This paper sets out the issue of conventional force reductions in Europe as seen by a Canadian diplomat with long involvement in arms control. In a careful and balanced fashion, it outlines the key factors governing the West's policies, and indicates how they evolved, especially during the Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions negotiations. The paper focuses on the problems of surprise attack and geostrategic disparities between the two alliances, and then sets out Western thinking on such questions as verification and the long-term future of security in Europe. Canada's particular interests in this field are mentioned, and the paper concludes with an outline of the objectives that this country ought to pursue in the new, Conventional Armed Forces in Europe negotiations.