## London: "Europe Must Not Be Too Sensitive"

British papers today and yesterday considered developing U.S. -Europe relations in light of Henry Kissinger's visit to Moscow and London and reports of other developments in the international field.

The independent *Times* of London asserted today that for Europeans, "at this stage, there is bound to be a certain touchiness in relations with the protecting power across the water and individual statesmen are going to be strongly tempted to strike attitudes for the benefit of their voters." However, the paper continued, it would be a mistake "to be too sensitive, or to behave as if Europe were already a single state.

"The fact is that Europe's growing economic strength combined with her military dependence on the U. S. and the whole changing constellation of international relations creates a new and difficult equation which requires rational discussion. That is what the U. S. is suggesting and that is what Europe is bound to accept."

The paper carried a correspondent's report that "President Nixon will raise no obstacle to the formation of an Anglo-French nuclear partnership, according to sources on both sides of the channel. Both governments have been told privately by the White House that Mr. Nixon would not inhibit Britain from passing on to France some of the nuclear secrets acquired from America...."

The correspondent reported "concern in London and Paris that the Watergate affair will reduce Mr. Nixon's authority to change the prevailing hostility to the idea in Congress."

## "Kissinger Will Seek British Views"

The independent London *Financial Times* remarked that in London, "Dr. Kissinger will undoubtedly want to find out what the British leaders think about his 'Year of Europe' speech" since Britain "is known to favor revitalizing the Atlantic Alliance and to be concerned about the dangers of an atmosphere of suspicion developing between the U.S. and the enlarged" European Community.

Correspondent Hella Pick wrote in the liberal *Guardian* of Manchester and London that Prime Minister Heath would want to discuss with Mr. Kissinger "President

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Nixon's ideas for improving the Atlantic Alliance" and would expect him to furnish "a much more detailed appreciation of American thinking toward Europe." The Prime Minister, she added, "wants to avoid anything that might recreate the impression that Britain is lending herself to the role of America's Trojan horse in Europe."

## "Mini-Nuclear Weapons" Story

The paper's defense correspondent, David Fairball, stated yesterday that "a report that the U.S. is developing a new generation of miniature nuclear battle-field weapons which within five years could offset NATO's comparative shortage of military manpower in Europe was cautiously dismissed in British defense circles yesterday as wishful thinking by certain Pentagon hawks."

The defense correspondent of the conservative *Daily Telegraph* said "wide distribution of the mini-nuclear weapons among NATO forces with the initiative for their use decentralized to corps commanders would strengthen the deterrent. But their introduction is still at least five years away and it's most likely that Russia has similar weapons under development."

## "Fighting to the Last European?"

The independent-left *Sun* of London commented, "As the Europeans see it, the trouble with nuclear weapons is that your enemy does not say: 'Look, they have dropped a small A-bomb.' He just reaches for the button.

"If this is President Nixon's idea of a new Atlantic charter he can expect no rush to sign on this side of the ocean. Who wants an American policy that means fighting to the last European?"

## BBC: EEC, America and Japan

In a BBC radio interview, Sir Christopher Soames, commissioner in charge of the European Commission's foreign policy, said the relationship between the enlarged Common Market and America needed analyzing in view of the economic growth of Japan.

He saw "a lot still uniting us and the U.S.: liberalization of trade, defense, help to underdeveloped countries.... Ties are still very strong... but they are now

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American-European relations, which is not an extension of Franco-American relations nor of British-American relations.... Europe is an entity of 250 millions. It has its own personality and must find its own place in the world."

## Frankfurt: "Kissinger Has Created Confusion"

New York correspondent Hans Juergensen said yesterday in right-center Frankfurter Allgemeine that Mr. Kissinger's proposal of a new Atlantic charter "has not had as friendly a reception among America's European allies as the Administration wanted...."

"The difficulties do not arise from the general principles... but from the details on which Kissinger maintained a cautious silence.... The details include such 'trivia' as the future of Eurofarm and the American desire for freer access to it and how the Americans will use their new trade bill...."

