of disarmament issues by all nations on an equal basis. In the First Committee we are part of this machinery, and we must use this forum wisely. To do so we must first share certain basic premises. The annual report of the Secretary-General to the Assembly at this session expressed it in these words: "Without collective determination and the acknowledgement of a minimum common interest in survival, there can be no meaningful progress in disarmament. International insecurity and the arms race, with the fear of its NR/plj A/C.l/40/PV.9 47 (Mr. Dhanapala, Sri Lanka) possible extension to new areas, create a relentless vicious spiral. Where the arms race is concerned, it cannot be sufficiently emphasized that the quest for advantage is illusory. In the nuclear era, it also place.s all people at risk and puts in doubt the lives of future generations8• (A/40/1, pages 7 and 8) If we genuinely subscribed to those premises, the record of the United Nations in the field of disarmament would have been less dismal than it is today, 40 years after the founding Members committed themselves -in Article 26 of the Charter -"to promote the establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world's human and economic resources8• We have in the United Nations institutions for disarmament which we must strengthen and use. A public-opinion poll conducted in five industrialized countries this year has revealed that at the grass roots there is greater faith and optimism about the United Nations than is reflected in the way nations conduct themselves. That hiatus between the felt needs of the people and the actions of Governments is no more blatant than in the field of disarmament, where popular support for general and complete disarmament seems to grow in inverse proportion to Government 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of disarmament and the role of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security. It highlights the need for collective determination and a shared understanding of the common interest in survival, as well as the need to strengthen institutions for disarmament. The text does not mention economic development, natural resources, or any other specific sectors, but rather focuses on international relations and security.

**Category**
International relations