WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. GOVERNOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 GOVERNOR CLEMENTS' POSITION ON THE M-X MISSILE SYSTEM Dear This is to inform you that I have received the petition you and many others recently signed opposing the possible location of the M-X missile system within the borders of Texas. As you may know, I have followed the planning and development of this system virtually since its incep- tion. My position against basing the M-X missile system in Texas has been a matter of record for some time. As early as April, in answer to ques- tions at a capitol news conference, I stated that I opposed Texas being considered as a possible site for the missile system. At subsequent news conferences, I have had the opportunity to reiterate this position. More importantly, however, I know that the Department of Defense is not seriously considering a West Texas or New Mexico location for any portion of the M-X system. This was confirmed again in discussions as recent as July 29 when New Mexico Governor Bruce King and I met in Santa Fe with Mr. William J. Perry, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. At that meeting, Undersecretary Perry indicated that preliminary studies conducted by the Department of Defense showed that locating the entire system in Nevada and Utah was the best alternative. I agree that the location of the system in Nevada and Utah would be operationally more efficient and cost several billion dollars less. Regarding the M-X missile system itself, I must state my serious concern about the false starts and undue delays that have beset this program. The basic concept of making a mobile system out of the 'I-X missile is not cost-effective, and the years of indecision on this issue by the Carter administration have severely eroded this nation's strategic capability. I am deeply concerned about what has happened to the M-X system and believe that immediate steps should be taken by the Depart- ment of Defense to correct this situation and bring about early deploy- ment. I sincerely appreciate your sharing your views with me. Sincerely, .?, William P. Clements, Jr. Governor of Texas rh •
