entire Soviet global
tic missiles which pose a first-strike poten-
regular, if horribly
missile deployment through U.S. deploy-
tial. I also hoped the negotiations could
ations have sought
ments in Europe. We would, of course,
reduce by one-half the number of strategic
or advance their
retain the right to deploy missiles else-
missiles on each side and reduce their war-
weapons technol-
where.
heads by one-third. Again, I was disappoint-
ie progress toward
ed when the Soviets declined to consider
Second, the United States is prepared to
1 new, more terri-
be more flexible on the content of the cur-
such deep cuts, and refused as well to con-
d into the calcula-
rent talks. The United States will consider
centrate on these most dangerous, destabi-
A nuclear war
mutually acceptable ways to address the
lizing weapons.
must never be
Well, despite the rebuffs, the United
Soviet desire that an agreement should
governments are
States has not abandoned and will not aban-
limit aircraft as well as missiles.
revent war, there
don the search for meaningful arms control
Third, the United States will address the
agreements. Last June I proposed a new
mix of missiles that would result from re-
keeping with the
approach toward the START negotiations.
ductions. In the context of reductions to
ons Charter than
We did not alter our objective of substantial
equal levels, we are prepared to reduce the
poke before the
reductions, but we recognized that there
number of Pershing II ballistic missiles as
1 Disarmament, I
are a variety of ways to achieve this end.
well as ground-launched cruise missiles.
es Government's
During the last round of Geneva talks, we
I have decided to put forward these im-
ersonal commit-
presented a draft treaty which responded to
portant initiatives after full and extensive
ms and to negoti-
a number of concerns raised by the Soviet
consultations with our allies, including per-
hat end. Today, I
Union. We will continue to build upon this
sonal correspondence I've had with the
:s.
initiative.
leaders of the NATO governments and
already reduced
Similarly, in our negotiations on interme-
Japan and frequent meetings of the NATO
weapons world-
diate-range nuclear forces, when the Soviet
Special Consultative Group. I have also
ement of older
leaders adamantly refused to consider the
stayed in close touch with other concerned
e wish to negoti-
total elimination of these weapons, the
friends and allies, The door to an agree-
achieve signifi-
United States made a new offer. We pro-
ment is open. It is time for the Soviet Union
3 arms control
posed, as an interim solution, some equal
to walk through it.
add, we must
number on both sides between zero and
I want to make an unequivocal pledge to
1351
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983
those gathered today in this world arena.
basic pillar on which the U.N. was founded.
The United States seeks and will accept any
We seek a return to this spirit. A fundamen-
equitable, verifiable agreement that stabi-
tal step would be a true nonalignment of
lizes forces at lower levels than currently
the United Nations. This would signal a
exist. We're ready to be flexible in our ap-
return to the true values of the charter,
proach, indeed, willing to compromise. We
including the principle of universality. The
cannot, however, especially in light of
members of the United Nations must be
recent events, compromise on the necessity
aligned on the side of justice rather than
of effective verification.
injustice, peace rather than aggression,
Reactions to the Korean airliner tragedy
human dignity rather than subjugation. Any
are a timely reminder of just how different
other alignment is beneath the purpose of
the Soviets' concept of truth and interna-
this great body and destructive of the har-
tional cooperation is from that of the rest of
mony that it seeks. What harms the charter
the world. Evidence abounds that we
harms peace.
cannot simply assume that agreements ne-
The founders of the U.N. expected that
gotiated with the Soviet Union will be ful-
member nations would behave and vote as
filled. We negotiated the Helsinki Final Act,
individuals, after they had weighed the
but the promised freedoms have not been
merits of an issue-rather like a great,
provided, and those in the Soviet Union
who sought to monitor their fulfillment lan-
global town meeting. The emergence of
guish in prison. We negotiated a biological
blocs and the polarization of the U.N. un-
weapons convention, but deadly yellow rain
dermine all that this organization initially
valued.
and other toxic agents fall on Hmong vil-
lages and Afghan encampments. We have
We must remember that the nonaligned
negotiated arms agreements, but the high
movement was founded to counter the de-
level of Soviet encoding hides the informa-
velopment of blocs and to promote détente
tion needed for their verification. A newly
between them. Its founders spoke of the
discovered radar facility and a new ICBM
right of smaller countries not to become
raise serious concerns about Soviet compli-
involved in others' disagreements. Since
ance with agreements already negotiated.
then, membership in the nonaligned move-
Peace cannot be served by pseudo arms
ment has grown dramatically, but not all
control. We need reliable, reciprocal reduc-
the new members have shared the found-
tions. I call upon the Soviet Union today to
ers' commitment of genuine nonalignment.
reduce the tensions it has heaped on the
Indeed, client governments of the Soviet
world in the past few weeks and to show a
Union, who have long since lost their inde-
firm commitment to peace by coming to
pendence, have flocked into the nonaligned
the bargaining table with a new under-
movement, and, once inside, have worked
standing of its obligations. I urge it to match
against its true purpose. Pseudo nonalign-
our flexibility. If the Soviets sit down at the
ment is no better than pseudo arms control.
bargaining table seeking genuine arms re-
The United States rejects as false and mis-
ductions, there will be arms reductions. The
leading the view of the world as divided
governments of the West and their people
between the empires of the East and West.
will not be diverted by misinformation and
We reject it on factual grounds. The United
threats. The time has come for the Soviet
States does not head any bloc of subservient
Union to show proof that it wants arms con-
nations, nor do we desire to. What is called
trol in reality, not just in rhetoric.
the West is a free alliance of governments,
Meaningful arms control agreements be-
most of whom are democratic and all of
tween the United States and the Soviet
whom greatly value their independence.
Union would make our world less danger-
What is called the East is an empire direct-
ous; so would a number of confidence-build-
ed from the center which is Moscow.
ing steps we've already proposed to the
The United States, today as in the past, is
Soviet Union.
a champion of freedom and self-determina-
Arms control requires a spirit beyond
tion for all people. We welcome diversity;
narrow national interests. This spirit is a
we support the right of all nations to define
1352
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983 / Sept. 26
e U.N. was founded.
and pursue their national goals. We respect
in their region. In Africa, organizations such
their decisions and their sovereignty, asking
as the Economic Community of West Afri-
spirit. A fundamen-
le nonalignment of
only that they respect the decisions and
can States are being forged to provide prac-
sovereignty of others. Just look at the world
tical structures in the struggle to realize Af-
his would signal a
over the last 30 years and then decide for
rica's potential.
les of the charter,
yourself whether the United States or the
From the beginning, our hope for the
of universality. The
Soviet Union has pursued an expansionist
United Nations has been that it would re-
I Nations must be
policy.
flect the international community at its
justice rather than
Today, the United States contributes to
'than aggression,
best. The U.N. at its best can help us tran-
peace by supporting collective efforts by
scend fear and violence and can act as an
in subjugation. Any
the international community. We give our
ith the purpose of
enormous force for peace and prosperity.
unwavering support to the peacekeeping
ructive of the har-
Working together, we can combat interna-
efforts of this body, as well as other multi-
harms the charter
tional lawlessness and promote human dig-
lateral peacekeeping efforts around the
nity. If the governments represented in this
world. The U.N. has a proud history of pro-
chamber want peace as genuinely as their
J.N. expected that
moting conciliation and helping keep the
ehave and vote as
peoples do, we shall find it. We can do so
peace. Today, U.N. peacekeeping forces or
by reasserting the moral authority of the
had weighed the
observers are present in Cyprus and Kash-
United Nations.
er like a great,
mir, on the Golan Heights and in Lebanon.
he emergence of
In recent weeks, the moral outrage of the
In addition to our encouragement of
world seems to have reawakened. Out of
n of the U.N. un-
international diplomacy, the United States
ganization initially
the billions of people who inhabit this
recognizes its responsibilities to use its own
influence for peace. From the days when
planet, why, some might ask, should the
death of several hundred shake the world
at the nonaligned
Theodore Roosevelt mediated the Russo-
0 counter the de-
Japanese War in 1905, we have a long and
so profoundly? Why should the death of a
promote détente
honorable tradition of mediating or damp-
mother flying toward a reunion with her
ers spoke of the
ing conflicts and promoting peaceful solu-
family or the death of a scholar heading
S not to become
tions. In Lebanon, we, along with France,
toward new pursuits of knowledge matter
greements. Since
Italy, and the United Kingdom, have
so deeply? Why are nations who lost no
worked for a cease-fire, for the withdrawal
citizens in the tragedy so angry?
nonaligned move-
cally, but not all
of all external forces, and for restoration of
The reason rests on our assumptions
hared the found-
Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integ-
about civilized life and the search for peace.
ne nonalignment.
rity. In Chad we have joined others in sup-
The confidence that allows a mother or a
its of the Soviet
porting the recognized government in the
scholar to travel to Asia or Africa or Europe
e lost their inde-
face of external aggression. In Central
or anywhere else on this planet may be
o the nonaligned
America, as in southern Africa, we are seek-
only a small victory in humanity's struggle
de, have worked
ing to discourage reliance upon force and to
for peace. Yet what is peace if not the sum
Pseudo nonalign-
construct a framework for peaceful negotia-
of such small victories?
ido arms control.
tions. We support a policy to disengage the
Each stride for peace and every small vic-
as false and mis-
major powers from Third World conflict.
tory are important for the journey toward a
vorld as divided
The U.N. Charter gives an important role
larger and lasting peace. We have made
East and West.
to regional organizations in the search for
progress. We've avoided another world war.
nds. The United
peace. The U.S. efforts in the cause of peace
We've seen an end to the traditional coloni-
)C of subservient
are only one expression of a spirit that also
al era and the birth of a hundred newly
). What is called
animates others in the world community.
sovereign nations. Even though develop-
of governments,
The Organization of American States was a
ment remains a formidable challenge,
atic and all of
pioneer in regional security efforts. In Cen-
we've witnessed remarkable economic
independence.
tral America, the members of the Conta-
growth among the industrialized and the
empire direct-
dora group are striving to lay a foundation
developing nations. The United Nations and
Moscow.
for peaceful resolution of that region's prob-
its affiliates have made important contribu-
IS in the past, is
lems. In East Asia, the Asian countries have
tions to the quality of life on this planet,
self-determina-
built a framework for peaceful political and
such as directly saving countless lives
come diversity;
economic cooperation that has greatly
through its refugee and emergency relief
tions to define
strengthened the prospects for lasting peace
programs. These broad achievements, how-
1353
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983
ever, have been overshadowed by the prob-
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as
lems that weigh so heavily upon us. The
we persevere in the search for a more
problems are old, but it is not too late to
secure world, we must do everything we
commit ourselves to a new beginning, a be-
can to let diplomacy triumph. Diplomacy,
ginning fresh with the ideals of the U.N.
the most honorable of professions, can bring
Charter.
the most blessed of gifts, the gift of peace.
Today, at the beginning of this 38th Ses-
If we succeed, the world will find an excite-
sion, I solemnly pledge my nation to up-
ment and accomplishment in peace beyond
holding the original ideals of the United Na-
that which could ever be imagined through
tions. Our goals are those that guide this
violence and war.
very body. Our ends are the same as those
I want to leave you today with a message
of the U.N.'s founders, who sought to re-
I have often spoken about to the citizens of
place a world at war with one where the
my own country, especially in times when I
rule of law would prevail, where human
felt they were discouraged and unsure. I say
rights were honored, where development
it to you with as much hope and heart as
would blossom, where conflict would give
I've said it to my own people. You have the
way to freedom from violence.
right to dream great dreams. You have the
right to seek a better world for your people.
In 1956 President Dwight Eisenhower
And all of us have the responsibility to work
made an observation on weaponry and de-
for that better world. And as caring, peace-
terrence in a letter to a publisher. He
ful peoples, think what a powerful force for
wrote: "When we get to the point, as we
good we could be. Distinguished delegates,
one day will, that both sides know that in
let us regain the dream the United Nations
any outbreak of general hostilities, regard-
once dreamed.
less of the element of surprise, destruction
Thank you.
will be both reciprocal and complete, possi-
bly we will have sense enough to meet at
Note: The President spoke at 10:34 a.m. in
the conference table with the understand-
the General Assembly Hall at the United
ing that the era of armaments has ended
Nations Headquarters Building. Upon arriv-
and the human race must conform its ac-
al at the United Nations, the President met
tions to this truth or die." He went on to
with Secretary-General Javier Perez de
say,
we have already come to a point
Cuellar de la Guerra and then with Jorge
where safety cannot be assumed by arms
Illueca, President of the 38th Session of the
alone
their usefulness becomes concen-
General Assembly, who introduced the
trated more and more in their characteris-
President to the session.
tics as deterrents than in instruments with
Following his address, the President re-
which to obtain victory
turned to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Remarks at a Reception Sponsored by the Women's Sports
Foundation in New York, New York
September 26, 1983
The President. I'm delighted to have this
a radio sports announcer, and thought that
opportunity to be here with you today. I
my life was going to go on connected with
have just come from addressing the United
sports. Now here I am, and maybe I'm
Nations, and I have to tell you, with all due
going to get back to it.
respect to them, I feel more at home here,
Ms. de Varona. We hope so. We welcome
because-|laughter}
you.
In addition to athletics in school, and
The President. Well, I'd be pleased to do
when I was in school I started my career as
it.
1354
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984 / Sept. 24
commitment to these
week, starting already
Address to the 39th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Is of state and govern.
in New York, New York
ny speaking tomorrow
d International Money
September 24, 1984
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, dis-
"All human societies were poor. Disease
Washington. a number of other
tinguished heads of state, Ministers, Repre-
and early death dominated most people's
natic activity comple-
sentatives, and guests: First of all, I wish to
lives. People were ignorant, and largely at
plomatic efforts. The
congratulatesident ofthe Lusaka on his elec-
the mercy of the forces of nature."
ontinue, through our
tion as General Assembly. I
"Now," he said, "we are somewhere near
wish you every success, Mr. President, in
the middle of a process of economic devel-
ssador, Jeane Kirkpat.
be firm in advancing
carrying out the responsibilities of this high
opment
At the end of that process,
ful in the advocacy of
international office.
almost no one will live in a country as poor
It's an honor to be here, and I thank you
as the richest country of the past. There
of life. We will at the
for your gracious invitation. I would speak
will be many more people
living long,
ir in approaching the
'e expect nothing less
in support of the two great goals that led to
healthy lives, with immense knowledge and
pect nothing less of us.
the formation of this organization-the
more to learn than anybody has time for."
cause of peace and the cause of human dig-
They will be "able to cope with the forces
will continue to work
of nature and almost indifferent to dis-
to promote peace and
nity. The responsibility of this assembly-the
tance."
reconciliation among
osperity, human rights,
peaceful resolution of disputes between
Well, we do live today, as the scholar sug-
peoples and nations-can be discharged
gested, in the middle of one of the most
Our own commitment
successfully only if we recognize the great
important and dramatic periods in human
arter remain steadfast.
common ground upon which we all stand:
history-one in which all of us can serve as
ntages of having the
our fellowship as members of the human
catalysts for an era of world peace and un-
r country is an advan-
race, our oneness as inhabitants of this
imagined human freedom and dignity.
gives you a chance to
he American people.
planet, our place as representatives of bil-
And today I would like to report to you,
lions of our countrymen whose fondest
as distinguished and influential members of
n to your countries, I
them our best wishes.
hope remains the end to war and to the
the world community, on what the United
repression of the human spirit. These are
States has been attempting to do to help
ess in your upcoming
the important central realities that bind us,
move the world closer to this era. On many
again, your joining us
that permit us to dream of a future without
fronts enormous progress has been made,
st thank you, and God
the antagonisms of the past. And just as
and I think our efforts are complemented
shadows can be seen only where there is
by the trend of history.
light, so, too, can we overcome what is
If we look closely enough, I believe we
spoke at 7:09 p.m. at
wrong only if we remember how much is
can see all the world moving toward a
Hotel. The reception
right. And we will resolve what divides us
deeper appreciation of the value of human
nited States for heads
only if we remember how much more
freedom in both its political and economic
sters, and heads of del-
unites us.
manifestations. This is partially motivated
d Nations session. Fol-
This chamber has heard enough about
by a worldwide desire for economic growth
the President returned
the problems and dangers ahead. Today, let
and higher standards of living. And there's
el.
us dare to speak of a future that is bright
an increasing realization that economic
and hopeful and can be ours only if we seek
freedom is a prelude to economic progress
it. I believe that future is far nearer than
and growth and is intricately and insepara-
most of us would dare to hope.
bly linked to political freedom.
At the start of this decade, one scholar at
Everywhere, people and governments are
the Hudson Institute noted that mankind
beginning to recognize that the secret of a
also had undergone enormous changes for
progressive new world is to take advantage
the better in the past two centuries—
of the creativity of the human spirit, to en-
changes which aren't always readily noticed
courage innovation and individual enter-
or written about.
prise, to reward hard work, and to reduce
"Up until 200 years ago, there were rela-
barriers to the free flow of trade and infor-
tively few people in the world," he wrote.
mation.
1355
Sept. 24 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984
Our opposition to economic restrictions
one's freedom as a bargaining chip in world
and trade barriers is consistent with our
politics. Our hope is for a time when all the
view of economic freedom and human
people of the world can enjoy the blessings
progress. We believe such barriers pose a
of personal liberty. But I would like also to
particularly dangerous threat to the devel-
emphasize that our concern for protecting
oping nations and their chance to share in
human rights is part of our concern for pro-
world prosperity through expanded export
tecting the peace.
markets. Tomorrow at the International
The answer is for all nations to fulfill the
Monetary Fund, I will address this question
obligations they freely assumed under the
more fully, including America's desire for
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It
more open trading markets throughout the
states: "The will of the people shall be the
world.
basis of the authority of government; this
This desire to cut down trade barriers
will shall be expressed in periodic and gen-
and our open advocacy of freedom as the
uine elections." The Declaration also in-
engine of human progress are two of the
cludes these rights: "to form and to join
most important ways the United States and
trade unions," "to own property alone as
the American people hope to assist in bring-
well as in association with others," "to leave
ing about a world where prosperity is com-
any country including his own and return
monplace, conflict an aberration, and
to his country," and to enjoy "freedom of
human dignity and freedom a way of life.
opinion and expression." Perhaps the most
Let me place these steps more in context
by briefly outlining the major goals of
graphic example of the relationship be-
American foreign policy and then exploring
tween human rights and peace is the right
with you the practical ways we're attempt-
of peace groups to exist and to promote
ing to further freedom and prevent war. By
their views. In fact, the treatment of peace
that I mean, first, how we have moved to
groups may be a litmus test of govern-
strengthen ties with old allies and new
ment's true desire for peace.
friends; second, what we're doing to help
In addition to emphasizing this tie be-
avoid the regional conflicts that could con-
tween the advocacy of human rights and
tain the seeds of world conflagration; and
the prevention of war, the United States has
third, the status of our efforts with the
taken important steps, as I mentioned earli-
Soviet Union to reduce the level of arms.
er, to prevent world conflict. The starting
Let me begin with a word about the ob-
point and cornerstone of our foreign policy
jectives of American foreign policy, which
is our alliance and partnership with our
have been consistent since the postwar era,
fellow democracies. For 35 years, the North
and which fueled the formation of the
Atlantic alliance has guaranteed the peace
United Nations and were incorporated into
in Europe. In both Europe and Asia, our
the U.N. Charter itself.
alliances have been the vehicle for a great
The U.N. Charter states two overriding
reconciliation among nations that had
goals: "to save succeeding generations from
fought bitter wars in decades and centuries
the scourge of war, which twice in our life-
past. And here in the Western Hemisphere,
time has brought untold sorrow to man-
north and south are being lifted on the tide
kind," and "to reaffirm faith in fundamental
of freedom and are joined in a common
human rights, in the dignity and worth of
effort to foster peaceful economic develop-
the human person, in the equal rights of
ment.
men and women and of nations large and
We're proud of our association with all
small."
those countries that share our commitment
The founders of the United Nations un-
to freedom, human rights, the rule of law,
derstood full well the relationship between
and international peace. Indeed, the bul-
these two goals. And I want you to know
wark of security that the democratic alli-
that the Government of the United States
ance provides is essential and remains es-
will continue to view this concern for
sential to the maintenance of world peace.
human rights as the moral center of our
Every alliance involves burdens and obliga-
foreign policy. We can never look at any-
tions, but these are far less than the risks
1356
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984 / Sept. 24
ng chip in
sacrifices that will result if the peace-
But any economic progress as well as any
ime
the the blessing
and loving nations were divided and neglectful
movement in the direction of greater un-
of their common security.
derstanding between the nations of the
The people of the United States will
world are, of course, endangered by the
concern for for pro
remain faithful to their commitments. alli- But
prospect of conflict at both the global and
United States is also faithful to its
regional level. In a few minutes, I will turn
ances the and friendships with scores of nations
to the menace of conflict on a worldwide
ons to fulfill the
the developed and developing worlds
scale and discuss the status of negotiations
and traditions. The development of ties be-
with differing political systems, cultures,
between the United States and the Soviet
med under the
uman Rights. It
Union. But permit me first to address the
ple shall be the
the United States and China, a signif-
critical problem of regional conflicts, for
overnment; this
shows jeant tween global our willingness event of the to improve last dozen relations years,
history displays tragic evidence that it is
riodic and gen.
these conflicts which can set off the sparks
tration also in-
with countries ideologically very different
leading to worldwide conflagration.
m and to join
from ours.
