UN General Assembly
1963

79. As we meet again on this occasion, we may say that mankind has freed itself from one of its greatest fears. The Treaty of Moscow, signed on 5 August 1963, which puts an end to the nuclear tests of the three most powerful States, is one of the most important steps the world has ever taken to prevent its wholesale destruction. This is a very encouraging development. 80. We do not regard the agreement as perfect, since it leaves open the possibility of underground tests, which always involve the risk of radio-activity escaping through cracks in the earth’s crust or contaminating underground water which finds its way to the surface. However, the signing of this Treaty, together with the agreement to establish a direct telephone link between Washington and Moscow in order to avoid another great danger —that of war by accident— are steps of great significance. Nevertheless, we are not so optimistic as to believe that we are close to general and complete disarmament, which alone can guarantee absolute and lasting peace.