IO Files: US/A/C.1/86
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Charles W. Yost, Adviser, United States Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly
In response to a question as to how he felt the Assembly session is going in general, Mr. Gromyko replied that it is too early to say. He declared that the most important subject before the General Assembly is the reduction of armaments and that it is not yet clear whether effective action will be taken on this matter. He said that this is a question which concerns primarily the United States and the Soviet Union and that the responsibility rests with these two countries to take effective steps. He said that he considered it most important that [Page 1080] these two countries attempt to harmonize their attitudes toward this question. I replied that I was certain that we would be very happy to hear any suggestions which the Soviet Delegation might have for harmonizing our policies on this matter. Mr. Gromyko replied that he too would be happy to hear any suggestions which the United States Delegation might have with this end in view. He emphasized that he did not believe there is any sharp difference between the United States and the Soviet position as now stated. He indicated that the Soviet Delegation is very carefully studying our proposal.
Mr. Gromyko inquired whether the United States saw any objection to tying in the machinery for the reduction and control of armaments closely with the Security Council. I replied that it would seem logical that any general plan for the reduction and control of armaments should be drawn up by the Security Council, the Military Staff Committee or some other body under the immediate control of the Council and that adoption of the final plan should be subject to the unanimity principle. I added, however, that we are concerned that whatever executive control or inspection body may be established by the plan shall be able to carry out inspections whenever and wherever it feels necessary without being subject to a veto of any kind. I pointed out that while we attach great importance to this matter, there is some question as to the extent to which it need be spelled out in the resolution to be adopted by the Assembly at this time.