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Believe Quote by Helmut Schmidt

“What I do see, for instance, is that the French are not very happy with the ... I am happy but they are not and I understand why they are not happy. They still believe in some nuclear strategic formulas which they have inherited from General De Gaulle and they have started the process of…” quote by Helmut Schmidt
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“What I do see, for instance, is that the French are not very happy with the ... I am happy but they are not and I understand why they are not happy. They still believe in some nuclear strategic formulas which they have inherited from General De Gaulle and they have started the process of rethinking, they haven't gone very far.”

Helmut Schmidt

About This Quote

Source Speech: Press conference on NATO policy, 1975

He observes French dissatisfaction with inherited nuclear strategies, noting limited progress in rethinking them.

In simple terms: France is unhappy with old nuclear plans and is only beginning to reconsider.

Key Takeaway

Encourage open debate on strategic policies.

Themes

politics defense national security

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • government negotiations
  • public discourse
  • military planning

Key Concepts

strategic doctrine policy reform

Questions to Reflect On

  • What barriers prevent France from fully revising its nuclear stance?
  • How can allies support constructive reform?
A Different Perspective

Change may be slow due to institutional inertia.

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