ABSTRACT
With respect to strategic nuclear delivery vehicles, the United States has proposed a reduction in strategic ballistic missiles to a limit of 1,250-1,450, or about 40-45% below the current higher Soviet level. The US proposal also contains a ban on the development and deployment of all new heavy strategic ballistic missiles and on the modernization of existing heavy missiles due to the destabilizing character of such systems. The United States continues to stress the critical importance of agreeing to effective means of verification so as to be able to assess with confidence compliance with provisions of all agreements resulting from the negotiations. The United States continues to stress the need for the Soviets to take necessary steps to correct current instances of noncompliance with existing arms control agreements, for noncompliance is both politically corrosive and militarily hazardous.
