Treaty Summit in Moscow, April 26, 1985
The April 1985 Warsaw Pact summit was the first since January 1983, and Mikhail Gorbachev's first in his position as general secretary of the CPSU. The intervening period was one of disarray within the Soviet leadership, which Gorbachev hoped to bring to an end. Among the views he expresses here is that the Warsaw Pact's attain- ment of strategic military equilibrium with NATO was a historic accomplishment, yet it had so far produced no visible improvement in international relations. Instead, the West continued its struggle for superiority, including in the area of conventional arms, which would allow it to destroy Warsaw Pact forces in depth (a reference to the con- cept of AirLand Battle). He also repeats the previous Soviet position that the United States initiated the production of offensive weapons and that if the "Star Wars" con- cept of President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative were to be pursued, the Soviet Union would have to respond by deploying weapons in outer space.
"…"
We have met to extend the validity of the Treaty on friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance. To extend it using the same wording, as it was concluded 30 years ago right here in Warsaw. Thus our tested political and defense bond is born for a second time.
"…"
Above all, through unity of action, as the spirit and letter of the Treaty entail, have we upset the imperialists' efforts to subvert or "disintegrate" the socialist constitution in any of the fraternal countries. Even the current "crusade" against socialism, as it was designed by the imperialist reactionaries, has, so to speak, clashed against our uniform, firm will.
"…"
In response to the military challenge imposed upon us, we have by our joint efforts accomplished a task of historic importance: we have achieved a state of military and strategic balance with NATO. It was far from easy.
After all, the imperialist powers enjoyed a strategic predominance in nuclear weapons. And in all these years they have continued to strengthen their military power. The more distinct achievement is that of our countries, of our bond. A military and strategic balance is an essential prerequisite for the security of the socialist countries. Naturally, securing a military balance calls for—and will call for, if the situation does not improve—a great many resources and efforts.
"…"
The Warsaw Treaty has existed for a third of a century and for all this time, peace has persisted in Europe. Surely it is not a mere coincidence. Our bond has multiplied the possibilities for an active fight against a military threat. It is a drive of construct-
-507-
