ridgewayr to ridgway, to guenther, guenther to north stat.ut, because an idea is stronger than any individual, though the faces changed, the work drove on. it was in the field that results counted and it was in the field they were realized. at each successive meetings, they could report further progress and a growing unity. thanks to the cooperation of 15 nations, what had been a document with signatures was becoming the atlantic alliance impact and in strength. steadily, the clouds of fear that had hung over europe were lifting. vigilance and readiness were paying off. surprise and this unity among his the dems -- the strongest weapons in any aggressors arsenal were no longer available to him. each day found them more prepared and more competent. though the strength was not yet what nato would had liked, they must account the cost. the atlantic allies could call in their defense not only from conventional weapons, but a whole new arsenal. yes, now to a would be aggressor , the costs loomed large in deed. they would need far more than shoes.