even as the Soviet Union continues to increase its arsenal of offensive strategic weapons. It is clear that this approach is designed to draw attention away from the unwillingness of the Soviet Union to deal seriously with strategic and intermediate-range nuclear arms control issues. Delegations of the socialist group have also chosen once again to use the open legislative process of the United States and the western press as sources of information in support of their arguments, apparently in the mistaken belief that the United States delegation would somehow be embarrassed. We wish that such a press were available throughout the world, and that persons everywhere were free to express their views, even when they disagree with their Government. Given this situation, my delegation believes that it is necessary to put the debate on outer space issues in a more accurate perspective. First, it should be recalled that in the area of ballistic missile defence, there already exists a treaty regulating United States and Soviet activities in outer space — the 1972 Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the limitation of anti-ballistic missile systems, commonly referred to as the ABM Treaty. This Treaty provides, in article V, that each party undertakes not to develop, test or deploy ABM systems which are space-based. The Treaty in no way limits research activities. Second, the President of the United States has stated and directed that the United States strategic defence research programme be and remain consistent with all provisions of the ABM Treaty. The United States programme is a research programme, nothing more. It is consistent with article V, and all other provisions, of the ABM Treaty. The Soviet Union also has a research programme that involves such technologies. Indeed, when the ABM Treaty was signed in 1972, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement discussing the strategic defense research program of the United States and its compliance with the ABM Treaty. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a focus on international relations and politics rather than a specific sector or issue. The text also touches on the idea of international cooperation and the role of the press in shaping public opinion.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations