Economic and social consequences of the armaments race and its extremely harmful effects on world peace and security

XXVIII. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE
3075. Economic and social consequences of the armaments race and its extremely harmful effects on world peace and security

The General Assembly, Having considered the item entitled "Economic and social consequences of the armaments race and its extremely harmful effects on world peace and security", Recalling its resolutions 2667 (XXV) of 7 December 1970 and 2831 (XXVI) of 16 December 1971, Taking note of the report of the Group of Experts on the Economic and Social Consequences of Disarmament entitled Disarmament and Development,[1] Noting that, despite the repeated calls by the General Assembly for the adoption of effective measures to put an end to the arms race, military expenditures, especially in the nuclear field, have continued to increase at an alarming speed, Deeply concerned about the ever-spiralling arms race, especially of nuclear armaments, and the heavy burden which it constitutes for all peoples, Endorsing the conclusion of the report of the Secretary-General entitled Economic and Social Consequences of the Arms Race and of Military Expenditures that a substantial reduction in the military expenditures of all countries ‘ particularly of those whose military expenditures are highest, should be brought about as soon as possible,[2] Considering that persistent action is necessary in order to halt and reduce the arms race, especially in the nuclear field, including continuous efforts towards reducing military budgets, starting with the heavily armed countries, Considering also that the United Nations should play an effective role in the negotiations on the halting of the arms race and the reduction of military expenditures,

1. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for the measures he has taken to reproduce and publicize the report entitled Economic and Social Consequences of the Arms Race and of Military Expenditures, in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 2831 (XXVI);

2. Expresses its conviction that the report of the Secretary-General will contribute to a better understanding by Governments and public opinion of the gravity of the dangers which the continued acceleration of the arms race, especially the accumulation of nuclear-weapon stockpiles, constitutes for world peace and security and for the economic and social development of all countries;

3. Considers that the constant awareness and the continuing review of the effects of the arms race and of military expenditures, especially in the nuclear field, could facilitate future negotiations on disarmament;

4. Calls upon all States to make renewed efforts aimed at adopting effective measures for the cessation of the arms race, especially in the nuclear field, including the reduction of military budgets, particularly of the heavily armed countries, with a view to achieving progress towards general disarmament;

5. Requests the organs concerned with disarmament issues to place among their high preoccupations the problems related to the cessation of the arms race, especially in the nuclear field, including the identification of the most appropriate ways and means of approaching matters regarding the reduction of military budgets;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to pursue the study of the consequences of the arms race, paying special attention to its effects on the economic and social development of nations as well as on world peace and security, in order to enable him to submit, upon request by the General Assembly, an up-to-date report on that matter, on the basis of the information released by Governments;

7. Invites all Governments to extend their full cooperation to the Secretary-General in the fulfilment of the above request;

8. Reiterates its decision to maintain under constant review the item entitled "Economic and social consequences of the armaments race and its extremely harmful effects on world peace and security" and decides to include it in the provisional agenda of its thirtieth session.

2192nd plenary meeting
6 December 1973

---

[1] United Nations publication, Sales No.: E.73.IX.1. [2] United Nations publication, Sales No.: E.72.IX.16, para. 120.