RESERVE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91-00901R000600200022-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 15, 2005
• Sequence Number: 22
• Publication Date: June 25, 1983
• Content Type: OPEN

Approved For ReleaseLipfifi~l2 ~gli ?Rl ooyo
25 June 1983
SALT LAKE CITY
RESERVE
BY RALPH WAKLEY
A top official of the Central Intelligence Agency and the number two
man in charge of U.S. Army troops in Europe agree that basing intermediate-range
nuclear weapons in NATO countries is critical to preventing war in Europe.
Lt. Gen. John F. Forrest, deputy U.S. Army commander for Europe, said Friday
the Pershing II missiles are needed in western Europe ''to counter the Soviet
deployment of 55-20 missiles in Warsaw Pact nations.''
And Deputy CIA Director John N. McMahon also told the national convention
of the U.S. Reserve Officers Association that Pershing and Cruise missiles in
NATO countries ''would counter the Soviet's enormous (weapons) capabilities."
But, while Forrest said new weapons in western Europe should be balanced by
continued "financial commitments'' in those countries, McMahon said, ''Our
friends are as much a problem as our enemies.
'' Japan and Western Europe now compete for the world's markets. They use the
might of their governments to back their (national) companies. And they use
their diplomatic might to persuade other countries to buy their products, "
McMahon said.
Forrest told the 1,500 delegates to the ROA's 57th annual convention, ''Many
Americans believe the Europeans are not devoting enough of their national
treasures to their own defense and that the United States should cut back its
contribution to NATO.
" I can assure you that our country and our allies remain on course with
reality and sound strategy. Both our country and our European allies are
resolved to make the sacrifices necessary to continue to face the duty of
anchoring the free world.''
He said, if the Warsaw Pact counties believe the United States and NATO are
prepared, ''they will discard war-in Europe as a reasonable option.'
Approved For Release 2005/12/14: CIA-RDP91-00901R000600200022-9