526. Memorandum of telephone conversation between Gilpatric and Ball, November 141
Gilpatric: I just got a long account over the phone from John.
GWB: He has just been talking with me.
Gilpatric: Maybe you got the story direct, so I won’t repeat it. Paul and I agree if the way can be seen clear to do it, it might be good for Jack to have another talk.
GWB: My instinct is in favor of it. I told Jack that I would talk with the Secretary in a minute, but I thought I would talk to the President about it. I am going over there for the Adenauer business. I think if he had a talk and really put it to him on this basis, it might be healthy right now.
Gilpatric: It seems to be completely consistent with what I thought was the consensus yesterday—a sort of prelude to any further direct action. That is the view here. I was also interested in Jack’s impression that Kuznetsov was more or less pro forma in his reference to the aerial reconnaissance.
GWB: Jack said he wasn’t sure. My own interpretation of it last night was that this was probably a reflection of something they had to do for Mikoyan.
Gilpatric: Yes. I would expect them, and have expected it before and surprised they haven’t made the point. Course, it may be again a prelude to linking it up some way, although they must recognize, as you said yesterday, that is something we can never expect them to agree to and they never can expect us to agree not to do it.
GWB: That is right; I would think that would be the case. Let me talk to the President about it. I am glad to have your reflection as well as Bob’s. It is certainly my own, and I will check it with Dean.
Gilpatric: Right.
- Status of U.S.–Soviet negotiations on UN inspection and removal of offensive weapons from Cuba. No classification marking. DOS, Ball Papers: Lot 74 D 272.↩