The Russians didn't keep the doomsday machine secret to improve its effectiveness. The Russian ambassador says: "It was to be announced at the Party congress o

The Russians didn't keep the doomsday machine secret to improve its effectiveness. The Russian ambassador says: "It was to be announced at the Party congress on Monday. As you know, the Premier loves surprises." You don't want to announce that you are building the machine before it comes online, because that gives the adversary an incentive to strike before it is finished; you want to bring it online and then make the announcement shortly after.