This is to confirm our telephone conversation of today regarding the
review of U.S. disarmament policy. In accordance with our conversation,
I am sending herewith a copy of the terms of reference which the
President has approved.
As I told you, this study is of the utmost importance to us, as we will
most certainly be involved in one way or another in arms control and
limitations negotiations with the Russians in the not too distant
future. Such negotiations would, of course, be in addition to the
current negotiations in Geneva on the suspension of nuclear testing.
I cannot express too strongly the hope that you will find it possible to
undertake the undertaken the general direction of this important review
of our disarmament policy and devote such time to it as your commitments
will permit.
Attachment
[Facsimile Page 2]
TESTS OF REFERENCE FOR DISARMAMENT
POLICY REVIEW
An urgent study should be undertaken jointly by the Departments of
State and Defense to review and make recommendations regarding
United States disarmament policy.
The basic question to be considered is whether there are
comprehensive or partial measures of arms control and reduction
which would contribute to the achievement of our national security
objectives.
In considering this question, existing detailed United States
disarmament policy and positions should be reviewed. These positions
were last systematically formulated in 1957 and only relatively
minor modifications have been made since that time. The last
proposals for comprehensive disarmament were advanced by the United
States in 1955.
In reviewing existing policy and making recommendations, such
questions as the following should be considered:
- 1.
- The extent to which specific measures of arms control and
reduction might contribute to our national security
objectives.
- 2.
- What comprehensive arms reduction arrangements might be in
the interest of the United States and the possibilities
(including the technical feasibility) of achieving such a
comprehensive arrangement through single or multiphased
agreements.
- 3.
- What limited or partial arms control or reduction measures
(including regional measures) might be in the interest of
the United States, the timing and technical feasibility of
such measures, and their interrelationship with each other
and with a comprehensive arrangement.
- 4.
- The technical and organizational aspects of enforcement.
Full attention should be given to the need for technical and
military studies which would be required to have an
understanding of the problem of detection, monitoring and
inspection essential to any arms limitation
agreement.
- 5.
- The possible role of the United Nations and appropriate
U.N. organs, in enforcement of disarmament agreements
(particularly agreements involving radical reduction of
national military establishments).
[Facsimile Page 3]
The review will take into account estimated Soviet attitudes toward
various measures of arms control and reduction.
Conclusions and recommendations should be submitted by January 1,
1960.
Negotiations are currently under way with regard to nuclear test
suspension, and discussions of aspects of disarmament may be
anticipated in the near future in a possible Summit meeting or in
competent organs of the United Nations. The results of any such
negotiations and discussions should, of course, be taken into
consideration during the
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study. The head of the study will not be
expected to advise on day-to-day problems concerning international
discussions which may be in process. However, his advice may be
requested from time to time as matters of interest to the study
arise. Priority attention should be given, within the framework of
the general study, to consideration of various types of
international agreements consistent with United States security
interests which might, reduce the danger of surprise attack or
unintentional war.
The head of the study shall be directly responsible to the Secretary
of State. Government personnel and consultants selected to work on
the study will be assigned to the head of the study and will also
take guidance from and report their findings to the head of the
study. The head of the study, in consultation with the appropriate
departments and agencies, shall select the staff. He may also obtain
the services of civilian consultants, and organizations such as RAND
and ORO, as he deems appropriate. The full support and assistance of
appropriate departments and agencies will be provided including the
assignments of qualified personnel, and all necessary data including
both military and technical pertinent to the study will be made
available.
