Practical expression of these efforts can be found in the constructive and far-reaching initiatives of the Soviet Union whose implementation, in our view, would lead to a true about-turn in the development of international relations. Suffice it to mention such unilateral actions of the USSR as the non-first-use of nuclear weapons, a moratorium on all nuclear tests, the temporary cessation of the deployment of medium-range and other weapons in Europe and a moratorium on the launching of anti-satellite weapons. A new and important step aimed at stopping the ruinous course of the arms race can be seen in the Soviet proposals to the United States that there be a total ban by both sides of space weapons and a 50 per cent reduction in nuclear weapons JVM/8 A/C.l/40/PV.S 23 (Mr. Kravets, Ukrainian SSR) capable of reaching each another's terri tory. The USSR has also taken realistic initiatives on questions relating to nuclear medium-range rockets. The international community is entitled to expect that the United States give a positive response to these peace-loving proposals of the USSR. However, we must note that the military-industrial complex in the United States of America continues to step up production of weapons of mass destruction. The United States continues to deploy first-strike nuclear weapons in Europe, to carry out tests of the Anti-Satellite System (ASAT) and to turn a deaf ear to appeals to ban nuclear tests. These actions can be viewed only as a desire to achieve by all means a military preponderance and to violate the existing strategic balance in the world. The question of the use of space has acquired a particular significance in today's conditions. If we do not in good time take the necessary measures to exclude the possibility of the militarization of outer space, it could become a source of mortal danger for all mankind. 