the ultimate fate of our nations is determined by a few dominant nuclear Powers. We cannot accept mankind's being made hostage to the perceived security of the nuclear-weapon States. The five permanent members of the Security Council bear a major responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Those States are also nuclear-weapon Powers. They have the means to destroy not only their potential enemies, but also other nations not involved in any conflict and wishing nothing but to live in peace. Such are the effects of nuclear war. As long as nuclear weapons exist they may be used. The nuclear-weapon States, in particular the Soviet Union and the United States, must freeze and reduce their nuclear arsenals. But they must also take additional measures to prevent nuclear war. This would increase the security of both nuclear and non-nuclear-weapon States. JVM/3 A/C.l/40/PV.4 4 (Mrs. Theorin, Sweden) A range of measures could be envisaged at the global, regional and national levels. They should be designed to increase confidence, to avoid nuclear war by mistake, to reduce the fear of surprise attack, to encourage nuclear disengagement and commitments not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and, above all, to respect the wish of non-nuclear-weapon States not to be affected by the nuclear-arms race. Could there be a better occasion than the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations to initiate work on such measures in the Conference on Disarmament? If agreement can be reached on appropriate measures, they could, taken together, as long as nuclear weapons exist, be seen as a code of conduct for nuclear-weapon States. All States, regardless of their size, political system or geographical location, have a legitimate right to national security. Security is just as important to small States as it is to major Powers. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the issue of nuclear weapons and the importance of reducing their number and preventing their use. It emphasizes the need for nuclear-weapon States to take measures to increase security and prevent nuclear war, and suggests that this could involve a "code of conduct" for nuclear-weapon States. The text also highlights the importance of national security for all States, regardless of their size or location.

**Category**
International relations, Security