22. We shall speak unambiguously on the issues which are of concern to
Britain and our allies - and indeed to a considerable number of non-aligned
countries. We shall make plain the concern which is felt worldwide about
the Soviet military build up. The reopening of the MBFR talks in Vienna
last week was a welcome step. But we shall make plain why the Russians
should return to the negotiating table at Geneva too. We shall continue to
reject the specious arguments which the Soviet leadership puts forward to
justify their massive occupation of Afghanistan. And we shall continue to
measure by the yardstick to which the Soviet Union agreed at Helsinki,
Soviet performance in the field of human rights.
23. At the same time, we shall seek to open up areas of potential agreement
and cooperation. We have already established very good working relations
with the Russians over the non-proliferation Treaty and Antarctica. Our
aim will be to lengthen this list. There is considerable scope for
progress on regional issues for instance; the Middle East springs to mind
as a place where greater cooperation between East and West could make an
enormous contribution to peace and stability. As President Reagan said in
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