Atomic Energy files, lot 57 D 688, “IAEA Policies”
Memorandum of Conversation, by Philip J. Farley of the Office of the Consultant to the Secretary of State for Atomic Energy Affairs
- Subject:
- Planning for International Atomic Energy Agency
- Participants:
- Representative Sterling Cole, Chairman, JCAE
- Mr. Morehead Patterson
- Gerard Smith, S/AE
- Philip Farley, S/AE
- Edward Trapnell, AEC
Mr. Smith introduced Mr. Patterson as the individual who would head negotiations for establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Mr. Patterson reviewed briefly his experience as an industrialist and as U.S. Representative for recent Disarmament Commission meetings at London.
At Representative Cole’s request, Mr. Patterson and Mr. Smith discussed the status of planning and negotiations related to the Agency. It was pointed out that the negotiations were in an early stage and that many of the details of the organization and structure of the agency were as yet unresolved.
In the course of discussion of the contemplated arrangements for projects sponsored by the Agency, Mr. Smith referred to the tentative requirement that preparation of fuel elements and chemical processing of irradiated elements should be performed in this country. [Page 1524] Mr. Cole recognized the security considerations supporting this objective, but expressed some doubt that it would be feasible or politically acceptable to other countries. Mr. Smith said that the importance of not imposing any restrictions on foreign projects which might appear to indicate a U.S. desire to dominate the programs of other countries would be borne in mind in planning for the Agency.
Mr. Patterson expressed the view that, unless information now held under the restricted data category could be made available, the expectations of other nations would be disappointed. Mr. Trapnell said that this problem might be handled by declassification. Mr. Cole referred to the provision of Section 124 of the Revised Atomic Energy Act, that cooperation with the new Agency should be undertaken pursuant to agreements for cooperation under Section 123; he pointed out that Section 123 made provision for appropriate security safeguards and standards, and that declassification might not be the only alternative.
There was discussion of procedures to be followed in negotiating and ratifying the international arrangement establishing the Agency. Mr. Cole said that he would, of course, reserve his right to question any procedure or agreement when submitted. It appeared to him, however, that a procedure which might be consistent with the Act would be for the executive branch to negotiate an arrangement with other countries, discuss the draft arrangement with the Joint Committee, present it to the Congress for ratification, and then proceed to negotiate agreements for cooperation under Section 123 as a basis for actual implementation.
At the conclusion of the general discussion, Mr. Cole said that he personally viewed the proposed Agency as of great promise and importance, and that he hoped Mr. Patterson would come to the Joint Committee for assistance on problems that would arise. Mr. Patterson said that he appreciated this offer and would like to have an opportunity from time to time to discuss informally with Mr. Cole the progress of negotiations.