ABSTRACT
Implementation of the much-vaunted Long-Term Defence Program (LTDP) had been disappointing. The original idea of the 3 per cent had been to provide a symbolic expression of NATO's collective determination to sustain a credible defence. Alliance shortcomings as regards the LTDP and 3 per cent commitments were largely explained by the increasingly severe economic restraints under which defence budgets had to operate. Despite such admonitions, it was evident that additional expenditure from the European allies would not be forthcoming. On past experience, it was perfectly conceivable that the adoption of the 'division of labour' concept would reconcile the evident differences of approach and effectively camouflage from public opinion the discrepancies between what the United States wanted and what the Europeans were willing to contribute. It is worth noting that the force goals established by NATO’s military authorities for the period 1981-6 called for countries to accept increases in defence spending of approximately 4 per cent.
