468. Telegram Secto 67 From Herter at Geneva1
Secto 67. Secretary met with Lloyd (U.K.) today re Soviet refusal technical discussions capabilities detection and identification seismic events and technical criteria for inspections. Following is approved summary conversation: Lloyd mentioned three points: (1) Whether we should continue to press Gromyko on acceptance technical talks as requested in discussion with him; (2) whether we should agree to technical discussions on high altitude alone, and (3) extent of further discussions nuclear testing at Foreign Minister level during this conference.
Secretary stated Gromyko owes us an explanation because in discussion on May 14, he seemed to go quite far toward accepting wide-range technical talks.
With respect to high altitude alone, Secretary stated he did not think we should accept at this time. Secretary and Lloyd agreed that there should be no extensive talks with Gromyko on nuclear testing during Foreign Minister’s conference. Secretary pointed out that it could be Gromyko’s intention to use minor concessions on testing during Foreign Minister conference as basis necessary progress for summit.
Lloyd briefly discussed status U.S.–U.K. positions outstanding issues. It was agreed much work remains to be done by both U.S.–U.K. staffs in developing respective positions and in developing jointly-agreed positions outstanding issues. It was agreed Secretary would approach Gromyko for meeting at noon May 19 to again seek agreement for technical talks high altitude, capabilities detection and identification seismic events and technical criteria for inspections. It was agreed that if Gromyko accepts, U.S.–U.K. scientists should meet London or Washington several days before technical talks with U.S.S.R.
- Source: Account of talk with Lloyd on Soviet refusal of technical discussions on seismic detection, criteria for inspections. Secret. 1 p. NARA, RG 59, Central Files, 396.1–GE/5–1859.↩