In a glass display case across the hall from
perty alone
We're ready to be the friend of any coun-
the Oval Office at the White House there is
hers," "to leave
try that is a friend to us and a friend of
a gold medal, the Nobel Peace Prize won
wn and return
peace. And we respect genuine nonalign-
by Theodore Roosevelt for his contribution
oy "freedom of
ment. Our own nation was born in revolu-
in mediating the Russo-Japanese War in
rhaps the most
tion. We helped promote the process of de-
1905. It was the first such prize won by an
elationship be-
colonization that brought about the inde-
American, and it's part of a tradition of
ace is the right
pendence of so many members of this body.
which the American people are very
nd to promote
And we're proud of that history.
proud-a tradition that is being continued
tment of peace
We're proud, too, of our role in the for-
today in many regions of the globe.
est of govern-
mation of the United Nations and our sup-
We're engaged, for example, in diploma-
port of this body over the years. And let me
cy to resolve conflicts in southern Africa,
ng this tie be-
again emphasize our unwavering commit-
working with the frontline states and our
ment to a central principle of the United
nan rights and
partners in the contact group. Mozambique
Nations system-the principle of universali-
nited States has
and South Africa have reached an historic
ty, both here and in the United Nations
nentioned earli-
accord on nonaggression and cooperation.
technical agencies around the world. If uni-
et. The starting
South Africa and Angola have agreed on a
versality is ignored, if nations are expelled
foreign policy
illegally, then the U.N. itself cannot be ex-
disengagement of forces from Angola, and
rship with our
the groundwork has been laid for the inde-
pected to succeed.
ears, the North
The United States welcomes diversity and
pendence of Namibia, with virtually all as-
eed the peace
peaceful competition. We do not fear the
pects of Security Council Resolution 435
and Asia, our
trends of history. We are not ideologically
agreed upon.
icle for a great
rigid. We do have principles, and we will
Let me add that the United States consid-
ons that had
stand by them, but we will also seek the
ers it a moral imperative that South Africa's
and centuries
friendship and good will of all, both old
racial policies evolve peacefully but deci-
n Hemisphere,
friends and new.
sively toward a system compatible with
ted on the tide
We've always sought to lend a hand to
basic norms of justice, liberty, and human
in a common
help others-from our relief efforts in
dignity. I'm pleased that American compa-
omic develop-
Europe after World War I to the Marshall
nies in South Africa, by providing equal em-
plan and massive foreign assistance pro-
ployment opportunities, are contributing to
ation with all
grams after World War II. Since 1946 the
the economic advancement of the black
commitment
United States has provided over $115 bil-
population. But clearly, much more must be
e rule of law,
lion in economic aid to developing coun-
done.
leed, the bul-
tries, and today provides about one-third of
In Central America, the United States has
emocratic alli-
the nearly $90 billion in financial resources,
lent support to a diplomatic process to re-
d remains es-
public and private, that flows to the devel-
store regional peace and security. We have
world peace.
oping world. And the U.S. imports about
committed substantial resources to promote
ns and obliga-
one-third of the manufactured exports of
economic development and social progress.
than the risks
the developing world.
The growing success of democracy in El
1357
Sept. 24 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984
Salvador is the best proof that the key to
tions that call for an end to the war be.
peace lies in a political solution. Free elec-
tween Iran and Iraq that has meant so
tions brought into office a government
much death and destruction and put the
dedicated to democracy, reform, economic
world's economic well-being at risk. Our
progress, and regional peace. Regrettably,
there are forces in the region eager to
hope is that hostilities will soon end, leaving
each side with its political and territorial
thwart democratic change, but these forces
integrity intact, so that both may devote
are now on the defensive. The tide is turn-
their energies to addressing the needs of
ing in the direction of freedom. We call
upon Nicaragua, in particular, to abandon
their people and a return to relationships
with other states.
its policies of subversion and militarism and
to carry out the promises it made to the
The lesson of experience is that negotia-
Organization of American States to establish
tions work. The peace treaty between Israel
democracy at home.
and Egypt brought about the peaceful
The Middle East has known more than its
return of the Sinai, clearly showing that the
share of tragedy and conflict for decades,
negotiating process brings results when the
and the United States has been actively in-
parties commit themselves to it. The time is
volved in peace diplomacy for just as long.
bound to come when the same wisdom and
We consider ourselves a full partner in the
courage will be applied with success to
quest for peace. The record of the 11 years
reach peace between Israel and all of its
since the October war shows that much can
Arab neighbors in a manner that assures
be achieved through negotiations; it also
security for all in the region, the recogni-
tion of Israel, and a solution to the Palestini-
shows that the road is long and hard.
an problem.
Two years ago, I proposed a fresh start
toward a negotiated solution to the Arab-
In every part of the world, the United
Israeli conflict. My initiative of September
States is similarly engaged in peace diplo-
1st, 1982, contains a set of positions that can
macy as an active player or a strong sup-
serve as a basis for a just and lasting peace.
porter.
That initiative remains a realistic and work-
In Southeast Asia, we have backed the
able approach, and I am committed to it as
efforts of ASEAN to mobilize international
firmly as on the day I announced it. And
support for a peaceful resolution of the
the foundation stone of this effort remains
Cambodian problem, which must include
Security Council Resolution 242, which in
the withdrawal of Vietnamese forces and
turn was incorporated in all its parts in the
the election of a representative govern-
Camp David accords.
ment. ASEAN's success in promoting eco-
The tragedy of Lebanon has not ended.
nomic and political development has made
Only last week, a despicable act of barba-
a major contribution to the peace and sta-
rism by some who are unfit to associate
bility of the region.
with humankind reminded us once again
In Afghanistan, the dedicated efforts of
that Lebanon continues to suffer. In 1983
the Secretary-General and his representa-
we helped Israel and Lebanon reach an
tives to find a diplomatic settlement have
agreement that, if implemented, could have
our strong support. I assure you that the
led to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces in
United States will continue to do everything
the context of the withdrawal of all foreign
possible to find a negotiated outcome which
forces. This agreement was blocked, and
provides the Afghan people with the right
the long agony of the Lebanese continues.
to determine their own destiny, allows the
Thousands of people are still kept from
Afghan refugees to return to their own
their homes by continued violence and are
country in dignity, and protects the legiti-
refugees in their own country. The once
mate security interests of all neighboring
flourishing economy of Lebanon is near col-
countries.
lapse. All of Lebanon's friends should work
On the divided and tense Korean Penin-
together to help end this nightmare.
sula, we have strongly backed the confi-
In the Gulf, the United States has sup-
dence-building measures proposed by the
ported a series of Security Council resolu-
Republic of Korea and by the U.N. Com-
1358
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984 / Sept. 24
to the war be.
mand at Panmunjom. These are an impor-
tional disputes. Our concern over the po-
t has meant so
tant first step toward peaceful reunification
tential for nuclear war cannot deflect us
on and put the
in the long term.
from the terrible human tragedies occur-
ng at risk. Our
We take heart from progress by others in
ring every day in the regional conflicts I
tensions, notably the efforts
oon end, leaving
just discussed. Together, we have a particu-
1 and territorial
Republic to reduce barriers
lar responsibility to contribute to political
oth may devote
between the two German States.
solutions to these problems, rather than to
g
to the lationships
And the United States strongly supports
exacerbate them through the provision of
the Secretary-General's efforts to assist the
even more weapons.
Cypriot parties in achieving a peaceful and
I propose that our two countries agree to
is s that negots
reunited Cyprus.
embark on periodic consultations at policy
The United States has been and will
level about regional problems. We will be
peaceful
always be a friend of peaceful solutions.
prepared, if the Soviets agree, to make
howing that the
This is no less true with respect to my coun-
senior experts available at regular intervals
esults the
try's relations with the Soviet Unon.
for indepth exchanges of views. I've asked
When I appeared before you last year, I
time is
Secretary Shultz to explore this with For-
me and
1 and all of its
er assures
it. the the that wisdom The when
noted that we cannot count on the instinct
eign Minister Gromyko. Spheres of influ-
with success to
for survival alone to protect us against war.
ence are a thing of the past; differences
Deterrence is necessary but not sufficient.
between American and Soviet interests are
America has repaired its strength. We have
not. The objectives of this political dialog
n, recogni-
invigorated our alliances and friendships.
will be to help avoid miscalculation, reduce
to Palestini-
We are ready for constructive negotiations
the potential risk of U.S.-Soviet confronta-
with the Soviet Union.
We recognize that there is no sane alter-
tion, and help the people in areas of conflict
-ld, the United
native to negotiations on arms control and
to find peaceful solutions.
in peace diplo-
other issues between our two nations which
The United States and the Soviet Union
a strong sup-
have the capacity to destroy civilization as
have achieved agreements of historic im-
we know it. I believe this is a view shared
portance on some regional issues. The Aus-
ve backed the
by virtually every country in the world and
trian State Treaty and the Berlin accords
e international
by the Soviet Union itself. And I want to
are notable and lasting examples. Let us
olution of the
speak to you today on what the United
resolve to achieve similar agreements in the
must include
States and the Soviet Union can accomplish
future.
ese forces and
together in the coming years and the con-
Our second task must be to find ways to
tative govern-
crete steps that we need to take.
reduce the vast stockpiles of armaments in
romoting eco-
You know, as I stand here and look out
the world. I am committed to redoubling
ent has made
from this podium, there in front of me I can
our negotiating efforts to achieve real re-
peace and sta-
see the seat of the Representative from the
sults: in Geneva, a complete ban on chemi-
Soviet Union. And not far from that seat,
cal weapons; in Vienna, real reductions to
ited efforts of
just over to the side, is the seat of the Rep-
lower and equal levels in Soviet and Ameri-
is representa-
resentative from the United States. In this
can, Warsaw Pact and NATO conventional
ttlement have
historic assembly hall, it's clear there's not a
forces; in Stockholm, concrete practical
you that the
great distance between us. Outside this
measures to enhance mutual confidence, to
do everything
room, while there will still be clear differ-
reduce the risk of war, and to reaffirm com-
utcome which
ences, there's every reason why we should
mitments concerning nonuse of force; in
with the right
do all that is possible to shorten that dis-
the field of nuclear testing, improvements
ny, allows the
tance. And that's why we're here. Isn't that
in verification essential to ensure compli-
o their own
what this organization is all about?
ance with the threshold test ban and peace-
cts the legiti-
Last January 16th, I set out three objec-
ful nuclear explosions agreements; and in
neighboring
tives for U.S.-Soviet relations that can pro-
the field of nonproliferation, close coopera-
vide an agenda for our work over the
tion to strengthen the international institu-
orean Penin-
months ahead.
tions and practices aimed at halting the
d the confi-
First, I said, we need to find ways to
spread of nuclear weapons, together with
osed by the
reduce-and eventually to eliminate-the
redoubled efforts to meet the legitimate ex-
U.N. Com-
threat and use of force in solving interna-
pectations of all nations that the Soviet
1359
Sept. 24 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984
Union and the United States will substan-
between our political, military, and other
tially reduce their own nuclear arsenals.
leaders.
We and the Soviets have agreed to up-
Now, all of these steps that I've men-
grade our hotline communications facility,
tioned-and especially the arms control ne-
and our discussions of nuclear nonprolifera-
gotiations-are extremely important to a
tion in recent years have been useful to
step-by-step process toward peace. But let
both sides. We think there are other possi-
me also say that we need to extend the
bilities for improving communications in
arms control process to build a bigger um-
this area that deserve serious exploration.
brella under which it can operate-a road
I believe the proposal of the Soviet Union
map, if you will, showing where, during the
for opening U.S.-Soviet talks in Vienna pro-
next 20 years or so, these individual efforts
vided an important opportunity to advance
can lead. This can greatly assist step-by-step
these objectives. We've been prepared to
negotiations and enable us to avoid having
discuss a wide range of issues of concern to
all our hopes or expectations ride on any
both sides, such as the relationship between
single set or series of negotiations. If
defensive and offensive forces and what has
progress is temporarily halted at one set of
been called the militarization of space.
talks, this newly established framework for
During the talks, we would consider what
arms control could help us take up the slack
measures of restraint both sides might take
at other negotiations.
while negotiations proceed. However, any
Today, to the great end of lifting the
agreement must logically depend upon our
ability to get the competition in offensive
dread of nuclear war from the peoples of
arms under control and to achieve genuine
the Earth, I invite the leaders of the world
stability at substantially lower levels of nu-
to join in a new beginning. We need a fresh
clear arms.
approach to reducing international tensions.
Our approach in all these areas will be
History demonstrates beyond controversy
designed to take into account concerns the
that just as the arms competition has its
Soviet Union has voiced. It will attempt to
root in political suspicions and anxieties, so
provide a basis for an historic breakthrough
it can be channeled in more stabilizing di-
in arms control. I'm disappointed that we
rections and eventually be eliminated if
were not able to open our meeting in
those political suspicions and anxieties are
Vienna earlier this month on the date origi-
addressed as well.
nally proposed by the Soviet Union. I hope
Toward this end, I will suggest to the
we can begin these talks by the end of the
Soviet Union that we institutionalize regu-
year or shortly thereafter.
lar ministerial or cabinet-level meetings be-
The third task I set in January was to
tween our two countries on the whole
establish a better working relationship be-
agenda of issues before us, including the
tween the Soviet Union and the United
problem of needless obstacles to under-
States, one marked by greater cooperation
standing. To take but one idea for discus-
and understanding. We've made some
sion: In such talks, we could consider the
modest progress. We have reached agree-
exchange of outlines of 5-year military plans
ments to improve our hotline, extend our
for weapons development and our sched-
10-year economic agreement, enhance con-
ules of intended procurement. We would
sular cooperation, and explore coordination
also welcome the exchange of observers at
of search and rescue efforts at sea.
military exercises and locations. And I pro-
We've also offered to increase significant-
pose that we find a way for Soviet experts
ly the amount of U.S. grain for purchase by
to come to the United States nuclear test
the Soviets and to provide the Soviets a
site, and for ours to go to theirs, to measure
direct fishing allocation off U.S. coasts. But
directly the yields of tests of nuclear weap-
there's much more we could do together. I
ons. We should work toward having such
feel particularly strongly about breaking
arrangements in place by next spring. I
down the barriers between the peoples of
hope that the Soviet Union will cooperate
the United States and the Soviet Union; and
in this undertaking and reciprocate in a
1360
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984 / Sept. 24
cal, military, and other
manner that will enable the two countries
vorite expression of another great spiritual-
to establish the basis for verification for ef-
ist, a Spanish soldier who gave up the ways
se steps that I've men-
fective limits on underground nuclear test-
of war for that of love and peace. And if
ally the arms control ne-
ing.
we're to make realities of the two great
remely important to a
I believe such talks could work rapidly
goals of the United Nations Charter-the
toward peace. But let
toward developing a new climate of policy
dreams of peace and human dignity-we
we need to extend the
understanding, one that is essential if crises
must take to heart these words of Ignatius
SS to build a bigger um-
are to be avoided and real arms control is to
Loyola; we must pause long enough to con-
it' can operate-a road
be negotiated. Of course, summit meetings
template the gifts received from Him who
wing where, during the
have a useful role to play. But they need to
made us: the gift of life, the gift of this
these individual efforts
be carefully prepared, and the benefit here
world, the gift of each other-and the gift
reatly assist step-by-step
is that meetings at the ministerial level
of the present.
able us to avoid having
would provide the kind of progress that is
It is this present, this time that now we
pectations ride on any
the best preparation for higher level talks
must seize. I leave you with a reflection
es of negotiations. If
between ourselves and the Soviet leaders.
from Mahatma Gandhi, spoken with those
rily halted at one set of
How much progress we will make and at
in mind who said that the disputes and con-
ablished framework for
what pace, I cannot say. But we have a
flicts of the modern world are too great to
elp us take up the slack
moral obligation to try and try again.
overcome. It was spoken shortly after Gand-
Some may dismiss such proposals and my
hi's quest for independence had taken him
reat end of lifting the
own optimism as simplistic American ideal-
to Britain.
ar from the peoples of
ism, and they will point to the burdens of
the modern world and to history. Well, yes,
"I am not conscious of a single experience
the leaders of the world
if we sit down and catalog year by year,
throughout my 3 months' stay in England
inning. We need a fresh
generation by generation, the famines, the
and Europe," he said, "that made me feel
g international tensions.
that after all East is East and West is West.
es beyond controversy
plagues, the wars, the invasions mankind
ms competition has its
has endured, the list will grow so long and
On the contrary, I have been convinced
picions and anxieties, so
the assault on humanity so terrific that it
more than ever that human nature is much
the same, no matter under what clime it
I in more stabilizing di-
seems too much for the human spirit to
ually be eliminated if
bear.
flourishes, and that if you approached
icions and anxieties are
But isn't this narrow and shortsighted and
people with trust and affection, you would
not at all how we think of history? Yes, the
have ten-fold trust and thousand-fold affec-
deeds of infamy or injustice are all record-
tion returned to you."
I will suggest to the
ve institutionalize regu-
ed, but what shines out from the pages of
For the sake of a peaceful world, a world
binet-level meetings be-
history is the daring of the dreamers and
where human dignity and freedom is re-
untries on the whole
the deeds of the builders and the doers.
spected and enshrined, let us approach
These things make up the stories we tell
each other with ten-fold trust and thousand-
efore us, including the
SS obstacles to under-
and pass on to our children. They comprise
fold affection. A new future awaits us. The
out one idea for discus-
the most enduring and striking fact about
time is here, the moment is now.
we could consider the
human history-that through the heart-
One of the Founding Fathers of our
of 5-year military plans
break and tragedy man has always dared to
nation, Thomas Paine, spoke words that
pment and our sched-
perceive the outline of human progress, the
apply to all of us gathered here today. They
rocurement. We would
steady growth in not just the material well-
apply directly to all sitting here in this
change of observers at
being, but the spiritual insight of mankind.
room. He said, "We have it in our power to
id locations. And I pro-
"There have been tyrants and murderers,
begin the world over again."
way for Soviet experts
and for a time they can seem invincible.
Thank you. God bless you.
ted States nuclear test
But in the end, they always fail [fall]. 1
go to theirs, to measure
Think on it
always. All through history,
Note: The President spoke at 10:31 a.m. in
tests of nuclear weap-
the way of truth and love has always won.'
the General Assembly Hall of the United
That was the belief and the vision of Mahat-
Nations Headquarters Building. He was in-
rk toward having such
ma Gandhi. He described that, and it re-
troduced by Paul Lusaka, President of the
ace by next spring. I
t Union will cooperate
mains today a vision that is good and true.
39th Session of the General Assembly.
and reciprocate in a
"All is gift," is said to have been the fa-
Upon arrival at the United Nations, the
President was greeted by Secretary-General
1 White House correction.
Javier Perez de Cuellar de la Guerra.
1361
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985 / Oct. 24
eflect on the sacrifices
And may I presume to suggest a toast to the
the North Delegate's Lounge at the United
e in the pursuit of
Secretary General and what he has accom-
Nations in response to a toast by Secretary
plished and what he is doing for all of us.
General Javier Perez de Cuellar de la
I have hereunto set
Guerra.
third day of October,
Note: The President spoke at 2:45 p.m. in
rd nineteen hundred
the Independence of
merica the two hun-
Address to the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
RONALD REAGAN
in New York, New York
October 24, 1985
Many echoes of JFK'S 61+63
of the Federal Regis-
address to the UN
23, 1985]
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General,
its failure to deal with real security issues,
honored guests, and distinguished delegates,
the total inversion of morality in the infa-
thank you for the honor of permitting me
mous Zionism-is-racism resolution, the poli-
the 40th
to speak on this anniversary for the United
ticization of too many agencies, the misuse
Nations. Forty years ago, the world awoke
of too many resources. The U.N. is a politi-
ew York, New
daring to believe hatred's unyielding grip
cal institution, and politics requires compro-
had finally been broken, daring to believe
mise. We recognize that, but let us remem-
the torch of peace would be protected in
ber from those first days, one guiding star
liberty's firm grasp. Forty years ago, the
was supposed to light our path toward the
world yearned to dream again innocent
U.N. vision of peace and progress-a star of
ions is a symbol of
dreams, to believe in ideals with innocent
freedom.
rise beyond his own
trust. Dreams of trust are worthy, but in
What kind of people will we be 40 years
by the high ideals
these 40 years too many dreams have been
from today? May we answer: free people,
d have defined and
shattered, too many promises have been
worthy of freedom and firm in the convic-
the ages.
broken, too many lives have been lost. The
tion that freedom is not the sole preroga-
the United States
painful truth is that the use of violence to
tive of a chosen few, but the universal right
Nations and in what
take, to exercise, and to preserve power re-
of all God's children. This is the universal
criticized it some-
mains a persistent reality in much of the
declaration of human rights set forth in
we felt that it was
world.
1948, and this is the affirming flame the
should be. And we
The vision of the U.N. Charter-to spare
United States has held high to a watching
frustrated, but we
succeeding generations this scourge of
world. We champion freedom not only be-
lieving in its possi-
war-remains real. It still stirs our soul and
cause it is practical and beneficial but be-
stopped taking the
warms our hearts, but it also demands of us
cause it is morally right and just. Free
y. That is why we
a realism that is rockhard, clear-eyed,
people whose governments rest upon the
0 it that the United
steady, and sure-a realism that under-
consent of the governed do not wage war
noble potential to
stands the nations of the United Nations are
on their neighbors. Free people blessed by
edom, defend indi-
not united. I come before you this morning
economic opportunity and protected by
onomic growth and
preoccupied with peace, with ensuring that
laws that respect the dignity of the individ-
en the rule of law.
the differences between some of us not be
ual are not driven toward the domination of
rs after the birth of
permitted to degenerate into open conflict,
others.
15 years before the
and I come offering for my own country a
We readily acknowledge that the United
ose tribulations in-
new commitment, a fresh start.
States is far from perfect. Yet we have en-
seize the moment.
