396.1 GE/4–2954: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Department of State
eyes only
Dulte 24. Eyes only for Acting Secretary from Secretary. I received from Eden on April 28 the following note:1
“My Dear Foster: I was much interested in your statement at the restricted meeting of NATO about the thinking of the United States Government on the use of nuclear weapons.2
As you then said, many considerations besides purely military ones must be taken into account in deciding in any given case whether or not there is a balance of advantage in using them, and, if so, where.
We had some talk about this at Bermuda and I hope that we may soon be able to resume those talks. But meanwhile, you know our strongly held views on the need for consultation before any decision is taken.
In addition I think that it should be useful if we had some further word while we are in Geneva on what we talked about in London. I shall also be grateful if you will let me have a copy here of Molotov’s note of yesterday, which I understood you to say concerned the President’s proposals for peaceful uses of atomic energy.
Yours ever, Anthony.”
On April 29, I handed Eden the following answer:
“Dear Anthony: I have your note of April 28. I share your hope that we can carry on in Geneva our talk in London.
I enclose herewith a copy of our unofficial translation of Molotov’s note of April 27. It is rather disheartening.
Sincerely Yours, Foster.”