It was Mr. Perle who had originated the "zero option" idea (cf. Firing Line

#S721), and Mr. Hyland is not impressed ("To break up the American-German alliance

for an agreement with Gorbachev strikes me as almost total madness"). A fine discussion

of INF (intermediate-range nuclear forces) and related matters, generating both heat and

light. Mr. Perle: "One reason why I hope there will be a serious ratification debate is

that we have not taken arms control very seriously for a long time. People stand up and

cheer any treaty, the concept of a treaty, agreement for agreement's sake--and that, I

think, is very damaging. It leads to sloppy negotiating. It encourages concessions,

including unwarranted concessions. I think real scrutiny would be a good thing. I think

the Administration should be put through the wringer on this."