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.
