tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water into a comprehensive test-ban treaty. We understand and respect the concerns of those States which have called for this "PTBT amendment conference". There is no doubt that, according to the Treaty, States have the right to call for or to propose amendments. If the Netherlands has any doubts concerning the expediency of such a conference, it does so mainly for practical reasons. It seems to us that the positions of various States on the issue of a comprehensive test ban are still much too far apart. Consensus on the issue eludes us so far. It seems, therefore, that the outcome of the conference will almost certainly not meet the hopes and efforts of the States which originally came forward with the idea of a Treaty amendment conference. After all, it is because of the fact that certain divergences of view proved insurmountable at the time of its creation, that the Partial Test Ban Treaty was given only limited scope. There is no indication that this situation has changed, notwithstanding the progress in seismic verification methods. The call for amending the Treaty is therefore premature. Despite the doubts which my Government harbours on the procedure and the possible outcome of the Treaty amendment conference, it will participate in a positive spirit. A debate on the issue of nuclear tests might well lead to a better understanding of the issues involved. This would serve us all. In the CD we have just reached agreement on the establishment of an ad hoc committee under agenda item 1, "Nuclear test ban". It took the CD years to achieve consensus on the re-establishment of an ad hoc committee. It was, indeed, an almost painful process and this by itself is a clear token of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the possibility of amending the Partial Test Ban Treaty, specifically in the context of nuclear tests and the concerns of various states. It seems to focus on international relations, diplomacy, and arms control, rather than any specific economic or social issue.

**Category**
Science and technology, International trade