82. Memorandum From President Reagan to Secretary of Defense Weinberger1
SUBJECT
- Implementing NSDD 192 (U)
I have read and considered your short note and proposed revision to NSDD 192.2 You are right that we should ensure that everyone sings from exactly the same sheet of music with respect to this decision. However, I don’t want to add either additional complexity to the score or volume to its performance at this time. (C)
There should be no doubt that my goal is to achieve the objectives which we have set out for the SDI program, and to do so efficiently. NSDD 192 makes clear that I intend to pursue the US SDI program as currently planned. (S)
The priority that both you and I have placed on this vital program has not, must not, and will not change. I intend to ensure that the SDI program succeeds, and that we pursue the program in a sensible manner. (U)
I announced my intent to exercise the restraint specified in NSDD 192 based upon the judgment that the program, as currently structured, will permit us to answer the technical questions necessary to achieve the objectives set for it. I also recognize that conditions (Congressional funding, Soviet behavior, etc.) do change, and new technical opportunities will arise. I take your point that we certainly must guard against failing to consider the opportunity costs that may be involved as we follow the path of restraint that I have laid out. (C)
Therefore, while the primary focus of planning should remain on successfully pursuing the SDI program as currently structured, I would [Page 278] like you to provide a regular appraisal of the costs that we can anticipate as a result of our continuing to operate under the guidance provided in NSDD 192. These appraisals should be provided to me on quarterly basis during the last month of each quarter. (C)
- Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–87–0008, Box 4, USSR 388.3 (Jul–Oct) 1985. Secret. A stamped notation indicates Weinberger saw the memorandum on October 21.↩
- See Document 81.↩