Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume IV, National Security Policy

203. Memorandum From Steve Simmons of the Domestic Policy Staff to the Military Assistant to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Odom)¹

Washington, July 9, 1980

SUBJECT

• Accidental Nuclear War Study

Per your suggestion, I have listed possible subjects for examination by an accidental nuclear war study group. I am no expert in these matters, and this list is clearly not complete. Also, significant work must have been done on a number of these items and thus a first chore for the Special Coordinating Committee or other study group would be to prioritize those specific matters it would focus on, and separate out those matters where only background information on what has already been done is necessary.

MATTERS FOR STUDY

1. Is the nuclear defense computer system adequate? How can malfunctions and false warnings be prevented? When they occur, how can they be detected in the quickest possible manner?

2. Is our capacity to recall or destroy missiles which have already been launched adequate?

3. Do we have adequate ability to protect the President and others in the line of succession as well as provide adequate temporary government facilities in case of an accidental nuclear launch by the Soviet Union? (If only two or three missiles were launched by the Soviet Union and our reaction was not to launch a full scale retaliation believing that this may have been an accident on the Soviet’s part, it would be essential for us to have continuing top level focus on this accidental nuclear dilemma.)

4. Is the communications system for the President adequate so that he can be assured of instant update of a nuclear attack-accident situation as well as final authority on whether or not to retaliate?

5. Is our communications ability adequate to contact the Soviet Union and warn them of an accidental mistake as well as provide a way for them to verify that a launch or upgraded state of readiness on our part results from accident? Are hotline facilities adequate?

6. Is there adequate psychological testing and screening of personnel at nuclear missile facilities, radar facilities, and for pilots of nuclear bombers?

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 42, Missile Warning Incidents: 11/79–8/80. Administratively Confidential.