"If America's balance of trade deficit persists, there will be reference in coming discussions to concessions by others rather than by America. The U.S. protectionist arsenal will change from being a threat in the background to a present danger..."

Juergensen stressed that "conflicts of interests among the partners must not prevail over the overriding common aims. Interlocked as the Western economies are, we should consider such conflicts as natural as conflict between labor and management.... But the U.S. is inclined to identify its own interests as those of the entire West... This inclination colors the Nixon Administration's energetic efforts to use economic policy as a device to protect its role as political leader and to prevent the country from degenerating into an economically sick giant."

"Kissinger has created confusion because his speech gives the impression that the U.S. wishes to paper over the conflicts of interests and, in political negotiations, to exact advantages without reciprocity. Whether this interpretation is correct is difficult to say, but the test will come in the resolution of the economic problems."

## Story of U. S. -Soviet Troop Reduction

Washington correspondent Emil Boelte wrote yesterday in independent Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger of Cologne that "plans became known" during Mr. Kissinger's

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stay in Moscow calling for "asymmetrical reduction" of 10 per cent of U.S. and
Soviet forces in Europe--about 19,000 U.S. and 65,000 Soviet troops.

Such a reduction would be in line with Western views, Boelte reported, and pre-
ferable to alleged earlier "shocking" suggestions of a U.S. unilateral reduction
justified as satisfying Congressional demands or providing the USSR with "an
incentive for good behavior." Boelte said the 10 per cent reduction might be dis-
cussed in the coming Nixon-Brezhnev talks. He concluded:

"East bloc quarters in Washington are already asking whether such a reduction based on percentages might some day be applied to East and West German forces, with the result that more West German forces might have to be 'sacrificed' to the plan than East German forces. This indicates how the Soviets seek to undermine and circumvent the MBFR negotiations.

"In the view of Washington quarters, Brezhnev may agree to such a 10 per cent reduction in return for most-favored-nation status for the USSR. As Nixon did in Moscow, Brezhnev would like to sign several agreements during his Washington visit, among them, the exploitation of Siberian gas and oil reserves, technological aid and 'something military.'"

## Concern About "Mini-Bombs"

Several papers yesterday carried reports of U.S. "mini-nuclear" weapons development.

Pro-Christian Democratic Muenchner Merkur of Munich said such weapons "increase the danger of the Old Continent's becoming a nuclear war theater..."

"If these weapons are used as a pretext by the U.S. to justify reduction of U.S. forces stationed in Europe, then that American economy move would be at Europe's expense...."

Frankfurter Allgemeine commented:

"Again and again deterrence is effected by weapons even before they become operational... Now it is the mini-bomb's turn. But so long as the fear of the atom makes the mighty listen to reason, fictitious deterrence is reality."

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# "Nixon Confirmed Europe's Enlarged Responsibility"

The Social Democratic Party weekly, Vorwaerts, judged today that Mr. Nixon, "preoccupied with the domestic Watergate crisis," was "unprepared" for Chancellor Brandt's "demonstration of the new European consciousness" in their discussions. The weekly said "for the first time the Americans have affixed their signature to a full-fledged European declaration...

"In signing, Nixon also confirmed Europe's enlarged responsibility in international politics--a role Kissinger had denied in his reference to the European allies' 'regional interests'...

"The development of U.S. -European relations depends on how much authority Nixon retains after Watergate. If Congress rejects his trade bill, the year of Europe will end in failure. Now it is Pompidou's turn. Brandt and Scheel are now anxiously asking themselves if the French President will undercut their position in his discussions on Europe with President Nixon."

## West Berlin: "U.S. Not So Unselfish"

Pro-Social Democratic Spandauer Volksblatt of West Berlin on Monday saw the proposal of a new Atlantic charter as "a crude effort to have our military partnership paid for by substantial economic concessions on the part of the European partners."

The paper asserted that in the last ten years Europe has not demonstrated "much gratitude" to the U.S., but noted, too, that U.S. engagement in Europe "was not so unselfish as the bill now being presented for payment implies."

