Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I and II)
SALT I: Limiting Nuclear Armaments
In the late 1960s, the United States discovered the Soviet Union's rapidly expanding nuclear weapons program. To address this threat, the two superpowers initiated the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) in 1969.
The SALT I treaty, signed in 1972, placed restrictions on the number of nuclear missiles and bombers each country could possess. It also established a framework for future arms control negotiations.
Key SALT I Provisions:
- Limited the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) to 1,618 for the USSR and 1,054 for the US.
- Froze the number of nuclear-powered submarines at 62 for the USSR and 41 for the US.
- Created a standing joint commission to monitor compliance.
SALT II: Building on SALT I
The success of SALT I paved the way for the second round of talks, SALT II, which commenced in 1972. SALT II aimed to further reduce nuclear arsenals and address concerns about missile defense systems.
The SALT II treaty was signed in 1979, but it was never ratified by the US Senate due to Soviet violations and the worsening Cold War climate.
SALT II Provisions:
- Reduced the total number of ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers to 2,250 for each side.
- Limited the number of MIRVed (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles) ICBMs and SLBMs to 1,200 for each side.
- Placed restrictions on the development and deployment of mobile ICBMs.
SALT II: Legacy and Impact
Despite its failure to be ratified, SALT II served as a valuable framework for arms control discussions. The treaty's provisions laid the groundwork for future agreements, including the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) in the 1990s.
Conclusion:
The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks were a significant step in the effort to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons. SALT I and II established important limits on nuclear arsenals and provided a framework for future negotiations. While SALT II was not ultimately ratified, its provisions have had a lasting impact on arms control efforts.
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