After long seasons of patient and painstaking negotiation, we have concluded, just within the past five years, The Limited Test Ban Treaty The Outer Space Treaty And the treaty creating a nuclear-free zone in Latin America. The march of mankind is toward the summit-not the chasm. We must not, we shall not, allow that march to be interrupted. This treaty, like the treaties its follows, is not the work, as Secretary Rusk said, of any one particular nation. It is the accomplishment of nations which seek to exercise their responsibilities for maintaining peace and maintaining a stable world order. It is my hope-and the common will of mankind—that all nations will agree that this treaty affords them some added protection. We hope they will accept the treaty and thereby contribute further to international peace and security. As one of the nations having nuclear weapons, the United States-all through these years has borne an awesome responsibility. This Treaty increases that responsibility-for we have pledged that we shall use our weapons only in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, we have made clear to the United Nations Security Council what I would like to repeat today: if a state which has accepted this Treaty does not have nuclear weapons and is a victim of aggression, or is subject to a threat of aggression, involving nuclear weapons, the United States shall be prepared to ask immediate Security Council action to provide assistance in accordance with the Charter. In welcoming the Treaty that prevents the spread of nuclear weapons, I should like to repeat the United States commitment to honor all our obligations under existing treaties of mutual security. Such agreements have added greatly, we think, to the security of our nation and the nations with which such agreements exist. They have created a degree of stability in a sometimes unstable world. This Treaty is a very important security measure. But it also lays an indispensible foundation: -for expanded cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear energy. -for additional measures to halt the nuclear arms race. We will cooperate fully to bring the Treaty safeguards into being. We shall thus help provide the basis of confidence that is necessary for increased cooperation in the peaceful nuclear field. After the Treaty has come into force we will permit the International Atomic Energy Agency to apply its safeguards to all nuclear activities in the United States-excluding only those with direct national security significance. Thus, the United States is not asking any country to accept any safeguards that we are not willing to accept ourselves. As the Treaty requires, we shall also engage in the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials, and scientific and technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The needs of the developing nations will be given especially particular attention. We shall make readily available to the non-nuclear treaty partners the benefits of nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes. And we shall do so without delay and under the Treaty's provisions. At this moment of achievement and great hope, I am gratified to be able to report and announce to the world a significant agreement-an agreement that we have actively sought and worked for since January, 1964: Agreement has been reached between the Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States to enter in the nearest future into discussions on the limitation and reduction of both offensive strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems and systems of defense against ballistic missiles. Discussion of this most complex subject will not be easy. We have no illusions that it will be. I know the stubborn, patient persistence that it has required to come this far. We do not underestimate the difficulties that may lie ahead. I know the fears, the suspicions, and the anxieties that we shall have to overcome. But we do believe that the same spirit of accommodation that is reflected in the negotiation of the present Treaty can bring us to a good and fruitful result. Man can still shape his destiny in the nuclear age and learn to live as brothers. Toward that goal-the day when the world moves out of the night of war into the light of sanity and security-I solemnly pledge the resources, the resolve, and the unrelenting efforts of the people of the United States and their government. APPENDIX 4.-S. RES. 179 RELATING TO NONPROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS [89TH CONGRESS, 2D SESSION] [MAY 17, 1966] Whereas the spread of nuclear weapons constitutes a grave threat to the security and peace of all nations, and Whereas the knowledge and ability to design and manufacture nuclear weapons is becoming more universally known, and Whereas the danger of nuclear war becomes greater as additional nations achieve independent nuclear weapon capability, and Whereas it is the policy of the United States, as stated by President Johnson, "to seek agreements that will limit the perilous spread of nuclear weapons, and make it possible for all countries to refrain without fear from entering the nuclear arms race": Therefore be it Resolved, That the Senate commends the President's serious and urgent efforts to negotiate international agreements limiting the spread of nuclear weapons and supports the principle of additional efforts by the President which are appropriate and necessary in the interest of peace for the solution of nuclear proliferous problems. INDEX TO LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF S. RES. 179 (Page references are to daily editions of Congressional Record, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.) S. Res. 179 introduced by Senator Pastore and others January 18, 1966, 439. Referred to the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, and ordered further that when reported the resolution be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, 439. Hearings: Held before the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy on Feb. 23, and March 1 and 7, 1966; published under the title "Nonpoliferation of Nuclear Weapons." Reported (S. Rept. No. 1141), April 28, 1966, 8866. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, 8866. Reported (S. Rept. No. 1155), May 11, 1966. Passed Senate. May 17, 1966, 10281-10297. |