START FOLLOW-ON NEGOTIATIONS, GENEVA (SFO-GVA-VI):

S E C R E T GENEVA 000993

SIPDIS

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/21/2019
TAGS: KACT MARR PARM PREL RS US START
SUBJECT: START FOLLOW-ON NEGOTIATIONS, GENEVA (SFO-GVA-VI):
(S) REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE 008 CHANGE IN CONVERSION OR
ELIMINATION WINDOW FROM 20 DAYS TO 30 DAYS

REF: A. STATE 107748 (SFO-VI-GUIDANCE-001)

B. GENEVA 0944 (SFO-GVA-VI-014)

Classified By: A/S Rose E. Gottemoeller, United States
START Negotiator. Reasons: 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (U) This is SFO-GVA-VI-053. Request for Guidance -- 008.

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SUMMARY AND GUIDANCE REQUESTED
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2. (S) Current U.S. guidance (Ref A) directs the use of a
20-day inspection window, that is, the inspecting Party is
allotted 20 days to carry out an inspection following the
completion of the conversion or elimination process. No
inspections are permitted after expiration of the specified
inspection window. The Russian Delegation has presented a
proposal to use a standardized 30-day inspection window after
either side conducts an applicable conversion or elimination.
(Ref B) Delegation recommends acceptance of the Russian
proposal for a 30-day inspection window for applicable
conversion and elimination procedures. Background and
analysis are in paragraphs 3-6. Delegation recommendation is
in paragraph 7.

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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
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3. (S) The U.S.-proposed Conversion or Elimination Protocol
establishes inspection windows for many conversion and
elimination procedures. For example, such windows are set
forth for inspections associated with the verification by NTM
of the elimination of several items such as silo launchers of
ICBMs, SLBM launchers, and SOA-related facilities, and for
the verification of conversions of heavy bombers and SLBM
launchers.


4. (S) Current guidance states "For inspections to confirm
the completion of elimination and conversion procedures,
delegation should standardize the U.S. proposal to a 20-day
inspection window in all cases."


5. (S) In their initial and subsequent proposals, the
Russian side has called for a standard 30-day inspection
window following the completion of most conversion or
elimination processes (Ref B).


6. (S) Delegation believes the change from 20 days to 30
days would provide greater flexibility in bringing U.S.
assets to bear to inspect the results of conversions and
eliminations conducted by Russia and would not produce
negative effects on current U.S conversion or elimination
practices.

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RECOMMENDATIONS
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7. (S) Delegation recommends Washington provide
authorization to accept the Russian proposal for specifying a
standard 30-day inspection window following the conversion or


elimination of SOA other than mobile ICBMs and mobile ICBM
launchers. Delegation recommends not adopting at this time an
inspection window for the elimination of mobile ICBMs and
their launchers pending reaching agreement regarding the
procedures for these items.

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GUIDANCE REQUESTED
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8. (S) Delegation requests Washington approve the use of a
standardized 30-day inspection/verification window for
conversion or elimination of SOA except ICBMs for mobile
launchers of ICBMs and mobile launchers of ICBMs.


9. (U) Ries sends
GRIFFITHS