text: which might bring real peace or real war. His vision of the world did not allow him to take a clear stand in favour of either possibility. His historical manicheism caused him to remain uncertain. There is no absolute answer to the question, he felt. From an intellectual point of view, such uncertainty may be justifiable, but we who belong to the United Nations system, whose task, it is unnecessary to reiterate, is to find peace by every possible means, cannot adopt such an attitude. The truth is that deep in our consciences we know that none of us, even those who have the most direct responsibility for the conduct of political matters, could be completely certain. The most we can do is press forward with our task, ask ourselves some questions and prepare some solutions; but, above and beyond such activities, we must also make an impact so as to bring about political will that could really disarm the tragic spiral of the arms race. ,· ., . NR/plj A/C.l/40/PV. 9 13 {Mr. Sucre Figarella, Venezuela) What can we do in this dramatic situation? The documents, reports and resolutions that we have before us represent perhaps a simple irony of fate. So far, as we all know, agreements have proved impossible or ineffective, with certain exceptions, and the result has been the maintenance of a difficult, if not precarious, peace and the alternative of a threatening war. Such statements, however, a_re not enough to allay our consciences. On the contrary, all this should be an encouragement for us to continue our work. In this year's debate in the First Committee, the delegation of Venezuela wishes to express its views on a series of issues related to this alternative of peace or war that is so decisive for the future of mankind. 
analysis: The text appears to be a speech or statement on the topic of international relations and diplomacy, specifically addressing the issue of peace and war. It does not mention specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the philosophical and moral implications of the arms race and the responsibility of the United Nations to promote peace.