UN General Assembly
1961

17. - I am not saying that the great Powers do not desire disarmament. But the question is whether, in present circumstances, they are capable of desiring it. In this context, we should not underestimate the influence of specific groups which explicitly favour^ the arms race. 18. So what can we do? That is the way things are. Must we postpone disarmament negotiations until conditions favourable for them arise? Of course not. Our conclusion must be that in the course of disarmament negotiations it will be very difficult to arrive at an effective solution if we do not, at the same time, make every effort to settle existing questions and disputes by peaceful means, by negotiation. The problem is therefore both a long-term and simultaneously a very urgent one, because of the direct effects which the arms race and the policy on which it rests have on international relations as a whole.