WEEKLY SUMMARY

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
0005284702
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
3
Document Creation Date: 
June 22, 2015
Document Release Date: 
December 15, 2008
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
F-2008-00942
Publication Date: 
September 29, 1967
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PDF icon DOC_0005284702.pdf148.19 KB
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(b) (1) (b) (3) DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY APPROVED FOR RELEASE DATE: 09-24-2008 SAAMAt 46 29 September 1967 No. 0309/67 0 0 USSR ACCELERATES TESTING OF SS-X-6 The success and rapid pace of the USSR's orbital weapon test program suggest that the initial objectives have been achieved. The SS-X-6, the test vehicle in the program, has been success- fully flown five times since 17 July; the most recent flights were on 19 and 22 September. The SS-X-6 is put into orbit from Tyuratam and makes almost a full revolution before being brought down in south-central USSR. The system is composed of the two-stage SS-9 ICBM booster and a deorbit stage that brings the re-entry vehicle onto its predetermined target. The energy available from the SS-9 booster gives the sys- tem only a limited capability to hit targets in the US on the first orbit, and then only if the SS-X-6 is flown from the western edge.of the USSR, an area not known to have launch facilities for it. Although the system could hit the US on sub- sequent orbits, its accuracy would be degraded and it would sacrifice surprise--one of its principal advantages. It is possible, therefore, that the purpose of the present series of shots is to test the deorbit stage. The recent string of suc- cessful tests indicates that the third stage guidance and orien- tation problems encountered earlier have been solved. Improvements in the perform- ance of the SS-9 booster or weight reduction in the third stage or payload must be made if the weapon is to be effective against the US. Page 14 WEEKLY SUMMARY 29 Sep 67 0 on France--which will not sign the NPT and which, as a nuclear power, would be exempt from the IAEA controls that the NPT would impose. A new Soviet draft Article III now under consideration is an attempt to meet these problems, at least in part by leaving room for the continuation of the EURATOM system under an arrange- ment to be negotiated with the IAEA. In a note prepared last week for the Council of the European Communities, however, the Commission indicated that the Soviet draft did not fully meet the EURATOM reservations. The draft was nevertheless wel- comed as coming closer to the US position on safeguards. The difficulties arise from the discrimination within EURATOM that would result from super- imposing IAEA's inspection sys- tem on all but one of EURATOM's members. Moreover, the Commis- sion, noting its own rights and obligations on safeguards under the EURATOM treaty, observes that it is highly uncertain what role it could play in the negotiations that the Soviet draft envisages between EURATOM and the IAEA. This uncertainty is com- plicated by the French opposition to any role for EURATOM "as such," either in deliberations over the NPT or in future negotiations 8-G PC ET Page 15 WEEKLY with the IAEA. Although the Council legally could decide by a majority vote to empower the Commission to negotiate with IAEA, this would be a politically difficult decision. Even before that decision is faced, however, the Five need to adopt a common position in order to influence US discussions with the Soviets. A first step toward such a consensus, using the Soviet draft as a starting point, was made this week. The Five would like the US and the USSR to agree on a position that would largely an- swer EURATOM reservations. This would put the French in the posi- tion of either compromising on EURATOM's role or taking the re- sponsibility for preventing the Five from signing the treaty. The French will find it difficult? to reconcile all of their pre- sumed objectives, which include. not obstructing what the Soviets want, instituting further con- trols on Germany, and preventing a further supranational develop- ment of the European Communities through an enhanced role for the Commission. Both the US and the Soviet Union continue to hope that a generally acceptable Article III can-be found before a draft NPT is opened to debate in the UN General Assembly later this fall. SUMMARY 29 Sep 67