Final answer:
In 1958, Bevan asserted that abandoning a nuclear deterrent would be a 'political disaster,' emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence for national security during the Cold War era.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1958, Bevan declared that abandoning a nuclear deterrent would be a political disaster. This view reflects the prevailing thoughts of the Cold War era, where the balance of power and the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) were seen as critical for maintaining global stability. The idea was that the existence of a nuclear deterrent would prevent enemy nations from launching an attack due to the fear of consequent retaliation that would be catastrophic for both sides. Hence, for Bevan and many others during that time, nuclear deterrence was deemed essential in safeguarding national security, instead of being viewed as an ethical dilemma or economic consideration.