Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volumes VII, VIII, IX, Arms Control; National Security Policy; Foreign Economic Policy, Microfiche Supplement

16. Circular telegram 2042 to certain diplomatic missions, June 17¹

June 17, 1961, 4:11 p.m.

On June 19 at first meeting bilateral disarmament talks with Soviets, US will propose Ten Nation Committee be doubled to include India, Japan, Pakistan from Asia; Tunisia, UAR, Nigeria from ME and Africa; Mexico, Brazil, Argentina from LA; Sweden from Europe in addition to present Ten (US, UK, France, Canada, Italy, USSR, Poland, Rumania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia).

Underlying rationale is that if present composition Ten Nation Committee is to be broadened, as USSR has suggested, additional members should be more nearly representative world at large and not rpt not selected on basis sole criterion neutrality, which would tend imply additional countries would be acting en bloc as arbiter between East and West. We believe neutrals themselves would not wish be placed in embarrassing position. U.S. recognizes wide spread interest disarmament problem throughout world and, therefore, believes it most appropriate to invite most significant countries from different geographic areas of the world outside NATO and Sov bloc to participate in future disarmament negotiations.

Request action addresses approach appropriate level Foreign Office June 19 to inform them along lines expressing hope invitation will be accepted if Sovs agree our proposal.

FYI. Sovs may not agree this proposal or may engage in horse trading as regards individual countries. However, we consider important and necessary that countries we proposing be informed. END FYI.

Rusk

1. U.S. proposals for bilateral disarmament talks with Soviets. Confidential. 2 pp. Department of State, Central Files, 600.0012/6–1761.