SFO-V GUIDANCE-003: U.S.-PROPOSED DRAFT START

S E C R E T STATE 099072 SIPDIS, GENEVA FOR JCIC E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2019 TAGS: KACT KTIA PARM START US RS SUBJECT: SFO-V GUIDANCE-003: U.S.-PROPOSED DRAFT START FOLLOW-ON ELIMINATION PROTOCOL (2 OF 2) Classified By: Jerry A. Taylor, Director, VCI/SI. Reasons: 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 5 below. ¶2. (S) BACKGROUND: On August 25, 2009, U.S. Embassy Moscow provided to the Russian Federation the text of the U.S.-proposed Draft START Follow-on Treaty Articles, which was discussed initially during the August 31-September 3 session in Geneva. This cable contains the U.S.-proposed draft of the START Follow-on Treaty Elimination Protocol. ¶3. (S) This is cable 2 of 2 cables. This cable contains Section VII through Section VIII of the U.S.-proposed Draft Elimination Protocol. Addressees should note that, due to the length of the draft, the text was sent using multiple cables. ¶4. (S) GUIDANCE: Delegation should provide a copy, including the courtesy Russian language translation, of the U.S.-proposed draft Elimination Protocol to the Russian Delegation and, as time permits, explain the U.S. positions on the Protocol. Delegation should encourage Russian questions and reaction to the U.S. text, and seek to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. ¶5. (U) ACTION REQUEST: Embassy Moscow is requested to combine the texts of the U.S.-proposed draft Elimination Protocol contained in the associated cables into one document and provide a courtesy copy of that text to appropriate host government officials. Embassy Moscow should explain that the U.S. Delegation in Geneva provided the Russian Delegation a paper and electronic copy of the text as well as a courtesy Russian-language translation of the text. Embassy Moscow is requested to confirm delivery of the text, the name and office of the official to whom it was delivered, the date of delivery, and any comment or reaction provided at that time. ¶6. (S/Releasable to the Russian Federation) Begin text: VII. Other Procedures for Removal from Accountability ¶1. ICBMs for mobile launchers of ICBMs, their launch canisters, silo launchers of ICBMs, mobile launchers of ICBMs, mobile training launchers, fixed structures for mobile launchers of ICBMs, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers shall cease to be subject to the limitations provided for in the Treaty after the completion of the procedures provided for in paragraph 2, 3, 6, or 8 of this Section, as applicable. ¶2. Accidental loss: (a) If, in the judgment of the Party possessing an item subject to limitations provided for in the Treaty, that item is lost as a result of an accident; notification thereof shall be provided in accordance with paragraph 3 of Section I of the Notification Protocol. (b) The item shall cease to be subject to the limitations provided for in the Treaty as of the date or assumed date of the accidental loss specified in such a notification. ¶3. Disablement beyond repair: (a) If, in the judgment of the Party possessing an item accountable under the provisions of the Treaty, that item is disabled beyond repair, notification thereof shall be provided in accordance with paragraph 3 of Section I of the Notification Protocol. (b) The disabled item shall be eliminated at the site of disablement, or at an elimination facility, in accordance with applicable procedures provided for in this Protocol, including inspection. ¶4. Procedures provided for in paragraph 5 of this Section shall be used to eliminate, as a result of static display, ICBMs, SLBMs, launch canisters, ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers. ¶5. Static display: (a) Prior to being placed on static display, an item referred to in paragraph 4 of this Section shall be rendered inoperable and unusable so that it cannot be used for purposes inconsistent with the Treaty. (b) Upon completion of the requirements in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, an item to be placed on static display, except for silo launchers of ICBMs, shall be transported to a location where it could be inspected. Notification thereof shall be provided in accordance with paragraph 4 of Section IV of the Notification Protocol. (c) A Party shall have the right, within the 30-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the notification provided in accordance with subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, to conduct an inspection of such an item. (d) If an inspection is conducted, the inspection team leader and a member of the in-country escort shall confirm in a factual written report, containing the results of the inspection team's observation of the item specified for static display, that the inspection team has completed its inspection. This report shall be completed in accordance with Section XV of the Inspection Protocol. (e) Upon completion of the inspection provided for in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph, or, if an inspection was not conducted, upon expiration of the 30-day period, and after the item to be placed on static display, except for silo launchers of ICBMs, has been transported to and installed at its static display location, it shall be considered to be on static display and shall cease to be subject to the limitations provided for in the Treaty. Notification thereof shall be provided in accordance with paragraph 3 of Section I of the Notification Protocol. ¶6. Ground trainers: (a) Procedures for eliminating heavy bombers to be used as ground trainers: (i) At least one third of each wing or the entire vertical stabilizer of the heavy bomber shall be removed; and (ii) Notification thereof shall be provided in accordance with paragraph 3 of Section I of the Notification Protocol. (b) Upon the completion of the elimination process, the ground trainer shall remain visible to national technical means of verification for a 60-day period. VIII. Procedures for Elimination of Facilities ¶1. The completion of elimination of declared facilities shall be subject to verification by national technical means of verification. ¶2. Any declared facility shall be considered to be eliminated for the purposes of the Treaty as soon as all strategic offensive arms specified for such a facility, and all support equipment (support equipment includes, but is not limited to, ICBM emplacement equipment, training models of missiles, transporter-loaders of mobile ICBMs, storage cranes, launch-associated support vehicles, and driver training vehicles),have been removed and all silo launchers and fixed structures for mobile launchers of ICBMs are eliminated in accordance with the procedures provided for in this Protocol. Notification thereof shall be provided in accordance with paragraph 3 of Section I of the Notification Protocol. This Protocol is an integral part of the Treaty and shall enter into force on the date of entry into force of the Treaty and shall remain in force so long as the Treaty remains in force. As provided for in subparagraph (b) of Article XIII of the Treaty, the Parties may agree upon such additional measures as may be necessary to improve the viability and effectiveness of the Treaty. The Parties agree that, if it becomes necessary to make changes in this Protocol that do not affect substantive rights or obligations under the Treaty, they shall use the Bilateral Consultative Commission to reach agreement on such changes, without resorting to the procedure for making amendments set forth in Article XVI of the Treaty. Done at XXXXX on XXXXX, in two originals, each in the English and Russian languages, both texts being equally authentic. FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: FOR THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: End text. CLINTON