D709 3/16/2/3 - File: `Dual key' - Nov 1982-Nov 1983

File of papers concerning proposals that deployment of cruise missiles in the United Kingdom should be controlled by some form of `dual key' mechanism [by which a weapon can only be physically launched by two or more operators], including:

Summary:

File of papers concerning proposals that deployment of cruise missiles in the United Kingdom should be controlled by some form of `dual key' mechanism [by which a weapon can only be physically launched by two or more operators], including:

  • Correspondence between David Owen and Margaret Thatcher, Dec 1982-Mar 1983, and between David Owen and Secretary of State for Defence Michael Heseltine, Nov 1983, discussing the `dual key' system
  • Material concerning previous UK nuclear missile system, Thor and the `dual key' mechanism controlling it; including correspondence concerning possible faults in the system, Feb 1983; briefing notes and reference information
  • Transcript of David Owen's speech to the Westminster SDP 13 Dec 1982 Parliament to Decide write in campaign to MPs urging people to write to their MPs asking Parliament to decide before Dec 1983 `if US nuclear warheads for the Cruise missiles are to be allowed to come to Britain' and William Rodgers letter expressing concern at the speech, 14 Dec 1982.
Date:Nov 1982-Nov 1983
Reference Number:D709 3/16/2/3