In early sessions, discussions parallel to the main SALT negotiations showed a degree
of mutual concern regarding the problem of accidental war that indicated encouraging
prospects of accord. These preliminary explorations resulted in the establishment of
two special working groups under the direction of the two SALT delegations. One group
focused on arrangements for exchanging information to reduce uncertainties and prevent
misunderstandings in the event of a nuclear incident. The other addressed a related
topic -- ways to improve the direct communications link between Washington and
Moscow. By the summer of 1971, major substantive issues had been resolved, and
draft international agreements were referred by the SALT delegations to their
governments. Both agreements were signed in Washington on September 30, 1971,
and came into force on that date.
The Agreement on Measures To Reduce the Risk of Outbreak of Nuclear War between the
United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics covers three
main areas:
AGREEMENT ON MEASURES TO REDUCE THE RISK OF OUTBREAK OF NUCLEAR
WAR BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
Signed at Washington September 30, 1971
Entered into force
September 30, 1971
The United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,
hereinafter referred to as the Parties:
Taking into account the devastating consequences that nuclear war would have
for all mankind, and recognizing the need to exert every effort to avert the
risk of outbreak of such a war, including measures to guard against accidental
or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons,
Believing that agreement on measures for reducing the risk of outbreak of nuclear
war serves the interests of strengthening international peace and security, and
is in no way contrary to the interests of any other country,
Bearing in mind that continued efforts are also needed in the future to seek ways
of reducing the risk of outbreak of nuclear war,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
Each Party undertakes to maintain and to improve, as it deems necessary,
its existing organizational and technical arrangements to guard against the
accidental or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons under its control.
Article 2
The Parties undertake to notify each other immediately in the event of
an accidental, unauthorized or any other unexplained incident involving a
possible detonation of a nuclear weapon which could create a risk of outbreak
of nuclear war. In the event of such an incident, the Party whose nuclear
weapon is involved will immediately make every effort to take necessary measures
to render harmless or destroy such weapon without its causing damage.
Article 3
The Parties undertake to notify each other immediately in the event of detection
by missile warning systems of unidentified objects, or in the event of signs
of interference with these systems or with related communications facilities,
if such occurrences could create a risk of outbreak of nuclear war between the
two countries.
Article 4
Each Party undertakes to notify the other Party in advance of any planned missile
launches if such launches will extend beyond its national territory in the direction
of the other Party.
Article 5
Each Party, in other situations involving unexplained nuclear incidents, undertakes
to act in sucha manner as to reduce the possibility of its actions being misinterpreted
by the other Party. In any such situation, each Party may inform the other Party or request
information when in its view, this is warranted by the interests of averting the risk of
outbreak of nuclear war.
Article 6
For transmission of urgent information, notifications and requests for information
in situations requiring prompt clarification, the Parties shall make primary use
of the Direct Communications Link between the Governments of the United States of
America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
For transmission of other information, notification and requests for information,
the Parties, at their own discretion, may use any communications facilities,
including diplomatic channels, depending on the degree of urgency.
Article 7
The Parties undertake to hold consultations, as mutually agreed, to consider
questions relating to implementation of the provisions of this Agreement, as
well as to discuss possible amendments thereto aimed at further implementation
of the purposes of this Agreement.
Article 8
This Agreement shall be of unlimited duration.
Article 9
This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature.
DONE at Washington on September 30, 1971, in two copies, each
in the English and Russian languages, both texts being equally authentic.
FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
WILLIAM P. ROGERS
FOR THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS:
A. GROMYKO