Colby, speaking at an event at the Council on Foreign Relations, was asked about discussions in Europe on acquiring nuclear weapons or extending France’s or Britain’s nuclear umbrella to other countries.
“I have not heard credible information that European governments are really thinking about independently acquiring [nuclear weapons] and breaking their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” Colby said.
He said it was “appropriate and reasonable” for the European contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence to be larger, adding that the independent deterrents of Britain and France support NATO.
“As I understand it, there are now talks about how exactly this fits into NATO planning,” Colby said, adding that Britain had decided on greater engagement for NATO’s nuclear deterrence and that “there is other potential.”
Colby cautioned that France’s nuclear deterrent was designed for France, and that extending a credible deterrent to countries “hundreds of kilometers” away was a different matter from changing declaratory policy.
Asked whether Washington would try to deter Germany, Poland or Scandinavian countries from developing their own nuclear capabilities if they approached the United States, Colby said: “Yes, I think we would try to dissuade them.” He added the United States would “at least strongly oppose” it.
“It’s hypothetical, but we are opposed to such a possibility,” he said.
In Poland, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said Poland had not received an invitation from France to join a shared nuclear deterrent, only “an invitation to talks.” He said Poland would discuss it but urged against looking too far ahead.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday outlined a vision of a new French nuclear deterrent, proposing cooperation with other European countries including Poland and announcing plans to increase the number of French warheads.
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Source: TVP Info