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22.
Such an attempt could succeed only if Western countries were
to lose confidence in their ability to sustain their own institutions.
In the present world economic climate these institutions will come
under increasing stress in the next few years. It is essential
during this period, in order to deter any more adventurist policy
and to sustain the momentum of détente, that the political cohesion
of the Alliance should be maintained, as well as an effective
military strategy.
23.
Adequate defence calls for military forces capable of denying
any potential aggressor the prospect of an easy victory. It calls
for a military capability of conventional forces manifestly capable
of withstanding any initial attack and
backed by tactical and
strategic nuclear forces, which in Europe and the Atlantic only the
NATO Alliance can provide. So long as the Alliance has such a
capability, and the will to use it if necessary, aggression of
whatever sort can be deterred, and the use of military power as a
political weapon neutralised.
24. The Government is fully committed to preserving the credibility
of NATO's strategy and political cohesion. It is determined to
maintain an effective British contribution to the Alliance's
forces. But some reduction in our current NATO contribution is
inevitable if the strain on the British economy is to be eased by
bringing the burden of British defence expenditure more into line
with that borne by our major European Allies.
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