government, then the next one. And if in the end the government won't cooperate, we have further strategies. Goals and Consequences of the NWLA The challenge to nuclear weapons from a legal perspective is a new attack on their legitimacy and on the legitimacy of a system that holds the whole human race hostage. But the NWLA will also draw attention to the intemational law alternative to war as a means of settling disputes -~ a vital and still neglected aspect of achieving peace and disarmament. It will show that there is a feasible alternative to war and to nuclear deterrence. This will appeal to ordinary Canadians, who traditionally have responded favourably to the idea of the rule of international law. Some of the goais of the NWLA do not depend on winning the case. The case will have a tremendous public education value. Through press coverage (it may even be televised) the nuclear weapons issue and the importance of international law will be put in the spotlight. If we win the court decision, however, it would be a history-making victory. The event would reve~berate around the world, and give renewed encouragement to the world-wide peace effort, much the same way New Zealand's actions have in barring nuclear capable ships from its ports. The legal effect of a Canadian ruling would also be international. Its effect would be to pronounce on the legality of using nuclear weapons for all countries, not just for Canada. Because the court ruling would be made in Canada, it would apply with particular force in Canada. The pressure on the Canadian government to conform to international law could conceivably end Canada's support for NATO's policy of resorting to the first use of nuclear weapons. It would necessarily trigger a review of the whole of our military involvement in NATO, as well as NORAD to determine which of our commitments are tied to the first use of nuclear weapons policy. Finances Most of the legal help for this case has been donated. But a court action like this is an enormous undertaking, and an expensive one. A great deal of research will be required to develop the best case. We will have to build a $100,000 court fund, with $50,000 needed this year to get into court. This is in addition to operating expenses. We recently received a grant for $15.000 from the Canadian Institute for International. Peace and Security for legal research. This money, however, is committed to doing a specific part of the research. To be able to approach senior counsel in two months we must raise an addtional $15-20,000 immediately. A charitable tax receipt will be provided for all cheques made out to "JURED Foundation (NWLA)" . Such donations will be usde for legal research and education in connection with the case. 723