LETTER TO ADMIRAL STANSFIELD TURNER FROM ROBIN L. BEARD

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M00165A001700120014-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 13, 2006
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: February 1, 1978
• Content Type: LETTER

SAMV ^ S. STRAT4
"fs 4Al pMAM
RONALD V. DELLUMS, CAI
MENDEL J. DAVIS. S.C.
LUCIEN N. NEOZI. MICH.
BILL NICHOS, ALA.
ROSIN L. BEARD..TENN.
DAVID C. TREEN. LA.
ROBERT W. DANIEL. JR.. VA.
ROBERT E. BADHAM. CALIF.
L33Y r(AYaURN I1WsC VFFICE flUILDINU
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20315
225-4221. GOVENNMexr CODE 180. ExT. 422
Admiral Stansfield Turner
Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
From your recent appearance before the Committee, you
could tell that we-are-particularly- interested -in the growing
asymmetries in UPS:-Soviet?ICBM-'capabilities.
lea-numberof quest ions exist---pursuant-to.. the
assessments and---assumptions-underlying-.your presentation before
the Committee on the strategic balance, -we-were.. particularly
concerned-that you did not consider anything'-particularly- sig-
nificant aboutthe testsconducted with the, SS-19-late -last-year.
As you pointed out, one ICBM flight test does not necessarily
immediately. translate into an operational capability. However,
the tests conducted.-.with..:the--SS-18: and. the. SS-19 would indicate
that--the Soviets-have successfully developed a new guidance system
that can-be'- by--their entire ICBM force
structure.- This, --in combination with- the new- bus :? for-the.-SS-13
and--the--new separation technique for that-bus,,.in our view, points
out the-fact -thatt-the U.S-:`wi1l.- need ~---to. revise-its. accuracy- pro--
jections-_.of- Soviet-.ICBM's--in- the- early 1980s;.. if not before.
-Since-you-.?failed-.to address. the implications of the tests
conducted. .with..the-SS-19,-we would appreciate.. your providing this
assessment, and the necessary revisions you- feel! we need to make
in terms-of our'-projections for Soviet ICB?4'accuracy, in writing so
that it can be made available to members of the Committee.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Approved For Release 2006/12/15: CIA-RDP80M00165A001700120014-9
? 0
ZI . IIouze of epre2;entatibe5
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
JOHN F. LA1.LY
CODUSEL,
A.nnrovind For Release 2006/12/15: CIA-RDP80M00165AO01700120014-9
 e ease 2006/12/15: CIA-RDP80MOO165AO01700120014-9
TRA~4SMITTAL SLIP DATE
` 10 Feb. 1978
TO:
Mr. Stoertz, NIO/SP
ROOM NO.
BUILDING
REMARKS:
FROM: E C I
ROOM NO. { BUILDING
EXTENSION
It RM H505 WHICHREPLACES FORM 36 MAY BE USE-8D.