Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIV, Soviet Union

108. Airgram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union¹

A–317

Washington, April 28, 1965, 7:01 p.m.

SUBJECT

• Ratification of U.S.-Soviet Consular Convention

REF

• Embtel 2920²

In view of the possibility that the Senate calendar might soon permit consideration of the Consular Convention, the Department has held discussions with interested officials and members of the Senate on this subject. While it is believed that we should press ahead for ratification of the Consular Convention at the first appropriate moment, it has also been agreed that this is not an appropriate moment, due primarily to the unfavorable atmosphere created by developments in Vietnam. It is the opinion of those concerned that the Convention would encounter considerable resistance in the Senate if submitted under the present circumstances. Therefore, the Department has decided to postpone any efforts to bring about Senate consideration of the treaty at this time.

The Embassy’s views would be appreciated as to the outlook for the timing of Soviet ratification of the Convention.³

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, CON 4 US–USSR. Confidential. Drafted by Jenkins on April 27; cleared by Owen, H, L, and EUR; and approved by Thompson.
2. Document 105.
3. On May 7 the Embassy in the Soviet Union replied that it believed the Soviet Union would await U.S. ratification before acting on its own. (A–1465; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, CON 4 US–USSR)