Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XI, START I

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

Washington, December 7, 1987

SUBJECT

• Proposed NSDD on Arms Control Positions for US-USSR Summit

Issue

Whether you should sign the proposed NSDD² at TAB A establishing the United States Government position on Arms Control subjects for the December 8–10, 1987 summit meeting with Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev.

Background

After extended discussion with your cabinet and other senior US officials, recommendations on arms control positions with the Soviets have become clear. The proposed NSDD reflects both those recommendations and your own views as expressed in the meetings in preparation for the summit.

Discussion

Before summit and other important meetings, an NSDD codifying the discussions, recommendations, and consensus positions of the United States Government is very useful. It documents the origin of the US positions, and also provides clear guidance for the working groups and other meetings with the Soviets that will occur during the summit period.

In accordance with NSDD 266,³ the NSC Legal Advisor has coordinated the attached NSDD with A.B. Culvahouse in advance of its submission to you.

Recommendation

OK	No
________	________	That you sign the proposed NSDD at TAB A.4

1. Source: National Security Council, National Security Council Institutional Files, Box SR096, NSDD 290. Top Secret. Sent for action. Drafted by Linhard. Copied to Bush and Senator Baker. A stamped notation at the top of the memorandum indicates that Reagan saw the memorandum on December 7. Another stamped notation on the memorandum reads: “Signed.”
2. Printed below as Document 244.
3. NSDD 266, “Implementation of the Recommendations of the President’s Special Review Board,” is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. II, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy.
4. Reagan initialed his approval.