Interestingly, Moscow made its first move into the Indian Ocean immediately after Britain's announcement to relinquish her military role in the East of Suez. Subsequent to the withdrawal of the British, Russia deemed it. Politically and militarily important to assert itself in the area. The Americans apprehend that Russia will be the main naval power in the Indian Ocean within a few years. Since 1968, Russia has been steadily building up her naval presence and capacity to support military operations in the Indian ocean. The considerable Soviet presence in the Indian Ocean was highlighted by the former Prime Minister, Edward Health, at a press Conference in New Delhi on 10 January, 1971. Referring to the Russian role in West Asia, the Persian Gulf and America, he described the Soviet union as 'expansionist' and added that Moscow today was closer to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean than the Czars had ever been. The Soviet power had gained more in half a decade than what the czars failed to achieve in 150 years. Health contened that safeguards were necessary against the expansion of the Soviet power in the Indian Ocean and maintained that the growing Soviet influence in the ocean was a matter of serious concern to Europe, which is interested in keeping open her trade routes to Asia and Australia. He warned that Moscow would not hesitate to exert pressure the moment it suspected the weak to be weak. In a similar vein General Hans Kruls, Editor-in-chief of the NATO publications, once remarked : "NATO was alarmed about Russia's growing interest in the Indian Ocean... Indian Ocean is one of the lifelines to the West and South Africa. " A SEATO report also said that the objective of Russia's push into the Indian Ocean included ensuring the security of the Soviet Union, expansion of the Soviet influence outside the Soviet bloc; under mining and disruption of western influence; and containment, and where possible, elimination of the Chinese influence.