Word: abm
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1960-1969
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Diddling Around. When McNamara repeated his well-known-and well-reasoned-opposition to deployment of an anti-ballistic missile system (ABM) this year, Wheeler pointed out that for two years the Joint Chiefs have unanimously urged deployment of this defensive network. Among other things, Wheeler argued, it would "demonstrate to the Soviets and our allies that the U.S. is not first-strike minded...
...Russians have already deployed a limited anti-ballistic-missile (ABM) system around Moscow, and are thought to be extending it to other cities as well. If the U.S. followed their example, it would set off a new and immensely expensive round of the arms race (TIME ESSAY, Feb. 24) without, as Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara has noted, adding one whit to the security of either side. Thompson's task is to convince the Russians, who have an almost paranoiac regard for defense, that they have nothing to gain-and billions to lose-by attempting to upset the balance...
...nuclear weapons in space may also be ratified shortly. But agreement on the thorniest issue-anti-ballistic missiles-is a remoter prospect, though talks on the subject are scheduled to begin in Moscow soon. In the meantime, Russia is thought to be going ahead with plans to deploy an ABM system. As for the U.S., the Senate Armed Services Committee last week recommended that a multibillion dollar American ABM system be set up unless Russia agrees to drop its plans...
...Deterrence by Anti-Missiles" [Feb. 24] left unsaid what must have been a central consideration in the Soviets' decision to deploy an operational ABM system. Soviet planners cannot have escaped the realization that our growing fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines represents a challenge to their security entirely unmatched by their offensive or defensive arsenal. These submarines "on station" give the U.S. a guaranteed second-strike capability, a force in being that could reasonably be expected to survive the first blow and retaliate. I believe that the Soviets feel compelled to fashion some sort of "reply...
...matter what kind of ABM deterrent system a country may install, it will not deter an enemy bent on using nuclear weapons. All the belligerent nation need do is deposit nuclear explosives underwater off the coast of the target country, wait until the winds are just right, and detonate the weapon. The fallout will inflict the damage...