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8 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.

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.