Final Communiqué

Chairman: Mr. J. Luns.

The North Atlantic Council met in Ministerial Session in Paris on 9th and 10th June, 1983. Ministers reaffirmed that their supreme objective is the maintenance of peace in freedom. A stable military balance is essential to this objective.

The countries of the Alliance are determined to ensure through negotiations that this balance will be established at the lowest possible level. They are equally determined to assure their security and their independence. They will defend the liberty and the justice on which their democracies are founded.

They have put forward a broad set of arms control and disarmament initiatives on:

• strategic arms reductions (START)
• intermediate range nuclear forces (INF)
• Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR)
• a Conference on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures and Disarmament in Europe (CDE)
• a total ban on chemical weapons.

They call upon the Soviet Union to demonstrate by its deeds an equal resolution to achieve concrete results in these negotiations.

As regards intermediate range nuclear forces, the Ministers affirmed the importance of the double-track decision taken on 12th December, 1979, by the countries concerned. They hope that, in the near future, a verifiable agreement providing for United States and Soviet equality can be reached in Geneva. If concrete results through negotiations cannot be reached, deployments as planned will begin as already decided in December 1979 (¹).

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1. Recognising that the cohesion and strength of the Alliance is of pararamount importance for the preservation of peace and improved international relation, Ministers agreed as follows: The programme for Peace in Freedom adopted in the Bonn Summit Declaration of 10th June, 1982, emphasises the Alliance's resolve to deter aggression by means of a strong defence and to develop, through co-operation and dialogue, a constructive East-West relationship aimed at genuine détente. This balanced policy will continue to serve peace and uphold the independence and democratic values of the free peoples of the Alliance. The Alliance remains a fundamental forum for close and regular consultation on matters of common concern and permits member states to adjust their aims and interests through free exchanges of views. The maintenance of adequate defence by the Allied countries threatens no one. In Article 1 of the North Atlantic Treaty the members of the Alliance reaffirmed the undertaking to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. This solemn obligation was restated in the Helsinki Final Act signed by thirty-five countries and will always be fully honoured by the members of the Alliance. Each and every sovereign member of the Alliance is a guarantor that none of their weapons will be used except in response to attack.
   
2. The Allies view with concern the sustained increase in Soviet military strength in Europe and capability for military action world-wide, which far exceed defence needs. The Soviet Union maintains its build-up of conventional arms, chemical weapons, naval forces, nuclear forces, and in particular the deployment of SS-20 intermediate range nuclear missiles. Faced with this threatening situation, the Allies are resolved to ensure that conditions never exist which could tempt the Soviet Union to exploit its military power against any of the Allies. They are determined to meet the legitimate security requirements for the entire North Atlantic Treaty area. A sufficient level of both conventional and nuclear forces remains necessary for the credibility of deterrence. The security and sovereignty of the European members of the Alliance remain guaranteed by their own defence, by the presence of North American forces on European territory and by the United States strategic nuclear commitment to Europe. The United States and Canada likewise depend for their own security upon the contribution of the European partners to the defence of the Alliance.
   
3. The Allies have reviewed the trends of Soviet policies which bear upon Western interests. They are resolved to maintain a firm, realistic and constructive attitude and agree that it is important to maintain a dialogue, not least in periods of tension. The Allies stress that respect for the obligation not to use force is mandatory and applicable between all states without exception. The reaffirmation of this obligation, contained in the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, cannot substitute for deeds. The Allies therefore call on the Soviet Union for a complete end to the use of force in Afghanistan and the threat of use of force, as in the case of Poland. The exercise of restraint and responsibility by the Soviet Union is essential for the constructive relations which the Allies wish to establish with it. Such relations with the Soviet Union are possible on the full range of East-West issues. The Allies look to the Soviet Union to contribute to the achievement of tangible results in the negotiations on arms control, disarmament and confidence-building measures, since this would enhance the credibility of the principle of non-use of force. They would welcome any serious proposals to improve confidence and co-operation between East and West.
   
