Debate on SALT II

SALT is a product of negotiation aimed at limiting strategic nuclear weapons spanning four administrations since 1967. Negotiations are not only across the table between the United States and the Soviet Union, but also involve resolutions of diverse positions at home on each side. Specifically, on the US side, SALT positions are the result of decisions by the President faced with inputs from the Defense Department, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Arms Control & Disarmament Agency, the CIA and the State Department. These decisions are also affected by consultation with Congressional leaders and with our Allies. One should be aware of this complex pattern to realize that the SALT outcome cannot make everyone happy. The negotiating history should be kept in mind when judging the sincerity of criticism that claims: “I support a SALT treaty but not this particular one.” Little purpose is served in discussing an “ideal” treaty that would be optimal only to a particular set of interests.

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