CONFIDENTIAL
Ministers have decided to accept one NSS in the UK and 2 in dependent territories. But we may later acc more if this proves to be an essential price for the key US/UK objective of an adequate NSS network in the USSR.
3.
After a careful examination of political, logistic and technical considerations, we have identified the following territories, on a contingency basis, as possible sites for an NSS: British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat, Ascension Island, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, British Antarctic Territory, South Georgia and Anguilla.
4.
The exact design of NSS is still under negotiation. As currently envisaged, an NSS will consist of a package of seismometers and electronic equipment buried in contact with rock at the bottom of a borehole 18 centimetres in diameter and 100 metres in depth. The instrumentation in the bore- hole will be connected to recording and data transmitting systems on the surface. Signals from the seismometers will be transmitted continuously (probably by satellite) to data centres in Washington, Moscow and London. The power will come from a' diesel generator with a fuel supply adequate for a number of months. All the equipment will be supplied from the UK. If satellite transmission is used, a small transmitting dish aerial will be needed. The total site area would not be more than 100 square metres.
5.
NSS on British territory would be owned by HMG who would be responsible for their operation. They would not be continuously manned. Soviet personnel, accompanied by UK personnel, might take part in the selection of a precise site. They would also have the right to be present for the installation of the seismometers and electronic equipment and whenever inspection, repair and maintenance of the equipment were necessary (perhaps once a year).
ACTION
6.
We should welcome your comments by the end of February, if possible, on the feasibility of establishing an NSS on your territory The
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