4. The Allies deplore the continuing violation by the Polish authorities of the commitments undertaken by Poland in the Helsinki Final Act. They look to those authorities to honour the wish of the Polish people for national reconciliation, the release of political prisoners and the establishment of civil rights, including the right of the workers to have trade unions of their own choice . This would enable Poland to overcome its crisis. More normal trade and economic co-operation with Poland, for which the Allies wish, could be effective if progress were made towards national reconciliation without which there can be no genuine economic and social recovery. The Allies urge the Soviet Union to cease its pressure on Poland so as not to impede the efforts of the Polish people for national renewal and reform.
   
5. The Soviet Union's actions in Afghanistan also pose a major obstacle to the normal development of international relations. Intensified Soviet aggression there continues to meet with the determined resistance of the Afghan people. The mounting toll of civilian casualties and destruction emphasises the urgency of a political solution based on the verifiable application of the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly which called for the immediate withdrawal of Soviet forces, the restoration of Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and non-aligned status, the right of the Afghan people to self-determination, and the voluntary return of refugees.
   
6. Defence and arms control are integral parts of the security policy of the Alliance. In pursuit of this policy the Allies have submitted a comprehensive series of proposals designed to lead to equitable, verifiable and militarily significant agreements for major reductions to a stable balance of forces at the lowest possible levels.
   
7. In this spirit, the Allies concerned underline the continued importance of the decision of 12th December, 1979, which combined the modernization of United States longer range INF (LRINF) with a parallel offer of negotiations and the unilateral withdrawal from Europe of a thousand United States nuclear warheads which was completed in 1980. Since that decision was taken, the Soviet Union has relentlessly continued its deployment of modern SS-20 missiles, greatly expanding its monopoly in this class of weapons which has created an entirely new threat for Europe. Ignoring the concerns of countries threatened by these systems, the Soviet Union is, at the same time, resisting achievement of an equitable negotiated solution. The Soviet approach would undermine the vital link between the defence of Europe and the American strategic deterrent. Present Soviet proposals would include third country national deterrent forces which have no place in the negotiations and leave the Soviets with more SS-20 missiles than when the negotiations began, deny the right to modernise the deterrent to this threat, leave unrestrained large Soviet SS-20 forces in the Eastern USSR which threaten Europe as well as Asia, and remove from Europe aircraft of the United States which are essential to conventional defence. The Allies concerned reaffirm that in the absence of concrete negotiating results which obviate deployments, deployments will begin at the end of 1983, in accordance with the schedule established in the decision of 1979. At the same time these Allies remain fully committed to reaching a successful outcome in the INF negotiations, which they continue to monitor and evaluate closely. They will support continued negotiations even after initial deployments. These Allies will examine NATO's LRINF requirements when concrete results are achieved in the negotiations, and will make appropriate adjustments in the levels of deployments already decided in 1979. They fully support the efforts of the United States, in close consultation with them, to achieve progress at Geneva. These Allies strongly prefer the elimination of all United States and Soviet LRINF missiles, as proposed by the United States. They welcome and support as a further effort to achieve progress toward that end the United States proposal for an interim agreement which would result in equal global ceilings on warheads on United States and Soviet land-based LRINF missile systems at the lowest possible level. This proposal which establishes a flexible framework for negotiations was developed through close consultation among the Allies concerned. They call on the Soviet Union to contribute Constructively to a successful outcome of the negotiations which addresses the legitimate security concerns of both sides and welcome current United States efforts to that end. They strongly hope a balanced agreement will be rapidly reached. (²)
   
8. Allies expressed their full support for the effort of the United States to negotiate reductions in United States and Soviet strategic arms, and to secure an agreement which will enhance strategic stability. They welcomed new steps being taken by the United States to promote progress in the START negotiations, and called upon the Soviet Union to respond in a similarly positive spirit.
   
9. The Allies participating in the Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR) talks attach great importance to achieving progress. They consider that the comprehensive approach embodied in their draft Treaty text of July 1982 provides the basis of an accord which would lead to parity at the agreed collective ceilings for combined ground and air force manpower in Central Europe through substantial staged reductions. This major initiative met what had been represented by the East as a fundamental requirement. It also proposed a well defined and practical programme for implementing an agreement with the East. Western participants hope that the East will respond in a more constructive way and recognise that, in order to contribute to stability and security in Europe, an MBFR agreement must provide for reductions and limitations based on agreed data and for effective Associated Measures on verification and confidence-building.
   
