Ending Nuclear Proliferation

“Not Even One More Nuclear Nation” (Op-Ed Page, Jan. 16) is a perfect title for Warren Christopher’s timely warning about the “horrific threat” to human survival posed by the spread of nuclear weapons to more countries--and eventually, if the trend continues, to terrorists as well. Technically described as horizontal proliferation (vertical proliferation meaning addition to existing nuclear arsenals), this creeping menace is surely one of the pre-eminent problems of our time. And like every serious global problem we face, the solution depends in large measure on cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

In 1978, when Christopher was serving our country well in the State Department, I was privileged to be part of the U.S. delegation at the first United Nations Special Session on Disarmament. Time and again our delegates would be told by representatives of the 148 other nations: The U.S. and the Soviet Union insult our intelligence and demean our dignity by preaching nuclear abstention while practicing nuclear proliferation.

The specific actions set forth by Christopher are sensible steps toward stopping the spread of a thermonuclear scourge. But they must be preceded by an all-important first step; the massive and continuous reduction of Soviet-American nuclear arsenals which set the right example for others.

HAROLD WILLENS

Los Angeles