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GV United Nations (silent)
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MV Waldheim speaks
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WALDHEIM: The present situation is extremely serious, and I wish to appeal to all the parties to act with the utmost restraint. The most recent developments have confirmed my conviction that a solution to the problem of Vietnam can only be found through negotiation. I have repeatedly offered my good offices in the search for a peaceful settlement in Vietnam. My offer still stands, but I feel that the time has how come when the full machinery of the United Nations should be used, first to achieve a cessation of hostilities, and then to assist in the search for a peaceful and lasting settlement to the problem.



"The United Nations was set up twenty-seven years ago to save succeeding generations from their scourge of war. the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, which is incumbent on all statesmen and the United Nations, is the main function of the security of the Security Council.



"It is my earnest hope that, even at this late stage, the parties to the conflict will agree to use the machinery of the United Nations in their own interests as well as in the interests of world peace.



"In Europe the Security General's obligations under the Charter, I shall also pursue my own efforts with all concerned, in the hope of finding a peaceful solution to this tragic situation".




Initials SGM/2328 SGM/2253


There follows a transcript of Mr Waldheim's statement

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim yesterday (Tuesday) called on the parties to the Vietnam conflict to use the machinery of the United Nations to restore peace.

In a written statement, televised from the United Nations building in New York, Mr Waldheim said that despite the lateness of his offer, the time had now come when the full machinery of the United Nations be used.

He observed that the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security was the main function of the Security Council. He hoped that the parties concerned would accept his offer to mediate "in their own interest as well as in the interest of world peace".

There was no indication last night (Tuesday) that two of the permanent members, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, had reacted favourably to the Secretary General's initiative.

North Vietnam's reported opposition to any role for the U.N. is expected to prompt the Chinese to adopt a similar attitude to Mr Waldheim's appeal.