On this U.N. anniversary, we acknowl-
deavored earnestly to carry out our respon-
sion of the charter
edge its successes: the decisive action
sibilities to the charter these past 40 years,
S upon which the
during the Korean war, negotiation of the
and we take national pride in our contribu-
us resolve to make
nonproliferation treaty, strong support for
tions to peace. We take pride in 40 years of
e world it repre-
decolonization, and the laudable achieve-
helping avert a new world war and pride in
e. And let us renew
ments by the United Nations High Commis-
our alliances that protect and preserve us
ually and together,
sioner for Refugees. Nor must we close our
and our friends from aggression. We take
the rights of man.
eyes to this organization's disappointments:
pride in the Camp David agreements and
1285
Oct. 24 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985
our efforts for peace in the Middle East,
entific and artistic creativity; and, yes, wel-
rooted in resolutions 242 and 338; in sup-
come a competition for the good will of the
porting Pakistan, target of outside intimida-
world's people. But we cannot accommo-
tion; in assisting El Salvador's struggle to
date ourselves to the use of force and sub-
carry forward its democratic revolution; in
version to consolidate and expand the reach
answering the appeal of our Caribbean
of totalitarianism. When Mr. Gorbachev and
friends in Grenada; in seeing Grenada's
I meet in Geneva next month, I look to a
Representative here today voting the will of
fresh start in the relationship of our two
its own people; and we take pride in our
nations. We can and should meet in the
proposals to reduce the weapons of war. We
spirit that we can deal with our differences
submit this history as evidence of our sin-
peacefully. And that is what we expect.
cerity of purpose. But today it is more im-
The only way to resolve differences is to
portant to speak to you about what my
understand them. We must have candid
country proposes to do in these closing
and complete discussions of where dangers
years of the 20th century to bring about a
exist and where peace is being disrupted.
safer, a more peaceful, a more civilized
Make no mistake, our policy of open and
world.
vigorous competition rests on a realistic
Let us begin with candor, with words that
view of the world. And therefore, at
rest on plain and simple facts. The differ-
Geneva we must review the reasons for the
ences between America and the Soviet
Union are deep and abiding. The United
current level of mistrust. For example, in
States is a democratic nation. Here the
1972 the international community negotiat-
people rule. We build no walls to keep
ed in good faith a ban on biological and
them in, nor organize any system of police
toxin weapons; in 1975 we negotiated the
to keep them mute. We occupy no country.
Helsinki accords on human rights and free-
The only land abroad we occupy is beneath
doms; and during the decade just past, the
the graves where our heroes rest. What is
United States and the Soviet Union negoti-
called the West is a voluntary association of
ated several agreements on strategic weap-
free nations, all of whom fiercely value
ons. And yet we feel it will be necessary at
their independence and their sovereignty.
Geneva to discuss with the Soviet Union
And as deeply as we cherish our beliefs, we
what we believe are violations of a number
do not seek to compel others to share them.
of the provisions in all of these agreements.
When we enjoy these vast freedoms as
Indeed, this is why it is important that we
we do, it's difficult for us to understand the
have this opportunity to air our differences
restrictions of dictatorships which seek to
through face-to-face meetings, to let frank
control each institution and every facet of
talk substitute for anger and tension.
people's lives-the expression of their be-
The United States has never sought trea-
liefs, their movements, and their contacts
ties merely to paper over differences. We
with the outside world. It's difficult for us to
continue to believe that a nuclear war is
understand the ideological premise that
one that cannot be won and must never be
force is an acceptable way to expand a po-
fought. And that is why we have sought for
litical system. We Americans do not accept
nearly 10 years-still seek and will discuss
that any government has the right to com-
in Geneva-radical, equitable, verifiable re-
mand and order the lives of its people, that
ductions in these vast arsenals of offensive
any nation has an historic right to use force
nuclear weapons. At the beginning of the
to export its ideology. This belief, regarding
latest round of the ongoing negotiations in
the nature of man and the limitations of
Geneva, the Soviet Union presented a spe-
government, is at the core of our deep and
cific proposal involving numerical values.
abiding differences with the Soviet Union,
We are studying the Soviet counterproposal
differences that put us into natural conflict
carefully. I believe that within their propos-
and competition with one another.
al there are seeds which we should nurture,
Now, we would welcome enthusiastically
and in the coming weeks we will seek to
a true competition of ideas; welcome a
establish a genuine process of give and take.
competition of economic strength and sci-
The United States is also seeking to discuss
1286
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985 / Oct. 24
and, yes, wel-
with the Soviet Union in Geneva the vital
but to preserve human lives." Preserving
od will of the
relationship between offensive and defen-
lives-no peace is more fundamental than
ot accommo-
sive systems, including the possibility of
that. Great obstacles lie ahead, but they
rce and sub-
moving toward a more stable and secure
should not deter us. Peace is God's com-
nd the reach
world in which defenses play a growing
mandment. Peace is the holy shadow cast
bachev and
role.
by men treading on the path of virtue.
, I look to a
The ballistic missile is the most awesome,
But just as we all know what peace is, we
of our two
threatening, and destructive weapon in the
certainly know what peace is not. Peace
meet in the
history of man. Thus, I welcome the inter-
based on repression cannot be true peace
r differences
est of the new Soviet leadership in the re-
and is secure only when individuals are free
expect.
duction of offensive strategic forces. Ulti-
to direct their own governments. Peace
erences is to
mately, we must remove this menace, once
based on partition cannot be true peace.
have candid
and for all, from the face of the Earth. Until
Put simply: Nothing can justify the continu-
ere dangers
that day, the United States seeks to escape
ing and permanent division of the Europe-
g disrupted.
the prison of mutual terror by research and
an Continent. Walls of partition and distrust
f open and
testing that could, in time, enable us to neu-
must give way to greater communication
a realistic
tralize the threat of these ballistic missiles
for an open world. Before leaving for
erefore, at
and, ultimately, render them obsolete.
Geneva, I shall make new proposals to
How is Moscow threatened if the capitals
sons for the
achieve this goal. Peace based on mutual
of other nations are protected? We do not
example, in
fear cannot be true peace, because staking
ask that the Soviet leaders, whose country
ty negotiat-
our future on a precarious balance of terror
has suffered SO much from war, to leave
logical and
is not good enough. The world needs a bal-
their people defenseless against foreign
otiated the
ance of safety. And finally, a peace based on
attack. Why then do they insist that we
S and free-
remain undefended? Who is threatened if
averting our eyes from trouble cannot be
st past, the
Western research and Soviet research, that
true peace. The consequences of conflict
ion negoti-
is itself well-advanced, should develop a
are every bit as tragic when the destruction
egic weap-
nonnuclear system which would threaten
is contained within one country.
ecessary at
Kannedo
not human beings but only ballistic missiles?
Real peace is what we seek, and that is
viet Union
Surely, the world will sleep more secure
why today the United States is presenting
a number
when these missiles have been rendered
an initiative that addresses what will be a
greements.
useless, militarily and politically; when the
central issue in Geneva-the issue of re-
nt that we
sword of Damocles that has hung over our
gional conflicts in Africa, Asia, and Central
differences
planet for too many decades is lifted by
America. Our own position is clear: As the
let frank
Western and Russian scientists working to
oldest nation of the New World, as the first
on.
shield their citizens and one day shut down
anticolonial power, the United States re-
ught trea-
space as an avenue of weapons of mass de-
joiced when decolonization gave birth to so
ences. We
struction. If we're destined by history to
many new nations after World War II. We
ar war is
compete, militarily, to keep the peace, then
have always supported the right of the
never be
let us compete in systems that defend our
people of each nation to define their own
sought for
societies rather than weapons which can de-
destiny. We have given $300 billion since
ill discuss
stroy us both and much of God's creation
1945 to help people of other countries, and
ifiable re-
along with us.
we've tried to help friendly governments
offensive
Some 18 years ago, then-Premier Aleksei
defend against aggression, subversion, and
ig of the
Kosygin was asked about a moratorium on
terror.
iations in
the development of an antimissile defense
We have noted with great interest similar
ed a spe-
system. The official news agency, TASS, re-
expressions of peaceful intent by leaders of
1 values.
ported that he replied with these words: "I
the Soviet Union. I am not here to chal-
rproposal
believe the defensive systems, which pre-
lenge the good faith of what they say. But
r propos-
vent attack, are not the cause of the arms
isn't it important for us to weigh the record
nurture,
race, but constitute a factor preventing the
as well? In Afghanistan, there are 118,000
seek to
death of people. Maybe an antimissile
Soviet troops prosecuting war against the
and take.
system is more expensive than an offensive
Afghan people. In Cambodia, 140,000
) discuss
system, but it is designed not to kill people,
Soviet-backed Vietnamese soldiers wage a
1287
Oct. 24 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985
war of occupation. In Ethiopia, 1,700 Soviet
tions take hold and the parties directly in-
advisers are involved in military planning
volved are making real progress, represent-
and support operations along with 2,500
atives of the United States and the Soviet
Cuban combat troops. In Angola, 1,200
Union should sit down together. It is not for
Soviet military advisers involved in plan-
us to impose any solutions in this separate
ning and supervising combat operations
set of talks; such solutions would not last.
along with 35,000 Cuban troops. In Nicara-
But the issue we should address is how best
gua, some 8,000 Soviet-bloc and Cuban per-
to support the ongoing talks among the
sonnel, including about 3,500 military and
warring parties. In some cases, it might well
secret police personnel.
be appropriate to consider guarantees for
All of these conflicts-some of them un-
any agreements already reached. But in
derway for a decade-originate in local dis-
every case, the primary task is to promote
putes, but they share a common characteris-
this goal: verified elimination of the foreign
tic: They are the consequence of an ideolo-
military presence and restraint on the flow
gy imposed from without, dividing nations
of outside arms.
and creating regimes that are, almost from
And finally, if these first two steps are
the day they take power, at war with their
successful, we could move on to the third:
own people. And in each case, Marxism-
welcoming each country back into the
Leninism's war with the people becomes
world economy so its citizens can share in
war with their neighbors. These wars are
the dynamic growth that other developing
exacting a staggering human toll and
countries, countries that are at peace, enjoy.
threaten to spill across national boundaries
Despite past differences with these regimes,
and trigger dangerous confrontations.
Where is it more appropriate than right
the United States would respond generously
to their democratic reconciliation with their
here at the United Nations to call attention
to article II of our charter, which instructs
own people, their respect for human rights,
members to refrain "from the use or threat
and their return to the family of free na-
or use of force against the territorial integri-
tions. Of course, until such time as these
ty or political independence of any
negotiations result in definitive progress,
state.
"? During the past decade, these
America's support for struggling democratic
wars played a large role in building suspi-
resistance forces must not and shall not
cions and tensions in my country over the
cease.
purpose of Soviet policy. This gives us an
This plan is bold; it is realistic. It is not a
extra reason to address them seriously
substitute for existing peacemaking efforts;
today.
it complements them. We're not trying to
Last year, I proposed from this podium
solve every conflict in every region of the
that the United States and Soviet Union
globe, and we recognize that each conflict
hold discussions on some of these issues, and
has its own character. Naturally, other re-
we have done so. But I believe these prob-
gional problems will require different ap-
lems need more than talk. For that reason,
proaches. But we believe that the recurrent
we are proposing and are fully committed
pattern of conflict that we see in these five
to support a regional peace process that
cases ought to be broken as soon as possible.
seeks progress on three levels.
We must begin somewhere, so let us begin
First, we believe the starting point must
where there is great need and great hope.
be a process of negotiation among the war-
This will be a clear step forward to help
ring parties in each country I've mentioned,
people choose their future more freely.
which in the case of Afghanistan includes
Moreover, this is an extraordinary opportu-
the Soviet Union. The form of these talks
nity for the Soviet side to make a contribu-
may and should vary, but negotiations and
tion to regional peace which, in turn, can
an improvement of internal political condi-
promote future dialog and negotiations on
tions are essential to achieving an end to
other critical issues.
violence, the withdrawal of foreign troops,
With hard work and imagination, there is
and national reconciliation.
no limit to what, working together, our na-
There is a second level. Once negotia-
tions can achieve. Gaining a peaceful reso-
1288
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985 / Oct. 24
ties directly in-
lution of these conflicts will open whole
people and from our long struggle and sac-
ress, represent-
new vistas of peace and progress-the dis-
rifice for our liberties and the liberties of
and the Soviet
covery that the promise of the future lies
others. Americans always yearn for peace.
er. It is not for
not in measures of military defense or the
They have a passion for life. They carry in
n this separate
control of weapons, but in the expansion of
their hearts a deep capacity for reconcilia-
vould not last.
individual freedom and human rights. Only
tion.
ess is how best
when the human spirit can worship, create,
Last year at this General Assembly, I indi-
ks among the
and build, only when people are given a
cated there was every reason for the United
i, it might well
personal stake in determining their own
States and the Soviet Union to shorten the
guarantees for
destiny and benefiting from their own risks,
distance between us. In Geneva, the first
ched. But in
do societies become prosperous, progres-
meeting between our heads of government
is to promote
sive, dynamic, and free.
in more than 6 years, Mr. Gorbachev and I
of the foreign
We need only open our eyes to the eco-
will have that opportunity. So, yes, let us go
it on the flow
nomic evidence all around us. Nations that
to Geneva with both sides committed to
deny their people opportunity-in Eastern
dialog. Let both sides go committed to a
two steps are
Europe, Indochina, southern Africa, and
world with fewer nuclear weapons, and
to the third:
Latin America-without exception, are
some day with none. Let both sides go com-
ack into the
dropping further behind in the race for the
mitted to walk together on a safer path into
can share in
future. But where we see enlightened lead-
the 21st century and to lay the foundation
ers who understand that economic freedom
er developing
for enduring peace. It is time, indeed, to do
and personal incentive are key to develop-
peace, enjoy.
more than just talk of a better world. It is
ment, we see economies striding forward.
hese regimes,
time to act. And we will act when nations
d generously
Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, India,
cease to try to impose their ways upon
Botswana, and China-these are among the
on with their
others. And we will act when they realize
current and emerging success stories be-
uman rights,
that we, for whom the achievement of free-
cause they have the courage to give eco-
y of free na-
dom has come dear, will do what we must
nomic incentives a chance.
ime as these
Let us all heed the simple eloquence in
to preserve it from assault.
ve progress,
Andrei Sakharov's Nobel Peace Prize mes-
America is committed to the world be-
g democratic
sage: "International trust, mutual under-
cause so much of the world is inside Amer-
d shall not
standing, disarmament and international se-
ica. After all, only a few miles from this
curity are inconceivable without an open
very room is our Statue of Liberty, past
C. It is not a
society with freedom of information, free-
which life began anew for millions, where
king efforts;
dom of conscience, the right to publish and
the peoples from nearly every country in
ot trying to
Bishhas
the right to travel and choose the country
this hall joined to build these United States.
egion of the
in which one wishes to live." At the core,
The blood of each nation courses through
each conflict
this is an eternal truth; freedom works.
the American vein and feeds the spirit that
y, other re-
lifferent ap-
Y
That is the promise of the open world and
compels us to involve ourselves in the fate
awaits only our collective grasp. Forty years
of this good Earth. It is the same spirit that
e recurrent
ynis
ago, hope came alive again for a world that
warms our heart in concern to help ease
n these five
hungered for hope. I believe fervently that
the desperate hunger that grips proud
as possible.
hope is still alive.
people on the African Continent. It is the
let us begin
The United States has spoken with candor
internationalist spirit that came together
great hope.
and conviction today, but that does not
last month when our neighbor Mexico was
ard to help
lessen these strong feelings held by every
struck suddenly by an earthquake. Even as
ore freely.
American. It's in the nature of Americans to
the Mexican nation moved vigorously into
ry opportu-
hate war and its destructiveness. We would
action, there were heartwarming offers by
a contribu-
rather wage our struggle to rebuild and
other nations offering to help and glimpses
1 turn, can
renew, not to tear down. We would rather
of people working together, without con-
tiations on
fight against hunger, disease, and catastro-
cern for national self-interest or gain.
phe. We would rather engage our adversar-
And if there was any meaning to salvage
on, there is
ies in the battle of ideals and ideas for the
out of that tragedy, it was found one day in
er, our na-
future. These principles emerge from the
a huge mound of rubble that was once the
ceful reso-
innate openness and good character of our
Juarez Hospital in Mexico City. A week
1289
Oct. 24 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985
after that terrible event, and as another day
nurture and preserve, to foster, not only for
of despair unfolded, a team of workers
today's world but for a better one to come.
heard a faint sound coming from some-
There is no purpose more noble than for us
where in the heart of the crushed concrete.
to sustain and celebrate life in a turbulent
Hoping beyond hope, they quickly bur-
world, and that is what we must do now.
rowed toward it. And as the late afternoon
We have no higher duty, no greater cause
light faded, and racing against time, they
as humans. Life and the preservation of
found what they had heard, and the first of
freedom to live it in dignity is what we are
three baby girls, newborn infants, emerged
on this Earth to do. Everything we work to
to the safety of the rescue team. And let me
achieve must seek that end SO that some
tell you the scene through the eyes of one
day our prime ministers, our premiers, our
who was there. "Everyone was so quiet
presidents, and our general secretaries will
when they lowered that little baby down in
talk not of war and peace, but only of
a basket covered with blankets. The baby
peace. We've had 40 years to begin. Let us
didn't make a sound either. But the minute
not waste one more moment to give back
to the world all that we can in return for
they put her in the Red Cross ambulance,
this miracle of life.
everybody just got up and cheered." Well,
Thank you all. God bless you all.
amidst all that hopelessness and debris
came a timely and timeless lesson for us all.
Note: The President spoke at 10:08 a.m. in
We witnessed the miracle of life.
the General Assembly Hall at the United
It is on this that I believe our nations can
Nations. Upon his arrival at the United Na-
make a renewed commitment. The miracle
tions, the President was greeted by Secre-
of life is given by One greater than our-
tary General Javier Perez de Cuellar de la
selves, but once given, each life is ours to
Guerra.
Informal Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With Soviet
Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze in New York, New York
October 24, 1985
Q. Mr. President, why were you so tough
that one.
in outlining Soviet misdeeds today?
Q. Is there any questions you will
The President. You haven't been around
answer?
for previous photo ops, but I've made it a
Q. Mr. Shevardnadze, what, sir, do you
rule today not to take any questions.
think of the President's plan for settling re-
Q. Mr. Shevardnadze, what did you think
gional conflicts?
of the President's speech, sir?
The Foreign Minister. That's what we
The Foreign Minister. Well, I've outlined
shall be discussing.
it in my speech today.
Q. In this meeting here?
Q. It sounded like you didn't like it.
Q. Does it make arms control—
Q. Are you going to talk to Mr. Shevard-
The Foreign Minister. I don't think we
nadze about your plan for settling regional
shall be able to discuss it today because of
conflicts in this meeting?
the shortage of time-all of it today.
The President. No answers, Sam [Sam
Q. But does it have some positive as-
Donaldson, ABC News].
pects?
Q. Mr. President, [Nicaraguan President]
The Foreign Minister. If there were no
Ortega says that your speech flew in the
positive seeds, we would not have met at
face of peace.
all.
The President. Never have I regretted so
Q. Do you think it makes arms control
much that I'm not giving an answer as on
less important, Mr. Shevardnadze?
1290
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986 / Sept. 22
of our Nation's
her education.
Proclamation 5530-Ethnic American Day, 1986
I have hereunto set
September 20, 1986
day of September,
I nineteen hundred
By the President of the United States
ment, sports, religion, and the media. The
e Independence of
of America
efforts of ethnic Americans in bolstering the
erica the two hun-
values of faith, freedom, family, work, and
A Proclamation
country have served to strengthen the
Americans are a unique people, a colorful
fabric of our national life and have made
RONALD REAGAN
tapestry of traditions and cultures woven
America a culturally richer and more vi-
into one vibrant society. The motto graven
brant land in which to live.
f the Federal Regis-
on our coins-E Pluribus Unum-reflects
The Congress, by Public Law 99-206, has
23, 1986]
the rich diversity from which America
designated September 21, 1986, as "Ethnic
draws its strength and vitality.
was released by the
American Day" and authorized and re-
Since the founding of our Republic more
etary on September
quested the President to issue a proclama-
than 200 years ago, millions of immigrants
tion in observance of this event.
have made the journey of freedom to our
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, Presi-
shores. America has drawn the stoutest
dent of the United States of America, do
hearts from every corner of the globe, from
hereby proclaim September 21, 1986, as
every Nation on earth. Some came to
Ethnic American Day. I call upon the
Awareness
escape the chains of religious persecution,
others to flee the bonds of political oppres-
people of the United States to acknowledge
sion, and still others came seeking a land of
and advance mutual understanding and
opportunity, the chance to begin life anew.
friendship among all Americans regardless
Some of the most recent have scaled walls
of their ethnicity.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
this event.
and crawled under barbed wire and
ald Reagan, Presi-
through mine fields, while others risked
my hand this twentieth day of September,
tes of America, do
their lives in makeshift boats on perilous
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred
and eighty-six, and of the Independence of
ek beginning Sep-
seas.
No matter how they came, today they are
the United States of America the two hun-
ational School-Age
'eek.
all Americans who take pride in the tradi-
dred and eleventh.
have hereunto set
tions of their ancestral homeland while at
RONALD REAGAN
day of September,
the same time dedicating themselves
nineteen hundred
wholeheartedly to the principles for which
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
e Independence of
our Nation stands. They now are taking
ter, 2:47 p.m., September 23, 1986]
erica the two hun-
their full and rightful place in America's
social and political life. Their contributions
Note: The proclamation was released by the
are legion in every area of endeavor: sci-
Office of the Press Secretary on September
RONALD REAGAN
ence, the arts, medicine, business, govern-
22.
the Federal Regis-
23, 1986]
Address to the 41st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
vas released by the
tary on September
in New York, New York
September 22, 1986
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General,
of worship," Dag Hammarskjöld once said
honored guests, and distinguished delegates,
about this room, "devotion to something
a short walk from this chamber is the dele-
which is greater and higher than we are
gates Meditation Room, a refuge from a
ourselves." Well, it's just such devotion that
world deafened by the noise of strife and
gave birth to the United Nations-devotion
violence. "We want to bring back the idea
to the dream of world peace and freedom,
1227
Sept. 22 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986
of human rights and democratic self-deter-
our views of history and the future of man-
mination, of a time when, in those ancient
kind. But despite these differences, we re-
words,
and they shall beat their
solved to work together for real reductions
swords into plowshares
nation shall not
in nuclear arms, as well as progress in other
lift up sword against nation, neither shall
areas.
they learn war anymore."
