Gradual Arms Reduction

ance.” He acknowledged that, in order to defend themselves against the Soviet threat as long as i t lasts, the peoples on both sides of the Atlantic must be linked together, and more specifically, he asserted that despite divergencies over the organization and functioning of the alliance itself, France and the United States would be side by side again in the event of a general war. In short, on the 29th of July, General de Gaulle did not appear to fear entrapment, and he had by no means abandoned hope for the future of the alliance. Looking to the future, the NATO alliance will be making a major effort to come to grips with the difficult problems of nuclear control and mutually consistent strategies, forces, and budgets. A diversity of views is to be expected. But if these discussions are conducted with a view to the continuity of objectives which virtually all the members have diplayed, and if the alliance maintains the flexibility to adjust to changes in the East-West situation such as the test-ban agreement, the end result should serve the interests of all. If on the other hand, the proceedings are conducted amidst allegations of infidelity and duplicity, only the common enemies of the West will benefit.