"I will hear no talk that there are no intermediate-range weapons on the NATO side"

This quote by E. P. Thompson is a clear declaration of his position on the presence of intermediate-range weapons on the NATO side. He is declining any suggestion that there are no such weapons, and is making it clear that he will not amuse any discussion on the matter. This suggests that he is securely in favor of the presence of intermediate-range weapons on the NATO side, and hesitates to consider any other opinion.

Thompson's stance is likely a response to the Cold War arms race in between the United States and the Soviet Union. Intermediate-range weapons were seen as a crucial element of the arms race, and Thompson's quote suggests that he thinks that NATO ought to have access to such weapons in order to preserve a balance of power. His position is likely a reflection of his belief that the presence of intermediate-range weapons on the NATO side is necessary for the security of the alliance.