Delegates to the 41st General Assembly
The United States remains committed to
of the United Nations: Today I want to
the United Nations. For over 40 years this
report to you on what has transpired since
organization has provided an international
the summit, notably the important letter I
forum for harmonizing conflicting national
sent July 25th to Mr. Gorbachev. In that
interests and has made a significant contri-
letter, I dealt with the important issues of
bution in such fields as peacekeeping, hu-
reducing nuclear arms, agreeing on strate-
manitarian assistance, and eradicating dis-
gic defenses, and limiting nuclear testing.
ease. And yet no one knows better than
In addition to those issues, which concern
those in this chamber how the noble ideals
the military aspects of Soviet-American re-
embodied in the charter have often re-
lations, I would also like to address other
mained unfulfilled. This organization itself
essential steps toward peace: the resolution
faces a critical hour-that is usually stated
of political conflicts, the strengthening of
as a fiscal crisis. But we can turn this crisis
the international economy, and the protec-
into an opportunity. The important reforms
tion of human rights. Before I do this, how-
proposed by a group of experts can be a
ever, let me, in the tradition of candor es-
first step toward restoring the organization's
status and effectiveness. The issue, ultimate-
tablished at Geneva, tell you that a pall has
been cast over our relations with the Soviet
ly, is not one of cash but of credibility. If all
the members of this universal organization
Union. I refer here to a particularly disturb-
decide to seize the moment and turn the
ing example of Soviet transgressions against
rhetoric of reform into reality, the future of
human rights.
the U.N. will be secure. And you have my
Recently, after the arrest of a Soviet na-
word for it: My country, which has always
tional and U.N. employee accused of espio-
given the U.N. generous support, will con-
nage in the United States, an American cor-
tinue to play a leading role in the effort to
respondent in Moscow was made the sub-
achieve its noble purposes.
ject of fabricated accusations and trumped-
When I came before you last year, an
up charges. He was arrested and jailed in a
important moment in the pursuit of those
callous disregard of due process and numer-
purposes had not yet occurred. The leaders
ous human rights conventions. In effect, he
of the Soviet Union and the United States
was taken as a hostage-even threatened
were to meet in Geneva. These discussions
with the death penalty. Both individuals
have now been held. For over 15 hours
have now been remanded to their respec-
Soviet and American delegations met; for
tive Ambassadors. But this is only an inter-
about 5 hours General Secretary Gorbachev
im step agreed to by the United States for
and I talked, alone. Our talks were frank.
humanitarian reasons. It does not change
The talks were also productive-in a larger
the facts of the case: Gennadi Zakharov is
sense than even the documents that were
an accused spy who should stand trial; Nich-
agreed. Mr. Gorbachev was blunt, and so
olas Daniloff is an innocent hostage who
was I. We came to realize again the truth of
should be released. The Soviet Union bears
the statement: Nations do not mistrust each
the responsibility for the consequences of
other because they are armed; they are
its action. Misusing the United Nations for
armed because they mistrust each other.
purposes of espionage does a grave disserv-
And I did not hesitate to tell Mr. Gorbachev
ice to this organization. And the world ex-
our view of the source of that mistrust: the
pects better. It expects contributions to the
Soviet Union's record of seeking to impose
cause of peace that only the leaders of the
its ideology and rule on others. So, we ac-
United States and the Soviet Union can
knowledged the deep and abiding differ-
make.
ences between our systems of government,
It is for this reason that I wrote last
1228
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986 / Sept. 22
he future of man-
summer to Mr. Gorbachev with new arms
their effort in the new round of Geneva
ifferences, we re-
control proposals. Before discussing the pro-
talks and if we keep the promises we made
or real reductions
posals, let us be clear about which weapons
to each other last November. For too long a
progress in other
are the most dangerous and threatening to
time, however, the Soviet response has
peace. The threat does not come from de-
been to downplay the need for offensive
General Assembly
fensive systems, which are a shield against
reductions. When the United States began
Today I want to
attack, but from offensive weapons-ballis-
work on technology to make offensive nu-
s/transpired since
tic missiles that hurtle through space and
clear weapons someday obsolete, the Sovi-
Important letter I
can wreak mass destruction on the surface
ets tried to make that the main issue-as if
orbachev. In that
of the Earth, especially the Soviet Union's
the main danger to strategic stability was a
nportant issues of
heavy, accurate ICBM's, with multiple war-
defense against missiles that is still on the
greeing on strate-
heads, which have no counterparts in size
drawing boards, rather than the menacing
J nuclear testing.
or number in any other country. And that is
ballistic missiles themselves that already
S, which concern
why the United States has long urged radi-
exist in excessive numbers.
viet-American re-
cal, equitable, verifiable reductions in these
Still, the United States recognizes that
to address other
offensive systems. Note that I said "reduc-
both the offensive and defensive sides of
ce: the resolution
tion," for this is the real purpose of arms
the strategic equation must be addressed.
control-not just to codify the levels of
strengthening of
And we have gone far to meet Soviet con-
v, and the protec-
today's arsenals, not just to channel their
cerns expressed about the potential offen-
re I do this, how-
further expansion, but to reduce them in
sive use of strategic defensive systems. I
tion of candor es-
ways that will reduce the danger of war.
have offered firm and concrete assurances
Indeed, the United States believes the pros-
ou that a pall has
that our SDI could never be used to deploy
ns with the Soviet
pect of a future without such weapons of
mass destruction must be the ultimate goal
weapons in space that can cause mass de-
articularly disturb-
of arms control.
struction on Earth. I have pointed out that
asgressions against
the radical reduction we seek now in offen-
I am pleased to say that the Soviet Union
sive arsenals would be additional insurance
has now embraced our idea of radical re-
st of a Soviet na-
ductions in offensive systems. At the
that SDI cannot be used to support a first-
accused of espio-
Geneva summit last November, we agreed
strike strategy. And our preference from
an American cor-
to intensify work in this area. Since then
the beginning has been to move forward
as made the sub-
the Soviets have made detailed proposals
cooperatively with the Soviets on strategic
ons and trumped-
which, while not acceptable to us, appear to
defenses so that neither side will feel
ed and jailed in a
threatened and both can benefit from the
represent a serious effort. So, we continue
rocess and numer-
to seek a 50-percent reduction of American
strategic revolution that SDI represents.
ions. In effect, he
and Soviet arsenals, with the central focus
The United States continues to respect
-even threatened
on the reduction of ballistic missile war-
the antiballistic missile treaty-in spite of
Both individuals
heads. If the Soviet Union wants only a
clear evidence the Soviets are violating it.
d to their respec-
lesser reduction, however, we are prepared
We have told the Soviets that if we can
S is only an inter-
to consider it-but as an interim measure.
both agree on radical reductions in strategic
United States for
In other provisions as well, we have sought
offensive weapons, we are prepared right
does not change
to take account of Soviet concerns. So,
now to sign an agreement with them on
inadi Zakharov is
there has been movement. Similarly, in the
research, development, testing, and deploy-
! stand trial; Nich-
area of intermediate-range nuclear forces,
ment of strategic defenses based on the fol-
ent hostage who
the United States seeks the total elimination
lowing:
oviet Union bears
of such missiles on a global basis. Again, if
First, both sides would agree to confine
consequences of
the Soviet Union insists on pursuing such a
themselves through 1991 to research, devel-
nited Nations for
goal in stages, we are prepared to conclude
opment, and testing-which is permitted by
S a grave disserv-
an interim agreement without delay.
the ABM treaty-to determine whether ad-
nd the world ex-
All this gives me hope. I can tell you the
vanced systems of strategic defense are
ntributions to the
exchanges between our two sides this
technically feasible.
he leaders of the
summer could well have marked the begin-
Second, a new treaty signed now would
oviet Union can
ning of a serious, productive negotiation on
provide that if, after 1991, either side
arms reduction. The ice of the negotiating
should decide to deploy such a system, that
nat I wrote last
stalemate could break if both sides intensify
side would be obliged to offer a plan for
1229
Sept. 22 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986
sharing the benefits of strategic defense and
tainable progress in limiting nuclear testing.
for eliminating offensive ballistic missiles.
Just a few days ago, I received a reply from
And this plan would be negotiated over a 2-
General Secretary Gorbachev to my letter
year period.
of July 25th. And for the moment, let me
Third, if the two sides can't agree after 2
say simply that we are giving it serious and
years of negotiation, either side would be
careful consideration.
free to deploy an advanced strategic defen-
As we move toward our goal of eliminat-
sive system after giving 6 months notice to
ing nuclear weapons, it is vital that we also
the other.
address important imbalances of other kinds
As the United States has repeatedly made
of weapons. And this is why the United
clear, we are moving toward a future of
States has proposed a comprehensive global
greater reliance upon strategic defense. The
ban on all chemical weapons and why we
United States remains prepared to talk
and our allies have tried hard to break the
about how-under what ground rules and
stalemate in the conventional force negotia-
process-we and the Soviet Union can do
tions in Vienna. And in the Stockholm Con-
this cooperatively. Such strategic defenses,
ference a major advance has been
coupled with radical reductions in offensive
achieved-a concrete, new set of military
forces, would represent a safer balance and
confidence-building measures which in-
would give future statesmen the opportuni-
cludes inspections.
ty to move beyond it-to the ultimate
But we must remember from the experi-
elimination of nuclear weapons from the
ence of the 1970's that progress in arms
face of the Earth.
control cannot be divorced from regional
In addition to our proposals on offensive
reductions and strategic defense, we have
political developments. As I said at the be-
suggested new steps in another area: nucle-
ginning, political tensions cause the military
ar testing. Just as eliminating all nuclear
competition, not the other way around. But
while the United States and the Soviet
weapons is our long-term goal, so, too, is a
total ban on nuclear testing. But both must
Union disagree over the root causes of polit-
be approached with practical steps, for the
ical tension, we do agree that regional con-
reality is that for now we still must rely on
flicts could escalate into global confronta-
these weapons for the deterrence of war.
tion. Last year from this rostrum, I present-
Thus, the safety and reliability of our deter-
ed a formula for peace which would, apply
rent are themselves critical to peace. The
to five critical regional conflicts that are po-
United States is proud of its record of nucle-
tential flashpoints for wider conflict. I point-
ar safety and intends to maintain it. Never-
ed out how difficult it is for the United
theless, we are, as I said, ready now to take
States to accept Soviet assurances of peace-
two important steps toward limiting nuclear
ful intent when 126,000 Soviet troops pros-
testing. First, we are ready to move forward
ecute a vicious war against the Afghan
on ratification of the threshold test ban
people; when 140,000 Soviet-backed Viet-
treaty and the treaty on peaceful nuclear
namese soldiers wage war on the people of
explosions, once agreement is reached on
Cambodia; when 1,700 Soviet advisers and
improved verification procedures. We have
2,500 Cuban combat troops are involved in
proposed new ideas to make this possible.
military planning and operations in Ethio-
Second, upon ratification of those treaties,
pia; when 1,300 Soviet military advisers and
and in association with a program to reduce
36,000 Cuban troops direct and participate
and ultimately eliminate all nuclear weap-
in combat operations to prop up an unpop-
ons, we're prepared to discuss ways to im-
ular, repressive regime in Angola; when
plement a step-by-step, parallel program of
hundreds of millions of dollars in Soviet
limiting and ultimately ending nuclear test-
arms and Soviet-bloc advisers help a dicta-
ing.
torial regime in Nicaragua try to subvert
These are steps we could take in the near
and betray a popular revolution.
future to show the world that we are
The danger inherent in these conflicts
moving forward. And I, therefore, call upon
must be recognized. Marxist-Leninist re-
the Soviet Union to join us in practical, at-
gimes tend to wage war as readily against
1230
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986 / Sept. 22
g nuclear testing.
their neighbors as they routinely do against
the General Assembly consideration of the
ived a reply from
their own people. In fact, the internal and
Tokyo resolutions.
hev to my letter
external wars often become indistinguish-
Moving to the economic realm-how
moment, let me
able. In Afghanistan, for example, the
ironic it is that some continue to espouse
ing it serious and
puppet regime has announced its intention
such ideas as a "new international economic
to relocate tens of thousands of people from
order" based on state control when the
goal of eliminat-
border areas. Can anyone doubt this will be
world is learning, as never before, that the
vital that we also
done in classic Communist style-by force?
freedom of the individual, not the power of
ces of other kinds
Many will die to make it easier for the Sovi-
the state, is the key to economic dynamism
ets and their satellite troops to intimidate
why the United
and growth. Nations have turned away from
Pakistan. It is just such transgressions that
prehensive global
centralized management and government
make the risk of confrontation with demo-
ons and why we
controls and toward the incentives and re-
cratic nations so acute.
hard to break the
wards of the free market. They have invit-
So, once again, I propose a three-point
nal force negotia-
ed their citizens to develop their talents
peace process for the resolution of regional
Stockholm Con-
and abilities to the fullest and, in the proc-
conflicts: First, talks between the warring
ance has been
ess, to provide jobs, to create wealth, to
parties themselves, without which an end to
W set of military
build social stability and foster faith in the
violence and national reconciliation are im-
sures which in-
future for all. The economic summits of the
possible; second, discussions between the
United States and Soviet Union-not to
industrial democracies have paid tribute to
from the experi-
these principles, as has the historic U.N.
impose solutions but to support peace talks
progress in arms
and eventually eliminate the supply of arms
Special Session on Africa in May. We ap-
ed from regional
and the proxy troops from abroad; and
plaud the African nations' call for reform,
I said at the be-
third, if the talks are successful, joint efforts
leading to greater reliance on their private
cause the military
to welcome each country back into the
sectors for economic growth. We believe
way around. But
world economy and the community of na-
that overcoming hunger and economic stag-
and the Soviet
tions that respect human rights.
nation requires policies that encourage Afri-
ot causes of polit-
In addition to regional disputes, the grave
cans' own productivity and initiatives. Such
that regional con-
threat of terrorism also jeopardizes the
a policy framework will make it easier for
global confronta-
hopes for peace. No cause, no grievance,
the rest of the world, including the United
ostrum, I present-
can justify it. Terrorism is heinous and intol-
States, to help. The laws of economic incen-
hich would apply
erable. It is the crime of cowards-cowards
tives do not discriminate between devel-
flicts that are po-
who prey on the innocent, the defenseless,
oped and developing countries. They apply
r conflict. I point-
and the helpless. With its allies and other
to all equally.
S for the United
nations, the United States has taken steps to
Much of the recent recovery in the world
urances of peace-
counter terrorism directly, particularly
economy can be directly attributed to this
oviet troops pros-
state-sponsored terrorism. Last April the
growth of economic freedom. And it is this
inst the Afghan
United States demonstrated that it will
trend that offers such hope for the future.
viet-backed Viet-
defend its interests and act against terrorist
And yet this new hope faces a grave threat:
on the people of
aggression. And let me assure all of you
the menace of trade barriers. History shows
viet advisers and
today, especially let me assure any potential
the imposition of such barriers invites retal-
os are involved in
sponsors of terrorism, that the American
iation, which in turn sparks the very sort of
erations in Ethio-
people are of one mind on this issue. Like
trade wars that plunged the world in the
itary advisers and
other civilized peoples of the world, we
1930's deeper into depression and economic
t and participate
have reached our limit. Attacks against our
misery. Truly, protectionism is destruction-
op up an unpop-
citizens or our interests will not go unan-
ism. That is why the United States seeks the
n Angola; when
swered. We will also do all in our power to
assistance of all countries represented here
dollars in Soviet
help other law-abiding nations threatened
in the General Assembly in protecting the
sers help a dicta-
by terrorist attacks. To that end, the United
practice of free and fair trade. We applaud
a try to subvert
States believes that the understandings
the success of the meeting of GATT trade
ition.
reached by the seven industrial democra-
ministers last week in Uruguay, where
a these conflicts
cies at the Tokyo summit last May made a
agreement was reached to launch a new
rxist-Leninist re-
good start toward international accord in
round of multilateral trade negotiations cov-
is readily against
the war on terrorism. We recommend to
ering a wide range of topics important to
1231
Sept. 22 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986
economic growth. With over 90 other coun-
than just an absence of war. True peace is
tries of the GATT, the United States is
justice, true peace is freedom, and true
working to maintain the free flow of inter-
peace dictates the recognition of human
national trade.
rights.
In addition to resistance to protectionism,
Commitments were made more than 10
the United States is also seeking to stimu-
years ago in Helsinki concerning these
late world economic growth in other ways.
rights and their recognition. We need only
Our Treasury bill interest rate is now just
look to the East today to see how sadly
over 5 percent, the lowest it has been in 9
unfulfilled those commitments are. The per-
years-which provides enormous relief to
secution of scientists, religious leaders,
debtor countries. America's new tax struc-
peace activists, political dissenters, and
ture will open the way for greater prosperi-
other prisoners of conscience continues una-
ty at home, which will contribute to greater
bated behind the Iron Curtain. You know,
prosperity abroad. And finally, the United
one section of the Helsinki accords even
States is working with other countries to
speaks to "improvement of working condi-
minimize currency swings, to promote sta-
tions of journalists." So, it is clear that
bility in the monetary market, to establish
progress in the human rights area must
predictability as a basis for prosperity.
keep pace with progress in other areas. A
But the United States believes the great-
failure on this score will hinder further
est contribution we can make to world pros-
movement in East-West relations. These,
perity is the continued advocacy of the
then, are the areas of concern and of oppor-
magic of the marketplace-the truth, the
simple and proven truth, that economic de-
tunity that the United States sees in the
velopment is an outgrowth of economic
quest for peace and freedom, the twin ob-
freedom just as economic freedom is the
jectives of the U.N. Charter.
inseparable twin of political freedom and
Last year I pointed out in my address to
democratic government. And it is here that
the General Assembly the differences be-
we come to our final category: human
tween the United States and the Soviet
rights, the indispensable element for peace,
Union are deep and abiding. But I also
freedom, and prosperity. I note that Mr.
called for a fresh start in relations between
Gorbachev has used in recent speeches the
our two nations, a fresh start that could
same categories I have used here today: the
benefit our own people and the people of
military, the political, and the economic;
every nation. Since that time, the United
except that he titled his fourth category:
States has taken action and put forth new
humanitarian.
proposals that could lead our two countries
Well, the difference is revealing. The
and the entire world in a direction we all
United States believes that respect for the
have long sought to go. Now more than
individual, for the dignity of the human
ever, it is the responsibility of the Soviet
person-those rights outlined in the U.N.'s
Union to take action and demonstrate that
Universal Declaration of Human Rights-
they, too, are continuing the dialog for
does not belong in the realm of charity or
peace. As I've said, I believe that we can be
humanitarian causes. Respect for human
hopeful about the world and the prospects
rights is not social work; it is not merely an
for freedom. We only need look around us
act of compassion. It is the first obligation of
to see the new technologies that may some-
government and the source of its legitima-
day spare future generations the nightmare
cy. It also is the foundation stone in any
of nuclear terror, of the growing ranks of
structure of world peace. All through histo-
democratic activists and freedom fighters,
ry, it has been the dictatorships and the
or the increasing movement toward free
tyrannies that have surrendered first to the
market economies, or the extent of world-
cult of militarism and the pursuit of war.
wide concern about the rights of the indi-
Countries based on the consent of the gov-
vidual in the face of brute, state power.
erned, countries that recognize the unal-
In the past, when I have noted such
ienable rights of the individual, do not
trends-when I've called for a forward
make war on each other. Peace is more
strategy for freedom and predicated the ul-
1232
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986 / Sept. 22
war. True peace is
timate triumph of democratic rule over to-
a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and
reedom, and true
talitarianism-some have accused me of
sacrifice and endurance." Faulkner spoke of
gnition of human
telling people what they want to hear, of
"the old verities and truths of the heart"-
urging them not to engage the day but to
of the courage, honor, pride, compassion,
ade more than 10
escape it. Yet, to hope is to believe in hu-
pity, sacrifice, and, yes, that hope which is
concerning these
manity and in its future. Hope remains the
the glory of our past. And all of these things
ion. We need only
highest reality, the age-old power. Hope is
we find today in our present; we must use
to see how sadly
at the root of all the great ideas and causes
them to build our future.
nents are. The per-
that have bettered the lot of humankind
And it's why today we can lift up our
religious leaders,
across the centuries. History teaches us to
spirits and our hearts. It is why we resolve
di dissenters, and
hope, for it teaches us about man and about
that with God's help the cause of humanity
nce continues una-
the irrepressible human spirit.
will not merely endure but prevail; that
Curtain. You know,
A Nobel laureate in literature, a great
someday all the world-every nation, every
inki accords even
people, every person-will know the bless-
figure of the American South, William
of working condi-
ings of peace and see the light of freedom.
