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

98. Notes on Telephone Conversation between Kaysen and Ball, March 11¹

March 11, 1962, 3 p.m.

Kaysen referred to a cable drafted by Goodby and Beam. Ball asked what was the sense of it. Kaysen replied to say in response to the two questions: Should we sign the treaty now, the answer is yes, if that is what they want. On the other there is no linkage. If we can get something in the trade we will take it. Ball asked if we eliminate the threshhold we would take it? Kaysen replied yes, we don’t insist on it as trade. The President’s message and Mac’s memorandum to OG contain the direct leads to these conditions. Ball asked if he would send it out and Kaysen said he would. He will have a check on the draft and he has told Beam he was going to check it with Ball.

Ball said the President was going to call after he gets off the boat.

Kaysen asked if Ball expected a call from the Secretary after his dinner. Ball said he would call the President if anything very exciting comes out of it. After Ball talks with the President, he will call the Secretary.

Kaysen said he would stand by.

1. Guidance to Geneva negotiators on treaty signing and linkage issues. No classification marking. 1 p. Kennedy Library, Ball Papers, Telephone Conversations, Disarmament.