§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Defence what interest has been shown by other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation members in contributing troops, logistical support, equipment or political backing to the rapid deployment force.
§ Mr. BlakerDefence policies outside the NATO area are a matter for NATO nations to decide on individually. However, all NATO countries have recognised that events outside the NATO area may threaten the vital interests of the West and have acknowledged the importance of measures being taken by some countries to protect such interests, including United States contingency planning for its rapid deployment force. NATO Ministers have noted that nations may have to facilitate such out-of-area deployments.