Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Western European Security and Integration, Volume IV

182. Circular Telegram From the Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions¹

Washington, July 14, 1956—4 p.m.

29. Subject: Soviet Proposal for European Atomic Energy Agency.²

Dept has not yet received text subject proposal and following comments are preliminary based on press text.

If Dept queried regarding US Govt view of subject it will indicate skepticism re its merit and motive. Proposal in essence is one advanced by Sovs at ECE Plenary Geneva last April. European countries there represented decided set matter aside for time being and consider it next April. Principal reason for this decision was that work being done with a view to setting up an international atomic energy agency originally proposed by President Eisenhower and the subject also under active consideration other organizations. It was felt matter might be better evaluated at a later date though Govts were invited submit view to Executive Secretary ECE as soon as in position to do so. Sov representative at that time disclaimed any intention interfere with work being done elsewhere on subject peaceful uses atomic energy.

Only significant new element in proposal now put forward is denunciation Euratom in terms which completely misrepresent efforts being undertaken in that connection develop to maximum peaceful uses atomic energy. Such observations made at a time when Euratom under consideration in countries concerned suggests Soviet desire to interfere with that development rather than advance seriously international cooperation to gain advantages use atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

Consider subject primarily concern Europeans and initiative in reaction should basically be theirs. Evaluation above seems shared in London and Paris judging from preliminary reports. Additional views other European Govts expressing similar doubts if should become available will also be noted.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 840.1901/7–1456. Official Use Only. Drafted by Moline and approved by Joseph J. Wolf, NATO Adviser, RA. Sent to the diplomatic posts in the 6 ECSC countries, USRO, and the CSC Mission, as well as 14 other European posts.
2. At the Eleventh Session of the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), in April, the Soviet Union introduced a Draft Agreement on Economic Cooperation, which included proposals for a European Atomic Energy Agency. The Executive Secretary of the ECE circulated the Soviet proposals for comment on July 5. For additional information, see U.N. document E/2868, Economic Commission for Europe, Annual Report, 31 March 1955–21 April 1956.
3. The various Embassy replies to this circular telegram, which indicated that most European governments were in general agreement with the U.S. position, are in Department of State, Central Files, 840.1901.