Presidential Directive (P.D.) 59

Abstract

Nuclear weapons have been available to the United States since 1945, and to the USSR since 1949. Particularly in the years since 1960 the academic and analytical journal literature has contained literally many hundreds of papers dealing with the subjects of nuclear 'deterrence', 'mutual assured destruction', etc. For the most part, these papers have demonstrated a pervasive and thorough ignorance of the actual state of planning regarding the potential use of these weapons. If anything, that segment of the research community most interested in arms control has shown itself to be particularly poorly informed, and most resistant to giving up its misconceptions. These critics sought the maintenance of a fictional status quo. Ironically critics on the 'right' who have consistently sought increased strategic nuclear war-fighting policies have falsely portrayed the official policies in exactly the same way so as to press for changes.

The following paper is designed to provide official information regarding US nuclear weapon targeting in the hope of redressing this pervasive misunderstanding. The paper can only deal with the nuclear targeting policy of the United States. The paper is intended to do no more than to provide this information, in the hope of setting the record straight.

It demonstrates that at least since 1960, US nuclear weapon targeting has always been primarily counter-military — 'counterforce' — and not directed in the first instance against the cities of the USSR. These military targets have always and primarily been the nuclear weapon systems of the USSR, including hardened missile silos as these were developed by the USSR.