consultations which are so necessary to any progress. At the same time, it must be recognized that the choice of seven weeks for two of the three parts is an absolute minimum and will require serious preparatory work in national capitals and then a very fast start if we want to make efficient use of the new arrangement. Maintaining the rule of consensus for any decision will provide everyone with a guarantee that their concerns will be taken into consideration, even if the search for consensus involves by definition a sense of compromise. The reduction in the number of plenary meetings will make it possible to concentrate on effective work in the subsidiary bodies and will impose a certain discipline as regards general statements. The agenda of the Conference ought to be designed in such a way as to prevent the Conference moving away, against the tide of history, from negotiation proper to become a mere deliberating body. Non-member States should be encouraged to make full use of the extensive possibilities open to them under the rules of procedure as regards their participation in the work of the Conference. The rules do, indeed, offer practical means that too many delegations have yet to exploit. Very often it is just a matter of overcoming a psychological barrier and taking better advantage of all the opportunities there are to make a more active contribution to our work. Lastly, we should continue to seek the simultaneous admission of all those who apply to attend. I have tried to show how we can take advantage of the opportunity now open to us in order to get multilateral disarmament under way again, not artificially, but in response to the needs of our time. Perhaps it will be 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the framework and procedures for a multilateral disarmament conference, with a focus on ensuring efficient and effective work, participation, and decision-making. The language used suggests a diplomatic and international context, with no specific reference to economic development, natural resources, or environmental issues.

**Category**
International relations, Diplomacy