Dom Wolfgang Doss de Sousa's Speech
© 2003, A.D., P.J. Mascarenhas, Goa Livre Organisation
Address Delivered By Dom Wolfgang Doss de Sousa, UK Delegate, To The Goan Conference, Paris
Mr. Chairman:
Ladies & Gentlemen:
I haven't in fact prepared a lengthy speech but I won't try your patience. Suddenly among my own people I find it quite unnecessary to pull out a speech and read it to you but I do wish to say this:
We are gathered here today on this auspicious occasion to decide the future of our people. We stand on the cross roads of the destiny of our people. Let us take the precaution to the best of our ability to set her on the right road.
You represent our people. I do not exhort you, I do not even ask you to give your best, I demand it, it is your bounden duty to do this. (Cheers).
You have been given a brief but accurate resume of the events leading to the present situation. Those whose opinion was divided, if he is unbiased, must now agree that his opinion must be entrenched upon the side of Self-Determination. (Cheers).
Perhaps at this stage it might seem difficult to attain our objective but let us remember the continuing changing pattern in the political sphere and take heart. Geographical continuity does not give the right to a neighbouring people to annex a different people.
It is the inalienable right of peoples to determine their own future. (Cheers).
Ladies and Gentlemen, all I wish to say is let us strive to achieve our goal and take our rightful place among the peoples of the world. (Cheers).