Effect Of Nuclear Attack Estimated

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31987, 14 May 1969, Page 13

Effect Of Nuclear Attack Estimated

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) WASHINGTON, May 12. The Pentagon’s research chief, Dr John Foster, jnr, estimated yesterday for the first time publicly—that perhaps only one-tenth of' the United States strategic missile force would survive a Soviet nuclear attack in 1975. He said the possibility of such a loss is the reason why President Nixon ordered a start on an anti-ballistic missile system to protect United States offensive missile installations. Dr Foster, Director of Defence Research and Engineering, said that possibly “fewer than 100” of more than 1000 United States intercontinental ballistic missiles (1.C.8J1.5) would survive a Soviet attack in 1975. His estimate was based on an intelligence assessment that the Soviet Union has the capability to build a force of 500 SS9 I.C.BJU.S by 1975, each with three warheads, making a total of 1500 warheads. Russia now has more than 200 SS9s and has expert-

mented with triple warheads. Meanwhile, the Central Intelligency Agency director (Mr Richard Helms) said in Hot Springs, Pennsylvania, that the staggering costs of nuclear weapons rivalry might force Jhe United States and the Soviet Union into meaningful disarmament talks.