Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volumes VII, VIII, IX, Arms Control; National Security Policy; Foreign Economic Policy, Microfiche Supplement

17. Telegram 5919 to certain diplomatic missions, June 19¹

June 19, 1961, 10:41 p.m.

McCloy-Zorin talks on disarmament began 3:00 p.m. in Washington. After amenities McCloy stated purpose to lay ground work for renewed attempt to reach conclusions at forthcoming conference dealing with comprehensive disarmament which agreed will be held later this year. Should attempt to settle here composition and general framework conference. Talks here are continuation Stevenson-Gromyko talks where in time available agreement had not been reached either as to forum or basic principles which were to guide conference. McCloy suggested that consistent with conversations which have already taken place we have frank exchange of views, that talks be private to permit easy exchange with minimum of formality. We have no plans brief press formally or otherwise but would advise press and public of results of discussions at their conclusion. Shall have to answer inquiries but hope do so without getting into substance.

Zorin stated Sov government pays much attention to these bilateral talks since their success and achievement in sense of disarmament program would contribute improvement relations two countries and international situation. During Stevenson-Gromyko talks it was agreed question of disarmament must be considered in essence not merely as regards composition of organ for negotiation.

McCloy referred to question of jurisdiction participants these discussions. Cannot do more at this stage than make joint recommendations to those who have been associated with us. Have no authority to determine either composition or framework in manner binding on others. Cannot substitute this meeting for negotiation contemplated later in year, but can do what is necessary prepare way for meaningful work by larger group. This does not mean we cannot go beyond forum question; US will also have proposal re principles. May make progress faster by dealing first with procedural aspects.

Zorin affirmed Sovs did not imagine this meeting could be substitute for conference. Agree can work out recommendations for conference. Are not going try conclude some kind agreement just now. We must however reach some kind agreement on essence of program and on body to be created. Re press, USSR wants approach talks in same way as McCloy. Want sincere exchange not propaganda battle. Talks should not be confidential but private. Participants may want to give views to press especially to correct any distorted reports but SOV do not seek public discussion. In this meeting we should first speak of essence of disarmament program, in keeping with GA resolution of November 20, 1959, and later deal with organ for resumed negotiations.

McCloy stated wanted set before Sov colleagues today for their convenience US views on forum. Have suffered in past from lack continuity in forum. Recalled agreement Four Powers establish 10-Nation Group from which USSR withdrew last June. Although this forum not ideal US quite prepared continue with this committee. Hoped USSR would consider seriously its advantages, especially continuity and fact this only forum which thus far has full acceptance NATO countries concerned. Hoped Sovs would seriously reconsider position this forum in interest expeditious progress.

Recalled procedural variation this forum which Stevenson had suggested—introduction of chairman and perhaps other officials of committee from nations not already represented. Stated even this had not been yet accepted by all concerned but would probably be easier of adoption than any other variation of original committee.

If Sovs could not agree these proposals, and he hoped they would, and we had to proceed to reconstitution of committee US would propose addition of 10 States chosen on basis size, character, military strength, geographical distribution and population. These would be invited not as representatives of any bloc but in their own right and in their own capacity. Countries we would suggest as additions are: Asia—Pakistan, India, Japan; Latin America—Mexico, Brazil, Argentina; Africa and the Middle East—UAR, Nigeria, Tunisia; Europe—Sweden.

McCloy stressed again however our recommendation that 10-Nation Committee not be altered.

If none of these three suggestions acceptable US would be prepared to accept UN Disarmament Commission as forum for negotiations.

McCloy then introduced and circulated following draft statement of principles:

BEGIN VERBATIM TEXT.

The purpose of the negotiations should be to seek the widest possible area of agreement on measures leading to the objective of controlled universal disarmament accompanied by the institution of reliable procedures for the peaceful settlement of disputes and of effective arrangements for the maintenance of peace in accordance with the principles of the charter of the United Nations. Efforts should continue until a full program for achieving this objective has been worked out and agreed.

Such agreement should ensure that disarmament will proceed in such a manner that at no time would its progress adversely affect the security of any State; that disarmament will proceed as rapidly as possible through stages containing balanced, phased and safeguarded measures, with each measure being carried out in an agreed and specified period of time; that compliance with all disarmament obligations is effectively verified through the entire process; that transition from stage to stage will take place upon decision that all agree measures in the preceding stage have been fully implemented and verified and that any additional verification arrangements required for measures in the next stage are agreed; and that progress in disarmament is accompanied by measures to strengthen institutions for maintaining peace. END VERBATIM TEXT.

By way explanation McCloy stated we want afford future negotiations maximum flexibility. Have emphasized objective is widest area of agreement possible. If we can achieve first steps, second steps or final steps we want negotiations to be free to take all or any of them that can be achieved. Stressed we feel improvement in peace-keeping machinery and peaceful settlement disputes is concommitant of disarmament; they are inseparable. Emphasized necessity controls throughout disarmament process. Said by universal we mean universal in depth as well as area. We do not condition any advance in disarmament field to improvement peace-keeping machinery for there may be number of things we can do that would not require such advance or indeed would not require any substantial international structure in way of control to support them. Some relatively simple reciprocal measures, for example, might be of great importance in relieving tensions and building confidence for the taking of further steps. We do feel, however, shall not be able advance entire way unless our peace-keeping machinery and methods resolving disputes keep pace with advance of disarmament. US prepared go any lengths achieve these purposes and willing discuss these or other suggestions re framework.

Zorin quoted Stevenson-Gromyko parallel UN statements March 30 and stated must consider questions in order agreed in New York—first matter of general and complete disarmament and then forum. Should not begin with secondary question of forum but with main task. Proposed text of communiqué for this meeting though saw no need for these as regular procedure. Text agreed with minor changes. Next meeting to be held Tuesday afternoon. Embassies of NAC countries here being informed of above. Interpretive comments will follow for use in informing NAC and foreign offices addressed.

Rusk

1. Readout of McCloy–Zorin talks on forum for future discussions. Confidential. 6 pp. Department of State, Central Files, 600.0012/6–1961.