Reply to letter from the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation by Hubert Védrine, Minister of Foreign Affairs, France
I have noted your comments on the report on the review of the American nuclear position, and also those you report from the American and British press. As you point out, this document is confidential. Only one part of the report has been made public by the American authorities.
There is no indication in the latter that there has been a change in American nuclear doctrine. Besides, I gather that the authorities in Washington emphasise that the report on the review of the nuclear position is confined to dealing with an idea, and has no operational significance.
With regard to the fears you express on the subject of the possible consequences for the Atlantic Alliance, France not being a party, as you know, to the integrated command of NATO and not participating in the nuclear planning group, the French nuclear force remains entirely independent. They would not be susceptible to being affected by the 'effect of influence' which you envisage. I also note that the American authorities have estimated that the ideas in the Pentagon report ought not to have any impact on NATO.
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Replies from
George A. Papandreou, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Greece
Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden
Bill Graham, Foreign Minister of Canada
Hubert Védrine, Minister of Foreign Affairs, France
from the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ireland
from the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Portugal
Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finland