T
27.
That is the constructive approach to defence and
disarmament. That is the one which this Government has
adopted, and which we shall continue to pursue. The
contrast with the doctrinal detritus of the
Opposition's ideas could hardly be sharper or stronger.
28.
Labour's even-handed approach to the United States
and the Soviet Union suggests an attitude of mind which
would undermine and destroy the American commitment to
the defence of Europe. Simply to dismiss as nonsense
the arguments on the basis of which successive British
governments (including Labour ones) have maintained our
independent deterrent is to deny reason and ignore
history. Noone who has this country's real interests
at heart could be so wickedly irresponsible.
29. But the defence policies of the Opposition not
only ignore reality. They are also quite incompatible
with deterring aggression, as well as with the
Opposition's proclaimed desire for continued membership
of the Atlantic Alliance. NATO's policies rest on
three pillars. Deterrence, collective decision-making,
and the American commitment to the defence of Europe.
The Opposition would overturn all three.
They would
act unilaterally. They would throw out many of the
facilities which give effect to the American commitment
to our defence. They would advocate
-
and, if they did
not succeed in convincing our allies, unilaterally
11