Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, National Security Affairs; Foreign Economic Policy, Volume I

330.11/9–2850

Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Lucius D. Battle, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State

confidential

[New York,] September 28, 1950.

Participants:	Mr. Gustav Rasmussen, Foreign Minister of Denmark
	Secretary Acheson
	Lucius D. Battle

In a conversation on several matters, Mr. Rasmussen mentioned an open letter from a Mr. Niels Bohr, a distinguished Danish scientist. He said that he had not understood all of the letter but felt the main point was that if the Western world would make some declaration of the sort suggested, it would be a step in the right direction. Mr. Acheson said that he had talked to Mr. Bohr and had studied his letter. He said he was not sure whether Mr. Bohr meant that we should make the offer knowing that it would be rejected and merely hoped for a favorable public reaction or whether Mr. Bohr really thought that the offer would result in the U.S.S.R. accepting and complying with it.

Mr. Rasmussen said he thought the U.S.S.R. would refuse and could not believe they would accept.

Mr. Acheson said he thought it possible the U.S.S.R. might accept but not comply with it. In fact, he said, he was convinced that they would not really comply. Mr. Acheson said he could see merit in the proposal if the idea were purely to show the world we were making a real effort to cooperate. He assured Mr. Rasmussen that we were studying the letter and had it very much in our thoughts.