Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions--toward a Model.
Abstract
Mutual and balanced force reductions (MBFR) between NATO and the Warsaw Pact have emerged as one of the most important security issues of the 1970's. Exploratory discussions commenced 31 January 1973, and actual negotiations could start in the Fall of 1973. President Nixon has affirmed that the US would not reduce its forces in Europe without reciprocity by the Warsaw Pact. Pact forces outnumber NATO's, better than 2:1 in tanks and aircraft in Central Europe. In this current era of detente in Europe with Ostpolitik, the Berlin settlement, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and SALT, the atmosphere toward progress in MBFR seems favorable. The outline of an illustrative model on 'How to Reduce' is provided--a comprehensive model involving constraints, verification, 50% reductions in US and USSR ground forces, and 10% reductions in the other NATO and PACT nations involved in Central Europe. As a follow-on to a post-MBFR period is the requirement that US and NATO planners need to evaluate the future posture and disposition of residual US ground forces in Europe. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0760865
Entities
People
- Herschel E. Chapman
Organizations
- United States Army War College