344. Telegram 661 From London1
661. Re nuclear tests suspension (Moscow’s 248 to Department, rptd London 51):
Embassy wishes voice its strong support for comment reftel that it is urgent for U.S. to decide next steps on assumption Geneva Experts Conference will be sufficiently successful shortly to make it advisable [Typeset Page 1394] be able act quickly in presenting U.S. and Western views on test suspension shortly after conclusion Geneva Conference. British position remains that last communicated by Lloyd to Secretary: i.e. that they would wish await results Geneva Conference before deciding on next steps. Nevertheless, Embassy has strong impression that UK is seeking lead from U.S. and, indeed, would welcome this plus indication how to deal with French in most helpful yet firm fashion. Because of strong public opinion pressures in UK for progress on disarmament and also some form test suspension under adequate safeguards, HMG rpt HMG may well be pushed by its public opinion to act rapidly once Geneva Conference terminated. FonOff clearly believes next 10 days will demonstrate at Geneva how anxious Soviets are to obtain agreement on feasible control system, and to demonstrate this interest through accepting reasonable monitoring system consistent with West’s security. Nevertheless, working level FonOff also appears believe there will be great pressures on UK arising both from final reports on Geneva Conference and from report of U.N. Radiation Committee.
[Facsimile Page 2]Embassy would welcome any indications Department’s thinking.
- Source: Embassy support for Geneva and Moscow recommendation that U.S. prepare for next steps in disarmament talks. Confidential. 2 pp. NARA, RG 59, Central Files, 700.5611/7–3058.↩