Switzerland: Ratification of Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

Swaziland signed the Treaty at London on June 24, 1969.

In a note dated November 27, 1969, the Swiss Government made a declaration, a translation of which reads as follows:

“On the occasion of the signing, on today’s date, of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Swiss Government expressly declares that it will not submit the Treaty to the Parliament for approval until it considers that a sufficient degree of universality has been reached.

“The Swiss Government, moreover, reserves the right to make whatever statements appear necessary at the time of the deposit of the instrument of ratification.”

The instrument of ratification of the Treaty by Switzerland contains a declaration, a translation of the text of which reads as follows:

“Noting that the Treaty is intended to prevent States which do not possess nuclear weapons from producing such weapons and other nuclear explosive devices or acquiring them, Switzerland hereby ratifies the Treaty with a view that its provisions are directed exclusively at the achievement of that goal and will not have the effect of limiting the use of nuclear energy for other purposes.

“Availing itself of this occasion of the deposit of its instruments of ratification, Switzerland makes the following declaration:

1.  Switzerland notes that, according to Article IV, research, production, and use for peaceful purposes in the nuclear sector are not governed by the prohibitions contained in articles I and II.  Such activities specifically include the entire field of energy production and related operations, research and technology in the sector of future generations of nuclear fission or fusion reactors, and the production of isotopes.

2.  Switzerland defines the term ‘source or special fissionable material,’ used in article III, in conformity with the current article XX of the Statute of the IAEA.  A modification of this interpretation shall require the formal agreement of Switzerland.

Furthermore, Switzerland will accept only such interpretations and definitions of the concepts ‘equipment or materials specially designed or prepared for the processing, use or production of special fissionable material,’ mentioned in article III(2), as it has expressly approved.

3.  Switzerland understands that application of the Treaty and particularly the control measures will not lead to discrimination against Swiss industry in international competition.”

• Ratification on deposit with London - 09 March 1977
• Signature on deposit with London - 27 November 1969
• Ratification on deposit with Moscow - 09 March 1977
• Signature on deposit with Moscow - 27 November 1969
• Signature on deposit with Washington - 27 November 1969