SALT+II+-+12-13

**Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT II)**
Strategic Arms Limitations Talks II agreements were signed by President Carter and Leonid Brezhnev, the Soviet leader. These agreements, signed in Vienna in June 1979, made people hopeful for a safer world as limitations on arsenals were placed. The negotiations began in November 1972 and the primary purpose of the talks was to replace the Interim Agreement with more specific limits on weapons. The United States and the Soviet Union showed disagreements initially. Through continued talks and negotiations, two sides built a framework in November 1974. President Ford and Secretary Brezhnev agreed to limit numbers of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles and MIRV systems, ban construction of ISBM launchers and limit new types of strategic offensive arms. Despite the framework built, two sides had fundamental disagreements regarding many issues such as cruise missiles, Backfire and new systems. Between the negotiations, the U.S. administration changed. President Carter and Secretary Brezhnev agreed on another framework that included prior framework, protocol that covers disputed issues and guidelines for further negotiations. On June 18, 1979, President Carter and Secretary Brezhnev signed the complete SALT II agreement. Despite the agreement, the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan halted the ratification of the treaty and President Reagan declared that the Soviet Union has violated the treaty. President Reagan, however, did not increase the strategic offensive forces and called for mutual restraint.
 * Description of the Event**




 * "Major Players"**
 * The United States** and **the Soviet Union** were two sides of the agreements.
 * President Ford** and **Secretary Brezhnev** established the basic framework of the treaty in 1974.
 * President Carter** continued to negotiate the limitations and finally signed the treaty in 1979.
 * President Reagan** followed the treaty regardless of the Soviet Union's aggression and called for mutual restraint.

November 1972: Beginning of the negotiations. November 1974: Vladivostok Accord, framework to SALT II Treaty between President Ford and Secretary Brezhnev. March 1977: The United States made proposal to lower the ceilings of limitations; the Soviet Union rejected. June 18, 1979: The Treaty is signed. January 3, 1980: President Carter asked the Senate to delay the ratification as the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. May 1982: President Reagan announced that he will not undercut the treaty.
 * Dates**

Despite the limitations placed on the numbers of strategic offensive arms on mutual agreement, the Soviet Union did not comply to the SALT II agreements and to follow the framework according to President Reagan. From the Soviet Union's invasion into Afghanistan, the United States halted the ratification of the treaty, yet it announced that it will follow the guideline set by the treaty as long as the Soviet Union shows equal restraints. President Reagan stated that he has no intention of increasing the strategic offensive forces without significant threat posed to the United States. Furthermore, he announced that he will not deploy more warheads and vehicles than the Soviet Union; the United States wanted to create the environment where the reduction of weapons can be made. However, it matched the Soviet Union's arsenal to protect the nation from the potential threat.
 * Outcome**

The SALT II agreements limited the strategic weapons in the United States and the Soviet Union; therefore, it increased the hope for safer world. Although the SALT II agreements became a unratified treaty, it showed potential mutual restraints and agreements on less usage of nuclear weapons. However, two sides distrusted each other and the Soviet Union did not follow the treaty continuing the Cold War. The United States matched the Soviet Union's arsenal status limiting the increasing mistrust and tension between the two sides.
 * Impact on the Cold War**




 * Bibliography**

The Department of State, "Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms." Accessed April 9, 2013. http://www.state.gov/www/global/arms/treaties/salt2-1.html.

Vienna, "Summit meeting 1979 – SALT II treaty." Accessed April 9, 2013. http://www.wien-vienna.com/index.php?ID=1863.

Blackbourn, Nick. "breznhev and carter SALT II cartoon." Last modified 2013. Accessed April 9, 2013. http://thesovietthreat.nickblackbourn.com/salt-ii-negotiations-in-a-climate-of-distrust-and-technological-change/breznhev-and-carter-salt-ii/.