253. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and the Soviet Ambassador (Dobrynin)1 2
(Picked up in middle of conversation)
D: You have the paper in front of you?
K: No, I have it of course but I don’t have it in front of me - my staff assistant is not here - but you go ahead and read it to me.
D: First, the United States and the USSR will proceed on the premise that it would be impossible to improve mutual relations.
K: No - that is a typing error. Of course it is possible not impossible. It is a typing error.
D: I don’t know …
K: Well, let me check it. That word should be “possible” and I will call you right back.
D: Secondly, what about the … biological …
K: On a personal basis I have very strong recommended it to the President and it is inconceivable that he ….
D: Moscow is asking me for a reply
K: There will be a reply.
D: Officially you are not going to do it.
K: No we will get a positive reply by Monday night.
D: It is soon the 20th already - between the 20th and the 24th.
K: They are now thinking of the 28th.
D: … British proposal …
K: I don’t care just as long as we get them to do it.
D: In the middle of March … Moscow …
K: Are you talking about in the middle of April?
[Page 2]D: No, I am talking about March - we discussed between the 20th and 24th. The British said the 28 of March. …
D: Let me first get the President’s agreement and then State will work out a mutual reply no later than Monday.
D: Is it right to presume it will be March.
K: It is possible.
D: Will you be here on Monday.
K: Look I have the paper now - the word should be “possible” - it is a typing error…
D: …