252. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Poindexter) to President Reagan1
SUBJECT
- Hartman Conversation with Dobrynin
Art Hartman had a lengthy conversation with Dobrynin on July 8, at which time Dobrynin made the following points regarding Gorbachev’s current position on U.S.-Soviet relations:
—Time is moving quickly and there is a need to move rapidly to seize the opportunity of improving U.S.-Soviet relations.
—Gorbachev wants a summit this year, but could not afford domestically or internationally to meet with you and settle nothing in the arms control area.
—Gorbachev has laid out a specific “road map” on how to get there, with specialist meetings, followed by a Shultz-Shevardnadze meeting to prepare the summit agenda.
—Your remarks at Glassboro did much to meet their concern regarding atmosphere.2 However, Gorbachev wonders why all members of the Administration do not take the same line.
—In this connection, the Soviets have “real doubts” whether you want to “discipline your ranks” to achieve agreement. They feel that there are those in the Administration who want no agreement.
Comment: This pretty well summarizes the line we are getting from all Soviet officials of late. It is consistent with our presumption that Gorbachev has in fact decided to come to Washington later this year, but is trying to keep the pressure on for at least one substantive agreement in the arms control area so that he will not risk returning home empty handed. His concern over “atmosphere” probably reflects his sensitivity to the prospect of appearing to come to Washington while under attack.3
- Source: Reagan Library, Jack Matlock Files, Chronological File, 1980–1986, Matlock Chron July 1986 (3/4). Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Prepared by Matlock. Reagan initialed the memorandum, indicating he saw it.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 246.↩
- Telegram 11617 from Moscow, July 9, is attached but not printed at Tab A.↩