The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: the Extent of Détente up to 1979 - the SALT Talks, SALT I

Question 1

What does SALT stand for?

Answer 1

• Strategic Arms Limitations Talks

Question 2

When did the first SALT occur?

Answer 2

• 26 May 1972

Question 3

What were the names of the treaties and agreements made at SALT I?

Answer 3

• The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

- The Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms

Question 4

What agreements were made under the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?

Answer 4

• Limited USSR and US to 2 fields of ABMs, each with a limit of 100 missiles
• 1 field could be set up around a capital city and 1 other to protect Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) sites

Question 5

What was the significance of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?

Answer 5

• Reduced strategic value of ABMs so no competition to develop ABM defence technology
• Regarded as a fundamental contribution to preventing nuclear war and mutually destructive conflict

Question 6

What agreements were made under the Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms?

Answer 6

• Established freeze on strategic missiles: ICBMs, SLBMs and strategic bombers
• Agreement valid for five years (until 1977)
• No limits on newly developing technology e.g Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs)
• No limits on cruise missile systems

Question 7

How many ICBMs, SLBMs and strategic bombers were the US and USSR allowed under the Interim Agreement on Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (SALT I)?

Answer 7

• Around 1000 ICBMs for US and 1600 for USSR
• Around 650 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) for US and 740 for USSR
• 450 strategic bombers for US and 140 for USSR

Question 8

What was the significance of the SALT I talks?

Answer 8

• Opened way for era of negotiation and détente rather than confrontation
• US nuclear dominance ended and both of equal status