NSDD 5 Conventional Arms Transfer Policy

15 OFFICIAL-USE ONLY 2 -- foster regional and internal stability, thus en- couraging peaceful resolution of disputes and evolutionary change; and -- help to enhance United States defense production capabilities and efficiency. Attainment of these objectives in turn requires effective United States Government control and direction over arms transfers. Because of the diversity of United States security interests, this Administration will tailor its approach to arms transfer requests to specific situations and exercise sufficient flexibility to respond promptly to changes affecting the mutual interests of the United States and its allies and friends. We will review such requests with care. The United States will evaluate requests primarily in terms of their net contribution to enhanced deterrence and defense. It will accord high priority to requests from its major alliance partners and to those nations with whom it has friendly and cooperative security relationships. In making arms transfer decisions the United States will give due consideration to a broad range of factors including: -- the degree to which the transfer responds appropri- ately to the military threats confronting the recipient; -- whether the transfer will enhance the recipient's capability to participate in collective security efforts with the United States; -- whether the transfer will promote mutual interests in countering externally supported aggression; -- whether the transfer is consistent with United States interests in maintaining stability within regions where friends of the United States may have differing objectives; whether the transfer is compatible with the needs of United States forces, recognizing that occasions will arise when other nations may require scarce items on an emergency basis; - - whether the proposed equipment transfer can be absorbed by the recipient without overburdening its military support system or financial resources; and whether any detrimental effects of the transfer are more than counterbalanced by positive contributions to United States interests and objectives. OFEICIAL USE ONLY