Review of Nuclear Test Ban Policy

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81B00080R001600030004-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 3, 2000
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: June 4, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved Fqr Release 2001/09/03 : CIA-RDP81 B0001OR001600030004-
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON. O.C. 20506
TOP SECRET June 4, 1971
National Security Study Memorandum 128
TO: The Secretary of State
The Secretary of Defense
The Director of Central Intelligence
The Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
SUBJECT: Review of Nuclear Test Ban Policy
The President has directed a review of United States policy with respect.
to underground nuclear testing.
This review should include separate analyses in the areas listed below.
In each case an evaluation should be made of comprehensive test ban,
threshold test ban, quota test ban and moratorium options.
1. Verification possibilities: taking into account estimated capa-
bilities of present, currently planned and possible future seismic
systems; history of past system performance versus expecta-
tions; probable capabilities of other national means alone and,
as appropriate, the added capabilities provided by on-site in-
spection or on-site automatic seismic stations.
2. The effects on U. S. nuclear weapons development: including
impact on meeting current and anticipated weapons needs and
requirements; impact on nuclear weapons laboratories and
possible conversion programs; and savings, if any, taking into
account verification requirements.
3. Estimated effects on Soviet weapons development: including
potential gains from clandestine testing.
4. Political and other factors: including value in controlling further
proliferation of nuclear weapons, and effects on both U.S.-Soviet
relations and U. S. relations with allied nuclear powers.
*NSC Declassification/Release Instructions on File.*
TS#202287-71
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TOP SECRET
5. Impact on U. S. and Soviet Peaceful Nuclear Explosion programs:
including domestic and international consequences of restricting
or prohibiting such explosions; possible ways of accommodating
Plowshare applications; and the possibilities of utilizing PNE's
for evasion of a test ban.
This study should be prepared under the direction of the Verification Panel
which, for the purpose of this study, will include a representative of the
Atomic Energy Commission.
The study should be ready for consideration by the NSC by August 15, 1971.
In view of the sensitivity of this memorandum, distribution should be
restricted to those persons essential to the completion of the study.
Henry A. Kissinger
cc: The Director, Office of Science and Technology
The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2001/09/03 : CIA-RDP81B00080R001600030004-8