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

99. Todis 35 to Geneva, March 12¹

March 12, 1962, 6:17 p.m.

UK idea of declaring that we will rely on national detection systems when scientific developments permit would open door to proposals for atmospheric test ban to be monitored by national systems. Since our position is that Soviet rejection of treaty along lines of April 18 draft constitutes rejection of President’s March 2 offer, we believe that initial emphasis must be placed on control system envisaged in that treaty. We would therefore not favor adding proposed UK declaration.

Ball

1. Guidance on handling U.K. declaration on national detection systems. Confidential. 1 p. Department of State, Central Files, 700.5611/3–1262.