The performance of the Ni/NiCl{sub 2} positive electrode for the Na/NiCl{sub 2} battery has been significantly improved compared to that of our earlier electrodes, representative for 1990. This improvement has been achieved by lowering the impedance and increasing the usable capacity through the use of chemical additives and a tailored electrode morphology. The improved electrode has excellent performance even at 250{degrees}C and can be recharged within one hour. The performance of this new electrode was measured by the conventional interrupted galvanostatic method and under simulated driving profiles. These measurements were used to project the performance of 40- to 60-kWh batteries built with this new electrode combined with the already highly developed sodium/{beta}{double_prime}-alumina negative electrode. These calculated results yielded a specific power of 150--400 W/kg and a specific energy of 110--200 Wh/kg for batteries with single-tube and bipolar cell designs. This high performance, along with the high cell voltage, mid-temperature operation, fast recharge capability, and short-circuited failure mode of the electrode couple, makes the Na/NiCl{sub 2} battery attractive for electric vehicle applications.

More than a decade ago individuals from three significant institutions in East Bay Area began discussions in response to the apprehensions that were so deep in the early 1980s. These apprehensions were a result of the intense rhetoric between the two superpowers and the casual commentary about ``limited nuclear war.`` The discussions spoke to the mortal danger as well as to the profound moral question revolving around nuclear arms. The issuance of the US Bishops` Pastoral on War and Peace in 1983 gave the group focus and momentum. The Chancellor at the University of California at Berkeley, the President of the Graduate Theological Union (the consortium of theological schools in Berkeley), and the Director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (one of the chief designers of American nuclear arms) encouraged us to complete plans for a symposium. It was an era of activism. We chose, however, to serve the theme expressed by Albert Einstein, ``Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.`` After a decade, all of us can commend the leadership of the three institutions and the individuals involved for their perseverance. Their commitments to the pursuit of peace and to the development of …