This report provides up-to-date information on the four main technical issues which will present the greatest challenges to the implementation of the comprehensive test ban treaty being negotiated at the Geneva Conference on Disarmament: formulating an appropriate definition of the term 'nuclear test', verifying compliance with the treaty's provisions, prohibiting preparations for testing, and creating the organization for effective implementation. The report is written in such a way that it offers important background to the non-specialist while providing timely guidance to policy makers and others involved in the public debate of these issues. It is designed to support prompt completion of the treaty by suggesting ways in which disputes over contentious issues can be resolved speedily.
Highlights and key conclusions
1. Introduction and executive summary
Eric Arnett
2. The problem of definition: Just what is a nuclear weapon test?
Annette Schaper
3. The proscription on preparing to test: Consequences for verification
Eric Arnett
4. The complementary roles of national, private and multinational means of verification
Eric Arnett
5. Organizing for effective implementation
Patricia M. Lewis
Appendix A. The Swedish Draft Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty
Appendix B. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: Australian Resource Paper on Draft Treaty Elements