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Background: "I welcome the evident sincerity with which the Japanese delegate has endeavoured to combine a temporary suspension of test with efforts to hasten a permanent agreement on disarmament. It is also evident from the Indian resolution before us that the government of India likewise, sincerely believes that the suspension of tests would facilitate negotiations on disarmament. I fear, however, Mr. Chairman, that I cannot share this view. It does not, by any means follow, to my mind, that the execution of this measure unconnected with disarmament, a measure which could well have an adverse effect on world security, would be likely to promote agreement on real disarmament. In any case, my government is not prepared to gamble on this. Until we have a clear assurance of the security which can be expected from real disarmament we must retain our right to test and improve the nuclear deterrent, on which the security of my own country, and of so many other countries depends. The suspension of tests is acceptable only if it is accompanied and safeguarded by agreements on world disarmament measures; measures that would genuinely contribute to the safety and peace of the world. Let me make it absolutely plain that the inspection we propose would be international inspection, carried out by international people, and always including a representative of the government whose territory is being inspected. Likewise, the results of the inspection would be available to all the powers. I cannot see why the Soviet Union should consider this espionage, any more than the activities of those Four Power international teams which so successfully policed Vienna in the post-war occupation.

I do hope the Soviet government will reconsider this, and I hope that they will accept a little espionage by the United Nations for the common good. We don't believe that the proposals put forward by the Soviet Union are such as would safeguard peace or improve security. They seem instead to be designed to upset the balance of security and to move it decisively in favour of the Soviet Union. They are designed to neutralise the protective force of the nuclear deterrent to all, while yet leaving the Soviet Union in full possession of its nuclear armoury, and substantially untouched by international control or inspection. At the same time the Soviet Union demands the dismantling of our defence system without any sign of moderation in those Soviet policies which caused us to set up those very same defences.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, may I say this? The proposals embodied in the 23 power resolution provide for a real programme of disarmament, properly balanced and safeguarded , and taking just account of the interests of all concerned. This programme is well within the realm of immediate possibility. Its execution would confer immense benefit to the whole world. We believe that the General Assembly will recognise our proposals as a product of honest, patient and persevering endeavour, and that they will give them the moral backing of the United Nations.