NSSD 7-82 United States Nuclear Testing Limitations Policy

SYSTEM II 90148 70350 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 5, 1982 INCLASSIFIED National security Study Directive Number 7-82 - U.S. NUCLEAR TESTING LIMITATIONS POLICY Introduction The United States requires a well-defined policy on nuclear test- ing limitations issues, including the trilateral (U.S., U.S.S.R, and U.K.) negotiations of a CTBT (recessed in October, 1980), the bilateral Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT, 150 kiloton-yield nuclear testing limitation), and the companion Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaty (PNET). The latter agreements have been signed but not ratified, and although the U.S. and U.S.S.R. have stated their adherence to the 150 kiloton limit, questions of Soviet compliance have arisen a number of times. Objective of Review TO produce options for a National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) on U.S. Nuclear Testing Limitations Policy to be considered by the National Security Council. Scope The review will build upon the work already accomplished by the Interdepartmental Group (IG) on Nuclear Testing. As a minimum, it will address the following topics: -- U.S. policy on a CTBT, including the issues of the trilateral negotiations and Alliance consultations. -- U.S. policy on the TTBT and PNET, to include the possi- bility of reopening negotiations on several issues. The purpose of renegotiation could be assessment and improvement of verification and compliance provisions, allowance for a few tests annually above the 150 kiloton threshold, and/or elimination of the commitment in Article I, paragraph 3, to continue negotiations towards a CTBT. Oeclassified/Released on 1/17/92 under provisions of E.O. 12356 by S. Tilley, National Security Council LASSIFIED (FS8-686) 2002 Classified Ixtended by Williom P. Clark NSC 1.19(e) UNCI LASSIFIER