Many attempts have been made by NNWS, including members of NATO, to seduce the NWS into negotiations, or at the very least, discussions about negotiations on nuclear disarmament and the elimination of nuclear weapons. This is due mainly, if not exclusively, to the US plans for the weaponisation of space. Deadlock seems assured for some time yet thus guaranteeing no progress on further anti-proliferation measures or on steps to nuclear disarmament or on the consideration of a Nuclear Weapons Convention. There may need to be compromise on the part of the NNWS but the major factor required for progress is clear commitment, demonstrated by action not rhetoric, of the NWS to the global abolition of nuclear weapons and supporting systems. It is no surprise that Russia is not convinced.
China is also alarmed.
France has been as outspoken as any in their condemnation of this programme which is already having negative effects on the international nuclear disarmament process as well as creating greater tensions between, in particular the US and Russia and the US and China. The consequences of this programme, even if technically unsound, will be a new nuclear arms race and a further set back to the already beleaguered international nuclear disarmament process. In the UK the Conservative Opposition seems supportive of NMD while the Labour Government has distinct reservations since they wish the ABM Treaty to be maintained. However the UK government s criticism of the NMD programme has, unfortunately, not been overt. They cannot maintain this position for long since, if they give consent for the use within the NMD programme of the bases at Menwith Hill and Fylingdales in North Yorkshire, they will be collaborating in the non-compliance with or the disintegration of the ABM Treaty.