HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06041985 - 2.4 12"Y
IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
In the Matter of )
RESOLUTION NO. 85/287
Creation of a United States/ )
Soviet Crisis Control Center )
WHEREAS, an increasing number of scenarios including mis-
judgment , miscalculation, misunderstanding, possession of
nuclear arms by a terrorist group or a state-sponsored threat , could
precipitate a sudden increase in tensions and the risk of a nuclear
confrontation between the United States and the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics (Soviet Union) , situations that neither side anti-
cipated , intended , or desired; and
WHEREAS, the current communication links represent equipment
of the 1960's and as such are relatively outdated and limited in their
capabilities; and
WHEREAS , President Reagan , responding to Congressional ini-
tiatives , proposed the establishment of additional and improved com-
munication links between the United States and the Soviet Union and
other measures to reduce the risk of nuclear confrontations and has
initiated discussions at a working level with the Soviet Union covering
the following:
(a) The addition of a high-speed facsimile capability to the
direct communication link (hotline) ;
(b) The creation of a joint military communication link bet-
ween the United States Department of Defense and the Soviet Union
Defense Ministry;
(c) The establishment by the governments of the United States
and the Soviet Union of high-rate data communication links between each
nation and its embassy in the other nation' s capital; and
WHEREAS, United States Senators Sam Nunn (D-Georgia) , John
Warner (R-Virginia) , and Bill Bradley (D-New Jersey) sponsored an
amendment to the 1985 Department of Defense Authorization proposing the
establishment of United States and Soviet Union Crisis Control Centers ,
which was adopted by the United States-Senate by a vote ..of 82-0; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of crisis control centers in
Washington and Moscow could reduce the risk of increased tensions and
nuclear confrontations and accidental nuclear war , thereby enhancing
the security of both the United States and the Soviet Union; and
WHEREAS, these centers could serve a variety of functions
including the following:
(a) Discussing procedures to be followed in the event of
possible incidents involving the use of nuclear weapons by third
parties;
(b) Maintaining close contact during nuclear threats or inci-
dents precipitated by third parties;
(c) Exchanging information on a voluntary basis concerning
events that might lead to the acquisition of nuclear weapons ,
materials , or equipment by subnational groups;
(d) Exchanging information about military activities of the
United States and the Soviet Union which might be misunderstood by the
other party during periods of mounting tensions;
(e) Establishing a dialogue about nuclear doctrines , forces ,
and activities; and
Resolution No . 85/287
WHEREAS, the continuing and routine implementation of these
various activities could be facilitated by the establishment within
each government of facilities , organizations , and bureaucratic rela-
tionships designated for these purposes , such as risk reduction cen-
ters , and by the appointment of individuals responsible to the
respective head-of-state with responsibilites to manage these centers;
and
WHEREAS, the establishment of crisis control centers would ,
by reducing the risk of accidental nuclear war , promote the public
health and safety of every Californian, in each of our cities and
counties; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of these United States and Soviet
Union Joint Crisis Control Centers is more likely to occur upon a
showing of broad public support for them;
Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Board
Supervisors , County of Contra Costa, commends the President for
his announced support for these confidence-building measures and for
his initiation of negotiations which have occurred , and urges the
President to pursue negotiations of these measures with the government
of the Soviet Union , and to add to these negotiations the establishment
of crisis control centers in both nations .
Be it further RESOLVED that Contra Costa County supports and
endorses the establishment of United States and Soviet Union Crisis
Control Centers .
Be it further RESOLVED that Contra Costa County encourages
all citizens to enlist themselves , their families , friends , neighbors ,
and colleagues in this endeavor to show the President and Congress that
there is broad public support for the establishment of crisis control
centers .
Be it also RESOLVED , that copies of this resolution be
transmitted to the President of the United States , to the Speaker of
the House of Representatives , and to each Senator and Representative
from California in the Congress of the United States .
PASSED by the Board of Supervisors on June 4, 1985 by
unanimous vote of the Board members present .
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct
copy of an order entered on the minutes of said Board of Supervisors
on the date aforesaid .
Witness my hand and the Seal of the
Board of Supervisors affixed this
L_ day of , 1955,5--
PHIL
9 ,5:PHIL BATCHELOR , Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors and County Administrator
Bys Deputy Clerk
c/c: President Reagan
California Congressional Representatives
Speaker of the House
Beyond War
County Administrator
County Counsel
Board Members
Resolution No . 85/287