1973

May 9
Australia and New Zealand institute proceedings in the International Court of Justice against French atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the South Pacific.

June 22
The Agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union on the Prevention of Nuclear War enters into force. The agreement states that the major policy objectives of both states are "to remove the danger of nuclear war and the use of nuclear weapons."

The International Court of Justice, at the request of Australia and New Zealand, states that France should avoid nuclear tests causing radioactive fall-out in the South Pacific. [see May 9, 1973]

October 6
During the Yom Kippur War, Israel goes on nuclear alert for the first time, but succeeds using only conventional forces. When Brezhnev threatens to airlift Soviet forces in to aid the Egyptian army, President Richard Nixon brings the US to a worldwide nuclear alert. A cease-fire ends the crisis.