text: A very detailed declaration by type and quantity of munitions and by type of chemical should make it possible to prepare a quantitative and qualitative comparison of stocks. CD/630 page 5 3. Destruction procedures The test solution would he for all weapons to he destroyed. Nevertheless, it can he accepted that an exception should he made for douhle-purpose products and that these can he converted to peaceful uses. However, all supertoxic substances regardless of type and their key precursors, whether contained in munitions or not, would remain excluded from this possibility. What should be destroyed first? The first appropriate option would be to regard the criterion of menace and destructive power as priority considerations and therefore to demand the destruction of supertoxic substances first. This is the option that was advocated by the French delegation in document CD/494 of 3 April 1984* However, it is felt that priority must be given to maintaining the security balance throughout the ten-year period of destruction of stocks and for this it is necessary to compare stocks with one another not only quantitatively but also, and especially, qualitatively. Actually, one very soon realizes that only toxic substances of the same type can be compared. For example, what would be the phosgene equivalent of a ton of sarin? If one takes the criterion of toxicity as a basis, the CtL5O value is approximately 100 mg mn/m5 for sarin while it is 3,200 mg mn/m^ for phosgene - which means that sarin is 32 times more toxic than phosgene. To conclude from this that 32 tons of phosgene are equivalent to 1 ton of sarin seems hazardous, to say the least. Even comparisons between supertoxic substances is difficult: 1 ton of yperite is not the equivalent of 1 ton of VX, for example.
analysis: This text appears to be discussing the destruction of chemical weapons and the methods for comparing and prioritizing their destruction. The language used is technical and focused on the properties and effects of different chemicals, suggesting that the topic is closely related to science and technology. The text also touches on international diplomacy and the need for a balanced approach to destruction, which may be relevant to international relations or humanitarian aid and relief.