UN General Assembly
1969

It will be possible to count on real progress in the various fields now being studied. 137. Disarmament is not, however, aimed solely at restoring mutual understanding among countries which have hitherto been divided into opposing blocs. It should also release the vast resources now devoted to military activities and enable them to do good, especially to all the developing countries. 138. In a world in which the sole guarantee of peace is often only a precarious and fragile balance of power, we are bound to give our full support to the proposal that has been made to us for a conference on European security. We think, however, that careful preparation is necessary in order to ensure at least a minimal chance of success; failure due to lack of preparation would only widen the rift between East and West. We remain convinced that such an undertaking, if well prepared, has every chance of leading to a détente and, in addition, of laying the foundations of fruitful collaboration. This conference should not be approached with the premeditated intent of consolidating