text: 434. The capability to aequire such a nucrear force is probabfy v-ithin tne reach of20 to ?5 non-nuclear-r'reapon states. T'he number can be expected to increase asrel:'.ance on nuclear power increases, although it is r^reu recognized that dever-opmentof nucl-ear power is far fro . being the optirmrn path to acquisition of nuclearweapons. rn viev of the importance of nuclear por,re" for deveropment, states willrequire the fullest exercise of their right of access to this irrportant resource.At the same tirne, the international conmunity Ceserves the greatest degree ofassurance available, thlough appropriate international a.rangements J that the spreadof nuel-ear power d.oes not carry vith it the prospect of additionar states aeveJ--pingnuclear weapons, Reports that States have vorked clandestinely to acquire anuclear-weapon capability are of concern in this conterb.t,/ 35 / 392Inelish Annex f 1Je r Jo CHAPTER VTI IMPLICATIONS OF THE TREAT]ES, AGREEMENTS AND NEGOTIATIONS RiI,I,TED TO NUCIEAR D I SARI"{AMENT l+35, tle d.ar.rn of the nuclear age brought with it the simu-Itaneous realization of the trenendous potential of nuclear power, and its ominous capability for globaf annihilation. The destruction of Hiroshi4a and Naga.saki ' both in te"ms of innediate as we].l as long-term hortor, provided a most tragic practical demonstration of vhat is, by today's standards, not even considered a minimr.m nuclear destructive capability. Although the worl-d vas nearing the end of its ncst destructive war, a new patteln of power relationship as afready beginning Lo emerge, and it vas perhaps inevitable that nilitary planners would regard the acquisition of nuclear capability as an essential element in the arsenal of a great Power. The nuclear-arms race, therefore, began in the early stages of the Second l,lorld War and Ied before the end of the var to the destruction of lliroshima and Nagasaki, It is perhaps one of the more ominous paradoxes of history that the horror and tragedy of these two events should have irnposed uT)on military planners the desire, as well as the compulsion, to obtain, in ever increasing numbers and sophistication, the weapons that hsd d.emonstrated this horrenclous capability for destruction. But ffhereas the nucfear-arns race began in the early 19)+Os, the efforts to control this race did not really become nanifest until- tbe soviet union e>lploded its first nuclear device and thereby threatened to achieve nuclear parity with the United. States. 1136, Ure very first resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 19\6 ca11ed for the complete prohibition of nucl-ear veapcns. The initiatives talen in the first
analysis: The text appears to be discussing the acquisition and control of nuclear power and weapons, which is a complex issue that involves international relations, politics, and security. While it touches on the importance of nuclear power for development, the primary focus is on the risks and consequences of nuclear proliferation.