tloreover, the draft Code should not exclude that groups of individuals or judicial persons committing such offences against the peace and security of rnankind are subject to criminal responsibility. 5. The German Democratic Republic wishes to reaffirrn its standpoint that thecriterion in the classification of international crimes as offences against the peace and security of mankind should be the degree of their seriousness and of the danger to the peace and security of mankind. Of decisive inportance is the leqal object against which an offence is comnitted, namely the peaee and securtty of mankind. Therefore, in the case of crimes to be included in the Code, it should be established whether they constitute an attack upon or a serious threat to the peace and security of mankind or a breach of peace and thus a violation of obligations that are of essential importance for the protection of fundanental interests of the comnunity of States as a whole. 7. The German Democratic Republic sbares the view expressed so far by the majority of States in their comments that the draft prepared in 1954 by the International Law Conmission represents an acceptable starting point for the elaboration of a list of offences against the peace and security of mankind. 8. As regards nerir offences the addition of which has beeome necessary because of the progressive development of international law since L954, the German Democratic Republie holds the following view: (a) The first use of nuclear Lreapons should be included in the Code of Offences against the peace and security of nankind as the gravest international crime.. The first use of nuclear weapons would not only pose a threat to international peace and security but jeopardize the existence of mankind as a
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international law and the classification of certain crimes as offenses against the peace and security of mankind. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is a statement or proposal from a government or international organization. The focus on international law, peace, and security suggests that the text is related to international relations, diplomacy, and governance.

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