108. Memorandum by the Secretary of State1

I read Mr. Merchant’s memorandum on US Policy towards proposed European Atomic Pool.2 I have also read Mr. Smith’s dissent from Mr. Merchant’s recommendations.3

I agree with recommendations (1) and (2). I agree with (3a), with emphasis on “assist Belgium”. I do not think we should pressure Belgium.

With reference to (3b), I do not think we should use delay as a means of coercion. I do not think we should rush these other bilateral arrangements but should go ahead in an orderly way with the understanding that if the pool is agreed upon, we should treat them in the same way as we treat the Belgian agreement.

JFD
  1. Source: Department of State, RA Files: Lot 58 D 374, Atomic Energy Integration. Secret.
  2. Document 105.
  3. Document 106.