Faulkner, once said that the last sound
it is clear that
Thank you, and God bless you.
heard on Earth would be that of the two
rights area must
remaining humans arguing over where to
in other areas. A
Note: The President spoke at 11 a.m. in the
go in the spaceship they had built. In his
vill hinder further
General Assembly Hall at the United Na-
speech to the Nobel committee in 1950,
t relations. These,
tions in New York. He was introduced by
Faulkner spoke of the nuclear age, of the
cern and of oppor-
Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury, President
general and universal physical fear it had
States sees in the
of the 41st Session of the General Assembly.
engendered, a fear of destruction that had
Upon his arrival at the United Nations, he
edom, the twin ob-
become almost unbearable. But he said, "I
was greeted by Secretary-General Javier
ter.
decline to accept the end of man. I believe
Perez de Cuellar de la Guerra. Following
it in my address to
that man will not merely endure, he will
the President's address, he returned to
the differences be-
prevail. He is immortal
because he has
Washington, DC.
es and the Soviet
biding. But I also
1 relations between
sh start that could
and the people of
Statement on the Conference on Confidence and Security Building
t time, the United
Measures and Disarmament in Europe
and put forth new
September 22, 1986
I our two countries
a direction we all
). Now more than
Today in Stockholm, the United States
powerful force for peace.
bility of the Soviet
and 34 other governments adopted an
The set of militarily significant and verifi-
d demonstrate that
accord that will, if faithfully implemented,
able measures adopted by the Stockholm
ng the dialog for
reduce the risk of war in Europe, where
CDE Conference marks a substantial ad-
ieve that we can be
there is the greatest concentration of mili-
vance over those in the Helsinki Final Act.
and the prospects
tary forces of the East and the West. I wel-
These measures will make military activities
eed look around us
come this positive outcome at the CDE
more predictable and inhibit opportunities
gies that may some-
Conference. It will contribute to greater se-
for political intimidation. In particular, the
tions the nightmare
curity in Europe and to improved East-
Stockholm accord commits the 35 nations to
growing ranks of
West relations. This accord also sends mes-
notify one another of military activities
freedom fighters,
sages that should be welcomed by people
above certain levels, to invite observers, to
ment toward free
throughout the world. It demonstrates that
forecast activities a year in advance, and to
1e extent of world-
East and West, with seriousness of purpose
allow inspectors to verify compliance with
rights of the indi-
and hard work, can establish common
those commitments. This is the first East-
rute, state power.
ground on which to build a more secure
West accord in which the Soviet Union has
have noted such
future. It also demonstrates that the nations
agreed to inspection of military activities on
ed for a forward
of the West, around whose proposals the
its territory. Although these inspection pro-
predicated the ul-
Stockholm accord was built, constitute a
visions are very different from those we
1233
Sept. 21 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1987
Address to the 42d Session of the United Nations General Assembly
in New York, New York
September 21, 1987
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General,
of international affairs, putting the lie to the
Ambassador Reed, honored guests, and dis-
myth of materialism and historical determi-
tinguished delegates: Let me first welcome
nism. We have only to open our eyes to see
the Secretary-General back from his pil-
the simple aspirations of ordinary people
grimage for peace in the Middle East. Hun-
writ large on the record of our times.
dreds of thousands have already fallen in
Last year in the Philippines, ordinary
the bloody conflict between Iran and Iraq.
people rekindled the spirit of democracy
All men and women of good will pray that
and restored the electoral process. Some
the carnage can soon be stopped, and we
said they had performed a miracle, and if
pray that the Secretary-General proves to
so, a similar miracle-a transition to democ-
be not only a pilgrim but also the architect
racy-is taking place in the Republic of
of a lasting peace between those two na-
Korea. Haiti, too, is making a transition.
tions. Mr. Secretary-General, the United
Some despair when these new, young de-
States supports you, and may God guide
mocracies face conflicts or challenges, but
you in your labors ahead.
growing pains are normal in democracies.
Like the Secretary-General, all of us here
The United States had them, as has every
today are on a kind of pilgrimage. We come
other democracy on Earth.
from every continent, every race, and most
In Latin America, too, one can hear the
religions to this great hall of hope, where in
voices of freedom echo from the peaks and
the name of peace we practice diplomacy.
across the plains. It is the song of ordinary
Now, diplomacy, of course, is a subtle and
people marching, not in uniforms and not
nuanced craft, so much so that it's said that
in military file but, rather, one by one, in
when one of the most wily diplomats of the
simple, everyday working clothes, marching
19th century passed away other diplomats
to the polls. Ten years ago only a third of
asked, on reports of his death, "What do
the people of Latin America and the Carib-
you suppose the old fox meant by that?"
bean lived in democracies or in countries
But true statesmanship requires not
that were turning to democracy; today over
merely skill but something greater, some-
90 percent do.
thing we call vision-a grasp of the present
But this worldwide movement to democ-
and of the possibilities of the future. I've
racy is not the only way in which simple,
come here today to map out for you my
ordinary people are leading us in this
own vision of the world's future, one, I be-
room-we who are said to be the makers of
lieve, that in its essential elements is shared
history-leading us into the future. Around
by all Americans. And I hope those who see
the world, new businesses, new economic
things differently will not mind if I say that
growth, new technologies are emerging
we in the United States believe that the
from the workshops of ordinary people with
place to look first for shape of the future is
extraordinary dreams.
not in continental masses and sealanes, al-
Here in the United States, entrepreneuri-
though geography is, obviously, of great im-
al energy-reinvigorated when we cut taxes
portance. Neither is it in national reserves
and regulations-has fueled the current
of blood and iron or, on the other hand, of
economic expansion. According to scholars
money and industrial capacity, although
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technolo-
military and economic strength are also, of
gy, three-quarters of the more than 13½
course, crucial. We begin with something
million new jobs that we have created in
that is far simpler and yet far more pro-
this country since the beginning of our ex-
found: the human heart.
pansion came from businesses with fewer
All over the world today, the yearnings of
than 100 employees, businesses started by
the human heart are redirecting the course
ordinary people who dared to take a
1058
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1987 / Sept. 21
1 Assembly
chance. And many of our new high technol-
poor that bypasses crushing taxation and sti-
ogies were first developed in the garages of
fling regulation. This informal economy, as
fledgling entrepreneurs. Yet America is not
the researchers call it, is the principal sup-
the only, or perhaps even the best, example
plier of many goods and services and often
of the dynamism and dreams that the free-
the only ladder for upward mobility. In the
ig, the lie to the
ing of markets set free.
capital city, it accounts for almost all public
torical determi-
In India and China, freer markets for
transportation and most street markets. And
our eyes to see
farmers have led to an explosion in produc-
the researchers concluded that, thanks to
rdinary people
tion. In Africa, governments are rethinking
the informal economy, "the poor can work,
ir times.
their policies, and where they are allowing
travel, and have a roof over their heads."
oines, ordinary
greater economic freedom to farmers, crop
They might have added that, by becoming
of democracy
production has improved. Meanwhile, in
underground entrepreneurs themselves or
process. Some
the newly industrialized countries of the
by working for them, the poor have
miracle, and if
Pacific rim, free markets in services and
become less poor and the nation itself
tion to democ-
manufacturing as well as agriculture have
richer.
e Republic of
led to a soaring of growth and standards of
Those who advocate statist solutions to
living. The ASEAN nations, Japan, Korea,
g a transition.
development should take note: The free
and Taiwan have created the true economic
ew, young de-
market is the other path to development
miracle of the last two decades, and in each
challenges, but
and the one true path. And unlike many
n democracies.
of them, much of the magic came from or-
other paths, it leads somewhere. It works.
dinary people who succeeded as entrepre-
1, as has every
So, this is where I believe we can find the
neurs.
In Latin America, this same lesson of free
map to the world's future: in the hearts of
e can hear the
markets, greater opportunity, and growth is
ordinary people, in their hopes for them-
the peaks and
being studied and acted on. President
selves and their children, in their prayers as
ng of ordinary
Sarney of Brazil spoke for many others
they lay themselves and their families to
forms and not
when he said that "private initiative is the
rest each night. These simple people are
one by one, in
engine of economic development. In Brazil
the giants of the Earth, the true builders of
thes, marching
we have learned that every time the state's
the world and shapers of the centuries to
only a third of
penetration in the economy increases, our
come. And if indeed they triumph, as I be-
and the Carib-
liberty decreases." Yes, policies that release
lieve they will, we will at last know a world
or in countries
to flight ordinary people's dreams are
of peace and freedom, opportunity and
icy; today over
spreading around the world. From Colom-
hope, and, yes, of democracy-a world in
bia to Turkey to Indonesia, governments
which the spirit of mankind at last conquers
ent to democ-
are cutting taxes, reviewing their regula-
the old, familiar enemies of famine, disease,
which simple,
tions, and opening opportunities for initia-
tyranny, and war.
ng us in this
tive.
This is my vision-America's vision. I rec-
the makers of
There has been much talk in the halls of
ognize that some governments represented
future. Around
this building about the right to develop-
in this hall have other ideas. Some do not
new economic
ment. But more and more the evidence is
believe in democracy or in political, eco-
are emerging
clear that development is not itself a right.
nomic, or religious freedom. Some believe
ry people with
It is the product of rights: the right to own
in dictatorship, whether by one man, one
property; the right to buy and sell freely;
party, one class, one race, or one vanguard.
entrepreneuri-
the right to contract; the right to be free of
To those governments I would only say that
n we cut taxes
excessive taxation and regulation, of bur-
the price of oppression is clear. Your econo-
the current
densome government. There have been
mies will fall farther and farther behind.
ng to scholars
studies that determined that countries with
Your people will become more restless. Isn't
of Technolo-
low tax rates have greater growth than
it better to listen to the people's hopes now
ore than 13½
those with high rates.
rather than their curses later?
ve created in
We're all familiar with the phenomenon
And yet despite our differences, there is
ing of our ex-
of the underground economy. The scholar
one common hope that brought us all to
es with fewer
Hernando de Soto and his colleagues have
make this common pilgrimage: the hope
ses started by
examined the situation of one country,
that mankind will one day beat its swords
1 to take a
Peru, and described an economy of the
into plowshares, the hope of peace. In no
1059
Sept. 21 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1987
place on Earth today is peace more in need
but outside the Security Council, the Sovi-
of friends than the Middle East. Its people's
ets have acted differently. They called for
yearning for peace is growing. The United
removal of our Navy from the Gulf, where
States will continue to be an active partner
it has been for 40 years. They made the
in the efforts of the parties to come togeth-
false accusation that somehow the United
er to settle their differences and build a just
States, rather than the war itself, is the
and lasting peace.
source of tension in the Gulf. Well, such
And this month marks the beginning of
statements are not helpful. They divert at-
the eighth year of the Iran-Iraq war. Two
tention from the challenge facing us all: a
months ago, the Security Council adopted a
just end to the war. The United States
mandatory resolution demanding a cease-
hopes the Soviets will join the other mem-
fire, withdrawal, and negotiations to end
bers of the Security Council in vigorously
the war. The United States fully supports
seeking an end to a conflict that never
implementation of Resolution 598, as we
should have begun, should have ended long
support the Secretary-General's recent mis-
ago, and has become one of the great trage-
sion. We welcomed Iraq's acceptance of
dies of the postwar era.
that resolution and remain disappointed at
Elsewhere in the region, we see the con-
Iran's unwillingness to accept it. In that
tinuing Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.
regard, I know that the President of Iran
After nearly 8 years, a million casualties,
will be addressing you tomorrow. I take this
nearly 4 million others driven into exile,
opportunity to call upon him clearly and
and more intense fighting than ever, it's
unequivocally to state whether Iran accepts
time for the Soviet Union to leave. The
598 or not. If the answer is positive, it
Afghan people must have the right to de-
would be a welcome step and major break-
termine their own future free of foreign
through. If it is negative, the Council has no
coercion. There is no excuse for prolonging
choice but rapidly to adopt enforcement
a brutal war or propping up a regime
measures.
For 40 years the United States has made
whose days are clearly numbered. That
it clear, its vital interest in the security of
regime offers political proposals that pre-
the Persian Gulf and the countries that
tend compromise, but really would ensure
border it. The oil reserves there are of stra-
the perpetuation of the regime's power.
tegic importance to the economies of the
Those proposals have failed the only signifi-
free world. We're committed to maintain-
cant test: They have been rejected by the
ing the free flow of this oil and to prevent-
Afghan people. Every day the resistance
ing the domination of the region by any
grows in strength. It is an indispensable
höstile power. We do not seek confrontation
party in the quest for a negotiated solution.
or trouble with Iran or anyone else. Our
The world community must continue to
object is-or, objective is now, and has been
insist on genuine self-determination,
at every stage, finding a means to end the
prompt and full Soviet withdrawal, and the
war with no victor and no vanquished. The
return of the refugees to their homes in
increase in our naval presence in the Gulf
safety and honor. The attempt may be
does not favor one side or the other. It is a
made to pressure a few countries to change
response to heightened tensions and fol-
their vote this year, but this body, I know,
lowed consultations with our friends in the
will vote overwhelmingly, as every year
region. When the tension diminishes, so will
before, for Afghan independence and free-
our presence.
dom. We have noted General Secretary
The United States is gratified by many
Gorbachev's statement of readiness to with-
recent diplomatic developments: the unani-
draw. In April I asked the Soviet Union to
mous adoption of Resolution 598, the Arab
set a date this year when this withdrawal
League's statement at its recent meeting in
would begin. I repeat that request now in
Tunis, and the Secretary-General's visit. Yet
this forum for peace. I pledge that, once
problems remain.
the Soviet Union shows convincingly that
The Soviet Union helped in drafting and
it's ready for a genuine political settlement,
reaching an agreement on Resolution 598,
the United States is ready to be helpful.
1060
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1987 / Sept. 21
ouncil, the Sovi-
Let me add one final note on this matter.
stranglehold on internal political activity.
They called for
Pakistan, in the face of enormous pressure
You must hold free and fair national elec-
the Gulf, where
and intimidation, has given sanctuary to
tions. The media must be truly free, not
They made the
Afghan refugees. We salute the courage of
censored or intimidated or crippled by indi-
how the United
Pakistan and the Pakistani people. They de-
rect measures, like the denial of newsprint
ar. itself, is the
serve strong support from all of us.
or threats against journalists or their fami-
Gulf. Well, such
Another regional conflict, we all know, is
lies. Exiles must be allowed to return to
They divert at-
taking place in Central America, in Nicara-
minister, to live, to work, and to organize
facing us all: a
gua. To the Sandinista delegation here
politically. Then, when persecution of reli-
United States
today I say: Your people know the true
gion has ended and the jails no longer con-
the other mem-
nature of your regime. They have seen
tain political prisoners, national reconcilia-
il in vigorously
their liberties suppressed. They have seen
tion and democracy will be possible. Unless
lict that never
the promises of 1979 go unfulfilled. They
this happens, democratization will be a
have ended long
have seen their real wages and personal
fraud. And until it happens, we will press
the great trage-
income fall by half-yes, half-since 1979,
for true democracy by supporting those
while your party elite live lives of privilege
fighting for it.
we see the con-
and luxury. This is why, despite a billion
Freedom in Nicaragua or Angola or Af-
of Afghanistan.
dollars in Soviet-bloc aid last year alone, de-
ghanistan or Cambodia or Eastern Europe
illion casualties,
spite the largest and best equipped army in
or South Africa or anyplace else on the
iven into exile,
Central America, you face a popular revolu-
than ever, it's
tion at home. It is why the democratic re-
globe is not just an internal matter. Some
1 to leave. The
sistance is able to operate freely deep in
time ago the Czech dissident writer Vaclav
your heartland. But this revolution should
Havel warned the world that "respect for
the right to de-
come as no surprise to you; it is only the
human rights is the fundamental condition
free of foreign
revolution you promised the people and
and the sole genuine guarantee of true
e for prolonging
that you then betrayed.
peace." And Andrei Sakharov in his Nobel
! up a regime
The goal of United States policy toward
lecture said: "I am convinced that interna-
RR
umbered. That
Nicaragua is simple. It is the goal of the
tional confidence, mutual understanding,
posals that pre-
disarmament, and international security are
used
ly would ensure
Nicaraguan people and the freedom fight-
ers, as well. It is democracy-real, free, plu-
inconceivable without an open society with
same
egime's power.
freedom of information, freedom of con-
exact
the only signifi-
ralistic, constitutional democracy. Under-
rejected by the
stand this: We will not, and the world com-
science, the right to publish, and the right
quote
the resistance
munity will not, accept phony democratiza-
to travel and choose the country in which
in
1985
tion designed to mask the perpetuation of
one wishes to live." Freedom serves peace;
n indispensable
the quest for peace must serve the cause of
UN
otiated solution.
dictatorship. In this 200th year of our own
Constitution, we know that real democracy
freedom. Patient diplomacy can contribute address
nust continue to
depends on the safeguards of an institution-
to a world in which both can flourish.
f-determination,
al structure that prevents a concentration of
We're heartened by new prospects for
drawal, and the
power. It is that which makes rights secure.
improvement in East-West and particularly
their homes in
The temporary relaxation of controls, which
U.S.-Soviet relations. Last week Soviet For-
tempt may be
can later be tightened, is not democratiza-
eign Minister Shevardnadze visited Wash-
ntries to change
tion.
ington for talks with me and with the Sec-
S body, I know,
And, again, to the Sandinistas, I say: We
retary of State, Shultz. We discussed the full
as every year
continue to hope that Nicaragua will
range of issues, including my longstanding
lence and free-
become part of the genuine democratic
efforts to achieve, for the first time, deep
eral Secretary
transformation that we have seen through-
reductions in U.S. and Soviet nuclear arms.
adiness to with-
out Central America in this decade. We ap-
It was 6 years ago, for example, that I pro-
Soviet Union to
plaud the principles embodied in the Gua-
posed the zero-option for U.S. and Soviet
this withdrawal
temala agreement, which links the security
longer range, intermediate-range nuclear
request now in
of the Central American democracies to
missiles. I'm pleased that we have now
dge that, once
democratic reform in Nicaragua. Now is the
agreed in principle to a truly historic treaty
nvincingly that
time for you to shut down the military ma-
that will eliminate an entire class of U.S.
ical settlement,
chine that threatens your neighbors and as-
and Soviet nuclear weapons. We also agreed
to be helpful.
saults your own people. You must end your
to intensify our diplomatic efforts in all
1061
Sept. 21 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1987
areas of mutual interest. Toward that end,
these changes. We hear the word glasnost,
Secretary Shultz and the Foreign Minister
which is translated as "openness" in Eng-
will meet again a month from now in
lish. "Openness" is a broad term. It means
Moscow, and I will meet again with Gener-
the free, unfettered flow of information,
al Secretary Gorbachev later this fall.
ideas, and people. It means political and
We continue to have our differences and
intellectual liberty in all its dimensions. We
probably always will. But that puts a special
hope, for the sake of the peoples of the
responsibility on us to find ways-realistic
U.S.S.R., that such changes will come. And
ways-to bring greater stability to our com-
we hope, for the sake of peace, that it will
petition and to show the world a construc-
include a foreign policy that respects the
tive example of the value of communication
freedom and independence of other peo-
and of the possibility of peaceful solutions to
ples.
political problems. And here let me add
No place should be better suited for dis-
that we seek, through our Strategic Defense
cussions of peace than this hall. The first
Initiative, to find a way to keep peace
Secretary-General, Trygve Lie, said of the
through relying on defense, not offense, for
United Nations: "With the danger of fire,
deterrence and for eventually rendering
and in the absence of an organized fire de-
ballistic missiles obsolete. SDI has greatly
partment, it is only common sense for the
enhanced the prospects for real arms reduc-
neighbors to join in setting up their own
tion. It is a crucial part of our efforts to
fire brigades." Joining together to drown
ensure a safer world and a more stable stra-
the flames of war-this, together with a
tegic balance.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was
We will continue to pursue the goal of
arms reduction, particularly the goal that
the founding ideal of the United Nations. It
is our continuing challenge to ensure that
the General Secretary and I agreed upon: a
the U.N. lives up to these hopes. As the
50-percent reduction in our respective stra-
tegic nuclear arms. We will continue to
Secretary-General noted some time ago, the
press the Soviets for more constructive con-
risk of anarchy in the world has increased,
because the fundamental rules of the U.N.
duct in the settling of regional conflicts. We
look to the Soviets to honor the Helsinki
Charter have been violated. The General
accords. We look for greater freedom for
Assembly has repeatedly acknowledged this
the Soviet peoples within their country,
with regard to the occupation of Afghani-
more people-to-people exchanges with our
stan. The charter has a concrete practical
country, and Soviet recognition in practice
meaning today, because it touches on all
of the right of freedom of movement.
the dimensions of human aspiration that I
We look forward to a time when things
mentioned earlier-the yearning for democ-
we now regard as sources of friction and
racy and freedom, for global peace, and for
even danger can become examples of coop-
prosperity.
eration between ourselves and the Soviet
This is why we must protect the Univer-
Union. For instance, I have proposed a col-
sal Declaration of Human Rights from being
laboration to reduce the barriers between
debased as it was through the infamous "Zi-
East and West in Berlin and, more broadly,
onism is Racism" resolution. We cannot
in Europe as a whole. Let us work together
permit attempts to control the media and
for a Europe in which force of the threat-
promote censorship under the ruse of a so-
or, force, whether in the form of walls or of
called "New World Information Order." We
guns, is no longer an obstacle to free choice
must work against efforts to introduce con-
by individuals and whole nations. I have
tentious and nonrelevant issues into the
also called for more openness in the flow of
work of the specialized and technical agen-
information from the Soviet Union about its
cies, where we seek progress on urgent
military forces, policies, and programs so
problems-from terrorism to drug traffick-
that our negotiations about arms reductions
ing to nuclear proliferation-which threat-
can proceed with greater confidence.
en us all. Such efforts corrupt the charter
We hear much about changes in the
and weaken this organization.
