Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XLIV, Part 1, National Security Policy, 1985–1988

151. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Poindexter) to President Reagan¹

Washington, undated

SUBJECT

• Guidance for Post-Reykjavik Follow-up Activities

Issue

To task detailed planning on how best to make the transition to a world without offensive ballistic missiles.

Facts

Such tasking is an appropriate follow-up to the proposals you made at Reykjavik. During the October 27 NSPG,² Admiral Crowe requested your guidance on the conduct of such a study.

Discussion

The draft NSDD at Tab A³ provides the necessary guidance. It reviews the events at Reykjavik, explains in general terms the value of a world without offensive ballistic missiles, describes the nature of deterrence in such a world, lists assumptions, and provides specific taskings to the JCS and others. The NSDD requests an initial input recommending the basic approach to use in meeting your tasking by December 1, 1986. At that time, based on those recommendations, a final completion date will be established. This two step process will ensure the study is responsive to your needs.

This draft has been provided to Secretary Shultz, Secretary Weinberger, Admiral Crowe, Bill Casey and Ken Adelman for their personal review. The majority of the comments received have been incorporated. I am satisfied that we have addressed those concerns that we can, and I am prepared to give you a short briefing on a few specific suggestions which we cannot.

Recommendation

OK NO

____ ____ That you permit me to give you a short update on the views of your key advisors and then that you sign the NSDD (Tab A) tasking detailed planning on how best to make the transition to a world free of offensive ballistic missiles.⁴

1. Source: National Security Council, National Security Council Institutional Files, Box SR–094, NSDD 250. Top Secret. Sent for action. Copies were sent to Bush and Regan. Prepared by Linhard. Poindexter sent the memorandum to Reagan, who was at Rancho del Cielo, California, under cover of a November 1 note: “Mr. President: Sorry to intrude on your Sunday with this, but we need to get this out early Monday morning since there is a great deal of work that must be done by December 1. If you could read it Sunday evening, then I can discuss with you on Monday morning any questions you have. I believe this is a landmark document which will help bring us to a safer, more stable world. John” (Ibid.) References are to Sunday, November 2, and Monday, November 3.
2. See Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. VI, Soviet Union, October 1986–January 1989, Document 3.
3. Printed as Document 152.
4. Reagan approved the recommendation. According to the President’s Daily Diary, he spoke with Poindexter twice on November 2. (Reagan Library, President’s Daily Diary) No memoranda of conversations for the discussions were found.