322. Position Paper Prepared in the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency0

ACDA POSITION ON U.S. DEVELOPMENT OF VERY HIGH YIELD WEAPONS

Abstract

ACDA considers that the proposed development of a very high yield lay-down weapon by the U.S. for B-52 delivery would, when publicly [Page 795] known, have adverse effects on arms control negotiations, on acceptance of U.S. strategic doctrine and on the credibility of past U.S. statements that Soviet testing of very high yield nuclear weapons did not result in a change in the military balance. Moreover, such a development appears to contemplate continued retention of the manned bomber in the U.S. force structure for a period extending indefinitely into the future. From the arms control standpoint, ACDA believes there is a serious question as to the desirability of accepting indefinitely the manned bomber’s destabilizing effects on the strategic situation.

ACDA views with even greater concern the likelihood that, in effect, approval of the present proposal would commit the U.S. to a broader program for the development of very high yield nuclear weapons for delivery by missile. Such a program would entail atmospheric nuclear testing, initiation of a new missile development program, and large political and economic costs and would result in a weapon system inherently destabilizing in nature.

From the arms control standpoint, the course represented by these proposals would represent a major escalation of the arms race, would seriously jeopardize present and future efforts to bring the arms race under control, and would severely increase international tensions.

ACDA is not aware of military considerations which would justify acceptance of these disadvantages.1

[Here follows a 10-page analysis.]

  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Meetings and Memoranda Series, NSAM 245. Secret; Restricted Data. Attached to a July 12 note from Foster to Bundy.
  2. The U.S. Government did not reach a decision on a very high-yield weapon during 1963.