Editorial Note
As indicated in circular telegram 225, supra, President Eisenhower delivered his “Atoms for Peace” speech—as press accounts quickly named it—before the General Assembly of the United Nations late on the afternoon of December 8, 1953.
Work on the speech had proceeded nearly to the moment of delivery. A draft had been transmitted from the Bermuda Conference to Ambassador Lodge on the evening of December 7 in telegram Gadel 121 (600.0012/12–753), but according to Lewis L. Strauss, the President made major revisions in it on the Presidential airplane Columbine en route from Bermuda to New York. (Strauss, Men and Decisions, page 359) Eisenhower, without going into details, merely stated: “Finally, only minutes before delivery of the speech, the work was done.” (Eisenhower, Mandate for Change, page 253) President Eisenhower’s “Address Before the General Assembly of the United Nations on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, New York City, December 8, 1953,” is printed in Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953, pages 813–822.
The President’s speech generated a significant amount of comment and reaction. In telegram 2223 from Paris, December 9, Minister Achilles reported that he had sought to impress upon French officials, including Bidault, the “importance of France’s quickly picking up President’s initiative on atomic energy.” French reaction was favorable, “Bidault mentioning that he had already commented favorably to press on getting off plane and that he still had time to get ahead of Churchill before latter’s return. Bidault’s comment to press, however, was largely lost among his other remarks on Bermuda.” (600.0012/12–953) In telegram Delga 393 from New York, December 9, Lodge reported that Indian Ambassador V. K. Krishna Menon “called on me late last night urging desirability of a resolution following up President’s speech. I sought to discourage him in view need for reflection by various powers concerned. Today before plenary meeting he informed me that he had asked Malik (USSR) whether latter had any objections. Malik said he had no objection but that his delegation was without instructions.” (600.0012/12–953). In priority telegram 691 from Moscow, December 10, Bohlen reported, eyes only for the Secretary, that only a factual [Page 1292] summary of the President’s speech had so far appeared in the Soviet press. “It is possible that Molotov may send for me in next day or so to give privately Soviet reaction to President’s speech. If there are any particular points you would like stressed in event adverse Soviet reaction, this might be good opportunity. I would appreciate your advice.” (600.0012/12–1053) Dulles replied personally to Bohlen in priority telegram 362, December 10, that “if you have not gotten any official reaction from Molotov within 10 days’ time, you should approach him and inquire further. We will send you further instructions at that time but would like your suggestions. In reference to your question as to what points you might stress, I believe that the principal point to underscore is that this is an entirely sincere and serious proposal which we should like to develop as soon as possible.” (600.0012/12–1053) Bohlen acknowledged Dulles’ comments with thanks in priority telegram 693 from Moscow, December 11, adding: “I would imagine Molotov will send for me before too long since failure to do so would in effect be equivalent to blanket rejection without attempt to justify such action. Soviet press this morning by selecting excerpts from foreign press, especially Communist, continues to reflect cool and skeptical attitude towards President’s proposal.” (600.0012/12–1153) The telegrams to the Department commenting upon foreign reaction to the President’s “Atoms for Peace” proposal are in file 600.0012.