have been made to the effect that verification is not the only or, for that matter, the main reason for this negative stand. It has been pointed out, as in pages of The New York Times of 4 october this year, that even had it been possible to reach agreement on verification means and control, the United States would nevertheless have been determined to continue its nuclear-weapon tests since a comprehensive test ban allegedly would not be in the interests of the United States. A number of other similar arguments have been likewise advanced. The contention that a test ban would not .~revent the proliferation of nuclear weapons is spurious and utterly at variance with the opinion of the overwhelming majority of States. Also, it has been alleged that the Soviet proposal is unacceptable since the USSR is far ahead of the United States of America in the development and Mdernization of nuclear weapons. This is in conflict, above all, with the fact that so far the united States has conducted a third more nuclear-weapon tests than the soviet union. United states Administration experts are unanimous that American nuclear warheads are superior in a number of important respects over soviet warheads. It has been further acknowledged that a test ban would have an insignificant effect on the MX and Midgetman programmes since their basic testing has already been completed. To a large extent, the same can be said of the Trident 2 programme. NR/gb A/C.l/ 40/PV .11 76 (Mr. Kostov, Bulgaria) It has already been firmly stated that no more tests are necessary for maintaining the reliability of the existing stockpiles of nuclear warheads. The argument that a nuclear-test ban is of secondary importance, and that therefore priority should be accorded to the reduction of nuclear arms, also does not stand up. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement or a speech addressing the topic of nuclear weapons testing and disarmament. It presents arguments against the United States' stance on nuclear testing and criticizes the country's claims about the necessity of continued testing. The text also references the Soviet Union's proposal for a comprehensive test ban and the opinions of international experts.

**Category**
Science and technology, International trade