United Nations Security Council Meeting 1

by United Nations Security Council

UNITED NATIONS

SECURITY COUNCIL

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OFFICIAL RECORDS

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FIRST MEETING

Held at Church House, Westminster, London, on Thursday, 17 January 1946, at 3 p.m.

Temporary Chairman: Mr. N. J. O. Makin (Australia).

Present: The representatives of the following countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom, United States of America.

1. Provisional agenda for the first meetings of the Security Council

1. Opening of the meeting by the temporary Chairman.
2. Presentation of the section of the Report of the Preparatory Commission which relates to the Security Council.^[1]
3. Adoption of rule 9 of the provisional rules of procedure providing a method for selecting the President.^[2]
4. Selection of the President of the Security Council.
5. Adoption of the agenda.
6. Adoption of provisional rules of procedure.^[3]
7. Recommendation to the General Assembly regarding the appointment of the Secretary-General (Charter, Article 97).
8. Adoption of the directive to the. Military Staff Committee to meet at a given place and date.
9. Discussion of the composition and organization of the staff to be assigned to the Security Council under the Charter, Article 101, paragraphs 1 and 2.
10. Discussion of the best means of arriving at the conclusion of the special agreements referred to in the Charter, Article 43.
11. Reception and consideration of reports and recommendations (if any) from the General Assembly.
12. Consideration of the submission of a special report (if any) to the General Assembly (Charter, Article 24, paragraph 3).
13. Election of the dernier of the International Court of Justice (Statute, Articles 4, 7 to 12, 14).

2. Opening of the Meeting by the Temporary Chairman

The Chairman: In accordance with the Articles of the Charter, representatives having been appointed to serve on the Security Council and a meeting having been correctly convened, I declare the Security Council duly constituted and in session.

3. Presentation of the section of the Report of the Preparatory Commission which relates to the Security Council.^[4]

The Chairman: For the presentation of the section of the Report of the Preparatory commission which relates to the Security Council, I call on Mr. Modzelewski.

Mr. Modzelewski (Poland) (translated from French): In my report, presented on behalf of Committee 2 of the Preparatory Commission, I stated that the work done by the Commission, in so far as it concerns the Security Council, covers the following main points:

We drew up a provisional agenda^[5] for the first meetings of the Security Council. We worked out a draft directive to the Military Staff Committee.^[6] Finally, we drew up provisional rules of procedure for the Security Council.^[7]

The provisional agenda, as you you know, comprises thirteen items, and serves as a starting-point enabling the Council to take its first steps.

With regard to the provisional agenda, I would draw the Council's attention to the following items: item 6, concerning the adoption of the provisional rules of procedure, without which the work of the Security Council would become very difficult; item 7, concerning recommendations to the General Assembly regarding the appointment of the Secretary-General; item 8, concerning the adoption of the directive to the Military Staff Committee to meet at a given place and date; and item 11, concerning the reception and consideration of reports and recommendations from the General Assembly, an item which may cover many matters.

The Preparatory Commission adopted, without alterations, the provisional agenda as drafted by the Executive Committee, except with respect to item 13. This item, relating to the election of the members of the International Court of Justice, was placed last on the provisional agenda so that an opportunity might be given to prepare for the election.

Regarding the directive to the Military Staff Committee, I would point out that it is necessary to fix the date and place of the first meeting of the representatives of the five States who are to form the Military Staff Committee. The Preparatory Commission left it to the Council itself to decide upon this date and place.

The provisional rules of procedure were the subject of searching discussion in Committee 2 of the Preparatory Commission. In particular, the following three questions engaged the attention of representatives who took part in the drafting of these rules: languages, access to the records of private meetings of the Security Council, and the explanatory notes to be appended to the provisional rules of procedure.

As regards languages,^[8] the Preparatory Commission felt that this was a matter for the Security Council itself to decide. The suggestion was made, however, that unless the Security Council decided otherwise, it might be willing to accept the provision that the rules adopted at the San Francisco Conference be applied. The Security Council should take note of the discussion which took place on this subject, and should decide whether any changes in the rules adopted at the San Francisco Conference are called for.

