Uncertain Times Ahead D+24 (2 August, 1987) 2200-2359 Zulu

2205 Zulu– In Moscow consolidation efforts continued in the shadows of major emergency services and civil defense operations in the vicinity of what remained of the Kremlin and Lubyanka. Even the consolidation efforts were limited and dependent upon radiological readings. At the present time the areas giving off the highest readings were predictably those around the impact points of the W86 warheads. Nevertheless, a wave of concern and even panic was gripping many neighborhoods of the Soviet capital. Even though the warheads used were of considerably low yield, the blast was felt by thousands of people and the two mushroom clouds in the sky left little doubt as to what had happened. Power and communications were down across almost the entire city as many citizens wondered frantically if the Soviet government had survived and just what would happen next.

2230 Zulu– It was just after midnight in West Germany. While rescue operations were continuing in I NL Corps area, and thousands of Soviet troops continued to surrender to US, British and West German forces west of Helmstedt, new rules of engagement were being transmitted to NATO army group and corps commanders. Unless NATO forces were fired upon or in imminent danger, they were not to engage Soviet forces. Many rumors were circulating by this time about a possible ceasefire being arranged for the next day.

2245 Zulu– The Czechoslovakian government reaffirms the departure of Czechoslovakia from the Warsaw Pact, along with its declaration of neutrality. Fifteen minutes later the East German and Hungarian governments issue separate statements that announce their withdrawals from the Warsaw Pact once hostilities are formally concluded.

2301 Zulu– Preparations for the meeting between General John Galvin (SACEUR) and Marshal Boris Snetkov are agreed upon and finalized. It will take place at 0700 Hours Zulu the next morning at the headquarters of the 1^st Cavalry Division outside of Braunschweig, FRG.

2320 Zulu– The Soviet Union was a centralized beast in almost every way and form. In the absence of orders from above, military commanders, chekists and party apparatchiks alike were reluctant to take the initiative themselves. As a result, senior officials and military officers sat on their hands and awaited word from their seniors. In places such as the Baltic States and Armenia, the hesitance would help bring about unrest and volatility in the coming days.

2355 Zulu– President Reagan initiates communications with his British counterpart and the two leaders discuss the situation. Thatcher is relieved that the situation did not escalate to a new exchange of nuclear weapons between East and West. She warns against any premature celebrating. The war has not come to a full conclusion just yet. “The danger has dissipated, but we are not entirely through the woods just yet. The coming hours and days could prove to be critical.”