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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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