Reagan argues that arms reduction is essential to peace, aiming to combine strong defense with efforts to decrease armaments. The correct answer is option A.
In paragraph 19 of President Reagan's remarks, his perspective on the Cold War and policies toward the Soviet Union is distinctly outlined. The crux of his argument lies in the assertion that, while maintaining robust defenses is crucial to resisting Soviet expansion, the ultimate objective is the pursuit of peace.
President Reagan advocated for arms reduction efforts on both sides as an indispensable component of achieving this overarching goal. This perspective resonates with a consistent theme throughout Cold War history, where the reduction of arms emerged as both a strategy to de-escalate tensions and a significant diplomatic goal.
Historical arms control agreements, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), exemplify the international community's efforts to curtail the arms race and foster a more stable and peaceful global environment. President Reagan's remarks thus reflect a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics of Cold War geopolitics and the importance of arms reduction in promoting lasting peace.
Therefore, option A is correct.