Department of State Disarmament Files
Memorandum by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Executive Committee on Regulation of Armaments
RAC D–15/6
Subject: Draft Proposal for the Armaments Regulation Program
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have studied the “Draft Proposal for Armaments Regulation”1 program transmitted under cover of memorandum from the Executive Committee on Regulation of Armaments dated 5 August 1947.2
In the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the “Draft Proposal” represents a divergence from present United States policy which would be contrary to the security interests of the United States. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are unable to concur with the representations made on either the impulsion for, or the benefits to be derived from this proposal. From the military point of view they feel that on neither count would the contemplated relaxation of present policy be justified.
[Page 694]The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider that the cause of armaments regulation and international peace will not be served by the adoption of any program which does not incorporate the principles which have already been enunciated. On the other hand they recognize the requirements to give all possible assistance to the United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for Conventional Armaments in the difficult negotiations with which he is confronted. They have, accordingly, reviewed the whole situation of armaments regulation and are of the opinion that the position of the United States in respect of a possible census of armed forces, either with or without a simple system of verification, might be modified without adverse effect on United States security and with consequent advantage to the negotiating position of the United States Representative on the Commission for Conventional Armaments.
For this reason, the Joint Chiefs of Staff now modify their position as expressed in SM–82903 and concur in the recommendations of the Executive Committee on Regulation of Armaments as set forth in the paper RAC D–15/14 submitted under cover of letter from the Executive Committee dated 8 May 1947.5
The Joint Chiefs of Staff suggest that if it becomes necessary to support the troop census proposal either with or without verification, it be made clear that it is an interim measure only, and that such support in no way constitutes a departure from the fundamental United States position previously announced.
Captain, U.S. Navy Secretary