Note from A. Kosygin to twelfth General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

Per point 99, Prot. No. 94^[1]

Attachment II

In the name of the Soviet Government I send greetings and best wishes for success to the twelfth General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is performing useful and many-sided functions in the development of international co-operation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy, a fact which is contributing to the rapid progress of economics and science for the good of mankind as a whole. Still more favourable conditions for broad international exchanges in the various branches of atomic science and technology have been created by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, approved by the overwhelming majority of the States Members of the United Nations and opened for signature on 1 July 1968. The conclusion of this Treaty represents a resounding success for the cause of peace, and an important step on the road to the deliverance of mankind from the threat of nuclear war.

The Soviet Government ascribes particular importance to co-operation with other States in the peaceful uses of atomic energy, including co-operation within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We intend in the future also to make our contribution to strengthening this co-operation, and to developing the role and authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty likewise has the object of ensuring that nuclear materials are not diverted from peaceful uses to the production of nuclear weapons. In this connection the International Atomic Energy Agency also has an important part to play. Under the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty the non-nuclear States parties thereto are called upon to conclude safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency, in order to secure fulfilment of the aims of the Treaty.

In the view of the Soviet Government, the International Atomic Energy Agency is in a position to undertake the control operations entrusted to it under the Non-Proliferation Treaty; it possesses the necessary knowledge and accumulated experience for this purpose. The control operations will naturally call both for the manifestation of a spirit of goodwill and co-operation on the part of all States and for substantial efforts on the part of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

We in the Soviet Union will do everything possible to ensure that this important aspect of the International Atomic Energy Agency's activities is likewise crowned with success.

In conclusion, permit me once again to wish all success to the participants in the twelfth General Conference in solving the important problems facing the International Atomic Energy Agency.

A. Kosygin

Chairman,

USSR Council of Ministers

^[1] Note: The following information is extracted from Protocol No. 94 of the CPSU CC Politburo meeting, finalized on 16 August 1968 and covering numerous resolutions made during 7 to 16 August 1968. A number of decisions were made during the meeting, including Point 99.