Schmidt pledge to N.A.T.O.

Press, 26 November 1980, Page 8

Schmidt pledge to N.A.T.O.

(NZPA-Reuter 'Bonn i Chancellor Helmut ; Schmidt has pledged West I Germany’s commitment to I the North Atlantic Treaty, 'Organisation and says Bonn, (also wants to maintain a dialogue with Moscow. His parliamentary address ushering in the new legislative period yesterday came seven weeks after the electorate returned his Left-li-beral Government to power with an increased majority.'. . Outlining his Governs ment's policy course for the next four years in a keynote speech, Mr Schmidt emphasised West Germany’s . dependence on the United States for its security. f

His recent talks in’ Washington with President-elect Ronald Reagan fully confirmed the deep friendship binding the two countries, he said. Y

Despite this, and although condemning the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, he insisted on Bonn's desire for ;a continued dialogue with (Moscow, especially in times of crisis. y?

I His speech coincided with a call in Moscow to the United States to revive EastWest talks on nuclear arms control. ■ - ’

A clearly authoritative article in the Communist Party ' newspaper, "Pravda,” said lan ever-intensifying arms race was increasing the danger of the world .."slipping into war”; Mr Schmidt also strongly appealed for fresh efforts by the Soviet Union and the United States to curb strategic arms — a goal he said that President-elect Reagan shared. i >

Mr Schmidt said the Strategic Arms t Limitation Treaty talks between the two super-Powers were of key significance for EastWest disarmament and Bonn gave its “emphatic support” to a continuation of the SALT, process. “I am happy to be able to tell the German Parliament after my conversation with Mr Reagan that his thoughts point in the same direction,” he said. The Chanceller last week became die first foreign dignitary to speak to Mr Reagan after his November 4 victory. i

Mr Sclimidt’s comments indicated that he found Mr Reagan committed to seeking strategic arms curbs despite the new President's knoxvn objections to S.A.L.T, II signed last year.