Recent steps by the USA in relation to the control of nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament, are causing concern, indeed alarm. The ABM Treaty, established with much effort, is an effective control which reduces inter-state tensions, and should not under any circumstances be amended or cancelled. Russia, and other countries, disturbed by NATO and the USA's bombing of Serbia without the involvement of the United Nations, America's refusal to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty last autumn, and now this threat to restart "Star Wars" by America, are already reviewing their nuclear policies and nuclear weapons capabilities. All through the Cold War, though America and the West refused to support No First Use, Russia had this policy. Now it has stated it is prepared to use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack. More people in Russia now think that they should keep their nuclear weapons. China is also reviewing its nuclear policies.

  Surely it is incredible that America can seriously think that any small country such as Iraq, North Korea or Libya would ever contemplate firing weapons of mass destruction at the USA. They know complete annihilation would follow. Why then the plans to develop a new missile shield costing $4 billion a year? Breaking the ABM Treaty risks starting a new Arms Race.

  In view of this, we urge the British Government to consider this situation with the utmost seriousness, to use their influence to dissuade the USA from continuing this plan, and refuse to allow the US to expend its base at Menwith Hill, Yorkshire, planned to provide essential communications for the new Ballistic Missile Defence System (BDM)