Page 509 Organisation. I cannot find words sufficiently strong in which to condemn this tendency. It is a legitimate exercise of the rights of this platform for repre- sentatives to present an account of the conditions in their countries and to emphasise the favourable aspects of those conditions. We could wish that some of the tales of freedom and advanced social conditions which we have heard from this rostrum tallied more closely with the observations of impartial visitors to, and the accounts of some of the refugees from, some of the countries concerned. We have no desire to stifle debate, for in common with other Western democracies we believe in freedom of expression, freedom of opinion and freedom of speech, as anyone may find who wishes to visit our country, to which he may freely come. But the tendency which I have noticed goes far beyond these legitimate uses of this platform. At present, as I have said, it is in its early stages so far as the I.L.O. is concerned. But, if it is allowed to continue, the atmosphere will become poisoned, our debates will be sterile, our attention, which should be given to other matters, will be diverted into paths of mutual recrimination, our work will be stultified, and we shall suffer from a sense of frustration and bitterness which may well mean the end of the Organisation's usefulness as a force for social progress. With all the strength at my command I would urge upon all representatives that we should stop this pernicious practice at the very beginning.
It has not been possible within the time at my disposal to do more than touch upon a few outstanding issues which face us to-day. May I conclude by reaffirming the faith of my Government in the ideals of the Organisation and in its capacity to demonstrate to the world the practical efficiency of international co-operation? As the International Labour Organisation moves forward to its destiny we wish it God-speed and pledge it our continued support.
Page 509
Page 509
241
Tu
1
J
T
I
il