586. Telegram 2558 from USUN, January 21
Pass to White House. Re: Cuba.
1. Kuznetsov (USSR) late last evening called McCloy and asked him drop by early this a.m. McCloy did so and was told by Kuznetsov that SOV GOVT greatly preferred short form draft letter.
2. Kuznetsov handed McCloy following draft:
BEGIN VERBATIM TEXT.
Dear Mr. Secretary General:
On behalf of the GOVTS of the Soviet Union and the United States of America we desire to express to you our appreciation for your efforts in rendering assistance to avert the serious threat to the peace which arose in the Caribbean area.
The USSR and USA GOVTS believe that in view of the understanding reached between them and of the progress in the settlement of the crisis in the Caribbean area there is no further need for this item to occupy the Security Council’s attention at this time, though it has not been possible fully to resolve all of the problems that have arisen in connection with this crisis.
The USSR and USA GOVTS express the hope that the actions taken to [Facsimile Page 2] avert the threat of war in connection with the crisis in the Caribbean area will lead to further constructive efforts by the USA and the Soviet Union to adjust the differences existing between them and generally to ease the tension that could cause a further threat of war. END VERBATIM TEXT.
3. Confirming TELECONS McCloy, Stevenson and Secretary, McCloy prepared transmit to Kuznetsov following draft as US preference:
BEGIN VERBATIM TEXT.
Dear Mr. Secretary General:
On behalf of the GOVTS of the Soviet Union and the United States of America we desire to express to you our appreciation for your efforts in assisting our GOVTS to avert the serious threat to the peace which resently arose in the Caribbean area.
[Typeset Page 1544]While it has not been possible for our GOVTS fully to resolve all the problems that have arisen in connection with this affair, they believe that, in view of the considerable progress that has been made, it is no longer necessary for this item to occupy further the attention of the SC at this time.
The GOVTS of the Soviet Union and the United States of America express the hope that the actions taken to avert the threat of war in connection with this crisis will lead to further constructive efforts for the adjustment of differences [Facsimile Page 3] existing between them and the general easing of tensions that could cause a further threat of war. END VERBATIM TEXT.
4. If SOVS object to second PARA, McCloy prepared to agree to substitution of following:
BEGIN VERBATIM TEXT. (Second PAR)
The GOVTS of the Soviet Union and the United States of America believe that, in view of the understanding reached between them and of the progress in the settlement of the crisis, there is no further need for this item to occupy the attention of the SC at this time, although it has not been possible fully to resolve all of the problems that have arisen in connection with it. END VERBATIM TEXT.
5. McCloy unable reach Kuznetsov all day. We informed he has appointment with SYG this afternoon.
6. Stevenson told SYG, while discussing Congo, that agreement was expected shortly on short joint letter and told SYG what substance would be.
- Transmits verbatim text of Soviet letter to UN Secretary General. Confidential. 3 pp. USUN Files: NYFRC 84–84–001 1–B December/January Meetings.↩