US and Soviets start talks on A-weapons in Europe

US and Soviet delegations are beginning preliminary talks aimed at limiting tactical nuclear weapons in Europe. Officials of both sides are maintaining strict secrecy over the talks, which take place against a background of still-strained relations over the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization proposed the talks last December, alarmed by the growth of Soviet SS-20 mobile missiles and Backfire bombers in Eastern Europe, which the western alliance feels are threatening the arms balance in this sector.