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a more stable relationship with the East, built upon trust rather
than suspicion and upon actions rather than words.
21. After an initial meeting of Foreign Ministers in July 1973,
where the full agenda was agreed, detailed discussions began
in Geneva during the following September. The Conference covers
a wide range of major issues, including political and military
security; commercial, economic and technological co-operation;
and measures designed to increase contacts among people and the
freer flow of information and ideas.
Τη
22. The discussions about the military aspects of security have
concentrated on measures designed to increase confidence in
Europe about the military intentions of other participants.
this area of discussions, as throughout the Conference, we have
been working closely with our NATO Allies. We have been seeking
detailed arrangements for the prior notification on a voluntary
basis of major military manoeuvres and movements and the exchange
of observers at military manoeuvres.
23.
Progress on the central issues of the Conference has been
slow. Many of the subjects have never before been the subject of
multilateral discussion and most participants are not prepared to
agree to declarations of intent which are unsupported by tangible
measures to implement those good intentions. The Conference is
therefore putting professions about detente to the test in practical
ways.
24. A Conference of this kind cannot, of course, solve all of
Europe's problems of security and co-operation. But as a result
of protracted and hard negotiations, we hope that the Conference
will reach agreement on specific measures which will help to lower
barriers in Europe, contribute to growing understanding between
East and West, and increase confidence among all European states
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