363. Memorandum From Jerry Oplinger of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)1
SUBJECT
- V–B–B Luncheon—South Atlantic Nuclear Event (S)
At a meeting of the Mini-SCC group today, [5 lines not declassified].
Outside technical experts have [less than 1 line not declassified] concluded that it was a [less than 1 line not declassified] atmospheric nuclear explosion. [3 lines not declassified]
[Page 1090]Another meeting will be held in approximately one week to review any further information which may be obtained. It was decided that in the meantime no approach should be made to the Soviets or to South Africa, and that no public statement should be made, unless there is a leak. A contingency statement has been prepared in the event that a leak occurs. The question of approaching the USSR, the SAG, or making a public statement will be reviewed again at the next meeting. State has been asked to prepare a paper on what actions the United States might take if we should conclude, with or without further evidence, that there was a South African test, and whether those actions should be part of a more general policy to be applied in the event of nuclear testing by other non-nuclear weapons states. (S)
[less than 1 line not declassified] addressing in concrete system-by-system terms what improvements are needed [1 line not declassified] in future situations of this kind. (S)
In summary, we are continuing to defer recommendations about specific actions so long as there is a significant possibility of [less than 1 line not declassified] recognizing that the risks of a leak will continue to grow. (S)
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Global Issues, Box 54, Proliferation: South Atlantic Event 10/1–25/79. Secret. Sent for information.↩