November 1, 1965

Dr. Donald F. Hornig

Office of Sclence and Technology
Executive Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20506

Dear Don:

May I offer a thought, perhaps unconventional, about NIKE-X, stimulated by
this month's Fortune.

I tend to favor it, notwithstanding the arms race implications, I view it
as inconsequential against concerted attack from the USSR. But it seens &
necessary precaution (1) against “accidental” attack and (2) to prevent a
dangerous amplification of the threat from China during a possibly long
interval when they have some bombs but not a massive capability. These
hazards are the main destabilizers in the present standoff.

But for this to work we need better communications with the Russians. Would

we really lose so muchiif we gave them an anti-ballistic-missile system on
a silver platter? In face this would seem to me a worthwhile quéd pro quo
for mutual inspection under a system for control of offensive weapons.

I would be foolish to expect a detailed reply, but would be interested whether

I am just wasting time with such a comment.

Sincerely yours,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics

‘y'¢ (-1LAY OH