Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969–1972

345. National Security Study Memorandum 162¹ ²

Washington, October 3, 1972

TO:

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director of Central Intelligence
• The Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency

SUBJECT:

• US Position on the Soviet UN Proposals for Non-Use of Force and Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons

The President has directed that a study be prepared on US approaches in dealing with the Soviet proposal for a General Assembly Resolution on the renunciation of the use of force and the prohibition of the use of nuclear weapons. The study should include a brief review of the background to this issue, including previous Soviet proposals on this issue in the UN or otherwise, proposals by other countries, pertinent UN Resolutions, and past US positions. In addition, the study should set forth the current US positions for handling this item, the attitude of UN members, and options that the US might addpt for dealing with the issue in the UN. The study should include a brief analysis of Soviet motives and objectives in submitting their proposal and the consequences of its adoption.

This study should be developed by an Ad Hoc Group, chaired by a representative of the Department of State, and comprised of representatives of the addresses of this memorandum, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Council Staff. The study should be forwarded to the Senior Review Group by October 11.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 365, Subject Files, NSSMs (104-206). Secret. A copy was sent to Moorer.
2. The NSSM directed that a study be prepared on U.S. options for addressing the Soviet proposed UN resolution on the non-use of force and the prohibition of the use of nuclear weapons.