F'j

Dear Prime Minister:

Alliance consultations on theater nuclear forceshave reached a stage where I believe it would be usefulto supplement those consultations with bilateral dis-•cussions. Accordingly, I would like to send my personalemissary on these issues, David Aaron, to meet with youor with your appropriate Cabinet members the week ofJuly 16, 1979. He will also consult with the FederalRepublic of Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium.

Alliance consultations so far reveal a broad con-sensus that Soviet nuclear efforts, especially suchlong-range theater nuclear forces as the SS-20, pose amilitary and political challenge to the Alliance. Tomeet this challenge, the Alliance needs to modernizeby deploying long-range nuclear systems in Europe capableof reaching Soviet territory, and by being prepared tonegotiate viable arms control agreements. This woulddemonstrate Alliance unity, strengthen the spectrum ofdeterrence, and maintain the perception in both Eastand West of a firm U.S. and allied commitment to thedefense of Europe.

TNF modernization can only be undertaken on thebasis of Alliance consensus, and broad participation inthis effort. It will require steadfastness and determi-nation to obtain an Alliance consensus on theater nuclearmodernization and arms control, which I hope can be achievedby the end of the year. The work of the high level groupon TNF modernization and the special group on TNF armscontrol is putting the Alliance in a position where suchdecisions are possible.

I am ready to do my part to lead the Alliance to aconsensus , but I will need your support. David Aaronwill be prepared to discuss with you in detail our thoughtson how a common Alliance TNF modernization and arms controlapproach can be achieved. In particular, he will be pre-pared to discuss possible specific roles which the UnitedKingdom might play in Alliance TNF modernization. The U.S.has under development the weapons system appropriate forTNF modernization and is prepared both to suggest theforce mix and to make the systems available. On the basisof his discussions with you, we can move forward with fullAlliance consideration leading to concrete TNF modernizationand arms control decisions.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Carter