Office of the Historian

263. Letter From President Johnson to Chairman Kosygin1

Washington, July 30, 1968.

Dear Mr. Chairman:

I was much interested in you letter of July 252 on the subject of talks about curbing the strategic arms race. I agree with your remarks about [Page 658] the great importance of this question to both our countries, to other nations as well, and to the general and urgent problem of disarmament.

We agree that Geneva would be a suitable place for the negotiations. You indicate that a period of a month to a month and a half would provide a suitable interval for preparations. This time period of “a month to a month and a half” is acceptable.

As for the level at which the talks might begin, we would be ready to initiate the discussions at the level of Chiefs of Government, Foreign Ministers, or heads of special delegations in Geneva.

We will be glad to have your suggestions as to the exact dates and the level of representation. We should also consult upon when and how an announcement of the meeting should be made. There could be some advantage if the general situation would permit an announcement to be made before the convening of the Non-Nuclear Conference in late August.3

I do hope that our forthcoming discussions on the strategic arms race can produce constructive results because I believe that our peoples would join in a common desire for a successful outcome.

We share, of course, your understanding that it is essential for both of us to make every effort to create the most favorable climate for these talks. If problems arise in the general situation which complicate prospects for success, we can of course be in touch with each other.

Sincerely,

Lyndon B. Johnson
  1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Rostow Files, Kosygin, Box 10. No classification marking. Attached to the source text is a July 30 note from Bromley Smith to the President which reads: “This is the retyped letter containing the revisions you suggested in paragraph 2.” Other drafts of this letter have not been found.↩
  2. Document 261.↩
  3. The Conference of Non-Nuclear Weapon States, sponsored by the United Nations, met in Geneva August 29-September 28. See Documents 284 and 286.↩