Soviet Union. We're intensely interested in
There have been important administra-
1062
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1987 / Sept. 21
word glasnost,
tive and budget reforms. They have helped.
our peoples than war and the threat of war?
nness" in Eng-
The United States is committed to restoring
Two centuries ago, in a hall much smaller
term. It means
its contribution as reforms progress. But
than this one, in Philadelphia, Americans
of information,
there is still much to do. The United Na-
met to draft a Constitution. In the course of
ns political and
tions was built on great dreams and great
their debates, one of them said that the
dimensions. We
ideals. Sometimes it has strayed. It is time
new government, if it was to rise high, must
peoples of the
for it to come home. It was Dag Hammar-
be built on the broadest base: the will and
will come. And
skjold who said: "The end of all political
consent of the people. And so it was, and so
ace, that it will
effort must be the well-being of the individ-
it has been.
at respects the
ual in a life of safety and freedom." Well,
My message today is that the dreams of
of other peo-
should this not be our credo in the years
ordinary people reach to astonishing
ahead?
heights. If we diplomatic pilgrims are to
r suited for dis-
I have spoken today of a vision and the
achieve equal altitudes, we must build all
hall. The first
obstacles to its realization. More than a cen-
we do on the full breadth of humanity's will
Lie, said of the
tury ago a young Frenchman, Alexis de
and consent and the full expanse of the
danger of fire,
Tocqueville, visited America. After that
human heart. Thank you, and God bless you
ganized fire de-
visit he predicted that the two great powers
all.
on sense for the
of the future world would be, on one hand,
g up their own
the United States, which would be built, as
Note: President Reagan spoke at 11:02 a.m.
ether to drown
he said, "by the plowshare," and, on the
in the General Assembly Hall. In his open-
ogether with a
other, Russia, which would go forward,
ing remarks, he referred to United Nations
man Rights, was
again, as he said, "by the sword." Yet need
President Peter Florin, Secretary-General
nited Nations. It
it be so? Cannot swords be turned to plow-
Javier Perez de Cuellar de la Guerra, and
to ensure that
shares? Can we and all nations not live in
Under Secretary-General for Political and
hopes. As the
peace? In our obsession with antagonisms of
General Assembly Affairs Joseph V. Reed,
ne time ago, the
the moment, we often forget how much
Jr. Following his address, President Reagan
d has increased,
unites all the members of humanity. Per-
met with the Secretary-General in the Indo-
ules of the U.N.
haps we need some outside, universal threat
nesian Lounge. He then went to the U.S.
d. The General
to make us recognize this common bond. I
Mission for a meeting with allied Foreign
knowledged this
occasionally think how quickly our differ-
Ministers and bilateral meetings with Prime
ion of Afghani-
ences worldwide would vanish if we were
Minister Mohammed Khan Junejo of Paki-
ncrete practical
facing an alien threat from outside this
stan, Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone of
touches on all
world. And yet, I ask you, is not an alien
Japan, and President Vinicio Cerezo Aré-
aspiration that I
force already among us? What could be
valo of Guatemala. Following the meetings,
ning for democ-
more alien to the universal aspirations of
he returned to Washington, DC.
d peace, and for
ect the Univer-
ghts from being
Statement by Assistant to the President for Press Relations
e infamous "Zi-
Fitzwater on the United States Air Strike in the Persian Gulf
on. We cannot
the media and
September 21, 1987
he ruse of a so-
ion Order." We
United States Forces took defensive
ernment the way in which we would re-
introduce con-
action in the Persian Gulf Monday evening,
spond to such provocative acts which
issues into the
when an Iranian landing craft was discov-
present an immediate risk to United States
technical agen-
ered laying mines in international waters 50
ships and to all ships. United States Forces
ress on urgent
miles northeast of Bahrain. We have previ-
acted in a defensive manner and in accord-
) drug traffick-
ously communicated with the Iranian Gov-
ance with existing rules of engagement.
-which threat-
ipt the charter
1.
ant administra-
1063
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988 / Sept. 26
returned to the
Informal Exchange With Reporters on the Presidential Candidates
'W months ago,
Debate
Corbachev and I
or of one of the
September 26, 1988
rooms and ex-
f ratification for
Q. Mr. President, who won the debate
budget, but it's hard to tell. I think we'd
at will, for the
last night? Who won the debate?
better go.
inate an entire
The President. I think the Vice President
The President. I think the simplest state-
ear missiles.
was excellent. I think that he was the only
ment about the defense budget and who is
Il talk about this
one who was really stating facts and truth.
to blame for what is happening is the fact
T philosophy of
Q. He didn't know which missiles and-
that over a 5-year period the Congress cut
firm show of
how come he didn't know what programs
$125 billion from the budgets I've present-
S allies has kept
to cut from the defense budget?
ed, but added $250 billion to the non-
ing lanes of the
The President. I didn't hear what you--
defense spending.
a key factor in
Q. He didn't know about the defense
Q. How did Dukakis do?
est wars of this
budget.
The President. What?
om Cambodia to
The President. What?
Q. How did Dukakis do in the debate?
strength, our as-
Q. He was mixed up on the defense
The President. He didn't thrill me.
d fight for free-
budget.
and freedom a
Mr. Fitzwater. Must mean Dukakis, huh?
Note: The exchange began at 9:07 a.m. at
en the people of
The President. You mean Dukakis? What?
the South Portico of the White House, prior
Yes, the world
Q. George Bush, on what weapons he
to the President's departure for New York
hopes for peace
would cut from the defense budget.
City. Vice President George Bush and Gov.
ve seemed total-
Mr. Fitzwater. Something weapon-I
Michael Dukakis participated in the first
After all, 8 years
don't know. I don't know what she's
Presidential candidates debate on Septem-
ght that a Presi-
saying-something about the defense
ber 25.
uld stand before
the Soviet Union
the wonders of
is: What next?
Address to the 43d Session of the United Nations General Assembly
in the next 8
in New York, New York
s? What are the
September 26, 1988
d a safer, better,
ome thoughts of
Mr. President, Mr. General Secretary
of Vietnam's occupying forces. And finally,
e're to continue
[Secretary-General], distinguished dele-
in this hemisphere, where only 12 years ago
nd human free-
gates: Half a world away from this place of
one-third of the people of Latin America
ain strong. We
peace, the firing, the killing, the bloodshed
lived under democratic rule, some 90 per-
hose born-again
in two merciless conflicts have, for the first
cent do so today; and especially in Central
ngth while serv-
time in recent memory, diminished. After
America, nations such as El Salvador, once
of weakness. If
adding terrible new names to the rollcall of
threatened by the anarchy of the death
hese last 8 years,
human horror-names such as Halabja,
squad and the specter of totalitarian rule,
gth works.
Maidan Shahr, and Spin Buldak-there is
now know the hope of self-government and
or listening, and
today hope of peace in the Persian Gulf and
the prospect of economic growth.
Afghanistan. So, too, in the highlands and
And another change, Mr. Secretary-Gen-
coastal cities of southern Africa-places of
eral, a change that, if it endures, may go
at 12:06 p.m.
civil war, places of occupation by foreign
down as one of the signal accomplishments
troops-talk of peace is heard, peace for the
of our history, a change that is a cause for
tortured nation of Angola.
shaking of the head in wonder, is also upon
Sixty-five hundred miles east, in the
us-a change going to the source of postwar
Southeast Asian country of Cambodia, there
tensions and to the once seemingly impossi-
is hope now of a settlement-the removal
ble dream of ending the twin threats of our
1219
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
time: totalitarianism and thermonuclear
engaged in more than an academic exer-
world war.
cise. There is movement. The logjam is
For the first time, the differences be-
broken. Only recently, when the United
tween East and West-fundamental differ-
States and the Soviet Union signed the INF
ences over important moral questions deal-
agreement, an entire class of U.S. and
ing with the worth of the individual and
Soviet nuclear missiles was eliminated for
whether governments shall control people
the first time in history. Progress continues
or people control governments-for the
on negotiations to reduce, in massive
first time, these differences have shown
number, strategic weapons with effective
signs of easing, easing to the point where
verification. And talks will begin soon on
there are not just troop withdrawals from
conventional reductions in Europe.
places like Afghanistan but also talk in the
Much of the reason for all of this goes
East of reform and greater freedom of
back, I believe, to Geneva itself, to the
press, of assembly, and of religion.
small chateau along the lake where I and
Yes, fundamental differences remain. But
the General Secretary of the Soviet Union
should talk of reform become more than
had the first of several fireside chats, ex-
that, should it become reality, there is the
changes characterized by frankness, but
prospect of not only a new era in Soviet-
friendliness, too. I said at the first meeting
American relations but a new age of world
in Geneva that this was a unique encounter
peace. For such reform can bring peace,
between two people who had the power to
history teaches. And my country has always
start world war III or to begin a new age of
believed that where the rights of the indi-
peace among nations. And I also said peace
vidual and the people are enshrined, war is
conferences, arms negotiations, proposals
a distant prospect. For it is not people who
for treaties could make sense only if they
make war; only governments do that.
I stand at this podium, then, in a moment
were part of a wider context, a context that
of hope-hope not just for the peoples of
sought to explore and resolve the deeper,
the United States or the Soviet Union but
underlying differences between us. I said to
for all the peoples of the world-and hope,
Mr. Gorbachev then, as I've said to you
before: Nations do not mistrust each other
too, for the dream of peace among nations,
the dream that began the United Nations.
because they're armed; they're armed be-
Precisely because of these changes, today
cause they mistrust each other.
the United Nations has the opportunity to
And in that place, by that peaceful lake
live and breathe and work as never before.
in neutral Switzerland, Mr. Gorbachev and
Already, you, Mr. Secretary-General,
I did begin a new relationship based not
through your persistence, patience, and un-
just on engagement over the single issue of
yielding will, have shown, in working
arms control but on a broader agenda about
toward peace in Afghanistan and the Per-
our deeper differences-an agenda of
sian Gulf, how valuable the United Nations
human rights, regional conflicts, and bilater-
can be. And we salute you for these accom-
al exchanges between our peoples. Even on
plishments.
the arms control issue itself, we agreed to
In Geneva at this very hour, there are
go beyond the past, to seek not just treaties
numerous negotiations underway-multilat-
that permit building weapons to higher
eral negotiations at the Conference on Dis-
levels but revolutionary agreements that ac-
armament as well as bilateral negotiations
tually reduced and even eliminated a whole
on a range of issues between the Soviets
class of nuclear weapons.
and ourselves. And these negotiations, some
What was begun that morning in Geneva
of them under U.N. auspices, involve a
has shown results-in the INF treaty; in my
broad arms control agenda-strategic offen-
recent visit to Moscow; in my opportunity
sive weapons and space, nuclear testing and
to meet there with Soviet citizens and dissi-
chemical warfare-whose urgency we have
dents and speak of human rights, and to
witnessed anew in recent days. And, Mr.
speak, too, in the Lenin Hills of Moscow to
Secretary-General, the negotiators are busy.
the young people of the Soviet Union about
And over the last few years, they've been
the wonder and splendor of human free-
1220
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988 / Sept. 26
academic exer-
dom. The results of that morning in Geneva
alienable rights of all members of the
The logjam is
are seen in peace conferences now under-
human family." In a century where human
hen the United
way around the world on regional conflicts
rights have been denied by totalitarian gov-
signed the INF
and in the work of the U.N. here in New
ernments on a scale never before seen in
SS of U.S. and
York as well as in Geneva.
history, with so many millions deliberately
S eliminated for
But, Mr. Secretary-General, history teach-
starved or eliminated as a matter of state
ogress continues
es caution. Indeed, that very building in
policy-a history, it has been said, of blood,
ce, in massive
Geneva where important negotiations have
stupidity, and barbed wire-few can
S with effective
taken place-the Geneva accords on Af-
wonder why peace has proved so elusive.
begin soon on
ghanistan, the Iran-Iraq negotiations, for ex-
Now, let us understand: If we would have
Europe.
ample-we see it today as stonelike testimo-
peace, we must acknowledge the elementa-
all of this goes
ny to a failed dream of peace in another
ry rights of our fellow human beings. In our
a itself, to the
time. The Palais des Nations was the head-
own land and in other lands, if we would
ke where I and
quarters of the League of Nations, an insti-
have peace, the trampling of the human
he Soviet Union
tution that was to symbolize an end to all
spirit must cease. Human rights is not for
eside chats, ex-
war. And yet today-that institution and its
some, some of the time. Human rights, as
frankness, but
noble purpose ended with the Second
the universal declaration of this Assembly
the first meeting
World War; ended because the chance for
peace was not seized in the 1930's by the
adopted in 1948 proclaims, is "for all people
nique encounter
ad the power to
nations of the world; ended because human-
and all nations," and for all time.
gin a new age of
ity didn't find the courage to isolate the
This regard for human rights as the foun-
aggressors, to reject schemes of government
dation of peace is at the heart of the U.N.
I also said peace
that serve the state, not the people.
Those who starve in Ethiopia, those who
ations, proposals
We are here today, Mr. Secretary-Gener-
die among the Kurds, those who face racial
nse only if they
xt, a context that
al, determined that no such fate shall befall
injustice in South Africa, those who still
the United Nations. We are determined
cannot write or speak freely in the Soviet
olve the deeper,
that the U.N. should succeed and serve the
Union, those who cannot worship in the
veen us. I said to
cause of peace for humankind. So, Mr. Sec-
Ukraine, those who struggle for life and
I've said to you
strust each other
retary-General, we realize that, even in this
freedom on boats in the South China Sea,
time of hope, the chance of failure is real.
those who cannot publish or assemble in
ey're armed be-
But this knowledge does not discourage us;
Managua-all of this is more than just an
her.
it spurs us on. For the stakes are high. Do
agenda item on your calendar. It must be a
at peaceful lake
we falter and fail now and bring down upon
first concern, an issue above others. For
Gorbachev and
ourselves the just anger of future genera-
when human rights concerns are not para-
nship based not
tions? Or do we continue the work of the
mount at the United Nations, when the
he single issue of
founders of this institution and see to it
Universal Declaration of Human Rights is
der agenda about
that, at last, freedom is enshrined and hu-
not honored in these halls and meeting
-an agenda of
manity knows war no longer and that this
rooms, then the very credibility of this orga-
flicts, and bilater-
place, this floor, shall be truly "the world's
nization is at stake, the very purpose of its
peoples. Even on
last battlefield?" We are determined it shall
existence in question.
If, we agreed to
be so. So, we turn now to the agenda of
That is why when human rights progress
< not just treaties
peace.
is made, the United Nations grows strong-
apons to higher
Let us begin by addressing a concern that
er-and the United States is glad of it. Fol-
reements that ac-
was much on my mind when I met with
lowing a 2-year effort led by the United
minated a whole
Mr. Gorbachev in the Kremlin, as well as
States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights
on the minds of Soviet citizens that I met in
Commission took a major step toward
rning in Geneva
Moscow. It is also an issue that I know is of
ending the double standards and cynicism
NF treaty; in my
immediate importance to the delegates of
that had characterized too much of its past.
my opportunity
this Assembly, who this fall commemorate
For years, Cuba, a blatant violator of its
itizens and dissi-
the 40th anniversary of the Universal Dec-
citizens' human rights, has escaped U.N.
n rights, and to
laration of Human Rights. That declaration
censure or even scrutiny. This year, Cuba
ills of Moscow to
says plainly what those who seek peace can
has responded to pressure generated by the
viet Union about
forget only at the greatest peril: that peace
Human Rights Commission by accepting an
of human free-
rests on one foundation-observing "the in-
investigation into its human rights abuses.
1221
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
Fidel Castro has already begun to free some
courage the Soviet Union to complete its
political prisoners, improve prison condi-
troop withdrawal at the earliest possible
tions, and tolerate the existence of a small,
date so that the Afghan people can freely
independent national human rights group.
determine their future without further out-
More must be done. The United Nations
side interference.
must be relentless and unyielding in seek-
In southern Africa, too, years of patient
ing change in Cuba and elsewhere. And we
diplomacy and support for those in Angola
must also see to it that the Universal Decla-
who seek self-determination are having
ration itself should not be debased with epi-
their effect. We look forward to an accord
sodes like the "zionism is racism" resolu-
between the Governments of Angola, Cuba,
tion. Respect for human rights is the first
and South Africa that will bring about a
and fundamental mission of this body, the
complete withdrawal of all foreign troops,
most elementary obligation of its members.
primarily Cuban, from Angola. We look for-
Indeed, wherever one turns in the world
ward as well to full implementation of U.N.
today, there is new awareness, a growing
Security Council Resolution 435 and our
passion for human rights. The people of the
longstanding goal of independence for Na-
world grow united; new groups, new coali-
mibia. We continue to support a growing
tions form-coalitions that monitor govern-
consensus among African leaders who also
ment, that work against discrimination, that
believe there can be no end to conflict in
fight religious or political repression, unlaw-
the region until there is national reconcilia-
ful imprisonment, torture, or execution. As
those I spoke to at Spaso House said to me
tion within Angola.
last June, such movements make a differ-
Mr. Secretary-General, there are new
hopes for Cambodia, a nation whose free-
ence.
Turning now to regional conflicts, we feel
dom and independence we seek just as
again the uplift of hope. In the Gulf war
avidly as we sought the freedom and inde-
between Iran and Iraq, one of the bloodiest
pendence of Afghanistan. We urge the
conflicts since World War II, we have a
rapid removal of all Vietnamese troops and
cease-fire. The resolution and the firmness
a settlement that will prevent the return of
of the allied nations in keeping the Persian
the Khmer Rouge to power, permitting in-
Gulf open to international shipping not only
stead the establishment of a genuinely rep-
upheld the rule of law, it helped prevent
resentative government-a government
further spread of the conflict and laid the
that will, at last, respect fully the rights of
basis for peace. So, too, the Security Coun-
the people of Cambodia and end the hide-
cil's decisive resolution in July a year ago
ous suffering they have so bravely and
has become the blueprint for a peaceful
needlessly borne.
Gulf. Let this war-a war in which there
In other critical areas, we applaud the
has been no victor or vanquished, only vic-
Secretary-General's efforts to structure a
tims-let this war end now. Let both Iran
referendum on the western Sahara. And in
and Iraq cooperate with the Secretary-Gen-
the Mediterranean, direct talks between
eral and the Security Council in implement-
Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities
ing Resolution 598. Let peace come.
hold much promise for accord in that divid-
Moving on to a second region: When I
ed island nation. And finally, we look to a
first addressed the U.N. General Assembly
peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
in 1983, world attention was focused on the
So, too, the unnatural division of Europe
brutal invasion and illegal occupation of Af-
remains a critical obstacle to Soviet-Ameri-
ghanistan. After nearly 9 long years of war,
can relations.
the courage and determination of the
In most of these areas, then, we see
Afghan people and the Afghan freedom
progress, and again, we're glad of it. Only a
fighters have held sway, and today an end
few years ago, all of these and other con-
to the occupation is in sight. On April 14,
flicts were burning dangerously out of con-
the U.S.S.R. signed the Geneva accords,
trol. Indeed, the invasion of Afghanistan
which were negotiated under U.N. auspices
and the apparent will among democratic
by Pakistan and the Kabul regime. We en-
and peace-loving nations to deter such
1222
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988 / Sept. 26
to complete its
events seemed to cause a climate where
can continue. I can tell this Assembly that it
arliest possible
aggression by nations large and small was
is highly doubtful such a treaty can be ac-
ople can freely
epidemic, a climate the world has not seen
complished in a few months, but I can tell
out further out-
since the 1930's. Only this time, larger war
you a year from now is a possibility-more
was avoided, avoided because the free and
than a possibility. But we have no deadline.
ears of patient
peaceful nations of the world recovered
No agreement is better than a bad agree-
those in Angola
their strength of purpose and will. And now
ment. The United States remains hopeful,
on are having
the United Nations is providing valuable as-
and we acknowledge the spirit of coopera-
rd to an accord
sistance in helping this epidemic to recede.
tion shown by the Soviet Union in these
f Angola, Cuba,
And because we're resolved to keep it so,
negotiations. We also look for that spirit to
bring about a
I would be remiss in my duty if I did not
be applied to our concerns about compli-
foreign troops,
now take note here of the one exception to
ance with existing agreements.
la. We look for-
progress in regional conflicts. I refer here to
So, too, our discussions on nuclear testing
entation of U.N.
the continuing deterioration of human
and defense and space have been useful.
a 435 and our
rights in Nicaragua and the refusal of the
But let me here stress to this General As-
endence for Na-
tiny elite now ruling that nation to honor
sembly that much of the momentum in nu-
promises of democracy made to their own
port a growing
eaders who also
people and to the international community.
clear arms control negotiations is due to
This elite, in calling itself revolutionary,
technological progress itself, especially in
d to conflict in
seeks no real revolution; the use of the term
the potential for space-based defensive sys-
ional reconcilia-
tems. I believe that the United States deter-
is subterfuge, deception for hiding the
oldest, most corrupt vice of all: man's age-
mination to research and develop and,
there are new
old will to power, his lust to control the
when ready, deploy such defensive sys-
ion whose free-
lives and steal the freedom of others. And
tems-systems targeted to destroy missiles,
e seek just as
that's why, as President, I will continue to
not people-accounts for a large share of
edom and inde-
urge the Congress and the American public
the progress made in recent years in
We urge the
to stand behind those who resist this at-
Geneva.
nese troops and
tempt to impose a totalitarian regime on
With such systems, for the first time, in
nt the return of
the people of Nicaragua, that the United
case of accidental launch or the act of a
permitting in-
States will continue to stand with those who
madman somewhere, major powers will not
1 genuinely rep-
are threatened by this regime's aggression
be faced with the single option of massive
a government
against its neighbors in Central America.
retaliation but will instead have the chance
Ily the rights of
Today I also call on the Soviet Union to
of a saner choice: to shield against an attack
d end the hide-
show in Central America the same spirit of
instead of avenging it. So, too, as defensive
SO bravely and
constructive realism it has shown in other
systems grow in effectiveness, they reduce
regional conflicts-to assist in bringing con-
the threat and the value of greater and
ve applaud the
flict in Central America to a close by halt-
greater offensive arsenals. Only recently,
to structure a
ing the flow of billions of dollars worth of
briefings I have received in the Oval Office
Sahara. And in
arms and ammunition to the Sandinista
indicate that progress toward such systems
talks between
regime, a regime whose goals of regional
may be even more rapid and less costly
ot communities
domination, while ultimately doomed, can
than we had at first thought. Today the
rd in that divid-
continue to cause great suffering to the
United States reaffirms its commitment to
V, we look to a
people of that area and risk to Soviet-Amer-
its Strategic Defense Initiative and our offer
-Israeli conflict.
ican relations unless action is taken now.
to share the benefits of strategic defenses
sion of Europe
Moving now to the arms reduction
with others.
