PODCAST: WikiLeaks, New START, Harming Friends

David Weinberger / February 10, 2011

Great Britain has been a stalwart ally and friend to the United States, helping us save the world in World Wars I and II, and the Cold War, and is currently helping in our fight against implacable Islamism. Our connection goes deep, which is why the most recent revelation from WikiLeaks is such a blow to our relationship, and further evidence that Heritage was right about its concerns regarding New START.

It has been revealed that New START, in addition to requiring traditional information (the number and type of items transferred; the date of transfer; and the location of transfer), requires that the unique identifier – serial numbers of missiles – and location of the transferred missiles (note, not where the transfer takes place, as has historically been required, but where the missiles are deployed) must be provided.

This is a departure from requirements of earlier nuclear arms control treaties, notably the 1991 START Treaty. (more…)