Disarming Threat to Stability

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eccentric nationalism that plunged the world into two global wars. If Europe chose to "opt out," the argument would run, let it. But the wars actually demonstrated that the Old World remains vital for the defense of the New. The bonds of history and culture—and economic self-interest—remain tight. Neither Western Europe nor the U.S. could prosper without the $114 billion in trade that crosses the Atlantic annually.

The massive demonstrations that surged through the streets of London, Bonn, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid and Paris reflect not only an honest concern about the dangers of nuclear arms but a basic misunderstanding and mistrust of U.S. plans and motives. Although he was too slow to act, President Reagan's proposal on nuclear disarmament should begin to relieve the fears of many Europeans. The issue of nuclear disarmament, in all of its many variations, has clearly shown the need for more wisdom on the part of the Americans, and more resolve on the part of the Europeans, to preserve the alliance that is so vital to the freedom of the West.

—By Henry Muller.

Reported by Mary Cronin/London and Roland Flamini/Bonn