NATO Allies Vow to Modernize A-Arms : Pledge to ‘Prevent Any Kind of War or Intimidation’

The NATO allies today coupled support of U.S.-Soviet arms reductions with a carefully worded pledge to modernize their remaining nuclear missiles. “We’re strong, we’re united, we’re prosperous and we’re free,” President Reagan declared.

The first NATO summit in six years ended with a communique expressing the alliance’s determination to “prevent any kind of war or intimidation.” Reagan followed up with a tribute to NATO’s 40 years of peacekeeping.

“The North Atlantic Alliance is the most successful in history,” the President said. He said the medium-range nuclear weapons treaty signed by the United States and the Soviet Union last December was “a direct result” of alliance unity.

“It goes without saying that our allies support this treaty and every leader solidly reaffirmed its value,” Reagan said. “I reiterated the strong bipartisan support that exists for the alliance in the United States.”

“We cannot and will not put our peace and freedom and that of our children and their children at risk,” he said. “We will never trade that credibility (of deterrent) at the negotiating table and we will not give it away through neglect.”

Bothered by Allergies

Reagan spoke slowly and in a deep voice. He had said earlier this week he is suffering from allergies.

In making what is likely his farewell appearance before a high-ranking NATO gathering, the President proclaimed: “The state of the alliance is excellent. We’re strong, we’re united, we’re prosperous and we’re free.”

Following Reagan’s four-minute statement before reporters, Secretary of State George P. Shultz hailed the two-day summit. “Here was freedom on display,” he said. “It was a very moving experience.”

The secretary seemed fatigued from his recent Middle East peacemaking tour. He left immediately for London where he again talked with Jordan’s King Hussein on Reagan’s orders. He plans next to fly to the Middle East to resume his so-far unsuccessful peace tour.

After courtesy calls on his Belgian government hosts, Reagan headed back toward Washington aboard Air Force One. He was scheduled to arrive at the White House in time to observe his 36th wedding anniversary on Friday.

NATO Secretary General Lord Carrington said the summit “gives me some satisfaction” because of the 16 alliance leaders’ good will and harmony as they charted future policy.

The final communique said alliance strategy must be “based upon an appropriate mix of adequate and effective nuclear and conventional forces,” and that NATO’s remaining short-range nuclear weapons must be improved “where necessary.”

Ducked ‘Modernization’

The communique avoided the term “modernization” of short-range missiles because of the opposition of West Germany, where most of the weapons are based.

Carrington said the allies were concerned that some people might think “modernization” might signal introduction of new, more destructive weapons. “Modernization actually means weapons that are more accurate and possibly less destructive,” he said.

The allied leaders expressed solid support for Reagan’s efforts to negotiate sharp reductions in U.S. and Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles.