BALANCE OF ARMS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28269, 6 May 1957, Page 9

BALANCE OF ARMS

Communique Text (Rec. 7 p.m.) BONN, May 4. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation awaited the result of studies before deciding on the balance between the latest and conventional weapons to enable member countries to develop their forces, said the communique of the N.A.T.O. council meeting. The communique said:— “During their discussions on the problem of security, the question was raised of the balance between the latest weapons and conventional arms. The council is awaiting the results of the studies now in hand by the N.A.T.O. military authorities to enable the development and balance of the different types of forces needed. “The council remains convinced that these decisions taken in common should take into account the need for N.A.T.O. to retain an effective deterrent against aggression, including a powerful shield of land, Sea and air forces, to protect the territory of member States. Events In Hungary “Recent events in Hungary have confirmed that fredom counts for nothing in Soviet eyes, and that the U.S.S.R. is prepared to use force to crush the legitimate aspirations of nations. The council agreed that the continued brutal repression of the struggle for freedom of the heroic Hungarian people remains, and continues to make difficult an improvement in East-West relations. “The council discussed the effect of political developments in recent months on the question of German reunification. They decided to continue their efforts with every means at their disposal to induce the Soviet Government to carry out its agreement that Germany should be reunified by means of free elections.

“The Ministers view the prolonged division of Germany and the anomalous situation of Berlin as a continuing threat to world peace. They accordingly reaffirmed their determination by peaceful means to continue and intensify the common policy for restoration >of Germany as a free and united State within the framework of a system of European security. They directed particular attention to the inhumanity of the continued division of the German people. Middle East

“The council reviewed recent deveolpments in the Middle East. They concluded that while the dangers to peace in the region remain great, certain new elements give promise of limiting the opportunities for Communist expansion and subversion.

“The council emphasised the importance of current initiatives to improve the situation and to reinforce the efforts already made to ensure the security and integrity of countries in the Middle East.

“The Ministers considered the state of tne alliance in the light of political developments, both within and without tjie N.A.T.O. area, which have taken place since they last met five months ago. In this connexion they reviewed the progress achieved in political consultation under the new procedures inaugurated as a result of the recommendations of the committee of three approved last December. They concluded that useful and concrete results had been achieved, and that the alliance was acquiring both greater maturity and solidarity “The council noted the report submitted by Lord Ismay, and conveyed to him their thanks and gratitude for the supreme services which he has rendered to the cause of the alliance in the last five years.”