Earthquake in Armenia

Two headlines in The Times offer an interesting possibility for us to take a constructive step in the direction of improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union (Part I, Dec. 12).

The first headline speaks of the need to refurbish our nuclear-weapons production facilities at a cost of $80 billion, while the second informs us of the massive devastation wrought by the earthquake in Armenia (a devastation which would pale in comparison to that which would occur if one nuclear weapon were exploded in any civilized area).

If Congress decides to appropriate these funds for the nuclear plants, why not begin work one year later than planned? The production schedule could remain the same, and the one-year delay will not leave us defenseless, as we still have about 25,000 nuclear weapons squirreled away for a rainy day.

What will this gain us? One year’s interest, which on $80 billion at the current T-bill rate of 8% works out to more than $6 billion! Send this money to be used to help rebuild Armenia! The good will engendered would undoubtedly help make the world far safer for America than an updated nuclear arsenal.

If this has the expected salutary effect, we might consider deferring the construction of the plants for another year, and using the interest for some other worthwhile project. In fact, with any luck,the nuclear-weapons production facilities might never have to be rebuilt.

J.D. STEIN JR.

Marina del Rey