Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume III, National Security Policy; Arms Control and Disarmament, Microfiche Supplement

533. Memorandum From Farley to Merchant¹

Washington, February 19, 1960

SUBJECT

• Disarmament

Five Power Talks

On February 15 the U.S. Representative submitted a paper entitled “Views on Disarmament” (TAB A). The Canadian, French, Italian and U.K. delegations took the position that a very limited one-phase disarmament program, such as the U.S. delegation paper contained was not acceptable. These four delegations favored a comprehensive plan, similar to Mr. Selwyn Lloyd’s U.N. proposals, setting forth the general staging of measures leading to the goal of general disarmament.

As a result of discussions during the week of February 15, several revisions were made in the U.S. paper to make it conform more closely to the general outlines of the U.K. plan. The latest revision of this paper is attached as TAB B.

The principals for France, Italy, and the U.K. are leaving Washington this weekend, and have agreed that it probably will be necessary to meet again in Paris on March 2 for further discussions of the Western position. Working groups of experts from the five delegations have met daily to discuss problems in several major areas of disarmament; they will continue to meet next week.

The German Ambassador in Washington, Mr. Grewe, appeared at his request before the five representatives on February 16. Mr. Grewe commented briefly on a disarmament paper which his government had circulated to the five delegations. Mr. Grewe said that his government expected to have its views on disarmament taken into account as the Western position is formulated and that, furthermore, it expected to be invited to participate in any Five Power discussions of zones affecting German territory.

U.S. Policy

A special meeting of the NCS was held on Thursday, February 18, to discuss the cut-off of production of fissionable material for weapons purposes. The President decided at this meeting that the U.S. would agree to negative cut-off immediately, subject only to agreement and effective installation of appropriate inspection and control measures.

The Secretary of Defense, by letter dated February 17, has transmitted to the Secretary the views of the JCS on the State Department’s proposed disarmament position paper. The Secretary of Defense and the JCS take issue with most proposals in the Department’s paper and recommend that the Coolidge Report be submitted to the NSC for consideration as a basis for initial actions in the disarmament area.

There will be a meeting to discuss general disarmament matters at 10:30 AM on Sunday, February 21 at the Secretary’s residence. Messers. Dillon, Merchant, Eaton and Farley have been asked to attend.

1. Source: Five-power disarmament talks; cut-off of production of fissionable material; disarmament policy. Secret. 2 pp. NARA, RG 59, Central Files, 600.0012/2–1960.