Address by Hilaire Lahaye at the Closing Session of the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference on February 20, 1960
Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the liberal observers, I join in paying tribute to our chairman, Mr. Lilar, the two esteemed ministers of Congo and Ruanda-Urundi; to the two vice-chairmen, Mr. Bolya and Mr. Kanza; to the office that has led our work; to the services provided by the analytical department and by Inforcongo, which assisted the office; and of course, to the Congolese delegations, whose relevance and importance of contribution I gladly acknowledge.
As our work draws to a close and we are about to go our separate ways, I believe it is fair to assess that no round table has ever served a greater purpose. Moreover, it is through close contact with our fellow humans and the ideals they uphold that we have been able to better understand and appreciate them.
I would like to reiterate that, as Belgians, never has a conference been so important to us. The spirit of honesty and openness that inspired the debates and guided the exchange of ideas has certainly convinced us of the determination of the Congolese delegations to achieve the goals they set for themselves: to enter into independence by lawful means and to create a democracy in the heart of Central Africa where life will be worth living and where respect for individuals and their property will not be an empty phrase.
If our round table conference - soon to be followed by the economic, financial, and social conference - has contributed to achieving these objectives, then we can certainly claim that our work here in Brussels is of historic significance. The committees and parliament of Congo must now study the bills that the government will soon submit.
This no less important task will undoubtedly be accomplished in light of our work here at this round table, the numerous reports embodying the suggestions of the various delegations, and the final recommendations of the conference, all aimed at securing the future of independent Congo and the mutual interests of our two countries.
If we have been able to lay the solid foundation of a friendship that benefits us all during these weeks of close collaboration, we will be an example to the entire world.
The Liberal Observers express their sincerest wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the future Independent Congo and all its inhabitants, both Congolese and European. We wish you every success.