119. Editorial Note
On January 22, 1970, Henry A. Kissinger, the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs, sent a memorandum to President Nixon informing him of indications that the Soviet Union was interested in limiting anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems through a strategic arms limitation agreement. While there was some speculation that the Soviets wanted to prohibit all ABMs, Kissinger believed that “Moscow’s preference was for a limited ABM system for protection against third country attacks.” Nixon highlighted the above passage and wrote: “K[issinger]—This is what they will insist on.” The memorandum is published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XXXII, SALT I, 1969–1972, Document 49.