A New India
Chapter 209 - 209: So called Defender of Peace - I

The UN General Assembly hall was packed as representatives from around the world gathered for an emergency session.

The news of Israel's swift assault on Egypt had reached every corner of the globe, and now, the eyes of the world were on the United Nations.

At the podium stood Sir Pierson Dixon, the British Ambassador, flanked by his French counterpart, Hervé Alphand.

Their expressions were serious as they prepared to address the assembly.

Dixon cleared his throat, his tone clipped but deliberate. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today because the situation in the Middle East has taken a dangerous turn. As you know, Israeli forces have advanced into Egyptian territory, endangering not only regional stability but the vital Suez Canal, a lifeline of global commerce."

Alphand nodded in agreement, stepping forward. "We cannot allow the Middle East to be thrown into chaos. That is why France and Britain are calling for an immediate ceasefire and a separation of forces. We propose the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to secure the Suez Canal and ensure that it remains open to all nations."

The Egyptian delegate, Omar Loutfi, rose from his seat, his voice barely restraining anger. "A ceasefire? A ceasefire for whom, Ambassador Dixon? You speak of peace, yet it was Britain and France who encouraged and abetted this invasion! You can't stand here and act as if this is some neutral intervention. Egypt has been attacked, its sovereignty violated!"

Dixon's face hardened. "Egypt's actions leading up to this conflict are well known, Mr. Loutfi. President Nasser's reckless nationalization of the canal endangered the interests of every nation reliant on its passage. This so-called 'sovereignty' you defend is nothing but a cover for an attempt to destabilize the entire region."

Loutfi shot back, "We nationalized the canal legally, within our own territory. Is that not our right as a sovereign nation? Or does sovereignty only apply when it's convenient for Britain and France?"

The American representative, Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., raised his hand, signaling for calm. "Gentlemen, please. Let's keep this debate respectful. The United States is concerned about the escalation in the region, and we support a ceasefire as well. But let's be clear any peacekeeping force must respect Egypt's sovereignty over the canal. We can't allow this to be a backdoor to foreign control."

Alphand frowned, his frustration evident. "Mr. Lodge, let us not pretend that this is purely about sovereignty. Nasser's control over the canal threatens every nation that depends on its uninterrupted operation. A neutral force to secure it is in everyone's interest."

The Soviet delegate, Arkady Sobolev, leaned into his microphone, his voice a low rumble. "And who decides what is in everyone's interest, Mr. Alphand? France? Britain? The Soviet Union stands with Egypt. We condemn this imperialist aggression masquerading as a call for peace. A peacekeeping force under these circumstances would be nothing but an occupying force, with Britain and France attempting to reclaim their colonial hold."

Dixon's face flushed, his voice rising. "Imperialism? Coming from the Soviet Union? Spare us the hypocrisy, Mr. Sobolev. We are here to protect international stability, something Nasser has jeopardized with his reckless policies. You speak of colonialism while your country imposes its will on Eastern Europe."

Sobolev shot back, "The situation in Eastern Europe has nothing to do with this debate, Ambassador Dixon. Egypt has the right to nationalize its resources, just as Britain had the right to claim its own coal mines or industries. This is about your refusal to accept an independent Egypt controlling a resource you feel entitled to."

The French ambassador leaned forward, his tone icy. "The difference, Mr. Sobolev, is that when a nation's actions threaten the stability of an entire region and risk global economic consequences, intervention becomes necessary. We're not here to steal; we're here to ensure the canal doesn't become a pawn in Nasser's political games."

Loutfi's fist slammed on the table, his voice unwavering. "So, securing Egypt's canal is in everyone's interest, but respecting Egypt's sovereignty is not? Ambassador Alphand, Ambassador Dixon, don't try to mask your motives. You want control, plain and simple. This is not a 'peacekeeping mission' this is an invasion dressed up as diplomacy."

Lodge interjected, attempting to mediate. "Let's acknowledge the reality. We're facing a crisis that affects more than Egypt. The canal is a vital artery for international trade, and we can't allow it to be a casualty of this conflict. But the method matters. Any resolution must respect Egypt's rights, or we risk further inflaming tensions."

The Indian ambassador, V.K. Krishna Menon, raised his hand and stood, his voice calm but resolute. "Ambassadors, it is clear what is happening here. Britain and France speak of peace, yet they have been complicit in this invasion. India cannot support a ceasefire that forces Egypt to surrender its rights under the guise of peacekeeping. A true ceasefire respects both sides, not just the interests of those who feel entitled to dictate terms."

Dixon shook his head, exasperated. "Mr. Menon, India has little stake in this conflict, so perhaps you fail to understand the risks. We're not dealing with a local skirmish; this is about global stability. Your position lacks the perspective needed here."

Menon's eyes flashed. "Perspective, Ambassador Dixon? India understands imperialism far too well to miss what's happening here. We've lived through it. Your 'stability' is another word for control, and your 'peace' is the kind that only benefits Britain and France. We reject that peace."

The room erupted in murmurs as delegates whispered and nodded in agreement.

Dixon and Alphand exchanged tense glances, realizing they were losing support.

The Israeli delegate, Abba Eban, spoke up, his voice calm but insistent. "Let's not forget that Israel is here because Nasser has threatened us repeatedly. Our existence is at stake. Egypt's alignment with Soviet interests poses a direct danger to Israel's security. We are not here out of imperial motives; we are defending ourselves."

Sobolev's lip curled in disdain. "Defending yourselves by launching a full-scale invasion? An invasion backed by Britain and France, no less. The Soviet Union sees through this charade. Israel is a pawn in the hands of Western powers, used to destabilize Egypt and prevent Arab unity."

Eban replied, his tone sharp. "Mr. Sobolev, Israel is no one's pawn. We act in our own defense. If Egypt had respected our borders and not aligned itself against us, we would not be here. We have a right to security."

Loutfi couldn't hold back. "Security? Israel's idea of security seems to be taking land that doesn't belong to it. We've seen this pattern before, and we won't allow Egypt to be its next victim."

The room descended into chaos as delegates shouted over each other, voices rising.

The Chairman banged his gavel, calling for order, but the tension was uncontainable.

After a few moments, Lodge raised his hand, bringing a semblance of calm. "Let's focus. The United States is willing to support a resolution for a ceasefire, but only if it respects Egypt's rights to manage the canal. We need a neutral solution that does not involve direct control by any single country."

Dixon, visibly frustrated, replied, "A neutral solution? How do you propose that works, Mr. Lodge? The canal can't be left in the hands of a leader who has openly aligned with the Soviet Union. That puts the entire West at risk."

Menon interjected. "You fear Nasser's alignment with the Soviets, but that doesn't justify trampling on Egypt's sovereignty. If Britain and France truly want stability, they should respect Egypt's ownership of the canal and work diplomatically to resolve the concerns."

Alphand, nearly at his wits' end, shot back, "You make it sound so simple, Mr. Menon. But you overlook the reality: Nasser's actions jeopardize the economies of Europe, even the economies of nonaligned countries like yours. A stable Middle East benefits all of us."

Sobolev seized the moment. "If stability is your goal, Ambassador Alphand, then let's call for a complete withdrawal of Israeli, British, and French forces. Egypt has the right to defend itself. The Soviet Union will support a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops from Egyptian soil."