HH, PN:
OK, the words "came into its own" may be read in different context. Somebody may say that the process is complete when the whole Europe joins :-)
But it is clear that in early 50's UK was a great power, and even if NATO would consist of US and UK only, the USSR was way weaker. Conversely, the USSR's satellite countries did not represent any serious military power and, perhaps more important, would not fight when the bell rings. It was understood here. In reality, they just allowed to use their territories. Thus, IMHO, creation of WP was nothing but a political show and western military analysts just laughed.
A good question where KGB/GRU knew about the US and UK plans to massively bomb USSR in late 40's and early 50's. In the Russian literature (including memoires of veterans) it is said that they did. I doubt that the details were known, but obviuosly it was enough to know in general that such plans existed. Recall they had lads like Kim Philby working for them.