§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement explaining the conceptual military framework referred to in paragraph 209 of the statement on the defence Estimates and the military role of nuclear weapons in the context of that framework.
§ Mr. StanleyThe formulation by the NATO military authorities of a conceptual military framework is part of the continuing effort to improve NATO's conventional defences by placing greater emphasis on long-term planning. The conceptual military framework should help better to identify overall priorities and assist the more effective implementation of NATO's existing strategy, including the sensible application of emerging technology. The aim of the conceptual military framework is to address NATO's conventional defences, although it naturally acknowledges the deterrent role of both conventional and nuclear forces.