From the onset of the SALT negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union, the
two countries began the process of reshaping their relations on the basis of peaceful cooperation.
One of the primary goals in this relationship was the prevention of war, especially nuclear war.
During the last session of the Moscow summit meeting in May 1972, the countries exchanged
some general ideas on how to accomplish this objective. These discussions were continued
throughout the next year and were concluded in a formal agreement during General Secretary
Brezhnevs visit to the United States June 18-25, 1973.
In the Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War, signed in Washington on June 22, 1973, the
United States and the Soviet Union agreed to make the removal of the danger of nuclear war and
the use of nuclear weapons an "objective of their policies," to practice restraint in their relations
toward each other and toward all countries, and to pursue a policy dedicated toward stability and
peace. It was viewed as a preliminary step toward preventing the outbreak of nuclear war or
military conflict by adopting an attitude of international cooperation.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE UNION
OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS ON THE PREVENTION OF NUCLEAR WAR
Signed at Washington June 22, 1973
Entered into force June 22, 1973
The United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, hereinafter referred to
as the Parties,
Guided by the objectives of strengthening world peace and international security, Conscious that nuclear war would have devastating consequences for mankind, Proceeding from the desire to bring about conditions in which the danger of an outbreak of
nuclear war anywhere in the world would be reduced and ultimately eliminated,
Proceeding from their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations regarding the
maintenance of peace, refraining from the threat or use of force, and the avoidance of war, and in
conformity with the agreements to which either Party has subscribed,
Proceeding from the Basic Principles of Relations between the United States of America and the
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics signed in Moscow on May 29, 1972,
Reaffirming that the development of relations between the United States of America and the
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is not directed against other countries and their interests,
Have agreed as follows:
Article I
The United States and the Soviet Union agree that an objective of their policies is to remove the
danger of nuclear war and of the use of nuclear weapons.
Accordingly, the Parties agree that they will act in such a manner as to prevent the development
of situations capable of causing a dangerous exacerbation of their relations, as to avoid military
confrontations, and as to exclude the outbreak of
nuclear war between them and between either of the Parties and other countries.
Article II
The Parties agree, in accordance with Article I and to realize the objective stated in that Article,
to proceed from the premise that each Party will refrain from the threat or use of force against the
other Party, against the allies of the other Party and against other countries, in circumstances
which may endanger international peace and security. The Parties agree that they will be guided
by these considerations in the formulation of their foreign policies and in their actions in the field
of international relations.
Article III
The Parties undertake to develop their relations with each other and with other countries in a way
consistent with the purposes of this Agreement.
Article IV
If at any time relations between the Parties or between either Party and other countries appear to
involve the risk of a nuclear conflict, or if relations between countries not parties to this
Agreement appear to involve the risk of nuclear war between the United States of America and
the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or between either Party and other countries, the United
States and the Soviet Union, acting in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, shall
immediately enter into urgent consultations with each other and make every effort to avert this
risk.
Article V
Each Party shall be free to inform the Security Council of the United Nations, the Secretary
General of the United Nations and the Governments of allied or other countries of the progress
and outcome of consultations initiated in accordance with Article IV of this Agreement.
Article VI
Nothing in this Agreement shall affect or impair:
(a) the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense as envisaged by Article 51 of the
Charter of the United Nations,*
(b) the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, including those relating to the
maintenance or restoration of international peace and security, and
(c) the obligations undertaken by either Party towards its allies or other countries in treaties,
agreements, and other appropriate documents.
Article VII
This Agreement shall be of unlimited duration.
Article VIII
This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature.
DONE at Washington on June 22, 1973, in two copies, each in the English and Russian
languages, both texts being equally authentic.
FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
RICHARD NIXON
President of the United States of America
FOR THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS:
L.I. BREZHNEV
General Secretary of the Central Committee, CPSU
____________
*TS 993; 59 Stat. 1044.