"American industry knew very well how to till the field of postwar Europe, and politically any other alliance than NATO would necessarily have resulted in Soviet hegemony of Europe, and that would have cost the U.S. a considerable part of its international influence."

"Also it was American politicians who time and again urged Europe to stand more firmly on its own feet--a thoroughly reasonable proposition. Now that France too realizes the need for a more integrated

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Europe and new horizons become visible with British membership in the Community, the U.S. complains about regionalism causing difficulties in economic and trade policies....

"The Americans are attempting to throw security, trade and monetary affairs into one pot.... Willy Brandt's visit evidently came in the nick of time to slow an American pace that was too fast."

## "Brandt Knows His Bismarck, Too"

A weekend editorial in independent *Der Abend* on President Nixon's foreign policy report said that if the "Year of Europe" ends in failure, Europe can expect some isolationism on the part of the U.S. as well as "a considerable strengthening of the tendency to promote its bilateral relations with the USSR at the expense of the allies...

"Henry Kissinger knows his Bismarck, who said, 'The only healthy basis for a sound state is government egotism rather than romanticism; it is unworthy of a great state to fight for a cause that is not a matter of its own interests.' But Brandt, as well as Kissinger, also knows his Bismarck."

## Paris: "Diplomacy Is Being Pursued..."

Financial *Les Echos* of Paris, noting the "remarkable... silence of the leaders and the newspapers of the USSR and China" about the Watergate affair, asserted yesterday that "talks in progress have reached such a degree of importance and seriousness that neither the Chinese nor the Russians want to do anything that might embarrass a discussion partner they have come to know and whose moves they appreciate."

"The presence of Kissinger in Moscow and the impending arrival of David Bruce in Peking to head the new American mission are evidence that diplomacy is being pursued as if nothing had happened. It looks very much as if Brezhnev and Chou En-lai, deep down in their hearts, want their familiar discussion partner to overcome his difficulties so that a dialogue to which they obviously attach the highest priority will not be compromised."

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Similarly, a contributor to the same issue wrote of the Nixon Round talks that if Mr. Nixon "overcomes his difficulties, he will need to reassert his prestige and make people forget the Watergate Waterloo with an Austerlitz on the international level.

"Things are thus very clear for the Europeans: They cannot evade the negotiations to which they are invited by the most powerful industrial nation in the world."

## "Kissinger's Rabbit"

Intellectual-left *Combat* of Paris today carried the observation of a by-line writer that American reporters were "astounded at the content of Kissinger's address at the yearly meeting of the AP on April 23. As the speaker developed his ideas, they reached the conclusion that the big rabbit the professor was pulling out of his hat was mainly intended to dazzle public opinion, that is, to divert its attention from the Watergate scandal." He continued:

"The most astounding passage was the one revealing that the great new Atlantic union was to include Japan. The Japanese leaders were as surprised as the newsmen. Mr. Ohira's spokesman... pointed out that the constitution in force forbids Japan from maintaining a regular army, which would prevent it from fulfilling the obligations of a military alliance. To anyone who can read between the lines, this reservation shows the embarrassment of the Japanese Government. Negotiations between Tokyo and Moscow have now reached the stage where Japanese membership in an 'Atlantic' coalition would be irrational and virtually precluded."

## "East and West Improving Nuclear Devices"

A contributor wrote today in moderately conservative *Figaro* that "it is inconceivable that France should decide unilaterally to renounce its nuclear arm in the hope that its good example would immediately be followed while technicians of both East and West are relentlessly working to improve their apocalyptic devices."

He continued, "It is difficult to see how France, engaged in nuclear deterrence, could now retreat, renounce the political influence which this deterrence gives it--

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especially in advance of U.S. -European bargaining--and, for the sake of security, again join international bodies," referring to NATO, "since both the majority and the opposition parties reject that possibility."

