Soviets Agree to Inspection by Nuclear Agency

The Soviet Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed an agreement today permitting inspection of some Soviet civilian nuclear facilities, but apparently not of advanced types.

An agency source said only a small number of Soviet reactors would be covered, but the accord was seen as a major step in extending the international governing body’s authority. It leaves China as the nuclear power outside the atomic energy agency’s control.

The agreement was signed at agency headquarters by the director, Gen. Hans Blix, and Alexei M. Petrosyants, chairman of the Soviet Union’s State Committee on the Utilization of Atomic Energy.

May Choose From List

The Soviets are to submit a list of facilities for peaceful nuclear purposes from which the agency inspectors may choose a certain number. The agency source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the number chosen would be governed partially by the expense of the inspection program.

In a prepared statement he read to a news conference, Petrosyants said the decision “demonstrates the positive attitude of the Soviet Union toward international control, having in mind that such control should indeed serve the purpose of arms limitation and disarmament.”

In reply to a reporter’s question, he indicated that the inspection would not cover advanced reactors.

“Everything has to start sometime. This is a beginning,” Petrosyants declared. “We will continue along these lines.”