The SALT Treaty from a Canadian Point of View,
Abstract
With or without SALT II there are several strategic imbalances that will cause difficulties in the years ahead. Ratification of SALT II will not solve them, but it would permit programs that would redress them, and would preserve the opportunity to negotiate agreements in the future that could reduce the probability that each side will simply try to solve its problems by extensive uncontrolled buildup of weapons. All the SALT II protocol does is to confirm that any form of arms control over mobile ICBMs or cruise missiles was too difficult to complete in 1979. What with the problems of cruise missiles, European systems threatening the USSR directly, and the existence of independent British, French, and Chinese nuclear forces, a SALT III that addressed these subjects would face extreme difficulties, with little hope of easy or early progress. Canada has a vital interest in the preservation of strategic nuclear deterrence, enhanced by our geographic location down-wind from US missile fields. She also has a stake in the success of nuclear deterrence in Europe. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086448
Entities
People
- G. R. Lindsey