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

174. Memorandum From Linton Brooks and Robert Linhard of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Acting Assistant for National Security Affairs (Keel)¹

Washington, December 16, 1986

SUBJECT

• Initial JCS Report on Eliminating Ballistic Missiles

We have reviewed the initial JCS report on eliminating ballistic missiles (Tab B).² The report primarily covers the assumptions and methodology JCS will use and establishes a January 31 date for submission for the final product. We believe January 31 to be realistic and acceptable.

After our meeting with you, we have revised the package to include five issues:

— Whether our arms control position requires modification to take into account [1½ lines not declassified].

— The JCS narrow interpretation of the guidance in NSDD–250³ not to increase risks to the United States, leading to the use of [less than 1 line not declassified] damage rather than considered military judgment.

— The need to reevaluate the guidance provided in NSDD–13 on the priority used to allocate weapons to the target base.

— The use of the FYDP as fiscal guidance.

— The contrast between [2½ lines not declassified] and our commitment with the Soviets to seek a solution to the problem of such missiles.

In view of both the intrinsic importance of the subject and the political importance of the President being seen as interested in the JCS recommendations, we believe a short synopsis of the initial report should be provided to the President. Tab I ⁴ has been drafted for this purpose. Sending this to the President will also help prepare him for his December 19 meeting with the JCS, where we understand this report will be discussed. After that meeting we believe it would be appropriate for you to send a memorandum to the Chairman and the Secretary of Defense making the points on SLCM and military judgment noted above. A suggested memorandum for this purpose is at Tab II;⁵ the memorandum to the President at Tab I seeks his approval for this course of action.

Recommendation

That you sign the memorandum at Tab I forwarding the initial JCS input and a synopsis thereof to the President for his review.⁶

That after Presidential review, and unless the December 19 meeting reveals any reason to reconsider, you sign the memorandum at Tab II approving the JCS approach but noting the specific concerns discussed above.⁷

Bill Cockell, John Douglass and Mike Donley concur.

1. Source: Reagan Library, Michael Donley Files, Subject File, [Joint Chiefs of Staff] JCS Meeting with the President 12/19/86. Top Secret. Sent for action. A stamped notation at the top of the memorandum reads: “Signed.”
2. See footnote 3, Document 182.
3. See Document 152.
4. Printed as Document 182.
5. Not found attached.
6. Keel approved the recommendation.
7. Keel approved the recommendation.