NEGATIVE/NUCLEAR/ACCIDENTS

NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS ARE NOT A SERIOUS RISK

THERE IS VERY LITTLE RISK OF UNAUTHORIZED RUSSIAN NUCLEAR LAUNCHES, SO WE DON'T NEED MISSILE DEFENSES FOR THAT

Janadas Devan The Straits Times (Singapore), October 31, 1999, SECTION: Review Focus shield"; Pg. 41 HEADLINE: Missile talks up in the air // ln-acs-11-11-99

* Russian rejection of another US justification for NMD, which is that it can guard against "unauthorised missile launches" by declared nuclear powers.

Unauthorised launches are not even possible. If there is concern, the problem can be addressed through technical cooperation.

NOR IS THERE A GREAT THREAT TODAY FROM ACCIDENTAL OR UNAUTHORIZED ATTACK.

"The United States Intelligence Community also believes the risk of an accidental or unauthorized launch by a declared nuclear power is highly unlikely. George Tenet, the Director of Central Intelligence, testified in open session last year that the Intelligence Community assessment is that it is a `remote' risk because of considerable precautions or procedures taken by Russia and China.

ACCIDENTAL LAUNCHES FROM RUSSIA ARE NOT A THREAT

General Eugene Habiger, Commander-in-Chief of United States Strategic Command, reinforced this view when he testified to the Committee this year on the Russian command and control measures, which he has witnessed first-hand, to prevent an accidental or unauthorized launch of an ICBM against the United States. He has publicly stated that Russia has some mechanisms and procedures more stringent than our own for nuclear command and control. General Habiger, who has had a unique opportunity to visit Russian strategic nuclear weapon bases--including an ICBM base, a strategic submarine base, a bomber base, a nuclear command and control center, and a nuclear weapon storage site--has stated publicly that he does not worry about accidental or unauthorized launches from Russia."

Minority views on S. 1973, Cochran bill, Senate report 105-175, April 1998