308. Telegram From the Delegation to the Foreign Ministers Meeting to the Department of State 0
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 141 he seemed to go quite far toward accepting widerange 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 Ministers Conference. Secretary pointed out that it could be Gromyko’s intention to use minor concessions on testing during Foreign Ministers 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: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/5–1859. Secret; Priority. Repeated to London and Moscow.↩
- See Document 302 and footnote 1 thereto.↩