10. In the Committee on Disarmament the Allies seek disarmament measures which are balanced, realistic and verifiable and which would maintain or enhance global security. In particular, they are working for an agreement on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons and on the destruction of all existing stocks as well as the means of production. The Allies call upon the Soviet Union to co-operate in developing effective inspection and verification measures leading to agreements for the elimination of this entire category of weapons. The Allies remain gravely concerned about strong evidence of continued use of chemical weapons in South East Asia and Afghanistan in violation of international law and of Soviet involvement in the use of such weapons (³). They welcome procedures being developed by the United Nations to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons.
    
11. The Allies are continuing their efforts at the Madrid CSCE Follow-up meeting to arrive at a substantial and balanced concluding document, including a precise negotiating mandate for the Conference on Confidence and Security Building Measures and Disarmament in Europe. They consider that, as a result of the latest proposal by the neutral and non-aligned states, an agreement is now within reach which would permit a successful and early conclusion. The Allies have already stated their willingness to accept the draft concluding document submitted by the neutral and non-aligned states, subject to limited and reasonable amendments favourably received by other participants and designed to enhance the balance of the agreement. The Allies therefore urge the Soviet Union to change its attitude and negotiate a solution of the few remaining issues. This would demonstrate that the Soviet Union shares the interest shown by other participating countries in a successful outcome to the Madrid meeting which will consolidate the CSCE process. The Allies are convinced that a substantial and balanced concluding document, together with renewed efforts to give full effect to the Final Act through concrete action, would be of particular importance for developing a more constructive East-West relationship. The Allies emphasise the importance, in the present circumstances, not only of a reaffirmation of the 1975 Helsinki commitments as a whole, but also of an expression of the determination of the thirty-five signatory states to carry them out. They reaffirm, too, the importance they attach to the convening of a Conference which, as an integral part of the CSCE process, would have as its purpose the adoption of verifiable, militarily significant and binding provisions applicable to the whole of Europe. The Allies also remain committed to further progress in the important humanitarian aspects of the East-West relations.
    
12. The Allies support confidence-building measures designed to promote greater openness about armed forces and military activities, overcome misapprehension and distrust and thus facilitate disarmament negotiations. The Allies recall that in 1982 the United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed the importance of confidence-building measures and invited all states to consider the introduction of such measures in their region. The Allies have taken a number of concrete initiatives in that direction. Proposals put forward by the Soviet Union, in contrast, are often declaratory. The United States government, in an effort to help develop a stable peace, has tabled a series of confidence-building measures in the START and INF negotiations and has suggested new proposals in the nuclear field and in mutual communications between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Allies will, in the context of the Conference on Disarmament in Europe, put forward concrete proposals for a new generation of confidence and security building measures Europe. The Allies will continue their efforts to build confidence through improved verification procedures, the provision of clear and comparable data on defence spending and other steps likely to remove misconceptions. They urge the Soviet Union to join them in this endeavour.
    
13. The maintenance of a calm situation in and around Berlin and the strict observance and full implementation of the Quadripartite Agreement of 3rd September, 1971, including unimpeded traffic on the access routes, remain of fundamental importance for East-West relations. Recalling their Rome statement of 5th May, 1981, the Allies express the hope that the efforts of the Federal Republic of Germany towards further practical progress in inner-German relations and towards improvements for travel in both directions will bring direct benefits for Berlin and the German people in both states.
    
14. The Allies reiterate their abhorrence and condemnation of recurring terrorist acts which menace democratic institutions as well as the conduct of international relations. The Allies reaffirm their determination to pursue all necessary efforts to combat and suppress crimes of terrorism.
    
