WASHINGTON -- A group of 17 retired senior military officers is urging U.S. President Bill Clinton not to sign an agreement to notify Russia 24 hours in advance of all U.S. space launches.
In a letter to Clinton dated Dec. 11, the officers said the agreement is inconsistent with the president’s own policy that calls for unimpeded access to space and the ability to defend against space-based threats.
The reciprocal agreement would make it difficult for the Pentagon to pursue and employ new rockets that can be launched on short notice, according to the letter.
"Operational security and counterintelligence considerations, as well as 21st-century military doctrines calling for routine and expeditious space-launch capabilities, strongly argue against our assuming such obligations," the letter states.
Retired U.S. Navy Adm. William Houser, who served as deputy chief of naval operations for air warfare, said he joined former Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army leaders in signing the letter because the agreement would place unnecessary restrictions on the U.S. military. "We have a good record that shows we are trustworthy, and that we don’t do things to frighten people or bully them," he said.
The letter also urged that Clinton’s successor, President-elect George W. Bush, also refrain from signing any launch-notification agreement.
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