the threat of nuclear nar and put forward various suggestions and proposals. Thus,for instance, on 15 June, in a message read to the General Assembly, the Presidentof the Union of Soviet. Socialist Republics declared thatr with imnediate effect, t,he Soviet Union assuned an obligaEion not to be the first to use nuclear weapons.In taking that decision, Ehe message conEinued, the Soviet Union proceeded from the indisputable fact that should a nuclear war starlr it could mean the destruction of human civilization and perhaps Ehe end of life itself on Earth. The peoples of the world had a right to expect that that decision would be followed by reciprocal steps on the part of the other nuclear States, which, if taken, would be tanEamounEto a ban on the use of nuclear weapons altogether. The Soviet Union also notedthat, in the conduct of its policy, it would continue to take into account how theother nuclear Powers acted. 33. China reaffirmed iEs commitment that it would not be the first !o use nuclear weapons and would not use them against non-nuclear-weapon States in any circurnstances. It also stressed that, only a combination of measures for both nuclear and conventional disarmament could help reduce the danger of war. Aconflicc with conventional weapons might, very well escalate into a nuclear war, China warned. 34. In the opinion of Western States, the prirnary need rdas rpE pledges ofnon-first-use of nuclear weapons, but the renunciation of force in internaEionalrelations in general, and the ban on the use of force should be applicable comprehensively as laid down in the Charter of the United Nations; Ehat is, it should cover both conventional and nuclear rdeapons. For instance, the United Kingdom stated that it did not believe that there was a greater danger of the
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a pressing global issue, the threat of nuclear war, and the efforts of various countries to address this threat. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that it is a statement or declaration made by governments or international organizations. The text mentions specific countries, such as the Soviet Union, China, and the United Kingdom, which are discussing nuclear weapons and disarmament. The content does not seem to be related to economic development, natural resources, or other categories that focus on tangible assets or activities.

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