A groundbreaking new manifesto written by five of the most prominent military experts in the world highlights the need for NATO members to be prepared to launch a nuclear attack, pre-empting the need to contain the “imminent” growth of both nuclear technology, and of similar weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

The report urges for NATO to be radically re-shaped, and for a new agreement to be forged uniting the EU, NATO and the US in order to take on the challenges of a world beset by ever-increasing violence. Those behind it maintain that deploying nuclear weapons on the basis of achieving the “first strike” is an “indispensable” notion, given the fact that “no realistic prospect of a nuclear-free world" exists.

The manifesto was put together in light of talks involving a number of military commanders and lawmakers. Both the Pentagon, and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer – the Secretary General of NATO – have been studying it over the past few days, and it now seems likely to be a hot topic at a meeting of NATO members being held in Romania in three months time.

West Needs to Quickly Reform its Military Strategies

Extending to 150 pages, the document urges for the west’s military hierarchy and modus operandi to be reformed with pace.

"The risk of further [nuclear] proliferation is imminent and, with it, the danger that nuclear war fighting, albeit limited in scope, might become possible", it stresses.  

"The first use of nuclear weapons must remain in the quiver of escalation as the ultimate instrument to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction."

Report Details Nuclear Threats In Wake of 9/11

The report was written by the following five individuals:

• General John Shalikashyili – The US joint chiefs of staff’s ex-Chairman. Also formerly the supreme NATO commander in Europe.
• General Henk van de Breemen – Previously the chief of staff in Holland.
• General Klaus Naumann – At one time the top soldier in Germany. Formerly the chairman of NATO’s military committee.
• Lord Inge – The former UK Chief of the Defence Staff
• Admiral Jacques Lanxade – An ex-chief of staff in France

They describe the threats the western world finds itself confronted with post-9/11, and, within this, its limited ability to react.

Among the principal threats detailed by the five are:

• Political fanaticism and extreme religious belief
• Terrorism, and the proliferation of WMDs
• The dilution of bodies such as NATO, the EU and the UN

In reply, the generals urge for NATO’s decision-making methodology to be revamped, and for a new combined US/ EU/ NATO “directorate” to be established, able to act immediately in the event of a crisis.

Among the most revolutionary alterations proposed are:

• NATO member states to be excluded from the decision-taking stage in respect of NATO operations in which the country in question is not participating.
• No authorisation required from the United Nations Security Council to use force in instances when "immediate action is needed to protect large numbers of human beings.”

Generals: Afghan Conflict Will Decide NATO’s Future

The five authors announce in the report that the conflict in Afghanistan will effectively decide NATO’s future. "NATO's credibility is at stake in Afghanistan," Van den Breemen states, while the document asserts: “NATO is at a juncture and runs the risk of failure.”

One senior source has referred to the report as a “wake-up call” adding: “...the core of the NATO establishment is saying we're in trouble, that the west is adrift and not facing up to the challenges."

Meanwhile, the European Council’s Robert Cooper, has said the document “puzzled” him.

"Maybe we are going to use nuclear weapons before anyone else, but I'd be wary of saying it out loud", he said.

Another source highlighted the need for NATO to: "rethink its nuclear posture, because the nuclear non-proliferation regime is under enormous pressure".

In the opinion of General Naumann, NATO needs to demonstrate that: "there is a big stick that we might have to use if there is no other option."

Source – Armed Forces International’s Political Correspondent

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