As regards the question of access to the records of private meetings of the Security Council, rule 31 (which is now rule 24) was amended by omission of its last sentence. This read as follows:

"Representatives of members who have taken part in the meeting shall have the right at all times to consult the records at the Secretariat."

By omitting this passage, the Preparatory Commission wished to stress the opinion that the Security Council should also define for itself the right of consulting the records of private meetings.

The Preparatory Commission in like manner rejected the various proposals^[9] designed to provide commentaries on the provisional rules of procedure. The Commission thus emphasized that it likewise wished to leave it to the Security Council to decide whether or not such commentaries would be necessary, especially since Mr. Blaisdell, Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Executive Committee, has compiled some explanatory notes. These appear in the Report of the Preparatory Commission.^[10]

We have, moreover, added rule 17, to the effect that the Security Council may consult competent persons on any question.

I think I have dealt exhaustively with the purpose of my report. I would like to add, however, that throughout its work the Preparatory Commission was mindful of the important role of the Security Council as an organ of the United Nations, bearing as it does the full weight of responsibility for the maintenance of international peace. Proof of this awareness was demonstrated, first and foremost, by the atmosphere which always prevailed whenever matters concerning the Security Council were raised in the Preparatory Commission.

Further proof was provided by the spirit of whole-hearted goodwill which inspired all the representatives to assist in reaching solutions best calculated to render our task easier. All we should do, I think, is to proceed in the same conciliatory spirit with the work initiated by the Preparatory Commission, and to seek the means most likely to guarantee peace and security.

4. Adoption of rule 9 of the provisional rules of procedure providing a method for selecting the President^[11]

The Chairman: I take it that you would wish to have the consideration of the Report deferred until some later time? If that is your wish, then we shall proceed to the consideration of item 3.

I submit to the Council the adoption of rule 9 of the provisional rules of procedure, providing a method of selecting the President. If there are no objections, it is adopted.

Rule 9 was adopted.

5. Selection of the President of the Security Council

The representative of Australia, Mr. N. J. O. Makin, Minister of the Navy, assumed the presidential chair.

The President: I find great difficulty in knowing how I can adequately express my sense of the great honour and distinction accorded to my country, and to me personally as leader of the Australian delegation, in taking up my duties as President of the Security Council at its first session. I would wish that this office had been filled by my colleague, Dr. Evatt, the Australian Minister for External Affairs, who at San Francisco and elsewhere made such a well-recognized contribution to the establishment of the United Nations. I hope that at some later stage, when Australian domestic problems requiring his personal attention are less pressing, Dr. Evatt may find it possible to associate himself with the work of this Council.

May I be permitted to remind you that, during the meetings of the Preparatory Commission, Australia strongly advocated the election of a President of the Security Council for a twelve-month term, instead of a system of automatic rotation of office in alphabetical order, which was eventually adopted? In the circumstances, I suggest that this is a clear demonstration of the desirability of submitting gracefully to the majority decision.

The Australian Government is fully sensible of the great responsibility which has been placed upon it, and of the importance and high dignity of the office which Australia has been called upon to occupy. In discharging my duties as the first President of the Security Council, I shall endeavour to act in accordance with the best traditions of such a responsible office. It will be my utmost endeavour to exercise such impartiality and consideration as will merit your individual confidence and goodwill.

Together we must establish the high standards which should obtain in the work of this Council if it is to proceed with its business smoothly and expeditiously, and if it is to justify the very great hopes which the peoples of the world centre on us.

Our work must be based on the Charter. We are not permitted to go beyond it, but we shall not fail to exercise to the full the very great powers which have been given to this Council.

The guiding principles for the members individually, and for the Council, are already laid down and have already been accepted by each one of us. I would call to mind five of the principles that are found in Article 2 of the Charter:

1. The principle of the sovereign equality of all Members.
2. The undertaking to fulfil in good faith the obligations which members assume in order to assure to all Members of the United Nations the rights and benefits resulting from membership.
3. The undertaking to settle international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered.
4. The undertaking to refrain in international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, and from the use of force in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

5. The undertaking to give the United Nations every assistance in any action which takes place in accordance with the Charter, and to refrain from giving assistance to any State against which the United Nations is taking preventive or enforcement action.

