\"SAFEGUARDS AND NONPROLIFERATION\"

I think the most useful thing I can contribute to your discussions will be some observations on your general theme, \"Safeguards and Nonproliferation,\" followed by an account of how the current International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE) bears on safeguards and materials ac- counting. Nuclear materials accounting is one cornerstone of international action to prevent nuclear proliferation. — An effective system of nuclear materials ac- counts is indispensable in the first place for efficient and responsible management of national nuclear programs and facilities. -- In countries where nuclear materials and faci- lities are owned and managed by private entities or an operating agency, and supervision or regulation is the re- sponsibility of a designated governmental authority, materials accounts are an essential prerequisite for moni- toring and regulation. -- The safeguards of the IAEA begin with the State System of Accounting and Control (SSAC) covering national nuclear materials and facilities. The SSAC is the starting point for the Agency's verification activities: independent measurements, containment and surveillance, and other veri- fication and detection measures. Without such a system of national accounts, the Agency inspection operation would be vastly more cumbersome and intrusive, if indeed it could function at all. — Since we live now and in the near future in a world of nations, any arrangements for international control of nuclear energy must be superimposed on, and work through, national nuclear agencies for the most part. An interna- tional organ will find its effectiveness limited by the capabilities of the national organs through which or in cooperation with which it must work. One of the most valu- able contributions the International Atomic Energy Agency and its safeguards system have made to the creation of the conditions permitting international control is the Agency's requirement of such a SSAC on the part of every state to which Agency safeguards apply. This requirement establishes minimum standards and uniform procedures and practices world- wide. -- Materials accounting and safeguards techniques and procedures have evolved over the past thirty-odd years, and will continue to do so. Development of improved pro- cedures, technology, and methods deserves active effort and strong support, and can be expected to yield valuable results. These are all points which are familiar to this group. I make them only to establish a starting point for turning to the broader issues of prevention and deterrence of proliferation of nuclear explosives capabilities.