15. The Ministers note that since their last meeting several aspects of East-West economic relations have been studied including the security implications of these relations. Trade conducted on the basis of commercially sound terms and mutual advantage, that avoids preferential treatment of the Soviet Union, contributes to constructive East-West relations. At the same time, bilateral economic relations with the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe must remain consistent with broad Allied security concerns. These include avoiding dependence on the Soviet Union, or contributing to Soviet military capabilities. Thus, development of Western energy resources should be encouraged. In order to avoid further use by the Soviet Union of some forms of trade to enhance its military strength, the Allies will remain vigilant in their continuing review of the security aspects of East-West economic relations. This work will assist Allied governments in the conduct of their policies in this field. (⁴)
    
16. Sustained economic recovery in the West is essential since the strength security of the member countries rest upon social stability and progress as well as upon defence preparedness. In accordance with Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty the Allies will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration among them. The Allies reaffirm the importance of this commitment and of support for programmes which are intended to benefit the economies of less favoured partners.
    
17. The Allies will continue to work for the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations and will promote conditions of stability and well-being. The aid which they give bilaterally and multilaterally is an important contribution to this end. Countries in the Third World should have the freedom to develop politically, economically and socially without outside interference. The Allies urge respect for sovereignty and genuine non-alignment. The Allies recognise that events outside the Treaty area may affect their common interests as members of the Alliance. If it is established that their common interests are involved, they will engage in timely consultations. Sufficient military capabilities must be assured in the Treaty area to maintain an adequate defence posture. Individual member governments who are in a position to do so will endeavour to support, at their request, sovereign nations whose security and independence are threatened. Those Allies in a position to facilitate the deployment of forces outside the Treaty area may do so on the basis of national decision.

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The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs informed the North Atlantic Council of the present state of the review that the Spanish Government has undertaken regarding its participation in the Alliance, pending which he reserved his government's position on the present Communiqué.

At the same time, however, the Spanish Minister expressed that his Government shares in the Communiqué in so far as it reflects positions already expressed by Spain in her relations with the member countries of the Alliance.

The Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs repeated Danish Government support for the double-track decision but at the same time he presented to his colleagues the motion passed by the Folketing on 26th May.

In addition to the Communiqué, the Foreign Ministers decided to publish the following extracts from the Minutes of their Meeting of 9th and 10th June, 1983:

Economic Co-operation and Assistance within the Alliance

Within the context of Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty, Ministers noted the Secretary General's tenth monitoring report on the economic situation and prospects of Greece, Portugal and Turkey. Mindful that the less prosperous member countries of the Alliance continue to be especially affected by the current world economic problems, they stressed once more the need for co-operation and support both bilaterally and through the appropriate international economic fora.

Armaments Co-operation

Ministers examined the report by the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD). They noted with satisfaction the establishment and initial implementation of a follow-on programme to the Luxembourg and Bonn meetings with its emphasis on improving the existing planning procedures and the establishment of priority areas of activity in order to permit the concentration of resources where they can be most effectively used.
In this connection Ministers noted CNAD's efforts to exploit emerging technologies in order to improve the defensive posture of the Alliance, while taking into account the need to prevent the transfer of militarily relevant technology to the Warsaw Pact.

Ministers recognised the value of beginning co-operation on the production of common items of equipment at the earliest possible stage. Among the examples of projects, they welcomed the progress being made towards the NATO Frigate Replacement for the 1990s and they noted with satisfaction the first step being taken to set up a programme for the production in Europe of the US STINGER manportable air defence system.

Finally, Ministers again emphasised the importance they attach to the Transatlantic Dialogue and they closely examined the efforts being made to remove the legislative restrictions which impede it.

NATO Science Programme Ministers noted with satisfaction the co-operative activities and exchanges being conducted within the framework of the Science Committee. They endorsed the value of continuing scientific and technological exchange among the industrialised countries and noted with satisfaction the desire of the governments concerned to develop co-operation among nations.

Footnotes:

1. Greece reserves its position on this paragraph.
2. Greece reserves its position on paragraph 7.
3. Greece recalls its position as it has been expressed during the previous Ministerial Session.
4. Greece recalled its position on various aspects of this paragraph.