For the past decade Europe has been in transformation. For more than four decades the European continent had been divided into two heavily armed military alliances. That sharp division softened after 1986, as old forms of government were cast off and new nations emerged. Within a few years, across the length and breadth of Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals, nations assumed new responsibilities and rights under a series of new treaties, agreements, and international accords. The Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty played a pivotal role in this transformation. This history details the implementation of the CFE Treaty. In doing so, it contributes to our understanding of contemporary Europe.
In the American constitutional system, the government is accountable to its people. This history, the second in a series by agency historians, tells the American people about a significant treaty mission undertaken by their national government. It is based on extensive research in government documents, treaty records, inspector and escort interviews, and statistical reports. The result is an interesting history, one that will be used in treaty courses and disseminated widely to the public and national agencies throughout Europe and the United States. We hope that you will enjoy reading and learning how the United States conducted "On-Site Inspections Under the CFE Treaty."
Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force