the early materialization of a nuclear test ban and effective nuclear disarmament. The PRESIDENT: I thank you for your statement and for the kind words you addressed to the Chair. Does any other delegation wish to take the floor? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France. Mr. de la BAUME (France) (translated from French): As the Conference will have noted, my delegation did not object to the consensus on re-establishing an ad hoc committee on item 1 of the agenda, "Nuclear test ban", nor did we oppose the adoption of a mandate for the Ad hoc Committee in accordance with document CD/863. However, my delegation would like to remind the Conference of the content of the statement it made in plenary on 18 July last year. I quote: "We shall refrain from participating in any exercise which corresponds to a conception of nuclear disarmament that we do not share". France's position of principle on the subject is well known and has not changed. My delegation will have occasion to revert to it at greater length when the time is ripe. Mr. KENYON (United Kingdom): The United Kingdom was one of those Western member States on whose behalf Ambassador Wagenmakers has just spoken. We fully associate ourselves with his statement regarding the establishment of an ad hoc committee to discuss nuclear testing issues in accordance with item 1 of our agenda. We will play a full part in the work of the Committee. The policy of my Government on the matter of nuclear testing is well known. For the foreseeable future, the United Kingdom's security will depend on deterrence based, in part, on the possession of nuclear weapons. That will mean a continuing requirement to conduct underground nuclear tests to ensure that our nuclear weapons remain effective and up-to-date. A comprehensive 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic conversation about the establishment of an ad hoc committee to discuss nuclear testing and disarmament. The representatives of France, the United Kingdom, and other countries are expressing their positions on the issue, with France emphasizing its principle of not participating in any exercise that does not align with its conception of nuclear disarmament. The text does not mention any economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the political and security aspects of nuclear testing and disarmament.

**Category**
Science and technology, International trade