427. Memorandum From Eisenhower to Herter1
I attach a copy of a message have just received from Harold Macmillan. Since he is now in Moscow, I am uncertain as to whether or not he expects an answer, particularly in view of the closing sentence of his message.
The message seems to be ambiguous. Mr. Macmillan speaks of his readiness to accept something less than “perfect control.” Both Foster and I have already indicated that we do not press for an elaboration of the mechanics of an inspectional system so that we could be sure that any nuclear explosion, no matter how small its size nor where exploded, could be detected. But we are insistent that such stations as are agreed upon be allowed to function without interference from the government in those territory the stations are set up. In any agreement to which we would be a party, we cannot countenance a veto [Typeset Page 1577] either in the establishment of the detection system or in the carrying out of procedures and examinations authorized by the agreed plan.
We have already agreed that the cessation of tests need not be connected with any feature of disarmament, but we must be quite clear that our arrangements must operate so effectively that they give to each side the assurance that the inspections will be freely and honestly carried out and in accordance with the agreed plan.
If you believe that we should send anything to Macmillan while he is still in Moscow, please let me know.
- Source: Comments on Macmillan message on nuclear test suspension negotiations. No classification marking. 1 p. Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Diary Series.↩