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28.
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For their part, Warsaw Pact negotiators have proposed equal percentage reductions in Central Europe of all the forces
of-both sides. Such an outcome would not correct but would
perpetuate the current imbalance of forces in the Warsaw Pact'o favour, albeit at lower levels. It would not contribute to the agreed objective of a more stable relationship; nor would it be compatible with the maintenance of undiminished security for all
the parties concerned. NATO forces, already smaller than the
Warsaw Pact's, could be reduced to a level at which they could
no longer constitute an effective defence against the superior Warsaw Pact forces facing them; in which event their deterrent value would be seriously impaired.
29. The outcome of the negotiations will therefore be of crucial importance for the security of the Alliance, and Allied positions and tactics have been closely co-ordinated at every stage. The
unity maintained by Allied negotiators in Vienna is a tribute to the value of the NATO consultative machinery, and to the willing-
ness of Allied Governments to subordinate national aime and
preoccupations to the common interest.
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