600.0012/2–954
The Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Key) to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge)1
Dear Cabot: With regard to your letter of February 92 and the rejoinder to Vyshinsky on agreements not to use atomic weapons, I would like to suggest one slight technical change to emphasize an international control system rather than an “international inspection system”. As you know, the concept of effective international control of atomic energy involves more than inspection, and I think it would be advisable to indicate this in your reply. Consequently, I would suggest that your rejoinder be somewhat as follows:
“I am delighted to assure the Soviet Representative that, of course, we will not use atomic weapons or any other weapon for aggression or for any other violation of our Charter obligations for that matter. I hope that he will indicate his willingness immediately to have his country join in working out a disarmament program which will, among other things, eliminate atomic weapons as a result of an effective control system which would apply in his country or in my country or in any other country. While we are glad to agree that we will not use the atomic weapon or any other weapon for aggression or in violation of our Charter obligations, I would point out to him that we wish to go further—that what we seek is an agreement on an effective disarmament program, not merely an agreement to give up the use of a particular weapon while continuing to stockpile it.”
Sincerely,