21. Editorial Note

During the early months of 1964, U.S. Government agencies concerned with arms control policy continued to develop a proposal for a strategic nuclear delivery vehicles freeze. Regarding some of these discussions, see Documents 2, 14, and 19. Additional documentation on formal papers and comments on them can be found in the Johnson Library, National Security File, Subject File, Disarmament, Vol. I, Boxes 10-11.

Finally, in an April 14 memorandum to McGeorge Bundy, Spurgeon Keeny reported that the principals had cleared instructions for presentation of the U.S. initiative to the Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee in Geneva. A typed copy of the instructions is attached to Keeny’s memorandum. (Ibid., National Security File, Subject File, Disarmament, Vol. I, Cables, Box 11) These instructions were transmitted in Todis 1399, April 14. (Department of State, Central Files, DEF 18-3)

On April 16, Acting Representative Adrian Fisher introduced this initiative in the Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee. For text of his statement, see Documents on Disarmament, 1964, pages 157-162.