Office of the Historian

44. Letter From Secretary of State Rusk to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Webb)1

Washington, May 12, 1966.

Dear Jim:

I have given considerable thought to the proper timing for a visit by you to Europe to discuss larger space cooperation.2 There are a number of problems, either directly related to a visit by you or having a bearing thereon, that are currently with us in our relations with Western Europe.3 Among these are the lack of clarity as to the ESRO response to the President’s space offer, the ELDO crisis and the situation regarding NATO.

Under the circumstances, I feel that it would be a mistake to risk the President’s or your prestige in the face of European indifference or reluctance. Therefore, I do not think it propitious for you to plan a visit, even if on an informal basis, to Europe at this time. The picture [Page 92] may clear up by the end of June, and we can perhaps settle then on the best time for you to visit Europe.4

With warm regards,

Sincerely,

Dean 5
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1964–66, ORG 7 NASA. Confidential. Drafted by Nesbitt (SCI) and cleared by Johnson (G), Schaetzel (EUR), and Percival (EUR/RPE).↩
  2. According to a memorandum for the Secretary, Webb wrote to Rusk on April 8 asking for advice on a proposed visit. (Ibid., SP 1–1 EUR-US) NASA files include such a letter, but it is hand-dated April 6, 1966. In it, Webb asked for advice on the timing of his visit, acknowledging Rusk’s concerns: “Several times you have expressed some concern that we not oversell a larger space cooperation program for Europe but rather be prepared to cooperate with the Europeans as they determine their own interests.” (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Historical Reference Collection, Files of the Office of International Affairs)↩
  3. “The present situation is not auspicious for an early Webb visit,” Pollack (SCI) wrote to Rusk in an April 25 memorandum. “Governments potentially interested in the project are currently preoccupied with the NATO crisis.” (Department of State, SCI Files: Lot 68 D 383, SP 1–1) Webb finally visited London and Bonn in September 1966. (Memorandum from Pollack to Rusk, September 27; ibid.)↩
  4. Webb agreed with Rusk’s assessment and noted that German Science Minister Stoltenberg also concurred. (Letter from Webb to Rusk, May 24; National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Historical Reference Collection, Files of the Office of International Affairs)↩
  5. Printed from a copy that indicates Rusk signed the original.↩