have the right to insist, on behalf of the whole inter- national community, that conflict, once started, must be halted and that disputes must be settled not by force but by peaceful means in accordance with the Charter.” [lhid, pa,vrs. 237-238.1 134. Those fears of early April have proved well founded. For seven weeks now the world has watched with a kind of dreadful fascination as an old, old pattern has been acted out once more, 135. The initial use of force brought force in reply. The right of self-defence was invoked. Honour and prestige became engaged on either side and principles had to be defended. Conflict escalated and prepara- tions were made for war. 136. Over those seven weeks, several attempts were made through international mediation to avert this war. Secretary of State Haig worked hard to this end. President Belaunde of Peru put forward pro- posals. And over the past three weeks, the Secretary- General has made a major effort in discussions with representatives of the two parties to establish a basis for a settlement. 137, This effort by the Secretary-General Was CRI+ fully -judged, and it was handled with the highest diplomatic skill. But we have just heard from htm that he does not consider it fruitful now t0 pursue his present effort further. 138. IS there any alternative’? Or must the inter- national community and the Council now accept the inevitable. Like the chorus in a Greek play, must We lament the unfolding tragedy but do nothing to try to avert it? 139. Already, on 4 May, the Government of Ireland formally requested a meeting of the Council. We did so because it was unthinkable in our view, at a time when other peace efforts seemed to be at an end, that 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a diplomatic speech or statement regarding a conflict between two countries. The language used is formal and diplomatic, and the content discusses international mediation efforts, the use of force, and the potential for war. The text also mentions the role of the United Nations Secretary-General and the international community in addressing the conflict.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief