Interview with Vladimir Semyonovich Semyonov, 1986

Vladimir Semyonov (Semenov) was the first Soviet Ambassador to East Germany, a Deputy Foreign Minister, and Chief Soviet Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) Negotiator, 1969-1972. He recounts why the USSR entered the SALT I talks and describes the atmosphere as difficult because the process represented the first time in history that such significant problems immediately related to each country's security were being directly addressed. But while the talks were sometimes "rough," there was a clear sense that both sides were genuinely seeking solutions, and the involvement of the highest levels of both governments ensured success, he says. On the other hand, SALT II involved "incomparably more complex" issues. He goes on to criticize the current U.S. administration's moves to increase its armaments, and also explains events such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan from the Soviet viewpoint. He acknowledges that the existence of the back channel during SALT I did not simplify things for the main negotiators. Among other points, he discusses the issue of SLBMs, the prospect of a third-country attack, and the concept of linkage to regional events such as the bombing of Cambodia. Asked about Zbigniew Brzezinski's comments that Soviet activities in the Horn of Africa might affect SALT II, he likens Brzezinski's remarks to a dog barking at the moon while the moon is unaware. Turning briefly to World War II, he recalls Joseph Stalin's reactions to Truman's revelation at Potsdam in 1945 about a new, powerful weapon: Stalin understood it as an attempt to gain leverage over the Soviet delegation, he says, and immediately ordered the acceleration of the Soviet nuclear program. Mr. Semyonov also recalls his reaction that the Hiroshima bomb represented a very dangerous step.