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The Defence Planning Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization met in Ministerial Session on Wednesday, 28th May,
1969.
- Ministers reviewed the general situation as it has developed
since their last meeting, and took account of the continued
strengthening of Soviet military and naval power and its
current deployment. They noted the status of certain
qualitative improvements undertaken by NATO countries arising
out of previous decisions.
- Ministers recalled the need for cohesion and solidarity in
the Alliance and confirmed that the continued effectiveness of
collective defence is a stabilizing factor and a necessary
condition for effective détente policies. They reaffirmed the
validity of the current NATO strategy based on forward defence
and appropriate response to any aggression. This requires a
credible conventional and nuclear deterrent, including the
strategic nuclear deterrent force, the presence of substantial
high quality, flexible and mobile North American and European
conventional forces in addition to supporting tactical nuclear
forces in the European area, an effective overall maritime
posture; and adequate ready reinforcements. They reaffirmed
their continuing determination to make appropriate
contributions on a collective basis to support this strategy
and to ensure that the overall military capability of NATO
should not be reduced except as part of a pattern of mutual
force reductions balanced in scope and timing.
- In the light of the above, and taking account on the one
hand of the increased level of defence expenditure of the
Warsaw Pact and on the other of the need to maintain economic
growth and financial and social stability, Ministers gave
guidance to the NATO Military Authorities within the framework
of which they will make their proposals for the level, quality
and posture of the NATO defence forces for the period 1971-75.
On the assumption of a moderate overall increase in defence
expenditure Ministers emphasized the need to improve the
effectiveness of NATO's forces and in particular their
conventional capability, flexibility and mobility. They
underlined the importance of increased efficiency and of
greater co-operation among member of the Alliance in order that
the resources available for defence may be used to the best
effect. In particular they stressed the need for intensifying
co-operative approaches for research and the production of
armaments and their standardization.
- Mr. Cadieux, Canadian Minister of National Defence, explained to the Defence Planning Committee the policy and
general intention of his Government concerning the Canadian
forces in Europe. The Defence Planning Committee discussed
procedures for consultation. The first step will be a
discussion of the Canadian proposals between the Canadian and
NATO Military Authorities in the immediate future.
- Ministers approved a report on mobilization and force expansion plans, noting in particular their importance for the Major Allied Commands.
- On the basis of the concept agreed in January 1969,
Ministers approved the establishment of a naval on-call force
for the Mediterranean and requested the NATO Military
Authorities to prepare a program including exercises and port
calls.
- In considering the problem of the defence of the flanks and
bearing in mind among other things increased Soviet naval
activity in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Ministers
noted the status of plans for the improvement of local forces
and for reinforcernents.
- The next Ministerial Session of the Defence Planning Committee will be held in Brussels in December 1969.
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