18 April 1969: Transcript from U.S. Embassy, Ottawa - Nixon Safeguard Press Conference

American thinking on the Safeguard issue is distilled in this transcript of a press conference. When asked about the controversial ABM issue, President Nixon explained his justification for pursuing the Safeguard system. He specifically claimed that Soviet SS-9 and nuclear capabilities were higher than the U.S. estimated when it had proposed the Sentinel system in 1967. Therefore, Safeguard was essential to avoid “falling into a second-class or inferior position vis a vis the Soviet Union.” The President also stated that the other major reason for pursuing the system was the need to defend against the Chinese Communists, who were predicted to have a significant nuclear capability by 1973-1974.