| Main Performers | Rt. Hon. Earl of Lytton,
Hon. Edward R Stettinius Jnr,
Rt. Hon. Anthony Eden,
Rt. Hon. Viscount Cecil,
Rt. Hon. Philip John Noel-Baker (Minsiter of State),
Air Vice-Marshal D Bennett (Formerly AOC Pathfinders),
Lady Megan Lloyd George,
Prime Minister Clement Attlee,
Lord Robert Cecil - speakers |
| Set List | 'God Save the King' (The National Anthem),
Reading of Message from King George V,
Speeches |
| Performance Notes | 'In a speech at the National demonstration of the United Nations Association today, the Prime Minister Mr Attlee declared that the United Nations' Charter was Britain's first line of defence. Attlee's speech encouraged support for the UN which began functioning only a few days after this meeting.
"'As Prime Minster I wish to say quite simply that it is the firm intention of the Government to make a success of the United Nations' primary object of foreign policy', Mr Attlee stated. 'The reason for this is obvious, we have come to a period in history when mankind must either set up an institution of this kind, and not only set it up but make it work, or face consequences so appalling that the mind shrinks even from contemplating them. The release of atomic energy has made war merely a form of suicide for mankind.'
'If war is to be avoided there must be in the world something to do in future what war has often done in the past - make great decisions between nations. There must also be the means whereby different countries can learn to work together for the benefit of all. That is what the Charter was made for - to maintain international peace and security, and to promote the welfare of all peoples for international cooperation. The security of the British Empire and Commonwealth is thus bound up with the success of the United Nations."
(The Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton, Australia, 12 October 1945)
There was also a message from His Majesty the King to the First National Demonstration of the United Nations Association at the Royal Albert Hall.
Associated Press Archive holds B&W Movietone footage of the event (Story No.BM46128). |
| Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/1945/168) |