Year
1978
Abstract
It is a pleasure to be here with you this afternoon to commemorate the Twentieth Anniversary of your Institute. I congratulate you on the completion of two decades of productive work in the area of nuclear materials management and safeguards, Your professional dedication and technical achievements have been vital factors in the evolution of nuclear power as a feasible source of energy. Recently, however, the character- ization of your work has changed somewhat. Where you once maintained a low profile, your work is now the subject of wide interest and discussion. The importance of your efforts has been highlighted by the current policy emphasis on nonprolifer- ation. This heightened visibility imparts an additional challenge to performance that must be met. Demonstrated performance provides one sure and acceptable answer to the apprehensions of those who question the extension of nuclear power. In my opinion, a major effort will be launched by anti-nuclear forces on the question of safeguards, and particu- larly as to whether private industry is capable of safeguarding nuclear installations. Therefore, I do not think it would be excessive to say that a strong and effective safeguards system is not only required as an integral part of our nuclear program but is also absolutely crucial to the widespread acceptance of nuclear energy. Dr. Philip Farley from the Department of State set the stage for us this morning as to the development and current position of the United States policy on proliferation. While nuclear energy is viewed by the Administration as making a vital contribution to supplying our energy needs, its utilization must be accompanied by measures that would seek to minimize all problems associated with nuclear power. One of the main concerns is the risk associated with the wide-spread availabil- ity of plutonium and other weapons-grade material.