LORD ISMAY ON E.D.C.

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27395, 7 July 1954, Page 12

LORD ISMAY ON E.D.C.

“Genhaii Contribution Essential”

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, July 5. A German contribution to the Atlantic Pact Forces was almost essential if the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation territory, which included West Germany, waft to be defended, Lord Ismay, Secretary-General of N.A.T.0., said today.

Lord Ismay was addressing a press conference at the start of an official three-day visit to Britain as part of a tour of N.A.T.O. capitals. He said a German contribution was now necessary, because the range of modern weapons required defence in great depth. “Whether or not the E.D.C. is the best form for this contribution, it is too late to draft a new E.D.C.,” said Lord Ismay. Air Power Passes Target

Discussing the achievement of N.A.T.O.’s first five years, Lord Ismay estimated the present ground strength as between 90 and 100 divisions within 30 days of mobilisation. z He said that the air strength had passed the target of 4000 aircraft set at the Lisbon conference of 1952. The 1954 target was to increase this figure by 25 per cent. N.A.T.O. now had 125 airfields ready fop use and more were building. This compared with 15 airfields when General Eisenhower first assumed command of Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces in Europe.