These principles include a respect for the sovereign equality of States, and the territorial integrity and political independence of States. They also include a pledge to serve the aims of justice and the cause of peace.

Our fellow Members of the United Nations have placed in our hands the primary, but not the sole responsibility, for the maintenance of international peace and security. They have given to us authority to act on their behalf, and they will expect us to remember these principles at all times. I am sure that so long as we do so the Security Council will be a great power for good in the world, bringing that freedom from fear which is necessary before we can hope for progress and welfare in all lands.

The first task before the Security Council will necessarily be of an organizational kind, so that it may establish itself and complete all the arrangements necessary for its smooth working and continuous functioning. I trust that this essential business will be completed expeditiously, so that we may give immediate attention to the completion of the system of security described in the Charter.

In addition to the preliminary organization, I feel that I should call attention to the need, in accordance with Article 43 of the Charter, for the negotiation of special agreements amongst states, so that the Security Council may have available at its call as soon as possible the armed forces, assistance and facilities necessary to maintain peace. For the conclusion of these agreements, the advice and assistance of the Military Staff Committee will be necessary; one of the first acts of the Security Council will be to call this Committee into being and to direct it in the task that it is to perform. When this process is complete, the Security Council will be fully equipped to perform a function which is unique in the history of international organization—the direction of collective action for the maintenance of peace, justice, and the rule of law.

I would stress, therefore, that the calling together of the Security Council will not by itself establish peace. The maintenance of peace requires the co-operation of all Members of the United Nations. That co-operation rests, in the ultimate issue, on the will of the peoples of the world to work for peace. A real will to peace must spring, not from fear, but from positive faith in the brotherhood of men.

The more speedily and smoothly we can complete this preliminary work, the sooner will the Security Council be capable of exercising its full powers for the good of all-nations, so that we may find the means of living together in peace with one another as good neighbours. Conscious of the urgent nature of the responsibilities which we have undertaken in ratifying the Charter, I invite the members of the Council to proceed with the business before us. Let us commence our work in confidence and goodwill, and continue it in that spirit, not unaware of the difficulties which lie ahead, but determined to overcome them.

Mr. Stettinius (United States of America): Before we proceed to the adoption of the agenda, may I congratulate you, as the representative of Australia, on becoming the first President of the Security Council. Also, may I congratulate you on the magnificent address that we have just heard. May I add, on behalf of the United States, that I am glad this honour has fallen to one of the smaller countries elected to the Security Council, and to one which joined so effectively with the larger nations in the grand alliance of the United Nations against the Axis aggressors.

Today's meeting of the Security Council, like last Thursday's meeting of the General Assembly, is an historic occasion.

For those of us who have been working over the past two years to bring the United Nations into being, today is a fulfilment of our hopes. It seems only yesterday, and was, indeed, little more than a year ago, that the preliminary plan of a Security Council began to take shape at Dumbarton Oaks.

But for the world, today's meeting is not a fulfilment but a beginning. The Assembly, together with the Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council, is responsible for building the kind of world in which lasting peace will be possible. The Security Council, on the other hand, must make the possibility a certainty; it must see that the peace is kept in fact. That grave responsibility has been delegated to it under the Charter by all the Members of the United Nations. The powers which the Charter gives to the Security Council are, I believe, sufficient for this purpose.

Whether it succeeds or not, however, depends upon the manner in which the members of the Security Council discharge the special obligation which they have assumed. This is the obligation to agree so that the Council may be able to act, and act effectively. It is the obligation to reconcile our differences, one by one, and to work together to fulfil the purposes and principles to which the Charter pledges all the Members of the United Nations.

To meet this obligation will often be difficult. It will require the highest kind of statesmanship from all the member nations, large and small. But it is an obligation that arises from the necessities of mankind's survival on this planet. The ability to meet it has been tried and tested and not found wanting in the terrible ordeal through which we have just passed. It has been tried and tested and not found wanting in the creation of the United Nations. Its mettle, I believe with all my heart, will stand the tests of peace to come, if for no other reason than because it must.

