the real problems, the talks will not succeed. Of course, the united Kingdom is not a party to these negotiations. It is important always to bear in mind the huge difference in scale between my country's nuclear capability and those of the united States and the soviet union. In fact, the British nuclear deterrent represents less than 3 per cent of either of the super-Powers' strategic nuclear arsenals. It would therefore be absurd as things stand for us to seek to trade reductions with them. But as Sir Geoffrey Howe repeated recently: "We have never said 'never'. On the contrary we have made it clear that, if soviet and ~nited States strategic nuclear arsenals were to be very substantially reduced , and if no significant changes had occurred in Soviet defensive capnbilities , Britain would want to review her position and to consider how best she could contribute to arms control in the light of the reduced threat." BHS/gb A/C.l/40/PV.ll 28 (Mr. Cromartie, United Kingdom) My Government remains anxious to prevent an arms race in outer space. But we must be realistic about the military activities which already take place in space, about the impossibility of curbing research which is inherently unverifiable, and about the facts of technological progress. These facts cannot be ignored. we must take them fully into account in the arms control process. The position of my Government on the United states strategic defence initiative (SDI) is well known. It is based on the four points agreed last December between the British Prime Minister and President Reagan: first, the united States and western aim is not to achieve superiority, but to maintain balance, taking account of any soviet developments; secondly, that SDI-related deployment would, in view of treaty obligations, be a matter for negotiation~ thirdly, the overall aim is to enhance, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement from a government official, specifically discussing arms control and disarmament, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons and space. It mentions the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent, the Soviet Union and the United States, and the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI). The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a focus on international relations and security.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology