Now that it seems certain of at least a treaty being signed eliminating medium-range missiles in Europe, the Reagan administration’s policy towards nuclear arms control should be commended.

President Reagan has followed and succeeded in the only course possible when dealing with the Soviet Union—one of negotiation from strength. In 1980, there seemed little hope of agreement with an arrogant Soviet Union and a relativey weak United States. What possible motivation was there for them to think of dismantling missiles when they were in the superior position?

Only when a nation views an action to be in its security interest will it choose to act. With the United States’ willingness to deploy weapons now so more could be dismantled in the future, the Soviet Union has seen fit to sit down at the table and agree to these historic actions.

The Reagan administration has held firmly to this policy. And the doves who were wringing their hands in exasperation when President Reagan was deploying the Pershings IIs and cruise missiles in Europe in the early 80s can rest assured because they have achieved their purpose without ever being used.

Marc W. Sevard

graduate student

history