More Arms For N.A.T.0., But No Nuclear Force

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30007, 17 December 1962, Page 13

More Arms For N.A.T.0., But No Nuclear Force

f N .Z.PA.-Reuter—Copyright)

PARIS, December 15.

The North Atlantic Council today endorsed an increase in the West’s conventional armaments, but took no action on an American proposal for a European sea-borne nuclear force and steered clear of the controversial issue of independent national nuclear forces in Europe.

In London. "The Times” and the "Guardian” today warned against European con. centration on nuclear development After drawing attention to the complications over the American Skybolt missile and Britain. "The Times" said: "One of the dangers of this situation is that Britain may now tend to turn too sharply towards a European power grouping” The newspaper said: “There will be a great temptation to pu’ British experience and technical knowledge to work in the service of building a European nuclear strike force in co-operation with the French.

“Already there is close contact between French and British military staffs. Much of it is welcome and healthy “But to seek a European nuclear force would be a dangerous move.” the newspaper said “The maintenance of a strategic nuclear weapon system is immensely expensive “France and Britain could scarcely contemplate it without the co-operation of West Germany and other European allies ” The "Guardian'' commented: “President Kennedy's Administration would be happy if the British and Europeans concentrated on conventional weapons, leaving the burden and cost of nuclear weapons on the United States “But while the British and

Europeans insist on Having separate nuclear weapons, and while there is a possibility of a powerful German demand for nuclear parity, the Americans feel that they must try to reply constructively "Hence the attempt by Mr McNamara. United States Defence Secretary, to find for Britain feasible alternatives to the Skybolt. “Hence, too. the ingenious

scheme outlined yesterday by Mr Rusk, United States Secretary of State, for a multinational nuclear force within NATO. “The American offers are tempting. But it would be better for Britain and Europe to go no further with nuclear weapons development. That will not worry the United States or weaken the alliance.”