Threat of obliteration 'no longer adequate’

Press, 27 January 1979, Page 9

Threat of obliteration 'no longer adequate’

NZPA-Reuter Washington; lhe United States is; switching the targets of its nuclear missiles to include every Soviet missilt silo because the strategy of destroying Soviet cities is no) longer an adequate deterrent; to war, the Defence Secretary (Mr Harold Brown) has said Mr Brown told Congress' that the United States had; [changed its strategy of [“assured destruction” of big: Soviet cities to include more' military targets — and: might also include war: related industries. In an annual report oni America’s military posture, Mr Brown also said the signing of a new Strategic ’ Arms Limitation Treaty would not mean an end to 1 military competition between the two super-Powers. But he said a S.A.L.T. i pact would contribute to maintaining “the modest momentum of arms control.” ' Tn his report, Mr Brown; dealt at some length with

the problems of what Soviet military installations or cities should be targets of United States missiles as a means of deterring a Soviet assault. “It is tempting to believe, I realise, that the (United [States) threat to destroy i some number of cities —

along with their population and industry — will serve |as an all-purpo>e deterrent," he said.

"... Unfortunately, howiever, a strategy based on [assured destruction alone no [longer is wholly credible.” H e suggested that under new strategy the United States would aim “at least one re-

i liable warhead with substantial capability to destroy” at every Soviet missile silo. “Even with slow-reacting capabilities, such as the Cruise missile, this would ensure that an enemy’s silos are not a kind of sanctuary from which he can shoot with impunity,” he added. Mr Brown also said other United States missile targets should include Soviet nonnuclear bases, and regular war reserve stocks. “In some circumstances, |we might also wish to take i war-related industries under attack, especially those not near cities,” Mr Brown added.