## Radio, TV on "Nixon Round" Debate

French radio and television today gave considerable attention to a debate on the Nixon Round in the Economic and Social Council, a labor-management advisory group.

A TV commentator, calling the debate "of vital national importance," declared that "Europe is far less protectionist than the U.S. To yield to exorbitant American demands would jeopardize our standard of living, employment, industrial development and agriculture."

Radio gave particular prominence to a report by representatives of the steel industry and the Force Ouvriere labor union urging France to oppose virtually all U.S. Nixon Round demands and notably not to agree to negotiate with the U.S. before the international monetary system is reformed.

Commentator Roger Priouret said on Radio Luxembourg that the report had been prepared at Government request to serve as an argument in President Pompidou's talks with Mr. Heath, Mr. Brandt and President Nixon.

## Italy: "Few Expect Miracles"

Independent conservative Il Resto del Carlino of Bologna said today of Mr. Kissinger's USSR visit that "few expect miraculous results for mankind this time..."

"Brezhnev is prompted by need. Yet he will not go to Washington as a petitioner but to make good business deals and he may even be successful... because Soviet leaders are trying to take advantage, not unsuccessfully, of their own weaknesses and of America's strength..."

"It should not be difficult to imagine what the effect of a complementary Russian-American economic system might be for the future of Europe."

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## "Mini-Bombs Create Crisis"

Left-of-center La Stampa of Turin headlined today, "The Mininukes Are Coming-- Turning Point in World Strategy." A military writer said:

"The mini-bombs are creating a crisis in the unstable strategic balance... in the Atlantic Alliance."

## "Nixon Report Disquieting"

Independent conservative Corriere della Sera of Milan said on Monday that "what Brandt was interested in stressing in Washington was the fact that the U.S. cannot take advantage of its military power to gain trade advantages."

"The evidence that this was Nixon's thesis lies in the message on the state of the world... It is a disquieting and unique report according to which the European countries would renounce their 'economic regionalism' i.e. a consequent defense of their interest, in order to prevent the U.S. from revising some important points of its military policy..."

"There is enough evidence to say that relations between Washington and Bonn have entered a delicate phase which could lead as far as a crisis. It's true, however, that Nixon--seriously damaged by the Watergate scandal--has shown understanding..."

"Let us see how the British and French react. Both seem to be cautious.... From now until autumn, many cards may be played in this four-party poker game in which Brandt is certainly not the one who is bluffing."

## "Major Burdens for Japan"

Last Saturday the paper carried an article by a correspondent in Brussels under the head, "No European Country Wants Japan in the Atlantic Pact." He wrote:

"It is not believed that the U.S. wants to associate Japan with NATO in the military field... Nixon is thinking in terms of economic ties,

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maybe to give some prestige to the Japanese who are still rankling
from their treatment by the American President during the nego-
tiations with China. But even economic association with Japan is
not convincing to the Europeans.

"Nixon, it is said, wants from his allies a declaration of principle which would guarantee among other things a limitation of exports to the U.S. to prevent the American trade balance from deteriorating. Furthermore, the Americans want concessions in the monetary field and it would not benefit the Europeans to join the Japanese in negotiations. The Japanese will have to face the major burdens in these two areas...."

The correspondent said of European defense, "Kissinger has asked the Europeans for major burden sharing of military expenditures and on this point European reaction was negative for psychological, economic and military reasons.

"From a psychological point of view, Nixon could not have chosen a worse moment for this initiative.

"Europe today really believes in 'make love, not war' and the detente originated by Nixon's trips to Peking and Moscow has convinced the Europeans that the risks have decreased.

"From the economic point of view, it is difficult particularly in those countries upset by social conflicts to divert funds from pensions and schools in order to assign them to armaments...

"In the name of what ideals will it be possible to ask for more military expediture? Perhaps on behalf of security which many consider already guaranteed?

"Or perhaps in the name of freedom, in an Atlantic Alliance including countries with dictatorial regimes such as Greece, Turkey and Portugal which exhibit indifference to the conditions under which the Czechoslovaks live?..."

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