Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume VII, Arms Control and Disarmament

345. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State ⁰

Moscow, July 23, 1963, 9 p.m.

279. Today’s session started 3 PM with same participants as yesterday.

Meeting began with Tsarapkin report of drafting committee session this morning decision of which reflected our tel 279.¹

Tsarapkin said remaining outstanding point was title which left for principals to decide (see septel).²

At Harriman’s request Fisher discussed US concern re Article 3, para 2, with regard deposits by unrecognized regimes. US preferred arrangement whereby deposit could be with one of three original parties which would notify other two in few cases of unrecognized regimes. Pointed out Khrushchev had said did not wish force us recognize regime against our will.

Gromyko said wished leave text as agreed.

Harriman stated US had no problem with language if could reach understanding as to interpretation. All of us want as many states as possible to adhere to treaty, therefore acceptance of ratification should be easy as possible. Should be sufficient if deposit were with one of three original parties which would then inform other two. Need be no deposit with other two. For example, Outer Mongolia might deposit with USSR which would then notify US and UK and send copy. On this understanding language could be left as is.

Hailsham said language suited UK, which often received without undue embarrassment communications for authorities not recognized as governments.

After somewhat lengthy discussion in which each of three reiterated position, Gromyko said each party would be free to set forth its point of view on this question.

Harriman pointed out this one of last items raised by Washington which would wonder why matter could not be settled now.

Gromyko stated had nothing more say on subject which could be left over until tomorrow.

Harriman agreed but said agreement on procedure to be adopted should be reached before departure. Reiterated was not requesting change in language merely accepting understanding as to what intended.

Gromyko then asked if text could now be considered agreed. Both Harriman and Hailsham said yes.

Gromyko then said quite certain both Harriman and Hailsham understood that Sovs do not consider matter ended for obvious reasons. Suggested three principals have private exchange which began [to begin?] after communiqué agreed and Hailsham suggested initialing text tomorrow and releasing within 24 hours. This suggestion to be discussed further in private exchange.³

Kohler

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 18-3 USSR (MO). Secret; Operational Immediate. Received at 7:15 p.m.
1. Telegram 279, July 23, contains the complete draft text of the test ban treaty. (Ibid.)
2. In the brief initial account of this meeting, Harriman reported that the principals agreed on the title as “Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water.” (Telegram 288 from Moscow, July 23; ibid.)
3. See Document 347.