The Cold War between East and West--a continuing series of political crises, any one of which had the potential for escalating to military confrontation carrying the risk of destruction of our civilization--has existed for over forty years.

It has led to huge United States expenditures for defense--over two trillion dollars in the eight years 1980-88; it has turned our attention away from urgent domestic problems; it has distorted our relations with other nations; and it has moved us away from our traditional values.

General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev's public statements have confirmed that the costs to the Soviet Union have been at least as great. On several occasions he has shown a desire to end the conflict. He has stated that . . .