that area of the nuclear arms race, outflanking future agreements. In this respect we note the comprehensive statements made on this topic in our Conference by the distinguished representative of Sweden, the Chairman of the Disarmanent Commission, Ambassador M.B. Theorin of Sweden, and the distinguished representative of Finland, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs A. Karhilo, as well as the distinguished representative of Argentina, Ambassador Roberto Garcia Moritân. We have proposed to the United States a start on negotations on the phased reduction and elimination of sea-based nuclear weapons (this means not just SLBMs); the elimination of all nuclear weapons on surface ships could be dealt with in the first phase of these talks. Moreover, the talks should produce a definite solution to the problem of long-range nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles, which should also be eliminated. This could of course lead to the establishment of "minimal nuclear deterrence" at sea. As applied to land-based and sea-based tactical nuclear weapons, the concept of "minimal deterrence" is of course a relative one, and can be viewed as merely an intermediate phase on the path to complete elimination of such weapons. After all, minimal deterrence, in all probability, implies at the same time as high a "nuclear" threshold as possible, whereas in objective terms this threshold will become lower as non-strategic nuclear weapons are introduced into the parties' nuclear arsenals. Returning to the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, you will probably also recall that it emerged in specific historical circumstances and in a specific regional context. The ground is now being prepared for the establishment of new conditions in this region which should enable everyone to take a new look at the role of nuclear weapons as well. It took four decades of confrontation, several crises, every one of which might have been the last 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations and disarmament, specifically the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating a discussion among government representatives or international organizations. The text references previous agreements, conferences, and negotiations, suggesting that it is part of a larger discourse on international security and disarmament.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology