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

46. Circular Telegram 386 to Certain Diplomatic Posts, September 2¹

September 2, 1961

Eyes Only—Ambassadors. DEPT currently consulting UK re following draft statement be issued by President and Prime Minister. We have suggested Sunday afternoon Washington time. Upon confirmation UK agreement and any revision in text, DEPT will instruct you inform respective Foreign Ministers on CONFIDENTIAL basis shortly before release.

FOR BELGRADE

DEPT will wish Kennan inform at least Nehru, Tito, Nasser and U Nu prior to release. Would appreciate Kennan’s recommendations as to any others attending Belgrade Conference who should be informed.

FOR PARIS

In addition to your informing Couve we plan also inform Alphand here.

Text of draft statement follows:

QTE In order to protect mankind from the increasing hazards of atmospheric pollution, the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom propose to Chairman Khrushchev that their three Governments agree, effective immediately, not to conduct nuclear tests which take place in the atmosphere and produce radioactive fallout.

They urge Chairman Khrushchev to cable his acceptance of this offer and his immediate cessation of further atmospheric tests. They further urge that the United Nations Disarmament Commission be convened not later than September 9 to record this agreement in formal terms. They sincerely hope that the Soviet Union will accept this offer, which remains open for the period indicated.

They point out that the United States and the United Kingdom are prepared to rely upon existing means of detection and are not suggesting additional controls or control organization with regard to atmospheric testing. But they reaffirm once more their serious concern that a nuclear test ban treaty, applicable to other forms of testing as well, be promptly agreed, as proposed by their two governments at Geneva, in order to take a significant step toward an end to the unfortunate competition in nuclear weapons. UNQTE.

Rusk

1. Possible U.S/U.K. statement urging Soviets to end atmospheric testing. Secret. 3 pp. Department of State, Central Files, 700.5611/9–261.