Office of the Historian

70. Memorandum of Conversation1 2

Washington, March 10, 1969, 4 p.m.

Subject:

  • PART I—ENDC Agenda, NPT and PNEs

Participants:

  • His Excellency Anatoly I.Dobrynin, Ambassador of the USSR
  • Mr. Gerard Smith, Director, ACDA
  • Mr. Culver Gleysteen, Actg Asst Dir, ACDA/IR

Ambassador Dobrynin inquired about our plans for the ENDC and whether we planned to press any particular measure. As for the Soviet side, it would stick with its nine-point memorandum.

Mr. Smith replied he was not in a position to go Into any detail because our preparations for the ENDC are incomplete. We are aware that the subjects which will draw the most interest are a CTB, Cut-off, an arms control measure for the seabed, and CBW. We have not yet decided on what subject we believe the ENDC can use its time most constructively. However, Mr. Smith said we consider it would be useful for the ENDC to concentrate on practical and realistic measures.

The Ambassador Inquired about prospects for Senate action on the NPT and signatures by other countries, particularly those of Japan, Israel, and the FRG.

Mr. Smith said the outlook for a strong Senate vote now is better than last autumn, As for other countries mentioned, Mr. Smith was reasonably optimistic they would [Page 2] adhere in due time. He noted that Israel had voted for the UNGA resolution commending the NPT, but the Israelis were concerned about their security. A middle Eastern settlement would help. The Ambassador thought it would not be wise to put the NPT into one pot with all other aspects of the Middle Eastern situation. He observed that the Arab countries had signed the NPT, but he doubted they would ratify unless Israel adheres.

Mr. Smith noted the Indians have always been skittish about IAEA inspections. He recalled that the late Dr. Shaba’s views a number of years ago foreshadowed the current Indian position on the NPT. Ambassador Dobrynin disagreed, stating that India’s position has changed over the past three years.

An opening was given to the Ambassador to comment on ENDC enlargement. He ducked by saying that Japan’s candidacy for ENDC membership would be more logical if it signed the NPT.

The Ambassador inquired about bilateral talks on peaceful nuclear explosions, noting he had also raised this with the Secretary, He was given the reply that this proposal, which we favor in principle, is under active consideration as to timing.

  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–1969, DEF 18–3. Secret. Drafted on March 11 by Gleysteen. The meeting was held in Smith’s office at ACDA.↩
  2. Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin and Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Director Smith discussed the upcoming ENDC meeting and signing of the NPT.↩