problem of conventional forces outside Europe. The armed conflicts that have taken place since the Second World war -well over 100 in number -have been waged with conventional weapons. The lion's share of the enormous sums spent every year on armaments goes on conventional weapons. In his report to the fortieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary-General has stated: '~bile the fear of nuclear weapons is pervasive because of their potentially global devastating effects, it is conventional weapons that every day claim countless lives." (A/40/1, p. 8) Regional efforts should, in our view, be focused primarily on the reduction and limitation of conventional potentials. There have lately been new ideas for improvements in this direction. The resolutions adopted by the Regional Conference on Security, Disarmament and Development in Africa, held a short time ago in Lome, are encouraging. Also of particular interest is the initiative of the President of Peru who, on 28 July 1985, proposed negotiations on a regional agreement for the reduction of conventional weapons and military expenditure. The four decades since the Second World War, and not least the 4D-year history of the United Nations, have taught us that stability and peaceful co-operation must be sought, even in conditions of sustained antagonism between East and West, and irrespective of numerous conflicts in the rest of the world. Tangible results from arms-control efforts and greater stability throughout the world must be possible even in the face of deep-seated differences. In our age, one interest, namely, that of preventing any war, must predominate over all others. JSMtMO A/C.l/ 40/PV .11 56 (Mr. Lautenschlager, Federal Republic of Germany) We surely all agree here in our assessment of the effects of a nuclear war which would threaten the very existence of mankind. But in view of the destructive 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the problem of conventional forces outside Europe, specifically the reduction and limitation of conventional weapons and military expenditure. It also touches on the importance of preventing war and achieving stability and peaceful co-operation. Given the focus on international relations, security, and disarmament, it seems likely that the text belongs to a category related to international affairs.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief