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the US budget deficit, high US interest rates,
protectionism and civil aviation. But all these issues
are manageable in the broad context of Anglo-American
co-operation. It is an old joke that we are two
nations divided by a common language. The truth is
that we are two nations united by common aims and
values. We can for example agree about their
importance of defence, even if not about how to spell
it.
3.
The outcome of the American elections clears the
way for progress in many areas. I wish to look at
three in particular which deserve the immediate
attention of President Reagan and his new
administration, because the US role is vital. The
first is arms control, which must be seen against the
backcloth of East/West relations. The West must
continue its efforts to achieve peace and security at
the lowest possible level of armaments.
The United
States have already given a lead on this. President
Reagan's speech to the UN General Assembly in September
could not have been clearer: speaking about the arms
control talks in Vienna, after the Russians had
backtracked from their own proposal, he said "I hope we
can begin these talks by the end of the year or shortly
thereafter". He also spoke personally to Mr Gromyko in
September about his sincere wish to make progress.
there can be no doubt where responsibility for the
So
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2
J
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