511.00/12–2153: Circular telegram
The Director of the United States Information Agency (Streibert) to Certain Diplomatic Posts1
Usito 180. InfoGuide: Soviet Response to President’s UNGA Speech. This is joint State–Defense–USIA message. The US is pleased that the Soviet Union has indicated willingness to participate [Page 1761] in the private conversations called for by the President in his December eighth UNGA speech.2
With regard to USSR counterproposal for simultaneous discussion of ban on atomic weapons, it should be emphasized that the President’s proposals were not intended to solve all the complex problems in the vast disarmament field. Quite to the contrary, the President made plain at the conclusion of his speech, that his plan was intended to encourage development of most effective peaceful uses of fissionable material; begin to diminish potential destructive power of world’s atomic stockpiles; show all peoples that great powers were interested primarily in human aspirations rather than building up armaments; and finally open new channel for peaceful discussion and new approach toward peaceful settlements.
Because it obviously not in US interest to give currency to propaganda points which comprise the bulk of Soviet statement, we do not stress, comment on, or rebut points concerning Big Five Meeting, Red Chinese UN membership, and elements of Soviet propaganda position on disarmament, etc.
Pending further guidance and official statements, we should use Soviet statement mainly as peg for reviewing President’s proposal, stressing potential benefits to mankind thereof, and reaffirming American determination to make utmost effort to carry proposal forward.