410. Memorandum of telephone conversation between Stevenson and Cleveland, October 251
Ball—Since the Security Council is not going to be meeting tomorrow, what are the chances of your coming down in the morning? I think it would be terribly useful to us if we could get a chance to talk some of these things out.
Stevenson—I’ve got this problem. We had the Latin Americans all summoned for 10 o’clock to explain to them what we are doing and why and what is now involved so we will be going in the same direction. That is on inspection of the ships and also on inspection of base construction. The next thing is at 11:30, U Thant has sent for me. He is going to start this business by taking all three of us—Cuba, Russia and us—separately and each one lay down his conditions so that I suppose I could, I rather think I should be here in the morning and then maybe I could, I don’t know what to say. It is an awful bad time to go.
Ball—I think it is essential that we all get on the same wave length right now. I think if we would have a chance to talk these things out we could save a lot of problems in the course of the dialogue.
Stevenson—I think I really, now that we have said that we will meet probably, I think I am pretty well committed to go over there to [Typeset Page 1218] see U Thant. Now, Maybe I could ask Yost to do that and we could lay out conditions in the morning, and then he will make the first contact. I don’t think U Thant will like it very well.
Ball—Except you could explain to U Thant; you are coming down to see the President and the Secretary.
Stevenson—Do you think I could be back late tomorrow afternoon.
H. Cleveland—It seems to me. By some time later tonight we are going to have a draft of what amounts to your instructions for these talks with U Thant. I think it would be very useful if while they are still in flux and before they go to the President, you could participate in the process.
Stevenson—Would that be our first presentation to U Thant? [Facsimile Page 2] Because he has asked me to come in tomorrow morning at 11:30.
Ball—If you could put that off until the end of the afternoon and come down and spend part of the day here, I have a feeling then you could speak with a lot more
Stevenson—Let me call him and see if I could do that. I see the advantage in coming down there. I don’t want to act as having been the one who has been demanding speed to look as though I am now casual about it.
Ball—I think that’s right. On the other hand, if you could tell him that you would be able to speak with him with complete authority having checked with the President.
Stevenson—I suppose I could be back by
Ball—We will get you a plane if necessary.
Stevenson—I could get back by 4:30, say
Ball—Sure. We can get you a plane if you want.
Stevenson—I could tell him that I could probably be in to see him by 4:00.
Ball—Sure.
Stevenson—All right, I will plan to do that, meanwhile I will come down on the, I will get the 8:30 and have Charlie go see him at 11:30 to find out what it is he wants and explain that I am in Washington and that I’ll be back at 4:00.
Ball—Good.
- Request that Stevenson come to Washington for discussions with the President and Rusk. No classification marking. 2 pp. DOS, Ball Papers: Lot 74 D 272, Telcons—Cuba.↩