My Administration has been committed to stemming the spread of nuclear
weapons. Nuclear proliferation would raise the spectre of the use of
nuclear explosives in crucial, unstable regions of the world endangering
not only our security and that of our Allies, but that of the whole world.
Non-proliferation is not and can not be a unilateral U.S. policy, nor
should it be an issue of contention between the industrialized and
developing states. The international non-proliferation effort requires the
support of suppliers as well as importers of nuclear technology and
materials.
We have been proceeding on a number of fronts:
--First, we have been seeking to encourage nations to accede to the
Non-Proliferation Treaty. The U.S. is also actively encouraging other
nations to accept full-scope safeguards on all of their nuclear activities
and is asking other nuclear suppliers to adopt a full-scope safeguards
requirement as a condition for future supply.
--Second, the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE), which
was completed in 1980, demonstrated that suppliers and recipients can work
together on these technically complex and sensitive issues. While
differences remain, the INFCE effort provides a broader international basis
for national decisions which must balance energy needs with
non-proliferation concerns.
--Finally, we are working to encourage regional cooperation and restraint.
Protocol I of the Treaty of Tlatelolco which will contribute to the
lessening of nuclear dangers for our Latin American neighbors ought now to
be ratified by the United States Senate.