67. Editorial Note
The Ceylonese Resolution, adopted on December 16, 1971, by the 26th session of the UN General Assembly as Resolution 2832, declared the Indian Ocean a “zone of peace.” It called on the great powers to consult with the littoral states in order to halt the expansion of their military presence, and to eliminate all bases, facilities, and nuclear weapons. Littoral and hinterland states were likewise to consult with other nations to ensure that no other power used the Indian Ocean to threaten or use force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or independence of the littoral and hinterland states. The right of free use of the Indian Ocean was not affected by the resolution. The vote was 61 in favor, with 55 abstentions. Among those voting for were Japan, China, India, and Pakistan. Those who abstained included France, Australia, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States. (Yearbook of the United Nations, 1971, pages 11, 33–35)