Moscow's Promising Offer

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On Capitol Hill there is some sentiment for limiting SDI appropriations. That lingering skepticism found new support last week in a study published by the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment. The 325-page report on missile defenses concluded that SDI would not produce an effective shield for U.S. population centers. While Star Wars weaponry could protect missile sites to a considerable extent, actual deployment on both sides, unless governed by a Soviet-American treaty, might increase the temptation of one nation to strike first. "There is great uncertainty," the analysts said, "about the strategic situation that would arise."

Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, in an interview with TIME, said of the congressional study, "Wrong, just plain wrong." Now one of SDI's most fervent supporters in the Administration, Weinberger said the findings assume that SDI systems would be vulnerable to saturation attacks by an aggressor, like the 1970-vintage antiballistic missile. "But," Weinberger insisted, "we're talking about a totally different strategic defense, which cannot be overwhelmed simply by the addition of more numbers."

Not everyone in the Administration, however, shares Weinberger's--and Reagan's--unalloyed enthusiasm for Star Wars. The latest Soviet offer could have the effect of strengthening the faction inside the Administration that still hopes to obtain an important arms agreement. Reagan wants that as well, if he can somehow reconcile that goal with his desire for an effective defense against nuclear attack.

Last week's development could prove to be a step in that direction. It could also enlarge the pot at the summit poker game. Before November, Shevardnadze said, "We have quite a lot of things to do ahead of us, and we'll meet frequently with you." Without question, the summit's prologue last week was a tantalizing start to that progression.