Disarmament Begins Tomorrow; Are We Ready
Abstract
Rationally, disarmament could not begin tomorrow because the US is currently involved in a fighting conflict, has active treaty commitments around the world, and maintains a deterrence against current threats to our national security. As the fear of world destruction from nuclear weapons grew in the late 1950's statesmen and scholars turned their attention toward the Utopian general and complete disarmament. In 1962 both the US and USSR presented draft proposals for general and complete disarmament under strict international control to the UN and the Eighteen Nation Disarmament Committee in Geneva for consideration. The US proposal is an outline treaty which provides for across the board disarmament in three stages: Stage I calls for a 30 percent reduction in 3 years, Stage II a 35 percent further reduction in 3 years, and Stage III the remainder in 3 to 10 years. The great magnitude and complexity of the planning and world organization and direction required to implement the proposal are major factors that preclude the initiation of disarmament even with a willing East. To support the long range planning necessary ultimately to achieve general and complete disarmament, the US must support international thinking, a degree of international government and law, and a UN Peace Force capable of keeping the peace. In spite of all efforts of the US and other members of the UN in this direction the anticipated results will not permit a lessening of US military commitments in the 1970's.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA522380
Entities
People
- William R. Hahn
Organizations
- United States Army War College