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From: orb@whuxl.UUCP (SEVENER)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: Re: 7X difference on weapons??
Message-ID: <390@whuxl.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 7-Dec-84 18:54:42 EST
Article-I.D.: whuxl.390
Posted: Fri Dec  7 18:54:42 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 8-Dec-84 06:20:29 EST
References: <34700004@uiucuxc.UUCP> <1@ucbcad.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs
Lines: 30

> > I noticed in yesterday's (Wednesday) WSJ that The Supreme Soviet, or Parliament
> > was told that '85 arms spending will be equivalent of $22.38 billion.  As the
> > Journal noted, Soviet spending on arms is believed to be about 2X that amount
> > by some creative accounting.  Anyway, say they're spending about $50 billion
> > on defense.
> > 
> > The same day's Journal had an article about how the Pentagon is firm on its
> > request for $333.7 billion budget for fiscal '86.  
> > 
> > What gives?  How come there is a nearly 7X difference between the two countries
> > on spending?
> 
> The actual Soviet defense expenditures were over 20 times what they said
> they were spending. (Don't flame me if I'm wrong, because I don't remember
> exactly.) They are certainly getting as much military for their money as
> we are, at least.
> 
> 	Wayne

I have to agree with Wayne on this one.  I doubt that they are spending 20 times
the official estimate but they are spending about the same as we are.
I researched this issue for the 70's and found that during the 70's, according
to CIA estimates the Soviets were spending more than we were.  There have
been various controversies about those CIA estimates, but regardless of the
exact evaluation, the result would be that both powers were spending about
the same amount.  The Soviets at that time began to station a large military
force on the Chinese border after Nixon's trip to China.
After Reagan's buildup I am sure we are spending more.
 
tim sevener whuxl!orb