UN DINNER
A warm welcome to Perez Decuellarthe United Nations Secretary-General and all the heads and officials of the other United Nations organisations and specialised agencies gathered here.
And to our other guests, practically all of whom are closely associated with and directly interested in the work of the United Nations.
I am delighted that London, through the International Maritime Organisation, is hosting your meeting this week. [end p1]
Now, I am told that I must be careful, that every organisation and specialised agency here is proud of its special status, that if I mention one by name I must mention them all—and that if I get them in the wrong order I shall almost certainly be personally condemned in the next resolution adopted by the General Assembly.
Well, I dare say I could stand that. But I will avoid the traps anyway and talk instead about the United Nations family. [end p2]
The United Kingdom can claim—indeed we do claim—to have played a major part in the creation of virtually every institution represented around this table.
You represent an extraordinary range of international activity: political, economic, developmental, humanitarian, regulatory.
Between you, you have through the member countries, immense capacity to influence our whole planet. You see in every day of your working lives the attempts to implement the ideals of the United Nations—you see the successes and [end p3] you are more conscious than most of the failures. And it follows that you feel particularly keenly the frustrations which come from the contrast between the ideals and the performance.
The British Government's message to you tonight is one of strong support for your efforts. History has made Britain a country which is almost unique in the strength of its ties with so many other countries in all parts of the world. Their peace and prosperity are vital British concerns. [end p4]
But the peace and prosperity of our planet are your goals too. That is one reason—not the only one—why we work with you. We share and understand your concerns.
You have heard a good deal from our spokesman about money. I expect you will hear a good deal more. In a time of economic difficulty across the world we have had to look to the United Nations to exercise maximum financial restraint. [end p5]
We cannot urge prudent financial policies at home without seeking similar policies in those organisations which we support and to which we contribute. I know that you understand this—and we welcome the responsible attitude that the United Nations organisations have generally shown.
I wish you a good and productive meeting in London. And I hope when you leave you will feel—if not refreshed, for the effect of long meetings is rarely to refresh—at least encouraged. [end p6]
Encouraged because you have solved for ever all problems of co-ordination and rivalries between the organisations and agencies.
More seriously, encouraged because you have looked into the future and not found it entirely daunting.
And encouraged because you feel that we in this country are behind you and will continue to work with you toward the ideals of the institution you represent. TOAST