NATO Invites Three Nations to Join

President Clinton urges expansion of NATO by inviting Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to join (July 9). These nations will contribute little if anything to NATO’s purpose of preventing or containing aggression against member states. Yet, America’s obligations are expanded under the NATO rule that armed attack against one NATO nation is armed attack on all. NATO was formed for one purpose--deterring Soviet expansion in Europe. Now that purpose for NATO has ceased, and the U.S. should end its troop and monetary commitment.

Congress must end American participation in an expanded NATO. North Korea poses a real threat to South Korea and American troops stationed there. China continues to threaten Taiwan. There is no commitment of support by NATO allies if American troops are forced into battle with North Korea or if China attacks Taiwan. Congress should concentrate on strengthening America’s defense within budgetary constraints and readying America’s armed forces for use when needed for America’s vital defense rather than expanding foreign commitments.

JERRY KNUDSON

San Marino

* Re “NATO Expansion Would Be an Epic ‘Fateful Error,’ ” Commentary, July 7: I have a few of questions for Adm. Eugene Carroll.

If the “dividing line” on the eastern Polish border would have such a terrible effect on Russia, why doesn’t the present dividing line on the eastern German border? To carry his thinking to its logical conclusion, shouldn’t NATO dis- band?J.G. RELICH

Huntington Beach

* Present plans to enlarge NATO are just a step in the right direction. As soon as possible all three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, should be admitted as well.

Thanks to the Yalta agreement, these states were left under Soviet occupation. The Baltic countries are now trying to recuperate from the horrible devastation caused by Soviet occupation. Needless to say they cannot feel safe from the “peaceful” neighbor to the east.

ILMARS BASTJANIS

Council Member

Latvian American Assn.

North Hollywood

* The inclusion of three former Warsaw Pact members will have fundamental long-term consequences for NATO.

If the legislative bodies of all 16 members of NATO ratify the agreement, the big winner will not be President Clinton but rather Germany. Enlargement will provide Germany with a buffer from traditional security concerns to the east. In so doing, these countries provide promising free markets and are home to vast sources of cheap labor that will only serve to amplify Germany’s GNP. Without question the German economy is the engine that drives the European Union’s boat; NATO enlargement may lead to a catalyst for the EU, while at the same time enhancing the security of a region which has been subject to historical instabilities.

ERIK BENDIX IBSEN

Garden Grove