Reagan on ‘Army of Conscience’

In response to “Cheers for the ‘Army of Conscience,’ ” Commentary, Dec. 14:

Ronald Reagan offers proposals I had assumed could never come from the mind of the man I met with in the Oval Office 10 years ago.

During our discussion of the nuclear arms race, President Reagan’s ideological ardor left me more pessimistic than ever about the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon. Yet now the new Reagan, despite the old tendency toward black/white extremes (evil vs. good), nonetheless urges that the “responsible powers of the world unite . . . to enforce stricter humanitarian standards of international conduct” and even suggests that our military capability be employed to enhance international security through international cooperation as perceived in the “noble vision of the United Nations’ founders.”

Wow. Three cheers for the new Ronald Reagan.

In that unforgettable meeting with him our focus was on the costly, counterproductive competition between the Soviets and ourselves (known as vertical proliferation). But, I repeated several times, the greater danger would come from horizontal proliferation which, if continued, would create a world teeming with nuclear weapons. In a strengthened United Nations lies the best chance for a workable, enforceable non-proliferation regime created not overnight but incrementally. The logical first step is a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, with non-signatories consigned to outlaw status by the united responsible powers mentioned by Reagan. It is my highest hope that Bill Clinton, the new President, takes to heart the words of his predecessor.

HAROLD WILLENS

Los Angeles