The memo notes the earlier meeting to discuss the JIC report and that “the Prime Minister said that officials should urgently consider how to approach the Americans on the question of possible Soviet misapprehensions about a surprise NATO attack”. Preliminary discussions had been held on “the unusual Soviet reactions to Able Archer 83”. The discussion […]
Tag: FOI Request
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Able Archer 83 Document E14 Paper date stamped 8 May 1984 by Ministry of Defence Intelligence Staff: ‘Soviet Union: Concern about a surprise NATO attack’
This paper considers options for minimising the risk of Soviet misinterpretation of NATO command post exercises, particularly nuclear ones and was prepared “in the context of an unprecedented Soviet reaction to Able Archer 83 and other reports of alleged concern about a surprise NATO attack”. It examines the advantages and disadvantages of prior notification of […]
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Able Archer 83 Document E13 Undated note from the Deputy Under Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Defence: ‘Soviet Union: concern about a surprise NATO attack’.
The note advises on the line the Secretary of State for Defence might take at the meeting on 4 April 1984 to discuss the JIC report. It says that “Heightened Soviet concern about the possibility of a surprise NATO attack would of course be a very proper cause of concern for Western governments. But it […]
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Able Archer 83 Document E12 Memo from the Private Secretary, 10 Downing Street, 10 April 1984: ‘Soviet concern about a surprise NATO attack’
Refers to a meeting on 10 April 1984 attended by the Prime Minister, the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, the Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Robert Armstrong, ‘C’, and one other person to discuss what action should be taken about the conclusions of the Joint Intelligence Committee report. The Prime Minister had said that: “We […]
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Able Archer 83 Document E10 Draft minute from Cabinet Secretary Sir Robert Armstrong (undated): ‘Soviet Union: Concern about a Surprise NATO Attack’
Refers to a meeting scheduled to take place on 4 April 1984 to discuss “action which might be taken with the United States on the evidence of Soviet concern about recent military exercises” set out in the JIC paper, and suggests that the Prime Minister may wish to see further information before the meeting. Evidence […]
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Able Archer 83 Document E9 Undated note from Defence Secretariat 171 with comments on the draft JIC paper.
Expresses concerns that the paper relies primarily on [content redacted]. Suggests modifications to the paper to suggest that information “may reflect concern in the Soviet Union that the West might initiate a nuclear war and that this might be done through a surprise attack under cover of an exercise” and says “We have [redacted] of […]
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Able Archer 83 Document E7Annex to paper dated 28 March 1984 from Defence Policy Secretariat (Nuclear) proposing amendments to a note by the Deputy Under Secretary (Policy) to the Secretary of State.
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Able Archer 83 Document E4 Loose minute dated 21 March 1984 from Defence Policy Secretariat (Nuclear) Team 2 with comments on the draft JIC paper.
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Able Archer 83 Document E3:Note from the Assistant Under Secretary of Defence Staff dated 21 March 1984: ‘JIC paper on Soviet Union concern about a surprise NATO attack’
Notes that the scope of the JIC paper has widened during its preparation from discussing reactions to Exercise Able Archer to Soviet Union concern about a surprise NATO attack. Raises two policy issues for consideration: – The issue of perceived Soviet reactions and concerns about Western intentions which is “clearly extremely important: The inference to […]
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Able Archer 83 Document E2: Note from Ministry of Defence official dated 20 March 1984.
Refers to the third draft of the JIC report reference JIC(84)(N)45 and notes that the paper has been returned for action twice by the JIC. Requests further comments from within MoD.
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Appeal response from MoD 211212 re Able Archer 83
Peter Burt (1.11.2013)
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AWE personnel secondees to Hunting-BRAE
In response to an FOI request by Rob Evans, Defence Procurement Agency provided part of AWE company manual that detailed which personnel are seconded to Hunting-BRAE and their responsibilities. The list of secondees include Chief Executives and all members of the Executive Committee, other senior management positions including financial control, facility managers for Cat 4 and 5 facilities handling radioactive materials and down to senior shift managers.