"When one takes into account the existing means of verification by seismic and other methods, and the possibilities provided by international procedures of verification, such as consultation, inquiry, what has become to be know as 'verification by challenge' or 'inspection by invitation', it is difficult to understand further delay in achieving agreement on an underground test ban. "In the light of all these considerations, I share the inescapable conclusion that the potential risks of continuing underground nuclear weapon tests would far outweigh any possible risks from ending such tests." (CCD/PV. 545, p. 9) JSM/bo A/C.l/40/PV.3 19-20 (Mr. Garcia Robles, Mexico) This statement was made 13 years ago. Let us now consider a more recent comment by Mr. Olaf Palme, Prime Minister of sweden, a country which has achieved such extraordinary progress in the sphere of detecting nuclear tests that it is able to announce the carrying out of all such tests as soon as they take place sometimes even before the tests have been reported by the nuclear-weapon Power that has conducted them. Mr. Palme, in an inaugural address before the symposium organized by the Bellerive group, which took place· in Geneva this year, made the following statement. BHS/ve A/C.l/40/PV. 3 21 (Mr. Garcia Robles, Mexico) "A treaty prohibiting all nuclear-weapons tests would in itself constitute the most important measure to curb the qualitative nuclear arms race. It would be a good complement to bilateral negotiations as it would reduce the risk that any reductions in arsenals agreed upon in strategic talks might be offset by the development of new nuclear systems. The work accomplished in this sphere by experts from my country have convinced me, and convinced me long ago, that scientific and technical knowledge and skills already in existence make it possible adequately to verify a treaty prohibiting all nuclear-weapons tests." 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the possibility of an underground nuclear test ban treaty, highlighting the potential risks and benefits of such an agreement. The speakers mentioned, including Mr. Garcia Robles and Mr. Palme, emphasize the importance of verification methods and the availability of scientific and technical knowledge to ensure the effectiveness of such a treaty. This suggests that the category related to Science and Technology is a strong contender.

**Category**
Science and Technology