NSDD 36 United States Approach to Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) Negotiations II

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON URCLASSIFIED May 25 , 1982 NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION DIRECTIVE NUMBER 36 U.S. APPROACH TO START NEGOTIATIONS - II This Decision Directive supplements NSDD-33 and provides addi- tional guidance on the U.S. approach to START. Interim Restraints United States will not depart from current policy with respect The existing arms control agreements at this time. At the same to must recognize that continuing current policy prompts time, argument we that we are complying with SALT II and should, addition, there- the fore, ratify it, even though it is seriously flawed. In present we problems must for certain U.S. force modernization options, particu- keep in mind that continuing our current policy may larly for M-X basing. The following amplification of policy is provided to deal with the above considerations: seek to achieve a more stable nuclear balance at -- As reduced we levels of force, the United States will continue ing agreements as long as the Soviet Union shows equal its policy of taking no actions that would undercut exist- restraint. -- This policy, however, consciously recognizes the fact that SALT II is not an acceptable foundation for a final, equal, and verifiable arms reduction agreement between ourselves occasions and the Soviet Union. For reasons cited on many mistake in numerous fora, we believe it would be a major to attempt to formalize the SALT II agreement's high ceilings and serious inequalities. At the same time, increased nuclear stability at reduced force levels is the most basic U.S. objective. In particu- essential prerequisite to maintaining our security at reduced lar, protecting the survivability of our ICBM force is an levels of forces and has consistently been a goal in previous negotiations. We believe that actions necessary to ensure the survivability of our ICBM force are fully consistent with existing agreements. Roview May 25 , 2002 Declassified/Released on 8/10/92 Classified and Extended by William P. erark under provisiens of E.O. 12356 Reason for Extension. NSC 1. by S. Tilley, National Security Council DECCASSIPY IN. OADH UNCLASSIFIED