efforts of the delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany. The discussions often revealed a new realism which made it possible to prepare compromise texts, in particular on the preamble and scope of the convention, on peaceful uses and on verification and compliance. My delegation tried to contribute to these developments. I must express regret, however, that this progress was countered, if not wiped out, by moves backward, by attempts to divert the convention from its objective and introduce elements which are alien to it. Here, too, our work can only progress in clarity: it is not by trying to impose constraints in this way on nuclear weapons that it will be possible to prevent the appearance of radiological weapons. Such abuse of procedure is bound to jeopardize the very promising prospects for agreement which emerged at this session. With respect to the prohibition of attacks against nuclear facilities, my delegation, as is well known, does not participate in the work of Contact Group B. France considers that this subject falls within the ambit of the humanitarian law of conflicts, since it is dealt with in the Additional Protocols of 1977, to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. To entrust this subject to the Conference on Disarmament was, in our view, not only contrary to the Conference's mandate, but also doomed to failure, a failure that is patent today in view of the gap between delegations' positions. In this connection, we noted with interest the suggestion made on 10 July in plenary by the representative of the USSR, Mr. Batsanov: why not draw the lesson from this deadlock and leave to an appropriate forum the task of resuming work on this question, taking into account the work done in the Conference? Once that forum is found, we, for our part, will be prepared to contribute in the most 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic speech discussing the progress and challenges of an international conference on disarmament and arms control. The speaker mentions specific topics, such as the prohibition of attacks against nuclear facilities, verification and compliance, and the scope of the convention. The tone is formal and technical, suggesting a focus on international relations and security.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations