CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
1.
CHAPTER II
DEFENCE DEVELOPMENT S
DÉTENTE
The Government is working and will continue to work for real
and lasting détente in Europe through the North Atlantic Alliance, which we regard as an instrument of détente no less than of defence.
Progress in pursuit of détente, if it is not to be illusory, must be
based on a strong and united NATO Alliance, both across the Atlantic
and within Europe, and also on genuine attempts to negotiate with
the Warsaw Pact measures of arms limitation and control which provide
a more stable relationship in Europe and undiminished security to
both East and West. Progress is difficult so long as the Warsaw Pact
maintains forces of their present size and their present deployments.
THE THREAT AND THE MILITARY BALANCE
2.
The Soviet Union has achieved strategic nuclear parity with
the United States (recently reinforced by the SALT agreement in
Vladivostok, referred to in paragraphs 32 to 34 below) and is
developing an armoury of strategic nuclear weapons designed at least
to maintain it. This makes it imperative for the West to possess
credible conventional forces and adequate tactical nuclear forces,
in order to deter a potential aggressor by removing any certainty
that he might achieve his objectives by the use, or threat, of
force. The Government is therefore committed to the fullest possible
support in Central Europe for the North Atlantic Alliance.
3. The Warsaw Pact faces the Alliance with a marked superiority
in manpower and conventional weapons. In the key area of Central
Europe, the disparities are about two and a half to one in tanks. over
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