The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: The Extent of Détente up to 1979 - the SALT Talks - Vladivostok and Carter's Proposals Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Vladivostok Summit?
A
- 23-24 November 1974
2
Q
Which leaders were in power at the time of the Vladivostok Summit?
A
- US President, Gerald Ford
- US chief negotiator, Henry Kissinger
- USSR leader, Leonid Brezhnev
3
Q
What was agreed at the Vladivostok Summit?
A
- Framework for ten-year plan for future SALT II treaty
- Equal limit of 2400 for ICBMs, SLBMs and heavy bombers
- Limit to missiles with MIRVs
- had no legal backing though
4
Q
What disagreements were there at the Vladivostok Summit?
A
- USSR wanted limit on air-to-surface missiles to mean that it applied to ballistic and cruise missiles, US only wanted limit on ballistic missiles
- US made new proposals (still under Ford) after domestic opposition to high levels of weapons being retained
- Brezhnev rejected new proposals
- chance of smooth transition to SLAT II slimmer
5
Q
What did US politicians think of the agreements made at the Vladivostok Summit?
A
- Many believed the USSR had higher gains
- Some argued that both sides still retained high number of weapons
- Despite this, Congress passed resolutions supporting Vladivostok in February 1975
6
Q
When did Congress pass resolutions supporting the Vladivostok agreements?
A
- February 1975
7
Q
Who replaced Gerald Ford and when?
A
- Jimmy Carter
- January 1977
8
Q
What did Carter aim to do?
A
- Aimed to establish a more ambitious arms reduction programme for SALT II than one agreed at in Vladivostok
9
Q
When did Carter reveal new proposals to the Soviets?
A
- 28 March 1977
10
Q
What were Carter’s new proposals?
A
- Reduce strategic systems (ICBMs, SLBMs and heavy bombers) from 2400 to 1800-2000
- Reduce number of launchers for missiles with MIRVs from around 1300 to 1100
- Ban on development, testing and deployment of new ICBMs
11
Q
How did Brezhnev react to Carter’s new proposals?
A
- Rejected proposals
- Proposals demanded disproportionate reduction in USSR forces compared to US
- Believed Vladivostok agreements were binding
- Believed Carter was acting unilaterally and moving away from détente
12
Q
What significance did the Vladivostok Summit have in progressing the SALT talks?
A
- Vladivostok Summit reached a framework for a ten-year plan
- Seen as preliminary move towards future SALT II treaty
- Disagreements meant there would not be a smooth transition from Vladivostok to SALT II
