600.0012/10–2551: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
2034. Department distribution on authority Secretary’s Office only. Deptel 2176 and 2177, Oct 24,1 contain only info I have received on project and as I may have to discuss it with a new Foreign Minister, feel I need more background. Following are some of the questions which occur to me
1. Purpose of proposal:
Is it intended as fresh approach to arms reduction problem with some hope of eventual success? Is it calculated only to elicit Soviet rejection thereby improving our propaganda position and taking wind out of sails of Soviet peace campaign? Is it intended as move in connection with Korean fighting (point two, Deptel 2177)? Prominent position this point early in text might give it unintended importance in relation to disarmament theme.
2. Previous conversations with British:
What are our reasons for opposing UK view that central point shld be specific proposal for a reduction for all armed forces to specified [Page 566] percentage of population, etc.? Did we agree with this British view in preliminary discussions?
3. Contemplated future steps:
If we do not accept British view that specific formula for disarmament be discussed now but at same time maintain that disclosure and verification program shld be integral part of system for regulation limitation and reduction (point four), what do we envisage as scope of any immediate negotiations which might result? Does not our statement that no progress on regulation, etc., program can be made while Korea fighting continues and international tensions are high (point two) open door to a Soviet proposal for reopening Palais Rose discussions or similar red herring move?
4. Re presentation to British and French, I am inclined to doubt advisability from tactical and psychological viewpoints of emphasizing at this stage our intention to go ahead with project whether or not British and French join with us even though it may later be thought best to do so. Would appreciate it if Ferguson cld visit here as well as Paris in order to give us above and additional background. If this impractical, please forward such background by telegram.
Meaning of para d of annex A not quite clear.
Sent Dept 2034, rptd info Paris 837 (eyes only Bruce and Bonsal).