The Security Council today begins its history. It will be a history momentous in its consequences for the human race. This is a new beginning in the long quest for peace and security. Many failures lie behind this day. Many difficulties lie ahead. This time we cannot afford to fail.

We have a great deal of organizational work to do before we can complete the security system intended by the Charter. Let us enter now upon that work. If we build sensibly and steadily and in loyal friendship together, we will not betray the hopes of men and women everywhere that are today placed in our hands.

Mr. Wellington Koo (China): As the representative of a country which, like yours, Mr. President, is remote from Europe, but which, in sentiment, always regards Australia as a close neighbour, I am glad to take this opportunity to join in the congratulations which Mr. Stettinius, the representative of the United States of America, has just extended to you, and to associate myself with the wise words which you and he have said in emphasizing the importance of the task that lies ahead of us.

The inauguration of the Security Council is a signal event for the peace-loving peoples of the world. This principal organ of the United Nations is not merely a constituent part of the United Nations, but a standing body which will function continuously. On this Council rests the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security in the world. It has, besides, the exclusive authority of dealing with Trust Territories which are strategic areas. It has also an important role to play in bringing about settlement of international disputes by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law. The Council has other functions and powers, but those I have mentioned are perhaps the most important of all.

The first meetings of the Security Council must, in the nature of things, be devoted mainly to the work and problems of organization. In order to discharge its functions effectively, it must set up the necessary machinery and agencies. Among them is the Military Staff Committee, which is provided for by the Charter and which, we hope, will be established in due course.

China, my country, which yields to none in the love of peace and in the determination to subordinate national interests to the common interest of the international family, rejoices in the birth of this vital organ in the body politic of the United Nations.

Therefore, on this historic occasion I wish, while congratulating you and your country, also to express the satisfaction of the Chinese Government and people that the Security Council is now constituted and entering upon its all-important functions and duties, especially its paramount function and duty as the recognized guardian of world peace.

Mr. Gromyko (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics): This moment is truly historical. This is the first meeting of the organ whose task is to ensure lasting peace among nations. I wish, in the name of the Soviet delegation, to express the hope that the Security Council will fulfil the great historic task which has been given to it by the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. Bevin (United Kingdom): I am naturally glad that the representative of a British Dominion has been called upon to take the chair at the first meeting of the Security Council, and especially a Dominion whose very existence was threatened by an attack by the Japanese and who, for a considerable time, faced the dangers of invasion and destruction.

We are met today to inaugurate the Security Council. Like the other representatives who have spoken, I can only hope that it will be successful in its work, firm in its decisions, just and considerate in dealing with all the cases that will come before us, and always actuated by the highest motives to secure peace among all peoples.

Mr. Vincent Auriol (France) (translated from French): The French Government joins in the tributes which have been paid to the President, and associates itself with the presidential address and with the words which have greeted the opening meeting of the Security Council. Seventy-five years ago, almost to the day, Bismarck laid the foundations of the German Empire. It is fitting to recall the collapse of that mighty empire at this moment when we are ushering in an epoch of law among peoples and of justice among nations.

The Security Council’s task is a heavy one, but it will be sustained by our hope, which is shared by the people, and by our remembrance of the sufferings of all those who fought and died that the rule of law might prevail. Faithful to her tradition, France will strive with all means at her disposal for the accomplishment of the task set before us.

Badawi Pasha (Egypt) (translated from French): The significance of this event has already been sufficiently stressed. The functions and responsibilities of the Security Council have been expounded in words which are as eloquent as they are timely, and I have nothing to add to these pronouncements, except to offer my congratulations to the President. His election is a tribute to his country, which fought so valiantly against the enemy, and it recalls the fine contribution of Dr. Evatt to the cause of liberty and international law.

Egypt is proud of her membership of the Security Council. She has full faith in the Council's future, knowing the spirit which animates it. The Council is the safeguard of lasting peace, as the future will prove.

