§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence his Department has on the policy of the Soviet General Staff towards the doctrine of military sufficiency.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWe have taken careful note of the statements by Soviet leaders on the shift in their military doctrine towards a more defensive posture, and the impact this is having on the structure of their armed forces. The unilateral force reductions and withdrawals from eastern Europe have provided some practical evidence of this shift, as have recent Soviet exercise patterns, although enhancements in the capability of remaining Soviet forces continue. We will continue to keep this under close examination and look forward to a CFE agreement which will bring about further reductions in Soviet forces in Europe.