Office of the Historian

437. Telegram Supnu 328 From Geneva1

Geneva, March 10, 1959, 6 p.m.
[Facsimile Page 1]

Supnu 328. Eyes only for Herter from Wadsworth.

Attitude of SovDel continues be most friendly and inclined be confidential. In three separate conversations this afternoon after plenary session following points raised and indications made.

1.
Tsarapkin approached me and brought up subject of headquarters staffing in most friendly and cooperative way, after which he inquired concerning US plans for tabling further articles and virtually admitted he had no instructions for definite action. Also welcomed idea [Typeset Page 1593] no meeting tomorrow, although I carefully did not bring up subject in form of US proposal. He admitted to both Sir Michael Wright and me that about all he was prepared to do in immediate future was to “sit and listen”.
2.
Vorontsov approached Stelle and indicated same general lack of instructions for constructive activity; jocularly suggested that US and UK get together and resolve their differences; gave indication Sov Del appreciated and sympathized US Del would have to await Macmillan trip Washington before major issues could be decided.
3.
Akalovsky overheard Usachev (Sov Del) approach Narayanan (Secretariat) with question re “Easter vacation” plans. Narayanan replied that of course usual procedure Secretariat would be to take off Good Friday and Easter Monday, whereupon Usachev said [Facsimile Page 2] something about starting Easter vacation on or about the 20th March. Narayanan then noted that this would give Secretariat chance to catch up fully on final version verbatims prior to return after recess.

These additional straws in wind reinforce US Del’s conviction that Sov Del definitely stalling for time and would not be averse either drastic reduction in number of plenary meetings or outright recess of considerable length over Easter. They are obviously just “going through motions” and asking questions in order kill time during sessions.

Villard
  1. Source: Further indications Soviets would agree to a recess. Secret. 2 pp. NARA, RG 59, Central Files, 700.5611/3–1059.↩