from a special correspondent
U.K. spending on "defence", measured as a percentage of the gross national product, is among the highest in the world, according to a survey conducted by the Institute of Strategic Studies, According to this survey, titled "The Military Balance", U.K. expenditure amounts to-6.7% of the GNP. Amoriz NATO countries it is second only to the U.S.A., which spends 8.9% of its GNP. Outside of NATO, only Israel (10.7%) and: the U.A.R. (8. 6%)- spend mores Even measured in terms of a percentage of total central government expenditure, U.K. outlays are still among the highest at 26%. On another tack aX oes, the survey shows that the strategic superiority of the U.S.A., in terms of long-range missiles, ever the Soviet Union is less than it was a year ago. In early 1966, the survey estimates, the U.S.A. will have a lead of three to one over the Soviet Union, compared with the ratio of more four to one in early 1965. This is partly due to the U.S.A having scrapped some missiles it considered obsolete. In terms of fleet ballistic missiles (Polaris), however, the U.S.A has increased its superiority to over four to ones Dealing with China, the Institute claims that the Chinese air force is seriously short of modern aircraft and spare parts for its existing fleet. Although China is receiving no assistance from any other of the leading industrial powers, it is believed that she is starting production of modern tanks, fighter aircraft and submarines,