42. Notes on Telephone Conversation between Stevenson and Rusk, August 311

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The Sec returned the call and S said he just heard from IO that there was some move emanating from McCloy’s office to try to persuade the Pres to make a statement re the resumption of testing. He wanted personally to say this is a big mistake. This is not a blow; it is a bonanza. The Sec said it was gone over very carefully at NSC and with the Congressional leadership and it was decided no. Then a reference was made by one of the agencies because they were getting so many questions and the Pres said we decided that this a.m. We don’t expect to say anything for a week or so in any event. Meanwhile we will think about S’s suggestion of taking it into the SC. S asked if there were any reaction. The Sec said not a staffed-out reaction. One of the problems is we want to see whether there is not going to be a major problem in the SC coming up this week end about something else. S said then perhaps not an announcement Saturday. The Sec thinks it unlikely and told S to go ahead to Libertyville. S hopes before McCloy changes the Pres’ mind we will not cancel out the benefits we have derived. The Sec said it is not from him. He is sure we are safe on this point through Labor Day and that is a minimum. S asked if that included anything about preparation and the Sec said yes.

  1. Stevenson’s views on a possible Presidential statement on resumption of testing. No classification marking. 1 p. Department of State, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Conversations.