600.0012/10–2451: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
2417. No distribution. For Amb and Bonsal.2 In preparation for forthcoming GA we have been considering some initiative by Western Powers in field of regulation and control of armaments. As result these studies, President on October 23 approved series of proposals for presentation to GA. These embodied in next following tel.3
We believe it highly desirable that if agreement can be reached, such proposals be put forward jointly by US, UK and Fr. We have in mind that short identical statements might be issued by the three Govts on about Nov 7. This statement may be amplified for US public by President at time of issuance. More detailed statement of proposals as set forth in reftel would then be made in opening speeches of Acheson and other two FonMins at GA.
Earlier this month some preliminary consultations were held in Wash on this problem with UK Reps. However, US position as set forth in reftel is significant departure from previous discussions with British and may not be acceptable to them. A principal element in UK thinking has been necessity for propaganda purposes of presenting as the central point, a specific proposal for disarmament which would involve the reduction of all armed forces to a specified percentage of population, and restriction of national production for military purposes to specified percentage of national product. US cannot agree to this and in reftel all reference to specific percentage is omitted and principal emphasis is placed on system of disclosure and verification of armaments as indispensable first step.
[Page 559]Final US position being given UK Emb here 5 pm Oct 24. No immediate action necessary by AmEmb London but ForOff may raise problem with Amb.
Amb Bruce pls transmit contents reftel to Schuman personally soonest. Pls express regret that we have not been able approach Fr this matter sooner but point out Presidential approval obtained only Oct 23. Pls express our view that if agreement can be obtained we think it highly preferable for proposals to be presented jointly by Fr, UK and US. You may state matter therefore also being raised with UK (without disclosing previous preliminary US–UK consultations). In discussing proposal with Schuman suggest you make clear, as we are with UK Emb here, that tripartite agreement on text of proposals in reftel and text short identical statements would not preclude each Del in course GA discussion making additional points of detail or varying emphasis. Pls make clear to Schuman, as we have with UK Emb here, that if either UK or Fr unable join, we wld probably prefer proceed by ourselves in presentation to GA.
UK are informing their Amb in Paris. Amb Bruce pls advise ur UK colleague at time ur initial approach to Schuman, but do not delay ur approach if this impracticable. John Ferguson, Dep Dir Planning Staff arriving Paris Friday4 for few days to give you further background and assist with Fr as desired. Howard Meyers, departmental officer assigned to USGADel also arriving Friday to assist you. Pls do not discuss subject with other officers USGADel or Emb at present.