418. Record of Telephone Conversation Between John Foster Dulles and Farley1

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Sec read proposed cable to Wadsworth to F. F. said he had two comments. (1) the Soviets did table their list of the subjects on which they wanted a vote by unanimity of the 3 powers. There were 6 or 8 items, no real surprises. They wanted it on all major decisions. (2) it was a close thing as to whether Wadsworth’s judgment was right, that it might leave them the excuse we were stalling. Sec said he did not know about the Soviet list, does it provide for veto power on all major issues? Sec asked why that had not been played up. F. said it happened the last [Typeset Page 1552] thing on Friday; F. hoped they would hammer on that from now on. Sec said it gave us a good position to force the issue. F. said the only remaining question was the one raised in the Sec’s cable—has he made an explicit promise re the duration article. Sec said he would like to be informed about the business of the veto power in the control council. F. said he would get it to him first thing Monday morning. F. said it covered any decision to send in inspection team, find a state in violation, appointment of principal staff. F. said they really have a double veto, because there is also veto by the one who is to be inspected.

  1. Source: Soviet veto proposal in nuclear testing suspension talks. No classification marking. 1 p. Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations.