A Perspective on A Fissile Materials Production Cut-Off Treaty

Proposals for cutting-off the production of nuclear materials for weapons purposes have a long history. Present plans for a cut-off treaty have a better chance of success than earlier proposals, even though at present diplomatic efforts are bogged down. Even though all efforts in the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva are concentrated on finalizing a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, political initiatives can and should be taken to prepare the ground for a cut-off. More attention should be paid to the cost-effectiveness of veri@ing a cut-off. The non-discriminatory character of veri~lng a cut-off should be closer examined.