TOP SECRET theoretical solution to the whole problem was based on achieving a proper position for it. T.0, from which it could not deteriorate. But in achieving this solution it should always be clearly understood that the United Kingdom contribution to Germany must diminish inversely as the German contribution increased. It should also always be remembered that the preponderance of Russian physical strength would be counteracted by the Western world's scientific advances in new weapons. Turning to the Radical Review, Sir William Dickson said that, strictly speaking, this review was based on an incorrect premise in that it covered solely a period of three years; it should be directed to a much longer term. Following from this, although the existing review of Global Strategy covered adequately the main problems, the new factors that had arisen since its publication argued for a new review. But it was difficult to visualise how this could be carried out until some of the main European problems had been resolved. In this connection it was important to bear in mind that there was a danger of an American full-scale withdrawal from European commitments if too many obstacles were placed in the way of the growth of N.A.T.0. and the E.D.C. SIR HAROLD REDMAN said that, in cssence, the New Look" expounded by Lord Montgomery was taking its course through the proper channels. The Foreign Office had launched their political paper on the New Look", and S. H.A.P.E. was actively working at the problem of arriving at a more realistic basis for planning. The Army was certainly out of balance, but this was due to big political issues which had stretched the Army structure to the last limit. Greater easement of the Army situation would be achieved by the withdrawal of the British Army from Germany and the consequential build-up of proper strategic reserves both in the United Kingdoin and theatres overseas, but political factors militated against this. In any case, even a withdrawal from Germany would not result in any appreciable reduction to the Army strength since other cold war commitments were so vast and far flung. The Army Council was, however, continually working towards a means of achieving the correct shape of the Army. The greatest factor in the Army's problems was, of course, the difficulty of attracting people for long service; this was a direct result of the politically constituted unbalance of the Army. If any major United Kingdom coomitment was given up, a review of consequential reductions would have to take into account all three Services. SIR NEVIL BROWN JOHN said that H.M.G. would never agree to a unified and neutral Germany as visualised by Lord Montgome ry. Lord Montgomery's thesis, although useful, and of great value as a warning to the Foreign Office, had in fact been overtaken by events. The Foreign Office had a sound case prepared against the possible Lugano meeting. Generally speaking, Lord Montgomery's military paper was in line with the views of the Committee. Both his political and military papers could not be objected to it looked at purely from the N.A.T.O. point of view. - 3 - TOP SECRET
