232.2 (1982-1983 [2]

Files in this series were created from 1980 through 1994. Materials include memos, notes, correspondence, reports, itineraries, press clippings, and journal articles. Much of this series focuses on aspects of the Cold War, including the nuclear arms race, treaties such as SALT II and INF, NATO, chemical warfare, and a wide variety of conventional and nuclear weapons systems like the B1 Bomber, MX Missile, and the Strategic Defense Initiative. Many files refer to annual defense authorization bills and discuss the readiness and strength of the U.S. military and its rising costs. Other subjects concern the Soviet Union, including various summits; Soviet emmigration; human rights; cultural exchange programs, especially those named after Samantha Smith; and the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new independent countries, particularly the Baltic nations.

This series also contains information on the United States' involvement in the Nicaraguan civil war and other Latin American affairs. Files concerning the diversion of funds to the Contra rebels in Nicaragua from arms sales to the Iranians are found in the Iran-Contra Affair series. Other material concerns the Middle East, particularly terrorism and Arab-Israeli relations. There are several files on Lebanon relating to its civil war, invasion by Israel, U.S. and allied troops on peace-keeping missions, and American hostages. This series also has files on Africa, particularly on apartheid in South Africa and efforts by the international community to stop it through an economic embargo. Other subjects include the search for MIAs and POWs in southeast Asia, international trade, especially with the Soviet Union and Japan, and the conflict in Northern Ireland. Other files on the conflict are in the Northern Ireland record group.

Many files contain briefings of meetings Mitchell had with a wide range of foreign dignitaries and itineraries of official trips Mitchell took to other nations. Other files contain background information on individual countries. The are several files on Maine interest groups, such as Maine chapters of Amnesty International, weighing in on foreign affairs issues. Some files contain information on cruise missile testing and Ground Wave Emergency Network towers (GWEN) in Maine (additional files on GWEN towers are in the Commerce Series). Throughout this series there are files concerning the Departments of Defense and State, all branches of the military, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Additional files concerning the development of the armed forces are in the Maine Defense Bases and Industries series.

Most of series in this series were created and maintained by Michael Hastings, Sarah Sewall, and Robert Carolla. Some files were created and maintained by Heidi Bonner. Additional files were created by Robert Fitts, Robert Hathaway, Chris Deering, Anita Jensen, and Scott Harris. Robert Rozen created some files in this series concerning trade. Most of the files on trade are in the Trade series. Many of the files concerning foreign affairs and strategic defense created during the 1990s are in the Majority Leader series.