Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VIII, Public Diplomacy, 1969–1972

70. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Eliot) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Washington, February 5, 1970

SUBJECT

• US–USSR Exchanges Negotiations

As the Secretary informed the President on January 22, negotiations for renewal of the US–USSR Exchanges Agreement began January 29.²

By now, most provisions have been agreed satisfactorily. This includes restoration of normal levels in educational and performing arts exchanges; introduction of the category “Man and His Environment” and of a new provision for exchanges of lecturers; and continuation of all other programs.

The Soviets have, however, informed us today that they are prepared to reach agreement on the important exhibit exchange only if we meet two points which they have raised. Specifically, they will accept an exchange of one exhibit in six cities (as before) for up to four weeks in each city (changed from three to four weeks). Based upon our experience under the last agreement, this represents a potential 15% increase in exposure. However, they insist upon our accepting some language in the new agreement dealing with (1) jubilee celebrations and (2) diploma equivalency. The latter can most likely be dealt with by language which is harmless. The former, which is undoubtedly related to Soviet commemoration this year of the Lenin centenary, is probably important to the Soviets for two reasons. First, they fear that we might take actions critical of the Lenin celebration. Second, they may hope that an agreement provision would prove useful in their efforts to drum up support for commemorations outside the communist world.

We have already told the Soviets that we, as a government, have no means or intention to inhibit activities related to the Lenin centenary, whether or not the Soviets would regard them as hostile. On the other hand, we have pointed out, we will take no official action which we would regard as hostile or inappropriate. They have, nevertheless, flatly stated that they want some language in the agreement if they are to concede on the exhibit program.

We are prepared to offer the following, noncommittal language: “The Parties note that commemorative activities may take place in their countries in connection with jubilee celebrations recognized by international bodies.”

Alternatively, we might tell the Soviets that we cannot agree to any language on the subject. Unless they are bluffing, this will suspend the negotiations and we will either face a break or will have to concede the point at a later meeting.

We believe that the language which we plan to offer would not likely cause us serious embarrassment under foreseeable circumstances.

We will be meeting with the chairman of the Soviet delegation at 11 A.M. Friday, February 6.³

Theodore L. Eliot, Jr.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, EDX 4 US–USSR. Confidential. Drafted by Wortzel.
2. Reference is to the “Agreement Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on Exchanges in the Scientific, Technical, Educational, Cultural and Other Fields in 1970–1971.” In a January 22 memorandum to the President, Rogers indicated that the negotiations on the agreement would take place in Washington beginning January 29 and that the United States and Soviet Union had exchanged draft texts. After noting several significant differences in the drafts, concerning exhibits, educational exchanges, and scientific and technical exchanges, Rogers stated: “Indications are that the negotiations will be carried on in an atmosphere notably better than on some occasions in the past. Specifically, earlier Soviet references to Viet-Nam or other political issues as a hindrance to fruitful exchanges are not likely to be repeated. Given a suitable atmosphere, we intend to encourage the Soviets to look toward new activities, such as cooperative research, which will deepen the exposure of their people to American society.” (Ibid.) Additional documentation on the negotiations is ibid.
3. On February 10 in Washington, D.C., U.S. and Soviet representatives signed the agreement. For the text of the agreement, in addition to the Department’s announcement concerning the signing and the contents of the agreement, see Department of State Bulletin, March 2, 1970, pp. 260–266. See also United States Treaties and Other International Agreements, vol. 21, part 2, 1970, pp. 1205–1225.