Mr. de Freitas-Valle (Brazil): After listening to so many eloquent speeches today, you will wish to be brief, Mr. President. I shall just like, on behalf of Brazil, to applaud your remarks and to say how happy we are to see you in the Chair, and to recall what was said yesterday by the head of my delegation as to what people are awaiting from this gathering. He said, you will remember, “The trouble-maker is always wrong.” Let us hope that from now on the trouble-maker will be stopped.

Mr. Modzelewski (Poland) (translated from French): Poland can look back on a long history devoted to the defence of justice and peace. The very life of Poland depends on the preservation of peace. The truth of this was shown to us in a sad and painful manner during the recent German occupation. This is but an additional reason for our endorsing wholeheartedly the statements in favour of peace made by the representatives of great nations.

Mr. van Kleffens (Netherlands): It is a great privilege and a matter of happy augury, I think, that we start the meeting under the presidency of so eminent a gentleman as the representative of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Less than a year ago, the people of the Netherlands were still under the heel of an oppressor. It was the blackest period in their history, and the contrast of the present day is very great. But though it was a situation in which all were near despair, hope was never entirely extinguished in the hearts of my countrymen, and it has now made room for high expectation.

I remember very well that, in the dark days of the war, that great leader of the country which is giving us the very generous hospitality we are enjoying here—I mean Winston Spencer Churchill — talked to us of the dark valley through which we had to make a long pilgrimage in order to emerge one day into these sunlit regions where 'peace, and liberty would reign once more. We have now emerged into those regions; and I think that this assembly, of the Security Council marks a most auspicious beginning.

In the old Republic of the United Netherlands there used to be an important body whose members in those formal days used to be addressed in writing as “Very discreet and very loyal Gentlemen”. I think if we all work together here as very discreet and very loyal gentlemen, then the Security Council will fulfil in the spirit of the Charter that very important mission that has been entrusted to it,

Mr. de Rosenzweig Diaz (Mexico): Nothing could be more opportune than this moment of historical importance, when the Security Council, of the United Nations is established in session, to remember the purpose and aim of the United Nations and the problems which face the United Nations and the nations represented in the Security Council. With the high ideals, which are expressed in the words of the Charter, we shall continue to the extent of our possibilities to accomplish those aims.

6. Adoption of the agenda

The President: I think we will proceed now to item 5, the adoption of the agenda. Shall I take it that members of the Council approve of the adoption of the agenda? That is carried.

The agenda was adopted.

7. Adoption of provisional rules of procedure^[12]

The President: Item 6: the adoption of the provisional rules of procedure. Are members willing to approve the adoption of item number 6? That is adopted.

The provisional rules of procedure were adopted.

The President: It is proposed that there should be formed a Committee of Experts which will submit a report to the Council as soon as possible. I presume that that will be taken up at the next meeting.

Mr. Gromyko (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics): Do you propose to establish a sub-committee for the consideration of the rules of procedure?

The President: Yes. Each delegation will appoint one representative.

Mr. Gromyko (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics): This idea, I think, is good, but the sub-committee may not be able to present a full draft of the rules of procedure to the next meeting. Is it not necessary for the next meeting?

The President: No.

Badawi Pasha (Egypt): For the time being we have the provisional rules of procedure.

The President: Yes. Do the members of the Council desire to proceed further with the items of the agenda?

Mr. Stettinius (United States of America): I move we adjourn.

The President: I submit to the Council that we now adjourn until a time that will be determined.

The meeting rose at 4:16 p.m.

1. See Official Records of the Security Council, First Year, First Series, Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a.
2. Ibid., Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 4.
3. Ibid., Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 3.
4. See Official Records of the Security Council,' First Year, First Series, Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a.
5. Ibid., Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 2.
6. Ibid., Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 3.
7. Ibid., Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 4.
8. See Official Records of the Security Council, First Year, First Series, Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, b.
9. See Report of the Executive Committee to the Preparatory Commission of the United Nations, page 42.
10. See Official Records of the Security Council, First Year, First Series, Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, c.
11. Ibid., Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 4.
12. See Official Records of the Security Council, First Year, First Series, Supplement No. 1; Annex 1, a, section 4.