UN General Assembly
1969

was opened for signature. This treaty aimed not only at limiting the number of States to possess nuclear weapons, but also by its article VI, proposed by Mexico, obliged the Powers which now suffer the sad privilege of possessing them to begin negotiations on nuclear disarmament in the near future. Almost at the same time the United States and Soviet Governments announced their agreement to discuss the limitation and reduction of nuclear-weapon launching systems. 7. Unfortunately, more than a year later these intentions have not yet been translated into facts. Those conversations have not begun; and, partly in consequence, negotiation on the other aspects of nuclear disarmament is virtually at a standstill, This situation may explain why, in the fifteen months during which the non-proliferation Treaty has been open for signature, only eighteen States have ratified it. The delay in opening negotiations on nuclear disarmament may endanger the very existence of the Treaty. I say this as the representative of a country which has already ratified it. 8. Of course we understand the grave problems and