Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, National Security Affairs, Volume II, Part 2

600.0012/1–2054

Draft Memorandum by the Secretary of State¹

top secret

[Washington,] January 20, 1954.

The preliminary procedural exchanges of views between the United States and the U.S.S.R. have indicated the following:

(1) It is mutually agreeable that the discussions should continue through diplomatic channels subject to the possibility of transfer of the discussions to the UN, if this later seems desirable.

(2) That the diplomatic discussions should take place in Washington with the possibility of meetings elsewhere, if this seems suitable.

(3) That the next phase of the discussions should be a talk between Mr. Dulles and Mr. Molotov at Berlin.

(4) The participation of other countries after initial procedural matters have been dealt with has not been decided nor has there been any discussion by name of possible participants.

(5) The Soviets suggest a rotating (i.e. alternating meetings for the discussion of the President’s proposal and the Soviet proposal of Dec. 21) consideration of their proposal and the Eisenhower proposal. The United States has not commented on this.

(6) It is agreed that confidential treatment would best serve for the time being, and that the negotiations should not be used for propaganda purposes by either side.

1. An attached note indicates that this memorandum was dictated by the Secretary of State to serve as a basis for discussion with the Belgians and the French. A copy initialed by Secretary Dulles is in Eisenhower Library, Dulles papers, “Atomic Weapons”.