Originally Posted by
Pontius Navigator
Regarding the letter of last resort, of course we don't know what anyu of them actually said. May might say No and Cbin might say Yes.
Then there is the question of chain of command. According to Hennessey the AOCinC Bomber Command was empowered to launch the V-Force in the event of loss of contact with the PM. Of course once scrambled the Force then had to get a release authorisation; with SLBC launch implies release.
However is it possible that CinC Fleet could release in similar circumstances? Does he also have a letter of last resort?
The elephant however is what constitutes last resort. Loss of comms alone is not proof positive of nuclear strike. First use, at sea, is not proof either.
Perhaps they will listen out for Radio 4 PN?
