In some key weapons systems, however, the Soviet numerical advantage was considerable.

The major remaining obstacle is the large Soviet advantage in shorter-range missiles, with ranges of 300 to 600 miles.

They take 10 to 15 years to develop, which fritters away the technological edge essential to compensate for the Soviet advantage in quantity.

How will eliminating Soviet advantages in missiles with ranges between 300 and 3,000 miles do that?

They note that nuclear weapons, including long-range strategic systems, have long been used to compensate for Soviet advantages in conventional forces.

This treaty will end a Soviet advantage, not weaken the West.

American nuclear missiles have helped offset those Soviet advantages.

But there were also notes of caution about the Soviet advantage in conventional weapons and the effect the agreement would have on the Western alliance.

To the extent that these Soviet advantages created gaps in the American deterrent, they would be closed.

Nevertheless, wouldn't present Soviet advantages in conventional forces become more pronounced?