These agreements set limits on how many anti-ballistic missiles (which could destroy incoming ballistic missiles) and strategic launchers each country could have. These negotiations were signed by President Jimmy Carter in Vienna on June 18, 1979, and were submitted to the U.S. Senate. Shortly after, however, President Carter removed them from Senate consideration when tensions were renewed. These talks showed the gradual decrease in tension between the Soviets and the Americans, and indicated that the two powers were on the path to mutual cooperation.