NATO allies may cut military budgets

BRUSSELS, June 9 (UPI) -- European NATO members are preparing for deep cuts in military spending, prompting U.S. officials to express concern that the gap in military power will grow.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, visiting London and Brussels this week, is pressing NATO allies to maintain their military levels as Pentagon officials voice concern that the United States could bear a larger burden in the war in Afghanistan or future NATO missions, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

For example, the German government said it was considering reducing its 250,000-member military by at least 40,000 troops, with the defense minister once suggesting a huge 100,000 reduction in troops might be necessary, officials said. Analysts project Britain may have to cut its defense budget by 10 percent to 15 percent in the next six years as it addresses its debt. France and Italy also are considering decreasing military manpower.

Gates said Tuesday he was urging European leaders to stay away from indiscriminately cutting their active-duty forces and look to reduce overhead and other less critical programs.

"I think we all are having to take a hard look in a way that we haven't financially for the last couple years," Gates said after meeting with Liam Fox, Britain's defense secretary.

Other NATO leaders, who will meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels Thursday and Friday, warned long-term consequences could be dire if European lawmakers cut their militaries too much as they grapple with budgetary woes.

"We have to take care not to cut too much or in the wrong way, that we might jeopardize our security in the future," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said. "After all, economic prosperity depends on security, too."