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

223. Record of Committee of Principals meeting, October 8¹

October 8, 1963

CONCLUSIONS RESPECTING U.S. APPROACH TO AN ARRANGEMENT AGAINST PLACING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION IN ORBIT

1. Under present circumstances, a General Assembly resolution would be the most acceptable form of an arrangement against the placing in orbit of weapons of mass destruction. The text of such a resolution would have to be acceptable to the U.S. and Soviet Union, and amendments not acceptable to either would be rejected.

2. Statements supporting the resolution would be made by the two countries. The statements would not be identical, but they would be exchanged in advance of presentation.

3. The U.S. statement would include language designed to provide a basis in the public record for re-opening the question of verification at a future time should it become desirable to do so and for withdrawing if necessary.

4. “Weapons of mass destruction” would have to be interpreted as including all nuclear weapons. The U.S. could accept specific reference to nuclear weapons should the Soviet Union prefer that approach.

1. Conclusions reached on U.S. position regarding weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Top Secret. 1 p. Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Departments and Agencies Series, ACDA, Disarmament, Committee of Principals, 3/61–11/63.