NATO stance on missiles marred by Danish dissent

NATO defense ministers reaffirmed their decision to begin deploying new nuclear missiles in Europe later this year. But their communique contained a serious note of dissent - the reservation of the Danish parliament.

American Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger said Denmark's decision did not affect the alliance's determination to deploy new nuclear missiles in Europe. Nevertheless, the dissenting footnote marred NATO's united front on the question.

The parliament adopted a resolution Wednesday urging postponement of the December deadline for starting the deployment if there is no progress at the Geneva arms talks. It also supported the Soviet demand that British and French nuclear forces be included in the Geneva talks.