Word: atlanticists
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Dates: during 1981-1981
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Mitterrand's strong position has come as a surprise, mainly because his views on France's defense have not always been consistent during his 35-year political career. A confirmed "Atlanticist" who be lieved in having a common Western de fense, he voted against De Gaulle's development of an independent nuclear deterrent. The Common Program Mitter rand signed with the Communist Party in 1972 also rejected the force de frappe. Not until 1977 did Hernu, then a close adviser of Mitterrand's, persuade him that a nuclear force was a requisite for a modern state...
NATO. While Mitterrand talked as an Atlanticist during the campaign, he is unlikely to return France to NATO's integrated military command. He is committed to maintaining the independent French nuclear deterrent and will probably not reduce defense spending drastically...