A SECOND SPY STORY

The KGB dusts the doorhandles of Western embassies in Moscow (and possibly the steering wheels and seats of cars) with a chemical called NPPD to track diplomats and the persons they come in contact with. The chemical, said the State Department, is a possible health hazard, for it may be carcinogenic and mutagenic. It is sending an EPA team to Moscow to investigate. No details.

But the State Department said it was a chemical. Yes; all powders are. It didn't say it was chemically carcinogenic. And what's carcinogenic and mutagenic? Ask Harvey Wasserman. But would the State Department cover up for the Soviets? Oh yes, it would: just as in the days of Cyrus Vance, before the Soviets even got a chance to say a word about the spy powder, Shultz's State Department already made excuses for them. It was concerned that "zealous KGB agents could be overstepping their bounds without the knowledge of higher Soviet authorities."

And when the Soviets announced the big eyewash of having two of their power reactors inspected to show the whole world they are not making nuclear bombs in their power plants (nor in their sewing thimbles), the State Department called a special news conference (8/6) to announce that "We are very pleased that the Soviet Union has agreed to open two of its..." etc.

But radiological toxins are far less potent carcinogens than chemical ones. Not in public perception (see editorial); and that is all that counts in diplomacy and politics. Using something as horrid as radioactive tracers might make the public very angry, and that might, God forbid, spoil the November summit.

Speculation? Yes; and it may turn out to be quite wrong when the State Department reveals more facts (is it keeping the composition of the Soviet powder secret from the Soviets?). With the sparse facts available now, including Shultz's record of wonderful speeches and dismaying actions (or lack of them), that is the simplest theory that fits them.