0 Soviet-Ameri-
agenda, I have mentioned already the im-
And yet, even as diplomatic and techno-
portance of the INF treaty and the momen-
logical progress holds out the hope of at last
then, we see
tum developed in the START negotiations.
diminishing the awful cloud of nuclear
ad of it. Only a
The draft START treaty is a lengthy docu-
terror we've lived under in the postwar era,
and other con-
ment, filled with bracketed language desig-
even at this moment another ominous
usly out of con-
nating sections of disagreement between
terror is loose once again in the world, a
of Afghanistan
the two sides. But through this summer in
terror we thought the world had put
ng democratic
Geneva, those brackets have diminished.
behind, a terror that looms at us now from
to deter such
There is every reason to believe this process
the long-buried past, from ghostly, scarring
1223
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
trenches and the haunting, wan faces of
establishment of program priorities. These
millions dead in one of the most inhumane
actions are extremely important. The
conflicts of all time: poison gas, chemical
progress on reforms has allowed me to re-
warfare. Mr. Secretary-General, distin-
lease funds withheld under congressional
guished delegates, the terror of it! The
restrictions. I expect the reform program
horror of it! We condemn it. The use of
will continue and that further funds will be
chemical weapons in the Iran-Iraq war,
released in our new fiscal year.
beyond its tragic human toll, jeopardizes
And let me say here, we congratulate the
the moral and legal strictures that have
United Nations on the work it has done in
held those weapons in check since World
three areas of special concern. First, our
War I.
struggle against the scourge of terrorism
Let this tragedy spark reaffirmation of
and state-sponsored terrorism must contin-
the Geneva protocol outlawing the use of
ue. And we must also end the scourge of
chemical weapons. I call upon the signato-
hostage taking. Second, the work of the
ries to that protocol, as well as other con-
World Health Organization in coordinating
cerned states, to convene a conference to
and advancing research on AIDS is vital. All
consider actions that we can take together
international efforts in this area must be
to reverse the serious erosion of this treaty.
And we urge all nations to cooperate in
redoubled. The AIDS crisis is a grave one.
We must move as one to meet it.
negotiating a verifiable, truly global ban on
chemical weapons at the Conference on
And so, too, is the drug crisis. We're
Disarmament in Geneva. It is incumbent
moving now toward a new anti-drug-traf-
upon all civilized nations to ban, once and
ficking convention. This important treaty
for all, and on a verifiable and global basis,
will be completed in December. I am confi-
the use of chemical and gas warfare.
dent other strong U.N. drug control pro-
Finally, Mr. Secretary-General, we must
grams will also follow. The American
redouble our efforts to stop further prolif-
people are profoundly concerned and
eration of nuclear weapons in the world.
deeply angered. We will not tolerate the
Likewise, proliferation in other high-tech-
drug traffickers. We mean to make war on
nology weapons, such as ballistic missiles, is
them, and we believe this is one war the
reaching global proportions, exacerbating
United Nations can endorse and participate
regional rivalries in ways that can have
in.
global implications. The number of poten-
Yes, the United Nations is a better place
tial suppliers is growing at an alarming rate,
than it was 8 years ago, and so, too, is the
and more must be done to halt the spread
world. But the real issue of reform in the
of these weapons. This was a matter of dis-
United Nations is not limited just to fiscal
cussion last week between Secretary Shultz
and administrative improvements but also
and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. Talks
to a higher sort of reform, an intellectual
between American and Soviet experts begin
and philosophical reform, a reform of old
on this today. And we hope to see a multi-
views about the relationship between the
lateral effort to avoid having areas of ten-
individual and the state.
sion like the Middle East become even
Few developments, for example, have
more deadly battlegrounds than they al-
been more encouraging to the United
ready are.
States than the special session this body
But in most of these areas, we see not
held on Africa 2½ years ago, a session in
only progress but also the potential for an
which the United Nations joined as one in a
increasingly vital role for multilateral efforts
call for free-market incentives and a lessen-
and institutions like this United Nations.
ing of state controls to spur economic devel-
That is why, now more than ever, the
opment. At one of the first international
United Nations must continue to increase
assemblies of my Presidency, in Cancún,
its effectiveness through budget and pro-
Mexico, I said history demonstrates that,
gram reform. The U.N. already is enacting
time and again, in place after place, eco-
sweeping measures affecting personnel re-
nomic growth and human progress make
ductions, budgeting by consensus, and the
their greatest strides in countries that en-
1224
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988 / Sept. 26
priorities. These
courage economic freedom; that individual
the first and most important unit of society,
mportant. The
farmers, laborers, owners, traders, and man-
where all values and learning begin-an in-
owed me to re-
agers are the heart and soul of develop-
stitution to be cherished and protected;
er congressional
ment. Trust them, because where they're
values, too, such as work, community, free-
eform program
allowed to create and build, where they're
dom, and faith. For it's here we find the
erfunds will be
given a personal stake in deciding economic
deeper rationale for the cause of human
ar.
bush
policies and benefiting from their success,
rights and world peace.
congratulate the
then societies become more dynamic, pros-
And our own experience on this conti-
k it has done in
in
perous, progressive, and free. We believe in
nent-the American experience-though
cern. First, our
freedom. We know it works.
brief, has had one unmistakable encounter,
ge of terrorism
And this, Mr. Secretary-General and dis-
an insistence on the preservation of one
sm must contin-
tinguished delegates, is the immutable
sacred truth. It is a truth that our first Presi-
the scourge of
lesson of the postwar era: that freedom
dent, our Founding Father, passed on in
e work of the
5Y
works-even more, that freedom and peace
the first farewell address made to the
in coordinating
speech
work together. Every year that passes, ev-
American people. It is a truth that I hope
AIDS is vital. All
erywhere in the world, this lesson is taking
now you'll permit me to mention in these
S area must be
hold, from the People's Republic of China
remarks of farewell, a truth embodied in
to Cameroon, from Bolivia to Botswana,
is a grave one.
our Declaration of Independence: that the
eet it.
and, yes, in the citadel of Marxism-Leninism
itself. No, my country did not invent this
case for inalienable rights, that the idea of
ig crisis. We're
synergy of peace and freedom, but believe
human dignity, that the notion of con-
W anti-drug-traf-
me, we impose no restrictions on the free
science above compulsion can be made only
mportant treaty
export of our more than two centuries of
in the context of higher law, only in the
nber. I am confi-
experience with it. Free people blessed by
context of what one of the founders of this
ug control pro-
economic opportunity and protected by
organization, Secretary-General Dag Ham-
The American
laws that respect the dignity of the individ-
marskjöld, has called devotion to something
concerned and
ual are not driven toward war or the domi-
which is greater and higher than we are
not tolerate the
nation of others. Here, then, is the way to
ourselves. This is the endless cycle, the final
to make war on
world peace.
truth to which humankind seems always to
is one war the
And yet we Americans champion free-
return: that religion and morality, that faith
and participate
dom not only because it's practical and ben-
in something higher, are prerequisites for
eficial but because it is also just, morally
freedom and that justice and peace within
is a better place
right. And here, Mr. Secretary-General, I
ourselves is the first step toward justice and
d so, too, is the
hope you'll permit me to note that I have
peace in the world and for the ages.
of reform in the
addressed this assemblage more than any of
Yes, this is a place of great debate and
ted just to fiscal
my predecessors and that this will be the
grave discussions. And yet I cannot help but
ements but also
last occasion I do so. So I hope, too, I may
note here that one of our Founding Fa-
1, an intellectual
be permitted now some closing reflections.
thers, the most worldly of men, an interna-
a reform of old
The world is currently witnessing another
tionalist, Benjamin Franklin, interrupted
ip between the
celebration of international cooperation. At
the proceedings of our own Constitutional
the Olympics we see nations joining togeth-
Convention to make much the same point.
example, have
er in the competition of sports, and we see
And I cannot help but think this morning of
to the United
young people who know precious little of
other beginnings, of where and when I first
ssion this body
the resentments of their elders coming to-
read those words: "And they shall beat their
igo, a session in
gether as one. One of our young athletes
swords into plowshares
and
"your
ined as one in a
from a home of modest means said that she
young men shall see visions and your old
ves and a lessen-
drew the strength for her achievement
men shall dream dreams
This
morning,
economic devel-
from another source of wealth. "We were
my thoughts go to her who gave me many
irst international
rich as a family," she said, about the love
things in life, but her most important gift
ncy, in Cancún,
she was given and the values she was
was the knowledge of happiness and solace
monstrates that,
taught. Mr. Secretary-General, I dare to
to be gained in prayer. It's the greatest help
after place, eco-
hope that, in the sentiment of that young
I've had in my Presidency, and I recall here
I progress make
athlete, we see a sign of the rediscovery of
Lincoln's words when he said only the most
untries that en-
old and tested values: values such as family,
foolish of men would think he could con-
1225
Sept. 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
front the duties of the office I now hold
And so, if future generations do say of us
without turning to someone stronger, a
that in our time peace came closer, that we
power above all others.
did bring about new seasons of truth and
I think then of her and others like her in
justice, it will be cause for pride. But it shall
that small town in Illinois, gentle people
be a cause of greater pride, still, if it is also
who possessed something that those who
said that we were wise enough to know the
hold positions of power sometimes forget to
deliberations of great leaders and great
prize. No one of them could ever have
bodies are but overture, that the truly ma-
imagined the boy from the banks of the
jestic music-the music of freedom, of jus-
Rock River would come to this moment and
tice, and peace-is the music made in for-
have this opportunity. But had they been
getting self and seeking in silence the will
told it would happen, I think they would
of Him who made us.
have been a bit disappointed if I'd not
Thank you for your hospitality over the
spoken here for what they knew so well:
years. I bid you now farewell, and God bless
that when we grow weary of the world and
you.
its troubles, when our faith in humanity fal-
ters, it is then that we must seek comfort
Note: The President spoke at 11:04 a.m. in
and refreshment of spirit in a deeper source
the General Assembly Hall at the United
of wisdom, one greater than ourselves.
Nations.
Appointment of William J. Burns as a Special Assistant to the
President for National Security Affairs
September 26, 1988
The President today announced the ap-
the Assistant Secretary of State for Near
pointment of William J. Burns as Special
East and South Asian Affairs, and political
Assistant to the President for National Secu-
officer at the U.S. Embassy in Amman,
rity Affairs and Senior Director for Near
Jordan.
East and South Asian Affairs.
Mr. Burns graduated from LaSalle Col-
Mr. Burns, a career Foreign Service offi-
lege and holds a doctorate in international
cer, has served on the National Security
relations from Oxford University. He was
Council staff since 1986. His previous as-
born April 4, 1956, in Fort Bragg, NC. Mr.
signments include special assistant to the
Burns is married and resides in Washington,
Deputy Secretary of State, staff assistant to
DC.
Statement by Assistant to the President for Press Relations
Fitzwater on Protection of United States-Flagged Shipping in the
Persian Gulf
September 26, 1988
After reviewing the current cease-fire in
ping in the Gulf. The modification entails a
the Persian Gulf, which has been in effect
change from a tight escort procedure to an
since August 20, and consulting with allies
"accompany" regime. In an accompany
and friends in the region, the President has
regime, U.S. forces will be positioned such
decided to modify our present method of
that they can take appropriate action if
providing protection to U.S.-flagged ship-
U.S.-flagged ships are directly threatened.
1226
May 24 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
gressman from western Massachusetts.
ignated segments are predominantly pri-
What big shoes to fill, but he will do it.
vately owned. Where private property in-
Thank you all very much, and may I take
terests are at stake, a formal study should
this opportunity to make a nonpartisan
be an absolute requirement before Federal
comment. Bill and I and Paul Cellucci and
action is taken that may infringe such
others rode in from the airport, and I must
rights.
say I was deeply touched and moved by the
I believe that to protect the integrity and
warm response and welcome from the
viability of the National Park System, com-
people that lined the streets coming in
pletion of feasibility studies should be a pre-
from the airport. I was deeply touched, and
requisite for establishment of any new unit
it gives me one hell of a sendoff for what's
of the National Park System. Any compo-
going to be a great Memorial Day weekend.
nent of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
Thank you all very, very much.
System that is administered by the National
Note: The President spoke at 1:22 p.m. in
Park Service becomes a unit of the National
the Harborview Ballroom at the Boston
Park System. I urge the Congress to adhere
World Trade Center. In his remarks, he re-
to the requirement for such studies in the
ferred to Secretary of Commerce Robert A.
future.
Mosbacher. These remarks were not received
George Bush
in time for inclusion in last week's issue.
The White House,
May 24, 1991.
Statement on Signing the Niobrara
Note: S. 248, approved May 24, was as-
Scenic River Designation Act of 1991
signed Public Law No. 102-50. This state-
ment was not received in time for inclusion
May 24, 1991
in last week's issue.
Today I have signed into law S. 248, the
"Niobrara Scenic River Designation Act of
1991." This action will, among other things,
Remarks at the Yale University
designate three segments of the Niobrara
Commencement Ceremony in New
River and one segment of the Missouri
Haven, Connecticut
River in Nebraska and South Dakota as "in-
May 27, 1991
stant" components of the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System without the benefit of
Thank you very, very much. President
a formal study.
Schmidt and members of the faculty, and
The Niobrara River is an outstanding
the Yale community, fellows of the Yale
river resource, and the national significance
Corporation, and especially with congratula-
of the resource is not in question. Approval
tions to my fellow honorands, it is an honor
of this bill will preserve and protect the
to be here today. Mayor Daniels, it's nice to
resources of the Niobrara for future genera-
be back in the city. And most importantly,
tions and will provide for a worthy addition
to the graduating students: Congratulate
to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
each and every one of you. May I single out
System.
Yale's band. They've cleaned up for today,
However, I am extremely disappointed
and they've never been better under Mr.
that the Congress has acted to designate
Tom Duffy. Thank you, sir. And thank you
these segments for Wild and Scenic River
for the warm welcome. Si res prehensio en
status without the benefit of a study under
cano est non oves sic vacio. That means, if
section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers
you're holding up the sign, you can't throw
Act. This study is not just a matter of blind
eggs. [Laughter]
process; rather, such a study would have
I remember my own commencement.
given the Congress all the information
Like so many of my classmates, I'd come
needed to determine the most appropriate
Yale fresh from war, ready to make up
method of protecting the valuable resources
"lost time." I remember our impatient
along the Niobrara. Such a study is especial-
and our optimism. And we sensed upcom-
ly important when the lands along the des-
ing adventure. I imagine it's the same today
674
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / May 27
or all of you. It's almost as if life is about to
that once separated East and West, the
begin, that is, if the commencement speech
democratic idea sprouted anew.
ever ends. [Laughter]
As a nation, we can take great pride in
Twenty-nine years ago, President Kenne-
this triumph. It vindicates more than 40
dy stood right here, and my dad was hon-
years of American vigilance-a lesson
ored with him. And he said, "I have the
learned on the battlefields of Europe and
best of all worlds: a Yale degree and a Har-
the seas of the South Pacific-that this
vard education." [Laughter] He had it
nation could no longer pursue a policy of
wrong. I've got the best of all worlds: a Yale
"splendid isolation."
education and a Yale degree.
The democratic renaissance in Central
My day was no different. There's an ex-
and Eastern Europe, the blossoming of de-
citement in the air, and Barbara and I spent
mocracy here in the Americas, the emerg-
a good part of our senior year thinking
ing consensus on the African Continent that
about, literally, becoming farmers. We
democracy is the road to development,
talked about life on the land and rising
none of this would have taken place if
early and working hard and raising a crop
America had turned inward, away from the
and a family. And we looked into the fi-
challenges of a new world. So today, as we
nances of running a farm. In the end, we
decided against the whole idea. We realized
seek to promote freedom and democracy
that when it came to pigs and chickens and
and human rights, as we seek to strengthen
cattle or corn, we didn't know the first
stability within the international communi-
thing about farming.
ty, an America confident enough to engage
So, of course, there was only one alterna-
the world remains our best hope for peace,
tive: I went west and became an oilman.
security, and shared prosperity.
Laughter] The days after-the day-the
Look in every corner of the globe and
ery day after the ceremony like this one, I
you will find that the American example
aded the familiar surroundings of this
has consequences. When we reach out, we
beautiful old campus for the dust and grit
offer more than cars or grain or MTV. We
and searing heat of the Lone Star State.
exemplify an ideal, an ideal that conquers
Odessa, Texas, became my world. And
circumstance and suspicion, that conquers
yet far beyond 37 Hillhouse Avenue where
despots and empowers people. Some argue
Barbara and I lived, or the Flatlands of
that a nation as moral and just as ours
West Texas, change rocked the whole world
should not taint itself by dealing with na-
in ways that would affect us all for more
tions less moral, less just. But this counsel
than 40 years. On June 20th, 1948-my
offers up self-righteousness draped in a false
graduation day-the United Nations sent
morality. You do not reform a world by
out its first peacekeeping force-49 men
ignoring it.
from the United States and 6 other na-
East Asia is a case in point. Today, this
tions-to bring the promise of peace to the
dynamic region plays an important role in
Middle East. And on that day, the Soviet
the world economy. As it has grown more
Union tried to clamp down on the free sec-
prosperous, it has also grown more free.
tors of Berlin-the Berlin Blockade had
Driven forward by the engine of economic
begun. And on that day, Congress, after an
growth and trade, especially with the U.S.,
all-night session, passed a bill to help the
South Korea and Taiwan have shed their
nations of war-torn Europe. That package
once authoritarian rule in favor of democra-
would become known, as we all know, as
cy and freer trade.
the Marshall Plan.
This same approach guides our policy to-
Today's world-your world-is every bit
wards the People's Republic of China, home
as astonishing. Back in my day, opportunity
to fully one-fifth of the world's people.
knocked. And yours-your pager beeps.
China easily can affect the stability of the
We have seen in 2 short years the end of
Asian-Pacific region and, therefore, affect
long era of cold war and conflict. The
the entire world's peace and prosperity.
on Curtain collapsed-it's gone, the wall is
The Chinese play a central role in working
down. And with it the myth of an ideology
to resolve the conflict in Cambodia and
called communism. On the barren ground
relax tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
675
May 27 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
China has a voice now in the multinational
week, I will employ another by proposing
organizations. And its votes in the United
formally that MFN trade status continue for
Nations Security Council against Iraq's
China. This policy has generated consider-
brutal aggression helped us forge the broad
able controversy. Some critics have said
coalition that brought us victory in the Gulf.
revoke MFN-or endanger it with sweeping
And so, when we find opportunities to co-
conditions-to censure China, cut our ties
operate with China, we will explore them.
and isolate it. We are told this is a princi-
When problems arise with China's behavior,
pled policy, a moral thing to do. This advice
we will take appropriate action.
is not new. It's not wise. It is not in the best
After the tragedy of Tiananmen, the
interests of our country, the United States.
United States was the first nation to con-
And in the end, in spite of noble and best
demn the use of violence against the peace-
intentions, it is not moral.
fully demonstrating people of Beijing. We
were the first to guarantee the rights of
First, MFN is [not] special. It is not a
Chinese students studying on campuses
favor. It is the ordinary basis of trade world-
across the country, including here at Yale.
wide. Second, MFN is a means to bring the
The United States was the first nation to
influence of the outside world to bear on
impose sanctions, and we are now the last,
China. Critics who attack MFN today act as
alone among the Western democracies, to
if the point is to punish China, as if hurting
keep those original sanctions in place. At
China's economy will somehow help the
every high-level meeting with the Chinese
cause of privatization and human rights.
Government, U.S. officials reiterate our po-
The real point is to pursue a policy that
sition on human rights violations.
has the best chance of changing Chinese
Unfair trade is also high on our agenda.
behavior. If we withdrew MFN or imposed
Just last month, we cited China under the
conditions that would make trade impossi-
trade rules of a special 301 for pirating U.S.
ble, we would punish South China, in pa
copyrights and patents. And for the sake of
ticular, Guangdong Province, the ver
national security, we will ban technologies
region where free market reform and the
and equipment to any Chinese company
challenge to central authority are the
found to violate rules outlawing transfer of
strongest. Right now, there's an estimated
missile technologies.
two million Chinese who are working and
We will continue to advance our interests
proving that privatization can work-all in
and ideals: for free and fair trade, for broad-
South China. Withdraw MFN and their jobs
er democratization, for respect for human
would be in jeopardy. In addition, endan-
rights throughout China. Let me be clear:
gering MFN would deal a body blow to
As a member of the United Nations, China
Hong Kong, the bastion of freedom and
is bound by the U.N. Declaration of Human
free trade in the Far East.
Rights. We will hold China to the obliga-
But the most compelling reason to renew
tions that it has freely accepted.
And finally, we continue urging China to
MFN and remain engaged in China is not
economic, it's not strategic, but moral. It is
exercise restraint in its weapons exports.
