UN General Assembly
1976

98. One of the most difficult tests to be withstood by our Organization in the forthcoming years is that of the unbridled arms race, which has reached alarming pro-portions in some countries. Thus it is that the report of the Secretary-General [Al31ll Add.l] stresses that over $300 billion is spent annually for that purpose, whereas three quarters of mankind live in poverty and despair. That arms race is one of the greatest scandals of our time, became the world is in the process of manufacturing the instruments of its own destruction. The list of those that have it in their power to blow us all to kingdom come grows longer and longer as time goes by. Even Africa, which was expected after decolonization to make development its primary objective, is also arming itself dangerously. 99. The various disasters that have struck the world, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and droughts, and that have caused so many victims, should bring us all to greater wisdom.