U.K. Increasing Military Strength In Europe

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29844, 9 June 1962, Page 14

U.K. Increasing Military Strength In Europe

(N.Z.P.A.-Keuter-Cipyrt ff ht) PARIS, June 8. Britain pledged yesterday that she would bring her military strength in the forward area of Europe up to 55,000 men as soon as possible. But the Minister of Defence (Mr Harold Watkinson) told Parliamentarians of the seven-nation Western European Union: “Beyond that we cannot go.”

On Wednesday, General Lauris Norstad, Supreme Commander, Allied Powers in Europe, told reporters that the long-sought goal of 30 combat-ready divisions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation European "shield” forces was expected to be reached by the end of this year. “We have reached such a point in the development of our forces and equipment that we now definitely can

think in' terms of a -true forward strategy.” he said. - Military leaders at Supreme Headquarters rioW can count oti about .85 divisions committed to the Central European front facing the Communist bloc. Britain has three divisions among them. Balance Important Mr Watkinspn yesterday emphasised the importance of striking "the right balance” for deploying Britain's defence contribution according to her responsibilities in Europe and elsewhere. ' "I think we have got the balance About right,” he said. “We shall continue to play our full part in the Western European Union and N.A.T.O Outside N.A.T.O. we also have heavy responsibilities. “In discharging them we are inspired by the conviction that what we do outside Europe and N.A.T.0., we do as good Europeans and loyal allies.” The Western European Union Assembly began a five-day meeting last Monday dominated by the probf lem of Britain's application for Common Market membership. At the end of the debate on defence the W.E.U. Assembly adopted a recommendation whose highlights were:

A call on the W.EU Ministerial Council to examine with Britain the maintenance of 55.00 U men of ground forces and the 2nd Tactical Force on the European mainland, and ensure that this is done in accordance with the Brussels Treaty, signed by founder members of the W.E.U. in 1948. A demand that the production of atomic weapons in France should be controlled, to comply with the Brussels Treaty.