Under the first paragraph of article IV, States parties to the Treaty undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, and not to station such weapons in outer space in any other manner. The problem posed by the scope of this paragraph of article IV is that in expressly prohibiting the placing of a given type of weapon in orbit, it conversely permits the stationing of other types of weapon - a legal loophole exploited by the Powers to develop a new generation of weapons that can be placed in outer space. In order to make up for this shortcoming in the 1967 Treaty temporarily, my delegation believes that it might be useful to consider replacing the first paragraph of article IV by the following text: "States Parties to the Treaty undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying any type of weapon, install such weapons on celestial bodies or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner". We believe that this contribution could temporarily help prevent the development of an arms race in outer space, while we await the political momentum that would allow the substantive negotiation of a comprehensive agreement to prevent an arms race in space, which has been requested of us by the United Nations General Assembly. Over the five years of deliberations we have accumulated a large number of proposals and ideas which, as my delegation has said, we think are possible, desirable and verifiable. We believe that if the Ad hoc Committee, under the wise guidance of Ambassador Shannon, manages to establish a programme of work this year that accommodates substantively and comprehensively the concerns and interests of all the countries participating 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a treaty or agreement related to the prevention of an arms race in outer space, specifically addressing the placement of weapons in orbit or on celestial bodies. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a context of international relations and diplomacy. The focus on preventing an arms race in space implies that the text is related to national security, defense, and international cooperation.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations