‘Allied Nuclear Force In Year’

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30106, 15 April 1963, Page 9

‘Allied Nuclear Force In Year’

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, April 13.

The United States expects a 10nation North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear force to be operational under the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Lyman Lemnitzer, of the United States, within a year, it was disclosed today, United Press International reported.

It will be know'll as the “Inter-Allied N u c le a r Force (1.A.N.F.),” United States sources said. s It will consist of British nuclear bombers, three United States Poiaris missile submarines. and striking elements of eight other N ATO countries which have, or are to receive, American atomic weapons to arm their forces in event of war The French contribution will be limited to two fighterbomber squadrons based in Germany. France’s President. General de Gaulle, refuses to permit any United States nuclear weapons on French soil The composition of the I.A.N.F. was among the subjects discussed by the United States Secretary of State. Mr Dean Rusk, and Allied representatives in Paris earlier this week.

General Lemnitzer’s staff has been given the task of working out co-ordination and targeting arrangements The N ATO. Council meeting scheduled for Ottawa. Canada. in late May. is expected to ratify the arrangements.

United States sources, attempting to clear up public confusion over N ATO nuclear planning. said the IA N F was entirely separate from the "multilateral NATO nuclear force” now under discussion.

*f this latter force ever comes into being, it will be a sort of N.A.T.O. navy paid for and manned by staff from as many countries as wish to contribute men and money. It, too. would be under the Supreme Allied commander United States officials view creation of the I.A.N.F. as being principally a military rather than political affair, since it is being put together under existing treaty arrangements.