Our recent experience with Iraq proves
right to export the ideals of freedom and
how dangerous the deadly trade can be.
democracy to China. It is right to encour-
And very soon, I will announce significant
age Chinese students to come to the United
new steps that we can take to control arms
States and for talented American students
exports to the entire Middle East. Every
to go to China. It is wrong to isolate China
nation must play a part in this effort. That's
if we hope to influence China.
why we urge the Chinese Government to
For two decades after the Communists
abide by the letter and spirit of internation-
seized power in 1949, the Western world
al agreements on missile technology con-
followed a policy of isolation toward China.
trols, and to do what 141 other nations have
This period proved to be among the most
already done: sign the nuclear nonprolifera-
brutal episodes in Chinese history, a nigh
tion treaty.
mare of anguish and death and sufferin
And this is one way that the United States
that will scar the soul of China for decades
can be a catalyst for positive change. This
to come.
676
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / May 28
So, it comes down to the strength of our
by them even when people jeer, when
belief in the power of the democratic idea.
people urge you to find a quick and easy
If we pursue a policy that cultivates con-
out. If you remain patient and true to your-
tacts with the Chinese people, promotes
self, you can't go wrong. Second, remember
commerce to our benefit, we can help
that the corner of the world that matters
create a climate for democratic change.
most is one right here at home, the one you
No nation on Earth has discovered a way
share with friends and family. And finally,
to import the world's goods and services
your destiny and the currents of history will
while stopping foreign ideas at the border.
most likely intersect more than once. You
Just as the democratic idea has transformed
will have ample opportunity to make your
nations on every continent, so, too, change
mark. And take care to make it count.
will inevitably come to China.
To all the graduates of the class of '91
This nation's foreign policy has always
who now join me as proud alumni of this
been more than simply an expression of
great university, congratulations, good luck
American interests; it's an extension of
to you, and may God bless the United States
American ideals. This moral dimension of
of America.
American policy requires us to remain
active, engaged in the world. Many times,
Note: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. in
that means trying to chart a moral course
the Yale University Quadrangle.
through a world of lesser evils. That's the
real world, not black and white. Very few
moral absolutes. Enormous potential for
error and embarrassment. But all are part
of the risks that we willingly take to ad-
The President's News Conference in
ance the American ideal.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Many times in the past 40 years, people
May 28, 1991
Lave encouraged us to adopt a policy of
righteous isolationism, but we remained en-
President's Health
gaged. We cannot advance principles if we
curl up into a defensive ball. We cannot
Q. Mr. President, could we get your reac-
transform a world if we hide from its un-
tion-
pleasant realities. We can advance our cher-
Q. How about the water at the White
ished ideals only by extending our hand,
House? Do you want to talk about that
showing our best sides, sticking patiently to
now?
our values, even if we risk rejection.
The President. The water at the White
Look at the way American encourage-
House?
ment and the American example-the
Q. Yes.
power of the American example-is paying
The President. What about it?
off in Taiwan and Korea. We will have no
Q. They're apparently checking it.
leverage. We will not be able to advance
Q. It's being checked to see if this is the
our cause or resist repression if we pull
thyroid problem.
back and declare that China is simply too
Q. They're saying that possibly you and
impure a place for us. We want to promote
Mrs. Bush and the dog, having gotten these
positive change in the world through the
autoimmune problems, that perhaps it's
force of our example, not simply profess our
something to do with the water.
purity. We want to advance the cause of
The President. Maybe the air. I don't
freedom, not just snub nations that aren't
know-
yet wholly free.
Q. You didn't know about it?
Let me close today with some modest
The President. No.
pieces of advice. First, understand that you
Q. Did you know it was being checked?
ten will confront moral ambiguity. There
The President. Not checked. I just heard
II come times when you will have difficul-
something on the television. I could hardly
distinguishing between good guys and
believe it.
bad guys. When these situations arise, iden-
The odds against two people in the family
tify your principles and stick by them. Stick
having-the doctor told me, the thyroid
677
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 29, 1991
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON THE STATE OF THE UNION
The U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
9:09 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. President, and Mr. Speaker, and
members of the United States Congress. I come to this House of the
people to speak to you and all Americans, certain that we stand at a
defining hour. Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great
struggle in the skies and on the seas and sands. We know why we're
there. We are Americans -- part of something larger than ourselves.
For two centuries, we've done the hard work of freedom. And tonight,
we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity.
What is at stake is more than one small country; it is a
big idea: a new world order, where diverse nations are drawn
together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of
mankind -- peace and security, freedom, and the rule of law. Such is
a world worthy of our struggle and worthy of our children's future.
(Applause.)
The community of nations has resolutely gathered to
condemn and repel lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked
invasion -- his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor --
violated everything the community of nations holds dear. The world
has said this aggression would not stand -- and it will not stand.
(Applause.)
Together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement,
cynicism, and isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world
has answered Saddam's invasion with 12 United Nations resolutions,
starting with a demand for Iraq's immediate and unconditional
withdrawal and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six
continents. with few exceptions, the world now stands as one.
The end of the Cold War has been a victory for all
humanity. A year and a half ago, in Germany, I said that our goal
was a Europe whole and free. Tonight, Germany is united. Europe has
become whole and free -- and America's leadership was instrumental in
making it possible. (Applause.)
Our relationship to the Soviet Union is important, not
only to us, but to the world. That relationship has helped to shape
these and other historic changes. But like many other nations, we
have been deeply concerned by the violence in the Baltics, and we
have communicated that concern to the Soviet leadership.
The principle that has guided us is simple: our
objective is to help the Baltic peoples achieve their aspirations,
not to punish the Soviet Union. (Applause.) In our recent
discussions with the Soviet leadership, we have been given
representations which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal
of some Soviet forces, a reopening of dialogue with the Republics,
and a move away from violence.
We will watch carefully as the situation develops. And
we will maintain our contact with the Soviet leadership to encourage
- 2 -
continued commitment to democratization and reform. (Applause.) If
it is possible, I want to continue to build a lasting basis for
-Soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind.
The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe and
Latin America, and the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere all
around the world all confirm the wisdom of our nation's founders.
Tonight, we work to achieve another victory -- a victory
over tyranny and savage aggression.
We in this Union enter the last decade of the 20th
century thankful for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware
of our difficulties, and responsive to our duties at home and around
the world.
For two centuries, America has served the world as an
inspiring example of freedom and democracy. For generations, America
has led the struggle to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty.
And today, in a rapidly changing world, American leadership is
indispensable. Americans know that leadership brings burdens and
sacrifices. But we also know why the hopes of humanity turn to us.
We are Americans: we have a unique responsibility to do the hard
work of freedom. And when we do, freedom works. (Applause.)
The conviction and courage we see in the Persian Gulf
today is simply the American character in action. The indomitable
spirit that is contributing to this victory for world peace and
justice is the same spirit that gives us the power and the potential
to meet our toughest challenges at home.
We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly
confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely
we can make this land all that it should be. If anyone tells you
that America's best days are behind her, they're looking the wrong
way. (Applause.)
Tonight, I come before this House and the American people
with an appeal for renewal. This is not merely a call for new
government initiatives; it is a call for new initiative in
government, in our communities, and from every American -- to prepare
for the next American century.
America has always led by example. So who among us will
set this example? Which of our citizens will lead us in this next
American century? Everyone who steps forward today -- to get one
addict off drugs, to convince one troubled teenager not to give up on
life, to comfort one AIDS patient, to help one hungry child.
We have within our reach the promise of a renewed
America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some purpose
higher than ourselves -- a shining purpose, the illumination of a
thousand points of light. And it is expressed by all who know the
irresistible force of a child's hand, of a friend who stands by you
and stays there -- a volunteer's generous gesture, an idea that is
simply right.
The problems before us may be different, but the key to
solving them remains the same. It is the individual -- the
individual who steps forward. And the state of our Union is the
union of each of us, one to the other -- the sum of our friendships,
marriages, families, and communities.
We all have something to give. So if you know how to
read, find someone who can't. If you've got a hammer, find a nail.
If you're not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble, seek out someone
who is. Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of
freedom. And that will define the state of our Union. (Applause.)
Since the birth of our nation, "We the people" has been
the source of our strength. What government can do alone is limited
-- but the potential of the American people knows no limits.
MORE
- 3 -
We are a nation of rock-solid realism and clear-eyed
idealism. We are Americans. We are the nation that believes in the
future. We are the nation that can shape the future. And we've
begun to do just that -- by strengthening the power and choice of
individuals and families.
Together, these last two years, we've put dollars for
child care directly in the hands of parents instead of bureaucracies.
(Applause.) Unshackled the potential of Americans with disabilities.
(Applause.) Applied the creativity of the marketplace in the service
of the environment, for clean air; and made home ownership possible
for more Americans. (Applause.)
The strength of a democracy is not in bureaucracy. It is
in the people and their communities. In everything we do, let us
unleash the potential of our most precious resource -- our citizens,
our citizens themselves. We must return to families, communities,
counties, cities, states, and institutions of every kind the power to.
chart their own destiny, and the freedom and opportunity provided by
strong economic growth. And that's what America is all about.
(Applause.)
I know tonight in some regions of our country, people are
in genuine economic distress. And I hear them.
Earlier this month, Kathy Blackwell, of Massachusetts,
wrote me about what can happen when the economy slows down, saying,
"My heart is aching, and I think that you should know your people out.
here are hurting badly."
I understand. And I'm not unrealistic about the future.
But there are reasons to be optimistic about our economy.
First, we don't have to fight double-digit inflation.
Second, most industries won't have to make big cuts in production
because they don't have big inventories piled up. And third, our
exports are running solid and strong. In fact, American businesses
are exporting at a record rate.
So let's put these times in perspective. Together, since
1981, we've created almost 20 million jobs, cut inflation in half,
and cut interest rates in half.
And, yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion in
history has been temporarily interrupted. But our economy is still
over twice as large as our closest competitor.
We will get this recession behind us and return to growth
soon. (Applause.) We will get on our way to a new record of
expansion and achieve the competitive strength that will carry us
into the next American century.
We should focus our efforts today on encouraging economic
growth, investing in the future, and giving power and opportunity to
the individual. (Applause.)
We must begin with control of federal spending.
(Applause.) That's why I'm submitting a budget that holds the growth
in spending to less than the rate of inflation. And that's why, amid
all the sound and fury of last year's budget debate, we put into law
new, enforceable spending caps -- so that future spending debates
will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war. (Applause.)
Though controversial, the budget agreement finally put
the federal government on a pay-as-you-go plan and cut the growth of
debt by nearly $500 billion. And that frees funds for saving and
job-creating investment.
Now, let's do more. My budget again includes tax-free
family savings accounts; penalty-free withdrawals from IRAs for
first-time home buyers -- (applause) -- and to increase jobs and
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growth, a reduced tax for long-term capital gains. (Applause.)
I know there are differences among us -- (laughter) --
about the impact and the effects of a capital gains incentive. So
tonight, I'm asking the congressional leaders and the Federal Reserve
to cooperate with us in a study, led by Chairman Alan Greenspan, to
sort out our technical differences so that we can avoid a return to
unproductive partisan bickering. (Applause.)
But just as our efforts will bring economic growth now
and in the future, they must also be matched by long-term investments
for the next American century.
That requires a forward-looking plan of action -- and
that's exactly what we will be sending to the Congress. We've
prepared a detailed series of proposals that include:
A budget that promotes investment in America's future --
in children, education, infrastructure, space, and high technology;
legislation to achieve excellence in education --
building on the partnership forged with the 50 governors at the
Education Summit, enabling parents to choose their children's schools
and helping to make America number one in math and science; --
(applause) --
a blueprint for a new national highway system -- a
critical investment in our transportation infrastructure; --
(applause) --
a research and development agenda that includes record
levels of federal investment, and a permanent tax credit to
strengthen private R&D and to create jobs; -- (applause) --
a comprehensive national energy strategy that calls for
energy conservation and efficiency, increased development, and
greater use of alternative fuels; -- (applause) --
a banking reform plan to bring America's financial system
into the 21st century so that our banks remain safe and secure and
can continue to make job-creating loans for our factories, our
businesses and home-buyers.
You know, I do think there has been too much pessimism.
Sound banks should be making sound loans now -- and interest rates
should be lower, now. (Applause.)
In addition to these proposals, we must recognize that
our economic strength depends on being competitive in world markets.
We must continue to expand American exports. A successful Uruguay
Round of world trade negotiations will create more real jobs and more
real growth for all nations. You and I know that if the playing
field is level, America's workers and farmers can out-work,
out-produce anyone, anytime, anywhere. (Applause.)
And with a Mexican Free Trade Agreement and our
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, we can help our partners
strengthen their economies and move toward a free trade zone
throughout this entire hemisphere. (Applause.)
The budget also includes a plan of action right here at
home to put more power and opportunity in the hands of the
individual. And that means new incentives to create jobs in our
inner cities, by encouraging investment through enterprise zones. :=
also means tenant control and ownership of public housing. Freedom
and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. They
are the birthright of every American. (Applause.)
Civil rights are also crucial to protecting equal
opportunity. (Applause.) Every one of us has a responsibility to
speak out against racism, bigotry, and hate. (Applause.) We will
continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statutes, and I will
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once again press the Congress to strengthen the laws against
employment discrimination without resorting to the use of unfair
preferences. (Applause.)
We're determined to protect another fundamental civil
right -- freedom from crime and the fear that stalks our cities. The
Attorney General will soon convene a crime summit of our nation's law
enforcement officials. And to help us support them, we need tough
crime control legislation, and we need it now. (Applause.)
And as we fight crime, we will fully implement our
national strategy for combatting drug abuse. Recent data show that
we are making progress, but much remains to be done. We will not
rest until the day of the dealer is over, forever. (Applause.)
Good health care is every American's right and every
American's responsibility. And so we are proposing an aggressive
program of new prevention initiatives -- for infants, for children,
for adults, and for the elderly -- to promote a healthier America and
to help keep costs from spiralling. (Applause.)
It's time to give people more choice in government, by
reviving the ideal of the citizen politician who comes not to stay,
but to serve. And one of the reasons that there is so much support
across this country for term limitations is that the American people
are increasingly concerned about big-money influence in politics. So
we must look beyond the next election, to the next generation. And
the time has come to put the national interest above the special
interest -- and totally eliminate political action committees.
(Applause.)
And that would truly put more competition in elections,
and more power in the hands of individuals. And where power cannot
be put directly in the hands of the individual, it should be moved
closer to the people -- away from Washington.
The federal government too often treats government
programs as if they are of Washington, by Washington, and for
Washington. Once established, federal programs seem to become
immortal.
It's time for a more dynamic program life cycle: Some
programs should increase. Some should decrease. Some should be
terminated. And some should be consolidated and turned over to the
states. (Applause.)
My budget includes a list of programs for potential
turnover totalling more than $20 billion. Working with Congress and
the governors, I propose we select at least $15 billion in such
programs and turn them over to the states in a single consolidated
grant -- fully funded -- for flexible management by the states.
(Applause.)
The value -- the value of this turnover approach is
straightforward. It allows the federal government to reduce
overhead. It allows states to manage more flexibly and more
efficiently. It moves power and decision-making closer to the
people. And it reinforces a theme of this administration:
appreciation and encouragement of the innovative powers of "States as
Laboratories."
This nation was founded by leaders who understood that
power belongs in the hands of people. And they planned for the
future. And so must we -- here and all around the world.
As Americans, we know that there are times when we must
step forward and accept our responsibility to lead the world away
from the dark chaos of dictators, toward the brighter promise of a
better day.
Almost 50 years ago we began a long struggle against
aggressive totalitarianism. Now we face another defining hour for
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America and the world.
There is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard
work of freedom, than every soldier and sailor, every Marine, airman,
and Coastguardsman -- every man and woman now serving in the Persian
Gulf. (Applause.) Oh, how they deserve -- (applause) -- and what a
fitting tribute to them.
You see -- what a wonderful, fitting tribute to them.
Each of them has volunteered -- volunteered to provide for this
nation's defense -- and now they bravely struggle, to earn for
America, for the world, and for future generations, a just and
lasting peace.
Our commitment to them must be equal to their commitment
to their country. They are truly America's finest. (Applause.)
The war in the Gulf is not a war we wanted. We worked
hard to avoid war. For more than five months we, along with the Arab
League, the European Community, the United Nations, tried every
diplomatic avenue. U.N. Secretary General Perez de Cuellar;
Presidents Gorbachev, Mitterrand, Ozal, Mubarak, and Bendjedid; Kings
Fahd and Hassan; Prime Ministers Major and Andreotti -- just to name
a few -- all worked for a solution. But time and again, Saddam
Hussein flatly rejected the path of diplomacy and peace.
The world well knows how this conflict began and when:
It began on August 2nd, when Saddam invaded and sacked a small,
defenseless neighbor. And I am certain of how it will end. So that
peace can prevail, we will prevail. (Applause.) Thank you.
Tonight, I am pleased to report that we are on course.
Iraq's capacity to sustain war is being destroyed. Our investment,
our training, our planning -- all are paying off. Time will not be
Saddam's salvation.
Our purpose in the Persian Gulf remains constant: to
drive Iraq out of Kuwait, to restore Kuwait's legitimate government,
and to ensure the stability and security of this critical region.
Let ne make clear what I mean by the region's stability
and security. We do not seek the destruction of Iraq, its culture,
or its people. Rather, we seek an Iraq that uses its great
resources, not to destroy, not to serve the ambitions of a tyrant,
but to build a better life for itself and its neighbors. We seek a
Persian Gulf where conflict is no longer the rule, where the strong
are neither tempted nor able to intimidate the weak.
Most Americans know instinctively why we are in the Gulf.
They know we had to stop Saddam now, not later. They know that this
brutal dictator will do anything; will use any weapon; will commit
any outrage, no matter how many innocents suffer.
They know we must make sure that control of the world's
oil resources does not fall into his hands, only to finance further
aggression. They know that we need to build a new, enduring peace --
based not on arms races and confrontation, but on shared principles
and the rule of law.
And we all realize that our responsibility to be the
catalyst for peace in the region does not end with the successful
conclusion of this war.
Democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful
dissent -- and we've heard some dissenting voices here at home --
some, a handful, reckless -- most responsible. But the fact that all
voices have the right to speak out is one of the reasons we've been
united in purpose and principle for 200 years. (Applause.)
Our progress in this great struggle is the result of
years of vigilance and a steadfast commitment to a strong defense.
Now
with
like
the
Patriot
miasi'e
- 7 -
we can defend against ballistic missile attacks aimed at innocent
civilians.
Looking forward, I have directed that the SDI program be
refocused on providing protection from limited ballistic missile
strikes whatever their source. (Applause.) Let us pursue an SDI
program that can deal with any future threat to the United STates, to
our forces overseas, and to our friends and allies.
The quality of American technology, thanks to the
American worker, has enabled us to successfully deal with difficult
military conditions and help minimize precious loss of life. We have
given our men and women the very best. And they deserve it.
(Applause.)
We all have a special place in our hearts for the
families of our men and women serving in the Gulf. They are
represented here tonight by Mrs. Norman Schwarzkopf. (Applause.) We
are all very grateful to General Schwarzkopf and to all those serving
with him. And I might also recognize one who came with Mrs.
Schwarzkopf - Alma Powell, the wife of the distinguished Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs. (Applause.) And to the families, let me say our
forces in the Gulf will not stay there one day longer than is
necessary to complete their mission. (Applause.)
The courage and success of the RAF pilots, of the
Kuwaiti, Saudi, French, the Canadians, the Italians, the pilots of
Qatar and Bahrain -- all are proof that for the first time since
World War II, the international community is united. The leadership
of the United Nations, once only a hoped-for ideal, is now confirming
its founders' vision. (Applause.)
I am heartened that we are not being asked to bear alone
the financial burdens of this struggle. Last year, our friends and
allies provided the bulk of the economic costs of Desert Shield. And
now, having received commitments of over $40 billion for the first
three months of 1991, I am confident they will do no less as we move
through Desert Storm. (Applause.)
But the world has to wonder what the dictator of Iraq is
thinking. If he thinks that by targeting innocent civilians in
Israel and Saudi Arabia, that he will gain advantage, he is dead
wrong. (Applause.) If he thinks that he will advance his cause
through tragic and despicable environmental terrorism, he is dead
wrong. (Applause.) And if he thinks that by abusing the coalition
prisoners of war he will benefit, he is dead wrong. (Applause.)
We will succeed in the Gulf. And when we do, the world
community will have sent an enduring warning to any dictator or
despot, present or future, who contemplates oulaw aggression.
The world can, therefore, seize this opportunity to
fulfill the long-held promise of a new world order, where brutality
will go unrewarded and aggression will meet collective resistance.
Yes, the United States bears a major share of leadership
in this effort. Among the nations of the world, only the United
States of America has both the moral standing and the means to back
it up. We're the only nation on this Earth that could assemble the
forces of peace. This is the burden of leadership and the strength
that has made America the beacon of freedom in a searching world.
This nation has never found glory in war. Our people
have never wanted to abandon the blessings of home and work for
distant lands and deadly conflict. If we fight in anger, it is only
because we have to fight at all. And all of us yearn for a world
where we will never have to fight again.
Each of us will measure within ourselves the value of
this great struggle. Any cost in lives -- any cost -- is beyond our
power to measure. But the cost of closing our eyes to aggression is
beyond mankind's power to imagine.
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This we do know: Our cause is just. Our cause is moral.
Our cause is: right. (Applause.)
Let future generations understand the burden and the
blessings of freedom. Let them say we stood where duty required us
to stand.
Let them know that, together, we affirmed America and the
world as a community of conscience.
The winds of change are with us now. The forces of
freedom are together, united. We move toward the next century more
confident than ever that we have the will at home and abroad to do
what must be done, the hard work of freedom.
May God bless the United States of America. Thank you
very, very much. (Applause.)
END
9:57 P.M. EST