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Updated: 23-Oct-2000 Ministerial Communiqus

Defence
Planning
Committee

Brussels
28th May
1969

Final Communiqué

Chairman: Mr. M. Brosio.


Synopsis

Validity of current NATO strategy confirmed - Guidance to the military authorities - Canadian Forces in Europe - Naval On-call Force, Mediterranean - Defence of the flanks.

    The Defence Planning Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization met in Ministerial Session on Wednesday, 28th May, 1969.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Ministers approved a report on mobilization and force expansion plans, noting in particular their importance for the Major Allied Commands.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The next Ministerial Session of the Defence Planning Committee will be held in Brussels in December 1969.


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