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EEC - USSR Relations
Topic Started: Jun 9 2016, 06:26 AM (73 Views)
Chris
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Sir Michael Butler
Permanent Representatives to the European Economic Community

We have received information from the Soviet Union that they are seeking a de-escalation in tensions in Europe and to re-enter détente, however we appreciate that this is somewhat hypocritical given their own recent actions. I would like to gauge the interest of EEC members, as they make up the bulk of European NATO members to ascertain whether there is any interest among the EEC to work toward more positive relations with Eastern Europe and potentially to build trust and alleviate some of the concerns that we all have.

Foremost in my own mind would be a means of limiting the number of intermediate and short range nuclear weapons deployed by both sides, however that will require an agreement among EEC members to restrict their basing within the continent. Of course that in turn would require the USSR and its allies to withdraw some conventional forces from Eastern Europe to counterbalance the reduction in NATO nuclear forces.

Do any members have any thoughts on this subject? Would they be prepared to follow a more independent diplomatic track toward EEC – Soviet relations or would they prefer to remain committed to a NATO led policy? It is after all our cities which will bear the brunt of any limited nuclear exchanges in the event of a conflict while the United States and Soviet Union potentially tacitly agree not to target one another’s homelands provided the war is fought in continental Europe.
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Damo45
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First and foremost Greece welcomes a deescalation in tensions between East and West.

While we can't speak with a NATO perspective as we are no longer a member, we do believe regardless of that that Europe needs to follow its own more independent policies. That is not to say Europe should turn its back on America, as often I think we all here as a European community will find that some of our interests are similar or identical to Washingtons interests.
But as a united European community we should come to the realisation and accept that for Europe to benefit and protect its interests the European community and family must put its own interests above all else when it is required to do so. A strong Europe is surely in the interests of not only Europe but of the United States.

If there is a benefit to Europe, to our economies, to stability, then Europe should pursue this matter with Moscow. But as has been the mantra of the new government in Athens, only if it is in Europes interests.

The previous government had American forces in Greece including nuclear weapons removed. We feel therefore that Greece is no longer a target, or as much of a target for Soviet or Warsaw Pact forces. If the United States wishes or attempts to prevent Europe following its own course for its own interests, then I would hope that our friends here whose nations do play host to American forces will have the courage to tell American forces to leave as well.

It is time for the European Community to act in its interests rather then play second fiddle to America and what is in their interests often to the detriment of European Community members interests.
Edited by Damo45, Jun 9 2016, 10:09 PM.
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Shadows
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Posted Image | M. Robert Galley
Ministre de la coopération | Cooperation Minister

France is supportive of this measure on the face of things. We believe that building mutually beneficial agreements with the East can only strengthen us, and perhaps assist the people of those countries. However, we are extremely hesitant to agree to a reduction in nuclear arsenals. We feel that while it may be an option in the future, that at this point it would be irresponsible for France to reduce our level of deterrent against a potential Soviet attack. Should the Soviet Union make good faith gestures to show us their commitment to this ideal, we will agree to discuss the possibility.
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Damo45
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With regards to the nuclear deterrent and reductions in nuclear arms, while it should be a matter discussed, obviously primarily by governments possessing nuclear arms, it is our opinion that such a discussion as a reduction in nuclear arms should not be solely between the nuclear armed EEC members, France and the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, but should also include other nuclear armed states.
The strategic edge that such weapons provide is of such importance to those possessing them, that any discussion that does not include all states armed with these devastating weapons, would be, we feel, fruitless in it's attempts at reducing the risk of global annihilation.
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