ALAN PATON - QUOTATION

I condemn outright the way Mr. [Patrice] Lumumba has attacked the United Nations and has impugned the integrity of Mr. Hammarskjoeld. Mr Lumumba is laying the United Nations open to attack from any country that would like to foment trouble in Africa. One of the most disurbing features is the demand of Mr. Lumumba that all White troops be withdrawn. But the whole point of the United Nations is that it is a supra-national force operating non-racially. Mr. Lumumba's demand, if acceded to, would make nonsense of these high ideals. . . I have no doubt that the U. S. S. R. has also acted very irresponsibly in attacking Mr. Hammarskjoeld and Dr. Bunche. the Congo business is the acid test of the oft-proclaimed desire of the U. S. S. R. for peace. Why is the U. S. S. R. impugning the integrity of the United Nations? Is it because she hopes to create a chaotic situation from which she could benefit? I find it very difficult to come to any other conclusion. The indignities to which Canadian troops were subjected have revolted all liberal-minded people.

- Alan Paton, "Paton Condemns Lumumba", Contact, August 27, 1960.