106. Memorandum of Conversation1
SUBJECT
- START
PARTICIPANTS
- Bartholomew
- Kanter
- Timbie (notetaker)
- Karabovsky (interpreter)
- Akhromeyev
- Popov (interpreter)
Akhromeyev (after a long silence during which each waited for the other to go first): Last night we discussed options on ALCM packages and SLCM packages. I reported them to my Minister. I am looking forward to the response from the American side. How are you viewing those options?
Bartholomew: I have little to add to the reactions I have given you last night. I do not myself see much room for maneuver on the main issues we covered last night. My understanding is some discussions were held this morning between our general and your general.2 Akhromeyev: Nothing depends on what they have to say. All depends on the reaction of the Ministers.
Bartholomew: I have no authority to accept a subceiling on ALCM heavy bombers or to accept counting tactical aircraft with conventional ALCMs in START. I have nothing for you beyond what I said last night.
Akhromeyev: There must be some misunderstanding. I was informed you wished to see me, and I assumed it concerned our discussion last night. I see now that there is nothing left but to meet with our Ministers.
Bartholomew: We thought this was the delayed beginning of our 11:30 meeting on CFE. Akhromeyev: That is a good subject but there is not enough time for that. You and I are to meet with our Ministers now.
- Source: Department of State, Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control, International Security Affairs, Lot 01D127, 1969–1990 Subject Record of James P. Timbie, START Meetings (Bartholomew) April 1990. Secret. Drafted on April 14. The meeting took place in the T Conference Room.↩
- See Document 105.↩