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

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

Washington, October 10, 1985

MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL SECURITY PLANNING GROUP

I. PURPOSE

To review how the USG should interpret the constraints imposed by the ABM Treaty on the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program.

II. BACKGROUND

You have received recent briefings on the SDI Program and the efforts that the Soviet Union has undertaken in the area of strategic defense.² It is important at this juncture that you have the opportunity to hear the personal assessments from your senior advisers of the interpretation to be applied to Treaty constraints on research, testing and development of the exotic technologies under the program. The meeting agenda is at Tab A.³

III. PARTICIPANTS

List of participants is at Tab B.⁴

IV. PRESS PLAN

None planned.

V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

I will introduce the subject and provide an overview covering the ABM Treaty article-by-article, highlighting an interpretation that specifically addresses the issue of constraints on future, exotic technologies. This interpretation came to light as we recently explored the Treaty and negotiating record for the boundaries of our SDI research program. Secretary Shultz will follow with a legal assessment and his views on implications for Allies. Secretary Weinberger and the rest of your senior foreign policy and arms control advisers will provide their assessments on the implementation and timing of our interpretation. Specific decisions are being requested on these aspects of the issue.

1. Source: National Security Council, National Security Council Institutional Files, Box SR–110, NSPG 120 11 Oct 1985. Secret. Copies were sent to Bush and Regan. Prepared by Wright. Martin initialed the memorandum on McFarlane’s behalf. Reagan initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum. The document notes that the meeting was scheduled for October 11 from 11:00 until noon (mistakenly typed as 12:00 a.m.) in the White House Situation Room.
2. See Document 67.
3. Attached but not printed.
4. Attached but not printed.