600.0012/10–1554: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations1
secret
priority
priority
Washington, October 20, 1954—7:32
p.m.
Gadel 56. For Ambassador Lodge. Re: Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy (Delga 108, October 15.):2
- 1.
- Thank you for suggestions contained reftel. Points you raise have previously, for most part, been considered. For example, a suggestion similar to your idea of setting up UN Committee composed of all or some of states now negotiating on international agency and having GA ask them continue negotiations was rejected by Secretary because it would bring UN too closely into picture in establishing agency and thus would be contrary to position taken by NSC. Our apprehension re active GA role in creation international agency was previously voiced Gadel 47, October 15.3
- 2.
- Re international scientific conference, our position is dictated by logic of situation. Secretary did not wish GA interfere in any way with our efforts establish international agency, nor did he believe there should be any action on our part other than reporting history of negotiations. He realized this would not be sufficient stem tide of GA desire “do something” about peaceful uses atomic energy. Since US had previously, on President’s authority, declared we would call international scientific conference, most logical step appeared be conference called under UN auspices thus enabling take concrete action demonstrating desire advance peaceful uses of atom. This conference will deal with technical matters, not with negotiations for agency or other political matters, and was not intended in and of itself to fulfill President’s proposals of December 8. Questions involving this conference, its scope and participants were discussed at length in Europe this past summer by Dr. Rabi, Chairman General Advisory Cmte to AEC, with leading British, Canadian, and French scientists, who also happen to be ranking Government officials concerned with atomic energy programs. On the basis these discussions, scientific conference would not be unwieldly or theoretical, and scientists would be responsible to governments since all but very few would be Government representatives. As for representatives from Iron Curtain countries, way in which we are proposing conference be organized should enable us substantially minimize wrecking activities you think this group may seek carry out. On other hand, truly international conference should include representatives from behind Iron Curtain, and fact we are proposing this should demonstrate our sincere desire that peaceful benefits of atomic energy be available to all, thus indicating positive and affirmative leadership inherent in President’s universal approach to peaceful uses. This particularly true since scientific conference is only one element of our program, other parts being creation international agency and interim activities made possible by recent changes in US Atomic Energy Act. As for role of UNSYG in conference, we believe arrangements will be effectively controlled by us or governments most closely associated with us, since SYG can only act upon advice of advisory committee of nations suggested in draft resolution attached to position paper.
- 3.
- So far as offering tangible inducements to smaller undeveloped countries is concerned, it is believed course presently contemplated, including interim assistance activities, is adequate meet this issue since we will state in our presentation that views of other states will be solicited at earliest opportunity after greater crystallization ideas of states presently negotiating on agency. However, we recognize force your argument and suggest it might be possible in your [Page 1542] speech to say that US and we are sure other states now negotiating would welcome comments, expressions of views, etc.
Hoover