May 29, 1983
1. As leaders of our seven countries, it is our first duty to defend the freedom and justice on which
our democracies are based. To this end, we shall maintain sufficient military strength to deter any
attack, to counter any threat, and to ensure the peace. Our arms will never be used except in
response to aggression.
2. We wish to achieve lower levels of arms through serious arms control negotiations. With this
statement, we reaffirm our dedication to the search for peace and meaningful arms reductions. We
are ready to work with the Soviet Union to this purpose and call upon the Soviet Union to work
with us.
3. Effective arms control agreements must be based on the principle of equality and must be
verifiable. Proposals have been put forward from the Western side to achieve positive results in
various international negotiations: on strategic weapons (START), on intermediate-range nuclear
missiles (INF), on chemical weapons, on reduction of forces in Central Europe (MBFR), and a
Conference on Disarmament in Europe (CDE).
4. We believe that we must continue to pursue these negotiations with impetus and urgency. In
the area of INF, in particular, we call upon the Soviet Union to contribute constructively to the
success of the negotiations. Attempts to divide the West by proposing inclusion of the deterrent
forces of third countries, such as those of France and the United Kingdom, will fail. Consideration
of these systems has no place in the INF negotiations.
5. Our nations express the strong wish that a balanced INF agreement be reached shortly. Should
this occur, the negotiations will determine the level of deployment. It is well known that should
this not occur, the countries concerned will proceed with the planned deployment of the U.S.
systems in Europe at the end of 1983.
6. Our nations are united in efforts for arms reductions and will continue to carry out thorough
and intensive consultations. The security of our countries is indivisible and must be approached on
a global basis. Attempts to avoid serious negotiation by seeking to influence public opinion in our
countries will fail.
7. We commit ourselves to devote our full political resources to reducing the threat of war. We
have a vision of a world in which the shadow of war has been lifted from all mankind, and we are
determined to pursue that vision.
Note: On behalf of the summit participants, Secretary of State George P. Shultz read the
statement at 6:55 p.m. to reporters assembled in the International Press Briefing Room in William
and Mary Hall at the College of William and Mary.