DEFENCES OF WEST

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28257, 20 April 1957, Page 11

DEFENCES OF WEST

Montgomery’s Prediction (Rec. 9 p.m.) PARIS, April 18. Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery said today that the Western Allies should bring their thoughts about missiles down from the clouds above which these weapons will travel. He told a press conference that missiles could not solve all the alliance’s problems. Of weapons expected to be at the disposal of N.A.T.O. 10 years from now, he said: “There is sometimes a tendency to think that missiles will solve all our problems. This is not the case. There are, many troublesome problems connected with missiles.”

Lord Montgomery, who is Deputy Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, was asked whether he meant he disagreed with the British defence plans outlined in a recent White Paper.

“The British White Paper is nothing to do with me. I am British by accent and birth, but I am an international person,” he said. In 10 years, defence would probably be largely in the hands of guided missiles, but, he said, he did not think the gun would go out of business. “I don’t say anything against the White Paper and I don’t say anything for it,” he said.

Lord Montgomery said that by 1965, the Western Alliance could expect to have:

Ships and submarines with nuclear power. Nuclear warheads or shells for any suitable weapons, including field guns. Strategic missiles fitted with warheads, and short range guided missiles with ranges up to 500 miles in quantity.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles with ranges of up to 5000 miles would exist, but would be mainly in the prototype stage. Long-range attack would still largely depend on piloted aircraft. The development and integration of new weapons would be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Older weapons would continue to be used alongside the new.

“The operational weapons system developed by some nations such as the United States would be in advance of that of other nations.

“However, all must have these new weapons to a greater or less degree in accordance with their needs as part of one combined force.”

Lord Montgomery said that the advent of missiles would reduce the number and importance of piloted aircraft.

However, efficient strategic air forces would always be needed for flexibility, and to locate targets in enemy territory. Piloted aircraft would also definitely be needed for limited and cold war activities for

so-called "police action.” Lord Montgomery said that S.H.A.P.E. planned to handle limited aggression in the N.A.T.O. area without necessarily resorting to nuclear weapons.

“If we have to play village cricket we will use just enough strength to stop it developing into that ugly thing that would lead to a test match,” he said.